RTHK: Zelenskiy meets UK's Johnson in Kyiv President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met Prime Minister Boris Johnson, one of his staunchest backers, in Kyiv on Saturday, with the British leader using the visit to set out a new financial and military aid package for Ukraine. Johnson is the latest foreign leader to visit Kyiv after Russian forces pulled back from the outskirts of the capital last week. The move caps weeks of lobbying by the British prime minister to meet Zelenskiy to underline their close ties. Andriy Sybiha, deputy head of the Ukrainian president's office, said on Facebook that Johnson's visit had begun with a one-on-one meeting with Zelenskiy. Zelenskiy's office published pictures showing the two men chatting across a table. Johnson met Zelenskiy "in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people", a Downing Street spokesperson said. "They will discuss the UK's long-term support to Ukraine and the PM will set out a new package of financial and military aid," the spokesperson added. On Zelenskiy's Telegram channel, Johnson was described as "one of the most principled opponents of the Russian invasion, a leader in putting sanctions on Russia and providing defensive support to Ukraine". Johnson's visit to the Ukrainian capital was not announced in advance, and comes as Russia is amassing troops in the east of the country. "The UK will send more defensive weapons to Ukraine and will work with G7 partners to target every pillar of the Russian economy to ensure Putin fails," Johnson tweeted earlier on Saturday. (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2022-04-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Chinese, Serbian FMs hold phone talks over ties Xinhua) 11:27, April 10, 2022 Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (Photo: Xinhua) BEIJING, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday held a phone conversation with Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic over bilateral ties. Selakovic first conveyed sincere regards from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to Chinese President Xi Jinping, expressing appreciation for Xi's immediate congratulations to President Vucic on his reelection, wishing the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China a complete success, and expressing the belief that China will make greater progress in its development under the leadership of President Xi. The Serbian side is proud of its profound traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with China and thanks China for firmly supporting Serbia in safeguarding its core interests, said Selakovic, noting that Serbia also firmly supports China in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and opposes any attempt to split China. Overcoming the impact of the turbulent international situation, the cooperation between China and Serbia has made steady progress, said Selakovic, noting that the two countries have engaged in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the Belgrade to Novi Sad (Beno) section of the Hungary-Serbia railway successfully opened to traffic, and the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries have achieved unprecedented results. Chinese enterprises have actively participated in Serbian national development and played an indispensable role in the country's economic and social development, Selakovic added, saying that his country is ready to deepen its iron-clad friendship with China and join hands together to meet challenges. Wang conveyed Chinese President Xi's cordial greetings and best wishes to President Vucic, saying that President Xi immediately sent a congratulatory message to Vucic on his re-election, which fully demonstrates the high-level mutual trust and deep friendship between the two heads of state. As Serbia's long-term and reliable iron-clad friend as well as its comprehensive strategic partner, China will firmly support Serbia in safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity, pursuing an independent foreign policy, and making judgements and decisions in accordance with the fundamental interests of the country and its people, Wang said. China opposes external forces' exerting political pressure on sovereign states or forcing other countries to take sides through coercion, he added. China stands ready to work with Serbia to continuously support each other on international and multilateral platforms, including resisting attempts to politicize and instrumentalize human rights affairs, Wang said. China, Wang added, is ready to work with Serbia to accelerate the implementation of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and the construction of the Novi Sad-Subotica section of the Budapest-Belgrade Railway, support the sound operation and development of key cooperative enterprises, and sign bilateral free trade agreement as soon as possible to inject strong impetus into cooperation and help Serbia further enhance its competitiveness. Selakovic said that Serbia is firmly committed to upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and will not turn its back on its true friends, adding that China has always upheld a fair and just position in international affairs and actively promoted peace talks, which Serbia highly appreciates. Wang stressed that under the current situation, the international community should be highly vigilant against the resurgence of the Cold War mentality and jointly resist attempts to split the world. In the face of a complex and volatile external environment, Wang said, as long as Serbia stays focused and sticks to development, it will overcome the difficulties and obstacles on its way forward. He expressed the belief that Serbia has the wisdom and ability to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. The two sides agreed that the phone call is very timely and necessary. Fully confident of the future of bilateral relations, the two countries will continue to firmly support each other and push for new progress in their comprehensive strategic partnership. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Bianji) Hyderabad: In what comes as the final warning before they lose their licence, pub owners have been ordered to link their CCTV cameras with the excise department. This was made clear by excise minister V. Srinivas Goud during a meeting with pub owners and managements on Friday. The minister said that irrespective of the clout they enjoyed, the government would penalise all those caught indulging in drug activities. Goud cautioned pub owners that even the staff would be under constant vigil for any sort of drug abuse. Hyderabad is considered a good investment destination and this may see many establishments and educational institutions coming into the city. We must eradicate the menace of narcotics, once and for all, he said. Speaking about surveillance, excise commissioner Sarfaraj Ahmed said that cameras should be monitored in the surveillance room of the pub by an employee. All pubs must save at least up to six weeks of footage. Since washrooms offer maximum privacy and there is no surveillance, the staff should be asked to keep a close eye on those using the washroom and ensure that there is no drug abuse, he said. The department is invoking the Preventive Detention (PD) Act against repeated drug offenders. Some of them are excommunicated, he said. Pubs can remain open till 1 am on weekends and till 12 am on weekdays. Licenses of those remaining open beyond the permissible time are liable to be suspended, the minister said. Grim record Excise crime cases in TS from February 1 to April 7 NDPS cases: - 192 Arrested: 304 Vehicles seized: 75 Accused bound over: 509 Drugs seized Dry ganja: 1,290 kg Ganja plants: 65 Hashish oil - 4.29 kg Liquid marijuana: 1.142 litres Weed oil: 636 gm Cocaine: 11.759 gm MDMA: 1.002 gm LSD blots: 35 Charas: 0.37 gm Raw alprazolam: 1.15 kg Nitravit 10 mg: 300 pills Alprax: 150 pills Indian Made Liquor (IML): 391.5 litres Beer: 168.35 litres Stay up to date on COVID-19 Get Breaking News Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. Flood waters had not even receded from this weeks torrential rainstorms when Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush gathered with local leaders to announce that the region would be receiving $29.4 million to fund badly needed flood control projects. The funds will go towards flood mitigation projects to improve roads and drainage infrastructure in the cities of Jasper and Kirbyville, low lying cities that have faced repetitive storm damage in 2015, 2016 and in 2017 with Hurricane Harvey. Texas unfortunately leads the nation in disaster declarations, and is especially prone to flooding in many areas, said Commissioner Bush. Jasper County experiences frequent, repetitive flooding that puts lives, homes, and livelihoods at risk. The flooding that has occurred this week underscores the reality faced by many communities in the region drainage and flood mitigation is a financial burden to communities without access to vital infrastructure funding. The historic funding were announcing today will go directly to projects that will fortify homes, businesses and critical infrastructure across Jasper County against future disasters for generations. Communities in Jasper County and throughout the surrounding areas have had a long-standing need for improvements to prevent flooding from severe storms, but until now we have not had the resources we need, said County Judge Mark Allen. Just this week I signed a disaster declaration because severe rainfall flooded several businesses and homes. Learning that Jasper County would be receiving nearly $30 million for flood mitigation could not have come at a better time. I want to thank Commissioner George P. Bush and the GLO for recognizing the need for this funding in our communities and being our trusted partner in these efforts. This could not have been accomplished without Commissioner Bushs compassion for Jasper County and Southeast Texas. Texas Sen. Robert Nichols offered his support from the Texas Capitol saying, Its impossible to overstate how important these flood mitigation funds are to East and Southeast Texas. Senate District 3 saw severe flooding during the 2015 floods, the 2016 floods, and again during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. These flooding events showed just how vulnerable this area of the state is and how necessary mitigation efforts are. Senate District 3 won over $105 million in the competitive flood mitigation fund award process because the projects in our region are vital to protecting Texans from future flood events. I appreciate the professionalism of the GLO throughout this process and our local officials who worked so hard to make these projects a reality. The city of Jasper has recognized the need to improve drainage due to repetitive recovery efforts that follow flooding dues to hurricanes, tropical storms, and riverine flooding, said Jasper Mayor Randy Sayers. The projects moving forward thanks to this funding from GLO Commissioner George P. Bush will address flood mitigation, street hardening and drainage issues citywide, but especially in twenty-one of the most vulnerable areas where most of the residents are low-to moderate-income. These funds will go a long way to protecting residents and our economy from future storms. The people of Kirbyville are no strangers to repetitive regional flooding, said Kirbyville Mayor Frank George. This flood mitigation project will be vital to protecting homes, businesses, and other at-risk structures. We want to thank Commissioner Bush and the GLO for funding these efforts, which will benefit our communities for years to come. The announcement comes as Harris County scrambles after learning they would receive none of the funding they asked for from the same traunch of money. Houston and Harris County officials learned in a meeting Thursday that none of the more than $1.3 billion in Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said it was unconscionable that federal funds Congress intended for Hurricane Harvey recovery would not flow to the Houston area, by far the most populous affected by the storm. Our community needs this federal funding and we have already begun the process of reaching out to the Biden Administration to identify alternatives including a potential review of the process for this allocation and a direct carve-out going forward, Hidalgo said. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turners admistration said the city was preparing a letter Thursday evening in which it would ask the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to intervene. In a statement, the mayor called on the federal agency to immediately halt the distribution of the funds until it could review the situation. But the Jasper area, which is expecting another round of storms Friday and possibly into Saturday has long gone without much of the federal funding they are now receiving. Zach Despart, Jasper Scherer, Julian Gill and Mike Morris contributed reporting. isaac.windes@hearstnp.com twitter.com/isaacdwindes As of late last week, Beaumont ISD has listed more than 270 open positions across the district -- 119 of which are teachers. The district's dozen elementary campuses have the largest number of vacancies. There are more than 70 open positions across the elementary campuses, 33 across five middle schools and 38 positions across three high school campuses -- with Beaumont United having more than 20 positions open on its campus alone. RELATED: Beaumont ISD has filled 300 positions. They still need more. Not every opening is the result of a staff member's departure, however. In fact, some schools are seeing an expansion in programming, which requires more staff members. Pietzsch-MacArthur has 20 positions open on in its campus, in line with the school's multi-year shift from elementary grades only to a pre-k through eighth grade campus. The school will add eighth grade to its campus next year, completing the transition that began in 2020. Pietzsch-MacArthur Principal Audrey Collins told The Enterprise in January the school will be looking to add more elective teachers, especially in the fields of math, science and social studies. According to the Texas Education Agency, the district employed more than 2,300 staff members -- 1,100 of which were teachers -- in the 2020-21 school year. RELATED: Pietzsch-MacArthur's seventh graders bring new courses, programs The district has been actively recruiting to fill vacancies before the school year began, with more than 300 positions filled since July, as reported by The Enterprise in February. At its March 26 job fair, the district made employment offers to 19 teachers. But still, more than 40 positions currently listed on the district's job listing site were posted in March. A number of those positions likely are due to retirements, as this is the time of year that retiring employees turn in their paperwork and those positions are posted for the next school year, said Executive Director of Human Resources Derwin Samuels Jr. RELATED: Homer Drive Elementary sees admin shakeup Samuels said 49 employees have retired since the beginning of the school year, falling in line with the 45-60 per year that the district typically sees. There are two principal positions open -- one at Beaumont United and another at Pathways Learning Center -- and four assistant principal positions open, though three of them are not assigned to a particular campus, according to the postings. RELATED: King Middle principal to resign at end of school year Last month, Homer Drive Elementary Principal Belinda George announced that she would be resigning her position at the end of the school year as Homer Drive transitions to the Accelerating Campus Excellence model, aimed at helping the school improve its academic performance. Under the ACE model, all Homer Drive staff, with the exception of maintenance and custodial positions, were required to reapply to work at the school, Samuels said. The assistant principal position at Homer Drive -- currently held by Felicia Cooper -- also is posted on the job listings site. It is unclear whether she resigned her position or will move somewhere else within the district. RELATED: BISD selects charter partner for MLK Middle School It is also unclear if current Pathways Principal Aaron Covington is retiring, resigning or moving within the district as well. Samuels said the district cannot discuss personnel matters. Principal Julia Rich of King Middle School -- operated by Green Dot Public Schools -- also announced in March that she would be resigning her position at the of the year. olivia.malick@hearst.com twitter.com/OliviaMalick ILANA PANICH-LINSMAN, STR / NYT RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas (AP) A 26-year-old woman has been charged with murder in Texas after authorities said she caused the death of an individual by self-induced abortion, in a state that has the most restrictive abortion laws in the U.S. Its unclear whether Lizelle Herrera is accused of having an abortion or whether she helped someone else get an abortion. WFO CORPUS CHRISTI Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Sunday, April 10, 2022 _____ FIRE WEATHER WATCH URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Corpus Christi TX 231 PM CDT Sat Apr 9 2022 ...Critical Fire Danger Conditions Possible Saturday Afternoon and Early Evening for South Texas... .Strong southerly winds of 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph and very low relative humidity from 15 to 35 percent will lead to elevated to critical fire danger conditions on today for all of South Texas, including the islands. Transport winds will also be out of the south at 20 to 30 mph with a mixing height of 2- 4 kft over the Coastal Bend to over 5 kft over the inland Coastal Plains, Brush Country, and Rio Grande Plains. Moisture conditions are expected to improve east to west in the evening. Relative humidity values are not expected to exceed 30 percent for the west until late this evening. Very strong winds are expected tomorrow with gusts 25 to 35 mph for inland counties of South Texas. RH values become low to moderate and this combination could result in another day or critical fire danger conditions, thus a fire weather watch is in effect for the Brush Country and Rio Grande Plains. ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR STRONG SOUTHERLY WINDS AND VERY LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY ACROSS SOUTH TEXAS... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING FOR VERY STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES FOR THE BRUSH COUNTRY AND RIO GRANDE PLAINS... The National Weather Service in Corpus Christi has issued a Fire Weather Watch, which is in effect from Sunday afternoon through Sunday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...La Salle...McMullen...Live Oak...Bee...Webb... Duval...Jim Wells. * TIMING...Today from 12 PM until 10 PM CDT. * WIND...South to Southeast at 20 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph. * HUMIDITY...Minimum values from 15 to 35 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Residents are urged to exercise care with respect to all outdoor activities that could inadvertently cause wildfires. Report wildfires quickly to the nearest fire department or law enforcement office. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. * AFFECTED AREA...Goliad...Victoria...Inland Kleberg...Inland Nueces...Inland San Patricio...Coastal Aransas...Inland Refugio...Inland Calhoun...Coastal Kleberg...Coastal Nueces... Coastal San Patricio...Aransas Islands...Coastal Refugio... Coastal Calhoun...Kleberg Islands...Nueces Islands...Calhoun Islands. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather Bedford, PA (15522) Today Periods of rain. High 51F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional light rain...mainly in the evening. Low around 40F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. Hyderabad: Doctors at Osmania General Hospital were in for a pleasant surprise on Friday when a woman, who works as a domestic help, donated a wheelchair to the hospital. G. Soni, a resident of Jillelaguda, managed to save small amounts from her income and purchased the wheelchair for patients at the OGH. OGH Superintendent Dr B. Nagender said it was surprising that Soni had done this in spite of not having any connection to the hospital, and her donation had surprised doctors. Despite her modest financial status, she has managed to make this donation and it is a great gesture. We will call her whenever any function is held at the hospital, he said. Soni expressed happiness over making the donation. Apart from the superintendent, some other health staff were present on the occasion to accept the donation, and thanked Soni for her act. That a jury didn't convict any of the four men charged with planning to kidnap Michigan Gov_ Gretchen Whitmer is further evidence of the political polarization in the U_S_ A defense lawyer for one of the men says it shows freedom still exists, and that the men's actions were nothing more than rough talk. 17 Wendell Avenue Extension in Pittsfield, as seen on April 8. The apartment building has been sold for $3.3 million. PITTSFIELD This afternoon, Elina Estrella and her mother, Marisol Estrella, will join a march past Pittsfields centers of power with a message: No one else suffering a mental crisis should die at the hands of the police. Late on March 25, their brother and son, Miguel Estrella, 22, was shot and killed by a police officer responding to an emergency call. Ahead of todays 4 p.m. march and rally downtown, Elina Estrella said that losing her brother has been my familys worst nightmare. People have made a lot of assumptions about that night, and I only wish they had had the chance to know Miguel, Estrella told The Eagle in a prepared statement, when asked to share thoughts about her brothers loss. Miguel experienced emotional and mental health issues, just as a lot of us do. But the fact is that the police, the first responders who were called to help him that night, killed him, she said. Miguel isnt the first person in Pittsfield killed by police during a mental health crisis, but my mother and I are determined to see that he is the last. The shooting is under investigation by the Berkshire District Attorneys Office and the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit. Authorities say Estrella, who held a knife and had been cutting himself, advanced on police when they arrived in a second response to the building at 279 Onota St. where Estrella lived. Attempts to deploy Tasers to disable him failed, police say. In her statement, provided one week after her brothers April 2 funeral, Elina Estrella said her family is determined to press for changes in how people in mental health crisis are treated in emergency calls. Its so difficult for us to mourn this tragedy, to try to put our lives back together, and to still have the strength to fight for justice for Miguel, she said. But were doing it, and were going to keep fighting, so that no other families in our community have to go through this. Miguel was the light and life of our family and to all who knew and loved him, Elina Estrella said. He was caring, ambitious, and a natural leader. He had a magnetic personality you just wanted to be around him. Friends say Estrella had struggled with depression and had engaged before in self-cutting. Estrellas mother told allies in a gathering this week she feels a call to action. I am not only Miguel's mom, I am an activist. Enough already of being silenced, she said, according to a statement provided by the groups Manos Unidas and Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds. Last week, the march organizers called on the city to improve how it responds to people in mental health crises, in part by shifting resources from the Pittsfield Police Department. They are asking the city's mayor to direct funding to human services to enhance mental health support, youth jobs and mentorship programs, community-based violence prevention, affordable housing, and economic justice programs like a universal basic income for low-income residents. Pittsfield plans to close sections of the march route today, according the mayors office. At 2:45 p.m. the intersection of Onota Street and Woodbine Avenue and Warriner and View streets will be closed to through traffic. From 3 to 6 p.m., sections of Onota Street, Columbus Avenue, North Street, and the area around Park Square will be temporarily closed. People who want to attend the march and rally are asked to meet at the southwest corner of Columbus Avenue and North Street. The group plans to proceed south on North Street and go to City Hall and the Police Department. It will then swing by the outside of the district attorneys office at North and West streets before ending at Park Square, where Miguel Estrellas family and community members will speak. WILLIAMSTOWN The historic Store at Five Corners is a step closer to reopening. Corey Wentworth, a chef and Hancock resident, will operate the cafe and general store, the Store at Five Corners Stewardship Association, a nonprofit that has been working to revive the business, announced on Friday. Ive been cooking my entire life, Wentworth said. This marks a big milestone in my life. Im super excited to make it my own and welcome the entire community into the store. He is very committed to community and having a community gathering place where friends and neighbors can sit and have a meal together, which is what the store has been and we want to return it to, said Karen Charbonneau, president of the Store at Five Corners Stewardship Association. Before the store closed in July 2020, Wentworth worked there, and he previously worked at Tourists hotel, Flour Bakery + Cafe in Boston, and Fore Street Restaurant in Portland, Maine, according to the Store at Five Corners Stewardship Association. Ive lived my life in kitchens, and they are one of the spaces that make me happiest and they are where I feel the most energized and engaged, Wentworth said in a statement. Cooking delicious, honest food that centers amazing local ingredients, giving people a satisfying meal and experience that brings them joy, and nurturing a welcoming gathering space is a large part of who I am. The Store at Five Corners Stewardship Association owns the building and will be responsible for its maintenance, and Wentworth will own and operate the business, Charbonneau said. In January, the nonprofit bought the property on New Ashford Road. The group has raised around $800,000 funds they put toward buying the property, renovating it, and and creating an endowment and it continues to fundraise to meet its $1.5 million goal, Charbonneau said. It was a community space for the people in Williamstown, Charbonneau said. A lot of people that live in north county commute to central and south county. They would stop there for breakfast and coffee. People would have lunch there. The group sent out a survey to 160 people asking residents if they wanted to see the business reopen as a cafe and market, Charbonneau said. In five days we got 132 responses. It was just compelling how important the store was to people how much they missed it, how much they wanted it to open. She added: We have worked very hard over the past couple months to make this a reality ... We are really hopeful for its success. Were hoping the community will come out in great numbers and support us. Wentworth said he hopes to open in mid-June. We definitely want to open as early as possible, he said, so we can be ready for everyone in the summertime. International AP More flee as Ukraine warns of stepped-up Russian attacks Rodrigo Abd Neighbours receive free food from a soup kitchen in Bucha, in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) Rodrigo Abd A group of women wait to receive free food from a soup kitchen in Bucha, in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) Efrem Lukatsky A car passes near fragments of a Russian rocket near Makariv, close to Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) Efrem Lukatsky EDS NOTE: GRAPHIC CONTENT - A Ukrainian soldier examines fragments of a Russian military helicopter near Makariv close to Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) Felipe Dana A crater from an explosion near to a residential building, heavily damaged after a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana) Efrem Lukatsky Emergency workers remove the body of a resident of a multi-storey building destroyed in a Russian air raid at the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war in Borodyanka, close to Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) Rodrigo Abd Gregoriev warms himself with a fire in the yard of his house in Bucha, in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 9, 2022, which was badly damaged in the war caused by Russias invasion. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) Efrem Lukatsky Relatives stand by a body of a civilian killed in a Russian air raid at the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war is being recovered, in Borodyanka close to Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Apr. 9, 2022. Borodyanka was occupied by the Russian troops and freed in a month by the Ukrainian army, allowing emergency workers to search civilian bodies under the ruins. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) HOGP In this image provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center right, and Britains Prime Minister Boris Johnson, center left, walk during their meeting in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP) HOGP In this image provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, and Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson speak, during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 9, 2022. Johnson has traveled to Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in show of solidarity. The two leaders meeting Saturday discussed the U.K.s long term support to Ukraine including a new package of financial and military aid, the prime ministers office said. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP) Efrem Lukatsky EDS NOTE: GRAPHIC CONTENT - The remains of victoms and the fragments of a Russian military helicopter can be seen near Makariv close to Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) KYIV, Ukraine Civilian evacuations moved forward in patches of battle-scarred eastern Ukraine on Saturday, a day after a missile strike killed at least 52 people and wounded more than 100 at a train station where thousands clamored to leave before an expected Russian onslaught. In the wake of the attack in Kramatorsk, several European leaders made efforts to show solidarity with Ukraine, with the Austrian chancellor and British prime minister visiting Kyiv the capital city that Russia failed to capture and where troops retreated days ago. U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where Johnsons office said they discussed Britains long-term support. Zelenskyy noted the increased support in an Associated Press interview, but expressed frustration when asked if weapons and other equipment Ukraine has received from the West is sufficient to shift the wars outcome. Not yet, he said, switching to English for emphasis. Of course its not enough. More than six weeks after Russia first invaded Ukraine, it has pulled its troops from the northern part of the country, around Kyiv, and refocused on the Donbas region in the east. Western military analysts said an arc of territory in eastern Ukraine was under Russian control, from Kharkiv Ukraines second-largest city in the north to Kherson in the south. But Ukrainian counterattacks are threatening Russian control of Kherson, according to the Western assessments, and Ukrainian forces are repelling Russian assaults elsewhere in the Donbas region in the southeast. Ukrainian authorities have called on civilians to get out ahead of an imminent, stepped-up offensive by Russian forces in the east. With trains not running out of Kramatorsk on Saturday, panicked residents boarded buses or looked for other ways to leave, fearing the kind of unrelenting assaults and occupations by Russian invaders that delivered food shortages, demolished buildings and death to other cities elsewhere in Ukraine. It was terrifying. The horror, the horror, one resident told British broadcaster Sky, recalling Fridays attack on the train station. Heaven forbid, to live through this again. No, I dont want to. Ukraines state railway company said in a statement that residents of Kramatorsk and other parts of the countrys contested Donbas region could flee through other train stations. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said 10 evacuation corridors were planned for Saturday. Zelenskyy called the train station attack the latest example of war crimes by Russian forces and said it should motivate the West to do more to help his country defend itself. Russia denied it was responsible and accused Ukraines military of firing on the station to turn blame for civilian casualties on Moscow. A Russian Defense Ministry spokesman detailed the missiles trajectory and Ukrainian troop positions to bolster the argument. Western experts and Ukrainian authorities insisted that Russia launched the weapon. Remnants of the rocket had the words For the children in Russian painted on it. The phrasing seemed to suggest the missile was sent to avenge the loss or subjugation of children, although its exact meaning remained unclear. Western experts dismissed Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskovs assertion that Russian forces do not use Tochka-U missiles, the type that hit the train station, which is in Ukrainian government-controlled territory in the Donbas. The attack came as Ukrainian authorities worked to identify victims and document possible war crimes by Russian soldiers in northern Ukraine. The mayor of Bucha, a town near Kyiv where graphic evidence of civilian slayings emerged after the Russians withdrew, said search teams were still finding bodies of people shot at close range in yards, parks and city squares. Workers unearthed the 67 bodies Friday from a mass grave near a church, according to Ukraines prosecutor general. Russia has falsely claimed that the scenes in Bucha were staged. Ukrainian authorities and Western officials have repeatedly accused Russian forces of committing atrocities in the war that began with Russias Feb. 24 invasion. A total of 176 children have been killed, while 324 more have been wounded, the Prosecutor Generals Office said Saturday. Speaking to AP inside the heavily guarded presidential office complex in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said he is committed to negotiating a diplomatic end to the war even though Russia has tortured Ukraine. He also acknowledged that peace likely will not come quickly. Talks so far have not included Russian President Vladimir Putin or other top officials. We have to fight, but fight for life. You cant fight for dust when there is nothing and no people. Thats why it is important to stop this war, he said. Ukrainian authorities have said they expect to find more mass killings once they reach the southern port city of Mariupol, which is also in the Donbas and has been subjected to a monthlong blockade and intense fighting. As journalists who had been largely absent from the city began to trickle back in, new images emerged of the devastation from an airstrike on a theater last month that reportedly killed hundreds of civilians seeking shelter. Military analysts had predicted for weeks that Russia would succeed in taking Mariupol but said Ukrainian defenders were still putting up a fight. The citys location on the Sea of Azov is critical to establishing a land bridge from the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine eight years ago. Many civilians now trying to evacuate are accustomed to living in or near a war zone because Moscow-backed rebels have been fighting Ukrainian forces since 2014 in the Donbas, a mostly Russian-speaking, industrial region. Ukrainian officials have pleaded with Western powers almost daily to send more arms, and to further punish Russia with sanctions, including the exclusion of Russian banks from the global financial system and a total European Union embargo on Russian gas and oil. The deaths of civilians at the train station brought renewed expressions of outrage from Western leaders and pledges that Russia would face further reprisals. On Saturday, Russias Defense Ministry tried to counter the dominant international narrative by again raising the specter of Ukraine planting false flags and misinformation. A ministry spokesman, Major Gen. Igor Konashenkov, alleged Ukraines security services were preparing a cynical staged media operation in Irpin, another town near Kyiv. Konashenkov said the plan was to show falsely, he said civilian casualties at the hands of the Russians and to stage the slaying of a fake Russian intelligence team that intended to kill witnesses. The claims could not be independently verified. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said during a visit to Kyiv that he expects more EU sanctions against Russia, but he defended his countrys opposition so far to cutting off deliveries of Russian gas. A package of sanctions imposed this week wont be the last one, the chancellor said, acknowledging that as long as people are dying, every sanction is still insufficient. Austria is militarily neutral and not a member of NATO. Johnsons visit, which was not announced in advance, came a day after the U.K. pledged an additional 100 million pounds ($130 million) in high-grade military equipment to Ukraine. Anna reported from Bucha, Ukraine. Robert Burns in Washington, Jill Lawless and Danica Kirka in London and Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report. Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine The HBO Max drama series Tokyo Vice takes the perennial story of a novice reporter on the police beat but places it in the bustling exotic landscape of the Japanese capital of the 1990s A Real Housewives of Beverly Hills TV star, a Paralympic swimmer and a self-described brand king were among the Instagram and TikTok influencers who were paid by Chinese officials for a discreet campaign that promoted the Beijing Winter Olympics, new Justice Department documents reveal A haunting image of red dresses hung on crosses along a roadside, with a rainbow in the background, commemorating children who died at a residential school created to assimilate Indigenous children in Canada has won the prestigious World Press Photo award Spearfish, SD (57783) Today A few passing clouds. Low 56F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight A few passing clouds. Low 56F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. During a recent Rule 193 Discussion in the Lok Sabha on the situation in Ukraine, after recalling time tested Indo-Soviet ties and the help provided to us by the erstwhile Soviet Union in December 1971 during the war for the liberation of East Pakistan, now known as Bangladesh, I stated, But then Mr Speaker Sir, friends also have to be told if they are wrong that they possibly need to get their act together. Forty days into this war and, Mr External Affairs Minister was smiling, what I meant to say was that they have been told privately or would have to be told privately because after forty days of this conflict, Russian wars aims appear to be ill-defined or, at best, muddled. Does Russia want to split Ukraine at the Dnieper river? Does it want a regime change? What does it mean by de-Nazification of Ukraine? Does it want to create a land corridor between the Donbas region and Crimea or is it testing the Anglo-American power? For Ukraine joining Nato is at best a cats paw. It has been on and off the table since the Bucharest Summit in 2008. You can watch the full speech at https://bit.ly/3NVQ2gh on YouTube. Why did I say friends have to be told if they are wrong alluding to Russia? For the simple reason that nation is on a self-destructive path that has implications economic, political and social far beyond Russia itself. The Russians would do well by reflecting upon some aspects of their own history. In October 1962, after the Cuban missile crisis, the knives were out for the Soviet premier and general secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) Nikita Khrushchev. By October 1964, Khrushchev was gone. An article published in the Los Angeles Times on May 20, 1989, headlined Fearful Brezhnev Shook in Ousting Khrushchev in 64 narrated that story as follows: In an interview with the weekly Argumenti i Fakti published Friday, Vladimir V. Semichastny, who headed the KGB state security service from 1961 to 1967, gave an intriguing insight into the coup that ousted Khrushchev, whose flamboyant behaviour and reform schemes met with mounting criticism within the leadership. While Khrushchev was away on holiday in October, all the members of the Presidium (Politburo) of the (Communist Party) Central Committee got together at the Brezhnevs and it was decided to summon Khrushchev back from Pitsunda (on the Black Sea coast) to Moscow, he said. We decided to telephone him. Who should do it? Brezhnev, of course. It took us great effort to persuade him. We dragged him, almost by force, to the telephone. Almost overnight after that coup, Khrushchev became a non-person in the erstwhile Soviet Union until his death on September 11, 1971. After the disastrous occupation of Afghanistan from December 24, 1979, to February 15, 1989, when the remnants of the Soviet 40th Army finally withdrew across the Friendship Bridge on the Amu Daraya, that extends from Hairatan on the Afghan side to Termez, a town then situated in the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic, with General Boris Vsevolodovich Gromov, the last commander of the Soviet 40th Army, literally being the last man out; it also heralded the collapse of just not of the Soviet Union but also virtually the entire Soviet sphere of influence across the world. Mikhail Gorbachev who presided over the liquidation and finally the formal dissolution of the Soviet Union on December 26, 1991, is virtually a non-entity in the powerful empire that he once ruled over. This is not to say that a similar fate awaits either President Vladimir Putin, or Russia. However, with the war in Ukraine now entering into its seventh week, the Russian leadership would do well to reflect upon the consequences of the Frankenstein they have unleashed. There are murmurings of Russian elites conspiring to replace Mr Putin. Given the fact that the source of these reports is the Ukrainian intelligence service, obviously much credence cannot be given to such speculation. However, the fact does remain Russian oligarchs are smarting under Western sanctions that are biting into their fortunes. For starters there seem to be no clear cut war aims or political objectives delineated for the one unleashed on Ukraine as enunciated right at the inception of this piece. If the Russians thought that they would run through Ukraine like a hot knife through butter they have been nastily disappointed. Ukrainians are fighting hard and resisting. The horrific killings, torture and rape of civilians in Bucha, Irpin, Hostomel, Borodianka and other suburbs of Kyivare being laid squarely at Russias door opening it up to serious charge of war crimes. Not only has Russia been suspended from the United Nations Human Rights Council but its continued prosecution of the war is making life difficult for nations like India that have been trying to walk the narrow edge of the wedge in maintaining its credibility as a democratic nation that stands for certain values and its historic partnership with Russia. However, what Russia must also consider is that if it comes out humiliated from this conflict which it most certainly would, given that it has had to withdraw its forces from in and around Kyiv and is now trying to refocus on the eastern region of Donbass and the southern coast of Ukraine, it would only be playing into the hands of China. For a weakened Russia as a junior partner of China plays very well into the Middle Kingdoms dream of global domination. Russia should seriously think about the consequences of being Chinas wingman to his historical appreciation of itself as an ancient civilisation. Moreover, the reputational damage to Russia for brutalising a fellow Slavic people bound together by centuries of civilisational ties going back to the days of Kievan Rus from the ninth to 13th century will also not play well even in Eastern and Central Europe itself, what to talk of the rest of the world. Already, ordinary Russians who may not agree with Putins War are being subjected to increasing degrees of opprobrium around the world. Coupled with that is the exclusion of seven Russian banks from the Belgium-controlled SWIFT transaction system and the threats being bandied about by the Western Alliance to proscribe other nations who are trying to devise alternative means of financial settlement for trade with Russia that would eventually end up economically isolating Russia. Thus to save Russia from itself, India as a friend that has so far maintained strict neutrality even at the cost of annoying its own friends in the West, must strongly emphasise on Russia that it is in its best interests to extricate itself from the mess it has created. Roche is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a visit to South Africa by the Roche family representatives and members of the Board of Directors, Andre Hoffmann and Jorg Duschmale. Source: Supplied. Roche family representative and member of the Board of Directors, Jorg Duschmale. Roche has been a family-owned company since its inception starting in 1896, when Fritz Hoffmanns vision of an industrial healthcare company that could manufacture medicines of consistent quality, became a reality.Today within Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics - Roche employs more than 100,000 people across more than 100 countries; with over 800 of those employees located across Africa; to help benefit the health of millions, working with a large network of external partners.The company has always continued to evolve, from the synthesis of vitamins and discovery of breakthrough anti-cancer agents, to the recent development of Covid-19 tests.In 2020 alone, 28.9 million patients were treated with Roche medicines and 23.4 billion tests were conducted with Roche Diagnostics products.Over the past 125 years, Roches mission has been to improve peoples health through a commitment to go where the science takes it. Advances have been made in oncology, immunology, ophthalmology, infectious diseases and neuroscience through continued investment in research and development.The diagnostics division is also transforming the way diseases can be prevented, diagnosed and monitored.To drive skills development within diagnostics in South Africa and the African continent, the Roche Scientific Campus was opened in Johannesburg, and aims to alleviate capacity challenges by providing: training courses for lab technologists and engineers; general lab management training for managers and policymakers; and education on health and scientific topics for healthcare professionals and scientists.Since 2012, more than 8000 people have been trained at the Roche Scientific Campus.Recognising that diagnostics is an integral component for functioning health systems, in 2014 we launched the Global Access Program to enable access to reliable testing solutions for patients in low- and low-middle income countries, says Alan Yates, general manager Ad-interim South Africa & SADC, Roche Diagnostics.Roches long-standing reputation of driving innovation has for 125 years improved outcomes for patients around the world through continually advancing the standard of care in multiple disease areas.With a footprint in Africa for more than 70 years, our commitment to continuing to do now what African patients need next is stronger than ever, says David Gibbons, general manager, Roche Pharmaceuticals Southern Africa.Our recent investment in our brand new research and development, and manufacturing facility in Cape Town, demonstrates Roches commitment to our employees, customers and patients across South Africa, Africa and the rest of the world. Our sites vision is to become a dentre of excellence for next-generation genetic sequencing, and to act as a conduit for Roche on the continent through the building of capacity and technical capabilities of researchers and scientists in Africa, says Clive Ernstzen, general manager, Roche Diagnostics Cape Town site.At a time when expectations for businesses - particularly those in the health sector are changing, we remain committed to co-creating, partnering and increasing access to healthcare across Africa, says Susan Snell, head of Cluster MEA 3, Diabetes Care.The ongoing global pandemic has shown that patients worldwide can benefit from healthcare companies and other partners collaborating together. At Roche, we are working toward a future where every African can access world-class healthcare.To do this, we commit to co-creating solutions with stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem to strengthen health infrastructure, increase sustainable funding and enable access to innovative diagnostics and treatments.Together, we can achieve a healthier future for all Africans. South Africa has a "tremendous opportunity" to take the global lead in hydrogen and fuel cell production. This is according to mineral resources and energy minister Gwede Mantashe who was speaking at the Platinum Group Metals Industry Day held at the Johannesburg Country Club in Auckland Park on Wednesday, 6 April. Platinum Valley project The new global dispensation of green energy offers South Africa a rare and tremendous opportunity to become a global leader in the production of hydrogen, as well as fuel cells. This is primarily because South Africa holds nearly 80% of the worlds platinum reserves. It is the leading global supplier of primary mined PGMs (platinum group metals), accounting for approximately 80% and 40% of the worlds platinum and palladium supplies, respectively, he said.Mantashe said the worlds move towards cleaner energy sources will boost demand for platinum metals.Undoubtedly, the future PGMs demand will largely be driven more by the implementation of tighter emissions legislations, which will boost platinum use in autocatalytic converters in the short to medium term.In this context, the PGMs commodities are poised to make a significant contribution to domestic and global economies. They provide our country with a comparative advantage, thereby enabling South Africa to benefit in the trade of these commodities, he said.According to Mantashe, government is planning to establish a Platinum Valley project and has already embarked on a Hydrogen Valley feasibility study to take full advantage of the opportunity.[The] demand for platinum in hydrogen-fuelled cell-powered vehicles is expected to increase. Government has announced plans to establish a Platinum Valley project that will be built as a new industrial cluster for South Africa. We must support the conversion of truck diesel engines into hydrogen-powered vehicles This will enhance demand not only for PGMs, but also the technologies to be championed.South Africas Hydrogen Valley will identify stable and established project opportunities for kick-starting hydrogen initiatives in promising hubs with the aim of boosting economic growth and job creation. This in turn is set to spur the development of circular industries, increasing local platinum demand, and reducing its carbon footprint, Mantashe said.The minister said the industrial corridor project is expected to start in Limpopo and continue through the Johannesburg-to-Durban corridor.These initiatives are poised to be trendsetters in the application of PGMs as green sources of energy. This requires bold leadership on our part as government and as the private sector, he said. LONDON (AP) For many in the U.K., the pandemic may as well be over. LONDON (AP) For many in the U.K., the pandemic may as well be over. Mask requirements have been dropped. Free mass testing is a thing of the past. And for the first time since spring 2020, people can go abroad for holidays without ordering tests or filling out lengthy forms. That sense of freedom is widespread even as infections soared in Britain in March, driven by the milder but more transmissible omicron BA.2 variant thats rapidly spreading around Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere. The situation in the U.K. may portend what lies ahead for other countries as they ease coronavirus restrictions. France and Germany have seen similar spikes in infections in recent weeks, and the number of hospitalizations in the U.K. and France has again climbed though the number of deaths per day remains well below levels seen earlier in the pandemic. In the U.S., more and more Americans are testing at home, so official case numbers are likely a vast undercount. The roster of those newly infected include actors and politicians, who are tested regularly. Cabinet members, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Broadway actors and the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut have all tested positive. Britain stands out in Europe because it ditched all mitigation policies in February, including mandatory self-isolation for those infected. Prime Minister Boris Johnsons conservative government is determined to stick to its living with COVID plan, but experts disagree on whether the country is coping well. Some scientists argue its the right time to accept that living with COVID means tolerating a certain level of disruption and deaths, much like we do for seasonal flu. Others believe that Britains government lifted restrictions too quickly and too soon. They warned that deaths and hospital admissions could keep rising because more people over 55 those who are most likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19 are now getting infected despite high levels of vaccination. Hospitals are again under strain, both from patients with the virus and huge numbers of staff off sick, said National Health Service medical director Stephen Powis. Blinding ourselves to this level of harm does not constitute living with a virus infection quite the opposite, said Stephen Griffin, a professor in medicine at the University of Leeds. Without sufficient vaccination, ventilation, masking, isolation and testing, we will continue to live with disruption, disease and sadly, death, as a result. Others, like Paul Hunter, a medicine professor at the University of East Anglia, are more supportive of the governments policies. Were still not at the point where (COVID-19) is going to be least harmful but were over the worst, he said. Once a high vaccination rate is achieved there is little value in maintaining restrictions such as social distancing because they never ultimately prevent infections, only delay them, he argued. Britains official statistics agency estimated that almost 5 million U.K. residents, or 1 in 13, had the virus in late March, the most it had reported. Separately, the REACT study from Londons Imperial College said its data showed that the countrys infection levels in March were 40% higher than the first omicron peak in January. Infection rates are so high that airlines had to cancel flights during the busy two-week Easter break because too many workers were calling in sick. France and Germany have seen similar surges as restrictions eased in most European countries. More than 100,000 people in France were testing positive every day despite a sharp dropoff in testing, and the number of virus patients in intensive care rose 22% over the past week. President Emmanuel Macrons government, keen to encourage voter turnout in April elections, is not talking about any new restrictions. In Germany, infection levels have drifted down from a recent peak. But Health Minister Karl Lauterbach backed off a decision to end mandatory self-isolation for infected people just two days after it was announced. He said the plan would send a completely wrong signal that either the pandemic is over or the virus has become significantly more harmless than was assumed in the past. In the U.S., outbreaks at Georgetown University and Johns Hopkins University are bringing back mask requirements to those campuses as officials seek out quarantine space. Across Europe, only Spain and Switzerland have joined the U.K. in lifting self-isolation requirements for at least some infected people. But many European countries have eased mass testing, which will make it much harder to know how prevalent the virus is. Britain stopped distributing free rapid home tests this month. Julian Tang, a flu virologist at the University of Leicester, said that while it's important to have a surveillance program to monitor for new variants and update the vaccine, countries cope with flu without mandatory restrictions or mass testing. Eventually, COVID-19 will settle down to become more endemic and seasonal, like flu, Tang said. Living with COVID, to me, should mimic living with flu. Cambridge University virologist Ravindra Gupta is more cautious. Mortality rates for COVID-19 are still far higher than seasonal flu and the virus causes more severe disease, he warned. He would have preferred "more gentle easing of restrictions. "Theres no reason to believe that a new variant would not be more transmissible or severe, he added. ___ Geir Moulson and Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin, Angela Charlton in Paris, Barry Hatton in Lisbon and other AP journalists around Europe contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic Even today, Ive seen a few people who had some small holes just before the pandemic was declared, couldnt get in for two years, and now they are bordering on having root canals or teeth extracted, he said. There has been a huge demand. A lot of it is to do with the stress and anxiety that people have experienced during the pandemic and during the last lockdowns that has seen them grinding their teeth. Dr Michael Jonas, president of the NSW branch of the Australian Dental Association, said patients with teeth-grinding problems were reporting to clinics in record numbers. Last week, he had a patient cracked a tooth in half after grinding. Im seeing it, and my colleagues in Sydney are seeing it, he said. Our waiting times have certainly blown out, and the average wait time to see a public dentist is now between eighteen months and two years in NSW. It has become a chase-your-tail situation, he said. While Jonas acknowledged the lack of official data made it difficult to determine the extent of teeth-grinding during the pandemic, dentists who spoke to The Age and the Herald universally agreed it was a manifestation of acute stress caused by the pandemic. Stress and anxiety can cause people to grind their teeth in their sleep. Smoking, heavy alcohol intake and recreational drug use can exacerbate it further. Daytime grinding generally happens when people are busy or stressed. Failure to treat the issue can lead to jaw disorders, broken or worn-down teeth, headaches, gum disease and other problems. Loading In Victoria, public health waiting lists for dental care, which provide treatment to some of the most vulnerable people, including pensioners and those in aged care, have also blown out. Patients in some parts of the state now must wait between eight months and three years for an appointment. It has blown out ridiculously, Sternson said. We are all crazy-busy. Data obtained under Freedom of Information laws by the dental association reveals waiting times for general dental care have now increased, on average, to 24.8 months across Victoria, the worst delays in a decade. More than 34,000 patients have been forced to wait more than three years for treatment. In the state electorate of Monash, in Melbournes south-east, the district health service recorded an average wait time approaching five years (56.2 months), while others waiting for public health dental care in St Albans and Footscray in the citys west are waiting more than 40 months to see a dentist. Associate Professor Matthew Hopcraft, CEO of the Australian Dental Associations Victoria branch, says dental health has suffered during lockdown. Credit:Vince Caligiuri Professor Matt Hopcraft, chief executive of the Victorian branch of the dental association, said the worsening oral health of elderly people, particularly those living in aged care, was a concern. The associate professor of public health dentistry and epidemiology said the oral health of some older Australians had deteriorated so much they had lost their teeth. Their baseline was already terrible, so its gone from terrible to even more terrible, Hopcraft said. Loading He said a recent $27 million investment from the state government to catch-up on delayed dental treatment was welcome, but it was a bandaid approach to a looming public health crisis. A Victorian health department spokesperson said that money would mean additional services for more than 40,000 Victorians across the state by June 30. Hopcraft wants the federal government to introduce a Medicare senior benefits dental scheme for the elderly, so that older Australians can access affordable dental treatment in the public and private sector. Sternson said vouchers should also be made available to public patients in need of dental treatment, so they can be seen by dentists working in private clinics. A spokesman for the federal health department pointed to previously announced funding for public dental services, including $107.8 million for adult public health services in last years budget to provide treatment to an estimated 180,000 additional public dental patients. With regard to recommendation 60 of the aged care royal commission that recommends the establishment of a Senior Dental Benefits Scheme, this is subject to further consideration by the Australian Government by 2023, the spokesman said. Dentists recommend people get a check-up annually or more regularly if they are at higher risk of decay or gum disease. A young man from western Sydney is fighting for his life in hospital after becoming involved in a brawl outside an Oxford Street pub in the early hours of Saturday morning. NSW Police are treating the incident as a possible homicide and have charged three young men from Sydneys eastern beaches with affray, but are calling for all potential witnesses who were at Taylor Square about 12.30am on Saturday to come forward with information. An aerial view of Taylor Square, where the brawl took place, at the intersection of Flinders and Oxford streets. Credit:Wolter Peeters Superintendent John Duncan from Surry Hills police said the incident had come as a real shock to officers who had generally observed good social behaviour in the late-night trading area in recent years. Surry Hills is a great place; we have a large number of licensed premises, generally crime has been exceptionally good over the last couple of years, he said. In a Caulfield synagogue hall on Sunday, four Holocaust survivors aged in their 90s and more than 100 of their relatives and friends gathered to eat, sing and dance. The quartet raised shots of whisky and made a toast, LChaim to life. Welcome to the Buchenwald Ball, a little-known annual Melbourne tradition for more than 65 years. They were celebrating their liberation, in 1945, from the notorious Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany. After the war, more than 60 former youth inmates of Buchenwald settled in Australia. A 10-day northern tour followed in the new year. Despite signs pointing in Anthony Albaneses favour, Queensland may yet prove a thorn in the side of the Labor leader and his party Credit:Matt Dennien The Sydney-based MP was among those on the first flights in when borders opened before Christmas. This time rallying the party faithful in a presidential and Kevin 07-styled show in his most marginal state seat, before an appearance with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk president of the greatest nation on earth herself. After the searing 2019 reminder of the weight imparted by the state or, more precisely, a handful of key seats within it on federal election results, its easy to see why. But despite in-roads over the past year, Queensland is still a thorn in the side of Albanese and his party. Amid three decades of dominance at a state level, the ALP has largely haemorrhaged federal seats since 2010 to the point it now holds just six of 30, confined to the south-east. When Brisbane-based Kevin Rudd swept to power in 2007, the party snatched nine seats off the Coalition in Queensland alone. While all three areas have merit and could even be seen as a boost to the economy over time, one of the ALPs weak spots is its vague claim that it can pay for them by spending smarter and cutting waste in other areas. Labors clear commitment to establishing a federal integrity commission will help stamp out the worst abuses of taxpayers money, but the ALP must show it can deliver on its promises while controlling debt. The gap between the parties on climate change, which the Herald considers a crucial issue, has shrunk since the Coalition adopted a net zero target by 2050 but the ALP is still clearly committed to stronger action than the Coalition. Foreign policy rarely determines Australian elections, but the Coalition has tried to sow doubts about Labors policy on China and even claimed the Chinese Communist Party wants Albanese to win. The war in Ukraine has given the issue greater currency but the problem with the Coalitions line of attack is that the ALP has backed the governments security and defence agenda so loyally that even controversial decisions such as the cancelling of the French submarine deal have barely been discussed. While the election should not be a reality TV contest about which candidate seems like a nicer bloke, voters will inevitably have to make a judgment about the candidates character and competence. Morrison says his team has shown its mettle by its management of natural disasters and the pandemic in the past two years. Labor has a ready comeback pointing to the failures in aged care, the vaccine roll-out, and the response to the latest floods. The campaign will likely throw up other issues from immigration to the place of religious belief in society to infrastructure spending here in Sydney and NSW. The Herald will eventually take a position on which party or candidates it backs. But for now, we make a commitment to readers that we will cover the next six weeks without fear or favour and focus on issues like these that really matter to Australias future. With the start of the federal election campaign, Scott Morrison is now free to concentrate on doing what he does best. Making announcements. Freed from most of the responsibilities of governing as the system goes into the autopilot of caretaker mode, the prime minister will make impressive announcements, full of campaign flourish and taxpayers funds. However, his announcement of the election itself is the last announcement we can truly trust, from either side of politics. In Morrisons case, he has a well-established announcement problem. Labor likes to taunt that hes all announcement, no delivery, hes there for the photo op, never the follow-up. Fear can be a powerful emotion and there will be a bit of that over the next six weeks, I expect, but I want to appeal to Australians sense of optimism and hope for a better future, he said. I wont go missing when the going gets tough. Mr Morrison launched the campaign after flying from Sydney to Canberra on Sunday morning to visit Governor-General David Hurley at Government House in Yarralumla to ask him to dissolve Parliament and set May 21 as the date for Australians to cast their ballots. The government strategy takes the election to the last possible day for votes to be cast in a standard half-Senate election on a Saturday, maximising the length of the formal campaign in the hope Mr Albanese will crumble under pressure. It is a choice between a strong economy and a Labor opposition that would weaken it, Mr Morrison said. Loading His advisers have been frustrated for months at what they regard as a lack of scrutiny of Mr Albanese and his policies, but their attempts to shine a spotlight on the Labor leader have been undone by the disunity within the Liberals including attacks on the Prime Ministers character. The governments challenges were highlighted on Sunday when Mr Morrison was asked about the status of former education minister Alan Tudge, who stood aside earlier this year over questions about his relationship with a former press secretary, Rachelle Miller. Asked if Mr Tudge would be restored to federal cabinet, Mr Morrison responded by saying Alan Tudge is still in my cabinet and countering the assumption the minister had been sidelined. The Prime Minister is preparing to name a new minister to the health portfolio this week so Australians will know who would take over the post from Health Minister Greg Hunt, who is leaving Parliament at this election. Asked about his own intentions, Mr Morrison confirmed he would serve the full term of Parliament if the government were returned. On his policies, he emphasised the tax relief offered in the federal budget as well as benefits for small business owners while pointing to the unemployment rate forecast to be 3.75 per cent later this year, the lowest in 48 years as proof of results. He named government spending on roads, railways, renewable energy and new dams as key priorities as well as the biggest rebuilding of the Australian Defence Force since World War II. Its a choice between a strong and tested government team that has demonstrated our ability to make difficult and tough choices in tough times and a Labor opposition who has been so focused on politics over these past few years that they still cant tell you what theyd do, who they are, or what they believe in and what they stand for, he said. Loading Its a choice between a government you know and a Labor opposition that you dont. Mr Albanese bristled at questions on Sunday that suggested he had not unveiled enough of his policies, pointing to the climate change policy he outlined last December with estimates it would support 604,000 jobs by 2030. The policy requires spending $24 billion on new infrastructure while capping greenhouse gas emissions at large enterprises. Mr Albanese sought to remind voters of Mr Morrisons attack on Labor at the previous election for setting a target to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles. If you fear the present you have no chance of shaping the future, he said. Assuring voters he had an agenda for the next term of Parliament, Mr Albanese listed policies such as a $2.5 billion aged care plan to hire more nurses and lift standards, a childcare policy to increase rebates for families, a national integrity commission with stronger powers than the governments model, a $10 billion fund to invest in affordable housing and a reconstruction fund for manufacturing. He emphasised industrial relations as a field where Labor would act in government to encourage the Fair Work Commission to set higher pay rates. We will have a policy of lifting peoples wages through the changes that we announced almost two years ago for industrial relations, he said, making sure that secure work is an objective in the Fair Work Act, properly defining casualisation, having same job, same pay, making wage theft a crime, closing the gender pay gap. We have outlined a series of policies for the election. Mr Morrison has not outlined any agenda for another term. The campaign has already been under way before its official announcement. Both leaders have been crossing the country over the past week. Mr Morrison has visited the Labor seats of Corio and McEwen in Victoria, both just outside Melbourne, as well as Lyons in Tasmania, Parramatta in western Sydney and Dobell on the central coast of NSW. His regional visit in NSW also took in three Labor seats in the Hunter Valley Hunter, Shortland and Paterson but was overshadowed by strong criticism from a disability support pensioner during a visit to a tavern outside Newcastle. Loading Mr Morrison also held media events over the past week in Liberal electorates including Chisholm in Melbourne the governments most marginal seat as well as Bass in Tasmania, Banks in southern Sydney and Robertson on the central coast of NSW. Mr Albanese has made several visits to the South Australian seat of Boothby, which is held by the Liberals but is the Labor Partys key target in that state, as well as holding media events in Reid in western Sydney, Hasluck in Perth (held by Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt) and the northern Brisbane seats of Longman and Dickson (held by Defence Minister Peter Dutton). Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Scott Morrison has called a general election for May 21, kicking off a campaign in which both major parties and a range of minor parties and independents vie for your vote. The Prime Minister will go head-to-head with Labors Anthony Albanese, who is coming up against a Coalition government that has been in power for the past nine years. So, what happens now that the election has been called? And what are the major issues that will divide voters and parties? Credit: Whos more popular at the moment? Exclusive polling for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, conducted by research company Resolve Strategic, shows that Scott Morrison is leading 30 per cent as preferred prime minister to Albaneses 30 per cent, while a third of voters are still undecided. When it comes to which party people prefer, the Liberal National Party is now ahead in this poll while support for the Greens, Pauline Hansons One Nation and the United Australia Party has remained steady. Advertisement Whats the caretaker period? In a general election, people are voting for a member of parliament who will represent their local area. Now that the election has been called, the House of Representatives has been dissolved, and all 151 seats are up for grabs. The party or coalition that commands a majority of seats will then form the government. (A half Senate election will also be held on election day, when 40 seats will be voted on half of the 72 original Senate seats plus two seats each for the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory.) The caretaker period begins at the time the House is dissolved and continues until there is a clear election result. During an election campaign, government decisions need to continue until a new one is elected and so, by convention, the existing government acts as a caretaker to address important administrative and business duties. Loading Caretaker conventions say the government should avoid making major policy decisions, significant appointments or entering into major contracts or undertakings, including international negotiations and engagements. The reason the caretaker period exists is also so that an incoming government is not committed to major policy decisions by a previous government. Ministers will often seek to clear the decks in the lead-up to an election. For example, the government has made more than 130 appointments to official jobs since March 21. Once the House of Representatives has been dissolved, writs must be issued within 10 days, but usually are much sooner. A writ is a document commanding an electoral officer to hold an election, and contains dates for the close of rolls, the close of nominations, the polling day and the return of the writs. The Governor-General issues writs for the House of Representatives election and the territories for Senate elections, and the state governors issue writs for the states Senate elections. Advertisement What are the key dates? Election day is on Saturday, May 21 and polling booths will be open between 8am and 6pm. Polling places are usually located in local schools, church halls or public buildings. It is compulsory for all Australians over the age of 18 to vote. Enrolments closed on April 18 with a record number of Australians signing up; more than 96 per cent of eligible Australians are enrolled for this election, a figure that Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers called a modern democratic miracle. Early voting starts on Monday, May 9. If you live overseas or know that you wont be able to make it to a polling place on election day, you can vote early. There are a range of options, which include postal voting and in-person early voting. You can find out more about early voting options here. Loading What key issues are people talking about? Cost of living is a hot election topic, with Frydenberg announcing a halving of the fuel excise in his federal budget in order to tackle high petrol prices. The Coalitions tax offset has also targeted lower and middle-income earners, with workers who earn less than $126,000 able to access a one-off $420 payment at tax time. It means they would be entitled to an offset of up to $1500 for singles and up to $3000 for couples from July 1. Albanese, meanwhile, has been championing higher wages to keep up with the cost of living. Affordable housing and childcare were also key elements of Labors budget reply, with Albanese saying that Labors plan would mean cheaper childcare for more families. Advertisement Voters have deserted the federal government in large numbers since the last election in powerful swings that could sweep the Coalition from at least 14 seats including parts of Queensland and Western Australia where it once thought it was safe. The findings highlight the challenge for Prime Minister Scott Morrison in winning Australians back to his cause when he starts the campaign with a Coalition primary vote of 34 per cent nationwide, down from 41 per cent at the last election. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is facing a collapse in the Coalitions vote in Queensland. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Voters in Queensland have cut their support for the Coalition from 44 per cent at the election to 33 per cent in the first months of this year, while those in Western Australia have slashed their support from 45 per cent to 33 per cent. The swings are strong enough to install Labor leader Anthony Albanese in power but reflect the electorate before the start of the official campaign, as Morrison urges voters to avoid the risk of Labor while seeking to defend city seats and seize regional seats. The state authority regulating greyhound racing used an industry survey to conduct political polling about Premier Dominic Perrottet, his deputy Paul Toole and Opposition Leader Chris Minns. Respondents were polled on their views about the leaders and the issues that would determine their vote at the next state election in the 15-minute online survey by Greyhound Racing NSW last year. Greyhound Racing NSW said the survey was intended to be a five-year, post re-opening review of industry participants. Credit:Greyhound Racing NSW As one of two state authorities appointed by the government to control greyhound racing, the body was ordered by Racing Minister Kevin Anderson to suspend the survey in November over concerns for the impartiality of the organisation. The survey, seen by the Herald, asked for a rating of favourable, unfavourable or neutral views on Perrottet, Toole, Minns and Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman. It asked the same of the states greyhound and horse racing industries. London: COVID leaves one very tired and exhausted, the Queen admitted in a video call where she reflected on the impact of this horrible pandemic. The monarch tested positive for COVID in late February, shortly after the Prince of Wales contracted the illness. At the time, she was described as having mild cold-like symptoms, and returned to light duties just nine days after testing positive. The Queen has spoken about here experience with COVID-19. Credit:Getty Images However, when talking to a former COVID patient on a virtual visit to open the Royal London Hospitals Queen Elizabeth Unit, she said that COVID had left her very tired and exhausted. Its not a nice result, she said. Rumour and intrigue kept Kremlinologists happily occupied throughout the seven-decade-long life of the old USSR. There was a brief and welcomed period of openness when Mikhail Gorbachev took over as general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party, but following the USSRs collapse in 1991 came years of chaotic guesswork about what was going on behind the Kremlins walls, where Boris Yeltsin reigned supreme. History like life has a habit of turning full circle. And here we are in 2022, again playing the game of rumour and intrigue. Alexander Bortnikov, head of the Federal Security Service (FSB). Credit:AP Now as always, the intrigue concerns whether the leader will survive, and in 2022, whether someone within the Kremlin siloviki, or elite, might consider ridding Russia of Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin in a palace coup. VVP, as hes referred to in some circles, might be dethroned goes the story, as far-fetched in the telling as it was for most Russians that VVP might do what he actually did invade his West-leaning neighbour, Ukraine. And one name that is recurrent in the story is that of Alexander Bortnikov, head of the Russian FSB, the Federal Security Service, and one of the successors to the KGB. In the 14 years he has run the FSB, Bortnikov is credited with having turned it into a state within a state, a security apparatus that employs many tens of thousands of people, a brutal sword in charge of counter-terrorism, counter-intelligence and border security. London: Vladimir Putin may insist that his invasion of Ukraine is going to plan, but thousands of Russian women disagree - the grieving mothers, sisters and widows of dead Russian soldiers. This is not our war; this is the authorities war, Anastasia Banschikova said over the phone from Orenburg in central Russia, where she lives with her three-year-old daughter. Our boys there do not want this war. They thought they were going on regular exercises but ended up in a meat grinder. Police detain a demonstrator during an action against Russias attack on Ukraine in St. Petersburg, Russia. Credit:AP Banschikova decided to speak out after she was told in a gruff phone call by a Russian army officer that her 21-year-old husband, Viktor, had been killed while fighting in Ukraine. And Mrs Banschikova is not alone. Despite the Kremlin propaganda, which has tried to block out evidence of high casualties, across Russia there are growing signs that thousands of wives and mothers share her fear and anger. Washington: Former US President Donald Trump has endorsed celebrity surgeon Dr Mehmet Oz, who is running as a Republican in a closely watched US Senate contest in Pennsylvania. Dr Oz is smart, tough, and will never let you down; therefore he has my complete and total endorsement, Trump said in a statement on Saturday (Washington time). Dr Mehmet Oz with Donald Trump. Credit:AP The Senate race in Pennsylvania could determine control of the Senate and the fate of Democratic President Joe Bidens agenda. A crowded field of candidates is vying to replace the retiring Republican senator Pat Toomey. The top Republicans in the race are Oz and David McCormick, a former hedge fund chief executive. Recent polls had Oz and McCormick neck and neck in the Republican primary contest to be held on May 17. Latest News 24 lenders raise interest rates Read the full list here Clients seek advice on interest rate rise City brokers field many enquiries What is asset finance? While there are numerous forms available, asset finance is for businesses that require expensive equipment such as IT systems, machinery, and vehicles that dont have the funds available to make the purchases. For businesses that are looking to grow, asset finance is a popular form of finance. To receive the money needed to buy equipment outright, one option is for a business to take out a commercial loan. When high-value equipment is required, many small business owners turn to alternative forms of asset finance in addition to the traditional bank loan options. Among the different forms of asset finance available are high purchase, finance lease, operating lease, novated lease, chattel mortgage, and technology rentals, which we will explore in more detail later. Is asset finance a loan? Yes. Asset finance is a loan taken out by a business that wants to buy high-value assets like office equipment, company cars, and machinery. Asset finance is typically used by businesses that are hoping to grow but do not yet have the money to purchase vital assets up front or would prefer to spread the costs of the vital assets over time to better carry the financial burden. Types of asset finance The six types of asset finance are as follows: Hire purchase. Commercial hire purchases allow businesses to hire assets and then make payments until the asset is paid off in full. The assets title is then transferred to the businesss name, after the final instalment has been paid. If you are looking to own an asset long term, this is an ideal option. This option also allows for some flexibility, which can allow you to tailor your financing to your cashflow situation. It could allow you, for instance, to use a balloon payment, arrange for a larger final balloon payment, request a smaller or larger deposit upfront, or change the loan period. Finance lease. A finance lease is useful to a business that needs the newest equipment or vehicles but is not interested in tying up most of its capital. Lenders own the assets with this type of asset financing, but the borrower bears the risk of disposal after the lease ends. Finance leases, like commercial hire purchases, have some flexibility in the terms and lease payments. Chattel mortgage. Chattel mortgages allow you to own the asset from the get-gowhich is the main reason it is such a popular option. With your loan secured by the asset itself, you can select the term and tailor your loan arrangements. Typically, the term is up to five years. It also allows you to vary other terms, meaning you have the option to customize by paying a higher final instalment or a higher deposit. Novated lease. If you, as a business owner, want to include a vehicle with your salary package, a novated lease is the best asset finance option available to you. Both employer and employee sign a novation agreement in this financing option, which makes you both responsible for the loan. If you are an employee who wants to use a novated lease, you should work with your human resources department. The loan term for novated leases typically ranges from one to five years. Operating lease. Your company never owns the vehicle when you get a fleet operating lease; instead, the financier owns it for the entire term (1-5 years), and you return the vehicle once the term comes to a close. Small businesses are usually the ideal candidates for fleet operating leases, with the fees for insurance, tires, registration, and maintenance included, which makes life easier for you and your finances. Technology rentals. Technology rentals are appealing and financially sound for many smaller companies that find it difficult to pay upfront for the newest equipment. You can think of technology rentals like fleet operating leases, wherein you never own the equipment, and you return it at the end of a specified term, typically three years. The most attractive reason to opt for a technology rental is that your business will never be forced to own obsolete technology. Getting an asset finance broker An asset finance broker can help you get asset finance from a lender, but typically does not work for a specific financial provider. Since they have niche expertise, asset finance brokers negotiate the best deal possible for your circumstances. Some asset finance brokers receive a commission from providers when a settlement is achieved, while others charge the client directly. The advantages of asset finance The advantages of asset finance include reducing upfront costs, opening up an additional line of credit, eliminating unforeseen costs, freeing up capital, avoiding depreciation, and improving cashflow. Asset finance is also a quicker option, since getting bank-term loans can take up a lot of time. Disadvantages of asset finance A disadvantage of asset finance is that it is not a short-term solution and you do not own the assets. Latest News 24 lenders raise interest rates Read the full list here Clients seek advice on interest rate rise City brokers field many enquiries New research has found that pandemic-era private rental assistance measures had only modest outcomes after some landlords decided government help was not worthwhile. Landlords easily evaded eviction moratoriums, meaning tenants who could not pay rents had to move out. A report from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute also revealed a significant underspending in most rent-relief schemes. The paper, titled Australias COVID-19 pandemic housing policy responses, revealed that while researchers praised the remarkable form of the emergency response for renters, including eviction bans, frameworks to negotiate discounts, and cash assistance, they criticised its patchy implementation, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. Other parts of Australias housing response lauded by academics included banks very effective mortgage holidays that supported 480,000-plus home loans and the swift introduction of income support through JobKeeper and increased JobSeeker payments. But they called for more coordination from different levels of government in the future. A lot of the early interventions were quite effective and compared quite favourably to examples of what worked well internationally, particularly things like the income support measures, said Chris Leishman, lead author and professor of property and housing economics at University of South Australia. Other interventions, for example in rental markets, were particularly timid. Support measures such as cash payments and land-tax relief were offered to landlords to encourage them to provide tenants a rent discount in 2020, but these programs were undersubscribed. Victoria came close in its long lockdown, with $73 million of cash payments from an original estimate of $80 million, but provided only $111 million in land-tax relief to commercial and residential landlords from an initial offer of $420 million, the Herald reported. In NSW, from an estimated $220 million spend on residential land-tax relief, only $10 million was spent. Among the landlords surveyed, 22% were asked to vary the rent, but declined. Another 14% reduced the rent, 10% deferred the rent, and 24% both reduced and deferred payments. Findings also showed that after the emergency period, nearly a third of landlords had a tenant in arrears, a quarter of landlords increased the rent, and almost one in five terminated the tenancy. A survey of tenant unions and real estate agents, meanwhile, highlighted gaps in the response. One tenants organisation said, We kept hearing about landlords just not coming to the table, not willing to negotiate. And sometimes it was explicit: they were freezing the tenant out, the Herald reported. There is one that called for stronger direction from government, saying, Having some structure and framework around what does that COVID impact look like, and how does that translate into the negotiation process, that would have been very helpful. The respondents also noted how banks and insurers were missing from the tenant response, as landlords who negotiated could not claim on their landlord insurance, but those who did not negotiate potentially could claim. Other issues raised included the health impacts on renters who were expected to open their homes to potential buyers if the landlord wished to sell, the rental squeeze in regional Australia where tree-changers have pushed vacancy rates down, and the lack of resilience of landlords who thought they were unable to offer a rent reduction, the Herald reported. Leishman said the response was affected by the prevalence of mum-and-dad investors in Australian housing. Some of them are very highly leveraged, they have home loans of their own, he said. If they lost their job and their tenant lost their job they would be in a very precarious position. He also said although student accommodation towers owned by institutional investors had huge vacancies, they were better able to weather that. Leishman concluded that crisis-era rental responses should have been mandatory and that there should have been better cooperation between the different levels of government. It was relatively easy for landlords to evade those interventions and we know a lot of tenants had to leave, he said. The relief investors were getting was pretty modest; probably a lot of investors came to the conclusion it wasnt worth the hassle. All they have to do is nothing. The tenants bills rising, theyll leave fairly quickly under their own volition and the landlord can then take their bond. For rental interventions to be effective in a pandemic, Leishman said they should be more direct and mandatory. India is among one of the "priority markets" for the direct selling Swedish beauty brand Oriflame, where it expects to continue its double-digit growth over the next 3-5 years, a top company official has said. The company which sells cosmetic and wellness products in India also expects a double-digit growth in its sales force, adding more direct sellers in the coming years. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Oriflame has witnessed an upswing in the wellness products business, contributing to around 20 per cent of its India business from the earlier 4 per cent, and expects this trend to continue with some minor corrections. "We have an expectation to continue the double-digit growth over next 3-5 years and I do not see it as a huge challenge," Frederic Widell, Vice President & Head of South Asia & MD, Oriflame India, told PTI. The company will continue to grow here for the next decades because of the growing population and would continue to invest in India and build the business, he added. "One of the priority markets for Oriflame is India," he said Widell said though India's growth slowed down in the last two years of the pandemic, his company managed to make sure that profitability is increased. When asked about the ranking of the Indian market in Oriflame's global business, he said: "It's number one or two." "It depends. It is between India and China. Both the markets are neck to neck and are of the almost same size," Widell said. Besides Indonesia and Turkey, Mexico and Poland are the other leading markets for Oriflame globally. Oriflame Holding AG's net sales for 2021 were 1,016.5 million euro (over Rs 8,400 crore). Widell refused to share the revenue of the Indian entity, but said the company is having a "very solid growth" in the country. Oriflame had entered India in 1995 and was among the first direct selling firms here. "We are here for the last 26 years and we are very happy with the progression of our business here," he said, adding, "now we have a good amount of experience, understand the country and have relevant products." At present, 95 per cent of sales of Oriflame in India comes from online platforms through the app and websites, and because of this now the company has decided to close many of its offices in the country. The company has offices in selected metro cities only. "Instead of paying that money to landlords, we are now investing that money on digital tools and product development. We use to have 20 offices and now we have only five," he said. Oriflame has nearly 3 lakh direct sellers working with the company, which helps to drive the traffic towards the website of the company. Around 80 per cent of them are female. "Many of these people (direct sellers) order from the website and deliver to customers or order for the customers. Every activity goes through the direct seller," he said, adding that there is always a brand partner involved in generating a customer. Oriflame has two manufacturing plants in the country -- Noida and Roorkee -- and 80 per cent of their production is for the domestic market. The rest 20 per cent is exported to other markets of the Swedish beauty brand. Widell also welcomed the government's move to notify the Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules, 2021 which bans promoting pyramid and money circulation schemes in the sector. "This is good for the industry," he said, adding that there is clarity for the sector and legitimacy has been extended to the direct selling industry. According to Widell, now many young people are opting for direct selling as their career as the sector provides work flexibility. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister on Sunday said the has not gone away and keeps resurfacing, and cautioned people not to let their guard down in the battle against the pandemic. Nobody knows when the 'bahurupiya' (one that changes form) COVID-19 will resurface, Modi said, adding that administering nearly 185 crore doses of vaccines to control its spread was made possible due to public support. He was addressing via video conferencing the Mahapatotsav programme of Maa Umiya Dham at Vanthali in Gujarat's Junagadh district, as part of the 14th foundation day celebration of the temple of Maa Umiya, considered as the deity of Kadva Patidar community. The PM urged devotees of Maa Umiya to turn to natural farming with the aim to save Mother Earth from the scourge of chemical fertilisers. He also asked people to a pledge to participate in creating 75 'Amrit Sarovars' (lakes) in each district as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, being organised to mark 75 years of India's Independence. "Corona (COVID-19 pandemic) was a big crisis, and we are not saying that the crisis is over. It may have taken a pause, but we never know when it will resurface. It is a 'bahurupiya' disease. To stop this, nearly 185 crore doses (of vaccines) were administered, which surprised the world. This has been made possible due to your support," he said. The PM also said the devotees of Maa Umiya should undertake a project to take care of the health of malnourished children and anemic mothers at the village level. The 'Maa Umiya Trust,' which manages the temple, should organise competitions at the village level promoting good health of children, he said. "The devotees of Maa Umiya should ensure no child suffers from malnutrition, irrespective of which community he/she belongs to. If a child is strong, then the community and the country will become strong," he said. The prime minister also said the awareness against female foeticide has resulted in the country's daughters showing their might in the Olympics. "Who will not take pride in our daughters?" he added. Modi also requested people to support the government's campaign to save Mother Earth through adoption of natural farming, and continue the work to conserve water. "We will have to save Mother Earth...We have got a governor (of Gujarat-Acharya Devvrat) who is totally committed to natural farming. He has addressed farmer meetings at the taluka level, and lakhs of farmers have turned to natural farming," he said. People should support Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel by responding to his call for the same, he said. Modi also asked people to undertake water conservation by creating 75 'Amrit Sarovars' in each district by digging, deepening, and renovating the existing water bodies. "Let us undertake the project of 75 lakes in each district...It's not a big deal for you all who have made lakhs of check dams. Imagine how big a service this will be," he said. The PM said people who have faced severe water crisis should not give up the practice of water conservation, regardless of the success achieved in this field. "This is something that needs to be undertaken every year before monsoon by deepening of lakes and cleaning of water channels to conserve water," he said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With 1,054 fresh cases, India's COVID-19 tally has climbed to 4,30,35,271, while the death toll due to the viral disease has gone up to 5,21,685 with 29 more fatalities, the Union health ministry said on Sunday. However, the number of active cases of the infection has further declined to 11,132, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am. The active cases account for 0.03 per cent of the total caseload, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate remained at 98.76 per cent, the ministry said. A reduction of 233 cases was recorded in the active caseload in a span of 24 hours, it added. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.25 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was 0.23 per cent, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has gone up to 4,25,02,454, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.21 per cent. The total number of Covid vaccine doses administered in the country has exceeded 185.7 crore. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 2020, 40 lakh on September 5, 2020 and 50 lakh on September 16, 2020. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 2020, 70 lakh on October 11, 2020, 80 lakh on October 29, 2020, 90 lakh on November 20, 2020 and the one-crore mark on December 19, 2020. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore Covid cases on May 4, 2021 and the three-crore mark on June 23, 2021. (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.) Two groups of students clashed at the Jawaharlal Nehru University's Kaveri Hostel here on Sunday allegedly over serving of non-vegetarian food on Ram Navami in the mess, with police saying six students were injured in the violence. The two groups, however, claimed that over 60 students were injured from both sides. Several purported videos of the violence surfaced on social media, with one them showing a student, Akhtarista Ansari, bleeding from the head. Officials have not confirmed the authenticity of the videos. The JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) alleged that Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad members stopped students from eating non-vegetarian food in the hostel mess and created a violent atmosphere. However, the right-wing denied the charge and claimed that Leftists obstructed a puja programme organised at the hostel on Ram Navami. Both sides accused each other of pelting stones and injuring their members. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Manoj C told PTI that a total of six students have received injuries and have been sent to a hospital. "There is no violence as of now. We are all positioned here with our team. On the request of the university, we have come here. We are trying to maintain peace, he said. "Presently, the situation is peaceful. Both student groups are protesting peacefully. Appropriate legal action will be taken on receipt of a complaint. The situation is peaceful," the senior police officer added. The JNUSU alleged that the ABVP, the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), used muscle power and goondaism" to create a ruckus, manhandled the staff and asked them not to prepare any non-vegetarian items. They were forcing and attacking the mess committee to change the dinner menu and exclude the usual non-vegetarian items in it for all students," it alleged. "JNU and its hostels are meant to be inclusive spaces for all and not one particular section," it said. A student said that the asked the Kaveri Hostel mess committee not to prepare non-vegetarian food for the dinner, but the members refused to comply, saying that students have the choice to have non-vegetarian or vegetarian food on Sundays. In the evening, when the mess committee members were having a meeting with the mess manager, activists barged inside and started attacking them with (Ram Navami) flag stick. Later, residents of Kaveri Hostel sent an SOS message to student office-bearers who reached there but were attacked with stones and sticks, he said. The ABVP, however, rejected the JNUSU's allegations and claimed that Leftists disrupted a pooja and havan organised by students on the occasion of Ram Navami. Some unaffiliated students had organised a pooja and havan programme on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami at 3:30 pm at the Kaveri Hostel. This pooja was joined by a large number of common students of JNU. The Leftists came to object, obstruct and prevent the pooja. They have created a false ruckus on the issue of Right to Food' (Non-Vegetarian Food), they said. The ABVP alleged that the posters of the pooja had been put up three days ago and since then, the members of the and the Congress-affiliated National Students' Union of India (NSUI) were threatening and saying they won't allow it to be held. There is no angle of the . Ten to 12 activists of ABVP have been injured. When students were coming out after the pooja, they were caught unawares as student from the outfits started pelting stones and attacking us with sticks," said the ABVP. The incident brought back the memories of January 5, 2020 violence on the campus when a mob of masked men had stormed the campus and targeted students in three hostels, unleashing mayhem with sticks, stones and iron rods, hitting inmates and breaking windows, furniture and personal belongings. At least 28 people, including JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh, were injured as chaos reigned on the campus for nearly two hours. The Delhi Police had came under attack for not acting when the mob was running riot on the campus, and especially for naming student union leaders, including Ghosh, in the two FIRs related to vandalism on the campus. (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.) Lu, 99, was a long-time resident at Shanghai's Donghai Elderly Care hospital, her loved ones secure that she was getting round-the-clock care at the city's largest such centre. That was before COVID-19 struck China's biggest city last month, the country's worst outbreak since the virus emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, infecting multiple patients, doctors and care workers at the 1,800-bed facility. Orderlies posted cries for help on social media, saying they were overwhelmed. Relatives told Reuters that there had been several deaths. Lu, whose relatives asked that she be identified only by her surname, had coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. She caught COVID and, though she had no symptoms, was being transferred to an isolation facility, her family was told on March 25. She died there seven days later, the cause of death listed as her underlying medical conditions, her granddaughter said. Among the questions she has about Lu's final days was why elderly patients had to be quarantined separately, away from the care workers most familiar with their conditions under China's quarantine rules. Her frustrations reflect those of many with China's no-tolerance COVID policy. Everyone testing positive must quarantine in specialised isolation sites, whether they show symptoms or not. has become a test case for the country's strict policy. Home quarantine is not an option and, until public outrage prompted a change, was separating COVID-positive children from their parents. From March 1 to April 9, China's financial hub reported some 180,000 locally transmitted infections, 96% of which were asymptomatic. It reported no deaths for the period. A Donghai staffer who answered the phone on Sunday declined to answer questions, directing Reuters to another department, which did not respond to repeated calls. Asked for comment, the government sent a local media report with a first-person account of life at one of the quarantine centres. The unidentified author said he wanted to dispel fears that such sites were terrible, saying he received ample meals and medicine but recommending people bring earplugs and eye masks. The authorities did not offer further comment. The United States has raised concerns about China's COVID approach, advising its citizens on Friday to reconsider travel to China "due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and COVID-19 restrictions." Beijing dismissed the U.S. concerns as "groundless accusations". 'DIDN'T DARE BELIEVE IT' When Lu was being quarantined, the family asked, "Who is going to care for her? Will there be care workers, doctors?," her granddaughter said. "My grandmother is not someone who can live independently. "If the care worker had COVID and no symptoms, why couldn't they stay together?," she said. "The chaos and tragedies happening in Shanghai this time really boil down to cruel policies." A relative of Donghai patient Shen Peiying, who gave his surname as Qiu, said he believes the quarantine policy contributed to the April 3 death of the bedridden 72-year-old. She had not caught COVID, he said, citing test records he saw on China's health app. After weeks of little communication, staff rang to say Shen had died from a chest infection. Qiu has refused to consent to her cremation, citing such unanswered questions as what care she received after her regular care worker was quarantined. "If they were all in quarantine, who was there to take care of the patients?," Qiu said. Shanghai is doubling down on the quarantine policy, converting schools, recently finished apartment blocks and vast exhibition halls into centres, the largest of which can hold 50,000 people. Authorities said last week they have set up over 60 such facilities. These steps, including sending patients to quarantine sites in neighbouring provinces, have been greeted by the public with a mixture of awe at their speed and horror over conditions, prompting some Shanghai residents to call for home quarantine to be allowed. While Chinese state media has shown hospitals with just two or three patients per room, patients like those sent to Shanghai's giant exhibition centres say they live side by side with thousands of strangers, without walls or showers and with ceiling lights on at all hours. Videos on Chinese social media have shown hastily converted quarantine sites, including a ramshackle vacant factory where a number of camping beds were placed, a site made out of shipping containers and a school with a poster saying blankets and hot water were not available. A source verified the first video. Reuters could not independently verify the others. Management of such sites has been a concern. One viral video last week showed patients at a site called the Nanhui makeshift hospital fighting for supplies. Reuters could not reach the facility on Sunday for comment. Among those posting on social media was Shanghai resident Li Tong, who asked for help after his wife was sent there. He said things got better when more staff arrived to organise the patients but that he was shocked by what the videos showed and what his wife told him. "I didn't dare believe it, that Shanghai in 2022 could be like this," he said. every year are required to submit to the Election Commission of India the details of donors who have contributed above Rs 20,000 in a financial year (between April 1 and March 31). Parties provide details of the name, address, PAN, mode of payment, and amount contributed by each donor who has made a donation above Rs 20,000 in their submission. A 2014 report by the (ADR), democracy watchdog, said various sectors of business houses in 8 years, between the financial year 2004-05 (FY05) and FY12, donated a total of Rs 378.89 crore to national parties, constituting 87 per cent of the contribution from known sources of . Its latest report (published on April 4) analyses donations from companies (above Rs 20,000) to national parties for FY20. considered in this report are the Bharatiya Janata Party, Indian National Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and All India Trinamool Congress. The Bahujan Samaj Party has declared that it received no voluntary contributions above Rs 20,000 from any donor since 2004. CPI did not declare any income from companies for FY20. AITC became a national party only in 2016. National parties received the maximum corporate donations of Rs 921.95 cr in the FY 2019-20 (during which the 17th Lok Sabha elections were held), followed by Rs 881.26 cr in the FY 2018-19 and Rs 573.18 cr in the FY 2014-15 (during which the 16th Lok Sabha elections were held). Between FY 2012-13 and 2019-20, donations from corporate houses to national parties increased by 1024%, with a drop in the percentage of corporate donations in FY 2015-16. Source: ADR The (CBI) on Sunday apprehended one more person in connection with the Birbhum killings, taking the total number of arrests made by the agency in the case to five, an official said. The accused, identified as Samir Sheikh, a resident of Bogtui village, was called by sleuths for questioning on Sunday morning, he said. "This man's name cropped up every time we spoke with eye-witnesses. Today, he was giving us different versions and trying to confuse us. We arrested him and will continue questioning him," the official said. Earlier, the had arrested four accused people from Mumbai. The West Bengal Police had further arrested 22 people for their alleged involvement in the case. All of them are presently in CBI custody. Nine people died of burn injuries after assailants threw petrol bombs at several houses in Bogtui village near Rampurhat town on March 21 following the murder of local leader Bhadu Sheikh. A Special Investigation Team constituted by the state government was earlier probing the case, which was later handed over to the CBI as per the Calcutta High Court's order. (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.) Amid the euphoria of India clocking the highest ever of over $50 billion in FY22, basmati rice, one of the countrys oldest anchors in farm exports, seems to have fallen off the radar screen. For the third consecutive year, basmati rice exports saw a fall over the previous year in value terms, according to provisional figures. In 2021-22, India exported basmati rice worth $3.53 billion, the lowest since 2019-20. What has brought about this fall and could there be a way to resurrect this vital farm export from India? Though India is still the worlds largest exporter of basmati rice and its long-aromatic grain, smooth texture, and special qualities have made it one of the most signature food items of the country, the continued fall in export should merit a deeper introspection. Experts said the reasons were multiple, including the loss of some traditional markets like Iran, fungicide problems in the European Union, and a drop in acreage due to equal or even better returns from competing rice varieties. There is a rise in domestic demand for basmati rice while in some areas due to increase in minimum support price, the basmati acreage has been overtaken by non-basmati rice, which is contributing to the fall in exports, M Angamuthu, chairman, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, said. In a paper presented last year, S Chandrasekaran, leading trade policy analyst and author of the book Basmati Rice: The Natural History Geographical Indications, wrote the price difference between basmati rice and common rice in 1940 was 569 per cent, based on British India documents. Between 1995-96 and 2020-21, the price difference between the minimum support price of fine paddy and basmati rice has fallen from 153 per cent to 20 per cent. If the price difference of traditional Basmati rice and fine paddy varieties had been maintained to an appropriate level, the farmers may not have adopted evolved Basmati rice varieties. Now Minimum Support Price of Fine Paddy varieties are inching to find equilibrium with Basmati paddy price. This could be the point of no return in view of niche status, if it converges, Chandrasekaran wrote. Sources say in the past two-three years around 20 per cent area has shifted from basmati rice to non-basmati rice in the main producing states of Punjab, Haryana, and the foothills of the Himalayas due to reduced price differentials. Another reason for this slowdown in exports has been the stopping of purchases by Iran (one of the big markets for Indian basmati) due to US sanctions, which is a straightaway annual loss of almost 1.2 million tonnes, Chandrasekaran said. He said basmati sales to the EU, which used to be 500,000 tonnes a year, had dropped to 150,000-200,000 tonnes due to rising problems related to high levels of fungicide. PUSA-1121 (which is one of the most common basmati rice varieties produced in India) does not qualify for duty rebate from the EU. Much of this market is slowly shifting to Pakistan, Indias primary rival in the global basmati trade. In the past two years, the overall global markets were down and basmati rice, being a premium product purchased by niche consumers, will find fewer takers than mass items do, Chandrasekaran said. Apex industry body has asserted that spectrum pricing should be kept conducive to market conditions as entails upfront capital investments with monetisation spread over a long-haul, and pricing radiowaves high will only push the players up against the wall. The stage is set for Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to come out with its recommendations on spectrum pricing and other modalities for upcoming auctions, and the announcement from the sector watchdog is expected anytime now. Norms will also be worked out for new frequencies such as 526-698 MHz and millimetre band, that is 24.25 - 28.5 GHz, in addition to bands such as 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300-3670 MHz. The auction can be conducted within 2-2.5 months of regulator coming out with spectrum recommendations, which would put the mega-event in the ballpark of June timeframe, a department source said. The industry has been aggressively pitching for a drastic 80-90 per cent cut in prices of spectrum for next-generation services, which will usher in ultra high-speeds and spawn new-age services and business models. Advocating lower prices for spectrum, Director General, SP Kochhar told PTI: " does not have any use cases which can be monetised in a quarter, so it is going to be a long-haul. At the same time, the capital investments have to be made in a particular period of time." It is pertinent to mention here that last time around, TRAI had suggested Rs 492 crore per MHz for spectrum in prime 5G band of 3300-3600 MHz, which meant that a mobile operator going for 100 MHz needed to shell out a whopping Rs 49,200 crore for all-India spectrum. However, frequencies in this band were not put up for auction in the previous round, as the frequency range could not be vacated in time and the base price of the radiowaves in the spectrum band was seen to be very expensive for 5G services. In March 2021, the government went ahead with auction of spectrum in 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz bands. A total of 2,308.80 MHz spectrum worth Rs 4 lakh crore at reserve price in different bands were put on the block, of which 855.60 MHz quantum was sold in the auction, resulting in total winning bids worth Rs 77,820.81 crore. No bids were received in 700 MHz and 2500 MHz bands. Kochhar said that pegging the prices high this time around would push the telcos in a difficult situation, to say the least. "If telcos have to pay high price for spectrum, their back will be to the wall...," Kochhar said. Cellular Operators' Association of India (COAI's) members include Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea. According to Kochhar, the benefits that would accrue to industries across-the-board with advent of 5G, would far outweigh the realisations from spectrum auctions, per se. And while 5G will see consumer and enterprise applications, the uptake on consumer side will be a whole lot faster. "Government must not miss the woods for the trees and therefore they must see it (auction, pricing) in its entirety, in the long-term. They must go for spectrum pricing that is conducive to the market conditions...as per our discussions with our members, it should be reduced by 80-90 per cent on all bands," Kochhar said. Telecom regulator, TRAI, in November-end last year, had released a detailed consultation paper to discuss threadbare the modalities for auction of spectrum across multiple bands, including pricing, quantum and other conditions -- preparing the groundwork for upcoming 5G auctions. The spectrum auctions are slated to be conducted in 2022, to facilitate the rollout of 5G mobile services within 2022-23, by private telecom providers. TRAI's recommendations will touch on crucial aspects like valuation and reserve price of spectrum, including 5G, quantum of spectrum, block size, eligibility conditions for participation in auction, rollout obligations, spectrum cap, and surrender of spectrum. Telecom service providers are conducting 5G trials in Delhi, Mumbai, Jamnagar, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Gurgugram, Gandhinagar, Chandigarh, Pune and Varanasi including urban, semi-urban and rural areas. (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.) Russian President appointed a new Army General Alexander Dvornikov, commander of Russia's Southern Military District, to lead the war in Ukraine as Moscow's military failed to capture Kyiv. Dvornikov has been named theater commander of Russia's military campaign in Ukraine. There is speculation that Russia's general has a goal of representing Putin with some battlefield progress ahead of the 'Victory Day' on May 9, CNN reported on Sunday citing Military analysts and US officials familiar with intelligence assessments. May 9 'Victory Day' is the most significant day in as it marks the anniversary of the Soviet Union's triumph over Germany in the Second World War. The European official described the "Victory Day' as a "self-imposed deadline," and added that it could lead the Russians to make additional mistakes or potentially can lead Russian forces to commit more atrocities, as allegedly happened in the Bucha. According to UK military intelligence update on Saturday, Russia's departure from northern Ukraine shows evidence of non-combatants being disproportionately targeted. United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence says that the Russian troops were withdrawn from northern Ukraine, according to CNN reported on April 8. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Air Force gave information that 13 Russian aerial targets have been destroyed on Saturday, according to Ukraine's local media outlet. "Ukrainian airforce: 13 Russian aerial targets destroyed. lost five UAVs, four missiles, three airplanes, and one helicopter on April 9, according to the Air Force Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces," The Kyiv independent tweeted. A day earlier, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Saturday. Johnson said that he has traveled to Ukraine to meet President Zelenskyy in person and show solidarity with the Ukrainian people. "Today I met my friend President @ZelenskyyUa in Kyiv as a show of our unwavering support for the people of Ukraine. We're setting out a new package of financial & military aid which is a testament of our commitment to his country's struggle against Russia's barbaric campaign," Johnson tweeted. (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.) Australia's prime minister has called for a May election that will be fought on issues including Chinese economic coercion, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister on Sunday advised Governor-General David Hurley as representative of Australia's head of state, Queen Elizabeth II, to set the election date. Morrison will announce later on Sunday that will go to the polls on May 14 or May 21. Morrison's conservative coalition is seeking a fourth three-year term. Morrison led his government to a narrow victory at the last election in 2019 despite opinion polls consistently placing the centre-left opposition Australian Labor Party ahead. The Liberal Party-led coalition is again behind in most opinion polls, but many analysts predict a tight result. The last election occurred in the hottest and driest year had ever experienced. The year ended with devastating wildfires across Australia's southeast that directly killed 33 people and more than 400 others through smoke. The fires also destroyed more than 3,000 homes and razed 19 million hectares (47 million acres) of farmland and forests during the Southern Hemisphere summer. Morrison was widely criticized for taking a secret family vacation to Hawaii at the height of the crisis while his hometown Sydney was blanketed in toxic smoke. He cut his vacation short due to the public backlash, but was further criticized over his explanation for his absence: "I don't hold a hose." His government was criticized for its responses to the fires and also record flooding this year in some of the same areas in Australia's southeast that were razed two years earlier. Both the government and opposition have set a target of net zero carbon gas emissions by 2050. Morrison was widely criticized at the UN climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland, in November for failing to set more ambitious targets for the end of the decade. The government aims to reduce emissions by 26 per cent to 28 per cent below 2005 levels, while other countries have made steeper commitments. The Australian Labor Party has promised to reduce emissions by 43 per cent by 2030. was initially successful in containing the death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic largely through restrictions on travel. But the more contagious delta and omicron variants have proved more difficult to contain. The opposition criticized the government over the pace of Australia's vaccine rollout, which was derided as a "stroll out," as it fell months behind schedule. Australia's population is now one of the most vaccinated in the world. The government has defended its pandemic record and takes credit for Australia having the third-lowest death toll among the 38 Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation countries. With China imposing official and unofficial trade sanctions against Australia in recent years, the government argues that Beijing wants Labor to win the election because the party was less likely to stand up to economic coercion. Labor takes credit for thwarting the government's plan in 2014 to sign an extradition treaty with China. Bilateral relations have since deteriorated, and the government now warns that Australians risk arbitrary detention if they visit China. Several experts say both sides of are largely united on national security issues and that the government in confecting differences on China. "The government is seeking to create the perception of a difference between it and the opposition on a critical national security issue, that is China, seeking to create the perception of a difference when none in practice exists," said Dennis Richardson, a former head of Defense, Foreign Affairs and the spy agency Australian Security Intelligence Organization and the former Australian ambassador to the United States. "That is not in the national interest. That only serves the interests of one country and that is China," Richardson added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A grave with at least two civilian bodies has been found in Buzova village near Kyiv, a Ukrainian official said, the latest reported grave discovered after Russian forces withdrew from areas north of the capital to focus their assault on the east. Taras Didych, head of the Dmytrivka community that includes Buzova, told Ukrainian television earlier that a grave with dozens of bodies had been found in a ditch near a petrol station. "Right now, as we are speaking, we are digging out two bodies of villagers, who were killed. Other details I cannot disclose," Didych told Reuters by telephone. "There are other people who we cannot find. They could be in different places, but this doesn't lessen the pain of the loss of loved ones." Reuters was not immediately able to confirm the report. Mounting civilian casualties have triggered widespread condemnation and new sanctions, in particular over hundreds of deaths in the town of Bucha, to the northwest of Kyiv that until just over a week ago was occupied by Russian forces. Moscow has rejected accusations of war crimes by Ukraine and Western countries. It has denied targeting civilians in what it calls a "special operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" its southern neighbour. Ukraine and Western nations have dismissed this as a baseless pretext for war. Russia has failed to take any major cities since invading on Feb. 24 but Ukraine says Russia is gathering its forces in the east for a major assault and has urged people to flee. Russia is seeking to establish a land corridor from Crimea, which it annexed in 2014, and the eastern Donbas region, which is partly held by Moscow-backed separatists, Britain's defence ministry said. Russian armed forces are also looking to strengthen troop numbers with personnel discharged from military service since 2012, it said in a regular intelligence update on Sunday. Satellite images released by private U.S. firm Maxar dated April 8 showed armoured vehicles and trucks in a military convoy moving south toward Donbas through a town some 100 kilometres (62 miles) east of Kharkiv. Some cities in the east are under heavy shelling with tens of thousands of people unable to evacuate. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in an address late on Saturday Russia's use of force was "a catastrophe that will inevitably hit everyone." Ukraine was ready to fight for victory while looking for a diplomatic end to the war, he said, and renewed his appeal to Western allies for a total ban on Russian energy products and more weapons for Ukraine. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson met Zelenskiy in Kyiv on Saturday and pledged armoured vehicles and anti-ship missile systems, alongside support for World Bank loans and Britain's commitment to move away from using Russian fossil fuels. The European Union, which on Friday banned Russian coal imports among other products, has yet to touch oil and gas imports from Russia. Ukraine itself late on Saturday announced a full ban on imports from Russia, its key trading partner before the war with some $6 billion in annual imports. "The enemy's budget will not receive these funds, which will reduce its potential to finance the war," Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote on Facebook. Johnson was the latest foreign leader to visit Kyiv after Russian forces pulled back from the area, marking a return to some degree of normality for the capital. Italy said it planned to re-open its embassy this month. NINE TRAINS But in the east, calls by Ukrainian officials for civilians to flee gained more urgency after a missile struck a train station in the city of Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region, packed with women, children and the elderly trying to get out. Ukrainian officials said more than 50 people were killed in Friday's strike. Russia has denied responsibility, saying the missiles used in the attack were only used by Ukraine's military. The United States says it believes Russian forces were responsible. Reuters was unable to verify the details of attack. Residents of the region of Luhansk would have nine trains on Sunday to get out on, the region's governor, Serhiy Gaidai, wrote on the Telegram message service. Russia's invasion has forced about a quarter of Ukraine's 44 million people from their homes, with more than 4 million fleeing abroad, turned cities into rubble and killed or injured thousands. Former US President Donald has accused US President of causing a major spike in prices long before the Ukraine crisis began. "What's happening is unthinkable," told his supporters at the Saturday rally in Selma, North Carolina. "Remember energy independent? We had so much we would have been double the size of Russia and Saudi Arabia put together within one year." recalled that under his presidency, was at less than $2 per gallon in the US. Now, Americans are switching to smaller cars amid surging gas prices. "Long before Ukraine, Biden sent gas prices soaring with the fringe left-wing energy policies inspired by the socialist joke known as the Green New Deal. Windmills. We want windmills all over the place, I don't see any windmills here... If you're near a windmill and you have a house, your house is like pretty much worthless, kills all the birds, ruins your landscapes, and is the most expensive form of energy there is," Trump said. According to the former president, oil prices are at a record historic high now and the Biden administration plans to buy oil from Iran and Venezuela. National fuel prices in the US have been surging for the past month amid the Russian special military operation in Ukraine and a cascade of sanctions imposed on Moscow that followed it. Last week, the Biden administration announced that it will release a record of 1.0 million barrels per day of oil from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) over the next six months to alleviate a global supply crunch with a total of 180 million barrels to be added to the market to support the supply. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister has travelled to the conflict-torn Ukrainian capital of Kyiv to demonstrate that the UK stands unwaveringly with Ukraine and offered fresh financial and military support to the country. During his visit on Saturday, he held in-depth discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on military and economic assistance and set out new military assistance of 120 armoured vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems, to support Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukraine has defied the odds and pushed back Russian forces from the gates of Kyiv, achieving the greatest feat of arms of the 21st century, said Johnson. It is because of President Zelenskyy's resolute leadership and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people that Putin's monstrous aims are being thwarted. I made clear today that the United Kingdom stands unwaveringly with them in this ongoing fight, and we are in it for the long run, he said. We are stepping up our own military and economic support and convening a global alliance to bring this tragedy to an end, and ensure Ukraine survives and thrives as a free and sovereign nation, he added. The latest supply of military equipment to Ukraine is in addition to 100 million pounds worth of high-grade military equipment announced on Friday, including more Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles, another 800 anti-tank missiles, and high-tech loitering munitions for precision strikes. The UK Prime Minister also confirmed further economic support, guaranteeing an additional USD 500 million in World Bank lending to Ukraine, taking our total loan guarantee to up to USD 1 billion. This comes alongside the 394 million pounds the UK said it has provided in grant aid and will help ensure the continued running of vital humanitarian services for Ukrainians. Downing Street said the UK has also responded to the request of the Ukrainian government by liberalising all tariffs on imports from Ukraine and providing customs easements, as part of our commitment to the country's economic stability. Zelensky welcomed the UK's "decisive and significant support" for his country and urged other Western allies to intensify the pressure on Moscow. "We have to exert pressure in the form of sanctions. It is time to impose a complete embargo on Russian energy resources. They should increase the amount of weapons being supplied," he said. Zelensky has called on the community to hold to account Russian forces who carried out the missile strike on Kramatorsk station, which was packed with women and children trying to flee the area. The has denied responsibility for the attack. (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 grave with dozens of Ukrainians civilians has been found in Buzova village near Kyiv, an official said, the latest reported mass grave to be discovered as Russian forces retreat from their offensive on the capital and focus their assault on the east. Taras Didych, head of the Dmytrivka community that includes Buzova, told Ukrainian television that the bodies were found in a ditch near a petrol station. The number of dead had yet to be confirmed. "Now we are returning to life but during the occupation we had our 'hotspots', many civilians died," Didych said on Saturday. Reuters was not immediately able to confirm the report. Mounting civilian casualties have triggered a new wave of condemnation, in particular over hundreds of deaths in the town of Bucha, to the northwest of Kyiv that until last week was occupied by Russian forces. and the West have accused Russian forces of war crimes in Bucha. has denied targeting civilians in what it calls a "special operation" to demilitarize and "denazify" its southern neighbour. and Western nations have dismissed this as a baseless pretext for war. has failed to take one major city since the start of the invasion on Feb. 24 but says is gathering its forces in the east for a major assault and has urged people to flee. Britain's defence ministry said Russia was seeking to establish a land corridor from Crimea, which it annexed in 2014, and the eastern Donbas region, which is partly held by Moscow-backed separatists. Some cities there are under heavy shelling with tens of thousands of people unable to evacuate. "This will be a hard battle, we believe in this fight and our victory. We are ready to simultaneously fight and look for diplomatic ways to put an end to this war," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in an address late on Saturday. Zelenskiy said Russia's use of force was "a catastrophe that will inevitably hit everyone". "Russian aggression was not intended to be limited to Ukraine alone ... the whole European project is a target for Russia," he said. "Russia can still afford to live in illusions and bring new military forces and new equipment to our land. And that means we need even more sanctions and even more weapons for our state." Zelenskiy called on the West to impose a complete embargo on Russian energy products and to supply Ukraine with more weapons. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson met Zelenskiy in Kyiv on Saturday and pledged armoured vehicles and anti-ship missile systems, along with additional support for World Bank loans. Britain will also ratchet up its sanctions on Russia and move away from using Russian hydrocarbons. Johnson, speaking to reporters with Zelenskiy, said support for Ukraine was intended to ensure it "can never be bullied again, never will be blackmailed again, never will be threatened in the same way again". Johnson was the latest foreign leader to visit Kyiv after Russian forces pulled back from the area. The visits are a sign that Kyiv is returning to some degree of normality. Some residents are coming back and cafes and restaurants are reopening. Italy said it planned to re-open its embassy this month. NINE TRAINS But in the east, calls by Ukrainian officials for civilians to flee have been given a greater sense of urgency by a missile attack on Friday on a train station in the city of Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region, crowded with women, children and the elderly trying to get out. Ukrainian officials said more than 50 people were killed. Russia has denied responsibility, saying the missiles used in the attack were only used by Ukraine's military. The United States says it believes Russian forces were responsible. Reuters was unable to verify the details of attack. Kramatorsk Mayor Oleksander Honcharenko said he expected just 50,000 to 60,000 of the city's population of 220,000 to remain as people flee. Residents of the besieged region of Luhansk would have nine trains on Sunday to get out on, the region's governor, Serhiy Gaidai, wrote on the Telegram message service. British military intelligence said that Russia's retreat from the capital region revealed "disproportionate" targeting of civilians. Russia's invasion has forced about a quarter of Ukraine's 44 million people from their homes, turned cities into rubble and killed or injured thousands. The European Union on Friday adopted new sanctions against Russia, including bans on the import of coal, wood, chemicals and other products. Oil and gas imports from Russia remain untouched. Ukraine has banned all imports from Russia, a key trading partners before the war with annual imports valued at about $6 billion. "The enemy's budget will not receive these funds, which will reduce its potential to finance the war," Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote on her Facebook page. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After its striking post-invasion setbacks, Russia has appointed a new Ukraine war commander, a US official said Sunday. Russia has turned to Gen. Alexander Dvornikov, 60, one of Russia's most experienced military officers and according to US officials a general with a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and other war theatres. The senior official who identified the new commander was not authorised to be identified and spoke on condition of anonymity. But the White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said no appointment of any general can erase the fact that Russia has already faced a strategic failure in Ukraine. Two killed, several injured by shelling Two people were killed and several injured on Sunday in the Ukrainian town of Derhachy in the northeastern Kharkiv region, regional governor Oleh Synyehubov said in a Facebook post. Russian forces had carried out 66 artillery attacks across several regions the governor said. Ukrainians found in grave A grave with dozens of civilians has been found in Buzova village near Kyiv, a Ukrainian official said, the latest reported mass grave to be discovered after Russian forces withdrew from areas north of the capital to focus their assault on the east. As the people of woke up to a new dawn on Sunday, the details of the gruelling and murky political activities in the preceding day and night have emerged, showing the country may have averted a damning showdown between ousted prime minister and the powerful Army. According to various media reports, Khan made a botched attempt to replace Army chief in order to bring someone more pliant and sympathetic to his idea of foreign conspiracy and cling on to power. BBC Urdu reported that a helicopter carrying two uninvited guests landed in the Prime Minister's House in the night and were escorted by Army soldiers to the interior of the palatial building. They two met alone for 45 minutes with Khan. No details were officially provided about the meeting but it was not held in a cordial atmosphere, the report said. The Prime Minister had issued orders an hour ago to remove one of the high officials who came to meet him. So the uninvited arrival of these guests was unexpected for the Prime Minister. was waiting for a helicopter but those arriving on the helicopter were against his estimate and expectations, according to the report. It further said that Khan was expecting that the helicopter would bring his newly appointed official whose arrival would put down all political disturbance. It also reported that the attempted effort for a change failed as the defence ministry did not issue the necessary notification for the new appointment. The BBC did not identify the uninvited guest but the choice of words, tenor and tone of the report unmistakably show that they could be the Army chief General Bajwa and ISI chief Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum. has struggled with political instability since its formation in 1947 with multiple regime changes and military coups. No prime minister has ever completed a full five-year term in office. On Saturday, Khan became the first prime minister in Pakistan's history to be ousted in a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly. It also reported that a petition was prepared by Advocate Adnan Iqbal to challenge the possible removal of Gen. Bajwa as Army chief. The Islamabad High Court was opened in the night to take up the matter forthwith if the notification was issued by the ministry of defence. Separately, The Express Tribune newspaper reported that an emergency petition was filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Saturday night, seeking to restrain Prime Minister Khan from de-notifying Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Bajwa. The petition read that it was filed to "uphold the enforcement and mandatory constitutional provision with regard to identification of term" of the Army chief. The BBC report showed that the petition was ready but not filed for a technical reason as it needed the number of the official notification to change the Army chief, which eventually was not issued. However, Khan in a meeting with a group of his favourite journalists, told them that there was no truth in the rumour that he was trying to replace the Army chief. The truth is that the country was on the edge and survived a major crisis. The Supreme Court also decided to open its gates and Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial arrived at the apex court to immediately take action in a legal crisis. The Opposition also prepared two petitions to file at the end of the deadline after midnight. One petition was about the contempt of court by Speaker Asad Qaiser and other officials and another was for implementation of the court order to hold voting on the no-confidence motion. Khan had been meeting his top officials and political advisors till the very end. He held an emergency Cabinet meeting and also met twice with Speaker Qaisar, who after coming back from the second meeting resigned at around 11:45 PM. It paved the way for the voting before the end of the day as directed by the Supreme Court and averted the chaos. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As the people of woke up to a new dawn on Sunday, the details of the gruelling and murky political activities in the preceding day and night have emerged, showing the country may have averted a damning showdown between ousted prime minister and the powerful Army. According to various media reports, Imran made a botched attempt to replace Army chief in order to bring someone more pliant and sympathetic to his idea of foreign conspiracy and cling on to power. Imrans aide raided Hours after ouster, Imrans close aides house was raided and his familys mobile phones were confiscated, the PTI has alleged. Dr Arsalan Khalid had worked as the focal person for Khan on the digital media team since 2019. He had spearheaded the social media campaigns for multiple historic events, including the Digital Media Campaign for General Election 2018. Pak Immigration authorities on high alert Pakistan's premier investigation agency FIA has put its immigration staff at all airports on high alert with a directive to stop any government official linked to the regime from travelling abroad without a No-Objection Certificate, a media report said. FIA officer probing against Sharif goes on leave A top officer of Pakistan's top investigative agency who was probing the PKR 14 billion money laundering charges against Shehbaz Sharif has gone on leave for indefinite period. Shehbaz Sharif, the joint opposition's candidate for the post of prime minister, on Sunday vowed that the new government in want to "move forward" and not indulge in " of revenge". Addressing the National Assembly soon after 174 lawmakers voted in favour of the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan after a day of high drama in the lower house of Parliament, the President of Muslim League-Nawaz, said that no one would interfere in the affairs of law and justice and would run the institutions together. "I don't want to go back to bitterness of the past. We want to forget them and move forward. We will not take revenge or do injustice; we will not send people to jail for no reason, law and justice will take its course," the 70-year-old former chief minister of Punjab province said. The younger brother of PML-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif gratitude to other Opposition leaders, including Asif Ali Zardari and Maulana Fazlur Rehman, for their relentless struggle for upholding the rule of law and constitution which, he added, had finally yielded fruits. Nawaz Sharif, 72, was first disqualified and then convicted on corruption charges. His younger brother, Shehbaz, is also accused of corruption. But the Sharif brothers have dismissed the allegations of corruption as "politically motivated" by the government led by Khan. In his address, Peoples Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said he would like to congratulate the whole nation and the House, as for the first time in the history of the country, a no-confidence motion has succeeded and we have made history. He recalled what had happened on April 10, adding that on this day, the country approved the 1973 Constitution. "On April 10, 1986, Benazir Bhutto ended her self-imposed exile and arrived in Lahore to launch her struggle against Ziaul Haq," said Bilawal, son of Pakistan's first woman prime minister and ex-president Zardari. On April 10, 2022, the person who was declared "selected by the Opposition and proved himself to be an undemocratic burden on the country saw the end of his rule, he said, referring to Khan. Today [on] April 20, 2022, we welcome [you] back to the purana Pakistan, said Bilawal, in a jibe at Khan following the adoption of a no-confidence vote against him. Khan, who came to power in 2018 with promises to create a Naya Pakistan', was unceremoniously removed from the office, becoming the first premier in the country's history to be ousted through a no-trust motion. I have a message for the Pakistani youth that they should never give up on their dreams as nothing is impossible. Democracy is the best revenge. Pakistan Zindabad, said Bilawal. (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 Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to withdraw its lawmakers from the National Assembly and launch a movement against the upcoming government, which is likely to be headed by PML-N's Shehbaz Sharif. In a news briefing after the party meeting, former minister Fawad Chaudhry said that party MNAs will submit en masse resignations and the party will launch a movement against the upcoming government, Samaa TV reported. "The core committee has recommended to that we should resign from the Assemblies. We are starting from the National Assembly. If our objections against Shehbaz Sharif's nomination papers are not (entertained), we will submit the resignations tomorrow (on Monday). Tonight (Sunday night), the parliamentary committee meeting has been called at Banigala. Most of parliamentary party members have already handed over their resignations to the Prime Minister. In the next, phase we will ask them to submit more resignations," he added. PTI's Babar Awan has raised objections over Shehbaz Sharif's nomination papers. On the other hand, the PTI has nominated Shah Mahmood Qureshi as its candidate for the Prime Minister's slot, Chaudhry told reporters at the briefing. He said that the PTI rejects the "illegal" government to be formed after Imran Khan's removal. He said that the party would announce a "comprehensive" agitation plan and within a few weeks, the country will be led to fresh general elections. There is no other solution to this crisis but to hold fresh elections, he said. will launch a protest movement from Peshawar in a few days. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's Opposition leader on Sunday nominated himself for the post of prime minister after the ouster of Imran Khan, whose party threatened to withdraw its lawmakers from Parliament if the former Punjab chief minister was allowed to contest the election for the top post on Monday. The process of electing the new leader of the house began on Sunday after Khan was removed from office through a no-confidence vote, becoming the first premier in the country's history to be sent home after losing the trust of the House. The joint Opposition - a rainbow of socialist, liberal and radically religious parties - has nominated 70-year-old Sharif for the premier's post while ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was named by Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as its candidate. The nomination papers of Sharif, Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president have been accepted by the National Assembly Secretariat after objections raised by the PTI were rejected. Qureshi's nomination papers were also accepted. Senior PTI leader Babar Awan challenged Sharif's candidature, saying that the PML-N chief faced several court cases. Meanwhile, the PTI has decided to withdraw its lawmakers from the National Assembly and launch a movement against the new upcoming government, which is likely to be headed by Sharif, who has served as the Chief Minister of Punjab three times. The core committee has recommended to that we should resign from the assemblies. We are starting from the National Assembly. If our objections against Shehbaz Sharif's nomination papers are not [entertained], we will submit the resignations tomorrow," PTI leader and former minister Fawad Chaudhry told reporters after the party held a core committee meeting at the residence of Khan. Khan's successor will be elected in the National Assembly on Monday and a special session has been summoned. In the house of 342, the winner would need 172 votes to become the new prime minister. On Sunday, the Opposition had mustered 174 votes to ouster Khan. Sharif is expected to be elected the new Leader of the House. In 2019, the National Accountability Bureau had arrested Shehbaz and his son, Hamza Sharif, accusing them of money laundering. It will be a real challenge for Sharif to shepherd the motley herd that also includes four independent candidates and allow Parliament to complete its five-year term that will end in August next year. Before filing nomination, Sharif offered "special thanks" to those who stood up "for the Constitution!" "I don't want to go back to the bitterness of the past. We want to forget them and move forward. We will not take revenge or do injustice; we will not send people to jail for no reason, law and justice will take its course," he said while addressing the National Assembly early Sunday. Ex-president and Peoples Party (PPP) co-chair Asif Ali Zaradri had proposed Sharif's name for prime minister in a joint opposition's meeting. Zardari's son Bilawal Bhutto is likely to be appointed as the new foreign minister. According to media reports, in the run up to the no-trust vote, Khan made a botched attempt to replace Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa in order to bring someone more pliant and sympathetic to his idea of foreign conspiracy and cling on to power. BBC Urdu reported that a helicopter carrying two uninvited guests landed in the PM House on Saturday night and they met alone for 45 minutes with Khan. No details were provided about the meeting but it was not held in a cordial atmosphere, it said. "The Prime Minister had issued orders an hour ago to remove one of the high officials who came to meet him. So the uninvited arrival of these guests was unexpected for the Prime Minister. Khan was waiting for a helicopter but those arriving on the helicopter were against his estimate and expectations, it said. It further added that Khan was expecting that the helicopter would bring his newly appointed official whose arrival would put down all political disturbance. However, the attempted effort for a change failed as the defence ministry did not issue the necessary notification for the new appointment. The BBC did not identify the uninvited guest but the choice of words, tenor and tone of the report unmistakably show that they could be Gen Bajwa and ISI chief Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum. The army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations rejected the BBC Urdu article and termed it as "totally baseless and a pack of lies". Pakistan has struggled with political instability since its formation in 1947 with multiple regime changes and military coups. No prime minister has ever completed a full five-year term. Khan, however, told a group of his favourite journalists that there was no truth in the rumour that he was trying to replace the Army chief. Khan apparently lost support of the powerful Army after he refused to endorse the appointment of the ISI spy agency chief last year. Finally he agreed but it soured his ties with the army, which has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy. Gen Bajwa last week appeared to distance himself from Khan's anti-US stance and said Pakistan wants good relations with Washington, its largest export trading partner and with China, Islamabad's all-weather ally. Khan has been claiming that the Opposition's no-trust motion against him was the result of a foreign conspiracy because of his independent foreign policy. He has named the US as the country behind the conspiracy, a charge denied by Washington. Khan, who came to power in 2018 with promises to create a Naya Pakistan', was dogged by claims of economic mismanagement and his government battled depleting foreign exchange reserves and double-digit inflation. Khan will also chaired a meeting of the party's core committee to announce the future course of action. "Pakistan became an independent state in 1947; but the freedom struggle begins again today against a foreign conspiracy of regime change. It is always the people of the country who defend their sovereignty & democracy," Khan tweeted in his first comments since his ouster. He is expected to address his supporters here later this evening. On Friday, Khan had said that he will not accept an "imported government" in Pakistan. (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.) Thousands of Sri Lankans rallied in the country's main business district and Christian clergy marched in the capital to observe a day of protest on Saturday calling on the debt-ridden nation's president to resign, as anxiety and anger over shortages simmered. Protesters carrying national flags and placards, some bemoaning the hardships through songs, blamed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his administration for mismanaging the crisis. He has remained steadfast in refusing to step down even after most of his Cabinet quit and loyal lawmakers rebelled, narrowing a path for him to seek a way out as his team prepares to negotiate with lending institutions. Go home Rajapaksas" and "We need responsible leadership, read the placards. The protest also included a large number of youngsters who had organised themselves through social media and refuse to accept any political leadership. Many carried signs, saying You messed with the wrong generation! The protesters stayed around the president's office and vowed not to leave until their mission is accomplished. For months, Sri Lankans have stood in long lines to buy fuel, cooking gas, food and medicines, most of which come from abroad and are paid for in hard currency. The fuel shortage has caused rolling power cuts lasting several hours a day. The Indian Ocean island nation is on the brink of bankruptcy, saddled with USD 25 billion foreign debt over the next five years nearly USD 7 billion of which is due this year alone and dwindling foreign reserves. Talks with the Monetary Fund are expected later this month, and the government had turned to China and India for emergency loans to buy food and fuel. Much of the anger expressed by weeks of growing protests has been directed at Rajapaksa and his elder brother, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who head an influential clan that has been in power for most of the past two decades. Five other family members are lawmakers, three of whom resigned as ministers last Sunday. Thakshila Jayasinghe, a 35-year-old lawyer who joined the protest, said that she felt sorry for voting for Rajapaksa in the 2019 presidential election. I wonder what sin I have committed by voting for this president when I see the people suffer," she said. Reports said that at least four elderly people have died while standing in lines for hours trying to buy cooking gas or kerosene oil. Jayasinghe said she voted for Rajapaksa believing he was the best candidate to restore national security following the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks that killed more than 260 people. The attacks, blamed on local Muslim militants with ties to the Islamic State group, also shattered the tourism industry, alongside the pandemic, depriving of hard currency. At the same time, critics accuse Rajapaksa of borrowing heavily to finance projects that earn no money, such as a port facility built with Chinese loans. Catholic clergy and lay people joined a rally from the martyrs cemetery in Negombo, north of the capital Colombo, where more than 100 people who died in the suicide attacks in the area's St. Sebastian's Church are buried. They protested the economic crisis as well as the government's alleged failure to uncover the conspirators behind the bombings. Today the country needs a major change and a new beginning, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the archbishop of Colombo, told protesters. We ask from every citizen of this country to come together and change this system. To get together and tell these people to leave. It's enough now, it's enough destroying the country, now leave and hand it over to someone who can govern this country, he said. The protest later moved near the Anglican cathedral in Colombo. The Catholic Church in has been critical of the investigation into the bombings, citing allegations that some members of the state intelligence units knew and met with at least one of the attackers. Rajapaksa earlier proposed the creation of a unity government following the Cabinet resignations, but the main opposition party rejected the idea. Parliament has failed to reach a consensus on how to deal with the crisis after nearly 40 governing coalition lawmakers said they would no longer vote according to coalition instructions, significantly weakening the government. With opposition parties divided, they too have not been able to show majority and take control of Parliament. (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.) Chancellor has moved his belongings out of Downing Street, as he desperately clung on to his post, a media report said on Sunday. Removal vans were seen lining up to take furniture and personal items from the flat shared by Sunak and wife Akshata Murthy and move them to their newly-refurbished, luxury West London pad, said the Sunday Mirror report. A red velvet armchair, a shelving unit and several bags and boxes were loaded onto two trucks, which arrived at Downing Street's back gate on Saturday morning. But the Sunday Mirror said the move was planned before Sunak's popularity nosedived this week. The family are making the move because their eldest daughter is about to go into her final term of primary school, the report added. They want to be nearer to her school for the last few months before she goes to boarding school. Previously a shoe-in to replace Boris Johnson as the next Prime Minister, Sunak's fortunes have been on the wane since last month's disastrous Spring Statement failed to provide help for families facing a cost of living crisis. This week it was revealed Murthy enjoyed non-dom tax status and Sunak had held on to his Green Card as a 'resident' of the US for more than a year after becoming Chancellor. It comes amid calls for partners and spouses of ministers to be banned from being non-doms and avoiding paying tax on money made outside the . the opposition Labour Party said Sunak and his family potentially saved tens of millions of pounds in taxes through his wife's non-dom status. --IANS san/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.) Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif, who is tipped to be the next prime minister after the unceremonious ouster of Imran Khan, is a hard-core realist and over the years has earned the reputation of a matter-of-fact person. Shehbaz, the 70-year-old younger brother of former three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, has served as chief minister of the country's most populous and politically crucial province thrice. This is the first time his party PML-N - especially its supremo Nawaz Sharif - agreed on his name for the post of the prime minister. Former president and Peoples Party (PPP) co-chair Asif Ali Zaradri had proposed Shehbaz's name for prime minister's position in a joint opposition's meeting to replace through a no-confidence motion. Born in September 1951 in Punjabi-speaking Kashmiri family in Lahore, Shehbaz entered along with his elder brother Nawaz in mid 1980s. He first got elected as a member of Assembly in 1988 when Nawaz became chief minister of . Shehbaz first became chief minister of Punjab in 1997 when his brother was prime minister at the Centre. Following General Pervez Musharraf's coup in 1999 toppling the Nawaz Sharif government, Shehbaz along with the family spent eight years in exile in Saudi Arabia before returning to in 2007. He wore the hat of Punjab chief minister for the second term in 2008 and he grabbed the same slot for third time in 2013. Shehbaz has claimed that Gen Musharraf had offered him prime ministership provided he abandons his elder brother Nawaz which he said he had refused straight away. After prime minister Nawaz Sharif was disqualified from holding office in 2017 in the Panama Papers case, the PML-N appointed Shehbaz as the party president. Subsequently, after the 2018 elections he became the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. In September 2020, Shehbaz was arrested by the anti-graft body - National Accountability Bureau - on the charges of money laundering and income beyond means case instituted by the government against him. Shehbaz denied the charges and termed them as political victimisation'. He remained in jail for several months before he got bail. Currently, he is facing a PKR 14 billion money laundering case in the UK brought against him by Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). He is also on bail in this case. Nawaz's daughter and PML-N vice-president Maryam Nawaz, who is Shehbaz's niece, has said that her uncle is a man who has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly. "A man who set an example of unflinching loyalty to his brother despite the worst personal and political victimisation. A man who is, has been and always will be a second father to me, Maryam says about his uncle. Although it is said that Nawaz Sharif wants his daughter Maryam to become prime minister, she is convicted in the Avenfield corruption case. So the elder Sharif had no choice but to nominate the younger Sharif for the top executive post from his party. When the three-time premier Nawaz Sharif was deposed by the apex court in 2017, he preferred his party leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to his younger brother Shehbaz for the remaining 10-month slot of the prime minister. Shehbaz enjoys cordial relations with the powerful army, which has ruled the coup-prone country for more than half of its 75 years of existence and has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy, according to experts. Shehbaz's father Muhammad Sharif was an industrialist who emigrated from Anantnag in Kashmir for business and settled in the village of Jati Umra in Amritsar district, Punjab at the beginning of the 20th century. His mother's family came from Pulwama. After the Partition, Shehbaz' family migrated from Amritsar to Lahore where Sharifs named their residence as Jati Umra' (at Raiwind, on the outskirts of Lahore). He did his graduation from the Government College University, Lahore. Shehbaz married five times. At present he has two wives Nusrat and Tehmina Durani while he divorced the three others Alia Hani, Nilofar Khosa and Kulsoom Hai. He has two sons and three daughters from Nusrat and one daughter from Alia. His elder son Hamza Shehbaz is the Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly. Hamza is also contesting the chief minister election against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf coalition candidate Parvez Elahi. His younger son Suleman Shehbaz looks after the Shehbaz family business. He has been absconding in the United Kingdom for the last few years in a money laundering and income beyond means case. (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.) US President and Prime Minister would meet virtually on Monday, the first of its kind interaction between the two leaders that would coincide with the maiden India-US 2+2 dialogue under the Biden Administration, the said on Sunday. During the virtual meet, Biden and Modi will discuss cooperation on a range of issues, including ending the COVID-19 pandemic, countering the climate crisis, strengthening the global economy, and upholding a free, open, rules-based order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. The meeting will further deepen ties between "our governments, economies, and our people, she said. The two leaders will advance ongoing conversations about the development of an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and delivering high-quality infrastructure, Psaki said. Biden will continue our close consultations on the consequences of Russia's brutal war against Ukraine and mitigating its destabilising impact on global food supply and commodity markets, she said. In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs said the two leaders will review ongoing bilateral cooperation and exchange views on recent developments in South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and global issues of mutual interest. The US, India and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's aggressive actions in the region. China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea. "The virtual meeting will enable both sides to continue their regular and high-level engagement aimed at further strengthening the bilateral Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," it said in a statement. Modi and Biden had their first in-person meeting in September last year on the sidelines of the Quad Summit hosted by the US President in Washington. The virtual meeting between Biden and Modi will precede the US-India 2+2 Ministerial between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on April 11, the Press Secretary said. The 2+2 Dialogue would enable both sides to undertake a comprehensive review of cross-cutting issues in the India-US bilateral agenda related to foreign policy, defence and security with the objective of providing strategic guidance and vision for further consolidating the relationship, the MEA said in a press release on Thursday. "The 2+2 Dialogue will also provide an opportunity to exchange views about important regional and global developments and how we can work together to address issues of common interest and concern," 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.) Prime Minister was ousted from office in a no-confidence vote in parliament in the early hours of Sunday after three years and seven months in power. A new government will be formed most likely under opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif, after parliament reconvenes on Monday to vote for a new prime minister. The nation of more than 220 million people lies between Afghanistan to the west, China to the northeast and India to the east, making it of vital strategic importance. Since coming to power in 2018, Khan's rhetoric has become more anti-American, and he expressed a desire to move closer to China and, recently, Russia -- including talks with President Vladimir Putin on Feb. 24, the day the invasion of Ukraine began. At the same time, U.S. and Asian foreign policy experts said that Pakistan's powerful military has traditionally controlled foreign and defence policy, but Khan's sharp public rhetoric had an impact on a number of key relationships. Here is what the upheaval, which comes as the economy is in deep trouble, means for countries closely involved in Pakistan: AFGHANISTAN Ties between Pakistan's military intelligence agency and the Islamist militant Taliban have loosened in recent years. Now that the Taliban are back in power in Afghanistan, and facing an economic and humanitarian crisis due to a lack of money and isolation, Qatar is arguably their most important foreign partner. "We (the United States) don't need as a conduit to the Taliban. Qatar is definitely playing that role now," said Lisa Curtis, director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security think-tank. Tensions have risen between the Taliban and Pakistan's military, which has lost several soldiers in attacks close to their mutual border. wants the Taliban to do more to crack down on extremist groups and worries they will spread violence into Pakistan. That has begun to happen already. Khan had been less critical of the Taliban over human rights than most foreign leaders. CHINA Khan consistently emphasised China's positive role in Pakistan and in the world at large. At the same time, the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which binds the neighbours together was actually conceptualised and launched under Pakistan's two established political parties, both of which are set to share power in the new government. Potential successor Sharif, the younger brother of three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, struck deals with China directly as leader of the eastern province of Punjab, and his reputation for getting major infrastructure projects off the ground while avoiding political grandstanding could in fact be music to Beijing's ears. INDIA The nuclear-armed neighbours have fought three wars since independence in 1947, two of them over the disputed Muslim-majority territory of Kashmir. As with Afghanistan, it is Pakistan's military that controls policy in the sensitive area, and tensions along the de facto border there are at their lowest level since 2021, thanks to a ceasefire. But there have been no formal diplomatic talks between the rivals for years because of deep distrust over a range of issues, including Khan's extreme criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his handling of attacks on minority Muslims in India. Karan Thapar, an Indian political commentator who has closely followed India-Pakistan ties, said the Pakistani military could put pressure on the new government in Islamabad to build on the successful ceasefire in Kashmir. Pakistan's powerful army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said recently that his country was ready to move forward on Kashmir if India agrees. The Sharif dynasty has been at the forefront of several dovish overtures towards India over the years. UNITED STATES U.S.-based South Asia experts said that Pakistan's political crisis is unlikely to be a priority for President Joe Biden, who is grappling with the war in Ukraine, unless it led to mass unrest or rising tensions with India. "We have so many other fish to fry," said Robin Raphel, a former assistant secretary of state for South Asia who is a senior associate with the Center for Strategic and Studies think-tank. With the Pakistani military maintaining its behind-the-scenes control of foreign and security policies, the change of government was not a major concern, according to some analysts. "Since it's the military that calls the shots on the policies that the U.S. really cares about, i.e. Afghanistan, India and nuclear weapons, internal Pakistani political developments are largely irrelevant for the U.S.," said Curtis, who served as then-U.S. President Donald Trump's National Security Council senior director for South Asia. She added that Khan's visit to Moscow had been a "disaster" in terms of U.S. relations, and that a new government in Islamabad could at least help mend ties "to some degree". Khan has blamed the United States for the current political crisis, saying that Washington wanted him removed because of the recent Moscow trip. Washington denies any role. (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 CBI on Sunday refuted reports that a team of the US' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was in India to probe the alleged case being investigated by the Karnataka Police, and termed the statements "speculative" and "without any basis". In a statement, the central agency said the FBI has not sent any team to India to conduct a probe in the matter nor has any request been made by the US probe agency to the CBI for conducting an investigation in this case. "Accordingly, the question of according any permission for the probe by Competent Authority in India does not arise. CBI as the National Central Bureau for INTERPOL in India coordinates closely with international law enforcement agencies including FBI," Central Bureau of Investigation spokesperson RC Joshi said. The statement comes after the Congress on Friday asked whether the FBI is in India to investigate an alleged " scam" which the party had accused the BJP government in Karnataka of covering up last year. Later, senior officials added that the statements and reports claiming the presence of the FBI team to probe the case are "speculative, without any basis" and issued with a "malafide intent". In a tweet, Congress MLA from Chittarpur Priyank Kharge had said he believed the "FBI is in Delhi to investigate the billion dollar" scam. "Like i said before, if the state investigates the matter diligently, a lot of BJP's skeletons will tumble out," he had said. Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surajewala had also tweeted, saying, "The layers of #BitcoinScam are finally being unearthed!" He had asked several questions related to the alleged scam, including whether the FBI was in India to investigate India's biggest Bitcoin Scam Coverup under Karnataka BJP Govt? He had also asked the government to release details of the investigation and suspects, including political people. Accusing the Congress of playing politics on the alleged bitcoin scam issue, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had last year asked the opposition party to give documents, if any, to investigating agencies. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre has further reduced raw stock limit for balers and traders in a bid to increase supply of the raw material to mills at a time when major foodgrain producing states are facing a shortage for the environment-friendly packaging material, industry stakeholders said on Sunday. In a recent notification issued by the Office of the Commissioner, the maximum stock limit has been brought down to 500 quintals for balers from 750 quintals and 50 quintals for traders from 150 quintals, they said. This is the second such move that the authorities have taken in the current year. "In January, the government reduced the raw jute limit to 750 quintals from 1,500 quintals. Now, the same has been brought down to 500 quintals. It is not a viable quantity for a baling unit to run its operation smoothly," Jute Balers Association secretary A K Palit told PTI. Balers are major suppliers of raw jute to mills. The ongoing raw material crisis has led to "closure of nearly 15 mills and units that are still running have reduced utilisation and are making losses", a source in the industry claimed. The Centre has put a ceiling on the stock limit with an objective to prevent hoarding of raw jute in the market and ease supply of the commodity to mills at a reasonable price, the industry stakeholders said. The price of raw jute continues to hover around Rs 7,000-7,200 per quintal, but the government will pay Rs 6,500 per quintal as the raw material cost for gunny bag production, they claimed. "The move to prevent hoarding could not yield much result for improving supply of the key raw material to . Millers and trade unions have been vocal against ineffective support price operation of the Jute Corporation of India," the industry source said. Meanwhile, the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has recommended that the JCI, a state-run organisation which procures raw jute, should take proactive steps to extend its reach for spot procurement directly from villages as this will help discover competitive prices. Recently, the ministry of textiles had anticipated a shortfall in jute bag supply and advised the authorities to consider placing orders for plastic bags. (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.) Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor After the party won four out of five states in the recent assembly polls, the has started preparations for the assembly polls scheduled mid next year. The party is working on 'Mission 150+' for the assembly polls in 2023. Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the southern state to take stock of the preparations and asked the party cadre to hit the ground running to achieve 'Mission 150+'. It is learnt that Shah has given specific work to be completed and said that more will be assigned in the future. "Elections will be held next year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji's 'naam' and 'kaam' (name and work) is everywhere in the country and the state government is also doing good work. We will definitely achieve our 'Mission150+'. Amit (Shah) bhai ji has given certain directions to the state unit on how we should work on the ground. The state unit executes the directions on the ground. We will contest the election on Prime Minister Modi's name and work and the work of the government in the state. We will again come to power for sure," C T Ravi, national general secretary and member assembly, told IANS. After witnessing how the 'labharthi' (beneficiaries) of the government schemes voted, which was apparently one of the major factors for the return of the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh, the Karnataka BJP is also planning to reach out to them. "Around 60 percent of Karnataka's population is a beneficiary of one or the other schemes of the central or state governments. We have started working on converting this huge chunk of population into our voters. BJP workers and leaders are working to win the support of the 'labharthi' in next year's election," Ravi said. The saffron party has already started working on social engineering and identifying strong local leaders. During his recent visit to Karnataka, Shah attended the 115th birth anniversary celebrations of late Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt. The Siddaganga Mutt is an important religious centre of the Lingayat community in the state. The visit by Shah, insiders said, was part of a confidence building and social outreach exercise aimed to remove any misgivings in the Lingayat community after the party replaced BS Yediyurappa with B S Bommai as the chief minister in Karnataka. Lingayats constitute close to 17 percent of Karnataka's population and Yediyurappa is considered one of the tallest leaders of the community. The Karnataka BJP had also started a 'Jan Swaraj Yatra' with four teams led by senior party leaders Yediyurappa, K S Eshwarappa, Jagadish Shettar and Nalin Kumar Kateel to mobilise the workers. "He (Yediyurappa) is still capable. He has given complete yogdaan to the party. The party will make full use of his political acumen. He is making all efforts to ensure the BJP wins the assembly elections," said Ravi. Dismissing the claims of the Congress that the party will be able to come to power this time, Ravi said it will meet the same fate it did in Uttar Pradesh. "Some Congress leaders are day-dreaming but they won't be able to come to power in 2023." Last year, after months of speculation about a change of guard in Karnataka, the BJP replaced party veteran Yediyurappa and made Bommai the chief minister of the state. --IANS ssb/bg (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.) Delhi Deputy Chief Minister slammed the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday for allowing to hike their fees and alleged that the saffron party wants to "keep the country uneducated". Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio in the Delhi government, said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should consider the condition of the parents. "The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government was formed in Punjab on March 16 and within 10 days, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann issued an order saying cannot increase their fees. "On the other hand, the government was formed in Uttar Pradesh on March 25 and it passed an order saying have complete freedom to increase the fees and loot the parents," he said during an online briefing. Sisodia said many people have lost their livelihood during the COVID-19 pandemic and the fee hike will hurt them. "They cannot work on improving government schools. Where will the common man go? People have lost employment during Covid. You will not work on improving the condition of the government schools and you will allow the private schools to hike the fees. You want to keep the country illiterate. This is the BJP's governance model. Please think about the parents," he said. Sisodia also pointed out how the Delhi government has worked on keeping the fee hike by private schools in check. "Earlier, private schools could arbitrarily increase their fees in Delhi, but we stopped it in 2015. In the last seven years, we have stopped the private schools from increasing the fees and then we introduced a system where if they need to hike the fees, they will have to seek permission from the Delhi government. Their accounts are analysed by the government to figure out whether they actually need to increase the fees," he said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid the acute demand-supply gap, the global smartphone applications processor (AP) market grew 23 per cent to $30.8 billion in 2021, a new report has said. Qualcomm maintained its smartphone AP leadership with a 38 per cent revenue share, followed by MediaTek and Apple with 26 per cent each, according to market research firm Strategy Analytics. Apple, MediaTek, Qualcomm and Unisoc gained market share while HiSilicon and Samsung LSI lost share. "For the first time on an annual basis, MediaTek overtook Qualcomm in units and established over 75 million unit-leads in smartphone APs in 2021," said Sravan Kundojjala, Director of Handset Component Technologies service at Strategy Analytics. MediaTek capitalised on Qualcomm's defocus on mid and low tier 4G LTE APs and gained volume share. Despite the loss of unit share crown, Qualcomm exited 2021 with over 43 per cent higher revenue than MediaTek, thanks to an increased mix of higher-priced premium and high-tier APs," Kundojjala added. Both companies performed well in the 5G AP segment and posted a 13-year high in their AP average selling prices (ASPs). 5G-attached AP shipments grew 84 per cent year-over-year, accounting for 46 per cent of total smartphone APs shipped in 2021. Shipments of APs with on-device artificial intelligence (AI) engines crossed 900 million in 2021, roughly flat compared to 2020, the report said. Top-selling Android AI APs include Snapdragon 888/888+, 765/G, 750G and 662 and Dimensity 700. TSMC manufactured three in four smartphone APs shipped in 2021. In addition, semiconductor foundries, including TSMC and Samsung Foundry, held up well despite supply constraints and helped the industry capture growth. Google entered the smartphone AP market in 2021 with its Pixel Tensor chip, capturing approximately 0.1 per cent unit and revenue share. "For the first time in the last six years, Samsung shipped less than 100 million APs in 2021. However, Samsung could regain market share with its new Exynos 1280 mid-range 5G AP in 2022," Kundojjala added. --IANS na/dpb (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.) Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Feature: Cubans condemn U.S. culture of war ahead of anniversary of Bay of Pigs invasion 11:34, April 10, 2022 By Yosley Carrero ( Xinhua MATANZAS, Cuba, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Cubans continue to condemn the U.S. culture of war ahead of the 61st anniversary of the victory over the U.S.-backed Bay of Pigs invasion on April 19. Among them is 74-year-old Nemesia Rodriguez, who lives in the municipality of Cienaga de Zapata, located some 200 km east of the country's capital Havana. She saw how her mother was killed and her brothers were wounded after a plane bombed a truck transporting her and a group of other Cuban civilians to be evacuated to a safe place during the invasion. "The wounds of war are still open to me," she said. "The U.S. administrations have a long history of interventions and a double standard on democracy and human rights." A pair of white shoes Nemesia was carrying with her during the invasion are exhibited at Playa Giron Museum as a reminder of the bloody confrontation. Founded in 1976 and remodeled in 2016, the museum treasures more than 1,000 items, including weapons, photos and different documents. "The U.S. administrations have systematically violated the human rights of Cubans," the museum's director Dulce Maria Limonta told Xinhua. "We firmly stand against U.S. interference in the internal affairs of other countries." The Bay of Pigs invasion was executed by some 1,500 exiled Cubans paid by the U.S. government. After three days of fierce combat, which left some 150 deaths on the Cuban side and 300 on the mercenary one, the Cuban people emerged victoriously. Cienaga de Zapata resident Haydee Garcia, 72, said Cubans do not expect their country to be invaded again. "The United States has invaded many countries throughout history, leaving a horrible trace of deaths," she said. "We believe in dialogue and diplomacy as effective tools for the resolution of conflicts." The U.S.-backed Bay of Pigs invasion, which ran from April 17 to 19, 1961, was preceded by the bombing of a Cuban airbase, international airport and school complex on April 15. Secondary school student Daniel Ortega said that new generations of Cubans would never forget that the beautiful beach of Playa Giron was one of the locations of a major U.S. defeat in Latin America. "They tried to seize control of this country but failed. Many Cubans died during the invasion," he said. "We want a future of peace." (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Bianji) After its global unveil in India last November and subsequent spy shots showing it landing at the Batangas Port and on its way to dealers... In this photo taken on March 17, 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, poses with Col. Gen. Alexander Dvornikov during an awarding ceremony in Moscow's Kremlin, Russia. Russia has appointed a new Ukraine war commander. A top U.S. official on Sunday, April 10, 2022 said Russia named Gen. Dvornikov as commander of an armed campaign that Russian authorities still refer to as a special military operation." (Alexei Nikolsky/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Jeff Fowler, director of the first film, helms the sequel. Notably, artist Tyson Hesse is also back after originally joining the film franchise to fix Sonics look after the disastrous launch of the first films trailer. Jim Carrey, James Marsden, and Sonic voice actor Ben Schwartz also each returned to their roles from the previous film. Colleen OShaughnessey, who voices Tails in the Sonic video games, does the same for the film, and Idris Elba steps in as Knuckles. Critical response to the latest installment has been mixed, with most acknowledging that the film is at least a serviceable sequel which should appeal to kids new to the franchise and long-time fans alike. At the time of publication, the films critical review score on Rotten Tomatoes sits at a fresh 67%. For our review roundup, we opted to focus on the few very few in fact reviews which addressed the films cgi work. Arguably the saving grace of the first installment, few critics even mentioned character design despite the increased screen time of animated characters with the addition of franchise favorites Knuckles and Tails. Here is what a few reviews had to say about the films animation. In his critique for The Wrap, Carlos Aguilar wonders if, perhaps, an animated Sonic feature might serve the franchise as well or better than the current live-action series were receiving. When no humans are around, and only the animated creatures against shiny backgrounds remain (for example, during a beach scene late in the story), one can better appreciate the work of the character designers and vfx artists to make Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles mostly fit in within the live-action or photorealistic settings. Yet, its also during these moments that one wonders if a fully animated take on Sonic would best serve the material. News.com.au critic Wenlei Ma reminded readers of the fiasco that almost broke, but perhaps eventually made the first film. In her review of the sequel however, it feels as though the eventual charm of the first film and its blue protagonist might have set expectations too high for the follow up. Remember the brouhaha over the very first Sonic the Hedgehog trailer? The backlash was so fierce to Sonics humanized look, the studio actually went back and reanimated the character. What seemed calamitous at the time turned into a blessing But expectations can also sink you because now that Sonic has set a bar, even if not an enormously high one, the sequel has to meet it. And Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is, at best, mediocre. Inoffensive mediocrity, but mediocrity. Critical of the jarringly cartoonish contrast between the films cgi and live-action set pieces, John Nugent at Empire says this sequel only offers more of what audiences already got with the first film. In every respect Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is really just more of the same. Steered by largely the same creative team as before, this is simply more fairly generic and forgettable family fodder: a Saturday-morning cartoon with a Hollywood budget, targeted primarily at an audience of eight-year-olds. Its still colorful and kooky, the cg character designs are still jarringly cartoonish in their live-action surroundings, and the jokes are still, on the whole, bad. The significant differences are the addition of Tails, voiced by Colleen OShaughnessey; and Knuckles, voiced by Idris Elba, whos like a Poundshop Drax The Destroyer. Indiewires Siddhant Adlakha was among those most critical of the films cgi and its voice acting lineup, apart from some kind words for OShaughnessey. He did not, however, blame the animators for what he sees as the films main failing. The biggest issue, however, is the cgi main characters, a trio of rushed creations who barely emote (no doubt a function of how ruthlessly overworked Hollywood animators tend to be). The lack of expressions makes some amount of sense in Knuckles case, since the hard-headed warrior has a one-tracked, violent disposition and a seemingly permanent scowl, but Elba sounds positively unenthused in the role, so he doesnt help matters. And finally, Tim Griersons Screen Daily review used the films hybrid format to reflect on the advancements in mixed-format filmmaking over the past 35 years. Photo: The Canadian Press Mackenzie County Reeve Josh Knelsen, pictured in La Crete, Alta. The mayor of High Level, a town in Alberta's far northwest corner, says she has not spoken to the county government for several weeks. "We're not at each other's throats, but its a very estranged relationship," say Crystal McAteer. "There is a fracture between us. We already had problems, but it's come to the forefront in the last two years." Public health measures to try to curb the spread of COVID-19 have sown a stark divide in Mackenzie County, the least vaccinated region in Alberta. Residents and local leaders say friendships have ended, arguments have erupted in shops, and government projects have been unable to move forward amid disagreements over masking, vaccines and other pandemic responses. "It's like the Hatfields and McCoys," High Level real estate agent Sylvia Kennedy saysin a nod to the famous feuding families of 19th-century American lore. "I've been accosted about my wearing a mask. It's really sad ... This silliness is (creating) a huge rift in our region." Mackenzie County is larger than New Brunswick and has abundant oil, gas and agriculture. In addition to High Level, it is home to the hamlets of La Crete and Fort Vermillion as well as to four First Nations. The Alberta government says just under one-third of the county's residents are fully vaccinated and about 38 per cent have had their first dose. The province could not provide a breakdown of vaccination rates for individual towns and First Nations. High Levels mayor, after speaking to several businesses and health workers, estimates three-quarters of the town is fully vaccinated. The Beaver First Nation says 60 per cent of people living on the two reserves it manages are fully vaccinated. McAteer says her town has become "a pariah" because it enforced public health measures sometimes through its own bylaws when the provincial government lifted rules while businesses in neighbouring towns made headlines for defying them. The Chamber of Commerce in La Crete, an hour's drive from High Level, organized a bus to Ottawa as part of the so-called freedom convoy challenging government restrictions. Some protesters stopped in High Level for a few days to demonstrate against local restrictions. The animosity between High Level and the county peaked in February when the county's council passed a motion to stop working with subcontractors and businesses that had a vaccination policy for employees. A letter stated that those businesses would not be permitted to enter county premises. McAteer says she hasn't spoken to the county since. "To protect our workers, High Level's employees had to be vaccinated, including the fire department," McAteer said. "They've proposed that we can't enter their places of work." Reeve Josh Knelsen says the county, La Crete and High Level "obviously" have their differences. In an interview at his La Crete office, Knelsen said businesses have appreciated the county's decision. He couldn't say how many are not working with the county anymore. "It used to always be where it didnt matter your political stance, said Knelsen, who added he has not been vaccinated against COVID-19. "I can appreciate what they do as long as they don't expect us to do the same ...The biggest frustration that I've seen through this all is the division that it's caused." He said he and many others in the area he was born and raised in believe "health is a personal choice" and the government shouldn't be telling people how to take care of themselves. He and some in La Crete had COVID-19 early in the pandemic, he said, but they were able to recover, although some didn't. "They have a brain. Everybody has their own mind and they're very capable of using it. If you want to live up north, you have to be somewhat resilient and tough. If you're too stupid, you don't survive." Even without a government order, and since he was a child, he has never gone to a family member's home if someone was sick, he said. "I love my family. I will not jeopardize them." Knelsen said he is ready to move on from the pandemic. "This will be a bad memory in a very short time." McAteer says projects High Level has been working on with the county haven't moved forward. The town has been waiting since December for the county to sign an agreement to recognize their "intermunicipal co-operation." "I'm hoping we come together," McAteer says. "What goes on in the north is good for all of us, and to stay together, we have to work together." Photo: The Canadian Press Suzanne Cowan, president of the Liberal Party of Canada, introduces Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a donor appreciation event in Toronto in November 2018. Liberals plan to gather for a national convention in Ottawa in the spring of next year. The Liberal Party of Canada says the convention, to take place in the national capital May 4-6, 2023, will also include some virtual participation. The meeting will feature policy discussions, keynote speakers, training and the election of the party's next national board of directors. The party's 2021 national convention was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Justin Trudeau subsequently led the party to a second consecutive minority mandate in the late-summer general election. The Liberals recently forged an agreement with the New Democrats that will see the opposition party support the government on key parliamentary votes in exchange for advancement of several NDP priorities. A woman, 53, was killed in a single-vehicle accident Saturday morning on Hickory Valley Road. A passing motorist observed that a vehicle had run off the roadway and crashed and notified emergency services. At approximately 9:55 a.m., Chattanooga Police Traffic Division responded to a traffic fatality in the 5700 block of Hickory Valley Road. The vehicle, a Mercury, appeared to have been traveling south on Hickory Valley Road when, for unknown reasons, it left the roadway and struck a guardrail. It then struck a concrete culvert before coming to rest down an embankment. The driver of the vehicle was pronounced deceased on the scene. Chattanooga Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call 423-698-2525 or submit a tip via the CPD Mobile App. You can remain anonymous. 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days star, Memphis, was spotted by a fan with her husband, Hamza Mokni. The fan claimed they were filming for another TLC show with a baby. Heres everything we know so far. Hamza Mokni and Memphis Smith, 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days | TLC Hamza and Memphis get married in Tunisia Memphis, a 34-year-old single mother of two, traveled from Muskegon, Michigan, to Kairouan, Tunisia, to be with the love of her life, 26-year-old Hamza. After months of video calls and texts, Hamza proposed to Memphis without ever seeing her in person. She said yes and planned a two-week-long trip to meet Hamza for the first time in Tunisia. After meeting for the first time, the pair had issues communicating due to the language barrier and cultural differences. However, they still tied the knot in a two-day traditional Tunisian wedding celebration. And it appears that the wedding celebration was legit and legal. Records viewed by InTouch confirm that Memphis is married. She changed her name, adding Hamzas last name, Mokni, to hers. According to the outlet, Memphis registered to vote in Ottawa County, Michigan, in October 2021 under the name Memphis Chardell-Arden Mokni. 90 Day Fiance fans spot Hamza and Memphis in America So what happens when Memphis goes home to Michigan? There have been many rumors that Hamza and Memphis will be joining the cast of 90 Day Fiance: Happily Ever After? Season 7. Some 90 Day Fiance fans have claimed that theyve seen Memphis and Hamza together in the United States with a baby. One fan commented on a TikTok from @thesarahfrasershow (via @truecrime_jankie), Yes! She lives in my town. Seen him and the baby! :) they are shooting in Muskegon right now with 90 day camera crew. Memphis confims she had a baby Since January 2022, rumors began circulating that Memphis was pregnant with Hamzas baby and that she had recently given birth. It started on January 9, when Memphis alleged ex-boyfriend went to Twitter and wrote, [Memphis] was pregnant with his baby she had the baby a few months ago. On March 25, Memphis seemingly confirmed rumors when she posted a picture of a baby on her Instagram. She captioned the post, God has truly blessed me with HEALTHY & BEAUTIFUL children. This is the best gift anyone could ask for! Unconditional love of a child! Innocent & True!! Check out the Instagram post below: So far, Memphis hasnt revealed the babys gender, name, age, or who the father is. Many fans believe that the baby is around 3 to 4 months old. If this Instagram photo of Memphis baby is current, the baby would have been born around November or December 2021, which aligns with Memphiss exs timeline. It could be possible that Memphis and Hamza will appear on 90 Day Fiance: Happily Ever After? The cast may be announced at the Before the 90 Days Season 5 tell-all finale. 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days airs Sundays on TLC and discovery+. RELATED: 90 Day Fiance: What Does Memphis Do for Work? Her Job May Surprise Fans The BLM movement has come under heavy criticism for how it has handled the tens of millions of dollars in donations it has received. A lawmaker called for an investigation of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the reported purchase of a $6 million California mansion with charitable donations, according to a report by Fox News. California Rep. Darrell Issa told Fox News Digital that it is time for the DOJ to launch an investigation on the matter as the "disturbing information" they are receiving is "more than enough" to warrant an investigation from the justice department. This week, New York Magazine published a story uncovering that BLM bought a $6 million mansion in secret. The group's leaders call the property "campus," though the group never disclosed it to the public. When the publication inquired about the house, the BLM allegedly circulated a memo discussing the option to take the controversial story down. Lawmaker Calls for Investigation of Abuse of Non-Profit Laws Issa says it is time for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to open an investigation. "This definitely has the suggestion of misappropriation of charitable funds and an abuse of our non-profit laws," Issa told Fox News Digital. The California property purchase was distinct from a 2021 deal in which BLM sent funds to a Canadian foundation managed by the widow of BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors to purchase a $3 million home. A financial manager for BLM executives paid $5,888,800 for the 6,785sq ft, seven-bed, six-bath property in Studio City, near Los Angeles, in October 2020. The acquisition came only days after BLM's official charity, and the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF) received a $66.5 million donation from individuals all over the world who were grieved by the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Black Lives Matter used donations to buy $6 million Southern California home: report https://t.co/KJPcubAfO3 pic.twitter.com/jVIargViX9 New York Post (@nypost) April 4, 2022 Pictures inside the grand home that sits on a three-quarter-acre lot reveal a pool, tree-lined yard, outdoor fireplace, 'butler's pantry,' its miniature filming studio, 24 parking spaces, and two separate guest houses along with the main house. Read Also: Critics Blast Barack Obama Over Russia Comments During First Visit in the White House Inside The Luxurious Property According to a report from The New York Post, Hollywood royalty such as Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart have been among the mansion's guests. The mansion's listing says that it has a unique wrought iron staircase and regeneration light fixtures, knobs, and other elements. The mansion was sold to Dyane Pascall, a Los Angeles-based real estate developer who works in the charity sector, according to property documents seen by The Post. The luxury property was allegedly handled in ways that 'blurred boundaries' between charitable use and those that would benefit some of the organization's leaders, including Cullors, who shared a video in June of herself enjoying a ritzy brunch outside the estate with fellow officials Alicia Garza and Melina Abdullah, both of whom have since left the organization. Officials of BLM appeared to want to make the story fade away when contacted by New York Magazine for comment on the property's existence. The estate was discovered by the publication through a source within the firm who had access to the BLM brass' internal correspondence, according to the Daily Mail. Related Article: Ketanji Brown Jackson Senate Vote Is Final: Here's How Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Fans React to Historic Supreme Court Confirmation @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The second half of the 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days reunion aired on Apr. 10, 2022, and emotions were running high with the majority of the cast. One relationship we didnt predict to be filled with drama ended before our very eyes. Ben Rathbuns friend, Jessica, called it quits on the pairs friendship after discovering what Ben said about her to Mahogany. Jasmine and Jessica | TLC Who is Before the 90 Days star Bens friend Jessica? Folks may remember Jessica from the early episodes this season. Before leaving to visit Mahogany in Peru, Ben sat down with some of his closest friends, including Jessica, to tell them about his new girlfriend. Bens story of how he met Mahogany and some of the details of their relationship immediately caused Jessica to raise her eyebrows. I know myself when I was that young. Theres no way I had that level of emotional maturity to pursue this type of relationship. But I think Ben is so desperate to find love, and to find this connection that hes never felt before that hes willing to believe anything, Jessica told Before the 90 Days producers. When she discovered that Ben had only spoken to Mahogany on the phone twice, she became even more concerned. Then Ben dropped the bombshell that he and Mahogany had never video chatted. However, he explained that she had at least sent him a video, and Jessica asked to see it. After watching the video and learning that Ben sent Mahogany money, Jessica felt Mahogany was catfishing Ben. Don't mess with Jasmine! Tune in to the tell all finale of #90DayFiance: Before the 90 Days SUNDAY at 8/7c. pic.twitter.com/sYttdmagPH 90DayFiance (@90DayFiance) April 7, 2022 RELATED: Before the 90 Days Star Ellas Insistence that Johnny Travel During the Coronavirus Pandemic Angers Fans Mahogany tells Jessica that Ben said she stays in the drama At the reunion, producers brought Jessica out so host Shaun Robinson could ask her questions about the Before the 90 Days stars Ben and Mahoganys relationship. Before long, Mahogany revealed Ben had made rude comments about Jessica. The Peruvian native stayed coy at first and claimed she didnt want to destroy Jessica and Bens friendship. However, Jessica continued to press, Youre all about honesty and integrity, so why dont you tell the truth? Finally, Mahogany replied, The true [sic] is that Benjamin tell me [sic] that you love to stay in the drama. I can see with Jasmine that you love to stay in the drama. She continued, Its so sad because you have a husband. Respect your husband, respect your family. Jasmine eventually inserted herself into the argument, which led to more discussion about Gino sending flirty DMs to Jessica. It wasnt long before Robinson stopped the conversation because the women began talking over each other, making it nearly impossible to understand. Ben contemplated giving Mahogany a custom made diamond necklace as a parting gift but decided against it. #90DayFiance pic.twitter.com/WX75kHkj5W 90DayFiance (@90DayFiance) April 4, 2022 Jessica called it quits on her friendship with Before the 90 Days star Ben While Ben and Mahoganys relationship might be up in the air, Jessica and Bens is not. Jessica called it quits on her friendship with Ben after listening to everything Mahogany revealed Ben told her. When Robinson asked her if this was the end of her friendship, Jessica addressed Ben directly. She said, Ben, youre a fraud. Youre a narcissist, you are thirsty as all hell despite what Jasmine wants to accuse me of, youre a liar and a s*** friend. And thats the truth. Ben appeared confused and asked Jessica to explain the issue at hand, which riled her up even more. Youre literally been s*** talking me, you told her I was here for the drama. Youre selfish. You only put yourself first and I actually felt sorry for you, but after hearing Mahogany and after hearing the things you said about me, I have no sympathy for you at all. Jessica continued, I think youre two-faced and you can consider any loyalty from me to be done. Jessicas portion of the tell-all ended shortly after her conversation with Ben. As of now, it doesnt look like theres any hope for the pair to rekindle their friendship. RELATED: Before the 90 Days Season 5 Fans Side With Ximena About Mikes Gross Behavior Zombieland, a comedy about a wayward group of misfits just trying to survive the zombie apocalypse, was the surprise success of 2009. Throw in a cameo of Bill Murray and you are sure to have a good time. While Murrays short appearance helps make the movie, he was not the first choice for the part. Bill Murray | Rocco Spaziani/Getty Images It is a comedy about zombies and survival Its a story of survival in a world filled with a rather well-known enemy, zombies. Zombieland, according to IMDb, depicts the United States as being decimated by a virus that turns everyone infected into flesh-eating zombies. There are only a few uninfected humans left standing. Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone and Bill Murray on the set of Zombieland (2009) pic.twitter.com/Mq50MAKJiN FilmFreeway (@FilmFreeway) July 27, 2021 Columbus, played by Jesse Eisenberg, is a student in Texas trying to make his way back home to Ohio so he can check to see if his parents are still alive. Its his phobic personality that helps Columbus stay away from zombies and survive this predicament. Along the way, Columbus runs into Tallahassee, played by Woody Harrelson. Tallahassee is traveling to Florida and killing as many zombies as he can along the way. Tallahassee is also on the hunt to find a Twinkie. Tallahassee agrees to let Columbus ride along. When stopping at a grocery store in search of Twinkies, the pair run into a few zombies as well as two girls, Wichita and Little Rock, played by Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin. These two sisters have been on their own for longer than the zombie epidemic and are hoping to get to an Amusement Park in Los Angeles rumored to be a safe place from zombies. After more shenanigans, including a run-in with Bill Murray, the foursome realizes they have created their own quirky family and drive off altogether. Murray plays himself as a zombie Once the foursome gets to Hollywood, they find the home of Bill Murray. To the shock of the wayward travelers, Murray is very much alive and has survived by dressing up as a zombie. Zombies wont attack their own kind and this allows Murray to move around town freely. Murray and the others decide to scare Columbus while they are play-acting scenes from Ghostbusters. Unfortunately, the prank goes south when Columbus actually shoots and kills Murray, mistaking him for an actual zombie. While this scene is probably the most memorable scene in Zombieland, it was originally not meant for Murray. According to HuffPost, Murrays cameo was originally written for Patrick Swayze. The movies directors, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick contacted quite the list of celebrities for the cameo part, including Swayze, Sylvester Stallone, Mark Hamill, and Jean Claude Van Damme. Swayze was their first choice but he was unable to make it to the set due to battling pancreatic cancer at the time. The search for the perfect cameo continued until two days before filming and with no actor. The directors asked Harrelson if he had any ideas of who could play the part. Reese said, We walked up to Woody Harrelson on set and said, Woody, anyone else? Do you have any other ideas? He said, Dustin Hoffman and Bill Murray. We were like, Yes and yes. It was too short notice for Hoffman, but Murray accepted after he received the script via Kinkos. Murray was still hesitant about taking the part due to the nature of the scene. Reese and Wernick talked to the Q&A Podcast about the cameo and said, It was a big action scene. It was all this stuff at the house, all the jokes about his career. But when he finally did show up, he just attacked the crap out of them. And he was the most devastatingly difficult zombie to destroy of all time. The scene was originally not a comedy scene. But, after Murray voiced his concerns, the necessary rewrites were made and they created the scene Zombieland is famous for. Harrelson wants to return to Zombieland Zombieland was a pretty big success in 2009. It was big enough that it warranted a sequel called Zombieland: Double Tap in 2019. The original foursome came together again to fight off the continued insurgence of the undead. And now Harrelson wants to make a third installment. He told Screenrant, I havent heard anything about it from many of the creative elements. I would love to do it because I just love those guys. That whole group is really Thats a singularly wonderful, fun, amazingly funny group of people. So what Im saying is Im open to it. RELATED: Zombieland 2: Everything We Know So Far Josh Duggars April 2021 arrest on two child pornography charges changed the way fans and even critics viewed the Duggar family. The arrest also seems to have altered the way the Duggar family operates. At the very least, it appears to have changed the way several Duggar siblings interact with social media. Jill Dillards Instagram has a decidedly different feel in recent days. She might be the latest Duggar family member opting for more social media privacy for her children. Jinger Vuolo and Josiah Duggar both cleaned out their social media profiles after Josh Duggars arrest If Jill Dillards Instagram is going for a different feel now, shes months behind a couple of her siblings. Jinger Vuolo and Josiah Duggar have each opted to change their Instagram posting style in the months since Josh Duggars arrest. Josiah Duggar and his wife, Lauren Swanson, were the first family members to opt for more privacy. The couple stopped posting to Instagram entirely following Joshs arrest. They then deleted most of the photos they once shared with fans. Their daughter, Bella Milagro, is not featured on their still-public profile. Jinger Vuolo and her husband, Jeremy Vuolo, are prolific Instagram posters. They regularly shared photos and videos of their eldest daughter, Felicity, on Instagram. That all changed in recent months. The couple stopped posting pictures of Felicity, and their younger child, Evangeline. The few images that remain of the children are shot from behind or have their faces covered in some way. Jill Dillard appears to be obscuring her childrens faces in Instagram posts Jill might be following her brother and sisters example. While Jill has openly shared pictures of her kids on social media since their births in 2015 and 2017, she seems to be changing how she features them now. Jill Dillard and husband Derick Dillard | D Dipasupil/Getty Images for Extra While both Israel, 7, and Samuel,4, were heavily featured in the familys pregnancy announcement and gender reveal photos, recent snapshots have the kids faces purposefully obscured. An Instagram post celebrating Israels seventh birthday featured baby pictures of her firstborn, but Jill seemingly chose photos from this years festivities where the kids faces werent visible. In a post made days before that, both Israel and Sam are seen walking with their father, Derick Dillard, into swim lessons. Jill shot the picture from behind. Jill Dillards Instagram isnt the only account in the family that has experienced a shakeup. Derick has mostly stopped sharing photos of the kids outside of special events, too. Whether the trend will continue is anyones guess. Not all of the Duggars are changing their posting style While Jill and Derick may be making a conscious decision to keep their kids lives more private, not every Duggar is following the same strategy. Jessa Seewald continues to post photos and videos of her four children regularly. The same is true for Joy-Anna Forsyth. Members of the Duggar family | Ida Mae Astute/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images Jessas most recent Instagram post showed her three oldest children, Spurgeon, Henry, and Ivy, dancing together. At the end of March, she shared a photo of all four of her children in matching pajamas. The familys youngest child, Fern, was born in July 2021. Joy-Anna also shares her children on social media, albeit more inconsistently than her older sister. Joy has shared photos of her son, Gideon, and daughter, Evelyn, in recent weeks. Joys friends have also featured the Forsyth kids in stories. Joy spent the weekend in Tennessee to visit Carlin Bates. Carlin shared a photo to her stories featuring Evelyn. RELATED: Before 19 Kids and Counting: A Complete Timeline of the Duggar Family Scandal BTS didnt get the in-person slime experience, but they did appear in a video message to ARMYs after winning the Kids Choice Award for Favorite Music Group. However, this wouldnt be the first KCA blimp given to the Butter band. The Kids Choice Awards highlighted the K-pop group BTS Jungkook of BTS, winner of Favorite Music Group, is seen on screen during Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards 2021 | Rich Fury/KCA2021/Getty Images for Nickelodeon Its a night full of music, dancing, and slime. In 2022, Nickelodeon broadcasted its Kids Choice Awards. What makes this ceremony unique is the fans involvement viewers are encouraged to support their favorite actors, shows, and musicians, with the winner receiving an orange blimp. The 2022 Kids Choice Awards winner for Favorite Song is Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish. The KCA winner for Favorite Female Artist is Ariana Grande. Although these artists are busy performing at their Permission to Dance on Stage Las Vegas concerts, BTS took home a trophy from the Kids Choice Awards. BTS thanked fans at the 2022 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards Theyre smooth like Butter, and now, theyre winners of a 2022 KCA, as voted by viewers. BTS is the 2022 Kids Choice Award winner for Favorite Music Group, nominated in the same category as Black Eyed Peas, Florida Georgia Line, Jonas Brothers, Maroon 5, and Migos. After RM thanked the KCAs and ARMY for Favorite Music Group, some BTS members shared personal messages with their fans. This award is for you, ARMY, Jimin said in English. We are touched by your love and cheer. We will never ever stop trying our best, Suga added, with V chiming in with a thank you to ARMY. Although they were nominated for Favorite Global Music Star, Adele took home the orange blimp for that award. This wouldnt be the first time BTS earned recognition from the Kids Choice Awards. The previous year, this group actually won the Favorite Global Star Kids Choice Award, appearing in a video message for fans. BTS also set a world record for the most KCAs won by a music group at the Nickelodeons 2021 Kids Choice Awards, also snagging trophies for Favorite Music Group and Favorite Song. According to Billboard, this band won Favorite Global Music Star in 2018 and Favorite Music Group in 2020. BTS recently received a Grammy nomination for their 2021 release Butter BTS is known for sweeping at award shows, especially earning recognition at the 2022 American Music Awards. They also performed alongside Lil Nas X at the 2020 Grammy Awards, earning their first nomination the following year for Dynamite. For the 2022 ceremony, the BTS members attended in person. They performed Butter, which was nominated in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category. Although they did not win, fans took to social media, praising their unique live performance of the hit song. Now, BTS is focusing on their live performances, including their mini-residency in Las Vegas. They previously performed in Los Angeles and Seoul for a similar Permission to Dance on Stage experience. RELATED: Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards Highlight Disney Projects Encanto, Ravens Home, and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series The Bachelorettes Jason Tartick and fiancee Kaitlyn Bristowe face many of the same financial wedding woes as other couples trying to plan a wedding in the next year. Pent-up pandemic demand has created a bottleneck in couples wanting to have the wedding of their dreams, plus supply chain issues compound sticker shock anxiety. I always laugh and joke around about the fact that Ive now learned when you put wedding in front of one word or behind one word, expenses are like three and four X, he laughed during an interview with Showbiz Cheat Sheet. So its been a wild thing, but there are so many things that you can do. I think to manage spending youve got to prioritize. Its one Kaitlyn and I do [to save money]. Where is our priority and where are we less concerned about things? And how do we really save on the less concerned? One thing that wasnt a priority was locking in a lucky or cute date. He used the example of getting married on 11-11-22 because that date will cost you more. There are a lot of people out there that are very focused [on the date], he said. And they really, really want to get married on November 11th, 2022 because they want the date to say, 11-11-22. Things we dont care about, right? So we dont even really care about the day. Kaitlyn Bristowe and Jason Tartick |Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images So those are areas that we can negotiate the price point down, he added. But whats interesting is because of the wedding planning, its the first time ever that we had our first joint bank account together, and that is all our wedding budget, bank account. So were getting there slowly but surely saving the right amount every month and itll be a party. The Bachelorette couple plans to marry in Nashville The 2022 date definitely wont matter because Tartick and Bristowe plan to marry next year, possibly in Nashville, Tennessee. We are gonna start looking at venues here in Nashville, Tartick told US Weekly. Ideally we find the venue we want here in Nashville. And with that venue comes a date. And the big issue with wedding planning right now is you have this perception of when you think youre gonna get married, like, Kaitlyn did [with] fall of 2022. Then you find your perfect venue and with all the cancellations and pushbacks of weddings, it is getting pushed back significantly, he added. I think that were just going to check out the venues and realistically, based on the information we have in the market, it might not be until early 2023 because of the pushbacks. Jason Tarticks life suddenly shifted Tartick is also keeping his eye on finances after he suddenly left his job when his boss gave him an ultimatum. Bristowe dished about the couples sex life on her podcast and his boss said remarks like that had no place in the corporate banking world. Tartick was told to step away from social media and podcasts so he quit. I wasnt sure what was going to happen, he told Showbiz Cheat Sheet. Obviously, I certainly didnt anticipate having this ultimatum pushing me into a corner, he said. I didnt fully expect it and it caught me off guard a little bit. And I think in the back of my head, I knew that there was going to be a time where the personal world and professional worlds collided. Its official, not sure why I am this nervousbut my book cover has been selected and my book, The Restart Roadmap is on sale. The best compliment I could receive right now is your support, by purchasing a copy of this book right here. Thank you! https://t.co/MavBcheJPq pic.twitter.com/E6I63zArQ0 Jason Tartick (@Jason_Tartick) February 22, 2022 Leaving the job put him in a new territory even though hed been planning his exit. Quite frankly, I was probably about six to 12 months away from taking the leap proactively on my own anyway, he added. So at that time, I think it was a little bit earlier than anticipated. But things happen and you just got to change. And detours can lead to huge opportunities. Quite frankly, I talked about fear being a huge reason why people are stuck. It was a huge reason why I was stuck. And sometimes you need to be pushed out the door to get you to the next thing. RELATED: The Bachelorette: Are Jason Tartick and Kaitlyn Bristowe Starting a Family? Its hard to believe that The Bachelor has been on the air for 26 seasons. Over the years, fans and followers have gotten to know and love the lucky contestants who joined the series as well as the lovely ladies that have appeared alongside ABCs bachelors. Whitney Bischoff | Paul Archuleta/Getty Images Sean Lowe, Matt James, and Peter Weber have been some of the series most unforgettable bachelors and casts to take part in the well-known franchise. Chris Soules is another former contestant who is one of The Bachelors most memorable men. Soules season included Bachelor Nation classics like Ashley Laconetti and Kaitlyn Bristowe, and, of course, Whitney Bischoff Angel, the winner of season 19. What has Whitney Bischoff Angel been doing since Chris Soules season of The Bachelor? The Bachelor's Whitney Bischoff has married Ricky Angel in a Cape Cod ceremony attended by friends and family. https://t.co/nN11BuN3lV pic.twitter.com/f7dveYBnCQ E! News (@enews) October 21, 2017 In March of 2015, fans and viewers watched as Soules season came to an end, and Whitney Bischoff Angel accepted his romantic proposal. However, after six months of being engaged, the couple split up. Since then, a lot has happened for Whitney Bischoff Angel. As many can assume, based on her changed name, the former reality television star has gotten married. People shared that Whitney Bischoff Angel and Ricky Angel first met on the popular dating app Bumble back in 2015. The two hit it off and made their love official in 2017 when they got married during an intimate Cape Cod ceremony. How many kids does Whitney Bischoff Angel have? The Bachelor's Whitney Bischoff and Husband Ricky Angel Are Expecting Their First Child https://t.co/hg5a4dOhcw People (@people) February 27, 2019 At the moment, Whitney Bischoff Angel and her beau have one beautiful child. In May of 2019, the former reality TV star and her husband welcomed Hayes Singleton Angel into the world. In an Instagram post, Whitney Bischoff Angel wrote, He definitely has his moms Kentucky blood making his debut on Derby Day and his dads great hair and mild temperament. Making the birth of their son even more meaningful, she went on to explain, This Angel was truly heaven sent coming on the anniversary of my moms passing- no doubt he was hand-delivered. Set to celebrate their sons third birthday soon, the Angel family looks happier than ever. Whitney Bischoff Angels time on The Bachelor She's got babies on the brain! #TheBachelor's Whitney Bischoff reveals she froze her eggs before she met Chris: http://t.co/lloaiioLkL E! News (@enews) March 30, 2015 When Whitney Bischoff Angel ended The Bachelor season 19 together, fans, viewers, and, of course, herself thought she had found her happily-ever-after. Throughout Soules season, Whitney Bischoff Angels connection with him and transparent feelings for The Bachelor star made her a front-runner. However, as the narratives often unfold in Bachelor Nation, things quickly went amiss when the show wrapped up. E! shared some of the details behind the couples decision to call it quits. According to Soules, the duo struggled to make their relationship work in the real world. As the Iowa native explained, They just dump you back into the world Its quite traumatic, actually. You spend two months dating like crazy and then all of a sudden theres no cameras, theres nothing. Theres nobody telling you what to do which is good but its also a transition. Though the couple was free of cameras, Soules, on the other hand, was participating in Dancing With the Stars, which made the couples schedules and reality even more challenging. The breakup was reported as mutual and amicable, but a source close to the reality television stars shared that the split left Whitney Bischoff Angel heartbroken. Even though it may have been a tough breakup for her, in retrospect, it seemed like everything worked out in the end. Unlike his famous ex, Soules is still searching for the one. Fans and followers probably remember when he got together with fellow Bachelor Nation star Victoria Fuller, but as ScreenRant shared, they didnt end up working out. RELATED: The Bachelor Winners: Where Are They Now? This Nov. 22, 2021 image shows former Hopi Vice Chairman Clark Tenakhongva, right, talking with U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland after a celebration at Chaco Culture National Historical Park in northwestern New Mexico. Some tribes in the Southwest applauded Haaland's announcement that her agency was beginning the process to withdrawal federal land holdings near the park from oil and gas development for 20 years. Katherine Zukis knows what its like to struggle in school. Through much of her childhood, learning didnt come easy, she admits, and it took dedication on her part, as well as supportive parents and teachers, to turn her into a good student. Now, she hopes to return the favor. The struggles that Ive overcome have helped me become a better teacher, said Zukis. I believe I can make learning accessible for all. That mindset has made Zukis one of the more valued and popular teachers at Norton School, where she teaches first-grade students. Combining an empathy for her students and a creative mind that helps her devise new ways to approach problems, Zukis has continued to focus her energy on her class, especially through turbulent times. I feel incredibly grateful to work at Norton, said Zukis. The positivity here has really kept us all going over the last two years. Zukis, who has been at Norton since 2009, admitted that the pandemic has been overwhelming for educators, as it has been for all students and families, and that life at times has felt heavy. Thats why she has put her efforts into her students and is trying as best she can to keep them insulated from the troubles of the moment. How can I, just one person, make a difference? she asked, rhetorically. I just decided to give my students the most positive experience possible to make them feel safe and cared for. Everything else will come, she continued. As a first-grade teacher, Zukis is dealing with some of the youngest students in the district, meaning that while teaching the essentials is imperative to form a base of knowledge that carries through the rest of their educational careers, ensuring that the classroom remains a safe space is imperative. You have to ease those anxieties, she said. This was very hard for all (students). I just wanted to be the teacher Id want for my own children. Weve been able to stay in school almost the entire time, Zukis explained. Weve been able to (help students) grow. Weve had the goal of social and emotional learning, along with complex learning, and those strategies have certainly helped. At Norton, we are focused on asking rich questions and letting students have a voice. Thats been important, especially when I was juggling students who were in-person and some who were remote. Zukis grew up in New Britain and remembers the difficult times she spent trying to stay current on her learning. Her parents, who she described as amazing, teamed with New Britain Public School teachers to make sure that Zukis continued to progress, despite her struggles. It led not only to educational success, but a desire to make teaching a career. Zukis attended Keene State College from 2004 to 2008, then moved on to secure her masters degree from Central Connecticut State University. In 2009, she was hired at Norton School but, due to budgetary cuts, her position was not retained after that first year. Having grown attached to the Cheshire District, Zukis was heartbroken to be leaving, but she needed to find a position before the start of the new school year. Other towns reached out and made offers, but just as Zukis was about to make her decision, she was informed that a one-year opportunity had opened in Cheshire, through a maternity leave. It was a risk, but Zukis decided to take that one-year opportunity and hope that it turned into more. It did. I love this community, she said. The students go home to families who really care about them. And the team I work with at Norton they are amazing. I work with some of the most amazing people in this profession, she continued. They are here for the same reason I am. We are here for the kids, and to give 6- and 7-year-olds the best experience they can possibly have. Zukis acknowledged that she was grateful to have had years of experience under her belt before the arrival of the pandemic, as that helped to guide her through the uncertainty of the moment, especially early on when students were sent home to learn exclusively via remote. When looking back on how shes matured as an educator, Zukis believes she is very much the same person now as she was when she first entered the classroom, only with a little more seasoning. Ive always had heart, she said. Thats what got me through my own schooling. So Ive always had that. Im just a bit more polished now. In school, I have such a unique position, she continued. I can make such a positive impact. Thats something I really value. Finland might join NATO due to the threats of Russian President Vladimir Putin if they ever join the western military alliance. The Nordic nation lies on the border of Russia, which the Kremlin does not want to be infringed on by any foreign military power. NATO has been inching in the eastern territories that used to be part of the bloc, which Moscow saw as aggressive. Finland, Sweden To Apply for NATO Membership The former Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb said that Finland might join NATO a month from now, which the Kremlin warned about, and would need to rethink its security, reported the Express UK. Stubb was the PM from 2014 to 2015; last Friday, he said that Putin's aggression would be the cause for considering joining, along with Sweden. Russia shares a border with the Nordic nation, but the special operation in Donbas last February 24 is now changing. The Finnish government's view on Moscow's aggressiveness towards Ukraine became apparent last month when it suspended passenger rail services between Helsinki and St Petersburg. Since it first opened in 2010, the cross-border Allegro train, operated jointly by Finland and Russia's national railways had been a symbol of cooperation between the two nations, cited Eaglesvine. This interruption, which entirely shut down the train link between Russia and the European Union, signaled a significant shift in a relationship that no longer exists. Pekka Haavisto, Finland's foreign minister, cautioned that the war in Ukraine had changed security issues. The NATO matter is sensitive, especially with Vladimir Putin's cautionary note. Read Also: Vladimir Putin: 3 Facts You Didn't Know About Russia's President - From His Judo Records to His KGB Pseudonym NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said they share information on the war with Finland and Sweden and regularly attend NATO meetings. He touted the unity of the western military alliance. One question is whether Finland or Sweden could be crucial members of NATO. Convincing Other Nordic Nations To Join Stoltenberg called them trusted nations and a guarantee of security for all allies only. The alliance, especially the US, wants Finland to join to further its interests in isolating Russia. Last Friday, he spoke on CNBC and said that the Finns would be welcome and all western allies would agree; they would be fast-tracked. But, the Russian Senator Vladimir Dzhabarov called such a move unworthy. Russia's rationale for the so-called "special operation" that has killed many people and displaced millions is the likelihood of Kyiv rejoining NATO. Dzhabarov mentioned early thus that if Finland joins, it will not be safe to drop its neutrality. He added the Finnish PM might regret such a decision, noted Newsweek. He added that Moscow's close economic and trade ties would be wasted listening to the West; and tragic for its people. Finnish intelligence agency Supo remarked that the Kremlin might exploit false abuse charges against native Russians living in Finland to legitimize hostilities. It also warned that the nation might face a spike in Russian cyber-attacks and blackmail attempts to persuade politicians who want to join NATO. Russia emphasized that it does not see this as an existential danger that might force it to use nuclear weapons. Helsinki was given a notice by Vladimir Putin of what could happen; NATO involved recklessly to bolster expansion against Moscow. Related Article: Finland Ignores EU Sanctions, Opens Canal To Enable Trade With Russia as a Neutral Country Not Involved With NATO @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Michael Youssef on equipping next generation as deconstruction, 'woke' theology permeates Church NASHVILLE As deconstruction, liberal theology and woke doctrine continue to invade the church, Michael Youssef, pastor of the Church of the Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia, is on a mission to instill truth in the next generation of Christian leaders. The Apostle Paul tells us were going to see young people fall by the wayside, but dont give up on the Gospel, dont compromise on the truth, the 73-year-old Egyptian-American pastor told The Christian Post at the National Religious Broadcasters convention in March. Were seeing deconstruction, pastors watering down the Gospel, and other things going on. I realized this is a time for me, at the age of 73, to leave a legacy to the younger generation of pastors. And it's not really my legacy; it's the Word of God, its the Apostle Paul's legacy. But I needed to expand it, give illustrations and stories from my own personal life, to urge the next generation leaders to never give up, don't compromise, don't turn your back on the cross and Christ. It was out of this urgency that Youssef, who has authored over 40 books and whose programs are broadcast in 26 languages worldwide, penned his latest book, Never Give Up: Holding Fast to Biblical Truth in Times of Danger and Despair. In it, Youssef draws lessons from the life and teachings of the Apostle Paul to encourage readers to stand firm for the Gospel. He also tells stories from his own life to highlight the importance of having conviction and resilience in challenging times. The televangelist, who spent the first 18 years of his life through the '50s and '60s living in Egypt before escaping to the United States, reflected on the numerous public leaders who have deconstructed in recent years. He said that a common theme among those who deconstruct is many of them were never taught the Gospel in its entirety; either they were presented with an overly-legalistic interpretation of Scripture or a watered-down version. As I look at some of the backgrounds, many of them grew up in very legalistic homes and churches, where they grew up with the list of the do's and the don'ts and never really understood the grace of God and what it means to be overwhelmed with His grace, he said. Conversely, he said hes concerned about professing Christian parents who, in efforts to seem loving, compromise on biblical truth and avoid biblical morality. They think, If I just soften the message a bit, be sensitive on the topic of homosexuality, and give the impression that its OK instead of speaking the truth in love, he said. And this is a very delicate formula. Many people kind of go one way or the other. As many churches are capitulating to woke theology in an effort to seem inclusive and seeker-friendly, Youssef stressed the need for pastors to draw distinct lines between biblical and unbiblical behavior. If a person is deliberate in turning their back on Christ, he or she should not be in ministry, he said. We can continue to love them, we continue to reach out to them, we'll continue to care for them because that's the call of God in our lives is to love everybody and to love sinners. We were loved by God while we yet sinners. But, he continued, if a person says, I don't believe that Jesus is Lord, then you really need to get out of the ministry. If someone says, I'm living in sin, any sin, and I'm not ready to repent, Well, you cant join the church. You cant be a member. You are welcome to come in every Sunday, but you cannot be a member. The pastor acknowledged that it can be difficult to discern when a pastor is a false teacher who promotes a watered-down theology versus a biblically-sound one who holds to the ancient truths found in the Scriptures. He encouraged churchgoers to ask, Do they lift up Jesus and the cross of Christ as the only hope for salvation, eternal life, and calling men to repent and women to repent of their sins and turn to the Lord? Or do they simply preach affirmations? Affirmation is not going to save souls. It's not going to save people. They're not going to be convicted of their sins and repent and turn to the Lord, he stressed. Sin is not to be winked at. If, when I preach, sin is minimized, the cross is trivialized, people are not going to understand the enormity of sin, that they desperately need the cross of Christ. The message of the Gospel that people are desperately sinful and must repent to receive eternal life is one desperately needed today, yet is getting smothered as pastors seek to become accepted and the secular world seeks to silence the truth. Were seeing these lobbying groups trying to manipulate Christians, and say, Well, if you're really loving, you must love me with my sin, and you'll even love my sin. And if you don't, then you're not really a loving person, he contended. That's manipulation. We're not going to fall for it. Serving as a pastor or a church leader is a serious calling, and not one to be taken lightly, Youssef emphasized. The pastor shared that in his own life, he was called into the ministry kicking and screaming, but felt undeniably called by God. We have faced horrendous times, all kinds of turbulent times, he said. Every time I am in difficult times, I say to the Lord, This was not my idea. I did not want to start a church; you dragged me into Him. Therefore, its Your church, You take care of it. And, God will take care of the problem. He added, Having a call of God and being absolutely convinced of that call is a must; otherwise, don't do it. If you just think, Well, it's a good thing to do. I like to help people I like to teach, or whatever other reasons, do not enter the ministry. You have to be called of God. Though its easy to succumb to hand-wringing in light of the issues swirling in culture, Youssef offered the reminder that the Church has endured trials for thousands of years, yet God always remains faithful. Still, he said, conviction is needed and service is required on the part of the Church. The reason I wrote this book is that you realize this is not new to us; this has been going on in the Church for 2,000 years. And the disciples of Christ faced far worse than what we're facing. Yet, they never gave up, never surrendered, he said. Though he receives criticism for his biblical views on many issues, Youssef said he takes comfort in the promises found in John 16:33: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. I once heard a persecuted Indonesian pastor say, If Christ is not worth dying for then he's not worth living for,'" he said. "So take it all the way to the bottom: What can they do to me? Kill me? Great. I go to Heaven. Thats the mentality people need to have instead of saying, Oh no, look whats happening. We just need the body of Christ to need to be more discerning, and that's really the key. A form of reparations: 4 reactions to Ketanji Brown Jackson's Supreme Court confirmation Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has become the first African American woman to be confirmed by the Senate to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court. In a vote of 53-47 on Thursday, largely falling along political party lines, Jackson was approved to fill the seat that will be vacated this summer when Justice Stephen Breyer retires. The forthcoming replacement of Breyer with Jackson will have no impact on the ideological balance of the court, which will still consist of six justices appointed by Republican presidents and three justices appointed by Democrat presidents. In February, President Joe Biden nominated Jackson, who serves as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, to fill the impending vacancy caused by the forthcoming retirement of Breyer, the courts longest-serving Democrat-appointed justice. His nomination of Jackson follows a promise on the campaign trail to nominate a female minority to the Supreme Court if given the opportunity to do so. A myriad of reactions have poured in about the confirmation, with many expressing happiness over an African American woman achieving a historic milestone while others express ongoing concern over her judicial philosophy. Here are four reactions to the Senate confirming Jackson. They include celebrations over the historic milestone to concerns over judicial activism. 1 2 3 4 5 Next Franklin Graham to preach Easter Sunday sermon from Ukraine About a month after returning from Ukraine, evangelist Franklin Graham has announced that he will go back to the war-torn country to deliver a special message on Easter Sunday amid Russias ongoing invasion that has killed more than 1,700 civilians, including 139 children. Ill be going back to Ukraine to preach an Easter message, wrote Graham, who heads Samaritans Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, on social media. On Easter, he added, we celebrate the reason for our hope JESUS IS ALIVE! The event will include music from an 80-person Ukrainian choir, many of whom have been displaced by the war, BGEAs website says. His Easter message will air on Fox News at Noon ET on April 17. My deepest gratitude to my father Billy Grahams friend, Mr. Rupert Murdoch, who is providing the television air time for this, Graham shared. Since Russia began its invasion on Feb. 24, it's estimated that at least 1,766 civilians have been killed and 2,383 have been injured as of a Saturday update from the United Nations. Among those killed are 129 children. Since the invasion began, more than 10 million people in Ukraine have been forced to flee their homes. Last month, Graham traveled to Ukraine as his ministries are helping Ukrainians in need. After his return, Graham spoke to The Christian Post and discussed Samaritans Purses efforts to minister to and help Ukrainians fleeing the regions of their country targeted by Russian troops. The organization has established a field hospital in western Ukraine. The North Carolina-based charity is operating medical clinics and distributing relief items through 3,000 church partners in Ukraine and Moldova. The charity has made five airlifts, delivering more than 185 tons of supplies since March 4. Youve got people that are diabetic, youve got people with heart conditions, high blood pressure, all of these kinds of things are just normal everyday problems of life, Graham said. On top of that, you have a lot of people that have been wounded due to the shelling. And so, you have to throw that into the mix. Among the medical clinics Samaritans Purse has established is a 24-hour clinic at a train station in Lviv and another at a bus station in the city. A third clinic is located in Chernivtsi in southwest Ukraine. Samaritans Purse has over 150 staff members in the region and treats over 100 patients per day. The organization has seen more than 2,400 patients across all of its medical sites as of last week. Earlier this month, Graham urged Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to agree to a ceasefire during the 10 days of Easter observances. I have written to Putin and to Zelenskyy asking for a ceasefire from April 15-24, Graham wrote on Facebook. I shared with them that I will be calling on churches in Ukraine, Russia, and around the globe to join together in prayer during those 10 days, wrote Graham. May we humbly unite before the King of kings and the Lord of lords, the Prince of Peace, to ask for His help and mercy. Graham wrote that he hoped that if they could agree to a 10-day ceasefire, then maybe they can stop fighting for two weeks. If they stop for two weeks, maybe they can stop for a month, he added. If they stop for a month, maybe they can stop for good. Youve got to start somewhere. Graham, the son of legendary evangelist Billy Graham, said the deadly conflict is a man-made disaster, a historic humanitarian crisis. He believes God is the only solution. Christian MP Paivi Rasanen ready to defend free speech again as Finnish prosecutors file appeal Finnish Christian politician Paivi Rasanen says she is ready to defend freedom of speech and religion again as public prosecutors have announced they will appeal her legal victory in a lawsuit in which she faced the possibility of six years in prison for sharing her deeply held biblical beliefs on sexuality and marriage. Finlands public prosecutors announced last week that they will appeal the March 30 verdict by the Helsinki District Court, which threw out the charges against Rasanen, a member of Parliament from the Christian Democratic Party, who says her lawyers are ready to respond to it. I had hoped that the prosecutors would have settled for this ruling [But] I am ready to defend freedom of speech and religion in all necessary courts, also in the European Court of Human Rights, Rasanen, former minister of the Interior, told Christian Today in an interview. She says her case is important for Bible-believing Christians, but also more widely for freedom of speech. The ruling gives a very solid and good foundation to defend our foundational rights in the Court of Appeal, she continued, explaining that vague hate speech laws would be targeted against Christians. It is important to remember that there is no universally agreed definition of hate speech, she said. Nobody knows exactly what it is. If hate speech was in our legislation, there would be a great risk that it limited our freedoms. In its verdict in favor of Rasanen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland, a three-judge panel on the Helsinki District Court determined that the government should not be interpreting biblical concepts. The court reasoned that statements made by the former interior minister didnt constitute hate speech even though they might have offended members of the LGBT community. The court ordered the prosecution to pay the legal costs associated with the trial. Rasanen and Pohjola faced prosecution for their roles in creating and publishing a 2004 pamphlet titled Male and Female He Created Them: Homosexual relationships challenge the Christian concept of humanity. The indictment accused Rasanen and Pohjola of incitement to hatred against a group. The bishop explained at a press conference last year that the charges fall under the section of war crimes and crimes against humanity. He said they were accused of sharing opinions and allegations defaming and insulting homosexuals as a group based on their sexual orientation. In addition to the pamphlet, Rasanen faced criminal charges for a 2019 tweet criticizing the leadership of the Finnish Lutheran Church for supporting LGBT pride month and sharing her beliefs about homosexuality in a radio show appearance that same year. Alliance Defending Freedom International is representing Pohjola and Rasanen. Paul Coleman, the executive director of ADF International, praised the courts ruling as an important decision, which upholds the fundamental right to freedom of speech in Finland. He described the ability for people to share their beliefs without fear of censorship as the foundation of every free and democratic society. In the interview, Rasanen encouraged others to speak publicly about the Gospel and express their faith. I encourage Christians to lobby the MPs and other decision-makers, both at the national and international level, and raise awareness about the dangers of censorship and cancel culture, which are threats to any democracy, she said, warning, Otherwise, the space for speaking will eventually become even smaller. The more we keep silent, the more the risk to laws aiming to limit free speech will increase. The Christian politician earlier said her writings and statements are all linked to the Bibles teaching on marriage, living as a man and a woman, as well as the Apostle Pauls teaching on sin. The points of view over which I stood accused do not deviate from so-called classical Christianity and nor does my view on marriage deviate from the official policy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, she noted. ELCA church calls for trans bishop to resign over allegations of racism, other issues A California congregation with a sizable LGBT membership that belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has called for the removal of the denominations first trans-identified bishop. The Rev. Megan Rohrer, who uses they/them pronouns, was installed as the first trans-identified bishop in ELCA history last September, becoming the leader of the California-based ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod. However, since then, Rohrer has weathered controversy over allegations of racist behavior toward a Hispanic Lutheran pastor, as well as other issues that have led some to call for Rohrers removal. The Congregation Council of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, a Fresno-based ELCA congregation that reports having about 50% LGBT membership, passed a resolution on March 22 calling for the removal of both Rohrer and the Synod Council. Approved by a unanimous vote, the resolution petitioned the ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, the Conference of Bishops, and other leaders to begin the process of removing Rohrer and the Synod Council from power. The resolution cited multiple reasons, including the alleged mistreatment by Rohrer of Pastor Nelson Rabell-Gonzalez of Mision Latina Luterana which included firing him litigation surrounding Rohrers actions as pastor of Grace Lutheran Evangelical Church of San Francisco, and other issues. Rohrers approach to pastoral ministry is incompatible with the expectations of ordained clergy of the ELCA a pattern of abuse, bullying, manipulation of facts, deceit, and character assassination, stated the resolution. the episcopate of Bishop Megan Rohrer, the first transgender bishop of the ELCA, should be cause for great celebration but, instead, by their actions as both Pastor of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in San Francisco and as Bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod, their episcopate is an embarrassment to the LGBTQIA+ members of Our Saviours Lutheran Church and its Mision Esperanza. Our Saviors Lutheran Church demanded that ECLA leadership begin the process of removing Rohrer and the Synd Council from office, a reversal of the actions taken against Rabell-Gonzalez and others, and demanded a public apology to Rabell-Gonzalez. The church added that it "refuses to participate in any activities, meetings, assemblies, or other gatherings of the Sierra Pacific Synod while Bishop Megan Rohrer and the current Synod Council remain in their respective positions." To participate in any activity of the Sierra Pacific Synod at this time, would give tacit approval to the past damage done to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in San Francisco (now defunct) by Bishop Megan Rohrer; it would be a betrayal of the core values of our Congregation. The Christian Post reached out to the ELCA for a response to these developments, but the mainline Protestant denomination did not respond by press time. Shortly after the resolution was passed, Bishop Eaton announced that a listening team was going to travel to the Synod and conduct interviews, though she did not name Rohrer or any of the controversies in her statement. These interviews will be times of holy listening to people who have been affected in various ways by the situation, said Eaton. They will conclude their work after Easter and will provide a report to me that will serve as an advisory document for my prayerful discernment and decision-making. In December 2021, the Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM), a group that supports LGBT Lutheran clergy, suspended the membership of Rohrer in their organization. ELM said at the time that Rohrer was suspended due to an existing pattern of behavior that put the bishop at odds with ELMs Mission, Vision, and Values specifically as it pertains to being an anti-racist organization. This suspension is not only a response to recent harm done by the Sierra Pacific Synod Council and Bishop Rohrer to the Latinx community in Stockton, CA. This is a decision that ELM staff and Board have been discerning for much of 2021, stated the ELM board of directors last year. The Accountability Team has attempted to work with Bishop Rohrer to specifically address how the bishops racist words and actions have harmed members of the ELM staff, board, and community. In September, Bishop Rohrer declined the Accountability Teams invitation for continued work to repair these relationships. Former Hillsong pastors say Brian Houston bullied them into handing over church assets Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston, who recently resigned from his post as global senior pastor over allegations of sexual misconduct, also bullied church leaders into handing over cash and real estate to enrich his megachurch network, two former pastors who worked with the embattled spiritual leader claim. Husband and wife pastors Vera and Zhenya Kasevich, who led Hillsong churches in Kyiv and Moscow for more than 20 years, revealed in an ABC Australia report that they were threatened when they tried to break away from the Hillsong network in 2014. The couple, who recently immigrated to the U.S., said Houston and George Aghajanian, the general manager and a director of Hillsong Church Australia and its international entities, threatened to derail their immigration plans if they didnt comply with their demands for money and property. Houston has denied the allegations. Documents signed by Aghajanian reportedly show that Hillsong Church Ltd. asked the Kasevichs to make a voluntary donation of the proceeds of the sale of a property and over $230,000 in cash. The Kasevichs, who also appear in the Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed documentary on Discovery Plus, say they founded their church in Ukraine in 1992 with financial help from Hillsong Church. Even though they named their church Hillsong, they maintain that they remained independent. By 2008, the congregation had grown into a thriving church generating $1 million in income from just donations alone. It was around this time, they said, that Houston developed an interest in their work. Zhenya Kasevich recalled having to pay large sums for guest speakers to attend a Hillsong conference in Kyiv. We had to pay $13,000 for first-class tickets from the USA to Ukraine, he told the news outlet. He claimed that the excesses made him and his wife uncomfortable. We could not look at our poor peoples eyes and tell them we are using church money for our benefit and our luxurious life, he added. So when we saw this, we started to raise questions. Around the time in 2014, while they were trying to break away from Hillsong Church, the Kasevichs say they were also trying to immigrate to the U.S. with the help of the church. As a result of their disagreement, they claim Hillsong Church threatened to derail their immigration application. In one email cited by the publication, Aghajanian purportedly notes that he can make things very difficult for the Kasevichs with the American authorities. Houston warned in another purported email that Vera and Zhenya Kasevich have a lot to fear and that his general manager has a lot of useful information for the US embassy on them. Basically, [Brian Houston] said ... This church is mine. I will make your life small. I will squash it, Vera Kasevich said. Houston dismissed the Kasevichs allegations as a complete fantasy. When contacted by ABC Australia, he denied threatening their efforts to immigrate to the U.S. The couple says now that their immigration to the U.S. was successful, they no longer feel intimidated to speak up about the dealings of Hillsong Church leaders in Australia. We were quiet for eight full years and now we are safe, Zhenya Kasevich was quoted as saying. The Kasevichs say they eventually gave Hillsong Church officials what they wanted to prevent their congregation from being split up amid threats by Hillsong to start a rival church in Kyiv. They say there were forced to completely cut ties with their members. ABC Australia reported that the Kasevichs refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement with Hillsong. The agreement would have allegedly prohibited them from attending any Hillsong service in Kyiv or Moscow or contacting Hillsong staff or volunteers directly. We are not afraid to tell the truth, and we want other people who are victims to have a voice, Vera Kasevich said. The Christian Post asked Hillsong Church on Wednesday if requiring Hillsong Church ministry leaders to sign non-disclosure agreements is standard practice. A response was not immediately received. The report further detailed how Hillsong Church took over multiple churches and their assets in Australia with aggressive business tactics. In the U.S., the global megachurch network amassed a real estate portfolio in the United States expected to appreciate to over $40 million since launching its first U.S. location in New York City in 2010, according to private investigator Barry Bowen of the Trinity Foundation, an organization that monitors church fraud. As the scandals about the megachurch mounted in recent weeks, Hillsong has lost nine of its 16 American church campuses. Just over a year ago, CP reported how Hillsong Church took hits to its brand due to property-related lawsuits in the U.S. and Australia. The lawsuits accused Hillsong Church leaders of immoral, oppressive and unscrupulous conduct. In the U.S. lawsuit filed on Jan. 20, 2021, by the Wall Street Theater Company, Inc., Hillsong Connecticut was accused of failing to pay more than $100,000 in rent and removing electronic equipment from the companys property located at 71 Wall Street in Norwalk. A source told the New York Post that the church claimed they could not afford to pay the rent because they are a small nonprofit organization. Hillsong just ghosted the theater, the source was quoted as saying. When the theater sent them a bill, they responded saying they were a small not-for-profit and couldnt pay it, and that they didnt owe it anyways because of the pandemic. Dale Smith, whose company provided security for Hillsong, argued that while the church might claim to be a nonprofit, he thinks it operated more like a corporation. It just seemed like a business, real robotic, he told the New York Post. Even the ones on the payroll seemed to be fighting, positioning in order to climb that ladder, which, in my opinion, is not what a church is supposed to be. GLAAD CEO calls for more LGBT stories in children's programming A leading LGBT watchdog group is urging Hollywood to incorporate more LGBT content into childrens programming as it pushes back against a new Florida law that prohibits public school instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity for kids 9 years and younger. According to Variety, Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) CEO Sara Kate Ellis expressed her desire to see more LGBT representation in childrens media during Saturdays GLAAD Media Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. Dont wait until youre in the hot seat, Ellis said. Theres no more time to sit on the sidelines. We need Hollywood on the front lines, fighting for our rights and telling our stories. The activist stated the organization will soon convene the biggest brands, agencies, studios and streamers together with two goals: one, to commit to improving the quantity, quality and diversity of LGBTQ images, especially in kids and family programming. And, two, to speak out against anti-LGBTQ legislation in favor of rights like the Equality Act. Ellis' organization, in 2019, called for 20% of all television characters to be LGBT by the year 2025. Meg Kilgannon, the senior fellow for education studies at the social conservative lobbying organization Family Research Council, told The Christian Post that GLAAD making such an announcement at its annual awards event in Los Angeles should be taken very seriously. This is essentially the same thing for them as an announcement from the pulpit is to us as Christians, Kilgannon said. Theyre telling you this is their faith, and they will make sure their children are catechized in it. And not only their own children, but theyre going to try to catechize our children in it. GLAADs recent push for LGBT representation in childrens programming comes after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Parental Rights in Education law. The law prohibits classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation for children in kindergarten through third grade and requires schools to inform parents about changes in services that could impact their childs well-being. In her public remarks Saturday, Ellis criticized the Florida bill, appearing to use its passage as a reason to focus on sharing an LGBT message through kids content. In just one day, on March 8, the Florida Senate passed the Dont Say Gay bill, which was signed into law this past week, she said. The South Dakota Senate passed a bill that bans discussion of divisive concepts like race and sex in college courses. The Idaho House of Representatives passed a bill that would send librarians to jail if they let minors check out books that include LGBTQ topics. And the New Jersey Supreme Court denied an appeal that would bar a religious organization from offering so-called conversion therapy. This all happened not in one month, not in one week, but all in one day, Ellis continued. I expect every industry executive in this room to join us. GLAAD will give you the playbook. But we wont give you a pass. In a statement Wednesday, mental health professional Robin Atkins told CP that exposing children to adult sexual preferences could negatively impact their well-being. Children do not have the necessary cognitive skills nor the life experience to incorporate adult sexual content into their lives, Atkins wrote. Children exposed to sexual content are inherently sexualized. Their innocence and natural gradual assimilation of knowledge are destroyed. The GLAAD CEOs remarks come not long after leaked footage from a Disney company meeting showed employees expressing similar intentions for childrens programming. The footage shows Disney Executive Producer Latoya Raveneau referring to her not-at-all secret gay agenda. During the meeting, Corporate President Karey Burke also called for upcoming projects to feature more LGBTQIA lead characters. We have many, many, many LGBTQIA characters in our stories, and yet we dont have enough leads, a narrative in which gay characters just just get to be characters and not have to be about gay stories, she said. In 2020, the creator of the Disney Channel cartoon The Owl House admitted the lead character shared her bisexual orientation. The character is reportedly the first time the network has featured a bisexual character as the lead. Similarly, in 2021, Nickelodeon, another childrens television network, announced it would feature a trans-identified teen in an episode of Danger Force as part of a Trans Youth Acting Challenge. In that same year, the network also showcased an animated Pride parade using characters from the kids show Blues Clues. In a 2021 reboot of the Rugrats childrens series, Nickelodeon rewrote one of its heterosexual characters, turning her into a lesbian single mom. FRCs Kilgannon urged parents to turn to great alternative programming for kids. They dont have these big budgets and the backing of big media, she said. But there is great programming out there for children from Christian sources. ... So, the more they push this, the more youll see a response for an alternative. And the best thing parents can do, of course, is just unplug it all and spend time with your children. In a 2019-2020 GLAAD report, Where We Are on TV, the media watchdog group claimed the role television plays in changing hearts and minds has never been more important. A 2017 GLAAD/Harris survey of 2,037 adults that reportedly found that one-fifth of Americans ages 18-34 and 12% of all adults identify as LGBT or other non-heterosexual, non-biological gender categories. A June 2019 Gallup survey found many Americans tend to overestimate the percentage of how many of their fellow citizens identify as gay or lesbian by a significant margin. Travel: Postcard from Daytona Beach Forget Daytona Beachs stereotypes of race cars and spring break. During my recent visit in the lull between the two periods of spring break college students and then everyone else I discovered a destination full of surprises. Theres no question that Daytona Beach enjoys near-universal name recognition, thanks to the legendary car race that occurs every February at the massive track adjacent to the recently renovated airport. The track is basically a cathedral for racing enthusiasts. At the same time, the place felt slightly off-the-beaten path if only because there are a noticeable lack of major chain hotels and big oceanfront resorts compared with more developed and crowded parts of Florida. Along Atlantic Avenue, the strip that parallels the ocean, quite a few old-school motels with tropical or otherwise whimsical names can be found. One such property is the art deco-style Streamline Hotel, where the predecessor of NASCAR was formed in 1947. When most people say or think of Daytona Beach, they mean the beach itself and not the city of the same name. Running for 23 miles along the Atlantic coast, the white-sand beach actually passes through three separate cities and one town in Volusia County: Ponce Inlet, Daytona Beach Shores, Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach. Public access includes marked lanes for motorists willing to fork over $20 for the novelty of driving on a beach. While its easy to never leave the sun and sand, the real draw is found in the city proper. Most visible is a $25 million redevelopment of the esplanade facing the Halifax River opposite Beach Street, Daytona Beachs main street in all but name. Once finished it will complement the quaint downtown, which is a welcome departure from the strip malls and endless sprawl found elsewhere in Florida. On nearby Orange Avenue is St. Marys Episcopal Church. Dating to at least 1883, the handsome carpenter Gothic church with its fine collection of stained-glass windows is purportedly the oldest continuously used church anywhere in the Sunshine State. A short drive away is the Museum of Arts & Sciences, which includes the standalone Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art. Unlike art museums elsewhere, the collection here is entirely Florida art. Works range from early depictions of centuries-old St. Augustine to impressionist paintings of landscape. In short, the museum punches well above its weight. If you go Also worth visiting are the Halifax Historical Museum, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum and The Casements, the former winter home of John D. Rockefeller. I stayed in mostly quiet Daytona Beach Shores at the Delta, a Marriott branded hotel and one of the few major chain outposts. Not only do many of the rooms have private oceanfront balconies, but the family-friendly hotel features direct access to the beach and, notably, no resort fees. Eat at The Cellar, an Italian restaurant in the one-time home of President Warren Harding; Top of Daytona on the 29th floor of an oceanfront tower; or the casual Down the Hatch Seafood Company with waterfront views of the Ponce de Leon Inlet. Most visitors fly into Daytona Beachs airport, which has daily service from American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Orlando, located about an hour away by car, has considerably more flight options. Dennis Lennox writes a travel column for The Christian Post. 6 inspirational songs for Palm Sunday In many churches, the Sunday before Easter serves as a celebration of Jesus' triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem, in which the Bible records that crowds waved palm branches in his honor. Known as Palm Sunday, the day begins what is called Holy Week, a time on the liturgical calendar that includes Holy Thursday, which recalls the Last Supper, Good Friday, which recalls the Crucifixion, Holy Saturday, and finally Easter. The observance will often involve members of a congregation taking palm branches and waving them during worship, especially the opening processional of the service. Here are six songs that are used to celebrate and contemplate the significance of Palm Sunday. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next 761 acts of violence committed against Indian Christians in 2021, new report finds A federation of Indian American Christian groups says it documented at least 761 incidents of violence against Christians, including lynching and armed assaults last year. It is recommended that the U.S. and European governments impose sanctions on officials who promote violence and exclusion of religious minorities. The year 2021 has proven to be the most violent year for Christians in India, said John Prabhudoss, the chairman of the Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America, at a press conference in Washington, D.C., this week. Prabhudoss said FIACONA documented and analyzed all the 761 incidents, adding that the number of anti-Christian attacks is likely to be much higher because most of the incidents are not reported. Christians and other minorities, he explained, do not trust the police, especially in rural areas. The current hostile environment in India amplifies that distrust. Prabhudoss added that a survey by FIACONA in states where the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party is governing showed that 72% of Christians believe that the police will not protect their lives, liberty, property or their way of life. The report by FIACONA said Indias judiciary is also not viewed as being independent and impartial. The higher courts in India have been passing judgments favoring views of the political establishments rather than based on legal merits of the cases, it stated. Many recent judgments have made some wonder if the integrity of the high courts is compromised. It adds, Common citizens of India, especially the religious minorities, observe and feel that the governments led by BJP are implementing the majoritarian ideology, namely Hindutva. The government, it continued, is subservient to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, an umbrella Hindu nationalist group, and its multiple associates specializing in radical and violent means to exclude and demean the Christians. FIACONA also accused some media outlets and social media giants of being aligned with Hindu nationalists that are inciting attacks on religious minorities and calling for genocide. Most major media houses both in print and TV are either controlled or owned by tycoons who are in league with the Hindu nationalist ecosystem, it said. And it is more visible in Hindi and some other vernacular media. It has been confirmed that even social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter in India are manipulated by the radical Hindu sympathizers. A Hindu nationalist-leaning religious conclave, called Dharma Sansad, held in the city of Haridwar in the northern state of Uttarakhand from Dec. 1719, 2021, called for genocide of religious minorities, the report noted, adding that another call for genocide was made by a different Hindu nationalist group in the southern state of Karnataka on Feb. 25. The FIACONA report also noted that Indias anti-conversion laws are used as a tool to arrest religious minorities, including Christians, on false charges of forced conversions. The anti-conversion laws presume that Christians pressure Hindus to convert to Christianity. Some of these laws have been in place for decades in some states. Radical Hindu nationalist groups frequently use the laws to make false charges against Christians and launch attacks on them under the pretext that they're enticing people to convert with the promise of food gifts. Under these laws, Christians are also prohibited from talking about the afterlife. The report further noted that Overseas Friends of BJP USA, which is a registered outfit in the U.S. as a foreign agent under FARA regulations, is also an offshoot of the RSS to provide a much needed support mechanism for their activities in India. We recommend that India-based non-state actors and key officials that promote violence and exclusion of religious minorities from the society be identified and sanctioned by the United States and European governments, it said. Another report released by the United Christian Forum in India earlier this year recorded at least 486 violent incidents of Christian persecution in 2021. The UCF also attributed the high incidence of Christian persecution to impunity, due to which such mobs criminally threaten, physically assault people in prayer, before handing them over to the police on allegations of forcible conversions. Police registered formal complaints in only 34 of the 486 cases, according to the UCF. Often communal sloganeering is witnessed outside police stations, where the police stand as mute spectators, the UCF report stated. Hindu extremists believe that all Indians should be Hindus and that the country should be rid of Christianity and Islam, an Open Doors fact sheet explains. They use extensive violence to achieve this goal, particularly targeting Christians from a Hindu background. Christians are accused of following a foreign faith and blamed for bad luck in their communities. The U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern earlier warned that the pace of Christian persecution only seems to be accelerating with the arrival of 2022, and whether 2022 will be as violent of a year as 2021 is yet to be seen. Christians make up only 2.3% of Indias population and Hindus comprise about 80%. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Saturday in the wake of the missile attack on a train station in Kramatorsk that killed dozens of civilians. In a surprise visit, Johnson met with Zelensky in which he pledged to increase military and financial support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. The assistance includes 120 armored vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems, as per NBC News. Global leaders have vehemently criticized the missile attack on a train station in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine, which killed at least 52 people, with the EU imposing further penalties on Russian persons. As thousands of civilians seek to evacuate the region, Russian authorities concentrate their efforts on Ukraine's eastern region. Russian air raids over the country's south and east are expected to intensify in the coming days, despite robust Ukrainian defense. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday has pledged to give Ukraine a faster start to process its membership in the European Union, which will take just "a matter of weeks." Zelensky will ponder on the offer and will give his response after a week. Read Also: Russia-Ukraine War: 164 Bodies Found in Bucha After Civilian Massacre; 50 Dead Following Russian Missile Strike at Kramatorsk Train Station Thousands of Civilians Leave Ukraine's East Amid Threat of Intensified Attacks A day after the deadly missile attack, evacuation efforts continue as thousands of civilians want to flee amid risks of intensified Russian attacks in the east. On Friday, the missile strike at a train station killed at least 52 individuals and injured more than 100. Ukraine's government officials urged civilians to leave the area, according to a report from AP News. However, due to reported attacks of the Russian military on trains, distressed civilians resort to other transportation means to evacuate, with the fear of the same unforgiving attacks by the Russian military that killed hundreds and caused a scarcity of basic needs. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk announced that there are ten evacuation corridors planned. According to Ukraine's state train company, residents of Kramatorsk and other parts of the Donbas could utilize other railway stations to get away from the impending danger. Russia Insists Ukraine Launched the Missile Attack Zelensky cited the recent missile strike on the train station in Kramatorsk as proof of war crimes committed by Vladimir Putin's military forces and urged the West to bolster its assistance to increase Ukraine's defense capabilities. The Hill reported that United States officials said Russian forces executed the strike utilizing short-range missiles, which Moscow denies. Russia said that it was Ukraine's military that attacked the station. To reinforce the claim, a Russian Defense Ministry spokeswoman highlighted the missile's course and Ukrainian army locations. But Western experts and Ukrainian officials insist that Russia is behind the attack on the station due to the statement in Russian painted on the missile's remains, "For the children." Although the actual meaning of the language remained unclear, it appeared that the missile attack intended to avenge the loss or oppression of children. Ukrainian officials noted that they anticipate discovering more mass executions as they head to Mariupol, a southern port city in the Donbas that has been subjected to a month-long blockade and severe warfare. Related Article: Pope Francis Pleads to 'Stop' Russia-Ukraine War, Condemns Cruel 'Massacre of Bucha' @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Kentucky to treat churches as 'essential services' during pandemics, emergencies Kentucky has passed a law that requires the government to treat houses of worship the same as essential services whenever a state of emergency is declared after many states and municipalities enacted emergency orders during the pandemic limiting the size and scope of religious gatherings. Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Bill 43 into law on Tuesday, which exempts houses of worship from specific emergency measures unless such houses have become unsafe to a degree that would justify condemnation in the absence of a state of emergency. A governmental entity shall not prohibit or restrict a religious organization from operating or engaging in religious services during a declared emergency to the same or any greater extent than other organizations or businesses that provide essential services necessary and vital to the health and welfare of the public are prohibited or restricted, continued the new law. [N]o health, safety, or occupancy requirement may impose a substantial burden on a religious organization or its services unless applying the burden to the religion or religious service in the particular instance is essential to further a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest. The new law wont prohibit the state from requiring religious organizations to comply with neutral health, safety, or occupancy requirements that are applicable to all organizations and businesses that provide essential services. Introduced in January and chiefly sponsored by Republican Rep. Shane Baker, HB 43 passed the House on March 1 in a vote of 83-12, then the Senate on March 23 in a vote of 30-7. The Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal nonprofit that has argued religious liberty cases at the U.S. Supreme Court level, celebrated the bill's passing. ADF legal counsel Greg Chafuen said in a statement Tuesday that houses of worship provide soul-sustaining operations that are essential to our society and protected by the First Amendment. While public officials have the authority and responsibility to protect public health and safety, the First Amendment prohibits the government from treating houses of worship and religious organizations worse than shopping centers, restaurants, or gyms, stated Chafuen. HB 43 makes it clear that officials cannot discriminate against religious operations, including during a public crisis. We commend Gov. Beshear and the Kentucky Legislature for taking this significant step to defend religious liberty for all Kentuckians. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many and local state governments were accused of treating churches worse than comparable secular entities in their various lockdown policies aimed at mitigating the spread of the coronavirus. In November 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. Cuomo that certain New York restrictions had unfairly singled out religious groups. Members of this Court are not public health experts, and we should respect the judgment of those with special expertise and responsibility in this area. But even in a pandemic, the Constitution cannot be put away and forgotten, stated the majority. The restrictions at issue here, by effectively barring many from attending religious services, strike at the very heart of the First Amendments guarantee of religious liberty. In other states, governments have had to pay out settlements in response to lawsuits filed on behalf of churches and other religious organizations who felt their First Amendment rights were violated because their congregations couldnt gather due to restrictions against large gatherings. Last May, California paid $1.35 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Harvest Rock Church against COVID-19 policies. Kentucky is not the first state to pass a law aimed at limiting the ability of state agencies to enact emergency orders that place stricter restrictions on religious bodies than comparable secular entities. In March 2021, North Dakota passed a law stating state officials cant treat religious conduct more restrictively than any secular conduct of reasonably comparable risk, unless the government demonstrates through clear and convincing scientific evidence that a particular religious activity poses an extraordinary health risk. Similar laws were passed in states like New Hampshire and Indiana. Pro-life groups demand DOJ investigate abortionist after finding full-term babies in medical waste box After the remains of full-term aborted babies were recovered at an abortion clinic before being incinerated as medical waste, pro-life activists are demanding that the Department of Justice take action against the abortionist they believe committed the illegal acts. Terrisa Bukovinac, the founder of Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising, and Randall Terry, the founder of the pro-life group Operation Rescue, hosted a press conference in Washington, D.C., Tuesday to discuss Bukovinacs discovery of full-term aborted babies inside a biohazard box marked as medical waste that was to be incinerated and converted into electricity. Bukovinac came across the box while protesting outside Washington Surgi-Clinic, an abortion clinic in the nations capital. On Friday, March 25, the Day of the Unborn Child, Lauren Handy and I went to Washington Surgi Center to engage in anti-abortion advocacy. Upon arrival, we saw a truck labeled Curtis Bay Medical Waste Services parked outside, she recalled. We approached the driver, who was about to load two large boxes with biohazard symbols onto his truck. While the driver indicated that he didn't know what was inside the boxes, Bukovinac explained to him that they contained dead babies. The driver agreed to let the pro-life activists take one of the boxes after they told him their plans to give the aborted babies a proper burial and a funeral. Upon opening the box at Handys apartment, the pro-life activists discovered 110 mostly first-trimester aborted children and a clear plastic bag with five more containers, one much bigger than the remaining four. Bukovinac said one of the buckets contained a beautiful intact and nearly full-term baby boy whom we named Christopher X. She described the discovery of the remains of the full-term babies as the most devastating and soul-crushing experience of our lives. As they opened the remaining containers they found four more babies with a range of injuries, including [a] fully intact girl we named Harriet who had one eye open, an incision in the back of her neck, her brain suctioned out and her skull crushed. The pro-life activists found two additional babies they named Holly and Angel, who were severely dismembered, and a fifth baby, Phoenix, who was whole and still inside the amniotic sac. Bukovinac noted that in most abortions conducted after 20 weeks gestation, doctors administer feticide to give the unborn baby a heart attack, which helps prevent a live birth and the excruciating pain of total dismemberment. She discussed how in 2013, undercover footage captured by the pro-life group Live Action showed Dr. Cesare Santangelo, the sole abortionist on staff for decades at Washington Surgi, admitting that he does not use feticide. Because of this admission and the advanced gestational ages of these babies and their intact condition, the likelihood that some were born alive is undeniable, she maintained. The injuries sustained by Harriet strongly imply she was the victim of a partial-birth abortion. Bukovinac and Handy alerted the District's Police Homicide Unit about the five larger babies and asked for an investigation into their deaths. Terry stressed that we did not want these babies to go to the D.C. police because they should have gone to the federal government, they should have gone to the DOJ or to the FBI. However, after the pro-life activists were unable to find an independent doctor to conduct an autopsy, they elected to turn the unborn babies over to the police. We are demanding that the D.C. police conduct a full investigation into the deaths of these babies, including thorough autopsies. We demand that the U.S. Department of Justice prosecute Santangelo for violations of the Born Alive Infant Protection Act and the Partial Birth Abortion [Ban] Act, and were demanding it now. Bukovinac vowed that Pro-life Americans will not stay silent in the face of such aggressive and barbarous violence and we will diligently work until the American abortion-industrial complex is fully disarmed and dismantled. A graphic displayed at the press conference listed the names the pro-life activists had given to all 115 unborn babies they found in the biohazard boxes marked as medical waste. The pro-life activists told reporters that the 110 babies aborted in the first trimester were given a proper burial and funeral. The pro-life activists' discovery from 2020 garnered national attention last week when the DOJ announced that it would be indicting nine pro-life activists for trying to block access to the abortion clinic where the full-term baby was found. If the activists are found guilty, they will each face 11 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine not to exceed $350,000. Several pro-life groups issued statements calling for an investigation and legal action t be taken against the abortionist who they believe violated federal law by performing partial-birth abortions. These horrific images of aborted children human beings like us, subjected to lethal violence and possibly born alive at an age when their pain would have been excruciating expose the brutality of every one of the thousands of abortions that take place daily in America, said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser in a statement on Monday. We call on the D.C. medical examiner to do an autopsy of these childrens bodies and for federal authorities to perform a thorough, unsparing investigation and prosecute violations of the law." Live Action founder and President Lila Rose issued a similar statement, insisting that The Washington DC police department and the Districts medical examiner must conduct a thorough forensic medical examination of five dead children discovered outside a DC abortion clinic, to determine their manner of death. In a Twitter thread last week, Rose also called on Congress to start an inquiry to ensure the federal laws that protect children who are born alive that stop partial-birth abortion are being enforced by @TheJustciceDept. @DCPoliceDept must conduct a thorough investigation of these potential crimes Congress must also start an inquiry to ensure the federal laws that protect children who are born alive & that stop partial-birth abortion are being enforced by the @TheJusticeDept#JusticeForTheFive Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose) April 1, 2022 Bukovinac was not the only anti-abortion advocate to speak at the press conference. Missy Smith, a pro-life activist who previously ran unsuccessfully for the position of non-voting delegate representing the District of Columbia in House of Representatives, detailed actions taken by Santangelo. She lamented that pro-life activists working to expose him" were arrested in October 2020. Those arrested included Handy. In November 2020, I personally retrieved a full-term baby on which Dr. Santangelo had induced an abortion, she said. She was found in the toilet of a Maryland restaurant. Smith said she firmly believes the DC Metro Police are actively involved in a cover-up of Dr. Santangelos crimes. The biowaste company from which we intercepted these childrens bodies is Curtis Bay Energy, she added. Curtis Bay Energy states on their website that they burn biomedical waste to sustain the energy needs of the Baltimore area. This means tragically that they have received, transferred and burned the corpses of aborted babies to make electricity for the households and businesses of the Baltimore area. If you live in the Baltimore area, you must know that aborted babies have been burned to keep your lights on and your house warm. Smith concluded her remarks by calling on Curtis Bay Energy to end this barbaric practice and to confirm publicly that they have done so. In a statement to the press, Curtis Bay Energy refuted allegations that one of its employees allowed the pro-life activists to take a biohazard box or that it contained the remains of aborted babies, saying: On March 25, a Curtis Bay employee took custody of three packages from the Washington Surgery Center, Washington Surgi-Clinic and delivered all of them to Curtis Bays incineration facility. At no time did the Curtis Bay employee hand over any of these packages to the PAAU or other third party and any allegations made otherwise are false. As stated in client agreements and company policy, customers like Washington Surgi-Clinic are prohibited from disposing the fetuses and human remains via Curtis Bay Services. Curtis Bay provides its clients with medical waste bags and boxes to use in a manner that complies with applicable law, client agreements and company policy. Curtis Bay continues to fully cooperate with law enforcement. Bukovinac refuted Curtis Bay Energy's claim, adding: When we spoke with the driver, he said that he had already scanned the boxes in and that was right before he asked what would you do with them so I am not sure if Curtis Bay is lying or if he simply already scanned them in and so therefore theyre accounting for them. From our observation, there was only two boxes but its possible that we had loaded one onto the truck before we arrived. Its definitely possible that they dont know what is inside the box, she contended. Its possible that Santangelo was in violation of his contract with Curtis Bay by putting these babies in this box. In a letter to the District's chief medical examiner and the captain of the homicide branch of the Metropolitan Police Department, attorney Steve Cooley urged the appropriate authorities to conduct an investigation and forensic examinations as required by applicable law. Bukovinac stated in the days leading up to the press conference that the Metropolitan Police Department does not believe a crime has been committed against these babies under D.C. law, emphasizing that the laws in question are federal laws enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice. Big abortions big tech allies aim to censor pro-lifers. They wont win. The future of abortion law in the U.S. hinges on the forthcoming ruling in a Supreme Court case, Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, but the pro-life movement must begin gearing up to fight another insidious foe Big Tech censorship. Organizations standing for the sanctity of life are well aware of the uphill battle they face. The prominent anti-abortion group Live Action had its content censored online long before the docket put the Supreme Courts 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing abortion nationwide in the crosshairs. In 2019, social media platform Pinterest added Live Actions website to its blacklist of banned sites. The blacklisting meant users were unable to link to Live Actions content or post it on Pinterest. The Daily Signal reported that after Live Action attempted to appeal the ban, Pinterest took things a step further and permanently banned its account, claiming the organization violated Pinterests misinformation policies. Andrew Moore, digital and creative director at pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List, says that his organization also has been hit by Big Tech censorship on several occasions. In 2017, Twitter prevented SBA List from running an ad featuring a pro-life quote by Mother Teresa, claiming our ad violated their policy on promoting the sale of health and pharmaceutical products, Moore said in a statement to The Daily Signal. In 2020, citing a factually incorrect fact-check by the Dispatch, Facebook banned our ads stating that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris support late-term abortion. Meanwhile, Big Abortion was permitted to run comparable ads without any restrictions. The examples of Big Tech censorship of pro-life causes are innumerable. But what it all leads back to is that Big Tech is hostile to the anti-abortion movement and has openly thrown its considerable weight behind leftist pro-abortion causes. That isnt really shocking. Its an open secret that platforms such as Facebook, Google, and Twitter are run by leftists whose sensibilities align more with rabid pro-abortionists. Where this is likely to become an issue is when pro-abortion activists and their kindred spirits in the Silicon Valley hubs of Big Tech see Roe pared back or even struck down by the high court. A ruling is expected in late June. The doomsaying surrounding a possible end to Roe already has the far left reeling. Its not hard to imagine a scenario in which the tech titans would push even harder to censor dissenting voices seeking to end or restrict abortion across the country. Moore says Susan B. Anthony List is expecting a new wave of censorship. We are prepared for a crackdown on any messaging on abortion that does not fit the narrative of Planned Parenthood and their numerous allies in Silicon Valley, he said, adding: If the Supreme Court hands the question of abortion back to the people through their legislatures, Big Abortion will stand to have everything to lose. This new reality will motivate their friends in Big Tech to enact even more draconian measures. As a silver lining, pro-life conservatives are at least aware that censorship will occur and have time to prepare. Pro-abortion forces already have shown their hand, so the pro-life movement knows what to expect if Roe is struck down. Conservatives should demand transparency and accountability from Big Tech companies that censor them. The tech titans shouldnt have the power to hide behind shadowy algorithms and selective enforcement as they repeatedly remove pro-life content. Recent bills in Georgia and Florida provide a model for consumer protections at the state level. The Georgia legislation has a provision under which Big Tech companies would be forced to provide a report on how frequently they censor content and why they took action. That would give users proof that theyd been censored. But even if the online gatekeepers prevent pro-life messages from reaching a digital audience, pro-lifers can still take the movement offline. If Big Tech increases their censorship of pro-life speech in a post-Roe America, pro-life Americans must step up by fostering person-to-person communications, through word of mouth, email, text, and alternative messaging, and social media platforms that have more respect for freedom of speech, Moore said. The biggest pro-life event each year is the March for Life. Tens of thousands of Americans dedicated to protecting the unborn gather each year in Washington, D.C., to make it clear that life matters. As it becomes more likely Roe will be struck down, or at least curtailed, the March for Life has begun spinning off marches in states such as Connecticut and California. Pro-life conservatives should attend these marches and organize their own, free from the censoring power of Big Tech. The radical left will use every trick it has to keep abortion unrestricted, but the pro-life movement ultimately will win. Big Tech can try, but life wont be censored. Originally published at The Daily Signal. God's sovereignty, man's free will, or both? No other theological truth raises more controversy in the Body of Christ worldwide than whether God works more by His sovereignty or through mans free will. In my opinion, most believers, either through indoctrination or personal preference, choose one or the other. However, a close study of Scripture reveals that in almost every account, God uses both to accomplish His purposes. So, whether we sit back and trust God to do it all or try to fix things ourselves, we eventually discover that both extremes are un-biblical. In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul charged Timothy, "Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands" (NKJV). In Revelation 2:4 Jesus told the church at Ephesus, "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love." The verse goes on to call that church to repentance, lest their "lampstand" be removed! The truth of the matter is that all Christians tend to have seasons of their lives when they slide back from God for one reason or another and have to be called to "get their gift of God stirred up" or "repent and turn back to the love that they first had when they came to the Lord initially. There are two ways that a lukewarm Christian returns to their first love. Sadly, the most common one, one I have seen repeatedly during this COVID epidemic, is when someone faces the reality of their death. They often immediately become very serious about putting God first in their lives. This is in no way a bad thing. God said in his Word, "In their affliction, they will seek me early" (Hosea 5:15b). A high percentage of believers who are dying have amazing personal spiritual revivals. There is a second way that people are revived, but in todays world, it is not the one that most people realize exists. It is when men and women who have been called by God hear from Heaven and preach messages designed by God to stir hearts and expose spiritual complacency! Read sermons of the late 1800s and you will get an idea of the prevalence of such messages during that time. You will be awed as you read messages designed to "wrestle" with the will of man, messages designed to move backslidden cold-hearted believers to repentance. You will be moved as you read messages that challenge believers to "take up their cross daily and follow Christ," messages that remind true New Testament believers that we are to both trust and rest in the sovereignty of God and we are to use our own will to fight against temptation and the devil. Paul said, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against Satan and the forces of darkness" (Ephesians 6:12). The country of Scotland was at one time the most evangelistic country in the world, launching missionaries, Bibles, and Bible literature to more places than any other country in its day. Then a "new" doctrine was introduced that embraced an extremist view regarding the sovereignty of God, which seemed to indicate that believers could rest on God's sovereignty and sideline messages on dealing with the free will of man. Within just a few years, Scotland disintegrated into the country that launched the fewest missionaries, the fewest amount of Bibles, and the least amount of Gospel literature of any other country in the world. What caused this massive decline? It was the lack of "rightly dividing the Word of truth," as Paul charged Timothy (2 Timothy 2:15b). Dear readers, you probably have chosen one position or the other in your Christian walk. However, when you realize the radical importance of both Gods sovereignty and your will, your spiritual walk will gradually grow into a personal revival experience that can spread to all the people around you. 'I am the master of my faith': How dumping Christianity is trending A trendy, new hashtag tempts Christians to look wise in the world's eyes. "There are 293,026 posts on Instagram utilizing the hashtag #deconstruction," reported apologetics writer Alisa Childers earlier this year. "The vast majority are from people who've deconverted from Christianity, become progressive Christians, embraced same-sex marriage and relationships, rejected core historic doctrines of the faith, or are on a mission to crush the white Christian patriarchy." The deconstruction movement recruits from the ranks of Christian celebrities, musicians, and young, impressionable evangelicals. "Deconstruction is not sound. Deconstruction will ultimately lead to destruction itself," said Dr. Owen Strachan, Senior Fellow with FRC's Center for Biblical Worldview. Not everyone agrees. For its defenders, Strachan explained deconstruction means the process of "challenging what you have been taught" with the goal of establishing "an authentic faith" although this slippery term means nearly all things to all men. Despite the innocuous-sounding definition, "deconstruction gives you license to doubt the Christian faith, to doubt the Word of God, and to turn your back on your parents' generation... and the church of the Lord Jesus Christ more broadly," warned Strachan. It "often ends up being ... an onramp to Leftism" and "takes its cues from the LGBTQ Revolution." Deconstruction has 20th Century roots in philosophers like Foucault and Derrida, founders of queer theory and post-modernism, respectively. None of this means that Christianity prohibits honest questions, doubts, and fears. The difference is what we do with them. Deconstruction "encourages you to become the arbiter of what is true" and "the master of your faith," said Strachan. It denies the authority of God and his Word and promotes Self to the godlike task of curating your own personal religion, just as you do your smartphone. Genuine Christian faith, by contrast, brings challenges and struggles before "the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). It cries with the father, "I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24). The difference carries over from belief to practice. "Any church worth its salt is going to teach you that you need to not conform to yourself or to the world, but you need to conform to the Scripture and specifically to the image of Jesus Christ ... That's what every Christian is seeking to do by the grace of God," said Strachan. "Deconstruction sounds similar, but what it actually executes is something quite different." Most deconstructors embrace the culture, approving sexual anarchy, then denying hell, then embracing universalism, and eventually becoming functional atheists. The results speak for themselves. By the grace of God, a few genuine Christians have survived their attempts at deconstruction and have returned to "the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). But far more have "made shipwreck of their faith" (1 Timothy 1:19). They are seeds sown on rocky ground, which "has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away" (Matthew 13:21). Christians don't need to embrace "deconstruction" to grow in godliness. We have the perfectly true Word of God, interpreted by the infallible Spirit of God, who has sealed us in Jesus Christ. These weapons of our warfare are invincible, if we will only make use of them. "The market [price] for truth has never been higher," said Strachan. Prominent deconstructions notwithstanding, falling away is not inevitable. "The cause of Jesus Christ is going to win," Strachan reminded listeners. Pastors and parents should work to faithfully instruct the children in their care. All Christians should take courage and stand. Originally published at the Family Research Council. Pastor faces death threats after family is abducted, beaten on the street by radical Hindu mob A pastor in Indias central state of Madhya Pradesh has been falsely charged with forcible conversion and received death threats even as his attackers are roaming free. Pastor Kailash Dudwe from Kukshi village in Madhya Pradesh states Dhar District, who is still recovering from injuries he and his family sustained in a brutal attack by radical Hindu nationalists in January, has been ordered to go to court to defend himself against a complaint filed by his attackers who claim he violated the states anti-conversion law, Morning Star News reports. The pastors wife, Jyoti Dudwe, filed a separate police complaint against a Hindu nationalist man, identified as Ashok Bamnia, and about 25 others who broke into their home to apprehend and assault the Christian family. On top of the charges for criminal intimidation, wrongful restraint and assault, police added a section of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to the complaint against the attackers. All the accused remained at large, however. Jyoti Dudwe said her husband, who continues to go to the hospital for regular visits to treat his wounds, has received death threats but police have not provided any protection for him or the family. Further complicating their life, their landlord has also demanded that they vacate their home and no other property owner is willing to rent to them. On Jan. 14, a mob of more than 20 radical Hindu nationalists physically attacked Pastor Dudwe and six other Christians, including his wife, their 5-year-old daughter, a 16-year-old girl, and four men. The attackers tried to hit the pastors daughter with an iron bar. My wife caught the rod and stopped it from hitting our daughter, Pastor Dudwe was quoted as saying. I still get terrified at the thought of their brutality, that they showed no mercy toward my little girl. In a video of the attack, Christian women are seen pleading with the mob to allow them to give water to the pastor who had fallen to the ground semi-conscious with a bloody nose and unable to lift any part of his body. The pastors wife and brothers-in-law, Aakash Joshi and Vikas Joshi, were also seriously injured in the attack. Pastor Dudwe was hospitalized for two weeks. After being discharged, the pastor learned that an arrest warrant had been against him. He surrendered himself at the Kukshi police station on Feb. 1 and was sent to Alirajpur jail. He remained in prison for three days and three nights before he was released on bail. Pastor Dudwes church services have come to a stop since the attack, and local officials have given orders for other area churches to stop worship. Indias anti-conversion laws presume that Christians force or give financial benefits to Hindus to convert them to Christianity. Some of these laws have been in place for decades in some states. Radical Hindu nationalist groups frequently use the laws to make false charges against Christians and launch attacks on them under the pretext of an alleged forced conversion. The law states that no one is allowed to use the threat of divine displeasure, meaning Christians cannot talk about Heaven or Hell, as that would be seen as forcing someone to convert. If any type of food or a meal is served after an evangelistic meeting, that is seen as an inducement. For Indias Christians, 2021 was the most violent year in the countrys history, according to a report by the United Christian Forum, which recorded at least 486 violent incidents of Christian persecution in the year. The UCF attributed the high incidence of Christian persecution to impunity, due to which such mobs criminally threaten, physically assault people in prayer, before handing them over to the police on allegations of forcible conversions. Police registered formal complaints in only 34 of the 486 cases, according to the UCF. Often communal sloganeering is witnessed outside police stations, where the police stand as mute spectators, the UCF report states. Hindu extremists believe that all Indians should be Hindus and that the country should be rid of Christianity and Islam, an Open Doors fact sheet explains. They use extensive violence to achieve this goal, particularly targeting Christians from a Hindu background. Christians are accused of following a foreign faith and blamed for bad luck in their communities. Christians make up only 2.3% of Indias population and Hindus comprise about 80%. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SANTIAGO, Chile Dozens of protesters gathered in front of the Russian embassy in Chiles capital of Santiago on Saturday to denounce the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Protesters unfurled a large banner featuring the colors of the Ukrainian flag. The group included Ukrainians living in Chile. Some protesters lay down on the ground and clutched stuffed animals to honor child victims of the war. A large banner read, Stand with Ukraine. We want to be united at this time with our children, with our families, said Alina Prus, a Ukrainian living in Chile. Several of us have our families who are now living the horror of what war means. Another protester, Daria Gryshko, said many Ukrainians living in Chile have family or friends living both there and in Russia. It is painful to see how families break up, how relationships break up, when opinions are divided within a family, she said. Because the people who live in Russia are exposed to a lot of propaganda, even when you show them video of what is happening now, they dont believe, because they dont come out from their TV. ___ KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: Zelenskyy, in AP interview, says he seeks peace despite atrocities War Crimes Watch: A devastating walk through Buchas horror S&P downgrade indicates Russia headed for historic default Civilian evacuations continue in battle-scarred eastern Ukraine Intel: Putin may cite Ukraine war to meddle in US politics Go to https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine for more coverage ___ OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: BORODIANKA, Ukraine Firefighters continued searching Saturday for survivors or the dead in the debris of destroyed buildings in a northern Ukrainian town that was occupied for weeks by Russian forces. Residents of Borodianka expect to find dozens of victims under the rubble of the several buildings destroyed during fighting between Russian forces and Ukrainian troops. The town is about 75 kilometers (47 miles) northwest of the capital of Kyiv and had more than 12,000 residents. Russian troops occupied Borodianka while advancing towards Kyiv in an attempt to encircle it. They retreated during the last days of March following fierce fighting. The town is without electricity, natural gas or other services. A 77-year-old resident, Maria Vaselenko, said her daughter and son-in-laws bodies have been under rubble for 36 days because Russian soldiers would not allow residents to search for loved ones or their bodies. She said her two teenage grandchildren escaped to Poland but are now orphans. The Russians were shooting. And some people wanted to come and help, but they were shooting them, she told The Associated Press. They were putting explosives under dead people. ___ MARIUPOL, Ukraine -- Shelling by Russian forces of Ukraines key port of Mariupol on the Sea of Azov has collapsed several humanitarian corridors and made conditions seldom right for people to leave. It was not clear Saturday how many people remained trapped in the city, which had a prewar population of 430,000. Ukrainian officials have put the number at about 100,000, but earlier this week, British defense officials said 160,000 people remained trapped in the city. Ukrainian troops have refused to surrender the city, though much of it has been razed. Resident Sergey Petrov said Saturday that recently two shells struck around him in quick succession, but neither exploded upon landing. He was in his garage at the time and said his mother later told him, I was born again. A shell flew in and broke up into two parts but it did not explode, looks like it did not land on the detonator but on its side, he said. He added that when another shell flew in and hit the garage, I am in shock. I dont understand what is happening. I have a hole in my garage billowing smoke. I run away and leave everything. I come back in several hours and find another shell lying there, also unexploded. ___ ATHENS, Greece A Ukrainian soccer club on Saturday opened a series of charity games on a government-backed Global Tour for Peace wearing the names of heavily bombarded cities on its jerseys. The tour by the Shakhtar Donetsk club aims to raise money for Ukraines military in the war against Russia, and also help Ukrainian refugees displaced by the war. Its first game Saturday was a 1-0 loss to Greek league leader Olympiakos. Soccer clubs around Europe have been offering to play games against Ukrainian clubs and host youth players after soccer in the country was shut down when Russia invaded in February. Shakhtar already was displaced from its home of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine in 2014. Playing in the Athens area on Saturday, Shakhtar players replaced their names on the back of their jerseys with those of cities bombarded by Russian forces, including Mariupol. ___ BUCHA, Ukraine -- Civilians remaining in Bucha lined up Saturday for food donated by the local church in the battered Kyiv suburb where Ukrainian forces and journalists reported evidence of war crimes after Russian soldiers withdrew. With other civilians fleeing in the wake of Russias invasion, most of the people remaining in Bucha were elderly, poor or unable to leave loved ones. Russian troops withdrew more than a week ago. Volunteer Petro Denysyuk told The Associated Press that he and fellow church friends started providing food, with a wide array of basic foodstuffs and hot meals. We have gathered together with the youth from our church and prepared food for the needy, Denysyuk said. We prepared pilaf, boiled eggs, prepared meat, sausages, noodles. Ukrainian forces and journalists that went into Bucha saw bodies strewn in the streets, evidence of summary executions and the remains of people who could not have threatened soldiers. Russia has denied accusations of war crimes and accused Kyiv of staging them. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the leaders of Britain and Austria for their visits to Kyiv on Saturday and pledges of further support. In his daily late-night video address to the nation, Zelenskyy also thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for a global fundraising event that raised more than 10 billion euros ($11 billion) for Ukrainians who have had to flee their homes. Zelenskyy said democratic countries were united in working to stop the war. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer became the latest of several European rulers to meet Zelenskky in Kyiv. Because Russian aggression was not intended to be limited to Ukraine alone, to the destruction only of our freedom and our life, he said. The entire European project is a target for Russia. Zelenskyy repeated his call for a complete embargo on Russian oil and gas, calling them the sources of Russias self-confidence and impunity. But Ukraine does not have time to wait. Freedom does not have time to wait. When tyranny begins its aggression against everything that keeps the peace in Europe, action must be taken immediately, he said. He added: And an oil embargo must be the first step. Moreover, by all democratic states, the entire civilized world. Then Russia will feel it. Then it will be an argument for them to seek peace, to stop the senseless violence. ___ LVIV, Ukraine Eyewitness descriptions are coming from Kramatorsk, the town in eastern Ukraine where a missile hit a train station packed with evacuees on Friday. The Sydorenko family could have been among the 52 dead and more than 100 wounded, but their taxi didnt show and they had to wait for another one. They finally arrived for the 11 a.m. evacuation train just three minutes after the explosion. Ivan Sydorenko says there were around 2,000 people inside the station and on the platforms when the missile hit. He says they got out of their taxi in a scene of burning cars, burning pieces of the missile and people fleeing for their lives. Ivan managed to escape by bus and then train with his wife and daughter, eventually reaching the relative safety of Lviv in western Ukraine. The Sydorenkos are just one of thousands of families clamoring to leave eastern Ukraine ahead of an expected Russian onslaught there. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said 10 evacuation corridors were planned for Saturday, and other stations were open for trains full of refugees. Russia meanwhile has denied responsibility, accusing Ukraines military of firing on the station to try to turn blame for civilian slayings on Moscow. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Panicked residents of eastern Ukraine boarded buses or looked for other ways to leave Saturday, a day after a missile strike killed at least 52 people and wounded more than 100 at a train station. The attack in in Kramatorsk left the city with no trains running and came with thousands of people seeking to leave. Ukrainian authorities have called on civilians to get out ahead of an imminent, stepped-up offensive by Russian forces in the east. Residents on Saturday feared the kind of unrelenting assaults and occupations by Russian invaders that brought food shortages, demolished buildings and death to other cities elsewhere in Ukraine. It was terrifying. The horror, the horror, one resident told British broadcaster Sky, recalling Fridays attack on the train station. Heaven forbid, to live through this again. No, I dont want to. Western military analysts said an arc of territory in eastern Ukraine was under Russian control. It was from Kharkiv Ukraines second-largest city in the north to Kherson in the south. But Ukrainian counterattacks are threatening Russian control of Kherson, according to the Western assessments, and Ukrainian forces are repelling Russian assaults elsewhere in the Donbas region in the southeast. ___ WASHINGTON U.S. intelligence officials predict Russian President Vladimir Putin may use U.S. support for Ukraine as justification for a new campaign to interfere in American politics. Intelligence officials tell The Associated Press that they have yet to find any evidence that Putin has authorized measures like the ones Russia undertook in the last two elections to support former President Donald Trump. Several people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive findings said it remains unclear which candidates Russia might try to promote next. Trump has repeatedly assailed U.S. intelligence officials and claimed that investigations of Russian influence on his campaigns to be political vendettas. In Ukraine and elsewhere, Russia has been accused of trying to spread disinformation, amplifying pro-Kremlin voices in the West and using cyberattacks to disrupt governments. Top U.S. intelligence officials are still working on plans for a new Foreign Malign Influence Center, authorized by Congress, that will focus on foreign influence campaigns by Russia, China and other adversaries. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told The Associated Press on Saturday that he is committed to seeking peace despite Russian attacks on civilians that have stunned the world. He said no one wants to negotiate with people who tortured their nation as a man, as a father, I understand this very well. But he said we dont want to lose opportunities, if we have them, for a diplomatic solution. Zelenskyy said hes confident Ukrainians would accept peace despite the horrors they have witnessed in the war. But meanwhile, Russian troops are regrouping for an expected surge in fighting in eastern Ukraine, including the besieged port city of Mariupol that Ukrainian defenders are battling to retain. So Zelenskyy renewed his plea for countries to send more weapons. He says they have to fight for life -- not for dust when there is nothing and no people. Thats why it is important to stop this war. ___ KYIV, Ukraine U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, promising so much support that his nation might never be bullied again. Johnsons surprise visit included a pledge of 120 armored vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems, part of another 100 million pounds ($130 million) of high-grade military equipment. Johnson also confirmed an additional $500 million in World Bank lending, taking Britains total loan guarantee up to $1 billion. Johnson said Ukraine defied the odds pushing Russian forces from the gates of Kyiv, achieving the greatest feat of arms of the 21st century. The prime minister credits Zelenskyys resolute leadership and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people for thwarting what he calls the monstrous aims of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Johnson says Britain and its partners are going to ratchet up the economic pressure ... not just freezing assets in banks and sanctioning oligarchs but moving away from use of Russian hydrocarbons. Johnson also described a vision for a future Ukraine so fortified and protected by the equipment, technology and know-how of Britain and its partners that it can never be threatened in the same way again. In the meantime, Johnson said, there is a huge amount to do to make sure that Ukraine is successful, that Ukraine wins and that Putin must fail. - MILAN An Italian government source said Italian Premier Mario Draghi is traveling to Algeria on Monday to sign a deal for more gas. Italy has been urgently looking for alternatives to natural gas from Russia since its invasion of Ukraine. Russia is Italys biggest supplier, representing 40% of total imports. Italys foreign minister has traveled to Algeria as well as Azerbaijan, Qatar, Congo, Angola and Mozambique to secure more deals. Algeria is Italys second-largest supplier of natural gas, which is the main source of the nations electricity, providing some 21 billion cubic meters of gas via the Trans-Mediterranean pipeline. Italian energy company ENI has operated in Algeria for 40 years. ENI announced a significant oil and gas discovery in Algeria last month and said it would work with Algerian partner Sonatrach to fast-track its development for the third quarter of this year. Italy business reporter Colleen Barry. ___ Julian Lennon has explained why he decided to sing his fathers song Imagine for the first time publicly. Hes posted on social media that he always said he would only sing the song if it was the End of the World. He says its the right song to sing now because the War on Ukraine is an unimaginable tragedy, and he felt compelled to respond in the most significant way he could. The son of John Lennon says murderous violence in Ukraine is forcing millions of innocent families to leave the comfort of their homes. He says the lyrics reflect our collective desire for peace worldwide, and within this song, were transported to a space, where love and togetherness become our reality, if but for a moment in time. Lennon joined celebrities around the world calling on world leaders to do more to support refugees in the Stand Up For Ukraine campaign. ___ BOSTON -- The International Monetary Fund has created an account to give donor countries a secure way to funnel financial assistance directly to war-ravaged Ukraine. The multilateral lender said in a statement Friday that its launching the account at the request of several member countries. The goal is to help Ukraine meet its payment obligations and help stabilize its economy using loans or grants from pooled resources. The IMF says Canada has proposed routing up to 1 billion Canadian dollars ($795 million) to Ukraine through the new account. Two weeks after Russias Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, the IMF approved a $1.4 billion emergency loan to Ukraine. ___ BOSTON -- S&P Global Ratings has downgraded its assessment of Russias ability to repay foreign debt, signaling increased prospects that Moscow will soon default on such loans for the first time in more than a century. The credit ratings agency issued the downgrade to selective default Friday night after Russia arranged to make foreign bond payments in rubles last week when they were due in dollars. It said it didnt expect Russia to be able to convert the rubles into dollars within a 30-day grace period. S&P said it believes sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine are likely to increase, impeding its willingness and ability to honor its obligations to foreign debtholders. The Kremlin has signaled its willing to pay its debts but warned it would do so in rubles if its overseas accounts in foreign currencies remain frozen. ___ WARSAW, Poland The head of the European Unions executive branch says 10.1 billion euros ($11 billion) have been raised globally in a fundraising event for Ukraine and people who have fled the country invaded by Russia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was joined at the event in Warsaw by Polish President Andrzej Duda and -- remotely -- by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At the end of the 90-minute event, a smiling von der Leyen said the donations will go to help refugees, both outside and inside Ukraine. We will continue providing support. And once the bombs have stopped falling, we will help the people of Ukraine rebuild their country, von der Leyen said. Saturdays pledging event was held in Warsaw because more than 2.5 million of the 4.4 million people who have fled Ukraine since Russias invasion began Feb. 24 have entered Poland. Many have stayed, though some have moved on to other countries. The event aimed to prompt political leaders and global celebrities to provide funding and other donations for the people of Ukraine. It ended with Julian Lennon singing his father John Lennons peace song Imagine. ___ MOSCOW -- YouTube has banned the channel of Russias lower house of parliament, the State Duma, prompting government officials to renew longtime threats against the platform. The Duma TV channel reported the ban on the messaging app Telegram, noting that it had 145,000 subscribers and over 100,000 million total views. In comments to the Russian news agency Interfax, Google didnt give an exact reason for the move, but said the company follows all applicable sanction and trade compliance laws. Russias state communications watchdog Roskomnadzor demanded that YouTube unblock the channel. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Saturday that the service has handed itself a sentence and urged its users to download content, transfer it onto Russian platforms. And fast. State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin called the move against the parliaments YouTube channel another proof of violations of the rights and freedoms of citizens by Washington. BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) Two North Dakota Army National Guard soldiers are being recognized for saving migrants from drowning at the southern border of the United States last month. Spc. Luis Alvarado, of Bismarck, and Spc. Gracin Clem, of Dickinson, were conducting surveillance for U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 22 when they observed five migrants attempting to cross the Rio Grande River, the National Guard said. Twins' Carlos Correa could miss Astros series next week The former Houston shortstop was hit in the hand by a pitch. True Chews natural dog treats keep dogs happy Celebrate National Pet Month with savings on True Chews all-natural dog treats at PetSmart. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate CANBERRA, Australia (AP) Australias prime minister has called for a May 21 election that will be fought on issues including Chinese economic coercion, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday advised Governor-General David Hurley as representative of Australias head of state, Queen Elizabeth II, to set the election date. Morrisons conservative coalition is seeking a fourth three-year term. The date is the latest available to him. He urged voters to stick with a government that delivered one of the lowest pandemic death tolls of any advanced economy rather than risk the opposition Labor Party. This election is a choice between a government that you know and that has been delivering and a Labor opposition that you dont, Morrison said. Morrison led his government to a narrow victory at the last election in 2019 despite opinion polls consistently placing the center-left opposition Australian Labor Party ahead. The Liberal Party-led coalition is again behind in most opinion polls, but many analysts predict a tight result. The last election occurred in the hottest and driest year Australia had ever experienced. The year ended with devastating wildfires across Australias southeast that directly killed 33 people and more than 400 others through smoke. The fires also destroyed more than 3,000 homes and razed 19 million hectares (47 million acres) of farmland and forests during the Southern Hemisphere summer. Morrison was widely criticized for taking a secret family vacation to Hawaii at the height of the crisis while his hometown Sydney was blanketed in toxic smoke. He cut his vacation short due to the public backlash, but was further criticized over his explanation for his absence: I dont hold a hose. His government was criticized for its responses to the fires and also record flooding this year in some of the same areas in Australias southeast that were razed two years earlier. Both the government and opposition have set a target of net zero carbon gas emissions by 2050. Morrison was widely criticized at the U.N. climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland, in November for failing to set more ambitious targets for the end of the decade. The government aims to reduce emissions by 26% to 28% below 2005 levels, while other countries have made steeper commitments. The Australian Labor Party has promised to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030. Australia was initially successful in containing the death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic largely through restrictions on international travel. But the more contagious delta and omicron variants have proved more difficult to contain. The opposition criticized the government over the pace of Australias vaccine rollout, which was derided as a stroll out, as it fell months behind schedule. Australias population is now one of the most vaccinated in the world. The government has defended its pandemic record and takes credit for Australia having the third-lowest death toll among the 38 Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation countries. With China imposing official and unofficial trade sanctions against Australia in recent years, the government argues that Beijing wants Labor to win the election because the party was less likely to stand up to economic coercion. Labor takes credit for thwarting the governments plan in 2014 to sign an extradition treaty with China. Bilateral relations have since deteriorated, and the government now warns that Australians risk arbitrary detention if they visit China. Several experts say both sides of politics are largely united on national security issues and that the government in confecting differences on China. The government is seeking to create the perception of a difference between it and the opposition on a critical national security issue, that is China, seeking to create the perception of a difference when none in practice exists, said Dennis Richardson, a former head of Defense, Foreign Affairs and the spy agency Australian Security Intelligence Organization and the former Australian ambassador to the United States. That is not in the national interest. That only serves the interests of one country and that is China, Richardson added. By Anna J. Park Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) CEO Yoon Jong-won wrapped up a six-day visit to Silicon Valley, which was aimed at strengthening the state-owned bank's policy goal of boosting support for venture startups in Korea. According to the bank on Sunday, Yoon met with various top global accelerators and venture capital firms headquartered in the U.S. during the visit, including 500 Global, Plug and Play and Y Combinator, discussing ways further to support and strengthen innovative venture companies. The IBK chief listened to their success stories, aiming to employ their know-how in the bank's venture capital policies. In particular, Yoon signed an MOU with 500 Global, a U.S.-based venture capital firm, vowing to forge partnerships through startup investments, support and accelerating processes. Yoon also visited Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), which has more than three decades of expertise in offering loans to venture companies, and discussed ways to offer venture financing support to entrepreneurs based on their growth potential, rather than based on their financial statements. After wrapping up the business trip, Yoon once again vowed to strengthen the bank's support for the local venture sector a task that he has prioritized for some time and stressed since he became CEO in 2020. "During the visit to Silicon Valley, the bank closely discussed with global accelerators ways to cooperate to better support local startup companies, while monitoring the U.S.' innovative venture ecosystem," the CEO said. "IBK will strengthen its support for startup businesses and its role to offer help for them to overcome the 'death valley' period," he added. Central Michigan University President Bob Davies sent a campus-wide email Wednesday, April 6 to address recent headlines about the university's continued enrollment decline. Throughout a lengthy note, he attempted to defuse concerns of some CMU stakeholders due to a few articles published by Michigan media outlets, which Davies said have caused distress. One of the people he cited to support his outlook on enrollment was a Mount Pleasant bar manager. Davies asked the university community to consider a statement from the Bird Bar & Grill manager published in a recent article by The Detroit News, who Davies said had reportedly said, the university will figure it out, regarding a concern with enrollment numbers. Yes, we will, Davies said in reference to those six quoted words. The full quotation reported by The Detroit News actually reads as follows: "It's scary, but the university will figure it out, which is attributed to Allison Curtiss, one of the managers at the Bird Bar & Grill. The overall enrollment decline is approaching one decade. The pandemic has had its own negative impact on CMU's enrollment, like it has on most public universities across the country. Davies's Wednesday email also follows a March 17 announcement from the CMU Division of Student Affairs of its planned closure of some campus residential halls due to estimates for the next semester enrollment, estimates which CMU did not provide to the Daily News following the announcement. As we reflect on the years since 2012, when CMU had its highest enrollments, we can see the steady progression of enrollment declines, Davies said in the Wednesday email. During the decade that followed, one can debate what CMU could have done differently to curb those declines. Regardless, we are taking action now to address these issues. Central Michigan University Davies also said in the campus email that he wanted to open dialogue to address enrollment after the distressing headline of The Detroit News article, which he said raised alarms across campus. The headline of the April 3 article reads, CMUs enrollment is plummeting. Some worry about its viability. In the email, Davies said some stakeholders are concerned with the question of viability. The Detroit News article cites several stakeholders who are concerned about the future of the university, including students in addition to a Mount Pleasant salon, plus the bar. There is no doubt that recent headlines about CMU were intended to evoke those strong feelings, Davies said. While urging the CMU community to be reassured in his letter, he also quoted Lou Glazer, president of Michigan Future Inc., a non-partisan, non-profit organization which aims to be a source of new ideas on how Michigan can "succeed as a world class community in a knowledge-driven economy." Davies also referred to a Bridge Michigan article, Central Michigan University blames 'complacency' for enrollment dive, from March 29. Both (The Detroit News and Bridge Magazine) stories correctly indicate that CMU has seen significant enrollment declines that is not new information, Davies said. We have been talking openly about our declining enrollment frequently since my arrival in 2018 in a variety of forums which is not always common in higher education. Davies said enrollment is a top priority for him, the CMU Board of Trustees, all university leaders and the entire university community. CMU Vice President for Student Recruitment and Retention Jennifer DeHaemers told The Detroit News that the university's declining enrollment is partly because the school is behind in recruitment strategies used by competing schools. Davies offered DeHaemers's perspective, which she also expressed in a recent letter sent by her to some stakeholders of the university. A general sense of complacency overtook some areas of the university, creating a sense of satisfaction with outdated technology and leading to a failure to employ new and updated best practices of recruiting," DeHaemers wrote on March 24. Davies said we are being transparent in conversations regarding current steps and acting swiftly to rebuild our enrollment with a sense of purpose and urgency. In February, Davies was given a $35,000 raise by the university Board of Trustees. Before the pay increase, Davies was one of the lowest-paid university presidents in the region and in the Mid-American Conference according to Central Michigan Life, the student newspaper on campus. On Feb. 17, Central Michigan Life reported the board did not discuss several campus controversies of the past year, including a nearly 2,000 student enrollment decline for the fall, at the meeting where Davies was given the pay increase. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LVIV, Ukraine Ukraines president warned his nation Sunday night that the coming week would be as crucial as any in the war. Russian troops will move to even larger operations in the east of our state, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address. He accused Russia of trying to evade responsibility for war crimes. When people lack the courage to admit their mistakes, apologize, adapt to reality and learn, they turn into monsters. And when the world ignores it, the monsters decide that it is the world that has to adapt to them. Ukraine will stop all this, Zelenskyy said. The day will come when they will have to admit everything. Accept the truth, he said. He again called on Western countries, including Germany, to provide more assistance to Ukraine. During talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Zelenskyy said he discussed how to strengthen sanctions against Russia and how to force Russia to seek peace. I am glad to note that the German position has recently changed in favor of Ukraine. I consider it absolutely logical, Zelenskyy said. ___ KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: US: Russia's new battlefield commander has history of brutality Ukraine digs in to fight Russias looming eastern offensive Ukraine churches display faith, hope and charity amid wreckage Analysis: War, economy could weaken Putins place as leader Biden, Modi to speak as India avoids hard line on Russia Zelenskyy, in AP interview, says he seeks peace despite atrocities Go to https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine for more coverage OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: The president of the European Commission said the questionnaire she handed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during her visit to Kyiv represents a very important step forward. Ursula von der Leyen said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union that Ukraines response will enable her to decide whether to recommend the nation as a candidate to join the European Union. The process normally takes years, but she has said Ukraines application could take just weeks to consider. She said Ukrainians belong to our European family, without any question. Yesterday, somebody told me: You know, when our soldiers are dying, I want them to know that their children will be free be and be part of the European Union, von der Leyen said. They are in an extraordinary situation, where we have to take unusual steps. One thing is clear for me: After this war, when Ukraine will be rebuilt, when we support Ukraine in reconstructing this country, this will be accompanied by reforms. So, it is an extraordinary way to shape the country and to go down the path towards the European Union. ___ Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government is providing investigative support to efforts to document war crimes in Ukraine, and he said Russian President Vladimir Putin is responsible. It is clear that Putin is systematically targeting civilians, whether its hospitals or train stations or maternity wards. This is one of the reasons why Canada was one of the first countries to call on the International Criminal Court to look into Putins war crimes, Trudeau said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union. Canadian investigators, Trudeau said, are building up the case for people to recognize that not only was this a terrible mistake to violate the sovereignty of another country and create massive global instability thats impacting energy and food prices around the world, but it is also a series of war crimes that Putin is deliberately committing that he needs to be held to account for. Asked if the crimes amount to genocide, Trudeau said it remains to be determined. The stories of what Russian soldiers are doing, not just the murder of civilians, but the systematic use of sexual violence and rape, to destabilize and have the greatest negative impact on Ukrainian people as possible is absolutely unforgivable and unacceptable, Trudeau said. And thats why the global community is going to and is responding so strongly. ___ Its almost Easter in Ukraine, where faith, hope and charity are on display at a trio of churches on the far edges of the capital. Sunday services were held in Bucha even as bodies were being removed from a mass grave in the churchyard. In Makarov, the faithful were moved to tears at the sight of crosses scattered in broken glass. And in Borodyanka, a church was untouched near where Russian attacks ripped open a high-rise. Thats where donations are bringing help to elderly people who stayed while others fled Russian occupation. Ukrainian authorities said weeks ago that at least 59 spiritual sites were damaged. On the day when Pope Francis called for an Easter truce in Ukraine to make way for a negotiated peace, church visitors invoked God in recalling their survival. Each person who was leaving, from any place, Makarov, Bucha, Hostomel or from Andriivka, the neighboring village which was destroyed to the ground; each one, even those who did not know the Lords Prayer, he was speaking to God with his own words, said Alona Parkhomenko in Makarov, where the church exterior was speckled with bullet holes and the priest warned of falling glass. ___ WASHINGTON Russias newly appointed battlefield commander in Ukraine made his reputation crushing resistance to Syrian President Bashar Assad during that countrys devastating civil war. Russian forces led by Gen. Alexander Dvornikov destroyed whole cities while dropping barrel bombs that targeted civilians. With Moscow supporting Assad, the war in Syria has killed more than 350,000 people. Lt. Col. Fares al-Bayoush, a Syrian army defector, said Sunday he expects a similar scorched-earth strategy under the commander in Ukraine. Speaking by telephone from Turkey, al-Bayoush said he believes the aim of naming Dvornikov as Ukraine war commander is to cause widespread destruction in many places at once. He has very good experience in this policy, al-Bayoush said. This commander is a war criminal. ___ KYIV, Ukraine -- The mayor of Kyiv and his brother said the visit of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to their capital shows who Ukraines real friends are at this critical time. But they understand if security concerns keep U.S. President Joe Biden from visiting for now. Mayor Vitali Klitschko and his brother Wladimir have been professional boxers and now outspoken defenders of Ukraine. Interviewed Sunday on ABC News This Week with George Stephanopoulos, they said they expect Russias military to return and target Kyiv again. And when they do, they said they cant defend Ukraine with their fists they need weapons. Wladimir Klitschko also pleaded for the world to isolate Russia economically, saying every cent that Russia is getting, theyre using for weapons to kill us. Vitali Klitschko said everyone was shocked when the Russians who pushed on Kyiv retreated after killing hundreds of civilians during their occupation. He called it genocide to kill women, children, old people and teenagers for no reason. To defend Ukraine now, the mayor said, is to defend democracy and peace in Europe. ___ WILMINGTON, Del. The White House said President Joe Biden will press Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a hard line against Russias Ukraine invasion. Press Secretary Jen Psaki says the leaders plan a virtual meeting on Monday. Indias neutral stance in the war has raised concerns in Washington and earned praise from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who lauded India this month for judging the situation in its entirety, not just in a one-sided way. India abstained when the U.N. General Assembly voted Thursday to suspend Russia from its seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council over allegations of war crimes. India continues to purchase Russian energy despite Western pressure to avoid buying Russian oil and gas. And the U.S. has considered sanctions on India for its recent purchase of advanced Russian air defense systems. Psakis statement says Biden will discuss how Russias war against Ukraine is destabilizing the global food supply and commodity markets, and the need to strengthen the global economy while upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity. ___ BERLIN -- Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday. The Austria Press Agency reported that Nehammer told reporters in Vienna on Sunday that he plans to make the journey. It follows a trip on Saturday to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. APA reported that Nehammer aims to encourage dialogue between Ukraine and Russia and also address war crimes in his meeting with Putin. Austria is a member of the European Union and has backed the 27-nation blocs sanctions against Russia, though it so far has opposed cutting off deliveries of Russian gas. The country is militarily neutral and is not a member of NATO. Nehammer said he was taking the trip on his own initiative, and that he had consulted with the European Unions top officials. He said that he also informed Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. ___ BERLIN -- The U.N. nuclear watchdog said Ukraine said the staff at the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear plant has been rotated for the first time in three weeks after Russian troops left the area. The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency has expressed concern about the well-being of the workers since the Russian military took control of the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster at the beginning of the war. The agency said Ukraine informed it on Sunday that it has now rotated the staff, but the situation remains far from normal. They had to be transported to and from the site by water, with the Pripyat River being the only way for people living in the city of Slavutych to currently reach the plant. The IAEA said Ukraine has informed it that analytical laboratories for radiation monitoring at the site were destroyed, with analytical instruments stolen, broken or otherwise disabled. The automated transmission of radiation monitoring data has been disabled. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The governor of the region that includes Ukraines fourth-largest city, Dnipro, says the airport was hit twice by missile attacks on Sunday. The Ukrainian military command said Russian forces also keep shelling Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv, and have kept up their siege of Mariupol, the key southern port city that has been under attack for nearly six weeks. The Russian Defense Ministry says its air-launched missiles hit Ukraines S-300 air defense missile systems in two locations, while sea-launched cruise missiles destroyed a Ukrainian units headquarters in the Dnipro region. Neither sides military claims could be independently verified. The Pentagon said Russia has a clear advantage in armored forces for its next phase in its war on Ukraine. Press secretary John Kirby said Friday that the Russians spread themselves too thin to take the capital, but now theyre more focused on a smaller region, and still have the vast majority of their combat power. A major effort by Ukrainian defenses and more Western assistance will be needed to push them back. ___ WASHINGTON A senior U.S. official said Russia has appointed a new commander to oversee its war on Ukraine. The official speaking on condition of anonymity said Russia has turned to one of its most experienced military officers, Gen. Alexander Dvornikov. U.S. officials say the 60-year-old general has a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and other theaters of war. The White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told CNN on Sunday that this general will just be another author of crimes and brutality against Ukrainian civilians. And he said no appointment of any general can erase the fact that Russia has already faced a strategic failure in Ukraine. The new battlefield leadership comes as Russia gears up for what is expected to be a large and more focused push to expand Russian control in the Donbas after failing to conquer the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Sullivan reiterated support for the Ukrainian government, saying the United States is determined to do all it can to help Ukrainians resist this general and the forces he commands. Robert Burns and Hope Yen ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines border guard agency says that about 2,200 Ukrainian men of fighting age have been detained so far while trying to leave the country in violation of martial law. The agency said Sunday that some of them have used forged documents and others tried to bribe border guards to get out of the country. It said some have been found dead while trying to cross the Carpathian mountains in adverse weather, without specifying the number. Under martial law, Ukrainian men between 18 and 60 are barred from leaving the country so that they can be called up to fight. ___ WARSAW, Poland Sirens have sounded in some Polish cities to mark the anniversary of a 2010 plane crash that killed the countrys president, despite protests that their sound would be unnecessarily traumatic for refugees from the war in Ukraine. The sirens early Sunday were intended to add to the significance and the plaintive character of observances honoring the late President Lech Kaczynski, the first lady and 94 other prominent Poles killed 12 years ago in the crash of the presidential plane in Russia. Kaczynski was the twin of Jaroslaw Kaczynski the leader of the main governing Law and Justice party. Provincial governors ignored calls not to use the sirens out of concern for refugees from neighboring Ukraine, traumatized by air raid alarms. Authorities sent text messages to refugees phones that the sirens would mean no danger. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The Ukrainian military says Russia has been beefing up its forces and trying to probe Ukrainian defenses. The Ukrainian military command said Sunday that the Russian troops have continued attempts to break Ukrainian defenses near Izyum, southeast of Kharkiv. It reported that Russia was sending reinforcements to Izyum while continuing the shelling of Kharkiv. The military added that the Russians also continued their attempts to take control of Mariupol, the Sea of Azov port that has been besieged by Russian forces for nearly 1 months. After Russias attempt to capture Kyiv and other big cities in northeastern Ukraine quickly failed, Ukrainian and Western officials expect Moscow to launch a new offensive in eastern Ukraine, where Russia-backed separatists have fought Ukrainian forces for eight years. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he focused on the need to track down perpetrators of war crimes in a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Zelenskyy said on Twitter that in Sundays call we emphasized that all perpetrators of war crimes must be identified and punished. Ukraine has accused Russia of atrocities against civilians in Bucha and other places near Kyiv, where hundreds of slaughtered civilians, many with their hands bound and signs of torture, were found after Russian troops retreated. Zelenskyy also said he and Scholz discussed anti-Russian sanctions, defense and financial support for Ukraine. ___ VATICAN CITY Pope Francis has opened Holy Week with a call for an Easter truce in Ukraine to make room for a negotiated peace, highlighting the need for leaders to make some sacrifices for the good of the people. Celebrating Palm Sunday Mass before crowds in St. Peters Square for the first time since the pandemic, Pope Francis called for weapons to be laid down to begin an Easter truce, not to reload weapons and resume fighting, no! A truce to reach peace through real negotiations. Francis did not refer directly to Russias invasion of Ukraine, but the reference was clear. He has repeatedly denounced the war and the suffering brought to innocent civilians. ___ HELSINKI Finland says that a shipment of art works from Russian museums has been returned to Russia after it was seized under European Union sanctions against Moscow. Finlands customs service said late Saturday that the Foreign Ministry granted a special permit to return the consignment with a total insured value of around 42 million euros ($46 million). It said that trucks carrying the art works from the Hermitage Museum and the Pavlovsk State Museum in St. Petersburg, among others, left Finnish territory on Saturday afternoon. The shipment was seized at the Vaalimaa border crossing at the beginning of April. The works were en route to Russia after loan to museums in Europe and Japan. Experts say that art works loaned from Russia typically travel overland via Finland. Russia has demanded the return of all works on loan to unfriendly nations that imposed sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said more civilians were expected to leave Mariupol Sunday in their personal vehicles. Evacuations were also planned from Berdyansk, Tokmak and Enerhodar in the south and Sieverierodonetsk, Lysychansk, Popasna and Rubizhne in the east. Mariupol, a strategic port city on the Sea of Azov, has been besieged by Russian forces for nearly 1 months, cut from food, water and power supplies and pummeled by relentless bombardment that has killed at least 5,000, according to local officials. Ukrainian authorities have urged civilians in the east to evacuate in the face of an imminent Russian offensive. They accused Russia of killing 52 people on Friday at the train station in the eastern city of Kramatorsk as they were preparing to evacuate. ___ GENEVA -- The U.N. refugee agency says the number of people who have left Ukraine since the beginning of the war has reached 4.5 million. A regular update Sunday of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees online portal on numbers of refugees fleeing Ukraine since Feb. 24 brought the total to some 4.504 million. About 2.6 million of those fled at least initially to Poland and more than 686,000 to Romania. However, UNHCR notes that there are very few border controls within the European Union and it believes a large number of people have moved on from the first country they arrived in. ___ LONDON -- Britains Ministry of Defense said Russias armed forces are seeking to respond to mounting losses by boosting troop numbers with personnel who had been discharged from military service since 2012. In an intelligence update on Twitter, the ministry also said Sunday that the Russian militarys efforts to generate more fighting power also include trying to recruit from Trans-Dniester, a breakaway region in Moldova that borders Ukraine. Russia maintains some 1,500 troops in the region, which is not internationally recognized. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told The Associated Press on Saturday that he is committed to seeking peace despite Russian attacks on civilians that have stunned the world. He said no one wants to negotiate with people who tortured their nation as a man, as a father, I understand this very well. But he said we dont want to lose opportunities, if we have them, for a diplomatic solution. Zelenskyy said hes confident Ukrainians would accept peace despite the horrors they have witnessed in the war. But meanwhile, Russian troops are regrouping for an expected surge in fighting in eastern Ukraine, including the besieged port city of Mariupol that Ukrainian defenders are battling to retain. So Zelenskyy renewed his plea for countries to send more weapons. He says they have to fight for life -- not for dust when there is nothing and no people. Thats why it is important to stop this war. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A Minneapolis man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for an armed robbery that injured one person, the U.S. attorney's office said Friday. Abdiweli Mohamed Jama, 32, pleaded guilty in November to robbery and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. The robbery took place in November 2020. While the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted so many, it has also increased awareness about the importance of Public Healthand the diverse career opportunities it makes possible. Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) assistant professor of Public Health Dr. Cindy Lynn Salazar-Collier said the shared Pandemic experience has helped to drive interest in the Universitys Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health (BSPS). We launched our program in the Fall of 2020 and have doubled our enrollment since. Public health works to prevent illness rather than curing it. Prevention is far more effective and affordable than a cure. The Pandemic has affirmed this, acting as a catalyst to boost awareness of the importance of Public Health, Dr. Salazar-Collier observed. Interest in Public Health programs has jumped not only at TAMIU, but is part of a trend mirrored across the nation. Many feel that the increased visibility given to public health and its focus on prevention is helping to fuel this interest. Salazar-Collier reinforced this. The field of public health differs from the medical field - or individually-focused health care; public health focuses on preventing illness and promoting health, and well-being at the population level. The five main fields within Public Health are Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Promotion, Behavioral Sciences, and Environmental Health and Public Policy so there are broad career options, she said. Dr. Marivic Torregosa, TAMIU dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, home of the BSPH program, concurred. Our program provides students the opportunity to develop an interdisciplinary perspective to address social determinants of health. Nursing, psychological, sociological, behavioral approaches to health disparities, health care delivery systems, contextual and environmental factors -- all facilitate the development of innovative strategies that can impact positive changes in health promotion, especially in vulnerable border communities with reduced access to health resources, Dr. Torregosa said. Salazar-Collier affirmed program distinctions which she says help to offer TAMIU students real advantages. All required coursework is online except for the completion of practicum hours with eight varied health organizations across Laredo. The Public Health program has a new partnership with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Biomedical Informatics (UTHealth SBMI) to implement the Development of Informatics Accelerated Learning in Laredo (DIALL) program. DIALL provides TAMIU students the opportunity to complete a 4+1 graduate certificate and accelerated masters program with UTHealth SBMI. At completion, students graduate with a Bachelor's degree from TAMIU and a graduate certificate from UTHealth SBMI, she explained. Salazar-Collier said Biomedical Informatics is a dynamic field with rich employment opportunities. Its a growing field that optimizes the use of information in health care with employment opportunities in pharmacies, hospitals, insurance companies, and more. Of additional interest, 4 + program graduates have the opportunity to continue their coursework with UTHealth SBMI and earn their masters in Biomedical Informatics in just one year, she said. SBMI is one of six schools of the UTHealth Science Center at Houston System, and the only academic Biomedical Informatics program in Texas. Its also the only free-standing school among 70 related programs in the nation, and one of the largest globally. Torregosa said the BSPH programs interdisciplinary approach yields graduates that can tap into an equally diverse spectrum of career opportunities. This is a degree program that truly offers a broad spectrum of careers for graduates. These include community health educators, health specialists, health navigators, epidemiologists, policymakers, public health administrators, health promotion experts, sanitarians, research assistants, researchers, and scientists, to name a few, Torregosa explained. Additionally, graduates can also move on to complete graduate programs, Salazar-Collier noted. Students graduating with a BCSP can move on to complete graduate programs in public health (MPH, MS, PhD, or DrPH); medical school (MD or DO), law school (JD), dental school (DDS or DMD), professional degrees in allied health (pharmacy, physical therapy, etc.) and others, she noted. Salazar-Collier observed that for many the Pandemic has offered a true call to action, something that the study of Public Health can drive. She said TAMIU students are uniquely qualified to do this. TAMIU students are in a special position to play a pivotal role in this field, as most of our students represent a minority population with health disparities. Our students provide a unique perspective to the influences of health for an underserved, Texas-Mexico bordertown population. They also can interpret and understand the story that public health data of these populations convey, something other public health researchers may not truly understand. Finally, they have insight into how to reach these populations in a way that will truly resonate with community members. This ability gives our students the potential to be true agents of change in the future health of the Laredo community, she said. Salazar-Collier said that the Universitys upcoming observance of National Public Health Week, April 4 - 10, 2022, provides an opportunity for students to understand the impact and importance that Public Health drives daily. That observance will include virtual events for students including healthy meal awareness, mental health awareness, practicing clean eating, and a Public Health movie night, among other activities. We have learned much and will most certainly continue to learn from the globally shared Pandemic experience. Foremost is the realization that Public Health must drive public policy focused on the health and well-being of all communities everywhere, she concluded. For additional information on TAMIUs Public Health degree, visit https://www.tamiu.edu/conhs/publichealth.shtml, email Dr. Salazar-Collier at cindy.collier@tamiu.edu,or phone 956.326.3279. MANISTEE Fathers and daughters took the dance floor Saturday for Manistee Catholic Central School's Daddy Daughter Dance. There were at least 50 girls from kindergarten to eighth grade and their fathers in attendance, and included fathers and their daughters from Trinity Lutheran School. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate VATICAN CITY (AP) Pope Francis opened Holy Week Sunday with a call for an Easter truce in Ukraine to make room for a negotiated peace, highlighting the need for leaders to make some sacrifices for the good of the people. Celebrating Palm Sunday Mass before crowds in St. Peters Square for the first time since the pandemic, Pope Francis called for weapons to be laid down to begin an Easter truce, not to reload weapons and resume fighting, no! A truce to reach peace through real negotiations. Francis did not refer directly to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but the reference was clear, and he has repeatedly denounced the war and the suffering brought to innocent civilians. During the traditional Sunday blessing following Palm Sunday Mass, the pontiff said leaders should be willing to make some sacrifices for the good of the people. In fact, what a victory would that be, who plants a flag under a pile of rubble? During his Palm Sunday homily, the pontiff denounced the folly of war that leads people to commit senseless acts of cruelty. When we resort to violence ... we lose sight of why we are in the world and even end up committing senseless acts of cruelty. We see this in the folly of war, where Christ is crucified yet another time, he said. Francis lamented the unjust death of husbands and sons" ... refugees fleeing bombs ... young people deprived of a future ... and soldiers sent to kill their brothers and sisters. After two years of celebrating Palm Sunday Mass inside St. Peters Basilica without a crowd due to pandemic distancing measures, the solemn celebration returned to the square outside. Tens of thousands pilgrims and tourists clutched olive branches and braided palms emblematic of the ceremony that recalls Jesus return to Jerusalem. Traditionally, the pope leads a Palm Sunday procession through St. Peters Square before celebrating Mass. Francis has been suffering from a strained ligament in his right knee that has caused him to limp, and he was driven in a black car to the altar, which he then reached with the help of an aide. He left the Mass on the open-top popemobile, waving to the faithful in the piazza and along part of the via della Conciliazione. Palm Sunday opens Holy Week leading up to Easter, which this year falls on April 17, and features the Good Friday Way of the Cross Procession. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A suburban Minneapolis officer who was seriously injured when a gunman fired more than 100 rounds in a shootout with police has been released from the hospital. Officer Ryan Duxbury was greeted by a line of squad cars and applauding officers from Roseville and other local departments as he emerged from Regions Hospital Friday in a wheelchair, the Star Tribune reported. COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) The South Carolina House will be on spring break this week. Speaker Jay Lucas is continuing his tradition of allowing the chamber to have a week off leading into Easter. This year, the House also took a week off in March after Lucas said members worked hard and passed enough bills. House members passed a flurry of bills last week just before the key crossover deadline where any bill that doesn't pass the House or Senate before that date will need a two-thirds vote to be considered by the other chamber. There will be 12 days left in the General Assembly's regular session when the House returns on April 19. The Senate will be in session with the Finance Committee considering the state's nearly $14 billion budget. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ANDERSON, S.C. (AP) Chris Zimbe Smith has carried his inmate ID from Kershaw Correctional Institution in his wallet since he was released in 2016. The 39-year-old looks at his mugshot on the card every day. It reminds me, that I will never go back there again, he said. Smith sat in the shade last month in front of a brick three-business strip on the corner of Franklin Street and Murray Avenue. Its home to Zimbe Dogs, a hotdog restaurant he owns with his brother Chad Martin. I got to keep going ... to show people that you can actually change your life, he said as he waved to neighbors passing by April 6. Throughout the sunny afternoon, regulars and new visitors came to the slide-up window to order all sorts of cooked goodness and to find community. The journey that took Smith to this spot was a difficult one but one hes proud to share. Years in the foster care system led him through highs and lows. In his later teenage years, he was adopted by Chad Martins parents, a family he holds on to dearly. A series of sentencing took him out of prison six years ago and gave him a chance at a fresh start, he said. After jobs fell through because of employers seeing he had a criminal record, Smith saw a hotdog cart for sale on an app and decided to buy it. He began selling hotdogs outside a gas station making as many as he could. One day he even gave up, but the community just wouldnt let him. People were talking about them hotdogs, Smith said. So he kept making them. Then chili. Then cheeseburgers and deep-fried corn. Then shrimp and grits. From weekends to Sunday dinners to every day, the community kept coming back for more hotdogs. And in 2020 that meant 11,000 more, Smith said. I want to see other Black kids, and other Black people, say, I aint got to be out here on these streets, Smith said. You can actually go from prison to a business owner. And so when the opportunity came forward to open shop at Murray Avenue, he started his new venture. His restaurant has been the source for different events like last month when he made food for the We Outside community event. Community events have impacted the nearby neighborhoods for years. When Maurice Martin DJd at an event at Westside community in 2020, he was encouraging community members to vote and thats when he realized Smith didnt know he could vote after being in a correctional institution. Thats when his eyes got big, Martin recalled of Smith. I have opportunity to voice my opinion on paper? According to the American Civil Liberties Union, felony disenfranchisement prevents tens of thousands in South Carolina from voting. State law says convicted felons loose their right to vote but can regain that right once they have completed the probation or parole that accompanies their conviction. Martin wants everyone in the area to know they have a voice in voting, he said. We had a voter registration two years ago there (Zimbe Dogs); it brought the community together, he said. Its always a place you can come together as a unit. Besides hurdling re-entry tasks like voting, Smith sees a lot of people struggling to get out of the prison cycle especially since finding work is difficult. People dont treat you equal when you got a background, he said. You got to be strong enough not to go back. And strong he was. Zimbe Dogs continues to be a place where neighbors gather over hotdogs covered in chili or fried fish and cheesy grits speckled with sausage. OMAHA, Neb. (AP) Zoos across North America are moving their birds indoors and away from people and wildlife as they try to protect them from the highly contagious and potentially deadly avian influenza. Penguins may be the only birds visitors to many zoos can see right now, because they already are kept inside and usually protected behind glass in their exhibits, making it harder for the bird flu to reach them. Nearly 23 million chickens and turkeys have already been killed across the United States to limit the spread of the virus, and zoos are working hard to prevent any of their birds from meeting the same fate. It would be especially upsetting for zoos to have to kill any of the endangered or threatened species in their care. It would be extremely devastating, said Maria Franke, who is the manager of welfare science at Toronto Zoo, which has less than two dozen Loggerhead Shrike songbirds that it's breeding with the hope of reintroducing them into the wild. We take amazing care and the welfare and well being of our animals is the utmost importance. Theres a lot of staff that has close connections with the animals that they care for here at the zoo. Toronto Zoo workers are adding roofs to some outdoor bird exhibits and double-checking the mesh surrounding enclosures to ensure it will keep wild birds out. Birds shed the virus through their droppings and nasal discharge. Experts say it can be spread through contaminated equipment, clothing, boots and vehicles carrying supplies. Research has shown that small birds that squeeze into zoo exhibits or buildings can also spread the flu, and that mice can even track it inside. So far, no outbreaks have been reported at zoos, but there have been wild birds found dead that had the flu. For example, a wild duck that died in a behind-the-scenes area of the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa, after tornadoes last month tested positive, zoo spokesman Ryan Bickel said. Most of the steps zoos are taking are designed to prevent contact between wild birds and zoo animals. In some places, officials are requiring employees to change into clean boots and don protective gear before entering bird areas. When bird flu cases are found in poultry, officials order the entire flock to be killed because the virus is so contagious. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has indicated that zoos might be able to avoid that by isolating infected birds and possibly euthanizing a small number of them. Sarah Woodhouse, director of animal health at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, said she is optimistic after talking with state and federal regulators. They all agree that ordering us to depopulate a large part of our collection would be the absolute last-ditch effort. So theyre really interested in working with us to see what we can do to make sure that were not going to spread the disease while also being able to take care of our birds and not have to euthanize, Woodhouse said. Among the precautions zoos are taking is to keep birds in smaller groups so that if a case is found, only a few would be affected. The USDA and state veterinarians would make the final decision about which birds had to be killed. "Euthanasia is really the only way to keep it from spreading," said Luis Padilla, who is vice president of animal collections at the Saint Louis Zoo. That's why we have so many of these very proactive measures in place. The National Aviary in Pittsburgh the nation's largest - is providing individual health checks for each of its roughly 500 birds. Many already live in large glass enclosures or outdoor habitats where they don't have direct exposure to wildlife, said Dr. Pilar Fish, the aviary's senior director of veterinary medicine and zoological advancement. Kansas City Zoo CEO Sean Putney said hes heard a few complaints from visitors, but most people seem OK with not getting to see some birds. I think our guests understand that we have whats in the best interests of the animals in mind when we make these decisions even though they cant get to see them, Putney said. Officials emphasize that bird flu doesn't jeopardize the safety of meat or eggs or represent a significant risk to human health. No infected birds are allowed into the food supply, and properly cooking poultry and eggs kills bacteria and viruses. No human cases have been found in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ___ Associated Press Writers David Pitt contributed to this report from Des Moines, Iowa, Lindsay Whitehurst contributed from Salt Lake City, Julie Watson contributed from San Diego, Chris Grygiel contributed from Seattle and Tom Tait contributed from Las Vegas. gettyimagesbank Despite soaring projected earnings, travel agencies expected to log annual losses again this year By Anna J. Park As the Korean government has decided to lift the mandatory seven-day quarantine for fully vaccinated tourists, market watchers expect the country's leisure, aviation and casino sectors to post significant annual growth in their revenues from this year. The land and transportation ministry's announcement that the government will gradually increase the number of international flights in domestic airports from the current 420 per week to 520 per week in May has added fuel to expectations that these industries, which had been hit the hardest by the pandemic, might finally be able to log a turnaround this year. The government said that the number of international flights per week is slated to reach over 2,400 by November, which is about 50 percent of their pre-COVID-19 levels. Actually, following the government's announcements, the number of tourism reservations made at major travel agencies has more than doubled even quadrupled in the past week. Reflecting the demand for tourism and leisure activities that has been suppressed for the past two years, the top four companies that are forecast by market analysts to log the highest growth rate of earnings for this year are all reopening stocks, such as travel and aviation businesses. According to the financial information portal, FnGuide on Sunday, Mode Tour a representative travel agency in Korea topped the list for the highest projected annual growth rate in its earnings for this year. The consensus for the company's revenue forecast for this year is 107.1 billion won ($82 million), which is a 678.3-percent year-on-year increase. "It is the highest growth rate forecast out of the 241 companies listed on Korea's stock market that secured earnings forecasts at more than three brokerage companies. Hana Tour secured the second-highest spot on the list with a projected year-on-year earnings growth rate of 465.7 percent, followed by Grand Korea Leisure (GKL) at 196 percent, and Jeju Air at 168.7 percent. Despite the impressive projected earnings growth rates, businesses in the local reopening sectors still have to catch up on their losses. Mode Tour's earnings forecast of 107.1 billion does not even constitute half of the firm's revenue in 2019 when the travel agency posted annual revenue of 293.2 billion won. The company's annual earnings in 2020 and 2021 then shrank to 54.2 billion won and 13.8 billion won, respectively. Following the travel company's operational profit loss for the past two consecutive years 20.6 billion won in 2020 and 23.3 billion won in 2021 Mode Tour is forecast to log another operational profit loss of 3.6 billion won this year, in spite of the projected growth rate. Yuanta Securities Korea set its target price for Mode Tour at 34,000 won, which is 35 percent higher than Friday's closing price of 25,250 won. Hana Tour's earnings for this year are forecast at 227.8 billion won, which is still around one-third of its revenue of 614.6 billion won, posted in 2019. The travel company is also expected to log another operational profit loss for this year, worth about 38.4 billion won, although the volume of the annual loss is likely to be less than last year's 127.3 billion won. GKL, the operator of a foreigner-only casino business in Korea, is expected to post annual earnings of 251.9 billion won, a year-on-year 196-percent increase. Yet, the firm is also forecast to log an operational profit loss of 39.9 billion won, although the size of the annual loss is expected to be less than the previous year's 145.8 billion won. Jeju Air is also expected to continue its annual loss of 146.6 billion won this year, despite a projected year-on-year growth rate of 168.7 percent in its earnings this year. Korean Air, meanwhile, is forecast to log an increased operating profit of 1.48 trillion won this year with annual revenue projected to jump by 27.3 percent this year. Market analysts estimate that the travel and leisure sectors should be able to recover around 30 percent of the 2019 level of demand from the third quarter of this year. "The industries could be able to log a turnaround soon, as their cost structure has been lowered throughout two years of restructuring," Lee Ki-hoon, an analyst at Hana Financial Investment, said. Gov. Ned Lamont on Thursday announced he had tested positive for the coronavirus, and the reaction from the rest of the state says a lot about where we are two years into the pandemic. Theres concern, of course, but also an understanding that such occurrences are probably inevitable. For people living lives in public and few people are more public than the head of state government exposure is all but guaranteed. Its how we handle those risks that matters. Lamont had only a week earlier publicized his second vaccine booster shot, which has now been approved for anyone over 50 (the governor is 68). That he came down with COVID anyway should not, however, be taken as a sign of the vaccines ineffectiveness. Instead, the governor said on Thursday he was not feeling symptoms, and was self-isolating out of an abundance of caution. Hell avoid in-person meetings for five days, he said. The numbers clearly show that vaccines and boosters reduce death rates for COVID-19. People might still catch the virus, but they are far less likely to see the worst effects, including hospitalization and death. There is no question the vaccines work and that boosters are helpful. As life has mostly returned to normal following two years of COVID-era changes, its worth reflecting again just how much has been lost. The death toll in this country is approaching one million people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a number that would have been unthinkable at the pandemics outset. That includes more than 10,000 deaths in Connecticut. Thanks in part to Lamonts leadership, Connecticut has fared better than much of the rest of the country in dealing with COVID. Though we were hit hard at the outset mostly due to our proximity to New York City, one of the main points of entry for international travelers Connecticut has kept numbers lower than the national average since the introduction of vaccines. According to the CDC, some 94.8 percent of the states eligible population has received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. Thats laudable, but not enough. Only 78 percent has received two shots, and an even lower number has been boosted. Those numbers need to increase. Two shots was for a long time considered fully vaccinated, but some public health experts have urged a change so that boosters would be required to be considered fully protected. Still, life goes on. Schools have thankfully been fully open in nearly every district for the entire academic year, and many businesses are back in in the office, too. Masks are not generally required in public places, and a majority of once-remote events are now taking place in person. But no one should be under the impression that this is over. Even now, case counts are again creeping up in Connecticut, and those most at risk, including older people, need to be aware. The danger has not gone away. Thats why its important to follow the governors example. Get vaccinated, if you havent already. Get a booster shot, or a second one if its available. Even as you live your life, a little caution never hurt anyone. After charging a woman with murder over a self-induced abortion, forcing her to spend three days in jail and drawing national attention, Starr County officials announced Sunday they would change course and move to dismiss the case. Lizelle Herrera was arrested Thursday and held in jail on a $500,000 bond, court records show. She was released on bail Saturday, according to jail records and a local abortion fund. The district attorney had presented the possible murder charge to a grand jury last month, leading to her indictment and arrest, before his Sunday announcement. In reviewing applicable Texas law, it is clear that Ms. Herrera cannot and should not be prosecuted for the allegation against her, Gocha Allen Ramirez, the district attorney in Starr County, said in a news release. Few details on the case have been made public, including how the abortion was performed and how far along the pregnancy had been. Ramirezs news release said a hospital reported the January abortion to the Starr County Sheriff's Department, prompting the criminal investigation and murder indictment. A group of demonstrators protest against the arrest of Lizelle Herrera outside Starr County Jail on Saturday. Credit: Michael Gonzalez For The Texas Tribune Its also unclear under which statute Herrera was charged. Texas law exempts a pregnant person from being charged with murder or any lesser homicide charge for an abortion. The pregnant person is also typically excluded from lesser criminal charges if abortion laws are broken, as state laws instead target the provider. For pregnant people, the rule in the state of Texas has essentially always been since the beginning of criminalization of abortion that the pregnant person can not be prosecuted, said Elizabeth Sepper, a law professor at the University of Texas at Austin. Herreras lawyer, Calixtro Villarreal, declined to comment on the case Sunday. Herreras arrest, first reported by The Monitor in McAllen, quickly became national news, in part because Texas lawmakers recently passed a law to prohibit abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy. But that law, which went into effect in September, doesnt have any criminal repercussions. Instead, enforcement of the law can only be carried out by private citizens who may sue abortion providers and anyone involved in aiding or abetting an abortion after fetal cardiac activity is detected. Last year, Texas also narrowed the window in which physicians are allowed to give abortion-inducing medication to patients from 10 weeks to seven weeks into pregnancy and banned mailing such drugs. But again, pregnant patients are not subject to criminal enforcement under the new law, according to statute. Accused providers would face possible lower-level felony charges, which carry a maximum punishment of two years in state jail. Dana Sussman with the National Advocates for Pregnant Women said that because of the recent anti-abortion laws in Texas, Herreras arrest was unconstitutional but somewhat expected. What the laws in Texas and elsewhere claim to be doing is criminalizing the provision of certain types of care, she told The Texas Tribune on Friday. But what we know is the reality from our cases, and from what we've seen in the past and we're currently seeing, is that the people who actually experienced pregnancy will also face criminalization. Sepper, who specializes in gender and health law, said there have been cases in other states of anti-abortion prosecutors seeking to expand criminalization against people who had abortions, for instance on child neglect charges. She said it appeared Starr County officials knew what message this might send to other people capable of becoming pregnant in the area, to tell them that they could face criminal consequences. Despite pursuing a murder charge originally, Ramirez said Sunday he hoped his dismissal will make clear that Ms. Herrera did not commit a criminal act under the laws of the State of Texas. Although with this dismissal Ms. Herrera will not face prosecution for this incident, it is clear to me that the events leading up to this indictment have taken a toll on Ms. Herrera and her family, he said. Jason Beeferman contributed to this report. Disclosure: The University of Texas at Austin has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. Commercial vehicles trying to enter the United States to deliver products from Mexico have been backed up for hours at Texas ports of entry following Gov. Greg Abbotts directive on Wednesday that state troopers increase inspections. This continues to add disruption to our supply chain, said Ermilo Richer, the owner of a 100-year-old logistics company in Laredo who said his trucks were taking between four and five hours to cross from Mexico. Its just something we dont need right now. Abbotts order is part of his push to stiffen security at the states southern border as the Biden administration in Washington, D.C., plans to end a pandemic-era emergency health order that had allowed federal officials to turn away migrants, even those seeking asylum. But officials in cities that depend on cross-border trade as economic engines fear negative impacts that the increased vehicle inspections could have. We value border security but its got to be weighed very carefully with the Texas economy, said Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz. Any slowdown in commerce at our bridges is a definite slowdown in our economy. On Friday afternoon, U.S. Customs and Border Protection showed five-hour delays for entry into Laredo through the Laredo-Colombia Solidarity International Bridge. The port of entry in Pharr had delays of more than four hours. El Pasos two inland ports had delays of three hours. Neither the Texas Department of Public Safety nor Abbotts office responded to requests for comment. On Abbotts order, DPS troopers appear to be checking every one of the thousands of commercial vehicles that cross selected ports, local officials said. The trucks are pulled over to DPS checkpoints after they are inspected by CBP at the international port of entry. Abbott said he is targeting commercial vehicles because drug cartels use them to smuggle humans and drugs into Texas. On Friday afternoon, U.S. Customs and Border Protection showed El Pasos two inland ports had delays of three hours. Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre for The Texas Tribune But DPS troopers can conduct only mechanical inspections, leading some, like U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, to question the efficacy of Abbotts orders. He said DPS had told federal officials they intended to check every vehicle and each inspection could take about 45 minutes. I dont know what the rationale is, Cuellar said. If youre worried about too many people coming in but you cant inspect the cargo, that doesnt accomplish anything except make things uncomfortable and have a negative impact on commerce. David Coronado, managing director for international bridges and economic development in El Paso, said between 2,500 and 3,000 trucks flow between Ciudad Juarez and El Paso every day. Its those businesses and the companies theyre servicing who will suffer because of the delays. The major impact right now is on trade and what its doing to the business community in El Paso and Juarez, he said. Mexico is Texas top trading partner, doing $442 billion in total trade last year. That trade includes automobile parts that move back and forth across the border, machinery, electric equipment, plastics and produce. As the United States continues to struggle with supply chain problems, border residents steeped in the importance of cross-border trade worry about the impact on the countrys broader economy. In a Friday statement, the Texas International Produce Association said commercial trucks crossing the Rio Grandes Pharr International Bridges waited in miles-long lines until early Friday morning, causing supply chain issues across the country. Dante L. Galeazzi, TIPA CEO and president, said his association fears businesses will move out of Texas to neighboring Mexico and Arizona. Warehouses have staff sitting idle, with no trucks to unload. Buyers in other parts of the country cannot understand why their product is not available. US trucking companies are losing money as they sit around for days with no loads to haul, he said. This is destroying our business and the reputation of Texas. Cuellar said the goods crossed through Texas ports go across the country, including popular produce like avocados and tomatoes, as well as parts for the auto industry in Michigan. The chain of supplies we have will affect wherever these companies may have their base, he said. This is going to add to the pandemic chain of supply problems weve been having and will be man-made by the governor. U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, joined Cuellar in decrying Abbotts move as impractical and detrimental to our local economy. Our state and our nation depend on the reliable, uninterrupted flow of goods to meet our nations needs. By implementing this action, Governor Abbott is exacerbating the supply chain crisis to further his crusade at the border, Gonzalez said in a statement. In halting legitimate trade, he is hurting Texans the people he was elected to serve. I urge the governor to rescind this action immediately and restore normal operations along the southern border. Abbott, a Republican who is seeking a third term in November, is pushing to win over Latino support in South Texas for his reelection bid. Hes railed against the Biden administrations inaction on immigration to win over some supporters in that area of the state and said he was increasing vehicle inspections in response to Bidens planned cancellation of Title 42, the pandemic-era order that allowed officials to turn people away at the border. But in doing so, he may be turning off some of the voters hes trying to win over. I know Gov. Abbott is right now really focused on Title 42 that Washington wants to cancel. I understand his frustration with Washington. But thats another issue, Richer said. We definitely need to make sure Washington figures out how to keep Title 42 open and control immigration but we need Gov. Abbott to make the right calls and not affect a community thats got nothing to do with immigration. Cuellar, the Laredo Democrat, is one of a handful in his party who also support keeping the emergency health order in place. But he said Abbotts response to the Biden administration will hurt only border communities that depend on cross-border trade. He was already fielding nervous calls from constituents and he encouraged them to voice their concerns to Abbott. The best thing to do is to let the governor know that what hes doing is not accomplishing what he wants, he said. I dont know what this has to do with Title 42. This is impacting trade, commerce. Jason Beeferman contributed to this story. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. ZZ Top pulled into the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Wednesday evening for a rocking performance. The band has been together for over five decades and sold over 30 million records across 15 studio albums. The loss of long-time bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 did not stop the band as his spot o Ontarios chief medical officer of health, Kieran Moore, left, has not been seen for weeks while Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Christine Elliott, right, defy medical advice against relaxing pandemic public safety rules too soon. COVID-19s BA.2 subvariant is moving relentlessly across the country causing the highest number of daily infections ever in the pandemic" according to Fords chief science adviser. Florida, US (34429) Today Showers in the morning, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High 87F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A mostly clear sky. Low 66F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, second from left, is seen at a groundbreaking ceremony for a greenhouse farm in South Hamgyong Province's Hamju County in a screen capture of Korean Central Television's broadcast on Feb. 19, 2022. Yonhap Economic sanctions, COVID risks loom over reclusive state By Kim Bo-eun HONG KONG North Korea is steadily restoring trade with China after bilateral commerce dived in 2020 and 2021 as the reclusive state closed its border to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Trade with China totaled $318 million in 2021, down by 41 percent from the previous year and by 90 percent from levels before the pandemic, according to China Customs data. Last year's total was the lowest with its northwestern neighbor since Kim Jong-un assumed leadership in December 2011. But after mainly relying on shipping routes over the two years, railway transport resumed in January, with $60.9 million worth of trade crossing the border in February. "Trade is still 80 percent less than what it was before North Korea decided to close its borders in 2020," said Soo Kim, a former U.S. Central Intelligence Agency analyst specializing in North Korea, who now works for the U.S. think tank, RAND Corporation. "So we should not read too optimistically into these upticks until we start to see a gradual and consistent increase in the trade figures over time." But despite the plunge in trade with its economic lifeline, North Korea was able to survive with increased agricultural production in 2021. Its economy, though, remains vulnerable to shocks such as coronavirus-induced trade contractions and economic sanctions, data showed. Agriculture is estimated to account for around a quarter of North Korea's economy, but its rudimentary agricultural infrastructure leaves it highly vulnerable to weather. Given the moderate conditions last year, agricultural output grew, but North Korea relies on imports for key items for farming, such as equipment and fertilizers, and restrictions on trade continue to expose the economy to risks. A combination of sanctions imposed due to the regime's weapons programs and border controls amid the pandemic led to a plunge in imports of machinery, industrial parts and raw and subsidiary materials. This is seen to be weighing on the economy and is set to have longer term effects on production in heavy as well as light industries. This comes at a time North Korea is in dire need of new investments in machinery, as existing equipment is outdated and in need of repair, according to reports. Industrial machinery is included on the list of items that are banned from being imported into North Korea. "Based on trade data, it is presumable that North Korea is focusing on normalizing agricultural production and preventing the spread of Covid-19, and that other industrial production is weak," a Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) report on 2021 North Korea-China trade stated. While resumption of trade with China bodes well for North Korea, analysts pointed out developments would need to be observed for some time. "North Korean exports did not increase much, spelling trouble since they must be losing foreign exchange," said William Brown, an expert on North Korea's economy, formerly with the US government. "For the economy to become sustainable, they need to develop export industries, difficult with all the sanctions but possible." The KIEP report said North Korea's poor amount of exports reflects the difficulties it has in industrial production, and its failure to develop new export items after strengthened sanctions were applied on its exports in 2018. North Korea's scale of exports is insignificant and items are few, with the imbalance of imports to exports seen as a core problem for North Korea. Under sanctions, the economy currently exports items such as watch parts and wigs, according to KIEP. "North Korea is in a deep industrial recession, brought on by the UN sanctions that stopped much of their exports, especially to China, and by the virus induced border closures which have stopped needed imports. This makes them vulnerable to shock, either of a real or financial nature," added Brown, who is a professor at University of Maryland Global College. "But with production down, there is no surplus to invest, so the prognosis is very poor unless they reform and improve their efficiency levels that is, making more with less." Kim Jong-un's market policies have not been consistent, but the incumbent leader has been more permissive than his father Kim Jong-il, and North Korea's economy has benefited from increased market activity by its population, a research paper from the Korea Development Institute said. Marketization has been tolerated within the boundaries of a state-run economy and the regime is seen to have turned a blind eye to citizens earning income from second jobs over the past decade, which had burgeoned with North Koreans making substantial income from activities outside their official job with the state. "It is interesting that most of the jobs bringing in high income in North Korea are related to market activities. In fact, only 2 per cent of respondents replied that they made the most money from official jobs," said the Korea Development Institute report. "If agricultural activities and cattle feeding are regarded as official jobs, 5 percent of respondents worked in non-market activities from which the largest income derived. In contrast, 95 percent of respondents chose market activities as their main source of income. This corroborates the findings in current literature on North Korea's marketization." A freight train stands at Dandong Railway Station in Liaoning Province, China, on April 17, 2021. Yonhap Express Entry: IRCC aims to resume FSWP and CEC invitations this spring ANALYSIS: Minister's remarks on resuming skilled worker draws are in accord with backlog data and IRCC internal briefing notes. Express Entry: IRCC aims to resume FSWP and CEC invitations this spring ANALYSIS: Minister's remarks on resuming skilled worker draws are in accord with backlog data and IRCC internal briefing notes. Express Entry: IRCC aims to resume FSWP and CEC invitations this spring ANALYSIS: Minister's remarks on resuming skilled worker draws are in accord with backlog data and IRCC internal briefing notes. Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said in a recent interview that the immigration department was looking to resume Express Entry draws for skilled workers in the spring. Minister Fraser was speaking to ApplyBoard in a virtual interview on issues relating to international students. One of the ministers mandates is to create pathways to permanent residency for international students and temporary foreign workers. At the end of the interview, the minister addressed questions posed in a chatbox on when Express Entry draws for Federal High Skilled candidates would resume. The Federal High Skilled category covers candidates who are eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Discover Your Canadian Immigration Eligibility Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has not held an Express Entry draws for FSWP candidates since December 2020, and CEC draws have been paused since September 2021. Without these draws, Express Entry candidates who could be eligible for immigration through these programs cannot apply. Once again, Fraser said there was no major announcement, but reiterated that IRCC was looking to resume FSWP draws in the near term, aiming for sometime this spring. Fraser also acknowledged the people who are working in Canada on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which could be on the verge of expiring. Without an Invitation to Apply (ITA), PGWP holders cannot apply for immigration and become eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), which would allow them to stay and work legally beyond the validity of their PGWP. On its own, a PGWP cannot be renewed or extended. Meaning at the end of their validity, PGWP holders need to get a different work permit, quit their jobs, or even leave the country. Were looking at different options right now to make sure we dont lose out on talent, Fraser said. We will have much more to say on this in the weeks and months ahead. Why FSWP draws have been paused since 2020 Before the pandemic, FSWP candidates were invited to apply for permanent residence more than any other Express Entry-managed program, due to their high numbers in the Express Entry pool. The reason for the pause in FSWP draws goes back to the onset of the global pandemic in March 2020. Canada closed its borders to international travel, with some exemptions. Immigration applicants who were approved from any country outside of Canada and the U.S., and who were not otherwise exempt, were not allowed to complete their permanent residency landing. As FSWP candidates are oftentimes overseas, approving them for permanent residence would create a situation where applicants would not be able to complete their landing. In time their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) validity would run out, and they would not be able to become a permanent resident with an expired document. This measure was in place until June 2021. In order to meet its immigration targets amid these travel restrictions, IRCC focused its immigration efforts on admitting as many applicants as possible who were already in Canada. To do this, the department held large Express Entry invitation rounds for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates and created the Temporary Residence to Permanent Residence (TR to PR) pathway. However, this strategy led to a backlog in immigration applications. The number of FSWP and CEC applications in IRCCs inventory grew so much that there was no way for the department to meet the processing standard of six months. As per recent IRCC public records, the FSWP processing time is expected to rise to 36 months in 2022. The government website does not reflect this reality, however, Fraser previously said the government webpage issue should be fixed in the coming months. Why CEC draws have been paused since fall IRCC invited record numbers of CEC candidates at a time in 2021. That February, IRCC invited every single CEC candidate in the Express Entry pool, a total of 27,332 invitations. The lowest-scoring candidate invited had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 75. In the following months, about 6,000 CEC candidates were invited about every two weeks. Similar to what happened to FSWP candidates, the inventory of CEC candidates grew to the point that IRCC could not meet the processing standard. Officials decided to pause application intake for the program to allow time for officers to process the applications that were already in the inventory. The processing time for CEC is about seven months, according to both internal records and the government website. The current state of Express Entry Canada has been holding Express Entry draws for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates every two weeks. These candidates were eligible for one of the Federal High Skilled programs, then received a provincial nomination. With the nomination in hand, they were awarded 600 additional CRS points and the chance to be invited in a PNP-specific round of invitations. Internal documents suggest these invitation rounds will continue while IRCC addresses the backlog in other programs. Signs of progress in IRCC backlogs The most recent IRCC inventory data shows that between February 28 and March 15, IRCC processed 4,000 FSWP applicants, which is more than were processed in a seven-month period in 2021. Canada has already admitted more FSWP immigrants in 2022 than it did in all of last year. There are 10,400 CEC persons left to be processed, as of March 15. In 42 days, IRCC was able to process 4,751 CEC applicants. At this rate, IRCC could reduce the current backlog this spring. Newly-released memo suggests FSWP will resume in 2022 CIC News recently acquired an internal memo from January through an access to information request. In the final paragraph, IRCC writes: Candidates in the pool, including those whose work permits are due to expire, will continue to face uncertainty with respect to receiving their invitation to apply in the short term. Once invitation to apply rounds resume later in 2022, candidates could check their CRS score against the minimum CRS score that was necessary to receive an invitation to apply in those rounds. Although the memo is heavily redacted, it explains IRCCs position in respect to resuming Express Entry rounds for FSWP and CEC candidates. By continuing the pause until at least March 31, it will allow IRCC to further address its inventory backlogs. The full length of the pause will need to be determined by IRCCs evolving priorities. IRCC needs to resume FSWP and CEC draws this year to meet targets In order for IRCC to achieve the 2023 Express Entry admissions targets in the 2022-2024 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC needs to issue ITAs in 2022. It takes Express Entry candidates about a year to submit an application for permanent residency. They have 60 days to apply once they get an ITA, then it takes at least six months for the application to go through. After approval, they have a certain amount of time to land. Another reason IRCC will likely hold an FSWP or CEC draw in the coming months is to address the problem of workers losing status in Canada. Minister Fraser said himself in the interview: I dont want to see peoplewho have a job, who are making a contribution, who want to stayto leave at the same time that Im trying to cure the labour shortage by embracing immigration. Discover Your Canadian Immigration Eligibility CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options. Wilkes Barre, PA (18701) Today Cloudy with periods of rain. High 52F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a half an inch.. Tonight Showers in the evening, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 39F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. You will receive 5-day a week delivery of the Citizen Tribune newspaper to your home or business, plus full, ad-free access to CitizenTribune.com as well as full access to the Electronic Edition of the newspaper. ONLY $13.99 per month for the first 3 months! Only $16.00 per month after promotional period. Or ONLY $169.99 for a full year Only $192.00 per year after promotional period. Raspunsul la criza refugiatilor: Apel de propuneri, lansat de MAD-Aid in parteneriat cu Camera de Comert Britanica din Moldova Cleveland State University recently conferred the honor of distinguished professor on Samantha Baskind for her contributions to the CSU Department of Art and Design, its College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and to the university. U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on administration efforts to strengthen national supply chains and increase the number of truck drivers, at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 4. Reuters-Yonhap North Korea condemned the United States, Saturday, for making the crisis surrounding Ukraine a human rights issue and imposing sanctions against Russia, denouncing U.S. President Joe Biden as "an old man in his senility" and a man of a "repeated slip of tongue." A commentary carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the Ukraine issue has suddenly become a human rights issue, as the U.S. and western media have branded the conflict a war crime in a politically motivated plot to defame Russia and achieve the collapse of its regime. "The latest story is the U.S. chief executive who spoke ill of the Russian president with groundless data," the English-language article read. "Such reckless remarks can be made only by the descendants of Yankees, master hand at aggression and plot-breeding." The North then called Biden "an old man in his senility" with "a problem in his intellectual faculty," and "the president known for his repeated slip of tongue," though it stopped short of putting Biden's name in the article. "A big question is if he could ever have done anything right with such IQ during his florid 50-year political career," the commentary maintained. It also criticized the U.S. and western nations for imposing sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, claiming Washington was dreaming of "hitting the jackpot" in the ongoing crisis. "The U.S.' 'sanction' and 'human rights' campaign against other countries will only bind its own hands and feet and reveal its unethical crimes to backfire on itself in the end," the article said. It then said the U.S. is now fighting a losing battle and "the final loser will be the U.S." North Korea has been under multiple international sanctions for its nuclear weapons and missile tests, and has been under pressure from the U.S. over its human rights abuses. (Yonhap) Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. During their historic mission, Stibbe and the three other members of the Ax-1 crew conducted experiments for more than 25 research projects with international partners, including the Ramon Foundation, the Mayo Clinic and the Montreal Childrens Hospital. The post Israeli astronaut Eytan Stibbe heads back to Earth after 15 days on the ISS appeared first on JNS.org. Submit a letter to the editor The CJN provides an open forum for reader feedback and comments. Letters to the editor can be submitted via the form linked below, e-mailed to editorial@cjn.org or mailed to Letters, CJN, 23880 Commerce Park, Beachwood, Ohio 44122 (please type and double space, or write legibly). All submissions must include your full name, town of residency and daytime phone number (phone number will not be printed). Submit a letter Korea's daily COVID-19 cases fell below 200,000 for the second straight day Saturday amid a downtrend in the virus curve, as the government is poised to further relax antivirus curbs in efforts to return to normalcy. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 164,481 new infections, including 27 from overseas, and bringing the total caseload to 15,333,670 out of the country's 52 million population. The daily count has trended in or below the 200,000 range over the past week, marking a downward trend after reaching a peak of 621,180, March 17, as the Omicron wave appears to be slowing. The KDCA recorded 329 new deaths, lower than Friday's 338, for a fatality rate of 0.13 percent; while the number of critically ill patients reached 1,114, up 15 from the previous day. This week, the health authorities are expected to announce a new "post-Omicron plan" aimed at further lifting social distancing and normalizing the medical system to pre-pandemic days. People are likely to be allowed to go mask-free outside. The government is also expected to downgrade its COVID-19 classification from the current Class 1, the highest in a four-tier system, in a step toward handling the disease as endemic. As of midnight Saturday, 44.51 million people, or 86.7 percent of the population, had been fully vaccinated, while 32.92 million people, representing 64.2 percent, had received booster shots, according to the KDCA. (Yonhap) Throughout the day Saturday, the Pan-African Professional Alliance hosted its 5th annual conference at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center to discuss the current state of African affairs, addressing its key issues. With the theme Community Development Initiatives in Africa the Pan-APA provided guests with a series of events, including research presentations, panel discussions and a keynote speech from Felix Kwame Yeboah, an assistant professor of international development at Michigan State University. In his address, Yeboah discussed several key issues across a wide net of African countries and offered advice on how they should be addressed. I think it is very timely given the past three years of the pandemic, which have eroded some of the development gains, to think about development in Africa. Yeboah said. For both Dylan Vest and Yeboah, coronavirus forever changed how the world is seen and how issues are addressed especially in Africa. I think coronavirus really just highlighted how globalized the world is, Vest (graduate-international affairs) said. Its very nice for Penn State to be able to put on an event that really gives people a platform to talk about issues that are important. Yeboah outlined several key factors to drive community development forward, illustrating what it means to build upon the current strength of the African people to bring about change. Sustainable community development initiatives in Africa must recognize Africas evolving socioeconomic landscape, be Africa led and driven, people centered and inclusive, build on Africas strength, and be environmentally friendly, Yeboah said. Yeboah built on his idea of having community development initiatives be African people by discussing how important it is to take action and create better opportunities. Inequality breeds chaos, and we are seeing that all over the world, Yeboah said. When we think about development, we have to think about areas that maximize opportunities for people. In addition to change being a people driven concept in Africa, Yeboah emphasized how important the concept of community by outlining the idea of social capital. Community brings synergies. A community of one dollars can do more than an individual 'one dollar' can do on their own, Yeboah said. Social capital and the connections we have with people are so important and ensures that even without money, people are able to meet our needs. Penn State student Tiza Ignatius Mfuni mirrored Yeboahs messages of community and togetherness, and he shared his thoughts on what those concepts mean to him. For me, it's a collection of ideas, different contexts, different experiences coming together to talk about pressing issues, about our continent, the people, the diaspora, and Africans participation, and global international news, Mfuni (graduate-geography and African studies) said. Yeboah also expressed how the issues in Africa are no longer African only issues and encouraged the audience to take responsibility for ongoing issues in Africa. It is very fair to say that the kind of impact that Africa is going to have on the world will be shared with the young people in Africa, Yeboah said. The development of all African nations is a shared responsibility for all of us. Yeboah paired the ideas of responsibility and ownership together and outlined how the success of Africa is dependent on the African people. Africans need to take greater ownership of their development efforts, Yeboah said. Development for Africa without Africans is unsustainable and has many unintended consequences because I dont know of any country or any area that has been developed by outsiders. In the latter part of Yeboahs speech, he referenced how Africa is going to have more of an impact on the global market due to the vast resources and the number of opportunities available. We will see greater growth in economics around the world if our opportunities expand, Yeboah said. With this, we know that from whatever happens in Africa, there will be a difference in the world. Yeboah then shifted his focus to directly speak to young African scholars and the next generation of leaders that are willing to create revolutionary ideas. We will need bold and selfless leadership from leaders that are willing to take risks," Yeboah said. We develop with ideas not with money. Money chases ideas. The biggest role for you is to come up with the ideas of what an African centric model is. In his final line to the audience, Yeboah offered a call to action to further build on the potential Africa has to offer. The Africa you and I love has great potential, but I also know that it can only remain a potential unless you and I are willing to roll up our sleeves and start taking actions that will transform countries from poverty to prosperity." MORE NEWS COVERAGE MONTANA US approves bison grazing on prairie amid criticism BILLINGS U.S. officials on March 30 announced approval of a conservation group's proposal to expand bison grazing on prairies in north-central Montana as part of a vast nature reserve over objections from some ranchers and elected officials. The decision allows the American Prairie group to graze bison on U.S. Bureau of Land Management property and to remove about 30 miles of fences so the animals can roam more freely. The Bozeman-based group already has more than 800 bison on a mix of public and private land. Its long-term goal is to piece together a 5,000-square-mile expanse that would include the C.M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and have thousands of bison and other wildlife. Some cattle ranches have sold property to the group as it amasses land to create the reserve, but others have fiercely opposed the effort. The critics worry that bison will displace cattle and that their agriculture-dependent communities will be forever altered. Republicans including Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Gov. Greg Gianforte sharply criticized federal officials after American Prairie received preliminary approval for the reserve last August. Knudsen said in a March 30 statement that the administration of President Joe Biden ignored local opposition to the proposal. Knudsen said federal officials instead catered to "radicals" who want to transform part of Montana into a wildlife viewing area. Bureau of Land Management officials said they approved the proposal in accordance with the law after finding that bison grazing would not have significant negative effects on the land. The proposal covered about 108 square miles south of the small community of Malta and will allow American Prairie to increase the size of its bison herd from 813 animals to about 1,000 by 2025, the group said. IDAHO Officials finish buried nuclear waste cleanup ARCO Work to dig up and remove radioactive and hazardous waste buried for decades in unlined pits at a nuclear facility that sits atop a giant aquifer in eastern Idaho has been completed, federal officials said. The U.S. Department of Energy on March 30 held a celebration to mark the completion of removing specifically-targeted buried waste from a 97-acre landfill at its 890-square-mile site that includes the Idaho National Laboratory. Specifically, officials targeted just under 6 acres called the Radioactive Waste Management Complex. Officials said the work was completed 18 months ahead of schedule. The targeted radioactive waste included plutonium-contaminated filters, graphite molds, sludges containing solvents and oxidized uranium generated during nuclear weapons production work at the Rocky Flats Plant in Colorado during the Cold War. The waste from Rocky Flats was packaged in storage drums and boxes before being sent from 1954 to 1970 to the high-desert, sagebrush steppe of eastern Idaho where it was buried in unlined pits and trenches. The landfill sits above the Lake Erie-sized Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer that supplies farms and cities in the region. A 2020 U.S. Geological Survey report said radioactive and chemical contamination in the aquifer had decreased or remained constant in recent years. Contamination reached the aquifer through injection wells, unlined percolation ponds, pits into which radioactive material from other states was dumped, and accidental spills mainly during the Cold War era before regulations to protect the environment were put in place. The agency said it removed about 13,500 cubic yards of material which is the equivalent of nearly 50,000 storage drums each containing 55 gallons. Some radioactive and hazardous remains in the Idaho landfill that will receive an earthen cover. Most of the waste is being sent to the U.S. government's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico for permanent disposal. NEW MEXICO Army OKs $1.5M settlement for pollution at former depot SANTA FE The U.S. Army has reached an agreement with Zuni Pueblo, the Navajo Nation and the state of New Mexico to pay $1.5 million toward restoring environmental damage done at a former munitions depot. The proposed settlement filed in federal court involves Fort Wingate, a former Army installation near Gallup that was used as a munitions storage and disposal site before being closed in 1993. Under the proposed settlement announced by state officials in late March, about $1 million would go for restoration projects, $117,000 for cultural services damage and $314,000 to cover past and future costs of the state Natural Resources Trustee's Office. Zuni Pueblo Gov. Val Panteah lauded the settlement, saying the tribe looks forward to working with the state's natural resources trustee and the Navajo Nation to "restore the health and productivity of these ancestral lands." Both tribes have long-standing historical ties to the lands in and around the former munitions depot, which sits on about 24 square miles that is almost entirely surrounded by federally-owned or administered lands, including both national forest and tribal lands. Pollution problems at the site include soil and water contaminated by hazardous waste and unexploded ordnance. The cleanup work involves finding, disarming and removing explosives. UTAH US officials acknowledge damage to dinosaur tracks MOAB Dinosaur tracks from 112 million years ago have been damaged in southeastern Utah by heavy machinery used to rebuild a boardwalk at the popular tourist area, U.S. officials say. The damage at the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite is minor but some footprints had fractures around the rims, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management recently said in a report. The agency also said an area where a prehistoric crocodile crossed a mud flat appeared to have been driven over multiple times by a backhoe, causing fracturing, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. The site is considered among the most important dinosaur track areas in the nation, containing tracks from at least 10 different species. The agency in the report said the project should be reevaluated, the area clearly marked and work crews briefed on where they can and can't go. "To ensure this does not happen again, we will follow the recommendations in the assessment, seek public input, and work with the paleontology community as we collectively move forward on constructing boardwalks at the interpretive site," the agency said. That revised report should be done this summer. KANSAS Flamingo that escaped zoo in 2005 spotted in Texas WICHITA One of two flamingos that escaped from a Kansas zoo during a storm 17 years ago has been spotted on the coast of Texas, wildlife officials said. The Coastal Fisheries division of Texas Parks and Wildlife confirmed on March 29 to The Associated Press that the African flamingo known as No. 492 because of the number on its leg band was captured on video shot March 10 by an environmental activist near Port Lavaca, Texas, at Rhodes Point in Cox Bay. Officials were able to make out the bird's leg band on the video. The bird and another flamingo escaped from the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita on a stormy night in June 2005. Employees had not yet clipped the birds' wings to prevent them from flying, which facilitated their escape. While the other flamingo was never seen again, No. 492 has been spotted several times in Wisconsin, Louisiana and Texas, sometimes with other wild flamingos. Officials said it had been a year or two since the bird was last seen in Texas. Zoo officials have never made plans to recapture No. 492, despite the sightings, saying there is no easy way to do so without disturbing other wildlife. The escaped flamingos, known for their distinctive pink feathers and long legs and necks, were born in Africa then shipped to the Kansas zoo in 2004 with 39 other flamingos. A banner set up at a COVID-19 testing center near Seoul Station, Sunday, reads that free rapid antigen tests will no longer be offered there starting on Monday. Yonhap By Lee Hyo-jin As COVID-19 infections are gradually showing signs of slowing down, the government is gearing up to shift to a "post-Omicron" era, in which the coronavirus might be treated as an endemic disease and COVID-19 might be managed more routinely within the general medical system. The country added 164,481 new infections on Saturday, raising the aggregated total to 15,333,670. The number of patients in a critical condition marked 1,114, with 329 COVID-19-related deaths. The health authorities view that infections have entered a downward trend, with nearly 30 percent of the country's population of 51 million having been infected. While the government plans to announce a detailed roadmap for the post-Omicron era later this week, it has already started scaling down pandemic response measures. Beginning Monday, screening centers installed at public health centers will no longer offer free rapid antigen tests, as local clinics are set to play a bigger role in testing and treating patients. The public testing sites will only offer PCR tests to priority groups, such as people aged 60 or over. Others may take rapid antigen tests at local clinics, which are priced at around 5,000 won each. The list of available hospitals can be viewed on the website of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Starting April 7, those infected with COVID-19 have been allowed to visit pharmacies to pick up medication prescribed to them after non-face-to-face consultations with a doctor. Previously, due to the risk of infection, it was required to have the medication picked up by an uninfected family member. The health ministry plans to ease pandemic response measures further, including possibly lifting the current social distancing measures, such as the limits on the number of people permitted at private gatherings and on operating hours for multi-use facilities, after the current rules end on April 17. The ministry also said it will gradually close down residential treatment centers that have been operated for asymptomatic patients and those with mild symptoms, as home treatment has become the default approach for those infected, except for those in vulnerable groups. Furthermore, in order to manage COVID-19 more routinely within the country's medical system, the government is considering lowering its infectious disease level, two years after it was designated at "Level 1," the highest level in its four-tier system. If the coronavirus is reclassified to a lower level, patients may not be subject to mandatory self-isolation and the costs of treatment may not be covered by Korea's national health insurance. Also, active cases may not be required to be reported immediately, but only within 24 hours from detection. Vaccine supply outstrips demand A person receives a COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in Dongjak District, Seoul, July 30, 2021. Yonhap Today Sunny. High 71F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Tonight Partly cloudy skies in the evening, then becoming cloudy overnight. Low near 50F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph. Tomorrow Showers in the morning then continued cloudy and windy in the afternoon. High 69F. Winds SE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 40%. The memorial service for Judith McFerran Robertson will be held at Algiers United Methodist Church, 637 Opelousas Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70114 at 2PM on Sunday, May 22, 2022 with Reverend JoAnne Pounds officiating. The obituary for Judi can be viewed and online condolences made at www.shule In 1997 Ambassador Matlock stated that NATO expansion would be the most strategic blunder since the end of the Cold War To break the impasse, the study concluded, the USA will have to, for its part, make several key adjustments to its Russia policy, including -- halting NATO expansion eastward, clarifying to Ukraine and Georgia that they should not base their foreign policy on the assumption that they will be joining NATO (while establishing robust security cooperation in other ways), reviewing and restraining sanctions policy towards Russia and leaving Russias internal affairs to itself (not interfering in them). These and other suggestions have been ignored by US policy makers who continued to indulge in provocations. Just before war broke out, Matlock posed a question (see Responsible Statecraft", February 15, 2022: "I was thereNATO and the origins of the Ukraine Crisis): Was the crisis avoidable? His answer was Yes. He explained, Since Putins major demand is an assurance that NATO will take no further members, and specifically not Ukraine or Georgia, obviously there could have been no basis for the present crisis if there had been no expansion of the alliance following the end of the Cold War, or if the expansion had occurred in harmony with building a security structure in Europe that included Russia. So while the invasion of Ukraine deserves the criticism it is getting, the genuine concerns of Russia also deserve attention. In the longer-term and a wider context, USA led west and the already troubled world will gain nothing and lose a lot from a policy of encircling and threatening a big nuclear weapon power like Russia. A century earlier Germany in difficult times, trying to find a rightful place of honor, was pushed and shoved too much, and the rest is very unfortunate history. The situation now in a world of weapons of mass destruction is of course much more risky. Surely USA and western decision makers have the wisdom to see the bigger picture. The talk in the street is of the USA arms companies getting more business, Germany and Japan being pushed towards acquiring more destructive weapons in cooperation with the USA, fuel market of Europe getting more tied to USA interests despite clear advantages of getting better and cheaper supplies much nearer from Russia. Surely western and US policy makers should be able to rise above such narrow concerns. Clearly a different path exists, a path based on peace and sincerity, and by making this the basis of its Russia policy the USA can contribute much more to its self-interests and even more to world peace. This can also contribute very quickly to resolving the ongoing crisis, and in the longer-term to creating a safer world for this and future generations. --- *Honorary convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Planet in Peril and Protecting Earth for Children At a time when the Russian invasion of Ukraine has faced a lot of well-justified criticism, a different yet related question also needs to be raised. Would Ukraine have become such a serious crisis point if the USA had sincerely adopted a policy of peace towards Russia during the last 35 years or so?Revisit Russia of three decades back. There was confusion at the rapid break-up, a lot of uncertainty. A sincere hand of friendship by the superpower would have been enough for Russia to accept a less than equal position in the arrangement, as long as it was treated honorably. Unfortunately, the USA and allies adopted a policy of hostility, which came to the fore at the time of decisions relating to the eastward expansion of NATO.An important understanding reached between Gorbachev and Bush in 1989 was that the USA will not expand NATO membership eastwards close to Russian borders. Jack F Matlock, then US ambassador to the Soviet Union and a leading expert on Soviet policy for years, had a ringside view of crucial talks. He recalled recently (February, 15 2022, "Responsible Statecraft"), Gorbachev was assured, though not in a formal treaty, that if a unified Germany was allowed to remain in NATO, there would be no movement of NATOs jurisdiction to the east, not one inch.However the USA started drifting away -- fast -- from this assurance. 1997 was a landmark year for this going back on an important assurance. At this critical juncture, on June 26 1997 to be precise, as many as 50 prominent foreign policy experts, including former senators, retired military officers, diplomats and academicians sent an open letter to President Clinton, outlining their opposition to NATO expansion (see full statement at the Arms Control Association, Opposition to NATO Expansion).They wrote, We, the undersigned, believe that the current US led effort to expand NATO, is a policy error of historic proportions. In Russia NATO expansion, which continues to be opposed across the entire political spectrum, will strengthen the non-democratic opposition, undercut those who favor reform and cooperation with the West, bring the Russians to question the entire post- cold war settlement, and galvanize resistance in the Duma to the START II and III treaties.This letter of 50 experts concluded: We strongly urge that the NATO expansion process be suspended while alternative actions are explored. The alternatives suggested by these experts included supporting a NATO-Russia relationship.Around the same time in 1997 Ambassador Matlock was asked to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He stated that NATO expansion would be the most strategic blunder since the end of the Cold War.Ignoring such sane advice from many senior diplomats and foreign policy experts, the US government went ahead with several waves of adding new NATO members -- eastward ho! At the same time, the USA was also withdrawing from important arms control treaties. During the nineties western interests were associated with pushing economic policies of the Yeltsin years which impoverished a large number of Russians, leading to a deeply worrying, steep fall of life expectancy.The expectations of many Russians for economic help and accommodation of essential security concerns were neglected and instead they saw repeated violation of their economic and security interests. In addition sanctions were also imposed. In 2014 the USA intervened decisively in Ukraine, playing an important role in installing an anti-Russian regime.In 2019 the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace published a study titled 30 Years of US Policy Toward RussiaCan the Vicious Circle be Broken which expressed regret at the many problems created by hostile US policy. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON (AP) Russia has tapped a new Ukraine war commander to take centralized control of the next phase of battle after its costly failures in the opening campaign and carnage for Ukrainian civilians. U.S. officials don't see one man making a difference in Moscow's prospects. Russia turned to Gen. Alexander Dvornikov, 60, one of Russias most experienced military officers and according to U.S. officials a general with a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and other war theaters. Up to now, Russia had no central war commander on the ground. The general's appointment was confirmed by a senior U.S. official who was not authorized to be identified and spoke on condition of anonymity. But the White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said no appointment of any general can erase the fact that Russia has already faced a strategic failure in Ukraine. This general will just be another author of crimes and brutality against Ukrainian civilians, Sullivan said. And the United States, as I said before, is determined to do all that we can to support Ukrainians as they resist him and they resist the forces that he commands. White House press secretary Jen Psaki echoed that thought. The reports were seeing of a change in military leadership and putting a general in charge who was responsible for the brutality and the atrocities we saw in Syria shows that theres going to be a continuation of what weve already seen on the ground in Ukraine and thats what we are expecting, she said. The decision to establish new battlefield leadership comes as Russia gears up for what is expected to be a large and more focused push to expand Russian control in Ukraine's east and south, including the Donbas, and follows a failed opening bid in the north to conquer Kyiv, the capital. Dvornikov gained prominence while leading the Russian group of forces in Syria, where Moscow has waged a military campaign to shore up President Bashar Assads regime during a devastating civil war. Dvornikov is a career military officer and has steadily risen through the ranks after starting as a platoon commander in 1982. He fought during the second war in Chechnya and took several top positions before being placed in charge of the Russian troops in Syria in 2015. Under Dvornikovs command, Russian forces in Syria were known for crushing dissent in part by destroying cities, lobbing artillery and dropping what were often crudely made barrel bombs in sustained attacks that have displaced millions of Syrian civilians. The United Nations says the more than decade-long war has killed more than 350,000 people. In 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded Dvornikov the Hero of Russia medal, one of the countrys highest awards. Dvornikov has served as the commander of the Southern Military District since 2016. Lt. Col. Fares al-Bayoush, a Syrian army defector, said Sunday that while the situation in Syria is different than in Ukraine because the Russian military was fighting insurgent groups and not Ukraine's professional army, he expects a similar scorched-earth strategy. Al-Bayoush said he believes the aim of naming Dvornikov as Ukraine war commander is to turn the war into rapid battles in several places at the same time. I expected him to use the scorched earth policy that was used in Syria," al-Bayoush said, referring to Russian-backed attacks in Syria in which cities and towns were put under long sieges while being subjected to intense bombardment that left many people dead and caused wide destruction to infrastructure and residential areas. He has very good experience in this policy. This commander is a war criminal, al-Bayoush said by telephone from Turkey. Since Russia joined the war in Syria in September 2015, Assads forces have taken control of most of the country after being on the verge of collapse. The Russian air force carried out thousands of airstrikes since, helping Russian-backed Syrian troops take areas after fighters were forced to choose between an amnesty in return for dropping their arms or being taken by buses into rebel-held areas. The last major Russian-backed offensive in Syria lasted several months, until March 2020, when a truce was reached between Russia and Turkey, which supported rival sides. Sullivan on Sunday said the Russian general has a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and we can expect more of the same" in Ukraine. But he stressed that the U.S. strategy remains the same in supporting Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Our policy is unequivocal that we will do whatever we can to help Ukraine succeed, Sullivan said. Which means that we need to keep giving them weapons so that they can make progress on the battlefield. And we need to keep giving them military support and strong economic sanctions to improve their position, their posture at the negotiating table." Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, meanwhile, spoke by video conference Sunday to a small number of Ukrainian troops in the U.S. who are now returning to their country. The group has been in the U.S. since last fall for military schooling and were given training on new drones the U.S. sent to Ukraine last week for the war with Russia. Austin thanked the Ukrainian troop members for their courage and service and pledged continued U.S. support and security aid, according to Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Kirby said the small group was given some advanced tactical training, including on the Switchblade armed kamakazi drones, as well as instruction on patrol craft operations, communications and maintenance. In an interview Saturday with The Associated Press, Zelenskyy acknowledged that despite his hopes for peace, he must be realistic about the prospects for a swift resolution given that negotiations have so far been limited to low-level talks that do not include Putin. Zelenskyy renewed his plea for more weapons before an expected surge in fighting in the countrys east. He said, with frustration in regards to supplies of weapons from the U.S. and other Western nations, of course its not enough. Sullivan spoke on CNN's State of the Union and NBC's Meet the Press. Psaki spoke on Fox News Sunday." ___ Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue in Beirut and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report. BOSTON (AP) A bill has passed the Massachusetts Senate that aims to assist members of communities disproportionately harmed by the enforcement of past marijuana laws participate in the states growing cannabis market. The bill approved Thursday would create a new fund that supporters say will increase equity in the cannabis industry in part by addressing the lack of access to capital that has kept many would-be entrepreneurs from taking part in the new industry. BRIDGEPORT A determined group of middle school students is on the brink of making a significant policy change in the name of inclusion and equity. When the Bridgeport Board of Education meets Monday evening one of the items on the agenda is the possible adoption of Eid al-Fitr as a school holiday. Observance of the Muslim holiday marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan has been a year-long goal of Erik Johnsons eighth grade class at Park City Magnet School. This is part of a program called Project Citizen, where students try to bring about policy change, said Johnson. At the beginning of the year they began listing local or community issues they thought needed change. Then, in January, we reviewed the proposals and whittled them down to one. The class settled on trying to get Eid observed as a school holiday, partially because of the number of Muslim students in the class, Johnson said. Every year, a large chunk of students are absent on Eid, Johnson said. Should they be marked absent or be behind a day of learning because they are observing a religious holiday? The students did some research, and made a presentation to the school boards Educational Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Board member Joseph Sokolovic, who chairs the committee, said he was impressed with what he saw. They had contacted the local mosque, and they had data points. They surveyed the middle school grades and found that 11 percent of the students were Muslim, he said. The addition of Eid is much bigger than just another school holiday, said Anjumanara Chowdhury, one of Johnsons students. Its about equality among religions, she said. When I was younger, I absolutely loved Eid, but hated the day after when I had to catch up on all the missed work and lessons, and simply just felt left behind because of celebrating a significant holiday that is a part of my religion. Fellow student Brian Torres-Castro agreed religious equality was at the core of the students concerns. Muslims should have the same rights as Jews and Christians, he said. And if other religions want a day off for their holidays, they have the right to go to a meeting and fight for it. Lameik Black Jr. also argued religious equality. I feel we are telling Muslim students, and showing them, their religion is not important, he said. Franky Alicea said he empathized with those who spent a month engaging in a daily fast. They work so hard to complete their fasting for Ramadan, and they deserve to celebrate and enjoy a day off without getting a penalty for the challenges they faced, he said. Rehaan Bangi simply wants to be able to learn and observe his religion. Every year (on Eid-al-Fitr) I have had to miss a day of school, he said. The committee initially voted to deny the students request due to a desire for more information. But at a subsequent meeting, in which the students answered more committee questions, the committee voted to send the request to the full board. Johnson said the students shifted to an argument based on educational equity and freedom of religion that centered on the state Constitution, which ultimately resonated with the committee. Next Friday, I can go to a religious observance of Good Friday, 10 a.m. Mass, stations of the cross, he said. Well, what about people who observe Eid? An online letter campaign on the issue has generated more than 2,000 supporters. Religious-based holidays are not unusual in the Bridgeport schools. The 2021-22 school year includes Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in September, Three Kings Day in January and Good Friday in April. In addition, the school winter break covers the week of Christmas and the spring recess includes Good Friday and the week following Easter Sunday. Bridgeport also is the only school system in the state that observes Italian Heritage Day. The school board unanimously adopted that holiday in 2015 following an outcry from the Italian-American community over the decision to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month that Muslims observe with a daily fast from dawn to sunset. The day is traditionally marked with charitable acts and prayer, followed by celebratory feasting. Like Easter, because Eid is tied to a lunar calendar, it does not fall on the same day each year. According to the online letter campaign, organized by the group Congregations Organized for a New Connecticut, the holiday will not always fall during the school year, or during the normal school week. During some years the Eid holidays will fall during winter break, summer break, spring break, or weekends, according to the online posting. CONECT also states that Muslim leaders have provided the school district with the projected dates of Eid for the next 30 years. There was some logistical concern that the holiday doesnt fall on the same day each year, but thats no different than some other holidays, Sokolovic said. Or, people say, if we observe a Muslim holiday, would we want to have schools close on, say, Diwali (a festival of lights observed by Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs). And my response to that is, yeah, lets do it. And if the board does decide to add Eid to the list of school holidays, student Thaddeus Larbi said he would feel pride in having done something positive for others. It (makes) me feel like a true Bridgeport resident, he said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) Israeli forces shot and killed two Palestinians, including an unarmed woman, in confrontations across Israel and the occupied West Bank on Sunday, Israeli and Palestinian officials said. It was the latest in a growing wave of violence that has broken out during the holy month of Ramadan. The shootings came as Israeli troops combed the northern West Bank city of Jenin and the surrounding area, home to two of the Palestinians who staged deadly attacks against Israelis in recent weeks. Ramadan this year converges with major Jewish and Christian holidays. Protests during Ramadan last year boiled over into an 11-day war between Israel and Gaza militants. We will be at every place at any time as needed to cut off these terror attacks. Israel is going on the offensive, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told his Cabinet. Four attacks by Palestinians in recent weeks have killed 14 people in one of the deadliest bursts of violence against Israelis in years. In response, Israel has stepped up its military activity in the West Bank. At a military checkpoint near the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Israeli soldiers opened fire at a woman who the army said failed to heed calls to stop and ignored warning shots fired into the air. The army said that soldiers aimed at the woman's lower body. But the Palestinian Health Ministry said the woman later died from her injuries in a hospital. Local news reports said she was a 47-year-old mother of six. The Israeli military confirmed the woman was found to be unarmed and said the incident was under investigation. Palestinian assailants often carry out attacks at checkpoints in the West Bank. But Palestinians and human rights groups say the military often uses excessive force and in some cases has injured or killed people who were not involved in violence. In the volatile southern West Bank city of Hebron, Israel's border police said an officer shot another woman who stabbed and lightly wounded him near the Cave of the Patriarchs, a holy site revered by Jews and Muslims. Palestinian officials said the woman was killed. More violence broke out later Sunday as Israeli forces patrolled Jenin, considered a stronghold of Palestinian militants, as soldiers investigated the home of an attacker who killed three Israelis in a mass shooting last week. The army said soldiers came under fire from a gunman on a motorcycle and shot him. The man's condition wasn't immediately known. Israel has taken a series of steps to try to calm the situation, including granting thousands of Palestinians from the Hamas-run Gaza Strip permits to work inside Israel. At the same time, it has been stepping up security measures in hopes of preventing further violence. Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed orders Sunday placing two Palestinian citizens of Israel in administrative detention, a controversial practice that allows authorities to hold them without charge. One suspect was placed under detention for four months on suspicion that he was planning an attack, while the second suspect was jailed for six months for what it said was past involvement in militant activity, the Defense Ministry said. Israels Security Cabinet approved a plan to spend just over $110 million to extend some 40 kilometers (25 miles) of the porous West Bank separation barrier. Some of the attackers are believed to have slipped into Israel without permits. Late Saturday, Israel announced that it was tightening restrictions on movement in and out of Jenin, though it continued to allow laborers to enter Israel for work. A raid on the home of one of the assailants on Saturday sparked a gunbattle that left at least one Palestinian militant dead. Jenin governor Akram Rajoub denounced the ongoing Israeli activity in the area, called the measures an expression of collective punishment meant to disrupt the lives of Palestinians rather than thwart attacks. In Sunday's raid, the military said a violent riot broke out as forces were operating in the village of Yabad, home to one of the attackers. It said forces opened fire and shot one Palestinian who threw an explosive at them. It was unclear what his condition was. Forces arrested at least eight suspects and found Israeli military ammunition and uniforms in one of the suspect's homes as well as illegal arms, the military said. Earlier, Brig. Gen. Ran Kochav, the chief military spokesman, told Israeli Army Radio that some 100 Palestinians marched toward Josephs Tomb in the West Bank city of Nablus late Saturday and set it ablaze before they were dispersed by Palestinian security forces. Images on social media showed parts of the tomb inside the shrine smashed and charred. Josephs Tomb is a flashpoint prayer site. Some Jews believe the biblical Joseph is buried in the tomb, while Muslims say a sheikh is buried there. The army escorts Jewish worshippers to the site several times a year, in coordination with Palestinian security forces. The incident drew condemnation from Israeli leaders. The vandalism of Josephs Tomb is a grave event and a serious violation of freedom of worship in one of the holiest places for every Jew, Gantz tweeted. NEW YORK (AP) A suspect was charged Saturday in the fatal shooting of a teen girl who was walking home from school when she was hit by a stray bullet during a street dispute in New York City. New York Police Department officials announced the arrest of Jeremiah Ryan on charges of murder, attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with Friday's shooting. Police identified the girl killed in the shooting as 16-year-old Angellyh Yambo. Another 16-year-old girl was hit in the leg, and a 17-year-old boy was wounded in the buttocks. Both are expected to survive. Prosecutors said Ryan, 17, would have a court appearance either later Saturday or on Sunday. They declined further comment. It was not immediately clear if Ryan had an attorney who could speak on his behalf. The shooting in the Bronx was the latest episode of headline-grabbing violence in the city amid a surge in crime during the COVID-19 pandemic. Police had said the gunfire appeared to start after Ryan and another person were gesturing at each other across an intersection. The teens who were struck were walking by on the sidewalk headed home from school, police said. Police were investigating whether the shooting suspect, who had no criminal record, was using a so-called ghost gun" homemade firearms that can be built with parts bought online and lack serial numbers normally used to trace them. They said a total of six rounds were fired. At a news briefing on Saturday, Deputy Police Chief Timothy McCormack expressed dismay over the circumstances of the case. We have two families that are completely destroyed right now our victim's family and our shooter's family, McCormack said. He described the suspect's mother as a hard-working woman" whose child had zero police contact before his arrest. The shooting happened outside of the South Bronx Educational Campus, which is home to two schools, Mott Haven Village Prep and University Heights Secondary School. The Department of Education said two of the teens went to Mott Haven. The third teen went to University Prep Charter High School, a short distance away. Mayor Eric Adams has made fighting crime a priority since taking office Jan. 1. Homicides are down slightly from this time last year, but gun violence overall remains at levels not seen in a decade. New York City saw shootings drop to modern-era lows from 2012 to 2019, but that progress was partly erased during the pandemic and social unrest of the past two years. Violence still remains at levels far below the citys nadir in the 1990s or even in the decade after the Sept. 11 terror attacks. STRATFORD Arrest rates in Stratford have trended down in most major categories over the last six years, except for a major spike in charges for motor vehicle parts thefts, according to data obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media. Arrests for crimes like burglary and breaking and entering, larceny-theft, drugs and narcotic offenses and destruction/vandalism all decreased by 40 percent or more in 2021 from a peak within the past six years, according to the Stratford Police Department data. Citations, like speeding and parking tickets, also fell dramatically. Motor vehicle-related crimes, on the other hand, have trended up. Motor vehicle parts theft peaked in 2021, up 234 percent from 44 arrests in 2020 to 103 in 2021, Stratford police data showed. In addition to the harm it does to victims of the crime, parts theft especially of catalytic converters is a crime that often happens in public parking lots and can impact a business finanicially if word gets around that specific locations are hotbeds for activity, Stratford Police Chief Joseph McNeil said. Its a devastating crime to these companies and I feel their pain, McNeil said. Were doing as much as we can. We have identified crews that were in the area and we have made arrests on it, but it seems another one comes in. Motor vehicle theft hit a peak in 2020, but came back down to near previous levels in 2021, according to Stratford police data. McNeil also said hes concerned about people speeding and potential increases in people driving under the influence with the legalization of cannabis in-state. The DUIs in Stratford were at a six-year low last year by a slight margin. Speeding is a huge problem, but we're doing the best we can to try to mitigate that and it seems thats going to be quite important for the foreseeable future, McNeil said. I mean if you go in to highway right now and you go 70 (miles per hour), youre getting passed. Property crime like burglary, larceny-theft, arson and motor vehicle theft in Stratford has followed closely with state trends between 2010 to 2020, according to Federal Bureau of Investigation data. Violent crimes homicide, robbery, rape and aggravated assault have decreased as the state numbers in those categories also have in the past decade, but with more fluctuations in the past six years. As a state, Connecticut has seen decreases in both property and violent crime from 2010 to 2020, according to data from the FBI. While at a lower rate, the state has seen similar trends to national data for property crimes, albeit with an increase from 2019 to 2020 while the U.S. saw a decrease in that time, FBI data shows. Connecticut had a 28.5 percent decrease in property crimes from 2010 to 2020. Nationally, those numbers are down 33.5 percent in the same time frame. McNeil said the departments use of technology, specifically a computer forensics team, and catching repeat offenders has helped the department cut down on arrests. He said that the department partners with local businesses to plot cameras around town to help catch people trying to steal from buildings, specifically repeat offenders. We partner with businesses so we have access, we plot all of the cameras that we have in town, McNeil said. And our computer forensic unit has access to that. So we mainly go out, get video, and we're able to actually make a lot of arrests in that area. McNeil also said that officers have been more hesitant to engage with potential offenders like pursuing a speeding vehicle or applying a use of force in an escalating situation recently because of the Police Accountability Bill that was passed by the state legislature in 2020. He said they are under pressure because, in the case they make a mistake, their jobs could be on the line. He said this is a heavy burden to carry. James McCabe, professor in the Sacred Heart University criminal justice department, said he does not blame police for being hesitant following the passage of the bill. Its dangerous for the police and the public, McCabe wrote in an email to Hearst Connecticut Media. When you hesitate you can get hurt. When you hesitate the public can get hurt, or get hurt worse than they could have been. McCabe, who spent 21 years with the New York City Police Department, researches police organizational behavior, police-community relations and police officer attitudes at SHU. He said he worked on developing policy for the state Police Officer Standards and Training Council following the passage of the Police Accountability Bill. There was really nothing egregious in that bill and it codified use of force policies that are in place in most professional police departments, McCabe said. The message it sent, however, obviously put a chilling effect on the police and Im not surprised to see this result. McNeil also said the Police Activities League has a Police Engagement Program that works with schools in the district to help familiarize students with the department and therefore reduce a students chance of committing a crime. We also have a very strong Police Activities League which incorporates a police engagement program that we work on through our high schools and schools, McNeil said. And we interact with our youth at a very young age really just so we know each other so they're more comfortable talking to us. It's basically a partnership to reduce crime. The program shows citizens what it is like to be a police officer at a motor vehicle stop, to see the interaction from the officers point of view, he said. It also shows the police officer how someone being stopped can feel. The Stratford Police Department are continually breaking new ground as leaders in law enforcement, Michael Downes, chief of staff to Mayor Laura Hoydick, said in a statement. The Police Activity League PEP Program has served as a national model for de-escalation and community collaboration, and their computer forensics capabilities are advanced to the point where numerous outside departments turn to them as a resource. There is also going to be a new 12-week leadership program for students at Stratford and Bunnell High School called Life After High School, McNeil said. This will be a program taught by officers on financial literacy, interview skills and preparing for college. mike.mavredakis@hearstmediact.com The United States only pays lip service to human rights. When it comes to the crunch, it is pious words that are forthcoming not practical deeds. This is exactly the case with regard to the refugees fleeing the fighting in Ukraine. It goes without saying that Washington should not shirk its responsibility for the Ukrainian refugee crisis, given the role it has played in fomenting and fueling the conflict. Yet it is the European Union countries that are bearing the brunt of the refugee burden. US President Joe Biden has said that the US will welcome 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. But even if it does that, it is not much help to EU countries which have to care for millions of Ukrainian refugees. That politicians in the US have been frequently talking about the refugee crisis may give the world the impression that they are quite concerned about the refugees and how such a crisis should be resolved. But it is all smoke and mirrors and crocodile tears. It is the US that is directly responsible for many refugee crises worldwide thanks to its actions. Its airstrikes lasting for 78 days against the Federation of Yugoslavia in 1999, which resulted in the deaths of more than 2,000 civilians, also displaced nearly 1 million people. Washington has launched at least eight wars since 2001 including its invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. It is estimated that the total number of refugees as a result of these wars has been nearly 60 million. Even before the exodus from Ukraine, there were 79.5 million people forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2019, according to the United Nations. Of these, 26 million were refugees, half under the age of 18. There were also 45.7 million internally displaced people, and millions of stateless people, who have been denied a nationality and freedom of movement. And the growth in displacement today is far outstripping the solutions. The politicians in Washington have never talked about any concrete actions the US might take to help mitigate these refugee crises. At the same time, they have never stopped pointing accusing fingers at other countries in the name of human rights. This is because human rights are not what Washington is really concerned about. Instead, it is how to maintain the US' hegemony that is the only concern to politicians in Washington. If it is in the interest of the US maintaining its hegemony, US politicians do not care what the consequences of its military action or economic sanctions will be for the people in the countries concerned. Human rights are what Washington says to gain itself the moral high ground, while maintaining its global hegemony is its basic instinct. South Korea's defense chief has visited a United Nations Command (UNC) post near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to encourage troops amid tensions on the Korean Peninsula from North Korea's recent provocations, the UNC said Sunday. Defense Minister Seo Wook visited Camp Bonifas, just south of the DMZ, last week and was "impressed with our readiness posture and encouraged the team to maintain its vigilance," the UNC wrote on its Facebook page and Twitter account. The UNC made public Seo's previously unannounced visit to Camp Bonifas in an apparent move to highlight the UNC's readiness posture in light of North Korea's recent provocations. North Korea conducted 12 rounds of missile launches this year, also firing an intercontinental ballistic missile on March 24, marking its first ICBM launch since November 2017. Many believe Pyongyang may also be preparing to resume its nuclear testing, with earlier reports pointing to ongoing construction work at the North's Punggye-ri nuclear test site that was purportedly demolished in 2018. (Yonhap) If you want to know why Bridgeport has a reputation for corruption and cant make progress for its hard-working residents and taxpayers, just look at the April 6, 2022, front page of the Connecticut Post. The banner headline of an article written by reporter Brian Lockhart announces that Mayor Ganim and his city attorneys claim to have found a vehicle to help a well-connected lawyer and his powerful client, the Roman Catholic Church, obtain what they want while denying the people of Bridgeport the right to be heard at a public hearing on a controversial planning and zoning matter. In the second front-page article, written by reporter Mike Mavredakis, the Airport Commission, on which Bridgeport has the majority of members, would not find a quorum to provide the mayor of Stratford with an opportunity to make a presentation on the future of an airport located in her town. Each article demonstrates Mayor Ganims preference for backroom secrecy over public discussion of issues affecting Bridgeport. Anyone who wonders why Bridgeport is so challenged in moving forward need look no further than its mayor, and its compliant city attorneys office. Any claim by Mayor Ganim that he cant, or wont, tell the City Attorney what to do doesnt pass the laugh test. For many years, it has been obvious that the city attorney represents the mayor and no one else. And you know that you cant disagree with the boss! Any such claim is as credible as the assertion that Ganim had no role in the fiasco that sent his handpicked chief of police to jail and gave the city a still-visible black eye. When the FBI recently came calling, and Mayor Ganim maybe fearing a return to Fort Dix, City Attorney Christopher Meyer signed an agreement obligating Bridgeport taxpayers to pay the exorbitant criminal defense attorneys fees. Now, hard-pressed middle-class people will have to dig into their own pockets to hire an attorney if they want to fight City Hall and its powerful allies, simply for the right to be heard. The mayor and the city attorney can do the right thing for the people of Bridgeport. But dont count on it! Carmen L. Lopez is a retired Superior Court judge. H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media Holy Week has just begun and Easter is this coming weekend. Passover begins on Friday night. The Holy Month of Ramadan began a little more than a week ago and will end after 30 days of fasting on May 2 with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. During this holy season, we are hopeful that all our faith traditions will be honored and included by our local schools in the near future. Unfortunately, right now Muslim students and families in Bridgeport must choose between going to school and practicing their faith every school year. Unlike Christmas, Three Kings Day, and Good Friday or Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Muslim Eid holy day is not yet included by the Bridgeport school system on the official calendar as days off. With 2,000 or more Muslim children in the Bridgeport schools and growing, the time has come for Eid al-Fitr to be added to the districts calendar and given equal treatment as a day off for schools. Rembert Wayne Stanley, age 72, of Dalton, GA passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2022. He was born on May 13, 1949. Arrangements have been entrusted to independently owned and operated Dalton Funeral Home, 620 S. Glenwood Ave. One of my favorite things about Eugene is the wide diversity of restaurants and the endless opportunities to try different kinds of food. I love trying a new local eatery every weekend and checking them off my imaginary list. Until this week, however, I had yet to find the perfect dumplings until I went to Bao Bao House. Bao Bao House, located on West Park Street, is an authentic Chinese restaurant that specializes in delicious and delicate dumplings, steamed pan-fried bao zi, a variety of wontons, fried rice and many other tasty bites. Each item on Bao Bao Houses menu is hand crafted on a daily basis using fresh ingredients and served in a picture-worthy display. The restaurant setting is warm and welcoming and can work perfectly for a lunch between friends and family or a romantic date-night out. The brick walls are filled with various tiger drawings and paintings in celebration of the Chinese New Year which started on Feb. 1, commemorating the year of the tiger. While the restaurant itself is a bit small and there may be limited seating inside, theres always the option to order takeout on a busy night. Usually we are busy on the weekends, and were always busy during dinner time, Qi Liu, a Bao Bao House employee who has worked there for about four months, said. Its all fresh, homemade and special, Liu said, referencing the items on the menu. Our fried rice is very good, we use a handmade sauce to cook it, all of the fried rice are popular too. Bao Bao Houses menu is filled with a variety of dumplings, wontons, bao zi and different kinds of fried rice. Some of the popular dishes are the ShangHai steamed fried bao zi, the cheese and chicken bao zi, the steamed or pan-fried pork dumplings and the shrimp fried rice in Xo sauce. For anyone who doesnt know, bao zi is a yeast leavened bun that is often filled with meat and originates from Chinese cuisine. If youre going to order the Bao Zi which I highly recommend you do there are many different kinds to choose from. They have ShangHai steamed fried Bao Zi, vegetarian fried Bao Zi, curry beef steamed fried Bao Zi, shrimp Bao Zi, steamed sweet bean paste buns and cheese and chicken Bao Zi. Once your food arrives at your table, youll be amazed at the finesse and craftsmanship that goes into making these delicate dumplings, wontons and bao zi. I ordered the steamed pork dumplings and the ShangHai steamed fried bao zi, and I was immediately impressed when the food was brought to my table. Each dumpling is steamed to perfection, and the bao zi has a deliciously fried bottom that adds a perfect texture to every bite. They are garnished delicately with black sesame seeds and green onion, which elevated the presentation and added a nice hint of sesame and freshness to the overall taste. I love that theyre a small business and that they make everything by hand, and you feel like theres love in the food, Renee Grube, a returning customer having lunch with her friend Dana Turell, said. I keep ordering the dumplings. Ive had all their dumplings, but the pork dumplings are great, and you can get them to go. For Turell however, this was her first time eating at Bao Bao House. I thought the dumplings were amazing. I would totally come back for the dumplings, Turell said. I saw so many things I loved but the dumplings were perfect. The high praise of the dumplings is certainly warranted with how delicious and filling they are. I encourage everyone to check out this restaurant either through take-out or a welcoming dine-in experience. I hope that everyone can appreciate the true care and skill that goes into each item on the menu, and enjoy the delicious authenticity of Bao Bao House. Ashland, KY (41101) Today Showers in the morning, then cloudy in the afternoon. High 59F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later at night. Low around 45F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol /Yonhap President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol plans to announce eight Cabinet member nominees Sunday, including his pick for finance minister, his aides said. Yoon will announce his Cabinet nominee picks in the afternoon at 2 p.m. in person at the transition committee office in Seoul, according to a notice sent to reporters. The nominations come a month before Yoon takes office. Rep. Chang Je-won, the president-elect's chief of staff, said the presidential chief of staff position will not be included in the announcement. Last Sunday, Yoon nominated former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as the first prime minister of his incoming government. Han, 72, has held a number of high positions in government, including finance minister, prime minister under former President Roh Moo-hyun and ambassador to the United States. In Korea, the prime minister is the only Cabinet post that requires parliamentary approval. (Yonhap) Sunbury, PA (17801) Today Cloudy with periods of rain. High 51F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.. Tonight Rain early. Decreasing clouds late. Low 39F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Every day we learn more of the havoc and bloodshed suffered in Ukraine. The destruction in Bucha and Mariupol is unbearable, even for those of us only experiencing it via newspapers and television. How would we behave if it was happening to us here? Two months ago, the majority of the Ukraine was functioning in much the same way we do men, women and children going about their daily business with hopes and plans for the future. Now those same women and children are hiding in damp, freezing, waterless basements waiting for escape. And the men? The men are fighting. Would your average British man take up arms with such immediate determination against such a fearsome foe? In this age of gender equality Sharon Nesmith was appointed to the second highest military post of Deputy Chief of the General Staff last week would women also join up? Would I? Pictured: A woman on the outskirts of Lviv learns to fire machine guns and strip an AK-47 last month after Ukraine called up people to fight to defend Kyiv Residents of Yahidne are seen inside the basement of a school - a day after Russian troops left - in the village of Yahidne, near Chernihiv in Ukraine The scenario is unimaginable, probably much as it was only a short time back in the cafes of Kyiv and restaurants of Lviv. Latterday boomers like myself and our children have been lucky enough to have lived our whole lives in peace warfare confined to the movies and computer games. Most of us dont even know how to hold a gun, let alone fire one. Many of us claim to suffer mental health issues such as stress and anxiety in our relatively well organised and comparatively peaceful existences. Heaven knows what we would feel if we heard bombs crashing relentlessly a few miles away and learnt of rape and torture in neighbouring towns. There are many in Britain who I suspect and hope would rise instantly to the challenge. They would want to protect their family and country and also prove to themselves that they were up to it and wouldnt balk at the starting post. We have all heard stories from those who thought their finest hours were during wartime and that life afterwards has been a paler imitation, lacking the same intensity. But the thought of my son being one of the fighters fills me with absolute horror. As for myself, while I can imagine being one of those brave Ukrainian women concocting thousands of Molotov cocktails to repel the Russians, I cant be sure Id be among those crouched behind the sandbanks with a gun. Women and children have been encouraged to make Molotov cocktails (pictured) to defend their cities against Russian forces. Pictured: People make Molotov cocktails in March But perhaps I would. Its impossible to know what you might be moved to do when your whole existence is under threat. Until now, such a scenario was almost unthinkable. But the invasion of Ukraine has reminded us that even seemingly implausible catastrophes can strike and do. Anne cant win on this Royal tour Princess Anne drew the short straw when she was allocated this months Royal tour of Papua New Guinea. After the furore surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Cambridges recent Caribbean visit, she can hardly be looking forward to similar harping about the Royal Family. The whole trip will be a minefield of avoiding offence. The Princess is known for her robust approach to critics and will be rolling up her sleeves and getting on with it. But even so, her minders will have been fine-tuning the plans to avoid any backlash. I wonder if theyll scrub the traditional visit to the countrys indigenous peoples, who sport fabulous face painting, more than a dash of nudity, bone nose jewellery and amazing feathered head-dresses. 'Princess Anne drew the short straw when she was allocated this months Royal tour of Papua New Guinea', writes ALEXANDRA SHULMAN Any such meeting would no doubt be deemed a further display of the monarchys insensitivity and white privilege. Instead, shes more likely to be spending time in schools with children in neat white, Western-style shirts. Only fit for Oxfam... my designer clothes A friend is organising a vintage clothing sale in aid of Oxfam so I have been sorting out a few things to donate. Just before packing them up, I had another quick look through and started to get cold feet. Hmm? Did I really want to give away that lovely silk skirt that never fitted comfortably but I hoped to squeeze into one day? Am I going to regret donating the Chanel raincoat still in its dry-cleaning wrapper from 20 years ago? And that navy cashmere jacket which has always looked a bit boxy might it be perfect at some point? Most of the clothes Id set aside hadnt been worn in ages but were a familiar sight in my wardrobe. Like an old picture taken from the wall, its sad to look at the rails without them. But I knew returning them to the cupboards would feel like defeat so off theyve gone. Lost in a cloud of nuclear neurosis Theres been a rush on iodine tablets by neurotic types who are fretting about a nuclear cloud drifting west from Ukraine. It reminds me of being at the fashion shows in Milan just after 9/11 when the American journalists spent most of their time trawling around pharmacies hoping to get hold of Cipro antibiotics. Forget bodices, corsets and damasks, the item that Bridgerton has done the most to revitalise is the cane thanks to Adjoa Andohs Lady Danbury (pictured) Theyd been told the tablets would help in case of an anthrax attack they expected round every corner but which, of course, never came. A compliment from my man? Fat chance When my partner David read that our waist should measure less than half our height, he did a quick calculation. Was he, by these standards, on the podgy side? Yup. I did the same and just scraped in under the obesity bar. Did he greet this news with a gallant compliment? Far from it, he shrieked that it couldnt be true. I was far fatter than him, surely. Some might consider such rudeness, not to mention what is obviously an extreme case of body dysmorphia, a reason for this partnership to end. Get Bridgerton chic with a walking stick Forget bodices, corsets and damasks, the item that Bridgerton has done the most to revitalise is the cane. As she navigates her way around the higher echelons, Adjoa Andohs Lady Danbury wields her walking stick with such elan and imperious authority that she has turned this work-a-day aid back into the desirable and chic accessory it once was. The liberal and Left-wing cavalry have gathered round Channel 4 with swords drawn, to save it from what they see as a wicked Tory plan to privatise it. Millions must have been astonished to learn that it was publicly owned in the first place. They might be even more surprised to learn that it was the wicked Tories who set up this rather Left-wing broadcasting organisation, back in 1982. Last week the Government announced plans to privatise the channel to help it compete with streaming giants such as Netflix and Amazon Its foundation is an interesting example of Margaret Thatcher's pluralist broadmindedness. Launched to provide 'alternative', 'minority' culturally radical programmes, it began reasonably well. But Channel 4 has always looked like a commercial channel, crammed with advertisements. And that is indeed where it gets its income, though it increasingly struggles to do so. Though publicly owned, it is not State-funded. But, having gone through many incarnations since 1982, is it really such a paragon of independent production and innovative television? Despite its right-on founders' belief in cultural diversity and ground-breaking, it has since joined much of the rest of the broadcasting sector in a race to the bottom. As Tory peer Daniel Hannan recently told the House of Lords, the channel's current output includes Kitchen Nightmares, Undercover Boss, Steph's Packed Lunch, Countdown, A Place In The Sun, A New Life In The Sun, Sun And Sea And Selling Houses. Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries (pictured) has been gunning for a sale of the state-owned public service broadcaster He asked: 'Is it really credible to say that we are defending something that couldn't be provided by the private sector?' Partisans of C4 argue that it gave a huge boost to independent production companies, which is undoubtedly true. But as Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries points out in The Mail on Sunday today, such companies are booming even though C4 now takes only a small share of their work. She wants to keep the channel's public service remit while opening it to much needed private investment. As Nadine Dorries rightly points out, Lady Thatcher would approve. The tax collector MUST pay taxes himself For most people tax is an unavoidable duty. It is taken from their pay before they even get it. Apart from a few minor allowances and adjustments, they can make little difference to their obligations. The recent rise in National Insurance, imposed by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, is just a harsh fact of life for those who must now pay it. A spokesman for Rishi Sunak's wife said she had 'followed the letter of the law and complied with all rules in her arrangements' This is even more so with the many taxes we endure on the things we have to buy, including fuel duty and VAT. You can hardly breathe without paying some sort of state levy. But for the rich, it is quite different. They have many ways of legally avoiding what is inescapable for the great majority. It is inevitable that this should be so, because tax must be governed by law and laws always have loopholes. And there are other arguments. The 'non-dom' exemption, long controversial, survives because it encourages productive, wealthy people to stay here and pay their domestic taxes on local income. But the rules on such things must be different for any Chancellor and his or her close family. The man who demands taxes from us must be seen to pay his own, and so must his wife. On Friday Ms Murty (pictured with Mr Sunak) agreed to pay UK tax on her global fortune in a bid to save her husband's political career Rishi Sunak has led a charmed political life, almost free from criticism, during his time as Splurger-in-Chief, handing out cash right and left to get us through Covid. But in his new role as Iron Taxman, necessary to pay for the splurge, he predictably attracts resentment and scrutiny. He should have seen this coming long ago, and the real damage done to him by last week's headlines is to his reputation as an astute politician. The revelation of his wife's optional non-domiciled privileges, and of the couple's surprising status as US residents, were bound to come out in the end. They were not a smear. They were the price of being in politics. Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak. Who could have guessed two months ago that the political fortunes of the one would improve so fast, and those of the other slump so precipitously? In early February, when most commentators including myself assumed Vladimir Putin wouldnt be stupid enough to invade Ukraine, Boris was peeping nervously out of his dog-house. Senior civil servant Sue Gray had placed her report about Partygate in her safe as the Metropolitan Police began their laborious investigations into what looked like an orgy of illegal celebrations at No 10. Few doubted that the Prime Minister faced some kind of rap. Meanwhile, the Chancellor was wreathed in his customary smiles, the gilded heir-apparent waiting for Boriss inevitable fall. He had seen off the latters qualms about increasing National Insurance. Indeed, he persuaded the PM to co-author a newspaper article defending it. Rishis latest error of judgment is to order a Whitehall inquiry into the identity of the person who leaked details of his wifes non-dom status. What is the point, if the facts are agreed to be true, and the revelations in the public interest? How quickly everything has changed! Rishi, who once could do no wrong, is fighting to hang on to his job after it was revealed that his wife had used her non-domicile status not to pay tax here on her considerable non-UK earnings. Since then the Chancellor has dug a deep hole for himself and jumped into it. And Boris? The showman is welcomed to Kyiv as a hero, and the saviour of Ukraine. A leading adviser in the office of President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday: The UK is the leader in defence support for Ukraine . . . in the anti-war coalition . . . in sanctions against the Russian aggressor. The list of those who will be appalled by such sentiments is a long one. Several million Boris-haters, for a start. Sleepy Joe Biden wont be thrilled to be rated below the Prime Minister. President Emmanuel Macron, fighting for survival, will be spitting tacks. And Mr Sunak, I suspect, wont be bouncing with joy. Boris deserves his accolades, having been imaginative and decisive in his support for President Zelensky. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who masterminded much of the military aid, may deserve even bigger plaudits, but when things go well its usually the person at the top who receives the most praise. What does the turnaround in their political fortunes tell us about Boris and Rishi? First, that the former is a lucky politician. The latest manifestation of his habitual good fortune was Putin invading Ukraine when he did. Boris deserves his accolades, having been imaginative and decisive in his support for President Zelensky. They are pictured above in Kyiv Admittedly, he isnt out of the woods yet. But I suspect that he will be, unless Sue Gray and the Met can establish that he swigged from a champagne bottle while in the company of dancing girls. Boris being Boris, he might even get away with that. Its not just luck, though. The PM has annoyed his critics and encouraged his supporters by demonstrating that he is more than a buffoon with a casual relationship with the truth. He has behaved like a statesman over Ukraine. On Saturday, by visiting Kyiv, he seized his political reward. The erstwhile golden boy Rishi, by contrast, has shown that, although a clever man, he isnt at least, not yet a clever politician. He has made a series of gratuitous errors since his wifes tax affairs were revealed last Wednesday. Let me say a couple of things in his defence. It shouldnt be thought discreditable for a politician to be rich. Before becoming an MP as recently as 2015 (he is not very experienced) he made a small fortune as an investment banker. So what? We should welcome ministers gaining experience of life. Nor should he be blamed for having married a very rich wife. Some of his critics appear to assume that Akshata Murty is a kind of chattel, who should have been instructed to organise her tax affairs in a way that suited her husband. That cant be right. There was no misjudgment in his becoming rich or marrying an independent-minded, wealthy wife. But there was an absence of good judgment in his retaining a Green Card entitling him to work in America for the first 19 months of his Chancellorship. This put him, at least theoretically, in debt to another country. Senior civil servant Sue Gray had placed her report about Partygate in her safe as the Metropolitan Police began their laborious investigations into what looked like an orgy of illegal celebrations at No 10. Few doubted that the Prime Minister faced some kind of rap More serious still has been his chopping and changing in response to recent revelations. His first defence was that Ms Murty wished to retain her Indian citizenship, and was therefore obliged to claim non-dom status and pay tax on her non-UK earnings in India. In fact, being taxed as a non-domicile is a choice, and separate from the issue of citizenship. Akshata Murty could have kept her Indian citizenship without becoming a non-dom. She has now agreed to pay tax in this country on her non-UK earnings while remaining a non-dom. She could have done so before. The Chancellors contention that his wife was being smeared was also wrong-headed. A smear carries the imputation of untruthfulness, whereas the facts as adduced were wholly accurate. There is a case to answer. Rishis latest error of judgment is to order a Whitehall inquiry into the identity of the person who leaked details of his wifes non-dom status. What is the point, if the facts are agreed to be true, and the revelations in the public interest? Of course, allowance should be made for Mr Sunaks natural distress at seeing his wife so widely criticised. But he is surely wrong to resent the matter being discussed. He is Chancellor of the Exchequer! Suggestions that he has considered leaving politics because of the row are also to his discredit, though yesterday friends denied that he intends to quit. Serious politicians dont leave the field of battle at the first smell of cordite. Consider the savage punishment beatings meted out to Boris. Nor should we forget that this same Chancellor also showed an absence of judgment, despite a windfall from higher tax revenues, in pushing through a 12 billion National Insurance increase while households are facing a cost-of-living crisis. The oddest thing about this controversial rise opposed by several members of the Cabinet, including the PM for a time is that when he confirmed it in last months Spring Statement, he handed back 9 billion by way of a cut in fuel tax duty and a shift in National Insurance thresholds. And yet he got almost no acknowledgement for that. It was barely noticed. Why didnt he simply rescind the 12 billion NI hike, and bask in the acclaim for being sensitive to the needs of hard-pressed people? Was he so determined to force it through because Boris didnt want it? Stubbornness combined with a lack of judgment makes for a potentially lethal combination. I certainly wouldnt write off Rishi yet. But the question arises as to whether many in the Tory Party have embraced him as the next PM without studying the small print. And possibly though I remain a Boris sceptic some have too readily dismissed Mr Johnson as an accident-prone lightweight. He was formidable in Kyiv on Saturday. I was proud that he is our Prime Minister. Boris also turns out to be better at politics than Rishi, who to judge by recent days has much to learn. I hope, unless damaging new revelations emerge, that he is given a second chance. But, from now on, the Chancellor wont be treated as a blameless, golden politician. Australian beauty buffs are whipping up their own moisturising cleanser at home with just two ingredients that won't break the bank. In a post to a popular Facebook group a skincare aficionado shared her handy hack for making her own cleanser using a $6.99 aqueous cream mixed with a few drops of olive oil. 'At the risk of putting beauty brands out of business I have just discovered a way to have 500g of cream cleanser for easily under $10,' the post read. An Australian skincare aficionado shared her handy hack of making her own moisturising cleanser using a $6.99 aqueous cream mixed with a few drops of olive oil in a post to Facebook The beauty lover said she got the idea after a friend said using the cream that her pharmacist adds olive oil to has been 'life changing'. 'I had lunch with my girlfriend yesterday and her skin was glowing. I actually asked if she'd had some work done. The answer was no. But she said I have two words for you. aqueous cream,' she wrote. The woman goes on to say her friend's dermatologist put her onto aqueous cream, also known as sorbolene, to use as a cleanser and moisturiser and that the product has worked wonders for her rosacea. The beauty lover said she got the idea after a friend said using the cream that her pharmacist adds olive oil to has been 'life changing' In a bowl, the woman mixed 120 grams of aqueous cream, which is commonly used as a soap substitute for people with sensitive skin, together with 12 millilitres of olive oil 'Her pharmacy adds 10 per cent olive oil to the cream and she says it's been a life changing experience,' she said. In a bowl, the woman mixed 120 grams of aqueous cream, which is commonly used as a soap substitute for people with sensitive skin, together with 12 millilitres of olive oil and a few drops of lavender essential oil. 'Washed my face last night and this morning with it. I used it in conjunction with a Face Halo and warm water. Took all my makeup off. Left my face feeling soft and not tight. No greasy residue but moisturised,' she later reported. What is aqueous cream? Aqueous cream is a non-greasy emollient or moisturiser, used to relieve dry skin conditions such as eczema. When used as a soap substitute or wash product, it works by providing a layer of oil on the surface of the skin, which traps water beneath it and prevents water evaporating from the skin surface. In this way, it helps to retain moisture on the skin and reduce dryness. Aqueous cream is recommended as a soap substitute, to be used instead of soap. Soaps (including shower gels and bubble baths) can irritate and dry out the skin. This can make eczema worse. Although aqueous cream does not lather or foam like regular soap, it cleanses the skin well. It can be used before or during bathing, showering or washing. If your aqueous cream contains sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), it must be washed off, and not left on the skin for prolonged periods. If your aqueous cream does not contain SLS, it does not need to be washed off and can be left on the skin. Source: Health Navigator Advertisement The post attracted dozens of impressed responses from fellow group members with many saying the hack has improved their complexion and eased skin damage. 'My dermatologist recommended aqueous cream as well. I used it for years as both cleanser and moisturiser. It was great, but I needed something richer for my dry skin - the 10 per cent olive oil is a great tip,' one woman wrote. 'Years ago I gave myself a chemical burn from chest to bikini area - saw many doctors for relief until one suggested a mix of bio oil and aqueous cream to rehydrate the skin as it heals. It is a miracle cream worth its weight in gold,' said another. Princess Anne has paid a visit to the NSW Rural Fire Service in Sydney after touching down in Australia for a three-day visit on Saturday. On Sunday afternoon the Princess Royal met with families of fallen volunteer firefighters Andrew O'Dwyer and Geoffrey Keaton and those who have battled both bushfires and floods in the area over the past three years. Mr O'Dwyer, 36, and Mr Keaton, 32, were killed when their truck rolled off the road after hitting a fallen tree in Buxton, south of Sydney, just days before Christmas in December 2019. She then went onto the Sea Heritage Foundation in Waverton where she was greeted by Ellie McInnes and given a bunch of flowers by a young fan. Princess Anne, who is visiting Australia on behalf of her mother Queen Elizabeth II, and her entourage arrived on Saturday and were whisked through the terminal and away by an official police escort. Princess Anne has greeted firefighters at the NSW Rural Fire Service in Sydney On Sunday afternoon the Princess Royal met with families of fallen volunteer firefighter Andrew O'Dwyer Princess Anne visited the firefighters headquarters after touching down in Australia for a three-day visit on Saturday She met with those who have battled both bushfires and floods in the area over the past two years The princess then went onto the Sea Heritage Foundation in Waverton By the early afternoon she was at Homebush in Sydney's west to view some of the exhibits ahead of officially opening the 200th anniversary of the popular agricultural show. Anne is attending the show in her role as Patron of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth. The Royal Easter Show capacity has been capped at 80,000, despite there being no Covid restrictions in place. The royal was greeted by Ellie McInnes and given a bunch of flowers by a young fan Anne is visiting Australia on behalf of her mother Queen Elizabeth II in celebration of Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee She and her entourage arrived on Saturday and were whisked through the terminal and away by an official police escort By the early afternoon she was at Homebush in Sydney's west to view some of the exhibits ahead of officially opening the 200th anniversary of the popular agricultural show The Princess Royal is joined on the trip by her husband, Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence Anne's visit also coincides with the first anniversary of the death of her father, Prince Philip, who died at Windsor Castle one year ago today aged 99. Hers is the first visit to Australia by a member of the British royal family since Harry and Meghan Markle's rock-star trip in 2018. The Princess Royal is joined on the trip by her husband, Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. Princess Anne is the first member of the Royal family to visit Australia since Harry and Meghan Markle's rock-star trip in 2018 Princess Anne views stands at the Bicentennial Sydney Royal Easter Show after arriving in Sydney on Saturday morning The Queen's only daughter officially opened the 200th anniversary of the popular agricultural show on Saturday afternoon The Princess Royal greeted stall-holders after arriving at Sydney's famous agricultural show She opened the 1988 show during Australia's bicentenary celebrations. Princess Anne was escorted by the NSW Mounted Police as she made her way into the stadium in a horse-drawn caleche originally built more than 150 years ago to open the show after 5pm on yesterday evening. The first time it was used it carried Her Majesty the Queen, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles and Princess Anne to the Main Arena where they officially opened the 1970 Show. The opening of the show by a Royal is a Vice-Regal tradition dating back well over a hundred years. The opening was followed by an overhead performance by the Air Force Roulettes at 5.30pm. Princess Anne was escorted by the NSW Mounted Police as she made her way into the stadium in a horse-drawn caleche originally built more than 150 years ago to open the show shortly after 5pm on Saturday The 71-year-old royal is know for her love of agricultural issues and horses, competing in a three-day equestrian contest at the 1976 Olympics Princess Anne previously opened the Royal Easter Show in 1988 during Australia's bicentenary celebrations Anne's visit also coincides with the first anniversary of the death of her father, Prince Philip, who died at Windsor Castle one year ago today aged 99 Anne has several engagements on her whistle-stop three-day visit to Australia, including with the Rural Fire Service and Sea Heritage Foundation The 71-year-old royal is known for her love of agricultural issues and horses, competing in a three-day equestrian contest at the 1976 Olympics and becoming the first-ever British Royal to become an Olympian. She is also President of the British Olympic Association. Anne has several engagements on her whistle-stop three-day visit, including with the Rural Fire Service and Sea Heritage Foundation. She is also expected to meet with Margaret Beazley, the Governor of New South Wales, and General David John Hurley, the Governor-General of Australia. After leaving Australia Princess Anne had engagements in Papua New Guinea. She is expected to be greeted by PNG Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae and meet Prime Minister James Marape before opening the National Cardiac Diagnostic Centre at the Port Moresby General Hospital and the National Ambulance Control Centre of the St. John Ambulance. The Princess will also lay a wreath at the Bomana War Cemetery, where 3,284 Commonwealth soldiers are buried, on behalf of the Queen. Princess Anne and her husband Timothy Laurence make their way through Sydney airport on Saturday as she begins a three-day royal visit Anne's visit comes exactly one year after the death of her father, Prince Philip, who died on April 9, 2021 aged 99 The show will feature nearly 8,500 animals participating across 12 days, with tens of thousands of other entries in competitions judging everything from rats to roosters and reptiles. As part of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW's 200-year celebrations, there is also a competition for best period-themed young horse riders and pooch owners, featuring costumes from the 1800s. The show's General Manager of Agriculture, Murray Wilton, said the event remains true to its roots. 'We're doing today what we did 200 years ago but we're doing it on a much grander scale,' he said. 'It all started with a group of farmers who thought that their livestock were better than their neighbours', and it grew from there.' Prince Harry 'can't stand' the Duchess of Cornwall and might deepen his rift with the royal family by 'going after' her and Prince Charles in his upcoming memoirs, Princess Diana's biographer has claimed. Speaking to the Telegraph Magazine ahead of the release of her new book, The Palace Papers, Tina Brown, 68, said the Duke of Sussex, 37, never made his peace with Prince Charles and Camilla's relationship, and does not want Camilla to become Queen. She added Prince Charles' estranged son, who resides in California with his wife Meghan Markle, 40 and their children, Archie and Lilibet, is likely to voice his frustration in his memoirs, which are set to be published later this year. Speaking to the Telegraph Magazine ahead of the release of her new royal book, The Palace Papers, Tina Brown, 68, said the Duke of Sussex, 37, never made his peace with Prince Charles and Camilla's relationship, and does not want Camilla to become Queen (pictured together with Meghan Markle on 22 May 2018) Brown, who penned the Diana Chronicles in 2006, said: 'William was disgusted about Meghans attack on Kate because she cant answer back. But thats nothing compared to how furious hes going to be when this book comes out. 'Because Harrys not going to go after the Queen, shes sacrosanct. And he probably wont go after Kate, whom hes very fond of. But he will go after Charles and Camilla and maybe William. 'And thats so unhelpful to them all at this particular moment; for William thats the big cloud in their relationship right now.' Brown, who reported on the royal family for years as Tatler's editor-in-chief and Vanity Fair's editor, said that Harry never warmed up to Camilla. In her upcoming book, the author has quoted an unnamed courtier who told her than when Harry was eventually talked into being in the same room as Camilla, he would remain silent and shoot her angry looks. The royal author has claimed the Duke of Sussex is likely to criticise his father and step-mother in his upcoming biography Meanwhile, Prince William has grown accepting of his father and Camilla's relationship. Pictured together with Kate Middleton at the 'No Time To Die' world premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in September She said that Prince William has grown to accept his father's relationship with Camilla, but added the Duke of Sussex is 'very angry' that the Duchess of Cornwall will become Queen Consort when Prince Charles ascends to the throne. William and Harry's relationship first came under strain in the lead up to Megxit and has slowly worsened in the months since, with the Duke of Cambridge reportedly furious about his brother's repeated attacks on the Royal Family. Camilla felt empathy for Diana over Prince Charles' 'relentless' routine In an extract of the Palace Papers shared with the Sunday Telegraph, Tina Brown revealed that the Duchess of Cornwall's struggled with the Prince of Wales' regimented lifestyle. Before the pair were married in 2005, Camilla was Charles' unofficial consort, a role that grew more and more difficult to keep as time went by. The author claimed Camilla was happy to stay away from the limelight, but struggled to keep up with the demands of the Prince of Wales' regimented lifestyle. The author claimed that Prince Charles stuck to the same routine everyday and that Camilla's struggle with being on time was a source of tension in the couple. If the couple were headed somewhere and Camilla would ask Charles where they wer4e going, he would snap at her and asked if she had not read the memo about their outing, Brown claimed. A source close to Camilla at the time told Brown that the Duchess of Cornwall began to feel sympathy for Princess Diana's various discountents. Eventually, however, after a push from Clarence House's press secretaries, the couple married on 9 April 2005. Advertisement He was particularly incensed by the way his wife the Duchess of Cambridge was targeted. The pair have been photographed together just twice since Harry and Meghan stepped down from royal duties: the funeral of their grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh in April last year, and the unveiling of a statue in honour of their mother Princess Diana last summer. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Tina said the rift with Harry was a detriment to the royal family because Harry, alongside Kate, is one of the only people who could keep Prince William grounded and avoid for him to become pompous. 'One of his close people told me that everyone talks about how much Harry needed William, and he did, but William also needed Harry because all those friends you think are so real, well, they still know youre going to be king,' she said. 'Only Williams wife and his brother are going to be straight with him. 'And Harry could tease his brother and bring him down to earth. William depended on that, Im told. 'There was a danger William was headed towards pomposity and Harry wouldnt let that happen.' It comes after the Sussexes' biographer insisted Prince Harry only wants to speak positively about the Queen in his memoir. Finding Freedom author Omid Scobie said Harry 'really wants to celebrate her life and his relationship with her in that book.' Speaking on the Royally Obsessed podcast, Omid said the book will celebrate the life and reign of Her Majesty. He said: 'Harry really is going out of his way to make sure that there isn't material in there [the book] that can be seen as negative towards the Queen or her reign in any way whatsoever. 'He really wants to celebrate her life and his relationship with her in that book. 'I think as much as the press want this to be a burn book and an attack on the institution, this is more just about his story.' 'Of course, his story is so much more than just the few years of his life as the Duke of Sussex. 'I think for people expecting that warts and all moment, it's not going to happen. That said, it's still going to be fascinating.' The Royal Family has been left deeply concerned by Harry's decision to secretly collaborate with Pulitzer-winning ghostwriter JR Moehringer on what his publishers described as 'the definitive account of the experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped shape him'. A big birthday is approaching, and I find myself in a reflective mood. I can recall my 20s through to my 40s as if they were yesterday. The speed of time is hard to comprehend. As a journalist in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, I worked on glossy magazines which both chronicled and contributed to the huge strides women were making in their lives. It was that glorious if, with hindsight, naive era in which women were first told that they could Have It All. The magazines I edited, Cosmopolitan and, later, she, were read by women hungry for advice on how to make the most of new freedoms. Ex editor of Cosmopolitan Linda Kelsey (pictured) contemplates turning 70 and shares advice for staying stylish and making new friends In their 20s and 30s, they wanted to know how to improve relationships and boost their careers; how to break the confines of domestic roles and stereotypes which their mothers had never been able to cast off. When I was 36, I had my beloved son. In a flash, hes about to turn 34. With his birth, the realities of that frantic juggle of motherhood and work and marriage hit home, and again my magazines were there to support and advise other women going into their 40s with hands fuller than ever. At 70, will we Have-It-All Cosmo girls now become little old ladies? Or, on the contrary, should we strive to stay forever young? The truth is, my pioneering generation has always gone its own way. Today, I feel more strongly than ever that we must do as we please with our final few decades. So no, Im not going to spend my 70s in denial, shaving years off my age when people ask, staving off the wrinkles with secret nips and tucks. Im going continue to live life as fully as I can, for as long as I can, while accepting both the inevitable passage of time and that old is what I am. Ill also be taking inspiration from the feisty, still-fun-loving, engaged and productive seventysomethings I see around me, as they shatter the myths of decrepitude and decay. Here are some of my personal mantras and advice for the decade ahead... Linda (pictured) says that she is not ready to retire and insists that you can still find love over the age of 70 OF COURSE YOU CAN STILL SHOP IN ZARA Theres not a single label Id eschew on the grounds of age alone. Zara is my favourite destination for clothes that are low cost and stylish. Yes, the average customer is half my age. I dont care, and neither should you. Just follow my strategy for shopping there with confidence: 1. Dont linger longingly by the rails of things youll never wear. In my case, that means mini-skirts, crop tops, racer backs, halternecks and, these days, anything that exposes blobby upper arms or ever-lower knees. 2. Do not hope to step outside the changing cubicle, do a twirl and have other shoppers or sales assistants tell you how great you look. You are invisible. Instead, rely on your own well-honed judgment. 3. Remember the classics at which Zara excels. Great blazers and jackets in safe navy or wild emerald or shocking pink, according to taste; lovely silky shirts; flattering printed palazzostyle pants and cropped-abovethe-ankle trousers; pretty blouses. Ive also bought gorgeous dresses for special occasions for as little as 29.99. 4. Ignore the mutton naysayers. If you have a thing for leather or a penchant for leopard print, dont hold back. Be you. And dont be persuaded to ditch denim; you can still look great in jeans. THERES GREAT SEX TO BE HAD IN YOUR 70s! We cannot expect to be performing sexual acrobatics or have the same energy and passion as we did 40 years ago lets get that out of the way. But ...if youre widowed, divorced or single and still hoping to find love you can. Dont give up on dating. There are now dating apps and sites aimed at older people, such as Our Time. Its been a godsend to my widowed friend Judith Cannon. Now 74, Judith tells me: At first I thought all I was looking for was a walking companion. Then I realised Id rather like to have sex as well. What Judith has is confidence. I take great pleasure in helping older men to have good sex. You have to realise they get very nervous as they age. And as far as your body is concerned, my experience is that men are not looking to be critical. For some, by the time you get to your 70s, its not so much about sex. I was lucky to meet a new love in my late 50s, and the sexual spark has yet to be extinguished. For plenty of couples I know, though those who have been together for 40 or even 50 years its simply not on the agenda. There may be physical (or emotional) impediments to sex, which is not to say theres no room for intimacy hugging, touching, kissing, appreciating one another. At this age, its very much about quality, not quantity. RETIREMENT IS NOT THE RIGHT WORD Most of the seventy-somethings I know are living such engaged lives that they say they have no idea how they ever found time for a job. One female friend has taken up the piano. Another, who ran a business for several decades, has become a volunteer business mentor to young people and says shes not sure shes ever before felt such satisfaction. An old colleague, having finally joined a gym after swearing it was the last thing she would ever do, declares herself fitter, stronger and with more energy than she had 20 years ago. I am not retired theres no particular end date for a freelance writer but I do have a lot more time available these days. Time for meeting friends, appreciating spring on long walks (leaving my mobile phone at home so I can concentrate on my surroundings rather than my screen), or meandering round art galleries in the middle of the day. How lucky and lovely is that? A plea, though: please can we find a different word to describe this life phase? The word retiring suggests a withdrawal, not just from paid employment, but from life. And that couldnt be further from the truth. Linda Kelsey pictured with her partner Ron. They are currently devoting much time to helping a refugee family of five Ukrainians find shelter Starters for ten... recalibrating? Re-engaging? Reinvigorating? Answers on a postcard, please. NEVER TOO OLD FOR TWEAKMENTS I always used to be sniffy about cosmetic surgery, but Ive softened having seen just how much better a number of surgically tweaked seventy-somethings feel about themselves. Recently, in my social group, Ive witnessed an eyelid lift, a second facelift, a bingo-wing job and breast-reduction surgery. All four women are feeling particularly perky about their appearance. Who am I to disagree? Personally, Ive never been tempted by Botox or fillers. In fact, by todays standards Im low maintenance. Manicures, pedicures, roots and buckets of moisturiser. Frankly, I cant be bothered with much else. But on the fitness front, Im moving into a whole new era. I was shocked to discover recently that by the age of 70, many of us will have lost up to 50per cent of our muscle strength. Daily one-hour walks and thrice-weekly Pilates will continue, but my focus will be on building strength squatting, lunging, weight-bearing exercises to ward off yet more muscle loss. The knack is to strike a balance between accepting ageing while not giving in to it. JUST GET BORING PAPERWORK DONE Get the gloomy side of putting your affairs in order over and done with. It will take a large burden off your shoulders. I rewrote my will. Most of whats left will go to my son, but I also want to make some provision for my partner, Ron, as we are not married and things wont automatically pass to him. Sorted. Equally pressing, powers of attorney for both health and financial affairs. Ive too often witnessed the nightmare that can ensue if paperwork isnt in place. What if I were to have a sudden stroke and lose the ability to speak and write, or develop Alzheimers, and no one could access my money? My son would have to shoulder this alone. He now has the power of attorney, with my nephew as back-up. I urge you to do it, and do it now. I could have paid a solicitor and it would have cost about 800 but I decided to do it myself. With all that cash saved, I might just scoot off to Paris for a romantic weekend with Ron. Linda is a stepgran to Rons five-year-old grandson, and she loves it when he comes to sleep over NOT BEING AVAILABLE TO GRANDKIDS IS FINE The joy that grandchildren bring is immeasurable but it is not your duty always to be available for babysitting. If youve spent most of your life working, and are looking forward to enjoying your leisure, you dont have to swap the paid job for the unpaid one of willing/unwilling martyr granny. If you long for a late-life gap year, you should do it and not be guilttripped out of it. Be a good granny, a loving granny, a fun granny, a helpful granny; just dont be a doormat granny. Im stepgran to my partners gorgeous five-year-old grandson, and I love it when he comes to sleep over. I also love to sleep in, and sometimes I need to make that clear, too. YES, YOU CAN MAKE NEW FRIENDS Too old to make new friends? Nonsense! Not only do some friends, sadly and inevitably, die, but others become more boring or annoying than you can bear. You see them out of loyalty, you have the same old conversations over and over, and make the same complaints about them after yet another dull evening in their company. Keep them, by all means, because loyalty and longevity count, but ditch the notion that theres something sad about seeking out new companions. New friends will give you new perspectives, open up your world. They wont replace the ones youve lost and hold lovingly in your heart, but by stimulating you, they will make you more interesting. New friends, like new lovers, need nurturing. The gym, an evening class, walking the dog all offer the possibilities of finding a new friendship. Start with a walk, or an invitation for coffee; then move on to supper or a movie. This applies regardless of whether youre single or in a relationship. I made new friends in my 60s, and Ill be doing the same in the decade to come. STUDY FOR A DEGREE AND KEEP READING I studied for a BA in my late-50s and early-60s. Then in my mid-60s I embarked on an MA in art history. A friend a new one, as it happens who had an illustrious career at the BBC, has just turned 70 and begun a law degree. Terrified to begin with, now shes absolutely loving it. We cant prevent dementia but one of the best ways to keep it at bay, according to all the experts, is by challenging your brain. Linda (pictured) says that you should still make new friends and that it is never too late to study for a degree You dont have to take up formal study theres a wealth of online learning out there. Too much of a faff? Even doing the cryptic crossword and, of course, reading will keep your neurons fired up. FIND NEW PURPOSE IN BEING USEFUL I am currently devoting much of my time to helping a refugee family of five Ukrainians find shelter. I plan to give a temporary home to Jenia and her 12-year-old daughter, Kira. A friend and neighbour will host Jenias two nieces, aged 21 and 19, and nephew, 15. All have fled from Kharkiv, one of the worst-hit cities in the war. I have also found friends to house another family I was told about. I loved my job as a magazine editor over many years. Ive had a wonderful working life. Maybe, coming up to 70, I was feeling the need to do something useful. With a spare room now that my son has left the nest, I have the space and the time to help. The phrase giving back has become a cliche, but this is the decade in which I feel it comes into its own. TIME TO EMBRACE THE POWER OF NOW By the time my own lovely mum was 70, she had already been ill for a number of years with anxiety, depression and Parkinsons disease. She lingered on, unhappily and unwell, until she was 87. As I approach 70, I realise I have so much to look forward to and thats what I shall focus on. I will continue to write, to learn new things, to spend money on clothes I dont need, and to enjoy my family and my friends. I will be grateful that I grew up in an era which offered unprecedented opportunities to women, enabling us to have children and to enjoy fulfilling careers as well. I will recognise that I have more confidence in my abilities and my opinions than I ever did when I was younger. And, frankly, that I am lucky to be alive. Happy Birthday to me. Seventy? Bring it on. President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol reportedly plans to visit former President Park Geun-hye this week and is arranging last-minute details, according to informed sources Sunday. Yoon plans to embark on a national tour this week starting with a trip to the southeastern city of Daegu, Park's home city, where she settled last month after being released from prison under a presidential pardon and subsequently from a hospital. According to multiple sources familiar with Yoon's itinerary, the president-elect was reportedly arranging his schedule to visit Park's residence in Daegu, about 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Tuesday. When asked whether Yoon plans to meet with the former president in Daegu, Bae Hyun-jin, Yoon's spokesperson, said Friday, "That is certainly under consideration, but nothing has been decided yet." In 2016, Yoon was the lead prosecutor for Park's corruption scandal that eventually led to her impeachment, ouster from office and imprisonment in 2017. Yoon has repeatedly stated his wish to visit Park, saying he feels "greatly sorry" for the investigation on a political and emotional level, though he was doing his job. (Yonhap) Elegant, timeless and ever so slightly intimidating, the beautiful boucle suit is back with a bang, and women everywhere are going loopy for it. Could it be that after spending the best part of two years swaddled in cosy jogging bottoms, the prospect of a serious outfit is rather exciting? Step forward then, this elegant little two-piece that offers a guaranteed way of looking smart, while leaving us feeling as frisky as a spring lamb. Fashion couture houses have favoured it for decades its Chanels signature look. The secret lies in that word, boucle. Its French for curly and refers to how the wool is spun from a series of looped fibres. It wont crease. It keeps you warm. It was designed to bring freedom of movement and let air circulate. Importantly, although comfy, it exudes feminine power. Jacket, 58, and skirt, 26, oasisfashion.com; top, 195, meandem. com; shoes, 259, lkbennett.com Coco Chanel is said to have discovered the functionality of the then inexpensive tweed in the 1930s while riding with her lover, the Duke of Westminster. The fashion doyenne spotted how tweed stood up to rough bracken and spiky thorns (how else would sheep cope?). Anna Wintour has worn Chanel boucle suits for decades and often shoulder robes the jacket over a blouse or T-shirt to soften the look. Jacket, 75, and skirt, 40, joebrowns.co.uk; shoes, 35.99, mango. com; bag, rent from 4 a day, byrotation.com Jacket, 329, skirt, 179, lkbennett.com; top, 12.99, hm.com; Gucci bag, rent from 79 a month, cocoon.club With Chanels eye-watering prices out of reach for most, the good news is the boucle suit has trickled down into the High Street. LK Bennett has a skirt and jacket (pictured, third from left) that can be paired with heels to ramp up the style. Left: Coat, 599, jacket, 399, and skirt, 299, winserlondon. com; shoes, 114, lkbennett.com. Right: Jacket, 400, and skirt, 219, maje.com; shoes, 32, asos.com; bag, rent from 4 a day, byrotation.com Winser London offers a three-piece navy ensemble with a smart matching coat (pictured middle), an ensemble that will show any boardroom you mean business. Meanwhile, New Look is reporting a stampede for boucle suits. Textile expert Angela Gilbey, who heads fabric sourcing for the High Street chain, attributes part of the appetite to the hit Netflix series Emily In Paris. Jacket, 116, and dress, 79.20, karenmillen.com; shoes, 259, lkbennett.com Emily wears her boucle suit with her trademark beret, Wintour chooses H. Stern diamonds, while Her Majesty The Queen accessorises hers with her signature Launer handbag, Hermes scarf and, on occasion, a corgi. The question is: how will you wear yours? Carolina Giraldo has revealed how she grew her seven-figure retail business from scratch When Carolina Giraldo came to Australia in 2003 she had three-months rent in her bank, a credit card she 'wasn't allowed to touch' and couldn't speak English. The 39-year-old now owns 11 fashion boutiques stocking her own brand, the factory where her goods are made and she employs 200 staff. The mum-of-two told FEMAIL when she looks back at the early days of her business Carolina Lifestyle she 'doesn't know how she survived'. It took her seven years, from the time she landed in Australia, to start the business and another five before she could pay herself a wage. 'I learned to be very thrifty and I had a very supportive network including my parents and husband who told me I could do it and to keep going,' she said. 'I poured everything I had into the business and worked part time on the side to make ends meet.' Carolina left Colombia for her slice of the Australian Dream, she had the determination to work hard and a lifelong passion for business. Carolina, pictured her with a friend near Clovelly in the Eastern Suburbs, was just 19 when she came to Australia to chase her dream of being an entrepreneur She now lives in Sydney with a family of her own (R-L) son Sebastian Warner, 4, Carolina, husband Jamie Warner and daughter Camila Warner, 2 - she has been in Australia 20 years after her family predicted she would be home in six months As a child she would 'always be selling something', usually chocolates or cakes to her classmates to make some pocket money. 'My whole family consists of doctors and lawyers but my father was very supportive of me and knew I would pave my own way as a businesswoman,' she said. Despite their faith in Carolina's abilities they never imagined she would still be in Australia after 20 years, or that she would be running a seven-figure business. 'When I came here they hugged me and joked that they would see me in six months,' Carolina said. She had promised her family she could support herself abroad and had saved up enough money to 'survive' for three months in Sydney. My parents gave me a credit card and told me it was never ever to be used. 'It was like "if you are dying then you can touch it" because I had told them I could support myself and would get a job but they wanted me to know there was an emergency safety net,' she said. This helped fuel her determination and when things got hard she would hustle a little harder to make her way. Carolina pictured with her husband Jamie after graduating university with a masters' in business 'I knew I needed $150 each week for rent and that I would need to make that and a little bit more for food, I call it the pasta days because I ate so much of it,' she explained. 'I said yes to almost every job, babysitting, housesitting, looking after animals, working in retail and hospitality or cleaning. 'So many things I had never had to do before leaving Colombia.' She juggled these jobs while learning English, completing a masters in business and creating a network in Sydney. She then got a corporate job where she excelled and built relationships with big brands around Australia. This job led her to put her own ambitions to the side - until in 2010 staff were told there would be a restructure. Carolina is pictured in 2010 after deciding to start her business noting 'it is now or never' Carolina's parents Gloria Nauffal and Fernando Giraldo were always supportive but thought their daughter would be back to Colombia within six months after leaving at 19 to chase her Australian Dream 'I thought to myself I am 27, I have been dreaming of having my own business my whole life, this restructure is my opportunity and it is now or never,' she said. So she turned her tiny apartment she shared with her partner into a cutting room, design space and home office. She spent her evening making designs for leather accessories including purses and belts and then put them together on her living room floor. 'My husband was so supportive then one day a few years later he came into the house, which always smelled like leather, and told me I needed to get my own space for the business,' she said. Carolina Lifestyle went from strength-to-strength and is now headquartered at The Grounds of Alexandria. She started her business in 2010 with a range of accessories and now has a full lifestyle range including clothing with sizes between six and 22 'We have a store here, my office and our warehouse, it is a dream come true,' she said. Her two children who are five and two can also go into work with her and 'learn the business'. Carolina's timeline of success: 2003: Carolina left Colombia with big dreams, a credit card she couldn't touch and enough money for three months rent and food. She couldn't speak English. 2003-2010: Carolina learned English, completed her masters' in business and started to call Australia home. 2010: Carolina was told her company was restructuring so decided to chase her own dream again. 2012: Carolina Lifestyle expanded to include clothes as well as accessories. 2015: Carolina bought a factory in Colombia. Late 2015: Carolina finally gave herself a salary. 2017: Carolina had her first child. 2020: Carolina had a second child and restructured her business for Covid. 2022: Carolina has 11 stores in Australia and a global headquarters in Alexandria. Advertisement 'My father used to take me to the hospital and I loved it, I loved understanding where he went and what he did. So I am so happy my kids can come with me and have that understanding too,' she said. Carolina has 11 boutiques spread across Sydney and Melbourne. 'We also sell overseas in Europe and America,' she said. In the first few years of business Carolina realised she would be a fool to outsource production and decided to buy her own factory. She went to Colombia and bought a factory which she still owns and operates today. 'A friend of my father had a shoe repairing business, he always supported me, and so I invited him and his staff to be the leads at the factory. 'I love being able to give people from my town the opportunity to work there,' she said. Colombia also has good business relationships and more importantly export relationships with many countries including the USA, Australia and much of Europe. This means she can ship her goods directly to her most popular markets. And when she visits her factory she and her family can also pop in to see her parents. Carolina said having kids has 'changed everything' when it comes to owning and managing her business. 'The kids are the number one priority, everything is scheduled around them, and weekends are always free,' she said. Her husband Jamie Warner is also an entrepreneur, he started his first business ten years before Carolina, and helped her push through when 'it still wasn't making money'. Carolina pictured with one of the men from her Colombian factory 'He probably knew more about what I was about to go through when I started than I did,' she said. 'Now we are on the same page, growing our businesses, whipping the laptops out at night once the kids are asleep and working for a few more hours,' she said. 'We are able to balance and juggle everything really well, so the kids don't miss out but we still have enough time to get it all done. For me I just tackle the priorities each day, and the rest can wait, until it is the priority. Carolina still looks back fondly on the early days of her adventure to Australia. She had never worked in fashion before starting her business but says she had always had an interest in it. She credits her love for styling to her grandmother who was always impeccably dressed. 'Because of her I would always try to style my mum and aunty before they went out,' she said. 'She is still one of my role models,' she said. The Carolina Lifestyle range is available in sizes 6-22 and suits women of all ages. 'I wanted something that looked food on women of all ages and sizes, young women in their 20s can wear this and my mum who is in her 60s looks great in it too.' Styling: Nicola Rose. Make-up: Caroline Barnes at Frank Agency. Hair: Alex Szabo at Carol Hayes The boyfriend and I had planned a night away to celebrate his birthday. It had been inked in the diary for months, so excitement had mounted. Freedom beckoned. Sexual tension built. I looked at the hotel website more often than is seemly. The prospect of a whole 24 hours of togetherness, along with an escape from the domestic drudgery, meant that I was more overexcited than a fashionista at a Gucci sample sale. And so when we were finally in the hotel room, lying on the 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, and the boyfriend produced a bottle of fizz (contraband to evade mini-bar prices), I was in the mood to cut loose and imbibe my entire weeks units in one night. I had one glass, then another and then one more. Now, surely, one of the primary purposes of a romantic hotel getaway is sex. But, as I discovered, a lot of booze and sex are not necessarily good bedfellows. Well, not for me anyway. Of course, the first few tipples can fan the flames of desire. In my case, and I suspect many of yours too, alcohol ignites the libido, fires up the ardour and generally gives self-confidence a big boost. A couple of glasses of wine can make me feel like a sex goddess Beyonce, Penelope Cruz and Cindy Crawford all rolled into one. Plus, not only do they make me feel hotter, they make my partner seem even more desirable, too. If that isnt enough, booze always decreases my inhibitions. Which means tipsy me is more adventurous less prissy and more fun. In our hotel room I was feeling all those champagne-induced feels when we suddenly realised we needed to head straight down for dinner. Whereupon I opted for a glass of rose. Error. Too much alcohol and Im talking anything more than three drinks means Im all chat and no action. So there I was, flirting outrageously and whispering sweet nothings in the ear of my beloved at 8pm. By 10pm? Passed out on top of those fancy Egyptian cotton sheets. (Disclaimer: apparently, womens increased fat-to-muscle ratio means were more easily affected by booze, so I cant be held entirely responsible.) I woke fully clothed at 3am with a mouth that felt like the bottom of a birdcage. At 8pm I was flirting and whispering sweet nothings. At 10pm? Passed out Hot it was not. In the morning I had a monumental hangover and a hefty dose of self-loathing. Had I messed up our long-planned treat by getting too sozzled for sexy time? Would he consider his birthday outing a damp squib? Would he be mad that the promised night of passion had dissolved in a vat of ethanol? I offered to make him a coffee from the fancy machine in the room. (More as a gesture, if Im honest I mean, who can actually work those things?) He could barely open his eyelids and it quickly became apparent (mainly because he could hardly form words) that wed both gone overboard on the booze. My guilt assuaged, we headed for a carb-heavy breakfast and decided that next time we will keep our quaffing to sensible levels. Well be a bit more tactical and schedule in bedroom activity before drinking commences. Well stick to our booze sweet spots rather than overdo it. All good learnings. After that blowout, the ensuing period of alcohol abstinence (and I needed a good few weeks) also taught me something else. It made me appreciate the benefits of sober sex: higher energy levels, more intimacy, less bravado. Plus, I reckon if we fancy each other without rose-tinted glasses then we are definitely on to a winner. Make mine a sparkling water please, waiter. @lifesrosie As damning new evidence highlights the shocking truth about womens health services, Dr Ellie Cannon argues that attitudes towards our care have to change starting right now Styling: Sairey Stemp. Hair and make-up: Alice Theobald at Arlington Artists. Clothes, all Zara An average day in my general practice: I will see around 40 patients and do my best for each one, trying just as hard at 6pm as I do at 9am. But 51 per cent of them will get poorer care. This isnt because of time, NHS pressure or complex medical conditions. This is because theyre women. And in the UK in 2022, this is the gender health gap. Decades (probably centuries) of gender inequality have led to poorer outcomes for women across all aspects of health. The truth is shocking: over 80 per cent of women in the UK feel they are not listened to by healthcare professionals; debilitating symptoms such as pelvic pain and heavy bleeding are brushed off as normal, and over half of women feel unable to discuss their health in the workplace. In March last year, the Department of Health launched a call for evidence to seek views for its maiden Womens Health Strategy for England. Not four months later, they were inundated with around 100,000 replies from women and 400 from charities and experts working in womens health. The health minister in charge, Maria Caulfield, described the responses as sobering and in some areas shocking. Stories of systemic sexism, damaging taboos, stigma and entrenched problems that have led to services for women being of lower priority than other services. The dial needs to be reset. But how did we get here? Systemically and historically, women patients have not been listened to. From first consultations through to follow-up care, theyre told painful symptoms are normal or theyll grow out of them. Unhelpful stereotypes and humiliation remain: periods are supposed to be painful, women should have children, menopause is just hot flushes, postnatal depression is just tiredness and autism is a male problem. So a woman trying to be heard is put off getting help. The human cost of this is huge. On average it takes a patient with endometriosis over seven years to get a diagnosis: that is seven years of physical, emotional and financial pain (having heavy periods is expensive in period products, ruined clothes and pain relief). Whats even more outrageous is this is the UKs second most common gynaecological issue you would think we could do better. Services are not set up to help women as they should. There is a vast postcode lottery in sexual health clinics, menopause care and IVF rules. Women have learnt to accept this with a latent understanding that such clinics are luxuries rather than essential services. And there has been an even wider problem with information and education from schools and medical colleges. Conditions from endometriosis to infertility are not discussed or taught well enough. We dont give girls (or boys) the correct language to use, making words such as vulva and discharge disgusting and misunderstood. And this matters: if a girl cant explain which part of her anatomy is sore or bleeding, she cant advocate for herself in a doctors surgery, either as a teenager or as an older woman. She is put off from seeking help and delayed from getting the care she needs. As a GP I know we are not taught broadly enough on womens issues, even though, as a trainee, I spent a year in a great gynaecology department. We are schooled in the facts and physiology but not in the holistic issues, the costs, or the impact these conditions have on womens emotions, relationships and lives. Theres also the effect on their jobs. The public survey revealed that women feel unable to speak about health matters such as heavy periods and miscarriage in the workplace, allowing a belittling of the impact they have on productivity and success, fuelling the gender gap even more in employment. Over 80 per cent of women say theyre not being listened to by doctors Perhaps one of the most surprising findings to me, as a doctor, is the lack of research into womens health leading to large gender gaps in the data. Often research for general conditions such as heart disease and autism focuses more on men due to a lack of female subjects. The data from male participants is then applied to women and the research results are not even broken down by gender in order to see any clear differences. Certain groups are even worse off, with BAME and pregnant women hardly represented at all. This data gap skews the knowledge base and means conditions are treated with a male bias. It even affects how diseases are portrayed in the media: think of a stock image of heart disease and its always a man clutching his chest. Representation matters weve all subconsciously learnt that heart disease is a mans problem, which is why women are far more likely to ignore chest pain and not get help for a heart attack. In December, Maria Caulfield published her vision, calling for long-term, system-wide change to end the bias. It is ambitious but has been buoyed by early success already there are plans to slash the costs of HRT thanks to frank testimonies from female MPs. But how do we address the issues that sideline 51 per cent of the population? We know representation is a key issue, and part of the new strategy will be for the government to appoint a Womens Health Ambassador to drive change and make womens voices heard. Better education and training at all levels is also crucial from how we teach our daughters to talk about their bodies to how GPs are taught about miscarriage. Workplaces need training and policy work, too (the civil service has already committed to a menopause policy, with its 250,000 female employees now getting flexible work hours, time off for appointments and even water coolers and fans to help hot flushes). Access to womens health services must be prioritised and their needs seen as essential not optional, postcode lotteries need to be smashed and information needs to change to reflect womens health issues correctly and using the right language. Trouble is, you cant put a vagina on a billboard, my teenage daughter told me. Maybe not, but we could depict women accurately when it comes to health promotion. As part of this drive for change, today YOU is launching the first part of our Your Health, Your Rights campaign with this special issue on menopause care. In the public survey, menopause was the most selected topic for women aged 40 to 60, with just nine per cent feeling they had enough information. A worrying picture was painted: symptoms not being acknowledged, GPs reluctant to both prescribe HRT or advise on alternatives. Doctors and nurses themselves admitted to a lack of education on menopause, while in workplaces it was felt that staff training and understanding of the occupational consequences were completely lacking. We can all effect change with our experiences and the YOU campaign aims to use your voices to continue this momentum and take forward the needs of women. Although they live longer than men, women spend a greater proportion of their lives in ill health and disability, and there are now growing geographic differences in their life expectancies. We are asking you to tell us about your experiences so you too can be heard. Lets make this a new chapter in healthcare. Forty years after the famous Park Lane club closed its doors for the last time, former bunnies tell Kate Thompson how, contrary to the louche image, its strict code of conduct and work ethic were the making of them Bunny girls arriving in style at Playboys London club, 1968 Few images go to the heart of the Swinging 60s London scene like that of a beautiful young woman in a high-cut corset with cantilevered bosom and a pair of bunny ears. For critics, it is the ultimate symbol of a sexist society. The girls were victims, they say, drawn to the club by the bright lights and famous punters, then exploited and dumped when they lost their looks. The women (now in their 60s and 70s) who worked there in the first decades of the clubs life, however, tell a different story. They say it gave them levels of pay, respect and training that were unprecedented at the time. So whats life after being a Playboy Bunny really like? I took the skills I honed as a bunny into my work helping troubled kids Mari Martin, 71, from North London Mari Martin, 71, from North London After leaving my convent school, I moved from rural Sussex to London in 1969 to attend the respectable Queens Secretarial College in South Kensington. Once I had finished my years course, I began working as a secretary. Then a girlfriend told me about this amazing job she had working as a bunny girl. She had transformed into this incredible glamourpuss and I thought to myself: Ooh, Id like that. So off I went for an interview, aged 23, and got the job. My father worked with the United Nations and I knew he wouldnt approve of my new career it wasnt what nice girls did so I kept Lara (the name I picked when I worked as a bunny because my favourite film at the time was Dr Zhivago) a secret from him. The training was rigorous. I had to pass a police check and take a maths test. We were inspected top-to-toe to make sure we were perfect before we hit the floor; we were part of the Playboy brand, after all. Because I scored 100 per cent in my maths test they trained me to be a croupier. We were tested weekly and if you werent fast or accurate enough you were ousted. Bunny mothers gave advice and maintained discipline, issuing demerits (ie, fines)for misdemeanours ranging from sloppy service to bad posture. One of them once said to me: You may have been the prettiest girl in your village but here you are just one of many. I worked hard to prove myself, starting on the night shifts. I saw it as a performance. From the moment I put on my red satin costume and stepped on to the casino floor, I was on! It was the place to be. My highlight was dealing blackjack to Arthur Ashe the night before he won Wimbledon. Playboy deliberately didnt want its bunny girls to be sexually provocative. We were to be approachable, wholesome, the girl next door. I loved the cross-section of society there. I worked alongside a vicars daughter and a girl who used to sell knickers on a market stall. There was wonderful camaraderie; it wasnt that far removed from my convent school! The country wasnt as diverse back then. As a woman from a Sri Lankan background, I knew I was being given a good opportunity to progress. Playboy was ahead of the times in terms of equality. I was sent on a management training course and learnt so many skills, not least in customer service. Those skills stood me in good stead when Playboy London closed and I had to go out into the world. By now I was dating the man who would become my husband, Tony, who also worked in the Playboy casino. I had a wide variety of jobs after that, had my daughter, now aged 37, and son, who is 30. I even went to university aged 50 to do a degree in film and womens studies: I took in my costume to show the hardened feminists. I said that I chose to do it and it empowered me. It wasnt until I began to work with young offenders in 2003, aged 52, that I really started to use those skills that I had honed at Playboy. In the club I regularly had to defuse situations, for example when a client was losing a lot of money. It taught me how to show empathy and understand human behaviour. A card-dealing bunny, 1978 When I worked as the restorative justice coordinator for one of the London boroughs I used the same techniques, trying to help troubled kids to understand the impact of their crimes on their victims. I helped set up a pioneering scheme where the young perpetrators of criminal actions were brought together with their victims and I even made a film about it, called Time to Talk, Time to Listen, which won a Youth Justice Board award in 2005. I retired in 2015 when I was 65, proud of what Id achieved. Would I have led such a rich and varied life if Id stayed working as a secretary? No one believed a bunny could run a pub Barbara Haigh, 72, from North London In January 1971, aged 21, I moved to London to work as a bunny girl. My father, who was a chief superintendent with Liverpools police force, was dismayed. Youll be back in two weeks, he told me. The rules were tough and girls were lined up on parade every few months. If anyone had put on weight they were sent away to lose the unwanted pounds. Despite this, I had the time of my life working at Playboy and made some fantastic lifelong friends. Bunny Barbara, 1974 They were wild and crazy times. Bunnies were treated like royalty. We were automatically made members of the best nightspots in town, like the discos La Valbonne, Totos and Trader Vics, where we always got the red-carpet treatment. I met John Wayne, told off Dustin Hoffman for putting his feet on the furniture and turned down Omar Sharif. The money was fantastic. We earned about 35 a week almost double the average wage at the time with at least another 75 a month from a bonus scheme, based on performance and hours worked. I worked hard, saved most of my wages and, thanks in part to some inheritance money, was able to get a mortgage without my father standing as guarantor. (As late as the 1970s, working women were routinely refused mortgages in their own right.) In 1976, at 26, I bought a flat in Maida Vale, North London. After working as a cocktail and croupier bunny for eight years, I was promoted to the role of room director. I would run the disco one night, reception the next and even the Playmate Bar, all with a brigade of bunnies working under me. Contrary to the stereotype, the club was not a sexist environment. There was a strict no-touching policy and we were always treated with respect. I actually found being a bunny an incredibly empowering experience. What other job in the 1970s would have given me the opportunity to buy my own home? Which is why it came as some surprise to encounter misogyny in my next line of work. When the bunny empire crumbled in 1982 after they lost their gaming licence, I entered the pub hospitality trade. Publicans and men in the industry in the 1980s couldnt believe a former bunny girl could run a pub and, whats more, make a damn good job of it. Women were only in that industry as the guvnors wife. They were never licensees and were usually paid an honorarium (or token payment) for working for their husbands a disgrace! In 1995, I became manager of historic pub The Grapes in Limehouse, East London. I fought management in the brewery to get that position and was something of a maverick because a single, female licensee was a rarity. I had to work twice as hard as my male counterparts. I won an award for customer service and went on to win different awards and qualifications for cellar management. I became a Fellow of The British Institute of Innkeeping and a Lady Master in the Burton Ale Guild of Master Cellarmen. Barbara Haigh, 72, from North London In 2006, after managing the pub for 12 years, I bought a 25-year lease to become its owner. The following year I won Pub of the Year at The Publican Pub Food Awards. In 2011, after being at The Grapes for 17 years, I sold the remaining lease to Sir Ian McKellen. The skills and street wisdom, but most importantly the training in customer service, were all things I had learned at the university of Playboy. Working for playboy helped me become a celebrant Gwen Rule, 63, from Southeast London In 1977, aged 18, I was spotted working at Barclays Bank opposite the famous Park Lane club, and was asked to become a Playboy Bunny. I tripled my wages in the process. Apparently the clubs general manager had heard me chatting to bank customers and liked me. When I told my mum Id got a job working as a bunny girl she went crazy and cried her eyes out. At the time, everyone thought they were loose women. Being a chatty, extrovert sort, I was put on reception so I saw everyone who came into the club and I had to remember all of their names. The job gave me so much confidence. I was treated very well. We ate at all the best restaurants and bought our clothes on Bond Street. It was such a fun time. Everywhere we went, doors opened. We were the It-girls. I was one of six black bunnies at the club. Being a girl of colour, I was often chosen to be a representative and was flown to Madrid to take part in Playboy fashion shows, or taken for trips to Ascot in a helicopter. The sexism was worse than the racism. The male waiters at Playboy would tell you to f*** off if orders werent correct. But for all that, it was exciting. I met Muhammad Ali. And we hosted a party for Roger Moore when he appeared as 007 in Moonraker we all had to wear silver costumes. I started to conduct funerals and weddings in 2012 after setting up my own business. Having worked reception at Playboy for so many years, I had got used to listening to people, paying attention, being able to empathise with people very quickly and gain their trust, as well as being diplomatic and sensitive. All of which were transferable skills for my new life as a celebrant. Ive had some heart-wrenching moments, such as conducting funerals for babies and children, but its my job to remain professional and caring. I couldnt have dealt with the intensity of peoples grief or anger had I not had the life experience at Playboy. Ive retired now, but I stay in touch with many of the bunnies I worked with. Theyre all strong, intelligent women who were able to set their lives up off the back of Playboy. That experience gave me the belief that if I wanted something and worked hard for it, I could achieve anything. As bunny girls we were the early pioneers of equality Joan Lawrence, 76, from Sidcup, Kent Joan Lawrence, 76, from Sidcup, Kent Croupiers wanted, salary 35 a week. When my girlfriend spotted the ad in the Evening Standard in 1967, I had no idea what a croupier even was, but I did know what an incredible salary that was. Options for women to earn decent wages in the 60s were virtually nonexistent. Growing up in Kent, the daughter of a construction manager, I had been raised to believe that nothing was handed to you on a plate. So from the day I started at Playboy I worked my collar and cuffs off. I had a husband and four-year-old daughter Tracey, so working nights midnight to 8am suited me, as I could clock off from the casino and then take her to school. I was 24 when I put on my hand-stitched bunny costume for the first time. Fortunately, being young I didnt need to count the calories, nor did I need much sleep. The atmosphere in the club was electric and the casino was packed every night. Celebrities mixed with high-rollers and Arab millionaires, and I grew to love working at the roulette table or dealing cards for blackjack. This was the 60s after all, and people partied hard. On occasions, the other bunnies and I would head to Tramp and dance the night away in Biba hotpants and thigh-high suede boots. Joan at work, 1968 Playboys vice-president William Gerhauser was visionary. He understood a bunnys working life was short, so we enjoyed an amazing tips system and good pensions, paid out when the girls turned 50. When I was offered the chance to progress I grabbed it with both hands and, in 1974, I made history by becoming the first woman to be granted a casino managers licence. I felt incredibly proud to be a pioneer. Playboy paid for me to have a black satin suit custom made in Savile Row and gave me an exceptional pay increase. I was on my way. When the Playboy Club closed, my professional reputation in the casino world meant I could walk into another position at a Mayfair casino. I worked my way up the ladder, eventually becoming executive director of Crockfords Club Casino, a prestigious establishment in Mayfair, with more than 100 people working under me. The job at Playboy changed my life and enabled me to travel the world, buy my own home and become financially independent. I wasnt born with a silver spoon in my mouth and I had to work hard to achieve these things. It opened the door to a world of opportunities that were unheard of in those days. We were the early pioneers of equality. I retired in 2019 and my life is quieter these days, walking my dogs and meeting with old friends from my Playboy days. Were now ladies who lunch, courtesy of our Playboy pensions! Tom is delighted to find a whole fresh cuisine to explore in the heart of London Lahpets pork belly and splendidly sour bamboo curry Lahpet thohk. Pickled tea leaf salad. A dish, in the words of food writer Mimi Aye, that is the most iconic of Burmese foods and unique to the country. Its also one of the most thrilling things Ive eaten for years, at once alien and utterly familiar; soothingly rich, softly astringent, with a pert acidity and low throb of garlic and chilli. The texture also beguiles, crisp peanuts and deep-fried beans versus the comforting chew of tea and dried shrimp. While there are whispers of all sorts of familiar cuisines Thai, Lao, Chinese it has a character, a soul very much of its own. I love Ayes book, Mandalay, about the food of her beloved Burma, a deeply evocative mixture of memoir, recipes and reference. Once again, the people are suffering under a repressive military regime, the country torn apart. But here at Lahpet, the second West End branch of the Shoreditch original, the beauty of its cuisine burns bright. The room is resolutely modern, all discreet wood and cascades of verdant greenery, set to decent electronica. Grilled chicken thighs, great succulent chunks of subtly spiced flesh, show true art on the grill, while house pickles, daikon with fennel, cumin and coriander seed, offer brisk crunch. Theres a nod across to Peru, with an Andaman ceviche, heavy on the salt and chilli, as is right, but with the inspired addition of shrimp floss and coconut. The fish is gleamingly fresh. A pork belly and bamboo curry sees great slabs of pork, complete with brittle crackling, placed atop splendidly sour bamboo, the warm chilli heat turned up with a scattering of balachaung the dried shrimp and chilli condiment where no two recipes are the same. Its so damned addictive I end up eating it by the spoonful. Finally, mohinga, fish noodle soup and Burmas national dish. Yes, I know, its traditionally a breakfast dish, but Im new to Burmese food, and rather overexcited, so do forgive the occasional cultural faux pas. Anyway, Id merrily slurp this all day long, with its chunks of bream, squiggles of squid, growl of fermented fish paste and chilli, with a crisp fritter and tangle of rice vermicelli noodles, all in the most lip-puckeringly sour broth. This, though, is just the start. I feel like a child in the most exciting of sweet shops, and a whole new world awaits. About 35 per head. Lahpet, 21 Slingsby Place, London WC2; lahpet.co.uk DRINKS: Ollys reds for Easter lamb Lamb is a rare treat for me, so I love sharing a celebratory splash-out red such as my Dalrymple Pinot pick from Tasmania up there with the best. For a classic pairing, Spanish Rioja or Ribera del Duero are safe bets, but if youre lavishing spice on your lamb, dive into Portugals Douro Valley for bottles with sufficient fruity ballast to absorb any heat. For a rich slow-roast shoulder, try my epic Shiraz Viognier blend from sustainable Aussie winery RedHeads offering remarkable scented splendour. But Frances Rhone wins my heart with my wine of the week. WINE OF THE WEEK Les Grandes Serres Cairanne Carius 2018 (14.5%), 10, Co-Op. A gorgeous, romping red with a dusky exotic hint stock up beyond Easter. This is sky-high quality for the cash. Specially Selected Ribera del Duero 2019 (13.5%), 7.99, Aldi. Best lamb pairing on a budget, with a wonderfully warming ripe fruit depth. The Best Douro Red 2019 (13.5%), 8, Morrisons. Rich red with black cherry oomph and a boost of spice. Terrific with lamb tagine. Redheads Coco Rotie 2020 (14.5%), 14.99, laithwaites.co.uk. Voluptuous, silky and truffle-like, this fulsome Aussie is stunning with slow-roast lamb. ABC health commentator Dr Norman Swan has told how a failed acting career led to him becoming the face of the network's Covid coverage. The Walkley Award-winning Scottish-born podcaster, 69, has become a mainstay with the public broadcaster over the past four decades and one of Australia's most polarising figures during the pandemic. A regular across ABC's news and current affairs programs, Dr Swan has courted controversy as he repeatedly called for tough restrictions to combat the virus. Dr Swan - whose son Jonathan is also an award-winning journalist known for grilling ex-US President Donald Trump - moved to Australia in his 20s, where he worked as a pediatric doctor before joining the ABC in 1982. He originally dreamed of becoming an actor before an ill-fated audition at the UK's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. '[It was] embarrassing and amateurish because I forgot my lines,' he told ABC Backstory. ABC health commentator Dr Norman Swan with his daughter Georgia. The Scottish-born podcaster, 69, has repeatedly called for tough lockdown measures during the Covid pandemic The veteran commentator said he was inspired to join the ABC after seeing a newspaper ad calling for someone to produce science programs. 'I just thought that was my perfect job,' he said. 'I spent a lot of time, a week actually, writing the application and I ended up getting it, to my amazement.' In the years since, he has built a strong following through appearances on the ABC's TV and radio stations and more recently his Coronacast podcast. Dr Swan has courted controversy during the pandemic for his views on how governments should control the virus His son Johnathan has also made his name during the pandemic, winning a News Emmy for taking then-US President Donald Trump to task over his country's Covid death toll. The Sydney-born journalist earned worldwide acclaim for his priceless reactions during the interview for HBO in August 2020. His US journalist wife Betsy Woodruff is also an accomplished reporter for the Politico news organisation. Georgia Swan, the presenter's middle child, is a principal at medical technology company Boston Scientific in Singapore. Dr Swan shares his three children with his first wife Lee Sutton, who he separated from in 2005. His other daughter Anna was seriously injured in an e-bike accident during a family holiday in Italy in 2016, while Dr Swan was with his second wife Karen Carey. He said he has suffered from mild PTSD from the accident, which left Anna in a coma for three weeks and in hospital for seven months. Jonathan Swan (pictured right with wife Betsy) took out the Outstanding Edited Interview gong at the News Emmys for his 2020 interview with then-US President Donald Trump The Sydney-born journalist earned worldwide acclaim for his priceless reactions during the interview with the ex-US president Dr Norman Swan (pictured) is the face of ABC's Covid-19 coverage, having been a mainstay with the network since 1982 Dr Swan's family past emerged as he backed a fresh round of vaccines to combat a new strain of Omicron cases he said will soon surge across Australia. He claimed 'high death rates' from Omicron infections in China shows the surging BA.2 strain is 'virulent' without proper vaccination and backed calls for a fourth round of jabs in Australia. Dr Swan said the rapid growth in BA.2 cases worldwide will be repeated in every state in Australia, and that health authorities need to be alert to that threat for the rest of the year. 'Were already seeing a surge of BA.2 in NSW and the health minister predicting a doubling of cases in the near future and youll see that in other states as well,' Dr Swan said. Norman Swan claimed 'high death rates' from Omicron infections in China shows the surging BA.2 strain is 'virulent' without proper vaccination and backed calls for a fourth vaccination dose in Australia Dr Nick Coatsworth said a heavy-handed approach to restrictions to protect the vulnerable people in society wasn't fair on the rest of the community (pictured, shoppers wear masks in Sydney) Dr Swan pointed to China as an example of how not to handle the current stage of the pandemic Dr Swan said surging cases should prompt a rethink on earlier doubts about the value of a fourth round of vaccines. Each additional round of jabs was becoming less effective at combating a virus that had mutated significantly since the vaccinations were developed, and each subsequent strain of Covid was proving to be less potent even if more contagious, but yet Dr Swan backed a fourth injection. 'Pfizer say that they've developed an Omicron-specific vaccine which we were sceptical about... saying Omicrons going to be over, well maybe Omicrons not going to be over and therefore a fourth dose with an Omicron-specific vaccine might actually be quite handy this year,' he said. Dr Swan made it clear he didn't foresee a fourth dose 'for the general public', but instead for 'a wider group' of vulnerable people such as over-65s and anyone with a suppressed immune system. Dr Swan said Covid is 'not yet seasonal' - despite a widely-held perception that the virus spreads more when people are forced indoors by cooler weather, which is believed to have happened in Melbourne and western Sydney during last winter's Delta outbreak. Dr Nick Coatsworth, Australia's former Deputy Chief Medical Officer, is among those to criticise Dr Swan's ongoing calls for tougher restrictions. Dr Nick Coatsworth (pictured) warned fellow health expert Dr Swan to 'move with the times' rather than advocate for tougher Covid restrictions He said the focus needs needs to shift from 'mass community restrictions' to living with the virus and returning to normal life while protecting the vulnerable. Last month, Dr Swan pointed to China as an example of how not to handle the current stage of the pandemic. 'Hong Kong showing us what happens when a virus to which youve got no background immunity comes in and you're either unvaccinated or poorly vaccinated,' he said. 'Omicron only becomes mild when youve got a highly vaccinated population and in Hong Kong reportedly about 60 per cent of the elderly population are not vaccinated, especially people in aged care homes,' he said. The 7-day average for deaths in the Hong Kong, which is now officially controlled by China, surged to 285 on Monday Hong Kong has vaccinated its population with Sinovac-CoronaVac and a locally-made version of the Pfizer jab produced by Fosun. Swan claimed Sinovac-CoronaVac has 'a much lower efficacy than the mRNA vaccines'. Dr Swan also appeared to criticise the Chinese government for shutting down several cities due to BA.2 - including 17.5 million people in Shenzen. 'They've got a vulnerable population, probably similar to Hong Kong, there's a higher proportion of people immunised in China with Chinese vaccines which probably have about 60 per cent of Pfizer and Moderna, and therefore they're not adequately immunised. 'So China does have a problem here.' Advertisement Dozens of families face losing tens of thousands of dollars and being left homeless after a sewerage stuff-up ruined their dream newbuild properties. Planning failures from a major developer and inaction from the NSW Government and Sydney Water have left the 77 would-be homebuyers with little to show for their investment. The Torana Estate in Austral, a suburb in Sydney's west, has run into major problems with installing a sewer system, preventing the families from moving in and triggering a round of fingerpointing but little progress. Many bought their land as far back as October of 2019 and the properties have been sitting empty for two-and-a-half years due to a lack of registration and clearance from Sydney Water. One would-be resident, Darlene, told Daily Mail Australia: 'I had to move in with my mum and now we've had to put her in a home. I don't know where I'm living in eight weeks time. I've got a 20-year-old and a 16-year-old. I thought I'd be here. 'I didn't even take my winter clothes to my mum's, we thought we'd be out by winter. So we've now had two winters with her. I'm 51, I can't be $100k in for having done nothing.' 'Field of (broken) dreams': A western Sydney housing estate - Torana Estate in Austral - has been sitting barren for two-and-a-half years as Sydney Water have failed to link the development to a local sewer system Seventy-seven plots of land were sold at this estate with homebuyers buying into the dream of building sturdy suburban homes such as this Buyers were promised stately homes with pictures such as these featuring in glossy ads by the developer. But the reality is very different However, a lack of a sewer system for the 77-plot development has seen construction unable to even begin - with owners fearing they won't meet their sunset clause dates The development, which has 77 plots of land, was to be the first property for many of buyers, but instead remains empty with no timeline for construction to be permitted to begin. Several families are facing their sunset clauses running out within six months, meaning their purchase contracts could be rescinded and they would lose their deposits. Many are already out tens of thousands each for unfulfilled building contracts, and Darlene estimated her total losses are running beyond six figures. 'My building cost is $50k, storage is $10k, $25k in rent and I'm going to miss the $15k builders grant,' she said. 'That's years of savings, and there's 77 lots. There are 77 stories.' One family moved into the area two years ago and secured a short term rental so they could put their children in the local school and get used to the area. Two years later they are still renting and are no closer to moving into their own home. Ameya, who bought land at the end of 2019, was told by developers it would be ready to start construction by the first quarter of 2020. Two years later his family are still waiting. 'The main reason they say is landfill can only service a certain number of people. Sydney Water has put us in this position where developers have to do something,' he said. The only piece of work that has been completed is a flood drain that was put in place before proper pipes can be installed After three years this is the reality of the development - nothing but empty grass fields and metal barriers Darlene, Matt, Michael, Lisa, Michal, Ameya and Hany (pictured in order) are all waiting to build their forever homes but are each all out tens of thousands of dollars due to delays Residents have banded together to pressure the NSW Government and Sydney Water to force through action before they lose more money Darlene said she had very few concerns when she initially went to look at the development before buying, as there was already infrastructure in place and it appeared significant work was already underway. 'When I bought it there were no issues. I'm aware when you buy off a plan, but considering pipes and everything were here we thought it'd be OK,' buyer Darlene told Daily Mail Australia. 'When I bought, they were saying September of 2020. There were drains, roads, trucks. I thought we were set. Nothing has happened since.' She said she knows of people that have lost more than $50k to building contracts that went unfulfilled due to ongoing delays by the NSW Government and Sydney Water. 'It's a field of empty dreams. It's soul-destroying, you sit here and watch it and can't do anything,' Darlene said. A lack of sewer system connection is holding up the property from being registered and construction starting for all 77 buyers Darlene took this image of the development in October, 2020 before buying a plot. She believed construction was well under way. She is now living at her mother's house 'I had to move in with my mum and now we've had to put her in a home. I don't know where I'm living in eight weeks time. I've got a 20-year-old and a 16-year-old. I thought I'd be here,' hopeful resident Darlene (pictured) said The residents have been told there are two solutions - either to link up with a nearby RSL's sewerage system which would cost $100,000 plus $1,000 per day to build. The other option is installing sewerage tanks which would need to be emptied nearly daily. They no longer care what the solution is, they just want to be able to start building their forever homes. Michael and his partner Matt had been planning on spending their first Christmas in their home last year after putting a $35,000 deposit on the plot, but instead now face losing that money and being priced out of the market completely. 'We'd put in a portaloo if we have to, give us a shovel, we'll do it ourselves.' Some of the land has been sold back to developers and is being re-sold for $830,000 - nearly double the value some originally purchased. However many of the land owners cannot even take advantage of that opportunity. 'There's been 20 per cent plus (property) growth in the last two years. We can't even on-sell in case it falls over or there's capital gains tax,' Darlene said. Shadow Water Minister Rose Jackson meets with owners of Torana Estate land, saying she has already taken the issue to Water Minister Kevin Andrews Metal fences block anyone from entering the far corners of the development, with owners saying they were told to leave their own land 'Every day in Covid I thought maybe today, they'll still be working from home Sydney Water, they might approve it. Just give me a slab, I'd just like to meet the build permit timeframe.' Ms Jackson speaks to buyers about the lack of planning at Torana Estate that has them at risk of losing their properties for nothing Another resident, Lisa, who is currently paying $600 per month in storage costs said: 'There's houses being built over there, they started after us. That's not fair. They tapped into another pipeline.' Shadow Water Minister Rose Jackson, who attended the development with the owners and Daily Mail Australia, said she had taken the case to Water Minister Kevin Anderson at the last parliamentary estimates hearing. 'I was put in touch with the situation. I asked questions in budget estimates and put them on notice,' she said 'For Sydney Water it's just a product, but for these people it's their lives.' Matt said he has contacted Mr Anderson six times and never received as much as a response. Ms Jackson said Mr Anderson told her he would be willing to meet with the owners. Ms Jackson also said the issue of sewerage systems was 'surprisingly common' in new developments because of a lack of action by governments. 'I said to the minister, even the NBN is here,' the shadow water minister told Daily Mail Australia. 'I will be pushing that the Section 73 (certificate) is issued now.' Section 73 certificates are approvals from Sydney Water that a property receives appropriate water, water waste and drainage and that the new building does not affect Sydney Water assets. The families said at the very least they are seeking the S73s without an occupancy certificate so they can simply start construction on their homes before they lose out on more money. 'Let us build and don't issue an occupancy certificate. If we could build and just not get into it it would be a start,' Darlene said. 'But they won't because then they have to commit to a timeline,' Michael added. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Anderson, Sydney Water and the developers for comment. Labor needs a net gain of eight seats to win the election while the Coalition is hoping to offset possible losses in Queensland and WA with gains in NSW. Anthony Albanese kicks off the election campaign as comfortable favourite to become Prime Minister with his party leading by a large eight points in the polls. But pundits predict that gap will narrow and we'll be in for close race that could go down to the wire with just a few seats deciding the result. Prime Minister Scott Morrison's Liberal-National Coalition has 76 seats in the House of Representatives, the exact amount needed for a majority government, while Labor has 68. Top on the list of potential gains for Labor is the new seat of Hawke to the north-west of Melbourne. If they win it, the ALP must steal seven more from the Coalition. Mr Albanese is targeting seats in all states but particularly in WA and Queensland where the Coalition is at a high water mark and Labor massively under performed in 2019. This map shows some of the key marginal seats held by Labor (in red) and the Coalition (in blue) with the percentage margin. There are other seats in contention, with a fuller list below There is a real possibility that nobody wins the required 76 seats, resulting in a hung parliament and making a motley assortment of independent MPs kingmakers. In that scenario, Mr Albanese can rely on the support of Greens member Adam Bandt and left-leaning independent Andrew Wilkie, while the Coalition will have Bob Katter and possibly three economically conservative independents to call upon. Here Daily Mail Australia takes an in-depth look at the key seats that will be contested between the two major parties and could decide the election result. Which seats are Labor hoping to win? Perhaps Labor's best chance to pick up seats is in Western Australia, where uber-popular Labor premier Mark McGowan almost completely wiped out the Liberal Opposition at the state election last year on the back of his tough Covid border policies. Insiders have told Daily Mail Australia the party will have strong campaigns in the Perth seats of Swan, Hasluck and Pearce, where ex attorney general Christian Porter is retiring after denying a historical rape allegation. Mr Porter's 7.5 per cent margin has been reduced to 5.2 per cent by a redistribution and internal polling shows he was at risk of losing his seat before he stepped down. The inner Perth seat of Swan is one of the Liberals' most marginal (2.7 per cent) and Steve Irons, who has held it since 2007, is also retiring in a major boost for Labor. The neighbouring seat of Hasluck to the west may be harder to take as it's been held since 2010 by Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt who sits on a 5.4 per cent margin - but that won't stop Labor throwing the kitchen sink at it. Mr Albanese has already appeared alongside Mr McGowan and criticised the Prime Minister for initially supporting Clive Palmer's failed High Court challenge to the Covid state border closure. Labor will be targeting Western Australia (pictured is the map of Perth after the 2019 election, with the Coalition seats in blue and the Labor seats in red) and Queensland where it performed well below expectations in 2019. Labor will have strong campaigns in the Perth seats of Swan, Hasluck and Pearce The ALP also believes it can win seats back in Queensland after it lost Herbert and Longman to the Liberal National Party at the last election where it suffered a four per cent swing against it in the Sunshine State. The result left the Coalition on a high-water mark in Queensland, holding 23 out of 30 electorates. The most marginal LNP seat is Longman which covers the Moreton Bay region north of Brisbane. Former businessman Terry Young holds the seat on the 3.3 per cent margin and Labor candidate Rebecca Fanning, a former public servant in the Queensland state government, will be eager to steal it from him. Labor is also targeting the central Queensland seat of Flynn where sitting MP Ken O'Dowd, who increased his margin from one to eight per cent in 2019, is retiring. The ALP has selected popular Gladstone mayor Matt Burnett and believes he can deliver the goods. Labor will also campaign strongly in Capricornia which Michelle Laundry has held since 2013. The margin is a large 12 per cent but Labor is hopeful that Queenslanders are volatile and when the vote swings, it can swing big. Anthony Albanese needs to win eight seats to be the next Prime Minister with a majority government The seat of Leichardt in the state's far north is a possibility but pundits tip popular 71-year-old local Warren Entsch to hold on to his 4.1 per cent margin. The outer Brisbane seats of Petrie (8 per cent) and Bowman (10 per cent) are also on Labor's wish list as well as Peter Dutton's seat of Dickson, which the Defence Minister holds on a 4.6 per cent margin. However, Dickson has been Liberal since 2001 and it would require enormous campaign spending to unseat such a high profile minister. The division of Ryan in Brisbane's western suburbs held by Julian Simmonds on a 6 per cent margin is also being targeted by both Labor and the Greens. South of the border, Mr Albanese has at least four NSW seats in his sights. Top of the list is the historically Labor seat of Reid in western Sydney, which the Liberals won for the first time in 2013 and hold on a slim 3.2 per cent margin. Labor's candidate Sally Sitou, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, made headlines in early December when she revealed she had received racist messages from voters on social media and released a statement saying: 'My loyalties have only ever been to Australia'. Banks in south-west Sydney is another target, held by Mental Health Minister David Coleman since 2013 on a margin of 6.2 per cent. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has already been campaigning in both seats, aware they are at risk of slipping out of his grasp. Labor will also campaign strongly in Robertson on the Central Coast, which the Liberals have held since 2013 with a margin of 4.2 per cent. The bellwether seat of Lindsay in Sydney's western outskirts will also be targeted, after Melissa McIntosh stole it from Labor in 2019 with a 5.5 per cent margin. In Victoria, Labor needs to hold Corangamite and Dunkley, the two outer urban electorates it took from the Liberals in 2019 and wants to add to its tally by targeting Chisolm and possibly Higgins. Chisolm MP Gladys Liu holds her seat on 0.6 per cent margin after winning by just 1,090 votes in 2019. The historically Liberal seat of Higgins, held by Katie Allen on a 3.2 per cent margin, will be harder to overturn. Labor's campaign got off to a bad start when candidate Dr Ananda-Rajah undermined the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine and in October she was forced to delete a Twitter post blaming Scott Morrison for junior doctor suicides. Labor needs to hold its seats in Victoria after picking up Corangamite and Dunkley in 2019. Pictured: A map of Melbourne Bass and Braddon in northern Tasmania are both in play, especially Bass where Liberal Bridget Archer has a slender 0.4 per cent margin, making it the Coalition's most marginal seat. Labor insiders fear their brand is damaged after state Opposition leader David O'Byrne resigned following allegations he sexually harassed a junior employee in 2007. But popular Tasmanian independent Jacqui Lambie is running lower house candidates and will direct her supporters to preference Labor for the first time, a source of great hope to the ALP faithful. The only seat thought to be in play in South Australia is Boothby where high profile Liberal Nicole Flint is stepping down on a 1.4 per cent margin. Both sides see this electorate as a must win. Which seats is Labor targeting at the election? QLD Longman: Held by former businessman Terry Young since 2019 on a 3.3 per cent margin. Labor's candidate is Rebecca Fanning, a former public servant in the Queensland state government. Longman is held by LNP MP Terry Young (left). Labor's candidate is Rebecca Fanning (right) Flynn: Held by retiring MP Ken O'Dowd since 2010 on an 8 per cent margin. State MP for Callide Colin Boyce will run for the LNP. The ALP has selected popular Gladstone mayor Matt Burnett. Flynn: The LNP's candidate is Colin Boyce (left). Labor's candidate is Matt Burnett (right) Capricornia: Held by Michelle Laundry since 2013 on a margin of 12 per cent. Labor's candidate is coal miner Russell Robertson who also contested in 2019. Capricornia is held by LNP MP Michelle Laundry (left). Labor's candidate is coal miner Russell Robertson (right) Leichardt: Held by Warren Entsch since 2010 on a 4.1 per cent margin. Labor's candidate is former Centrelink worker and union organiser Elida Faith. Leichardt is held by LNP MP Warren Entsch (left). Labor's candidate is Elida Faith (right) Petrie: Held by Luke Howarth since 2013 on an 8 per cent margin. Labor's candidate is oil refinery worker Mick Denton. Petrie is held by LNP MP Luke Howarth (left). Labor's candidate is Mick Denton (right) Bowman: Held by retiring MP Andrew Lamming since 2004 on a 10 per cent margin. The LNP's candidate is PR man Henry Pike. Labor's candidate is indigenous health worker Donisha Duff. Bowman: The LNP candidate is Henry Pike (left). Labor's candidate is Donisha Duff (right) Dickson: Held by Peter Dutton on a 4.6 per cent margin. Labor's candidate is communications manager Ali France who also contested 2019. Dickson: Held by LNP MP Peter Dutton (left). Labor's candidate is Ali France (right) Brisbane: Liberal since 2010, held by Trevor Evans since 2016 on a 5 per cent margin. Labor's candidate is businesswoman Madonna Jarrett. Brisbane: Held by Liberal MP Trevor Evans. Labor's candidate is Madonna Jarrett Ryan: Liberal since 2010, held by Julian Simmonds on a 6 per cent margin. Targeted by drama teacher Peter Cossar for Labor Liberal MP is Julian Simmonds (left). Labor's Peter Cossar will challenge VIC Chisolm: Liberal since 2016. Held by Gladys Liu on a 0.6 per cent margin. Labor's candidate is academic Carina Garland. Chisolm: Held by Liberal MP Gladys Liu (left). Labor's candidate is Carina Garland (right) Higgins: Liberal since 1949. Held by Katie Allen on a 4 per cent margin. Labor's candidate is doctor Michelle Ananda-Rajah. Higgins: Liberal MP Katie Allen (left) and Labor candidate Michelle Ananda-Rajah NSW Reid: Liberal since 2013, held by Fiona Martin since 2019 with a 3.2 per cent margin. Labor's candidate is researcher Sally Sitou. Reid: Liberal MP Fiona Reid (left) is against Labor candidate Sally Sitou (right) Banks: Held by Mental Health Minister David Coleman since 2013 on a margin of 6.2 per cent. Labor's candidate is former diplomat Zhi Soon. Banks: Held by Liberal MP David Coleman (left). Labor's candidate is Zhi Soon (right) Robertson: Held by Lucy Wicks since 2013 with a margin of 4.2 per cent. Labor's candidate is doctor Gordon Reid. Robertson: Held by Liberal MP Lucy Wicks (left). Labor's candidate is Gordon Reid (right) Lindsay: Held by Melissa McIntosh since 2019 with a 5.5 per cent margin. Labor's candidate is fireman Trevor Ross. Lindsay: Held by Liberal MP Melissa McIntosh. Labor's candidate is Trevor Ross WA Swan: Held by retiring MP Steve Irons since 2007 on a 2.7 per cent margin. Sky News commentator and former Tony Abbott advisor Kristy McSweeney will run for the Liberals against engineer Zaneta Mascarenhas for Labor. Swan: The Liberal candidate is Kristy McSweeney (left). Labor's is Zaneta Mascarenhas (right) Hasluck: Held by Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt since 2010 on a 5.4 per cent margin. He'll be challenged by former Woodside Energy manager and state government policy advisor Tania Lawrence. Hasluck: Held by Liberal MP Ken Wyatt (left). Labor's candidate is Tania Lawrence (right) Pearce: Held by retiring MP Christian Porter on a notional margin of 5.2 per cent (which takes into account a redistribution). City of Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts is Labor's candidate. TAS Bass: Held by Bridget Archer since 2019 on a 0.4 per cent margin. Labor's candidate is former MP and lawyer Ross Hart. Bass: Held by Liberal MP Bridget Archer (left). Labor's candidate is Ross Hart (right) Braddon: Held by Gavin Pearce since 2019. Labor's candidate is youth worker Chris Lynch. Braddon: Held by Liberal MP Gavin Pearce (left). Labor's candidate is Chris Lynch (right) SA Boothby: Liberal since 1949. Held by retiring MP Nicolle Flint since 2016 with a margin of 1.4 per cent. The Liberal candidate is doctor Rachel Swift. Labor's candidate is charity boss Louise Frost. Boothby: The Liberal candidate is Rachel Swift (left). Labor's is Louise Frost (right) Advertisement Which seats is the Coalition hoping to win? The Coalition is aiming to defend seats in Queensland and Western Australia while picking up more in New South Wales. The Government knows it would be a significant achievement to hold all 23 Queensland seats but believes it can do it. 'There's always one or two seats which catch you by surprise but I think the Government has a pretty good standing in Queensland,' said one source. The Liberal-National Party may even add to its tally as it targets the north Brisbane seat of Lilley, held by Anika Wells on a 0.6 per cent margin. It may be harder to hold ground in Western Australia but a source said although Premier McGowan is popular, 'voters know the difference between state and federal politics.' Mr Morrison has been insisting the contest is between him and Mr Albanese not Mr McGowan. The Labor seat of Cowan in Perth's north is the only obvious WA target for the Liberals, held by Anne Aly on a margin of 0.8 per cent. Prime Minister Scott Morrison throws a netball while campaigning in the Sydney seat of Banks, in NSW, on December 8 In terms of offensive strategy, the Coalition is hopeful of picking up electorates in the Prime Minister's home state of New South Wales where Labor holds six seats on margins less than three per cent. In 2019 Labor held Macquarie in Sydney's Blue Mountains by just 371 votes, making it the most marginal seat in the country. The Liberals held the seat from 2010 to 2016 and want it back. The Liberal Party also wants Eden-Monaro covering rural NSW near Canberra after narrowly missing out in a by election in 2020 when it reduced Labor's margin from 0.8 per cent to 0.4 per cent. Dobell on the Central Coast with its 1.5 per cent margin is another target and the Liberals have high hopes of winning back Gilmore on the NSW south coast with popular state MP Andrew Constance. Meanwhile Hunter has been Labor since 1910 but the Nationals will be campaigning to steal the coalmining seat as long-serving MP Joel Fitzgibbon retires after his margin was slashed to just three per cent in 2019. The neighbouring seat of Paterson is also on the cards, held by Meryl Swanson since 2016 on a five per cent margin. The Government also wants Warringah on Sydney's lower north shore back from independent Zali Steggall who has a 7.2 per cent margin but faces a tough battle after Gladys Berejiklian ruled herself out of the running. The Coalition is aiming to defend seats in Queensland and Western Australia while picking up more in New South Wales. The Liberals will face a strong challenge in Reid and Lindsay. Pictured: A map of Sydney after the 2019 election The Liberals also want Lyons in Tasmania which they lost in 2016 to Brian Mitchell who holds the seat with a five per cent margin. One strategist said Liberal premier Peter Gutwein's popularity may help shore up Tasmanian seats in what he called 'the opposite of the McGowan effect'. In Victoria, the Coalition believes it has a chance of winning back Corangamite and Dunkley, the two marginal seats it lost in the state in 2019. Independent Helen Haines, who holds the regional seat of Indi on a 1.4 per cent margin will also be targeted by the Liberals. The biggest wildcard in this election will be the seat of Lingiari which covers all of the Northern Territory except an area around Darwin. Labor's Warren Snowdon has held the seat since it was created in 2001 but he's retiring and the County Liberal Party have preselected Alice Springs mayor Damien Ryan in hopes of overturning the 5.5 per cent margin. When he became Deputy Prime Minister in June 2021, Barnaby Joyce (right) noted the importance of Lingiari when he said the election is 'going to be won in three places: the Hunter Valley, central Queensland and in and around Darwin' Due to its vast size and sporadic population, Lingiari is near impossible to poll meaning it could throw up a surprise on election night. Concern about losing the seat was one of the reasons Labor was so against the Government's dumped voter ID laws amid fears they would disenfranchise Aboriginal Labor-leaning voters who didn't have driving licenses. When he became Deputy Prime Minister for the second time in June, Barnaby Joyce noted the importance of Lingiari when he said the election is 'going to be won in three places, the Hunter Valley, central Queensland and in and around Darwin.' An armed robber is wanted for killing the owner of a Georgia gun range, his wife and grandson before making off with dozens of guns from the store. When officers arrived at the scene at Lock Stock & Barrel around 8 p.m. Friday, they discovered the bodies of the owner of Lock Stock & Barrel Shooting Range, Thomas Hawk, 75; his wife, Evelyn, 75; and their grandson, Luke, 17. Police Chief Steve Whitlock said the Hawk family was well-known and well-respected in their small, tight-knit community. The Hawks had operated Lock Stock & Barrel for nearly 30 years. A sign out front proudly proclaims it 'American owned & operated.' Their teenage grandson was on spring break at the time, helping his grandparents at the shop. Thomas Hawk, 75, was found dead with his wife and their 17-year-old grandson after an armed robbery at his gun shop Law enforcement agents investigate the scene of a fatal robbery at Lock Stock & Barrel Shooting Range late Friday, April 8 Authorities say a couple and their grandson are dead after an armed robbery at the gun range 'This is just a shock to everybody in the community,' Whitlock told The Associated Press. 'We're trying to do the best that we can to figure this out.' Whitlock said investigators believe the robbery and shooting happened around 5:30 p.m. Friday, which is when the range normally closes. He said Hawk's son, Richard, came by the business and was the person who found the victims. There are no suspects as of early Saturday, and no arrests have been made, he said. Investigators said that as many as 40 guns and the range's surveillance camera were also stolen. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating, but when contacted Saturday referred all inquiries to Grantville Police. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was also called in due to the amount of weapons taken. Whitlock said hes grateful for the help from other law enforcement agencies in the investigation. At least 40 guns were stolen from the Lock Stock & Barrel Shooting range in Grantville, as well as the surveillance camera 'We're just a small town, 12 officers. I've been here eight years and have never had to investigate anything like this. It's been kind of hard on us. The crime rate is really, really low,' he said. A reward of $15,000 has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer or killers in the case, according to the ATF Atlanta office's Twitter feed. 'ATF and our law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to bring the killer(s) to justice,' ATF Atlanta Field Division Special Agent in Charge Benjamin P. Gibbons said in a statement. 'The brutality of these senseless murders along with the fact that these killer(s) have acquired additional firearms makes solving this case our top priority.' A message left with the ATF office in Atlanta was not immediately returned. The Hawks had operated Lock Stock & Barrel for nearly 30 years. Their grandson was on spring break, helping his grandparents at the shop Police are asking any witnesses to come forward. Authorities said they don't have any video evidence to work with right now Law enforcement agents investigate the scene of a fatal robbery at Lock Stock & Barrel Shooting Range late Friday Police are asking any witnesses to come forward. Whitlock said they don't have any video evidence to work with right now. 'Anyone having driven by the shooting range during the time frame of 530pm to 630 pm that may have seen vehicles other than a white Ford dually truck and a black Ford expedition are asked to contact the police department,' Grantville police said in their Facebook statement. The shooting range is in rural Coweta County, about 50 miles (about 80 kilometers) southwest of Atlanta. Coweta County Sheriff Lenn Wood said in a statement on Facebook that the entire community was forever broken by the 'senseless and tragic' killings of the Hawk family members. 'I am also fervently praying that God will use our law enforcement community and the Coweta Community,' he said, 'to bring justice swiftly.' President Moon Jae-in and first lady Kim Jung-sook sit on the cornerstones of the Bubheung Temple site in Mt. Bugak, while listening to Kim Hyun-mo, administrator of the Cultural Heritage Administration, April 5. Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae Civic group sues CHA administrator for defamation By Lee Hae-rin President Moon Jae-in and first lady Kim Jung-sook annoyed Buddhist monks by sitting on the cornerstones of Bubheung Temple's assumed site while taking a rest during a hike to Mt. Bugaksan on April 5. Buddhists claimed that the presidential couple's actions demonstrated their "poor understanding" of the cultural site. During a hike to mark the opening of the mountain trail, the president and first lady sat on the cornerstones featuring a lotus flower pattern at a site presumed to be where Bubheung Temple used to be located. Administrator Kim Hyun-mo of the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA), who was present on the trail, did not stop them from sitting on the stones and explained, "These cornerstones are some of the recent ones," which, according to the administrator, "lack any value as cultural heritage." The photo featuring the presidential couple taking a rest on cornerstones sparked an uproar among Buddhist leaders. In a statement released on April 8, the Jogye Order said that for Buddhists, the site of Bubheung Temple is a painful reminder of the suspended Buddhist service as the area was shut down in the 1960s after a North Korean spy tried to infiltrate Cheong Wa Dae. "The presidential couple sitting on the cornerstones is an action that hurts Buddhists again," the statement read. In response to the criticism, the Cultural Heritage Administration explained that the cornerstones are neither designated nor registered cultural properties. In a statement, the administration conceded to the criticism that it "failed to come up with detailed preparation (for the event)" and promised to work on preserving the Bupheung Temple site's precious value in the future. On that day, Park Soo-hyun, senior secretary for public communication also apologized on Cheong Wa Dae's behalf for causing inconvenience due to a lack of consideration and said that "President Moon's respect for Buddha and Buddhism remains unchanged." President Moon Jae-in, front, first lady Kim Jung-sook bow to the Buddha during their hike on Mt. Bugak, April 5. Screenshot from Park Soo-hyun's Facebook Every social-media company should appoint an algorithm tsar, Ministers and MPs have said. It follows pressure for tech giants to reveal how they select the content they target at their users, which is shrouded in secrecy. One ministerial source backed calls last night to make all social-media firms put a named person in charge of algorithms software that selects which posts and adverts users see first or most prominently and to be legally accountable for them. The Minister said algorithms meant dangerous content previously accessible by going to a back room in Whitechapel was being pushed on to people online. Conservative MP Dr Luke Evans, who is campaigning for the requirement, said it would enable Ofcom to deal more effectively with such issues as hate speech, adding: It would solve a lot of problems. Conservative MP Dr Luke Evans is campaigning for the requirement to help Ofcom to deal more effectively with such issues as hate speech However, it is not expected to be included in the forthcoming Online Safety Bill, meaning it would require new legislation. He said algorithms meant people were bombarded with harmful content so that instead of seeing one picture you see 100. Dr Evans told The Mail on Sunday the secrecy around the algorithms was potentiating the problem and driving content to people when they are already struggling with problems including their mental health, body image or eating disorders. Dr Evans said that algorithms meant people were bombarded with harmful content so that instead of seeing one picture you see 100 There are also concerns over the damaging effect social-media algorithms have on media outlets. The Online Safety Bill will make algorithms less of a Wild West, senior sources told The Mail on Sunday. Tech giants will be force to make risk assessments on how harmful the content being pushed through their algorithms is. Social-media users could also get more power to block content being forced on them by algorithms. People will be able to control more of what they see, particularly if it is illegal or harmful, a source involved in the Bill said. Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has publicly said social-media firms should be compelled to reveal how their algorithms work to regulators. Dr Evans, a former GP who sits on the Commons Health Committee, is running a campaign on social media and body image harm. He said he had a real issue with social-media firms hiding their algorithms details because they are commercially sensitive. A racism row has erupted at Sky News after a reporter claimed its coverage of the Ukraine war was 'too white'. Inzamam Rashid complained to Sky News boss John Ryley that 'not a single person of colour on or off air has been to cover the crisis'. But the channel's award-winning special correspondent Alex Crawford has hit back at Rashid who was taken off air for three months after breaching Covid-19 rules to attend anchorwoman Kay Burley's 60th birthday in December 2020. Inzamam Rashid complained to Sky News boss John Ryley that 'not a single person of colour on or off air has been to cover the crisis' In an email to colleagues, Crawford wrote: 'It is not quite correct to say there has been 'no single person of colour either on or off screen' in our coverage of Ukraine. My Chinese mother and grandmother would be appalled at their daughter/granddaughter's heritage being dismissed. 'And I'm pretty sure Neville Lazarus, who is currently in Odessa; Zein Ja'far, who is heading back for his second stint in Ukraine; plus Dominique Van Heerden, just recently back from her trip, would all take exception to your assertion.' Other staff at Sky News are also infuriated by Mr Rashid's claim. One told The Mail on Sunday: 'I don't think we should be taking much guidance from someone who brought the company into disrepute.' A Democrat-turned Republican politician and staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump has come under fire for saying that civil rights protections shouldn't extend to the LGBTQ+ community. Vernon Jones, 61, served in the Georgia State House of Representatives as a Democrat from 1993 to 2001 and 2017 to 2021, said that gay people 'can actually change' in a podcast interview with ex-Trump advisor Steve Bannon. 'Let me tell you, civil rights for blacks and gay rights for gays are two different things,' Jones, who once called himself the 'black Donald Trump,' said on an episode of Bannon's 'War Room' podcast. 'I don't know what you are unless you tell me what you are if you're gay, but when I walk into that room, you can tell that I'm Black,' he added. 'I'm Black from cradle to grave. Let's not get that confused, but they can actually change.' Jones, who switched parties in 2020 and endorsed Trump's re-election campaign, also said that people can 'go from being straight to being gay to being transgender and all these other genders. But when you're Black, I don't have a choice. When did gays come over here on ships?' Trump-endorsed congressional candidate Vernon Jones says, civil rights for blacks and gay rights for gays are two different things, because gays can choose to be straight if they want to. When did gays come over here in ships? pic.twitter.com/B0fye9gG1m Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) April 8, 2022 Vernon Jones talks with Steve Bannon on "War Room Pandemic with Stephen K Bannon," April 7 'Let me tell you, civil rights for blacks and gay rights for gays are two different things,' Jones said on an episode of Bannon's 'War Room' podcast Jones, who once called himself the ' black Donald Trump ,' switch parties in 2020 to endorse the former president's re-election campaign Jones later reiterated his argument on Twitter, calling out the 'Rainbow Mafia' and saying the comparison between being black and being gay 'a damn lie.' '[Martin Luther King] didn't fight for the right to read to children dressed up as a woman; he fought for REAL equality! Don't confuse it!' Jones has always had an independent streak as a Democrat, endorsing George W. Bush for re-election in 2004. As the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported, Jones exonerated himself after facing rape accusations in 2005 when he was De Kalb County Executive in Georgia. The woman stood by her story and the state AG said the charges were dropped because the alleged victim didn't want to go through a trial. The woman who accused him told investigators that Jones raped her, following an encounter at his home involving her and another woman. The then-29 year old acknowledged telling Jones at the time the encounter was consensual, but did so in order to leave his home. Jones and his lawyer denied the charges and issued statements saying the contact was consensual. In response, Jones said: 'I am not guilty, nor have I been found guilty, of any improper conduct with anyone, at any time. But, of course, the AJC knows this. It's unfortunate the AJC is choosing to dig up old, unfounded, one-sided allegations from my past (dating back as far as 30+ years) to unfairly impugn my reputation. After any and all false allegations, I have been completely exonerated.' In August 2020, Jones, a Democrat, delivered scathing remarks at his own party at the Republican National Convention, which he accused of exploiting black voters. 'The Democratic Party does not want Black people to leave the mental Plantation they've had us on for decades,' he said. 'But I have news for them: We are free people with free minds,' said Jones, at a time when Biden is holding large leads among black voters, but hopes to build a critical advantage over Hillary Clinton's performance, where black turnout dropped off from 2012. Jones most recently spoke on behalf of Trump at a March 26 rally for the ex-president in Commerce Donald Trump Jr., executive vice president of development and acquisitions for Trump Organization Inc., left, shakes hands with Jones at a rally in March Jones has accused Biden of being 'all talk and no action,' and has said: 'When President Trump sought to earn the Black vote, the Democratic Party leaders went crazy!' He talked up Trump's support for historically black colleges. 'Thats right. Donald Trump did that.,' he said. Jones has accused Democrats of having 'turned their backs on our brave police officers' in 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. Trump pushed Jones to run for Congress in 2022 to clear a pathway to the Republican nomination for ex-Senator David Perdue to run against Georgia's conservative Governor Brian Kemp. 'Lmaooo,' Musk, 50, tweeted Friday, in a reaction to the op-ed excerpt, which saw no mention of the outlet's own billionaire owner, Musk rival Jeff Bezos The piece, titled 'Elon Musk's vision of 'free speech' will be bad for Twitter,' criticized the purchase as 'highly disconcerting and 'a slap in the face' Musk ruffled feathers this week when it was announced he purchased a 9.2 percent stake in Twitter and was joining the company's board of directors Elon Musk mocked the Washington Post Friday after an op-ed from the paper called for federal regulations to prevent the rich from 'controlling' social media Elon Musk mocked the Washington Post Friday after an op-ed from the paper called for federal regulations to prevent the rich from 'controlling' social media, following the Tesla CEO's $3billion Twitter share buy-in earlier this week. The piece, titled 'Elon Musk's vision of "free speech" will be bad for Twitter,' criticized the purchase as 'highly disconcerting a slap in the face, even' - but conspicuously saw no mention of the outlet's own billionaire owner, Musk rival Jeff Bezos. 'Lmaooo,' Musk, 50, tweeted Friday, in a reaction to the op-ed excerpt. Musk, the world's wealthiest man, ruffled feathers this week when it was announced he purchased a 9.2 percent stake in the social media giant - making him the platform's largest shareholder - and was joining the company's board of directors. The brazen business move from Musk, a staunch Libertarian who has long accused the site of censoring users' free speech, saw some express concerns over the South African mogul's growing influence - including Post contributor Ellen Pao, who penned the scathing piece. 'Musks appointment to Twitters board shows that we need regulation of social-media platforms to prevent rich people from controlling our channels of communication,' Pao, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist who once served as the CEO of Reddit, wrote Friday. 'Musk has been open about his preference that Twitter do less to restrict speech that many see as hateful, abusive or dangerous,' Pao, who boasts a reported net worth of $150million, continued. 'Given his new influence, the way he himself has used the platform bodes ill for its future.' Elon Musk mocked the Washington Post Friday after an op-ed from the paper called for federal regulations to prevent the rich from 'controlling' social media, following the Tesla CEO's $3billion Twitter share buy-in earlier this week The piece , titled 'Elon Musk's vision of 'free speech' will be bad for Twitter,' criticized the purchase as 'highly disconcerting a slap in the face, even' - but conspicuously saw no mention of the outlet's own billionaire owner, Musk rival Jeff Bezos. Pao, who unsuccessfully sued former employer Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, in a filing that argued she was falsely terminated from the firm in 2012 because she was a woman, went on to pan Musk, 50, known for antics on social media, for a history of posts she deemed insensitive. 'Musk, who has nearly 81 million followers, often punches down in his tweets, displaying very little empathy,' Pao, 52, wrote. The millionaire tech investor pointed to recent incidents of Musk posting flippantly on social media - including a 2018 tweet where the Tesla head joking referred to a British cave explorer who helped rescue 12 Thailand children in a highly publicized cave rescue as a 'pedo guy.' Vernon Unsworth, the caver Musk was referring to in the tweet, subsequently sued the billionaire - who boasts a reported net worth of $282billion, nearly $100billion more than second-richest man Bezos - for defamation, a suit the explorer lost. 'He called a British caver who helped to rescue trapped young Thai divers "a pedo guy" (beating a defamation suit over the slur but adding to his reputation as a bully),' Pao wrote. Musk, the world's wealthiest man, ruffled feathers this week when it was announced he purchased a 9.2 percent stake in the social media giant - making him the platform's largest shareholder - and was joining the company's board of directors Pao panned Musk as a 'troll' for his internet practices, and warned readers of the entrepreneur's burgeoning influence. 'Like many trolls,' Pao wrote, 'Musk says his critics both those on Twitter and those who sue him should be more thick-skinned,"' referring to a phrase the Tesla tweeted in message to factory workers, following a suit from the state of California filed in February that alleges black staffers at the company's facility in Fremont were subjected to racial harassment. The Post piece then pointed to another, since-delete post from Musk from February, that compared Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Adolf Hitler, with a meme that criticized the politician's crackdown on Freedom Convoy protests. The piece was penned by Ellen Pao, a former Silicon Valley CEO and venture capitalist - with a reported 150 million net worth - who unsuccessfully sued former employer Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, in a filing that argued she was falsely terminated from the firm in 2012 because she was a woman The post saw no mention of the outlet's own billionaire owner, Musk rival Jeff Bezos, currently the world's second richest man, behind the Tesla mogul The Post piece criticized Musk for since-delete post from February (pictured) that compared Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Adolf Hitler, and criticized the politician's crackdown on Freedom Convoy protests 'In February, he tweeted, then deleted, a meme comparing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Adolf Hitler,' Pao wrote. The op-ed contributor went on to the slam tech mogul for calling himself a 'free-speech absolutist' last month in a post that saw the Tesla CEO defend his decision to not stop Russian state media outlets from accessing Starlink internet satellites the exec sent to help Ukrainians access the internet amid the ongoing invasion. In the post, Musk said he made the call because he's not 'sorry to be a free speech absolutist.' The op-ed contributor went on to the slam tech mogul for calling himself a 'free-speech absolutist' last month in a post that saw the Tesla CEO defend his decision to not stop Russian state media outlets from accessing Starlink internet satellites the exec sent to help Ukrainians access the internet amid the ongoing invasion Pao wrote of Musk's assertion: 'Like many free speech advocates, he willfully ignores that private companies are free to establish some limits on their platforms.' 'Twitter made strides to remove hate and harassment and to give users more control over how they share their opinions. It added features that let users limit who could reply to their tweets, created labels for misleading content and banned President Donald Trump's account. 'After all that, bringing Musk onto the board seems like a big step backward,' Pao proclaimed. 'He can bend the company toward his preferences, removing reasonable policies on hateful speech and urging people who are harassed to have thicker skins.' Pao then criticized Twitter's decision to appoint Musk to the company's board, and called for government regulation of social-media platforms to prevent rich people from controlling' the media. 'For starters, we need consistent definitions of harassment and of content that violates personal privacy,' Pao said of the prospective federal intervention plan. 'Most companies, I suspect, would welcome such regulations If platforms continue to push for growth at all costs without such regulations people will continue to be harmed. 'The people harmed will disproportionately be those who have been harmed for centuries women and members of marginalized racial and ethnic groups. The people who benefit from unrestricted amplification of their views will also be the same people who have benefited from that privilege for centuries.' Following the piece's publishing Friday morning, many, including Musk, were quick to question the credibility of Pao's remark, given the Post's own ties to billionaire Bezos. 'Why is it funny? Because Jeff Bezos owns the Washington Post,' one user wrote. 'Not sure why they would be worried by @elonmusk buying a bit of Twitter,' another added. 'Its ironic because doesnt Bezos own that paper. Murdoch owns a lot of the worlds papers and news. Rich people have always owned the narrative. Its up to you to pick your truth to follow.' 'Should be the Washington Woke,' another sniped. Following the piece's publishing Friday morning, many were quick to question the credibility of Pao's remark, given the Post's own ties to billionaire Bezos Twitter entered into its board membership agreement with Musk on Monday, an SEC report revealed. After submitting the regulatory filing Tuesday, Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal announced Musk's board membership on the social media, alleging the billionaire brings 'great value' to the company. 'I'm excited to share that we're appointing @elonmusk to our board! Through conversations with Elon in recent weeks, it became clear to us that he would bring great value to our Board,' Agrawal wrote. 'He's both a passionate believer and intense critic of the service which is exactly what we need on @Twitter, and in the boardroom, to make us stronger in the long-term. Welcome Elon!' Musk responded to the CEO, saying: 'Looking forward to working with Parag & Twitter board to make significant improvements to Twitter in coming months!' Other board members seemed receptive to Musk - who has 80 million Twitter followers - joining their ranks, with several issuing welcome messages online, including platform founder Jack Dorsey. Twitter board members, including founder Jack Dorsey, seemed excited about Musk's appointment Several, including Omid Kordestani, the board's executive chairman and a current member, posted messages of welcome to the platform Board chair and Salesforce Co-CEO Bret Taylor said they were excited to work with Musk 'Im really happy Elon is joining the Twitter board! He cares deeply about our world and Twitters role in it,' Dorsey tweeted. 'Parag and Elon both lead with their hearts, and they will be an incredible team.' Board chair and Salesforce Co-CEO Bret Taylor echoed the sentiment, saying: 'Welcome to the Twitter board, @elonmusk! We are all excited to work with you and build the future of Twitter together.' Taylor's post was retweeted by fellow board members Mimi Alemayehou, Senior Vice President for Public-Private Partnership at Mastercard; Martha Lane Fox, Founder and Chairperson of Lucky Voice Group; and Stanford University professor Dr. Fei-Fei Li. Omid Kordestani, the board's executive chairman and a current member, wrote: 'Welcome @elonmusk!' The four remaining board members - Former World Bank President Robert Zoellick, Invoia Capital general partner Patrick Pichette, 1stdibs.com Inc. CEO David Rosenblatt, and Egon Durban, Co-CEO of Silver Lake - did not publicly comment on Musk's appointment to the board. None of the members immediately responded to DailyMail.com's requests for comment. Twitter stocks have surged since mid-March when Musk purchased his stake Stock prices rose by more than 3 percent on Tuesday after news of Musk's board appointment Millions of investors flocked to Twitter's stock after Musk disclosed his 9.2 percent stake in the company. The stock became the most bought U.S. stock by retail investors on Monday, surging 27 percent in value. Stock prices rose by more than three percent, to 50.98, on Tuesday after news of Musk's board appointment. The stock was trading at around 39 on Friday. In the latest Forbes list, Musk, increased his net worth to $282billion, nearly $100billion richer than Amazon founder Bezos, whose net worth is $183.6billion. Deadly Portuguese man o' war have invaded the coasts of popular Spring Break resorts in South Florida and South Carolina. Purple flags could be seen planted across Treasure Coast, South Florida and South Carolina beaches last week, indicating dangerous marine life in the water, as Spring The Portuguese man o' war, which are related to jellyfish, are loaded with dangerous toxins for anything that happens to brush up against their tentacles. The marine animal, which was named due to it's resemblance to 18th-century Portuguese warship, remains dangerous even after death, and is known to sting unsuspecting beachgoers who accidentally step on them after they've died and washed up along the coast. Scroll down for video The Portuguese man o' war are loaded with dangerous toxins for anything that happens to brush up against their tentacles, which trail from the creature as it floats about the sea Beach flag warning system, showing the five different levels of hazard for marine life and surf conditions 'These animals are some of the most toxic animals in the world,' said Tony McEwan, Curator and Marine Biologist at the University of Hawaii's Waikiki Aquarium. 'They're not very maneuverable animals, so their prey has to be immobilized very quickly.' The man o' war's float, or the viscous, jelly-like substance that surrounds the animal, is often a vibrant blue, purple or pink in color, and can grow up to six inches long and sits six inches above the waterline. While their sting is painful, McEwan says it is not deadly unless one has a specific allergy to their toxin. 'The Portuguese man o' war is not going to kill you but, it's going to be painful, and it's going to be uncomfortable and very itchy for a while,' said McEwan then added the toxin could be fatal to someone with an allergy. Beachgoers take in some sun during Spring Break in Miami Beach on Saturday, April 2 A couple take a selfie on the beach in Miami for Spring Break on April 2 as other beachgoers go for a swim A group of young ladies take in some sun last Saturday in Miami Beach Spring breakers stroll along the beach during Spring Break last weekend 'Then it slowly, slowly dissipates.' McEwan recommended beachgoers to stay out of the water if men o' war are present, and to wear shoes while walking on the beach. The creatures tentacles can stretch long past their float, and are normally three feet in length. However, there have been cases where the man o' war's tentacles have reached upwards of 100 feet long, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. McEwan also warned to keep dogs away from the animals as well, as they have been known to sting curious noses and tongues, as well. 'They're really thousands of individual animals making up this one thing,' explained Sasson. 'You have some groups of those animals that are working together to make the float.' 'Some of them are the defensive ones, the ones that actually have the stinging cells in them. Others are used for the digestion for the gut. And then you have some that are used for reproduction.' The timing of the infestation couldn't be worse, as upwards of 570,000 students have descended on the beaches of Florida and South Carolina for Spring Break in recent weeks. The revelers were so wild in Miami Beach that officials were forced to introduce a curfew last month, however it has since been lifted. Over the weekend, tens of thousands of Spring breakers made their way up the Gulf Coast for festivities. with multiple food trucks out as they turned out in droves for events at the Mississippi Coast Convention and Convention Center. Instagram and OnlyFans model Courtney Clenney was confronted Friday at a Miami hotel, days after she stabbed her boyfriend to death. The clash came as her attorney, Frank Preito, said the influencer was acting in self-defense when she killed Christian Tobechukwu Obumseli on April 3 and may have been 'a victim of human trafficking.' In footage of the confrontation on Friday, Clenney and her father can be seen in the lobby of the Grand Beach Hotel in Miami, when a guest off-camera demands they leave. 'Right now, you should go. Because you just killed your boyfriend,' the person confronting her says, according to video posted by @__AshleyO. After Clenney responds inaudibly, the other person shoots back 'Yeah, you did.' As she and her father walk toward the elevators, Clenney turns around and says 'he tried to [inaudible].' The poster, however, drowned out the model's retort, replying 'yeah, okay.' Not this fool @CourtneyTailor being out at a bar in Miami like she didnt just kill @TobyObumseli a few days ago but I thought you were mentally unstable & suicidal? its the audacity for me. pic.twitter.com/ezQr4YS5lB Beauty by Ashley O. LLC (@__AshleyO) April 9, 2022 @__AshleyO posted her confrontation with accused killer Courtney Clenney, 25, and her father at the lobby bar of the Grand Beach Hotel in Miami on Friday The woman refused to stop filming, and told Clenney she should leave 'because [she] just killed [her] boyfriend' Clenney and her father can be seen getting up and leaving the hotel lobby after another guest demands they leave On April 3, Christian Tobechukwu Obumseli, 27, died of an 'apparent knife wound' in a violent altercation with Clenney, 25 The sighting comes as it emerged the model was due in a Texas court for a 2020 DUI charge (mugshot pictured), and was sued by a Texas woman after a 2018 car crash Clenney, who has not been charged in Obumseli's death, was hospitalized and evaluated for 72 hours under Florida's Bakers Act on Sunday after making suicidal threats while in police custody. However, new content was added to her OnlyFans page the day after she was detained. @__AshleyO questioned the model's claims of mental instability after the encounter. 'Not this fool @CourtneyTailor being out at a bar in Miami like she didnt just kill @TobyObumseli a few days ago,' she captioned the clip. 'I thought you were mentally unstable & suicidal? Its the audacity for me.' Clenney's attorney, Frank Preito, told Fox Digital Saturday that the influencer and her father were staying at the hotel because she did not want to stay in her apartment, where the fatal stabbing occurred, and they must stay in Miami to cooperate with a police investigation into the incident. 'It is unfortunate that a member of the public, knowing absolutely nothing about the circumstances and events surrounding the death of Mr. Obumseli, would take the opportunity to harass the Clenney family during a time when they are trying to be supportive of Courtney,' Prieto told the outlet. 'Courtney was seated at a table in the hotel lobby area where there is also a bar. Courtneys father was standing there trying to order a drink to take outside so they could be in private on the beach.' Preito claimed after his firm investigated last week's fatal incident that 'Courtney is a victim of physical, emotional and mental abuse at the hands of Mr. Obumseli,' and said that the firm is 'also investigating whether Courtney was the victim of human trafficking.' 'Mr. Obumseli was in the act of committing a forcible felony that tragic evening last Sunday. He had previously gained access to Courtney's apartment without permission on several occasions in the days leading up to that night,' he said. 'Courtney acted in self-defense; the investigation by both the City of Miami Police Department and the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office will conclude such.' Obumseli, 27, suffered an 'apparent knife wound' in an alleged violent altercation with Clenney, 25, who goes by 'Courtney Tailor' on social media. Obumseli succumbed to his injury after he was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital 2.5 miles away, Miami Police said in a statement. Harrowing TMZ footage from the night of the alleged attack showed the influencer clad in black bra and white sweatpants - along with her her arms, chest, stomach and forehead - splattered with blood as she is interviewed by police on the balcony of her luxury high rise in Miami. Covered in the blood of the boyfriend she just stabbed to death, OnlyFans model Courtney Clenney can be seen shivering on the balcony of her Miami apartment while being interviewed by police Clenney has been arrested but has not yet been formally charged. She was taken for psychiatric evaluation after the incident The hotel run-in came the same day as The Sun revealed that Clenney was scheduled for a pre-trial conference on June 15 for her September 16, 2020 DUI arrest that took place in Austin, Texas. Clenney's bond was set at $8,000 after her arrest, and she has since been forced to install an ignition interlock device on her car that measures her blood-alcohol content. It is not known whether the model, who retained attorney Meril Anthes according to a Travis County Court filing, has entered a plea ahead of her court date. The Sun also reported that Clenney faced earlier legal trouble in Texas after a woman sued her for causing personal injury, property damage and vehicle loss following a 2018 car crash. The suit was reportedly settled out of court. A neighbor claiming to have a direct view of the couple's apartment said he witnessed Obumseli strike Clenney about a week before the fatal stabbing. They are pictured together The influencer, who has not been formally charged in her boyfriend's death, was hospitalized over mental health concerns after making suicidal threats while in police custody DailyMail.com could not reach Preito or Lee Merritt, a civil rights attorney representing Obumseli's family, for comment. However, Merritt wrote on Instagram Thursday that 'a cursory review of the evidence there appears to be more than sufficient probable cause to make an immediate arrest for the death of Obumseli.' Lee Merritt, a civil rights attorney representing Obumseli's family, wrote on Instagram Thursday that 'a cursory review of the evidence there appears to be more than sufficient probable cause to make an immediate arrest' Clenney and Obumseli broke up last month and Obumseli had been sleeping in common areas of their apartment complex, according to the Miami Herald. A neighbor claiming to have a direct view of the couple's apartment said he witnessed Obumseli strike Clenney about a week before the fatal stabbing. 'I could not tell if it was open-handed or closed-handed, but he was swinging at her,' the unnamed resident told WPLG. However, a trio who identified themselves as close friends of the couple alleged the social media influencer was the violent one in the 'rocky relationship'. 'We've seen her hit him. I've never seen him hit her,' Ashley Vaughn said. 'From what we've personally experienced between the both of them, we believe that Christian wouldn't put her in a position where she would need to stab him to protect herself.' 'We didn't think this is how far it would have gone,' Tahki Banks said. 'Even that we really lost Christian only, it feels like we lost Courtney at the same time.' On April 1, Miami police were dispatched to Clenney's apartment for a domestic call, the publication learned from local law enforcement. No one was arrested, although officers noted bruises on Clenney's arms and legs. An investigation is ongoing, and authorities said they interviewed another woman who was involved in a 'physical altercation' with Obumseli. Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese have laid out their pitches to be Australia's prime minister with the incumbent calling an election for May 21. The prime minister met with Governor-General David Hurley in Yarralumla on Sunday morning to dissolve parliament and confirm the election date. The Liberal and Labor leaders posted well crafted videos attempting to play to the personalities of both men, with Mr Morrison identifying his love for the country while Mr Albanese gave a window into his life. They also wrote opinion pieces outlining the policies that set them apart and pointed to the claimed failures of their opponents. Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese have laid out their pitches to be Australia's prime minister with the incumbent heading to Canberra to formally call an election Mr Albanese wants Australia to become the world's 'renewable energy superpower' and wants to run on a campaign of positivity and forward-thinking 'Our government is not perfect. But we have been upfront. You know what we stand for, you can see our record of delivery, and you can see our plan for the future,' Mr Morrison wrote. 'We live in the greatest country in the world, but with a better government Australia can be even greater. We can aim higher and strive for more,' Mr Albanese countered. The current PM pointed to everything Australia has overcome during his tenure, citing the fires, floods, pandemic, and war. 'But set against those difficulties Australia, and Australians, have shown what we can overcome together. Unemployment was predicted to reach 15 per cent, but it is now just four per cent the equal lowest level in 48 years,' Mr Morrison penned. He said despite the struggles of the past two years, which include tens of thousands of deaths, skyrocketing cost of living prices, rising debt and the out of control housing market, Australia has maintained its perfect AAA credit rating and the 'biggest Budget turnaround in 70 years'. Mr Morrison said his government hasn't been 'perfect' but pointed to the success he had in navigating the country through the pandemic The PM noted the infrastructure plans in place, the investment in key sectors and strengthening defence forces and ally relationships. He admitted the election was one with 'real consequences' for Australia, and finished his editorial by attacking his Labor adversary. 'Anthony Albanese and Labor have no economic plan. They would weaken our economy and put our recovery at risk. Now is not the time to risk it. Only the Liberal and Nationals have a plan for a strong economy and a stronger future,' Mr Morrison wrote. Mr Albanese, who used his election campaign video to give an insight into his background and his journey into the highest level of politics, wrote that the country should be demanding more from its leaders. 'We live in the greatest country in the world, but with a better government Australia can be even greater. We can aim higher and strive for more,' he said. He said the country's success through managing the pandemic was the result of 'looking after each other' rather than any policies, and said that idea provided the backbone for Labor's promises. 'We live in the greatest country in the world, but with a better government Australia can be even greater. We can aim higher and strive for more,' Mr Albanese said Mr Albanese wants Australia to become the world's 'renewable energy superpower', moving away from the Liberals' dependence on fossil fuels without giving up the country's manufacturing history. 'Labor will campaign in coming weeks with a positive and forward-looking agenda,' he wrote. 'And most importantly, we will seek to unite the country, rather than look for division.' The sun is finally out after months of relentless rain and record floods along the east coast of Australia and some experts predict the run of wet weather is 'done'. NSW, Queensland and Victoria will finally get the chance to dry out after the soggy conditions with fine and sunny weather all week. 'There's not nearly as many showers coming through (for NSW),' Sky News Weather meteorologist Rob Sharpe said. 'Inland there are still some thunderstorms which will wrap as we move through the day on Sunday and there will only be the odd shower on the NSW coastline. 'And so by the end of the weekend, the wet weather is done'. Much of the country is in for clear skies this week, a welcome relief from months of rain (pictured) The sunny weather could be a chance for hit the beach before the cooler winter weather begins (pictured: Bondi earlier this year) Weatherzone meteorologist Andrew Schmidt agreed saying at least for the short term there shouldn't be any more intense rainfall in NSW. 'Generally speaking there'll be pretty clear skies across the board,' Mr Scmidt told Daily Mail Australia. 'It's looking mostly clear and calm for this week with very few showers or storms. 'There could be a chance of rain in the central western region towards the northern tablelands but nothing like what we've seen recently.' He said the only parts of the country in for significant rain are the lower part of Western Australia and the northeast of the country along the Northern Territory and Queensland coast. 'A trough and front crossing in southwest WA could produce some moisture and in Queensland there could be some rain around the Mackay region and further north,' Mr Schmidt said. 'But even up north the tropical rainfalls are not looking too heavy. 'In Victoria there's some cloud and maybe a few isolated showers early in the week.' Mr Schmidt added that while the La Nina weather pattern was still active, it was 'certainly weakening'. He said La Nina would likely not be officially 'inactive' until June or July as the country shifted into winter and there could be more rain beyond the fine weather of the next week. Temperatures across the rest of the country should also be fairly mild from this week. Melbourne is in for a maximum of 27C on Sunday to keep the fine weather going for the return of the Formula 1 grand prix. The forecast for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne is fine and partly cloudy. Pictured is Monegasque F1 driver and poll position holder Charles Leclerc (right) arriving at the Albert Park circuit On Saturday a crowd of 123,247 fans gathered in the sun to see the return of the international event after two years. Adelaide should have temperatures in the mid to high 20s, while rain is likely further west towards the WA border. Perth could also have some showers early in the week but will clear to fine weather and should also be in for a cool change with the mercury hovering in the mid 20s. Brisbane will be warmer with temperatures nearing 30C and should also have fine and sunny weather. And Darwin will be warmer around mid 30s but the tropical wet season rains will ease through the week. The sunny weather will be a welcome relief for Sydneysiders who have already endured a year's worth of rain - with nine months left to go. The Nepean and Hawkesbury Rivers in Sydney were under flood alert on the weekend with more than 1200 residents told to evacuate (pictured: the Woronora River flooding in Sydney's south on Friusay) NSW was hit by successive major floods in recent months, with the Northern Rivers area devastated by two deluges within weeks and Sydney enduring an almost constant drenching. At 9am on Thursday the city reached 1,214mm of recorded rainfall for the year - equal to the average for 12 months. Sydney also had its wettest March on record, with 537mm falling into the Observatory Hill gauge. Hundreds of NSW residents remained under evacuation orders on the first day of school holidays, with forecasts warning saturated catchments will take days to dry off. Heavy falls eased across much of NSW on Friday but minor flooding is likely to continue in parts of Sydney. River rises were still being observed along the Hawkesbury-Nepean system into Saturday and evacuation orders remained across at least 10 low-lying suburbs. Byron Bay in northern NSW was flooded in March after a deluge swept across the Northern Rivers of NSW (Pictured: People walking through floods in Byron Bay) The State Emergency Service said minor to moderate flooding continued on Saturday at Menangle, Wallacia, Penrith, North Richmond, Windsor, and Sackville. Rising water levels were observed along the Upper Colo River and minor flooding still a factor at Putty Road, with a similar situation possible along the Macdonald River. Water continues to spill at Warragamba Dam. On the opening day of the Easter school break, about 1,200 people were abiding by evacuation orders and another 1,500 had been warned they may still need to leave. Nato is preparing to deploy a permanent full-scale military force on its eastern flank capable of repelling a Russian invasion similar to the one that has ravaged Ukraine, the alliance's secretary general has revealed. Currently, Nato only deploys a relatively small 'tripwire' force in the Baltic states that border Russia and Belarus, which is intended to signal a commitment to the countries' defence rather than a credible defence in its own right. As part of Nato's major 'reset', this symbolic presence will be replaced by one capable of beating the Russian army back without reinforcements needing to be called in from across the alliance. Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in the Telegraph that Nato was 'in the midst of a very fundamental transformation' that will reflect 'the long-term consequences' of Vladimir Putin's actions. He pointed out that Nato troop numbers in the eastern flank were already at 40,000, nearly ten times greater than they were a few months ago before the invasion. 'What we see now is a new reality, a new normal for European security. Therefore, we have now asked our military commanders to provide options for what we call a reset, a longer-term adaptation of Nato. I expect that Nato leaders will make decisions on this when they meet in Madrid at the Nato summit in June.' NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (above) has announced that the current forces stationed in the Baltic countries facing Russia and Belarus will receive serious upgrades The announcement comes on the same day Boris Johnson paid a surprise visit to wartorn Kyiv for face-to-face meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky The secretary general's disclosure about upgrades to its eastern forces came on the day that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson became the first G7 leader to make a visit to Kyiv for in-person meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Prime Minister announced after the meeting a fresh tranche of British military assistance in the form of 120 armoured vehicles plus anti-ship missiles. Mr Johnson said the UK would also guarantee an additional 385 million in World Bank lending to the country, taking Britain's total loan guarantee to 760 million. The visit was planned in total secrecy for security reasons, with only half a dozen Downing Street staff understood to have known about it until the Embassy of Ukraine to the UK tweeted a picture of the Prime Minister face-to-face with Mr Zelensky and the comment 'surprise' and a winking face emoji. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson travelled to Kyiv to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky in an unannounced visit. A picture shared by the Embassy of Ukraine to the UK on Twitter showed the pair sitting across a table in the country's capital, with their respective flags in the room PM Boris Johnson praised the Ukrainian troops' staunch resistance that has 'defied odds' in rebuffing Russia's advance towards the capital of Kyiv This tweet above from the Ukrainian Embassy to the UK was the first the the new about Boris Johnson's presence in the Ukrainian capital, and in the process the first G7 leader to visit Kyiv in person On Saturday night, Mr Johnson said: 'Ukraine has defied the odds and pushed back Russian forces from the gates of Kyiv, achieving the greatest feat of arms of the 21st century.' In a joint television appearance with Mr Zelensky, he added: 'I think that the Ukrainians have shown the courage of a lion, and you Volodymyr have given the roar of that lion. 'Having been here in Kyiv for just a few hours, I have no doubt at all that an independent sovereign Ukraine will rise again thanks above all to the heroism, the courage of the people of Ukraine.' After their meeting, Zelensky wrote: 'The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson is one of the most principled opponents of the Russian invasion, a leader in sanctions pressure on Russia and defence support of Ukraine. Welcome to Kyiv, my friend.' As well as the additional equipment Mr Johnson also confirmed further economic support, guaranteeing an additional 385million in World Bank lending to Ukraine, taking total UK loan guarantees to 770million. Johnson's visit makes him the first G7 leader to visit Kyiv since Putin launched his invasion, and follows trips to Kyiv by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Friday and the visit of the Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer earlier on Saturday. Britain has been one of Ukraine's staunchest allies and supporters and Mr Stoltenberg urged other Nato countries to emulate this behaviour to supply Ukraine with the weapons it needs to fight the Russian army. Earlier in March Nato forces carried out training exercises in Lithuania. Currently, Nato only deploys a relatively small 'tripwire' force in the Baltic states that border Russia and Belarus Members of the Lithuanian Armed forces during Saber Strike military training last month. Lithuania is scheduled to receive a bulked up Nato presence within its borders The current symbolic Nato presence will be replaced by one capable beating the Russian army back without reinforcements needing to be called in from across the alliance He indicated his agreement with Mr Zelensky that certain Nato countries such as Germany were making a false distinction between defensive weapons and offensive ones, which they are unwilling to supply for fear of escalating tensions with Russia. Mr Stoltenberg said: 'Everything Ukraine does with different types of weapons is defensive, it is about defending themselves against the atrocities, against the invasion, against a brutal use of military force against their own country.' Mr Stoltenberg also said that he would 'welcome' more military expenditure from Britain - as some some Conservative MPs and ministers have pressured - but, as it is a country which already meets its minimum two per cent of GDP expenditure requirement, his focus was on other alliance members who were yet to meet it. Is LATVIA in Putin's crosshairs? Kremlin rants against 'neo-Nazis' in the Baltic state in chilling echo of Moscow's threats to Ukraine BY KAYA TERRY FOR MAILONLINE Putin's deranged regime branded Latvia a 'neo-Nazi' state in a chilling echo of Moscow's threats to Ukraine after the Baltic state made May 9 a day of remembrance for victims of Russian aggression. In an extraordinary rant, Moscow called Riga's decision to commemorate Ukrainian war victims next month - on the same day as Russia's Victory Day to mark the surrender of Nazi Germany - 'blasphemous'. Latvian MPs passed the legislation to draw attention to ' Russia's military aggression'. Latvian national flags will be raised alongside Ukrainian flags at every residence and government building. According to Kremlin-backed media, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called the decision 'an attempt to humiliate the Russian-speaking community living in Latvia, which cherishes the memory of the exploits of anti-fascist heroes'. Maria Zakharova (pictured), the Director of the Information and Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, called it 'an attempt to humiliate the Russian-speaking community living in Latvia' The Latvian Seimas passed the legislation to draw attention to 'Russia's military aggression' and will adorn national flags with black ribbon, which will be raised at every residence and government building. Latvian national flags will also be raised alongside Ukrainian flags at the Riga Castle, Saeima building and the Cabinet of Ministers building The Russian Foreign Ministry has heavily criticised Latvia's decision to commemorate Ukrainian war victims on May 9 and branded it 'blasphemous' - as it is the same day Moscow holds its annual Victory Day parade to mark the Nazis surrender in WWII. Pictured: Victory Day parade in Moscow, 2021 Pictured: Russian President Vladimir Putin greets veterans before a military parade on Victory Day in 2021 She added: 'The blasphemous decision of the Latvian parliamentarians is subject to strong condemnation by all sensible forces not only in Russia, but throughout the world. 'At the same time, this legislative act is not surprising, since the ruling regime in Latvia has long been well known for its neo-Nazi preferences and attempts to whitewash the atrocities of Nazi Germany 's henchmen. 'Just as Riga in every possible way covers the crimes of the Kiev regime against civilians in Ukraine and Donbas. We are convinced that that history will put everything in its place.' The bill will also not allow the organisation of any public celebrations and says there will be no issue of permits for public events. It comes as a former senior officer in the Russian army laid out a battle plan on state TV which includes the Russian army invading the NATO Baltic states and parts of Sweden, a politically neutral country. Speaking live on TV channel Rossiya 1, retired Russian military Colonel gestured to the map showing Gotland, Sweden's largest island with a population of around 58,595, circled in red. Colonel Igor Korotchenko, formerly of the Russian General Staff and air force and currently a reserve officer, outlined on TV channel Rossiya 1 how a Russain invasion of the Baltic states might look The map shows a plan where Russian forces would push up from Kaliningrad and close the Suwalki corridor separating Poland and Lithuania, blocking NATO reinforcements Pointing a the map, Colonel Igor Korotchenko, formerly of the Russian General Staff and air force and currently a reserve officer, said at the start of the invasion 'a massive Russian radio-electronic strike is inflicted' as 'all Nato radars go blind and see nothing', according to the Sun. This was how the scenario for capturing the countries might look, he added. Sweden has been politically neutral throughout its recent history, but Russia's invasion of Ukraine brought the prospect of the Nordic country joining NATO to the fore of political discussion. Russia has threatened Sweden and Finland over NATO membership repeatedly since the invasion began. 'At this time, on the Swedish island Gotland, Russian military planes land, delivering S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, and Bastion coastal anti-ship systems,' said Colonel Korotchenko. In the video, a border area labelled the 'Suwalki gap' is shown - the gap between Belarus and Russia's Kaliningrad exclave, a leftover territory annexed from Germany after the Second World War. Colonel Korotchenko explained how Russia would push up from Kaliningrad towards the Suwalki corridor separating Poland and Lithuania, blocking NATO reinforcements from the West. NATO forces take part in the Cold Response drills in Norway, which happen every two years Armoured vehicles of NATO's rapid reaction force brigade in Norway for the military exercise Cold Response 22 arrive at Borg Havn in Fredrikstad, Norway 'The astonished West and NATO will know that Russia declares a no-fly zone of 400km,' added the enthused Colonel. The entire Baltic Sea would then by open to Russian forces, he said on live TV. The scenario ends with the new Baltic states governments pledging allegiance to Moscow while Sweden agrees to perpetual neutrality and a 99-year lease on Gotland. The program went out on Russian television as the end of last year but was posted by Ukrainian government advisor Anton Gerashchenko. Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin hopes to have a battlefield win in eastern Ukraine within the next month so he can celebrate it on Russia's annual Victory Day parade in Moscow. US officials said the alleged war criminal wants to coincide a victory with the parade in Red Square on May 9. The Yars mobile intercontinental ballistic missile launcher moves to Red Square during the military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War on June 24, 2020 in Moscow, Russia TOS-1A Solntsepyok (Blazing Sun) multiple thermobaric rocket launchers during the Victory Day military parade in Red Square marking the 75th anniversary of the victory in World War II, on June 24, 2020 in Moscow, Russia Russian service members march during a military parade on Victory Day, which marks the 76th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in Red Square in central Moscow, Russia May 9, 2021 They said it could explain why the Russian despot's forces have pulled back from the Kyiv region to concentrate on the east of Ukraine after weeks of fighting, The Times reported. It is likely Putin thinks a battlefield win in the Donbas region in the east of Ukraine is more realistic because more of the existing Ukrainian population there is pro-Russian. Officials also think the relocation of Russian troops could be in anticipation of warmer weather that will make it harder to move tanks and armoured vehicles through the Ukrainian countryside. They believe if Russia focuses on the east of Ukraine, Putin's forces could remain there for a number of months. Ukrainian officials also think the Victory Day parade will be central to Putin's Plan B for the invasion, after the Russian tyrant's original strategy failed. Former President Donald Trump on Saturday evening announced he was endorsing TV surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz in the bitter contest to become the Republican nominee for a U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania. 'Great guy, good man,' he told a rally crowd in Selma, North Carolina. 'Harvard educated, tremendous, tremendous career.' Dr. Oz brings broad name recognition to a contest that could decide overall control of the Senate in November's midterms - a fact not lost on Trump, who said his 18 years in TV were like winning an opinion poll. The Trump endorsement could break a deadlock in the Pennsylvania race. Oz has been neck and neck with David McCormick, a former hedge fund chief executive, and both had visited Trump in Mar-a-Lago as they vied for the backing of the most powerful voice in the Republican Party. Trump announced his endorsement at a rally in Selma, North Carolina on Saturday night Insiders said the endorsement was Oz's to lose as Melania Trump is a big fan. Oz is on the far right, seen here with the Trumps and Piers Morgan on the left But insiders said it had been Oz's endorsement to lose particularly as former first lady Melania Trump was known to be a big fan. 'He has lived with us through the screen and has always been popular, respected, and smart, said Trump in an emailed statement. 'He even said that I was in extraordinary health, which made me like him even more (although he also said I should lose a couple of pounds!).' Trump appeared on the Dr Oz show to discuss his health before the 2016 election, revealing that he weight 236lb, in a segment that clearly still rankles. On the Democratic side, Pennsylvania's progressive lieutenant governor, John Fetterman, is locked in a race against Congressman Conor Lamb, a moderate representing the northwestern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Democrats believe a bad-tempered Republican contest could give them victory in November in an election to replace retiring Republican Senator Pat Toomey. 'The Republican Senate primary in Pennsylvania was already nasty, expensive and brutal. Now Trumps endorsement will only intensify this intra-party fight, just like it has in GOP Senate primaries across the country leaving their ultimate nominee badly damaged and out of step with the voters who will decide the general election,' said Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesperson Patrick Burgwinkle. Biden narrowly won Pennsylvania in the 2020 election but Republicans made gains in the state legislature leaving November's election as a tight race. Trump said Oz was a winner with strong conservative credentials. 'Dr. Oz is Pro-Life, very strong on crime, the border, election fraud, our great military, and our vets, tax cuts, and will always fight for and support our under-siege Second Amendment,' he said. 'He will ensure America will become energy independent again. Dr. Oz also passionately believes in high-quality education and protecting parent involvement throughout the process. 'Perhaps most importantly, I believe that Mehmet Oz will be the one most able to win the General Election against a Radical Left Democrat looking to do unthinkable harm to our country.' Trump's speech in North Carolina was part of an effort to boost the fortunes of local candidates. The crowd gathers for Trump's rally in Selma, North Carolina, on Saturday night where he will back Republican senate candidate Ted Budd Since Biden took office in January 2021, CBP has encountered more than 2.2 million migrants and the border and that number could as much as triple with the end of Title 42 next month And over the course of 60 minutes he also delivered a greatest hits collection of themes - the witch hunt against him, President Joe Biden's failing as president, and his unsubstantiated claims he won the 2020 election. And with the number of migrants arriving at the southern border surging, he attacked Biden's handling of immigration and in particular the decision to end a public health restriction that has been used to quickly expel people entering illegally. 'With last weeks announcement that the Biden administration will rescind the crucial Title 42 protections I put into place to quickly remove illegal aliens ... Biden is willfully opening the floodgates to a tidal wave of illegal immigration the likes of which the world has never seen before,' he said. The Title 42 order was imposed in March 2020 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of the pandemic response. It allowed border officials to quickly expel migrants without giving them a chance to apply for asylum as part of an effort to control the spread of COVID-19. The CDC is due to lift the order on May 23, triggering a political fight amid fears that it could trigger a wave of new arrivals. Kim Hyun-sook, the nominee for gender equality minister, speaks during a press conference at the transition team's headquarters in Seoul, April 10. Yonhap Gender Minister nominee Kim Hyun-sook is a tax and pension expert who was deeply involved in reforming pension policy during the previous conservative administration of President Park Geun-hye. If confirmed, Kim, 55, will be tasked with leading a ministry that President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol pledged to abolish during his campaign. The ministry has been the subject of a heated debate about whether it has been serving its proper function. But the ministry will be kept for now, along with the rest of the current government layout, as the Yoon administration seeks to avoid clashing with the National Assembly, where the outgoing administration's party holds a huge majority. Government reorganization can only take place through the passage of relevant legislation. When asked about the ministry's abolition, Kim said Sunday it was still too early to say when the ministry will be "reorganized." The former lawmaker said she dealt with the ministry when she served on the National Assembly Gender Equality and Family Committee but that a new era calls for new solutions to gender and generational conflicts, and family diversity issues. "I will collect people's opinions so as to ensure the ministry is transformed into a new ministry that humbly communicates with the people, harmonizes with the opposition party and opens up a future," she said during a press conference at the transition team's headquarters. A graduate of Seoul National University and the University of Illinois, Kim served as the senior presidential secretary for employment and welfare under Park. In that capacity, she pushed legislation on labor reform. She also served on Park's transition team and crafted policy for women. In 2017, Kim returned to teach economics at Soongsil University before joining Yoon's primary campaign to provide policy assistance on economic, social and welfare issues. Following Yoon's election, she was named as a special adviser for policy. (Yonhap) A new guide has urged professors at Durham University to make their maths curriculum 'more inclusive' and to consider the 'cultural origins' of concepts they teach, it has emerged. The prestigious institution, ranked seventh in the UK for their maths curriculum, asked academics to question themselves if they are citing 'mostly white or male' mathematicians in a bid to 'decolonise' the syllabus and make the topic 'more open'. All staff have been asked to 'consider giving short biographies' of the research they will be citing within the module to ensure the subject 'can be used to assist in trying to achieve equality'. The guide says that if mathematicians are 'almost completely (or even completely) white and/or male, ask yourself why they are. See if you can find contributions to the field from mathematicians of other genders/ethnicities'. A new guide has urged professors at Durham University (pictured) to make their maths curriculum 'more inclusive' and to consider the 'cultural origins' of concepts they teach The prestigious institution, ranked seventh in the UK for their maths curriculum, asked academics to question themselves if they are citing 'mostly white or male' mathematicians in a bid to 'decolonise' the syllabus. Pictured: Durham University The guide says that if mathematicians are 'almost completely (or even completely) white and / or male, ask yourself why they are' According to The Telegraph, Durham University scientists were asked to investigate how the 'power of 10, represented by the word "billion", 'differs from country to country', and how ancient Indian astronomer Brahmagupta 'assigned a different meaning to the value of zero.' On their website, the university said decolonising the mathematical curriculum 'means considering the cultural origins of the mathematical concepts, focuses, and notation we most commonly use.' Professors were also asked to 'consider whether you can present the context outside of a Western frame of reference' when using examples to explain puzzles. The guide uses an example of Simpsons paradox, which is illustrated by two examples from the western world - survivors of the Titanic and enrolment in an American University. It says the statistical module could also be explained using the under-representation of Maori in New Zealand jury pools 'to discuss how maths can be used to aid attempts to secure equality'. The institution added: 'It involves ensuring the global project to expand our understanding of mathematics genuinely global, and frankly assessing the disciplines failures past and present to work toward that aim. 'The question of whether we have allowed western mathematicians to dominate in our discipline is no less relevant than whether we have allowed western authors to dominate the field of literature. 'It may even be important, if only because mathematics is rather more central to the advancement of science than is literature'. Durham University students staged a protest last December at South College for a 'safer more inclusive Durham University' after columnist Rod Liddle's appearance at the college At the time, South College principal Professor Tim Luckhurst (pictured) was criticised for yelling 'pathetic' as students left the talk A Durham University spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Mathematical Sciences at Durham are a rigorous and comprehensive discipline. 'The maths curriculum our students learn remains the same, and we also encourage students to be more aware of the global and diverse origins of the subject, and the range of cultural settings that have shaped it. Two plus two will always equal four.' It comes as the university has said it will undertake a review into its policies for inviting external speakers, following a dramatic row in the aftermath of students walking out of an after-dinner speech by columnist Rod Liddle's in December. But protesters said the university is seeking a 'systemic cover-up' of the controversy, following comments Mr Liddle reportedly made, arguing it has failed to support marginalised students throughout. At the time, South College principal Professor Tim Luckhurst was criticised for yelling 'pathetic' as students left the talk, even though most were unaware that Mr Liddle would be speaking when they chose to attend. He stepped back from his duties, but has since resumed them at the start of the academic term. Pictured is the Bronx teen charged with fatally shooting a 16-year-old outside her Bronx high school Friday, the latest in a string of shootings in the Big Apple. Jeremiah Ryan, 17, was charged with murder, attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon on Saturday by the NYPD in the killing of Angellyh Yambo, 16. The teen was reportedly identified a tracked down to his Bronx apartment early Saturday by investigators who scoured hours of surveillance video from the scene. When cops arrived at the suspect's apartment, sources said, lawmen reportedly witnessed the teen throw a bag containing a ghost gun- a homemade firearm that can be built with parts bought online and lacks a serial number used to trace it - out his window. He is expected to appear in court Sunday. 'It was less than 24 hours ago that this Bronx neighborhood experienced a serious and tragic sense of loss of a young life. An act of violence by an emboldened individual that also wounded two young New Yorkers,' Sewell said at a news conference at the borough's 40th Precinct. 'While Angellyhs loved ones are devastated, we can pray that this arrest brings them some sense of solace,' the commissioner said. The child's mother, Yamely Henriquez, 41, mourned the loss of only daughter Saturday, saying 'My baby was an innocent bystander.' Jeremiah Ryan, 17, had been charged with fatally shooting a 16-year-old outside her Bronx high school Friday, Her 'devastated' family said Yambo was never one to be found on the streets and was a straight-A student (pictured in 2020) 'She was walking home from school,' Henriquez said. 'She was a good student, a good girl. She wasnt in the streets. Our kids arent even safe walking from a place where they get their education.' The mourning mom added that the family had just celebrated Yambos 16th birthday days ago. 'My baby was everything to me,' she said of the killing. 'Im devastated, Im broken. Half of me is gone,' Henriquez, who also has two sons, said of the killing, which occurred when the teen was walking home from University Prep Charter High School Friday. 'Where are they getting these guns?' an anguished Henriquez, who also urged city officials to 'stop this violence,' lamented. Yambo, a freshman who started high school in the fall, was slain a block from the Bronx high school, cops said Friday. Two other teens aged 16 and 17, a girl and a boy, respectively, were also shot by the suspect, and are expected to survive, cops said. Both were walking in the vicinity of Yambo went the shots went off, cops said. The male victim, who was shot in the leg, is the cousin of Channel 4 reporter Myles Miller, the journalist said on social media Saturday. He was seen leaving Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx on crutches Saturday afternoon. 'Hes in good spirits. Hell be alright,' a family member told the Post. According to cops, Ryan, who was arrested at his home early Saturday, pulled out the weapon and started shooting after an argument with four other men roughly half-a-block from the crime scene. When officers went to Ryans home around 12:30 am, the alleged shooter slammed the door on them, sources told The New York Post. He has since begun cooperating with police. The teen was reportedly identified a tracked down to his Bronx apartment early Saturday by investigators who scoured hours of surveillance video from the scene Six shell casings were reportedly recovered from the scene, cops said. Homicide detectives seen leaving Ryan's home Saturday reportedly left with four large bags of evidence, The Post reported. During the arrest, patrol officers downstairs saw the suspect drop a bag out of his apartment window as cops arrived, sources told the paper. The bag contained a gun, believed to be an untraceable Polymer80 ghost gun- a homemade firearm that can be built with parts bought online and lacks a serial number normally used to trace it, the Post reported. Police previously said they had been investigating whether the shooting suspect, who has no criminal record, was using the so-called 'ghost gun' Police have yet to directly tie the gun to Yambos killing, The Post reported. Sources Saturday told the paper that Ryan was not a gang member, but had fallen in with the wrong crowd. Ryans grandfather, Ricardo Santiago, 70, told The Post his grandson was a good kid who was attending school. He said his daughter called to tell him he had been picked up by police. 'I said What the hell when she called,' the grandfather said. 'It was so sudden its unbelievable. I dont think he did it. They just got him at the precinct trying to scare him. Thats how the police do things. Im born and raised in the Bronx. I know.' Henriquez, meanwhile, said Saturday that the arrest 'wont bring my baby back' and urged city officials to 'stop this violence' amid an unprecedented crime wave that can be traced back to the start of the pandemic. NYPD Dep. Chief Timothy McCormack said Saturday of the killing: 'We have two families that are completely destroyed right now - our victim's family and our shooter's family.' Yambo was walking at around 2 p.m. when she was struck in the chest with a wayward bullet, having evidently been caught in the crossfire of a conflict between Ryan and the other men, who have not yet been identified by police. Yambo was subsequently rushed to Lincoln Medical Center after emergency personnel were seen performing chest compressions on her in the street as blood pooled around her. Yambo could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Angellyh Yambo, 16, (pictured in 2020) was walking home with two others around 2pm on Friday when she was struck in the chest with a bullet Her devastated family told the New York Post that Yambo was never one to be found on the streets and was a straight-A student who enjoyed her school work. 'She was a girl who went to school and came straight home. She was never in the street. She was one of the sweetest girls youd ever meet,' her aunt Margarita Yambo told the Post. 'She was a beautiful soul. She was a straight-A student. She had her whole life in front of her.' Another female, 16, and her male, 17, who have not been identified, were struck in the shin and buttocks, respectively, cops said. They are reportedly in stable condition. Police believe the children were not the intended targets. Elvia Henriquez, 36, the victim's other aunt, said 'loving and caring' Yambo's mother was 'still in shock' and 'has not said much.' 'She's in very big disbelief at the moment,' Henriquez told the New York Post. Yambo's childhood best friend, Hazel Cheeseboro, said: 'Her mom was heartbroken. She is trying to hang in there, but shes not feeling that great. I mean, she just lost her daughter, but shes trying. 'She didnt deserve to be put down the way she was... I am heartbroken. She always looked at the bright side, never the bad side of anything. That was her,' she told the newspaper. The girl's mother reportedly arrived on the scene after first responders were unable to resuscitate her daughter. 'The mother was screaming hysterically. The police were holding her back,' a superintendent of a nearby building told the New York Post. 'I felt her pain in her scream. There is nothing stronger than a mothers scream.' Her aunt said the young 'loving and caring' girl was fond of making and was getting good at it (pictured in 2020) Besides being a straight-A student, Yambo (pictured in 2019) reportedly was a shoulder to lean on, her friend said. And she enjoyed playing Call of Duty and Fortnite and listening to Beyonce and Rihanna Yambo (pictured with family in 2018) was a big sister to three brothers and her mother is reportedly in 'disbelief' over her daughter's tragic passing. Her mother reportedly arrived on the scene after first responders were unable to resuscitate her and was seen screaming and being held back by police Yambo's three younger brothers are also reportedly 'having a really hard time' dealing with their sister's death. Margarita described the girl as 'a great big sister' and added that her niece 'loved makeup' and was getting good at it. Besides being a straight-A student, Yambo reportedly was a shoulder to lean on, her friend said. And she enjoyed playing Call of Duty and Fortnite, and listening to Beyonce and Rihanna. She had just started at University Prep High School as a ninth-grader and had told Cheeseboro only a week ago how she was excited about making new friends and getting a summer job, the New York Post reported. The shooting occurred outside University Heights High School's South Bronx Campus on East 156th Street and St. Ann's Avenue. Police told the New York Daily News that the gunman had been arguing with someone across the street, when he pulled out the weapon and opened fire. None of the teens were the intended target. Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell described the fatality victim as 'a young woman with a bright future.' Yambo (pictured on Friday) was shot and killed and two others were injured outside of the South Bronx High School as they walked home from school Police are seen investigating the scene on Friday afternoon around 1.45pm Police roped of the area where a 16-year-old girl was shot and killed outside of the South Bronx High School on Friday. Police were seen performing chest compressions on the girl as blood pooled around her A man at the scene reacts as he sees the body of the 16-year-old girl Authorities set up little cones on the scene. Two others - a male, 17, and female, 16 - were also injured in the buttock and shin, respectively and all three teens were rushed to the hospital New York City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell (middle) held a press conference outside the scene on Friday Six shots were reportedly fired in a westbound direction from the suspect who was standing on the east side of the street. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, 61, was notified and left the Yankees home opener game early after hearing about it, his press secretary said on Twitter. Attorney General Letitia James, 63, to the horror on Twitter, writing: 'This is devastating. Yet another shooting in our city, yet another young life taken too soon. The incident is the latest in a string of shootings in the currently crime-ridden Big Apple 'I'm sending my deepest condolences to the family of this young girl and I'm praying for the full recovery of the other two teenagers who were shot.' The family is now calling for police in the streets, as they fear gun violence, which hs risen significantly in the city. 'Im scared every single day to go outside because of this gun violence,' Margarita told the New York Post. 'Put more cops in the street, every corner. I dont know. I dont know. This isnt something that should have happened 'I hope they find these animals. Turn themselves in or I hope the cops get them and they serve a lifetime in jail.' Henriquez agreed, stating: 'Be mindful of what youre doing during a dispute. Think before you do anything. People, innocent people are losing their lives over situations that are not worth it.' The scene was rope off with caution tape as police investigate Police are now looking for a man who drove away westbound and was last seen wearing a gray tracksuit and black vest Police have said the teens were not the intended target of the shooting and that six shots were fired A Bronx local Freddy Brown said it was 'unbelievable,' but he was wasn't 'surprised.' 'No, it's not a surprise, because you hear shots all the time in this area,' the unidentified local said. 'But it's surprising to hear it's three young kids in the area. You don't hear about young teenagers getting shot in the area, but it happens all over now.' Bronx worker Eddie Rosado also agreed with Brown's statements saying: 'It's getting to the point now where it's an every day thing. When I was a teenager, this stuff wasn't going on this much, it's crazy.' Rosado said he was 'definitely not' surprised, but he felt safe 'for the most part, because I grew up in the Bronx.' 'It's my environment, but when stuff happens like this so close, it's a little rough, it's hard,' he said. NYC crime is up almost 50 percent compared to last year and shooting victims have risen 14.5 percent. 'We need more patrol in the area,' Brown said. 'I'm scared for my grandkids.' The shooting happened on East 156th Street outside of the South Bronx High School (pictured) The teens were taken to Lincoln Medical Center, where one girl, 16, succumbed to her injuries. The other girl was shot in the shin and the male was shot in the buttocks. They were reportedly not the intended targets of the drive-by shooting New York AG called the tragedy 'devastating' and said 'another young life [was] taken too soon' Yambos killing was the latest in a string of shooting involving juvenile victims. A 12-year-old died in Brooklyn earlier this week as he and his 20-year-old cousin Jenna Ellis and another female relative, 8, were sitting in a car eating Boston Market when a shooter shot several bullets into their car. Kade Lewin was shot in the head and chest with multiple bullets after he and two relatives pulled over to eat their Boston Market food on East 56th Street and Linden Boulevard in East Flatbush at around 7:45 p.m. on Thursday. He was pronounced dead at the scene after the shooter fired 11 bullets into the Toyota Corolla. His cousin Jenna Ellis, 20, who was sitting in the driver's seat, was hit in the upper leg and right cheek. She was rushed to Kings County Hospital where she is expected to survive, but remains in critical condition. She had recently gotten her license and was driving Lewin's mother's car. Lewin and Ellis were reportedly very close and saw each other frequently. The eight-year-old relative was left uninjured. In another incident, a three-year-old girl who was struck while leaving her day care in Brownsville last month. The Queensland Human Rights Commission has told the Supreme Court vaccination mandates on teachers and early childcare workers are unjustified. The Supreme Court heard the QHRC believes Queensland Chief Health officer John Gerrard acted outside of his power by mandating vaccination for teachers without considering less harsh alternatives. The QHRC made a submission as an intervener in the Supreme Court case against vaccine mandates by three groups of teachers and early childcare workers who were suspended. The Supreme Court heard the QHRC believes Queensland Chief Health officer John Gerrard acted outside of his power by mandating vaccination for teachers and early childcare workers Vaccine mandates have been the subject of several major protests in Queensland since late last year 'The right not to be subjected to non-consensual medical treatment has clearly been limited by the directions and, on the evidence, other rights also,' the submission read. The vaccine mandate means teachers and early childcare workers who do not provide proof of vaccination cannot enter their workplaces or 'high risk settings'. Counsel for QHRC said Dr Gerrard's right to give health orders was based on him showing 'reasonable and demonstrably justifiable limits upon human rights'. The QHRC counsel alleged Dr Gerrard's most recent direction on February 4 did not comply with section 58(1) of the Human Rights Act 'On the present evidence the limits on human rights imposed by the current CHO direction are not demonstrably justified and so, the direction was outside of power,' the submission argued. Counsel claimed Dr Gerrard's most recent direction on February 4 did not comply with section 58(1) of the Human Rights Act. The sections stated 'it is unlawful for a public entity in making a decision, to fail to give proper consideration to a human right relevant to the decision'. The QHRC claimed Dr Gerrard did not consider the voluntary vaccination rates of teachers and early childcare workers or options like thrice-weekly RAT testing and the use of face masks before making his direction. The submission also claims Dr Gerrard failed to give a timeframe for when the mandate would be lifted or considered how effective the vaccine is against Covid variants - like Omicron. Justice Jean Dalton recently ruled Dr Gerrard's health orders were considered legislative decisions, not administrative, but her judgement has been appealed. A pub owner is under investigation over claims poker machine addicts were fed free booze and weekly cash handouts up to $1,050 to keep them hooked on gambling. Two pokie players and a former employee of Marlow Hotel Group - which owns several Sydney bars - claim the company offered problem gamblers perks to entice them back to their pubs. Under NSW legislation, prizes and promotions for poker machine players are permitted so long as they remain under $1,000 in value and cannot be exchanged for cash. However, the trio allege hardcore punters were given secretive reward cards with a $150 daily credit, which could be withdrawn as cash or used to buy food or cigarettes. They claim the daily allowance was comprised of three $50 amounts for players to use at three of their venues: The Bank Tavern in Kogarah, Intersection Hotel in Ramsgate, and the Royal Hotel in Carlton. Marlow Hotel Group, which owns Royal Hotel (pictured), the Bank Tavern, and Intersection Hotel is under investigation over allegations of illegal gambling reward schemes Marlow Hotel Group boss Jason Marlow said the cards were no longer in operation, telling the Daily Telegraph 'the loyalty program is not in existence it was abandoned more than three years ago in 2019'. Liquor and Gaming NSW launched a probe into the company to determine whether any laws were breached. The scheme was allegedly available to about 15 to 20 players at each of the pubs. The former employee said big spenders were provided with lots of free beverages and food 'that was just run off as wastage or promotion/miscellaneous on the books'. He said it was difficult to see patrons leaving broken after haemorrhaging large amounts of cash, with some people losing $10,000 in a session. 'A woman came in who inherited a nice house on a corner block in Kogarah,' he said. 'It was probably worth more than $1 million. She sold the house and three years later she was broke because she gambled everything.' Marlow Hotel Group boss Jason Marlow (pictured) said the loyalty program was 'abandoned in 2019' A married father who said he lost $1 million to pokies over the past decade said the 'appalling' cards led to him gambling more. He said the alleged scheme was well known around the pubs allegedly involved, although it was kept hush-hush. Another former patron said they lost $600,000 between 2015 to 2020, mainly at the three bars, and the alleged cash handouts did not compare to how much money bigtime players put through the machines. They said they called the pub and requested self-exclusion, however, they were still let in to the Carlton pub. Liquor and Gaming NSW said it 'is reviewing this matter to determine if the rewards scheme breaches the Gaming Machines Act'. 'In some circumstances, venues can operate a rewards scheme whereby gaming machine players can gain points to be redeemed for promotional prizes valued at less than $1,000,' it said. A former employee claims big spenders were given free food, drinks, and cash handouts to entice them back to the venue. Pictured: Royal Hotel Carlton 'The prizes must not be cash or be able to be exchanged or redeemed for cash.' The regulator said venues were also prohibited from providing alcohol as an inducement to gamble or to gamble more frequently. 'Liquor and Gaming NSW regularly monitors venues rewards schemes to ensure they are lawful and do not increase risks of gambling-related harm,' it said. Parramatta Rose and Crown Hotel, which is also owned by the Marlow Hotel Group, was fined $107,358 in February after allegedly loaning money from the safe to gamblers and offering free alcohol and cigarettes. The Liquor and Gaming NSW investigation found the venue gave $145,000 in credit and debit withdrawals from the bar's eftpos machine between 2017 and 2018. Daily Mail Australia contacted Marlow Hotel Group for comment. A Florida boy was shot and killed while he and his friends allegedly took turns shooting each other while wearing a bulletproof vest. Colton Whitler and Joshua Vining, both 17, were arrested Thursday in connection with the shooting death of their friend, 16-year-old Christopher Leroy Broad Jr. The two teens are being tried as adults, according to the Belleview Police Department. It's not clear how they obtained the firearm or the body armor. 'I saw a teenage boy come outside all hysterical screaming,' said Joe Vanhouten, a neighbor who witness the aftermath of the fatal shooting. 'A sad deal that teenage boys being I guess being teenagers, not realizing the possible consequences of what they were doing.' Scroll down for video Pictured: Joshua Vining, 17, was arrested Thursday and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm Colton Whitler, 17, pictured, was charged with providing false information to law enforcement The teens were allegedly taking turns wearing a bulletproof vest, like the ones pictured above (exact vest not pictured) Police on scene during Sunday's fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy The shooting took place in Belleview, about 70 miles northwest of Orlando), where officers responded to a dispatch call on Sunday. There, police said they found the boy inside the home with a gunshot wound. He was rushed a nearby hospital, where he later died. Another friend who was present at the time of the shooting, 18-year-old Evan Vowell, reportedly took video of the incident, which was later given to law enforcement, according to Click Orlando. He told authorities that Vining had initiated the deadly game after bringing out a bulletproof vest and a handgun. Vowell's video reportedly recorded Vining asking: 'Has anyone ever seen anyone get shot with a bulletproof vest on?' It also reportedly showed Broad Jr. taking the first shot at Vining as he wore the body armor while Whitler stood nearby. Cops interview friends and family members at the Belleview home where Broad Jr. was accidentally shot and killed Sunday The two switched as Broad Jr. put on the vest and the video allegedly shows Vining taking the gun and shooting him once. After Broad Jr. gives a nod Vining, he allegedly shoots him four more times, according to the clip. Police say the video and Vowell's statement contradicted Whitler's statement after he told police 'my house just got shot up, my friend got shot in the chest.' Whitler, who was reported as a witness to the shooting, had also said that Vowell had shot Broad Jr., however police said the evidence said otherwise. Vining has since been charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm, while Whitler was charged with providing false information to law enforcement. Federal Labor may be well ahead in opinion polls but that's not good enough for opposition frontbencher Jason Clare. 'We need to win seats,' Mr Clare told Sky News' Sunday Agenda program. 'I think we have all learnt the hard way not to trust polls.' Speaking just hours before Prime Minister Scott Morrison is due to meet the governor-general to finally kick-off the election, Mr Clare expects a tight and tough campaign. Opposition frontbencher Jason Clare said opinion polls aren't everything and holds hope Labor's Anthony Albanese will win upcoming federal election But he believes voters are sick of the 'lies and incompetence' of a government that has been in power for almost a decade. 'This is an old government. If they win this election they have been in power for longer than (former Liberal prime minister) John Howard,' Mr Clare said 'I've got to say this government does not hold a candle to John Howard.' But the government says Labor leader Anthony Albanese lacks the experience to run the country and has been playing a small-target pre-election campaign so far. Mr Clare slammed Prime Minister Scott Morrison as a 'hunk dory' and 'runaway' following criticism of the Liberal Government's handling of Covid and the Black Summer bushfires 'Anthony Albanese has been curled up in a ball not wanting people to know who he was,' government frontbencher Peter Dutton told the Nine Network. 'Having been in parliament for 20 years and watched governments of both persuasions, I don't believe the Labor government could have guided us through the last three years in which the coalition has.' But Mr Clare points to his leader having been a former deputy prime minister and minister of the former Labor government. 'Anthony Albanese is a straight talker, a hard worker, a problem solver, somebody who will be there in a crisis, not run away like Scott Morrison; he's got a united an experience team,' he said. The government repeatedly points to the $387 billion of taxes Labor took to the last election - a figure made up in Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's office - even though Labor is adamant those policies have been ditched. Mr Clare praised Labor candidate Anthony Albanese as a 'straight talker' and 'hard worker' who will always 'be there in a crisis' 'They haven't changed. The leopard has not changed its spots. Let's not kid ourselves,' Liberal frontbencher Stuart Robert told Sky News. Deputy Labor leader Richard Marles reiterated there will be no tax rises under his party other than ensuring multinationals pay their fair share of tax. But Labor has refused to commit to the government's tax-to-GDP cap of 23.9 per cent, which it says is an arbitrary figure. 'This comes from the government which is the second highest taxing government in our country's history, the highest being the Howard government,' Mr Marles told ABC's Insiders program. 'We are not going to raise taxes, pure and simple.' Mr Clare also pointed to the rising cost of petrol, child care and rent that Australians are having to endure. 'So if Scott Morrison thinks everything is hunky dory and Australians have never been better off, then he is more out of touch that I think he ever was,' Mr Clare said. Scott Morrison has vowed to stay prime minister and not hand the torch on to colleagues if he wins the May 21 federal election. The Coalition leader finally called the election date on Sunday, after three tumultuous years for the economy, a pandemic, and global security. Addressing reporters in Parliament House after visiting Governor-General David Hurley to announce his intention to dissolve the parliament, Mr Morrison said he realised people were tired of politics. 'But this election and this campaign is incredibly important because there is so much at stake for Australia and our future,' Mr Morrison said. 'There is still a lot of uncertainty ahead.' Asked whether he intends to serve the full three-year term if re-elected, Mr Morrison told reporters: 'Of course I do, because there's a lot to do'. Scott Morrison (pictured) has vowed to serve an entire three year term should he be re-elected in May 'I'm pleased that I'm standing here again before you today after coming and standing before you three years ago, and here I am today after three years, we have delivered an unemployment rate of four per cent, electricity prices are down by eight per cent over the past two years,' he continued. There had been speculation he would hand over to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg after a year or two. Mr Morrison said his government lowed taxes for Australian businesses and families, invested in security and defence, and created trade agreements with other countries. As he attempts to fight his way back in the polls, the PM argued Australians should stick with the government they know. 'We have been laying the strong foundation to ensure that Australia can prosper in the years ahead but it cannot be taken for granted,' he said. 'This election is a choice between a government that you know and that has been delivering and a Labor Opposition that you don't.' Mr Morrison said he headed a strong and tested government team that had demonstrated its ability to make difficult choices in tough times. '(The) Labor opposition that has been so focused on politics over these past few years that they still can't tell you what they do, who they are, or what they believe in and what they stand for,' he said. But Labor's Jason Clare said voters were sick of the 'lies and incompetence' of a government that has been in power almost a decade. Asked whether he would remain the leader of the Liberal party if re-elected, Mr Morrison said: 'Of course... There's a lot to do.' Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese says Labor has a 'fully costed plan for a better future' 'This is an old government. If they win this election they will have been in power for longer than (former Liberal prime minister) John Howard,' he said. 'I've got to say this government does not hold a candle to John Howard.' Mr Morrison is aiming to become the first incumbent prime minister to win two elections in a row since Mr Howard in 2004. But Labor has been ahead in the polls consistently since June 2021, currently sitting on a two-party preferred vote of 55 per cent. The coalition starts the race with 76 seats out of the 151-seat lower house, with Labor on 69 if the new seat of Hawke in Victoria is considered a win. Forty seats in the upper house are in contention in a half-Senate election. The government says Labor leader Anthony Albanese lacks the experience to run the country and has so far been playing a small-target pre-election campaign. 'Anthony Albanese has been curled up in a ball not wanting people to know who he was,' government frontbencher Peter Dutton told Nine News. 'Having been in parliament for 20 years and watched governments of both persuasions, I don't believe the Labor government could have guided us through the last three years in which the coalition has.' Mr Morrison was seen boarding a VIP aircraft in Sydney around 9am as he leaves for Canberra Mr Morrison was spotted alighting from the aircraft in Canberra just after 10am Both leaders are tipped to start their campaigns in regional parts of the nation where marginal seats are up for grabs or need defending. There are concerns the campaigns could be derailed by Covid-19, but steps have been taken to minimise the chances of outbreaks. Mr Albanese released a video on Saturday spruiking his 'fully costed plan for a better future'. He introduces himself to voters and talks about his economics degree from Sydney University and six years as infrastructure minister. 'Growing up with a single mum, I know the value of a dollar and I know how hard it is to get ahead,' Mr Albanese says. Opposition leader Anthony Albanese also took the opportunity to drop a short campaign video attacking rising national debt, promising to keep taxes low and introducing fee-free courses at TAFE Labor also released an attack video, lampooning the prime minister's video message and declaring: 'No more mistakes. No more excuses. No more Morrison.' Mr Albanese wrote an opinion piece in which he pledged to unite the nation. 'That's the approach behind Labor's election campaign - building a better future where no one is left behind and no one is held back,' he wrote. Mr Morrison kicked off his Sunday early, flying from Sydney to Canberra to visit the governor-general after enjoying a curry dinner with his family in Sydney the previous evening. Mr Albanese watched his beloved Rabbitohs beat the Dragons in the NRL. Whatever happens at the May 21 federal election, a leader will make history. If Scott Morrison wins, he will be the first incumbent prime minister to win two elections in a row since John Howard in 2004. It will smash the revolving door that saw Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull knocked off by their parties before being given a chance to run for re-election. Defeat for Labor will be the party's fourth successive loss and mean the ALP has won majority government only once in the past 10 elections. The upcoming federal election in May will make history - with a lot at stake for both Liberal and Labor A win for Anthony Albanese will mean five successive prime ministers have failed to be re-elected. Mr Albanese will become the first Labor leader to win office from opposition since Mr Rudd in 2007. Opinion polls are pointing to a Labor win but there is little chance of a uniform national swing to the opposition. The Liberal-National coalition starts with the slimmest of margins - 76 seats in the 151-seat lower house. But one of these, WA's Stirling, has been abolished, with a new seat, Hawke, being established in Victoria and expected to go to Labor. Its stronghold is Queensland, where the LNP has 23 out of 30 seats, Labor six and veteran independent Bob Katter reigns in the northern seat of Kennedy. If Scott Morrison wins, he will be the first incumbent prime minister to win two elections in a row since John Howard in 2004 Few commentators expect this to change much but Labor is hoping to at least chip away at the margins of a handful. The real risks for coalition lie in Western Australia (Pearce, Hasluck, Swan), Victoria (Chisholm) and Tasmania (Bass and Braddon). Labor starts the race with 68 seats but notionally holds 69 if the seat of Hawke is considered a win. The ALP potentially stands to lose the NSW seat of Gilmore and Lyons in Tasmania with the Liberals also unseating ex-member Craig Kelly in Hughes. Such as scenario would see Labor on 73 seats and the coalition on 72, with three crossbenchers needed to secure supply and confidence for a minority Labor government. The coalition is so keen on fortifying Queensland, the campaign headquarters will be based there. Labor will be based in inner Sydney. At least 17 lower house retirees will make the contest even more interesting. Retiree seats to watch include Hunter, where NSW Labor maverick Joel Fitzgibbon is exiting, and the Queensland seat of Dawson, which is saying goodbye to the LNP's George Christensen. Mr Albanese will become the first Labor leader to win office from opposition since Mr Rudd in 2007 The Queensland seat of Bowman, where the LNP's Andrew Laming is retiring, and Flynn, where the LNP's Ken O'Dowd is leaving, could also be vulnerable to Labor. With a half-Senate election being held at the same time, there will be strong interest in the Queensland race with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and billionaire Clive Palmer in the running and Liberal National Party minister Amanda Stoker at risk of losing her seat. The Greens' Penny Allman-Payne is also in with a shot in Queensland. The last-minute decision by independent Nick Xenophon to enter the SA Senate race will make a tight contest between him, the Liberals and Greens for the last two spots in that state. Scott Morrison is banking on another miracle. In 2019 he pulled off an against-the-odds win, with the Bill Shorten-led Labor team having been long-favoured to unseat his struggling government. He put the narrow victory down to 'quiet Australians' endorsing the Liberal-National coalition's economic and national security record. But the evangelical Christian from Cronulla put his stamp on the win by declaring: 'I have always believed in miracles'. Scott Morrison is banking on another 2019 election miracle where he pulled off an against-the-odds win, with the Bill Shorten-led Labor team having been long-favoured to unseat his struggling government 'I'm standing with the three biggest miracles of my life here tonight (his wife and two daughters) and tonight we have been delivered another one.' Mr Morrison ran Tourism Australia when it launched the controversial 'Where the bloody hell are you?' campaign, before his successful stint as state director of the NSW Liberal Party. He was elected to federal parliament in 2007 for the NSW seat of Cook. After the defeat of the Labor government in 2013, he rose to prominence by spearheading Operation Sovereign Borders as immigration minister to then-prime minister Tony Abbott. His hardline stance toward asylum seekers bewildered some observers, given his devout Christian beliefs. Voters will take to the polls in May for the federal election between Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor candidate Anthony Albanese But he professed a deep belief in the righteousness of crushing the evil people-smuggling trade and preserving the safety of those on board rickety boats. During a nine-month stint as social services minister, Mr Morrison was also forced to sell the Abbott government's deeply unpopular 2014 budget, which was laced with a cocktail of deep welfare cuts. However, he was more pragmatic in the role of treasurer, performing back-flips on a range of unpopular government policies. Unpopular measures including a Medicare levy hike, superannuation changes and big business tax cuts were cast aside. Labor has made much out of public perceptions of Mr Morrison's tendency to say one thing and do another. Even members of his own team have questioned his integrity, with outgoing NSW Liberal senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells recently describing him as 'unfit for office'. Just days before taking the Liberal leadership in August 2018, Mr Morrison stood in the prime minister's courtyard and was asked to rule out having any leadership ambitions. 'This is my leader and I'm ambitious for him,' he told reporters, throwing his arm around Malcolm Turnbull with a grin. The prime minister has spent much of the past term dealing with the Covid pandemic, just when the government was getting the budget back in the black. When the first coronavirus case was confirmed in Melbourne in January 2020 the prime minister was already deep in disaster - dealing with the fallout from criticism over the handling of the bushfire response which became the subject of a royal commission. He set up the national cabinet to routinely meet with the premiers and put in place a ban on inbound travel, as the states imposed their own strict border controls. Scott Morrison will represent the Liberal Party in the upcoming federal election against Labor candidate Anthony Albanese Parliament sat briefly to pass an economic stimulus package before adjourning until August. In September the impact of the pandemic was made clear with Australia going into recession for the first time in almost 30 years. Heading into 2021, Mr Morrison's stocks began to fall and he reshuffled his cabinet with a focus on women's safety and economic security - seen as a weak point for his government and a counter to media attention on the poor treatment of women in politics. His foreign policy credentials took a hit when he announced Australia was ditching a $90 billion contract with France to build submarines, instead teaming up with the US and UK for nuclear-powered boats. The coalition's standing hit a term-low 46 per cent in two-party terms in late 2021 and has not budged much since. Mr Morrison's path to victory depends on voters casting their ballots on May 21 based on his promises for the future, not the disasters of the past. As he puts it, this is not a referendum, it's a choice. Anthony Albanese is aiming to become just the fourth person to lead Labor to victory from opposition since World War II. The 59-year-old NSW MP took over the reins of the party unopposed after Bill Shorten's 2019 election loss. Having been an ALP member for more than four decades, he says he won't be shy about reform if elected to government. Labor candidate Anthony Albanese has promised policy changes in child care, aged care, climate change, manufacturing and government contracts ahead of the federal election 'We have a first-term plan. We want to not waste the opportunity that's there,' Mr Albanese says. 'One of the things I'm very cognisant of is the fact that this government doesn't have an agenda.' Secure work tops the agenda with policy changes across child care, aged care, climate change, manufacturing and government contracts. Mr Albanese says changing workplace laws to make job security an objective of the Fair Work Act will be an 'absolute priority'. He plans to legislate a $6.2 billion childcare overhaul, which Labor claims will cut costs for 97 per cent of families and move towards universal child care, in 2022. Labor's first budget would include the 'buy Australia' plan which aims to use government purchasing power to boost local businesses. Mr Albanese says changing workplace laws to make job security an objective of the Fair Work Act will be an 'absolute priority' The MP for the Sydney seat of Grayndler also points to aged care as a priority for Labor soon after coming to office. He has pledged better pay and conditions for aged care workers, tastier and more nutritous food for residents and improved oversight of the system, after atrocities were laid bare in a royal commission. Labor leads in national polls and is slight favourite in most betting markets. Mr Albanese's central criticism of the government suggests he will not stall if voters hand him power after the May 21 poll. 'After three terms they will have been in office for nine years. Where's the big economic reform? Where's the big social policy reform? Where's the big environmental agenda that they have?' he asks. 'They've run up $1 trillion of debt and they have no big legacy to show for it.' He points to Labor's track record of the National Broadband Network, paid parental leave, a royal commission into institutional abuse, school building grants and Infrastructure Australia. On foreign policy, the Labor leader backs the US 'competition without catastrophe' approach to China and talks up ties with President Joe Biden's Democratic administration. He wants to elevate climate change to a national security issue, which he believes will strengthen ties with Pacific nations and allies critical of emissions reduction targets. Mr Albanese said he wants to elevate climate change to a national security issue, which he believes will strengthen ties with Pacific nations and allies critical of emissions reduction targets Mr Albanese's term as Labor leader has not been without its challenges. With the political focus on the Covid response, he has had to juggle being positive about Australia's future with an effective attack on the coalition's handling of the vaccination and quarantine programs. There's been little scope to fight on Labor's traditionally strong territory - issues such as the environment, education, the broader health system and the social safety net. Just as Kevin Rudd talked about being an 'economic conservative' in order to get coalition-learning voters across the line, Mr Albanese uses the phrase 'safe change'. One Labor colleague summed him to AAP thus: 'He knows who he is and what he stands for and isn't afraid to state it plainly. He has the energy of a 21-year-old, is driven by deep-rooted principles and some of the best gut instincts I've seen on either side of politics in my time'. It remains to be seen whether he can make history in delivering safe change at the election. DPK should not try to tame prosecution The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has invited criticism for its push to deprive the state prosecution of its investigative power to weaken the law enforcement agency. The liberal party plans to enact a law to limit the prosecution's authority to indict criminal suspects. Yet this plan has prompted a backlash not only from the prosecution, but also from the main conservative opposition People Power Party (PPP). The DPK has defended its legislative move, claiming that the bill is part of broader reforms aimed at preventing prosecutors from abusing their investigative power. The move came after the Moon Jae-in administration already initiated reforms to end the prosecution's monopoly on indicting suspects and give more investigative power to police. Moon's reform package has already weakened the prosecution which is now able to investigate only six major crimes related to economy, graft, grave accidents, defense procurement, and elections. Previously, the prosecution could exercise its investigative power in any criminal case. The government also created the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) last year to take over high-profile corruption cases from the prosecution. Prosecution reform was part of Moon's campaign pledges. It should have been pushed to promote the prosecution's political neutrality and independence to ensure fair investigations and the rule of law. However it had apparently more to do with making the law enforcement agency weak in a bid to prevent it from investigating corrupt officials and politicians, especially core members of the ruling elite. Nothing could reveal the true intention of the government's prosecution reform better than a 2019 corruption and admission fraud case involving former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, one of Moon's close confidants. The administration and the DPK did all they could to prevent then Prosecutor General Yoon Suk-yeol, now the president-elect, from digging the dirt on Cho and his family. The ruling camp sped up stripping the prosecution of much of its investigative power in the name of prosecution reform. Now the DPK is under fire for trying to completely deprive the prosecution of its investigative power. Its draft bill calls for the creation of a new law enforcement body to take over the investigative role of the prosecution. In a nutshell, the ruling party is seeking to turn the prosecution into a toothless tiger before the Yoon Suk-yeol administration is inaugurated May 10. The DPK, which has 172 seats in the 300-member National Assembly, is apparently trying to railroad the new bill this month so that Moon can sign it into law before his term ends. It is wrong for the DPK to attempt to block the prosecution from launching a probe into a set of corruption and power abuse cases of the outgoing government. Such cases could include Moon's alleged involvement in manipulating an economic assessment of the aged Wolsong-1 nuclear reactor to press ahead with his nuclear energy phase-out policy. Also among them is a suspicion that Moon was implicated in intervening in a local election to help his friend, Song Cheol-ho, to become mayor of Ulsan in 2018. The DPK must stop its reckless legislative bid. It has made no effort to gain bipartisan support or build a national consensus on the matter. Last Friday, the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office issued a statement opposing the bill. The DPK should make efforts to guarantee the neutrality and independence of the prosecution, instead of trying to tame it. New majority Twitter shareholder Elon Musk issued several polls to his millions of followers on the social media platform on Saturday. The outspoken Tesla CEO, known for his social media antics, initially asked if he should transform the company's Silicon Valley headquarters into a homeless shelter, before suggesting the removal of the letter 'w' in Twitter. In the first post, Musk - who purchased a 9.2 percent stake in the social media giant earlier this week and was subsequently named to the company's board of directors - seemingly took aim at the company's lax remote working policies, saying he came up with the plan 'since no one shows up anyway.' So far, the results of the 24-hour poll, posted at 9:30 PM ET by the billionaire businessman, suggests overwhelming support for the prospective undertaking - with 91.1 percent of more than 923,459 respondents voting in favor of the plan. The second tweet about deleting 'w' saw Musk give two options without no as an answer, with 55.8 percent saying 'yes' and 44.2 percent 'of course' of 445,158 votes to-date. It comes weeks after Twitter brass - who offered staffers the option of working from home 'forever' during the pandemic - reopened its offices March 15, with remote work remaining an option for staffers. In the first post, Musk seemingly took aim at the company's lax remote working policies, saying he came up with the plan 'since no one shows up anyway.' So far, 91.1 percent of 923,459 respondents voted in favor of the plan The second tweet about deleting 'w' saw Musk give two options without no as an answer, with 55.8 percent saying 'yes' and 44.2 percent 'of course' of 445,158 votes to-date Musk became the company's majority shareholder this week after it was revealed he purchased a 9.2 percent stake in the social media giant earlier this week and was subsequently named to the company's board of directors 'Its been almost two years since we closed our offices and travel and Im excited to announce that were ready to fully open up business travel and all our offices around the world!' Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal wrote in a note to employees posted to Twitter March 3. 'Business travel is back effective immediately, and office openings will start on March 15,' the exec wrote. In the statement, Agrawal, who was promoted to CEO of the San Francisco-based company in November, said that he would be honoring a policy put in place by former head exec Jack Dorsey during the early days of the pandemic, that said staffers could work remotely 'forever' if they wanted to. 'Our top priority since the beginning of the pandemic has been to keep you all safe and this will continue,' Agrawal wrote. 'Now we are returning to a stage where youre living your lives, adjusting to local health guidelines, and deciding what works best for you. 'So, the decisions about where you work, whether you feel safe travelling for business, and what events you attend, should be yours,' the exec added, in a sentence this time set in bold. 'As we open back up, our approach remains the same,' Agrawal, 37, went on. 'Wherever you feel most productive and creative is where you will work and that include working from home full-time forever,' the CEO wrote, in another bolded sentence. 'Office every day? That works too. Some days in the office, some days from home? Of course.' Agrawal, however, warned that 'distributed working will be much, much harder' and said 'there will be lots of challenges' amid the new policy. Agrawal went on to tout the advantages of having staffers in the same physical space, where they can experience the 'company culture,' and said that visits to the office will 'bring that culture to life in such a powerful way.' The CEO then provided a signoff that seemed hopeful of staffers' desire to return to in-person work. 'I look forward to seeing you all back at the office or perhaps at an event, somewhere in your home city, or mine?' 'Cant' wait... Parag.' The post from Muck comes weeks after Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal announced the company would be reopening its offices March 15, with remote work remaining an option for staffers. During the pandemic, the company offered staffers the option of working from home 'forever' In the statement, Agrawal, who was promoted to CEO of the San Francisco-based company in November, said he would be honoring a policy put in place by former head exec Jack Dorsey during the early days of the pandemic that allowed staffers to work remotely indefinitely More than a month later, as Silicon Valley's tech workers are starting to filter back to the office as Covid-19 cases plummet, it looks as if the CEO's faith in staffers' desire to return to work in-person was misplaced - something new board member Musk seemed to hone in on with his evidently mocking post. Google, for instance, told employees last month that it would begin requiring employees to return in person at least three days a week - a policy that went into effect this past week Apple similarly announced that by April 11, employees will have to work from the office at least one day a week. Twitter, meanwhile, has not issued any in-person requirements for its staffers - a decision Musk seemingly panned in his post. Staffers at the San Francisco-headquarter company now have the option to come into the office - a policy Musk seemingly took aim at with the Saturday poll. Pictured is Twitters San Francisco office last summer Prior to posting the poll, Musk also suggested further changes to Twitter's business models in a series of tweets suggesting tweaks to the platform's premium Blue service, including a cheaper subscription price, banning ads and offering the option to pay in cryptocurrency. The service, which offers users access to additional features, like an undo button and ad-free news articles, currently costs $2.99 a month. 'Price should probably be ~$2/month, but paid 12 months up front & account doesn't get checkmark for 60 days (watch for credit card chargebacks) & suspended with no refund if used for scam/spam,' Musk wrote Saturday. 'And no ads,' the South African mogul added. 'The power of corporations to dictate policy is greatly enhanced if Twitter depends on advertising money to survive.' Musk also declared that 'Everyone who signs up for Twitter Blue (ie pays $3/month) should get an authentication checkmark.' Prior to posting the poll, Musk also suggested further changes to Twitter's business models in a series of tweets suggesting tweaks to the platform's premium Blue service, including a cheaper subscription price, banning ads and offering the option to pay in cryptocurrency Musk, the world's wealthiest man, ruffled feathers this week when it was announced he purchased a 9.2 percent stake in the social media giant - making him the platform's largest shareholder - and was joining the company's board of directors. Twitter entered into its board membership agreement with Musk on Monday, an SEC report revealed. After submitting the regulatory filing Tuesday, Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal announced Musk's board membership on the social media, alleging the billionaire brings 'great value' to the company. 'I'm excited to share that we're appointing @elonmusk to our board! Through conversations with Elon in recent weeks, it became clear to us that he would bring great value to our Board,' Agrawal wrote. 'He's both a passionate believer and intense critic of the service which is exactly what we need on @Twitter, and in the boardroom, to make us stronger in the long-term. Welcome Elon!' Musk responded to the CEO, saying: 'Looking forward to working with Parag & Twitter board to make significant improvements to Twitter in coming months!' Other board members seemed receptive to Musk - who has 80 million Twitter followers - joining their ranks, with several issuing welcome messages online, including platform founder Jack Dorsey. Twitter board members, including founder Jack Dorsey, seemed excited about Musk's appointment Several, including Omid Kordestani, the board's executive chairman and a current member, posted messages of welcome to the platform Board chair and Salesforce Co-CEO Bret Taylor said they were excited to work with Musk 'Im really happy Elon is joining the Twitter board! He cares deeply about our world and Twitters role in it,' Dorsey tweeted. 'Parag and Elon both lead with their hearts, and they will be an incredible team.' Board chair and Salesforce Co-CEO Bret Taylor echoed the sentiment, saying: 'Welcome to the Twitter board, @elonmusk! We are all excited to work with you and build the future of Twitter together.' Taylor's post was retweeted by fellow board members Mimi Alemayehou, Senior Vice President for Public-Private Partnership at Mastercard; Martha Lane Fox, Founder and Chairperson of Lucky Voice Group; and Stanford University professor Dr. Fei-Fei Li. Omid Kordestani, the board's executive chairman and a current member, wrote: 'Welcome @elonmusk!' The four remaining board members - Former World Bank President Robert Zoellick, Invoia Capital general partner Patrick Pichette, 1stdibs.com Inc. CEO David Rosenblatt, and Egon Durban, Co-CEO of Silver Lake - did not publicly comment on Musk's appointment to the board. None of the members immediately responded to DailyMail.com's requests for comment. Twitter stocks have surged since mid-March when Musk purchased his stake Stock prices rose by more than 3 percent on Tuesday after news of Musk's board appointment Millions of investors flocked to Twitter's stock after Musk disclosed his 9.2 percent stake in the company. The stock became the most bought U.S. stock by retail investors on Monday, surging 27 percent in value. Stock prices rose by more than three percent, to 50.98, on Tuesday after news of Musk's board appointment. The stock was trading at around 39 on Friday. In the latest Forbes list, Musk, increased his net worth to $282billion, nearly $100billion richer than Amazon founder Bezos, whose net worth is $183.6billion. Earlier this week, Musk tweeted a poll saying 'Do you want an edit button?' for Twitter. Agrawal later responded to the tweet: 'The consequences of this poll will be important. Please vote carefully,' apparently trolling Musk for saying the same thing in a March 25 tweet when he questioned whether Twitter 'adheres to the principle' of free speech. A majority of voters said yes, with bosses there confirming one is already in the works when it was announced April 1 and denied that Musk had any role in its inception. Earlier this week, he asked tweeters if they'd like to see an edit button, with the firm subsequently confirming that one was already in the works Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal tweeted afterwards that 'the consequences of this poll will be important,' apparently trolling Musk for saying the same thing in a March 25 tweet about whether the company 'adheres to the principle' of free speech Musk previously came under fire for another poll posted to the platform in December, when he asked his followers whether he should sell his then 10 percent stake in his own company. The SEC in February said it was probing a stock sale valued at $109M by Musk's brother, Kimbal a day before that tweet. The tweet from Musk saw a swift decline in Tesla stock that erased $35 billion from his net worth in the span of day. Musk, 50, poised a question to his horde of 63.1 million Twitter followers on Saturday asking if he should sell 10 percent of his $250 billion stake in the company In the months since, the stock briefly recovered at the end of last year, nearing $1200 before coming into a freefall in 2022, hitting $846 at the end of January and languishing in the $700s in February. During this marked decline, Musk sold off a stunning $16 billion in shares and donated $5.7 billion worth to charity, seemingly foreseeing the effect his posting would have on the share price. Now, the tech tycoon faces the possibility of another Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) probe over the massive profits he reaped after delaying the disclosure of his Twitter stock purchase by 11 days, during which time he earned approximately $156million in profits. A young man is fighting for his life in hospital and three people have been charged following a bloody brawl on Oxford Street in Sydney. Police are seeking witnesses to the brawl involving 15 people early on Saturday morning between two groups outside the Oxford Tavern in Darlinghurst. Evander Tuala, 23, from Western Sydney was allegedly hit in the head during the fight and knocked unconscious after striking the ground. He was rushed to St Vince's Hospital by paramedics and remains in a critical condition. Evander Tuala (pictured), 23, is fighting for his life in hospital after he was allegedly hit in the head during a 15-person brawl in Sydney and knocked unconscious after striking the ground Three men, two aged 20 and one 19-year-old, from Sydney's east were arrested at the scene and later charged with affray. One man was refused bail and was due to face Parramatta Local Court while the other two have been granted conditional bail. One is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court next month. Tuala's aunt, Niu Tuala, wrote a moving tribute dedicated to her 'sweet' nephew on social media. 'You came into this world and brought so much love into our family,' she said. 'Now you've left us broken. You were stolen from us like a thief in the night.' Detective Superintendent John Duncan said the fight started outside the Oxford Tavern after an incident involving the two groups inside, but police aren't sure what sparked the brawl. 'We do understand both groups were in a licensed premises, it was a very minor incident and then security ejected them,' he said. 'As a result of that then a brawl broke out outside the licensed premises.' Police are seeking witnesses to the brawl involving 15 people early on Saturday morning between two groups outside the Oxford Tavern in Darlinghurst Police confirmed that Tuala had suffered critical head injuries after his head struck the ground during the brawl. He is currently in a critical condition in hospital Police broke up the brawl, with officers chasing several people on foot. Police confirmed that Tuala had suffered critical head injuries after his head struck the ground. 'This young man is fighting for his life in hospital,' Det Supt Duncan said. 'The family will be devastated and our thoughts go out to them.' Det Supt Duncan said there would have been multiple witnesses, including hotel patrons, and urged anyone who either saw or took part in the brawl to come forward. 'We're looking for all the people involved,' he said. 'No matter what their role, I reckon they contact [police] ... come to us rather than us come to you.' Former prime minister Tony Abbott has postponed a visit to Western Australia after contracting Covid-19. Mr Abbott had planned to attend a number of election campaign events including fundraising functions for Liberal candidates in Canning, Durack and O'Connor. A spokesman said all events originally planned for the week would be rescheduled. Former prime minister Tony Abbott (pictured) has postponed a campaign visit to Western Australia for the upcoming election after testing positive for Covid-19. Mr Abbott had planned to attend a number of election campaign events Another former prime minister, John Howard, is also expected to visit WA this week, with a number of coalition seats in play at the upcoming federal election. Mr Abbott has been a popular drawcard for conservative candidates seeking to raise money for the campaign. Mr Howard is due in Perth on Tuesday for a sold-out Leadership Matters breakfast hosted by The West Australian. Labor is targeting a number of seats in WA held by the coalition, including Pearce and Swan where the incumbent Liberal MPs are retiring. Another former prime minister, John Howard (pictured), is also expected to visit WA this week, with a number of coalition seats in play at the upcoming federal election. Mr Howard is due in Perth on Tuesday for a sold-out Leadership Matters breakfast Retiring former-attorney general Christian Porter held his seat of Pearce with a 7.5 per cent margin at the 2019 election with a swing to the Liberals of almost four per cent . It was a tighter race for Swan in 2019, with the Liberals losing ground and holding the seat with a 2.7 per cent margin with former opposition leader Kim Beazley's daughter Hannah Beazley driving a small 0.9 per cent swing towards Labor. Hasluck is a third WA lower house seat up for grabs, but Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt helped end the electorate's marginal designation, securing the seat in 2019 with a 5.4 per cent margin, up from 2.1 per cent before the poll. Notorious vegan activist Tash Peterson has stormed a shoe shop topless protest just hours after calling on fans to help pay her $9,000 court bills. Ms Peterson, 28, was fined more than $3,700 in by a Perth magistrate on Wednesday after being was found guilty on charges over two semi-naked public stunts. The exorbitant penalties did little do deter the animal rights activist, who staged another bare-breasted stunt outside after leaving the hearing before setting up a GoFundMe page urging supporters to help pay her fees. Now, with her fundraiser having almost reached half of its $6600 goal, the prolific demonstrator is back out on the streets with her attention-grabbing antics - this time targeting a Nike store in Perth's Karrinyup Shopping Centre. Notorious vegan activist Tash Peterson has staged another protest just days after being fined more than $3500 for two similar stunts The animal rights activist stormed the Nike store in Karrinyup, Perth, to protest the use of kangaroo skin in the fitness apparel chain's products Footage posted online by Ms Peterson on Saturday shows her storming into the fitness apparel store in a kangaroo suit, unbuttoned and tied around her waist to show her bare upper-half, covered in pink paint. Clutching a sign overhead, she walked around the shop denouncing the company for using kangaroo skin in its shoes and called on shoppers to boycott the products. 'Nike are murdering kangaroos and turning them into shoes,' she cries. 'The largest land based murder of wildlife is happening in our own country. Every night thousands of kangaroos graze peacefully when humans invade their homes and shoot them in the head for their flesh and skin. 'It is standard legal industry practice to shoot mothers in the head, rip joeys from their pouch, and crush their skull or thrash them against a bull bar. 'You are responsible for this holocaust if you are not vegan.' After waltzing around the shop, Ms Peterson stationed herself in the entranceway and continued her speech as throngs of people gathered outside the shop to film. Ms Peterson on Friday called on followers to support her by donating to cover her court fees As the crowd grew larger, a security guard eventually arrived on the scene - but Ms Peterson chanted uncontested for more than five minutes as he stood idly by. At one point, two female bystanders shocked by her claims about Nike approach her to ask where they could find out more information about her cause, which she provided. The guard eventually interjected to request she cover her chest as there are 'children here', but Ms Peterson argued her costume was not offensive and recommenced her chanting. Several other security guards later arrive and order her to leave, with Ms Peterson continuing to chant and hold up the sign as she walks away. Ms Peterson staged her latest protest hours after sharing a video on Facebook calling for financial aid to help cover her court bills. 'Today I was convicted with another "disorderly conduct" charge on the basis that because I stated that I participate in civil disobedience, that apparently means that I am deliberately trying to shock and offend people,' she wrote. '[I received] $2,251.50 penalty for my dairy protest and $1,500 penalty for my Louis Vuitton protest, plus legal fees of $5,500 ($2,500 already raised last year). Infamous animals rights supporter Tash Peterson stormed Perth 's Royal Show in September and leapt over the barrier in the midst of a cattle judging event Ms Peterson pictured outside court on Wednesday as she staged another demonstration right after being fined 'If you can donate, your help is needed more than ever for the sustainability of my activism! If every supporter of mine donated $1, I'm certain that I'd have more than enough to pay these fines. Thanks for your support!' Ms Peterson faced court on Wednesday over a 'bad taste' stunt where she stormed a Louis Vuitton store in nothing but a G-string and a sign reading 'rather naked than wear someone's skin'. During the August 2021 protest she screamed at shoppers and was smeared in what she said was her own period blood. She also faced trial for a December 2020 protest at the Boatshed Markets in Cottesloe where she also appeared shirtless, with her chest painted in a cow pattern, and yelled at shoppers that cows were being raped for meat and dairy. The self-proclaimed 'disruptive animal rights activist' was found guilty on two counts of behaving in a disorderly manner. As of Sunday, the fundraiser to cover her court fees has receive $3,015 in donations. Australia will find out who will replace outgoing health minister Greg Hunt before voting day, the prime minister has confirmed. Mr Hunt, who led Australia's Covid-19 pandemic response, is not recontesting his seat, leaving the government absent a locked-in health minister in the case of their re-election. But with Prime Minister Scott Morrison seizing on uncertainty around Labor's potential cabinet, he said his pick for health minister would be made within the next week or so. 'I'm taking my team forward at the election. They're a proven team,' he said when asked about the security of the rest of his cabinet. Health Minister Greg Hunt (pictured) will leave politics ahead of the May 21 federal election 'My strong united team I led for the last three years, sitting around that cabinet table ... has seen Australia lead the world with its recovery (from the pandemic).' But while Australians now know when they are heading to the polls, the future remains less certain for children wondering when they will be eligible for their Covid-19 booster shot. The Therapeutic Goods Administration on Friday gave provisional advice for 12 to 15-year-olds to receive their third vaccine six months after their second. But the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has not followed suit on the recommendation. 'Current data suggest Covid-related serious illness is very rare in adolescents aged 12-15, particularly after completion of a primary series of Covid-19 vaccination,' ATAGI said. 'At this time, ATAGI does not recommend that adolescents aged 12-15 years need to receive a booster dose of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. The Australian vaccine authority ATAGI has not recommended Covid booster shots for kids aged 12 to 15 (pictured: a Melbourne secondary student gets a vaccine in 2021) 'ATAGI will continue to review and consider new evidence on the benefits and risks of any additional doses in 12-15 year olds, including for those with underlying medical conditions.' ATAGI said it still strongly recommends all children aged five to 15 receive two vaccines, while those who are immunocompromised require a third dose. Only Australians aged 16 and over continue to have access to a booster shot. As of Saturday, almost 70 per cent of the eligible population, or more than 13.1 million people in total, had received their booster. More than 44,000 new Covid-19 cases and 14 deaths have been recorded across the country so far on Sunday. Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has made his pitch to become Australia's next prime minister and outlined his vision for the country's future. In his first speech since Scott Morrison called the federal election for May 21 on Sunday, Mr Albanese promised to provide cheaper childcare, greater investment in renewable energy, and to establish an anti-corruption commission. He said Australians had the 'opportunity to build a better future' if they seized the chance to elect a 'better government'. Mr Albanese urged voters to ignore the prime minister's claims Labor is a risk to the economy, and took a sly dig at Mr Morrison's notorious trip to Hawaii during the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020. Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese says Labor has outlined his vision for Australia in a speech after the federal election was called 'I won't go missing when the going gets tough. I will accept the responsibility that comes with high office,' he said. 'I will lead a government that repays and rewards your hard work. 'A government that reflects the decency and compassion and courage of the Australian people. 'I am humbled to put myself forward as prime minister of this great nation.' Mr Albanese spoke about the insight he developed through his tough childhood as he grew up in a housing commission flat with his single mum. 'I grew up not far from here in Sydney and public housing, the son of a single mum. I learned the value of a dollar, I learned the importance of resilience,' he said. 'But I also learned about the strength of community and the power of government to make a difference to people's lives. 'That experience of overcoming adversity and filling my mother's dreams for building a better life that she enjoyed, it took me into politics and it is what drives me today.' Mr Albanese also said his front bench will remain unchanged from his current shadow cabinet. 'It's expectation that the frontbench will serve in the same position is that they are in now. I'm very satisfied with my frontbench.' Scott Morrison claimed in his speech calling the election that the Coalition is a safer bet to ensure a strong economy but Mr Albanese firmly disagreed. 'The problem for this government is they are treading water.' 'What are their plans to create productivity, to get better cooperation between unions and business? To invest in infrastructure on the basis of what projects will boost productivity? 'We have the NBN, we will revitalise Infrastructure Australia, make sure investment goes where it should. We will make sure that we train Australians for the jobs of the future by creating jobs and skills in Australia.' LABOR'S ELECTION PLATFORM Anthony Albanese in his reply speech to Scott Morrison calling an election for May 21 outlined his plan for Australia: * More university places and 465,000 fee-free TAFE places under Labor's Future Made in Australia Skills Plan. A $50million TAFE technology fund will also improve IT facilities, workshops, laboratories and tele-health simulators across the country. * Increased funding for Medicare and expand more into telehealth and dental health. * Increase funding for renewable energy under the Powering Australia plan. This includes electric vehicle subsidies, investment in green manufacturing technology and New Energy trade skills programs. * The Housing Australia Future Fund which will build 30,000 new social and affordable housing properties in its first five years, and create thousands of jobs. * Address the aged care crises with better pay for workers, registered nurses around the clock, better food and more accountability on providers. * A focus on building Australia's manufacturing industry at home through the $15billion National Reconstruction Fund. * Bring down the cost of childcare by increasing subsidies. * Fix the National Broadband Network and provide a boost to speed. Provide better connectivity for rural communities by expanding mobile coverage and providing optic fibre to 660,000 additional dwellings. 'Our objective is not about raising taxes. Our objective is to grow the GDP. That's our objective. 'That's what the National Reconstruction Fund will do, that is what our Powering Australia plan will do, that's what fixing the NBN will do, that's what Infrastructure Australia plan will do' - Anthony Albanese. Advertisement Scott Morrison called on voters to stick with the 'imperfect' government they know when they head to the polling booths in May KEY DATES IN THE 2022 FEDERAL ELECTION April 10 - Election announcement April 11 - Issue of writs April 18 - Close of rolls, 8pm April 21 - Close of nominations, noon April 22 - Declaration of nominations, noon May 9 - Start of early voting May 21 - Election day June 28 - Return of writs deadline Advertisement Mr Morrison ended weeks of uncertainty by visiting Governor-General David Hurley on Sunday morning to announce his decision to dissolve the parliament and begin a six-week campaign. Speaking afterwards at a press conference at Parliament House, the prime minister urged voters to stick with his 'imperfect government' over the devil they don't know. '(The) Labor opposition that has been so focused on politics over these past few years that they still can't tell you what they do, who they are, or what they believe in and what they stand for,' Mr Morrison said. But Mr Albanese, who has a degree in economics, later rejected Mr Morrison's claims. '[This is] the most experienced incoming Labor government in history,' Mr Albanese said. 'If you look at some of the quite frankly absurd attacks that have gone on from Mr Morrison, they just don't stack up. 'One of those is about my experience. My experience is I've been Acting Prime Minister, I've been Deputy Prime Minister, I chaired the Parliamentary business committee for six years. 'So every piece of legislation that went through under the Rudd and Gillard governments I presided over.' Labor has been ahead in the polls consistently since June 2021, currently sitting on a two-party preferred vote of 55 per cent. Anthony Albanese, pictured with his mother Maryanne Therese Albanese, grew up in a house commission flat in Sydney The coalition starts the race with 76 seats out of the 151-seat lower house, with Labor on 69 if the new seat of Hawke in Victoria is considered a win. Forty seats in the upper house are in contention in a half-Senate election. Both leaders are tipped to start their campaigns in regional parts of the nation where marginal seats are up for grabs or need defending. There are concerns the campaigns could be derailed by Covid-19, but steps have been taken to minimise the chances of outbreaks. Tens of thousands of Australians are yet to enrol to vote in the May 21 federal election and risk a $20 fine if they don't cast their ballot. Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an election on Sunday, meaning in a little over a month's time some 17 million Australians will flock to cast their vote. Voting is mandatory for people of the age of 18 in Australia. Australians who refuse to vote in the upcoming federal election will cop a $20 fine on May 21 Eligible Australians can enrol to vote or change their details at the Australian Electoral Commission website. The AEC's Evan Ekin-Smyth told Seven News workers have been kept busy preparing for the big day. 'We've got warehouse facilities across the country that are sitting there with materials, ready to pick up and be sent out to different polling places,' she said. The AEC still needs to finalise voting locations, people to run the stations, and the transport of voting materials. Eligible people will need to enrol to vote before 8pm on April 18 to participate in the upcoming election. Prime Minister Scott Morrison will represent the Liberal party in the upcoming election against labor candidate Anthony Albanese 'We always have a heck of a lot of enrolments come through. So we have a verifying process for those and it'll be hundreds of thousands in that week,' Ms Ekin-Smyth said. Ms Ekin-Smyth said that though the $20 is a deterrent against skipping the vote, Australians should value the chance to have their say. After the polls close on election day, thousands of AEC workers will count more than 34 million votes by hand for the Senate and the House of Representatives. Ms Ekin-Smyth said about 24 million ballot papers were counted on election night and the result could be announced within hours. A Newspoll released by The Australian on Sunday found Labor candidate Anthony Albanese was the popular vote for the upcoming election 'It's a significant exercise, the count, but our motto is "right, not rushed". Once all the votes are counted or once we know who has an unassailable lead, the winners of each seat are declared,' she said. Ms Ekin-Smyth said postal votes, early votes, and papers from overseas usually arrive in the weeks after the election. The party winning the most seats in the House of Representatives - 76 or more out of 151 - will be declared the winner of the election and the party leader become the prime minister. A Newspoll conducted for The Australian on Sunday found Labor candidate Anthony Albanese was the popular choice for the upcoming election. If his party wins, Mr Albanese will be sworn in by Governor-General David Hurley as 31st Australian prime minister. Pauline Hanson has mocked both prime ministerial candidates with a South Park-like cartoon claiming neither 'really care about you'. The One Nation leader addressed the calling of the election on May 21 with the graphic through her social media channels on Sunday afternoon, mocking incumbent Scott Morrison and challenger Anthony Albanese. 'Labor is red and Liberal is blue... neither of them really care about you,' words around the cartoon caricatures of the pair read. Senator Hanson added in the caption: 'If you are ever in doubt about how the majors really feel about you just remember this helpful little rhyme. 'Neither of them really care about you.' One Nation leader addressed the announcement of the calling of the election with the graphic through her social media channels, mocking incumbent Scott Morrison and challenger Anthony Albanese Senator Hanson also shared a video in the lead up to the announcement of the election being called, responding to statements from Clive Palmer that he would prioritise the Greens over Liberal and Labor. 'I'd put the Greens ahead, because they haven't been in government and they're not responsible for this debt,' the United Australia Party leader said. 'I could not believe it,' Senator Hanson responded. 'The people who work for UAP would be absolutely furious over these comments. 'I can't believe it. Don't do it Clive. The Greens will destroy the farming sector in Australia and open up the flood gates for further immigration.' She claimed it would harm Australia with an influx of refugees taking Australians' job and said they are a 'real concern'. 'They want to hand more land back to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people,' Senator Hanson alleged. Pauline Hanson has mocked both federal candidates with a South Park-like graphic saying neither 'really care about you' Her argument underlined the anti-immigration platform she based her party on, saying as a result of their allowing of immigration they would be 'last' on her preferred parties. Host Cory Bernardi, who himself left the Liberal party to lead his own right-wing platform, agreed with her sentiments, saying she was 'fighting for the people'. 'Should we teach the Liberals a lesson and get rid of them,' he asked of his former party. 'I'm representing the conversative people more now than they are,' Ms Hanson replied. 'They've been taken over by moderates and those to the left. I'm protecting Australian values, our culture and heritage.' She said One Nation was important because it cared about 'what's best for the people'. The upcoming federal election in May will make history - with a lot at stake for both Liberal and Labor Senator Hanson also couldn't miss an opportunity to flog her new range of gin, using the interview to promote the brand. If Scott Morrison wins, he will be the first incumbent prime minister to win two elections in a row since John Howard in 2004. It will smash the revolving door that saw Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull knocked off by their parties before being given a chance to run for re-election. Defeat for Labor will be the party's fourth successive loss and mean the ALP has won majority government only once in the past 10 elections. A win for Anthony Albanese will mean five successive prime ministers have failed to be re-elected. Mr Albanese will become the first Labor leader to win office from opposition since Mr Rudd in 2007. Opinion polls are pointing to a Labor win but there is little chance of a uniform national swing to the opposition. It comes as the airport in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro was destroyed Analysts believe it is moving to the frontlines in Luhansk and Donetsk Elsewhere, a convoy of Russian armour and artillery was spotted in east Ukraine The 53th Prince Volodymyr Monomakh Separate mechanised brigade was named as the Ukrainian unit responsible for taking out the Russian tank It suddenly exploded in a huge ball of flame, likely after ammunition was ignited A large plume of smoke was first seen rising from the damaged Russian tank The incredible footage was verified by Ukraine's land forces early this morning Dramatic footage has emerged of the moment a Russian tank was blown to smithereens after being damaged by a Ukrainian army brigade on Friday. The video first surfaced on Friday but was verified early this morning by the Ukrainian land forces, which posted a clip of the explosion on social media along with images of the aftermath showing the charred remains of the Russian armour strewn across a field. A large plume of smoke was seen rising from the damaged Russian tank, which suddenly exploded in a huge ball of flame. Analysts suggested the explosion was likely caused by ammunition in the tank which ignited after the initial attack. 'A separate mechanised brigade named after Prince Vladimir Monomakh continues to 'warmly' welcome the armed forces of the Russian Federation,' the land forces' post read. The 53th Prince Volodymyr Monomakh Separate mechanised brigade was named as the unit responsible for the attack, though Ukraine's armed forces did not reveal where the explosion took place. A huge plume of smoke was seen rising from the damaged Russian tank, which suddenly exploded in a huge ball of flame Analysts suggested the explosion was likely caused by ammunition in the tank which ignited after the initial attack Ukrainian servicemen are pictured standing atop the tank after it was destroyed The 53th Prince Volodymyr Monomakh Separate mechanised brigade was named as the unit responsible for the attack, though Ukraine's armed forces did not reveal where the explosion took place Meanwhile, new satellite imagery revealed a huge convoy of Russian armour and artillery heading towards the under-siege areas of eastern Ukraine as both sides gear up for a brutal new phase of the war. The images, taken by Maxar technologies late Friday and released early this morning, showed the eight-mile long convoy of weaponry snaking through the town of Velykyi Burluk. The convoy was heading south through an arc of Russian-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine according to analysts, and is believed to be destined for the frontlines in the regions of Luhansk and Donetsk. Russian forces withdrew from key positions around Kyiv last week in the face of bitter resistance from Ukraine's armed forces, and are thought to be regrouping for a major new offensive in the Donbas. But the losses inflicted by Ukraine on Russia's army are so great that the Kremlin has resorted to recruiting retired military personnel to make up the numbers, according to the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD). Ukrainian forces fire GRAD rockets toward Russian positions in Donbas, Ukraine on April 10 A BM-21 'Grad' is a Soviet truck with a 122mm multiple rocket launcher attached The rockets have a range of 24 miles, although the GRAD systems are decades old A Ukrainian artilleryman prepares a multiple rocket launcher on the front line near Lugansk, in the Donbas region, on April 10 Each rocket is fired from a set of 40 tubes that is mounted on a Ukrainian army truck The intelligence suggests that Vladimir Putin is turning to personnel who were discharged from military service as early as 2012 to replace his fallen soldiers, with Ukraine's armed forces putting the Russian death toll at close to 20,000. Russia's military is also thought to be recruiting soldiers from the Transnistria region of Moldova, which in March was designated an occupied territory of Russia by the Council of Europe. The intelligence emerged early this morning as a Russian rocket attack on the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro completely destroyed its international airport and surrounding infrastructure. Valentyn Reznichenko, governor of the central Dnipropetrovsk region, said emergency workers were combing through an infrastructure facility that was hit in the town of Zvonetsky. 'The airport itself was destroyed, as well as nearby infrastructure. And the rockets just continue to fly,' Reznichenko said. Reznichenko said earlier that an attack on Dnipro had wounded one person and the rockets had sparked a fire that was eventually put out. Separately, the head of the Dnipro region council, Mykola Lukashuk, says five staffers of the state emergency service had been wounded by the strike on the airport. New satellite imagery has emerged of a huge convoy of Russian armour and artillery heading towards the under-siege areas of eastern Ukraine as both sides gear up for a brutal new phase of the war This handout satellite image released by Maxar Technologies shows a large military convoy consisting of hundreds of vehicles (including armored vehicles, trucks with towed artillery and support equipment) moving south through the Ukrainian town of Velykyi Burluk, Ukraine, April 8, 2022 Smoke raises from the airport of Dnipro, on April 10, 2022, amid Russian invasion of Ukraine 'The airport itself was destroyed, as well as nearby infrastructure. And the rockets just continue to fly,' governor of the central Dnipropetrovsk region Valentyn Reznichenko said. The Kremlin's attempts to replenish its strained fighting force come as a top Ukrainian official declared Ukraine is ready to 'beat back' Russia in the eastern Donbas region before sitting down to negotiate a peace deal with Putin. Mykhaylo Podolyak, one of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's closest advisers, told reporters late last night: 'Ukraine is ready for big battles. Ukraine must win them, including in the Donbas. 'Once that happens, Ukraine will have a more powerful negotiating position. After that the presidents will meet.' A wounded man walks near debris after shelling hit residential areas at Yelenovka, Leninsky, a village of pro-Russian separatists in Donetsk on April 10 As a result of the shelling of the village, a private house was completely destroyed by fire Only a few walls and the charred remains of the home's wooden structure remained Firefighters hosed the debris down to avoid any more fires in the pro-Russian village in Ukraine Firefighters work to clear debris after shelling hit residential areas at the Leninsky district's Yelenovka village Podolyak's statements came as Zelensky hosted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Kyiv, after defence officials said Russia's withdrawal of forces from around the capital made it safe for the visit to go ahead. The PM's presence was intended to be kept secret until he had left the war zone, but was mistakenly announced in a mid-afternoon tweet by Ukraine's embassy to the UK. At a joint appearance with Zelensky, Johnson said 'the Ukrainian people are a lion, and you are its roar' as he vowed to send Ukraine 120 armoured vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems to help beat back the oncoming Russian offensive in the east. In his daily presidential address released late last night, Zelensky thanked the Prime Minister on behalf of all Ukrainians, and said: 'The leadership of the United Kingdom, in providing our country with all the necessary assistance in terms of defence, as well as leadership in sanctions policy, will go down in history forever.' But the losses inflicted by Ukraine on Russia's army are so great that the Kremlin has resorted to recruiting retired military personnel to make up the numbers, according to the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD). The intelligence suggests that Vladimir Putin (pictured) is turning to personnel who were discharged from military service as early as 2012 to replace his fallen soldiers The Kremlin's attempts to replenish its strained fighting force come as a top Ukrainian official declared Ukraine is ready to 'beat back' Russia in the eastern Donbas region before sitting down to negotiate a peace deal with Putin (destroyed Russian tank is pictured in Borodyanka, near Kyiv) A local man stands near a destroyed Russian tank in Zdvyzhivka village of Kyiv's area, Ukraine, 08 April 2022 PM Boris Johnson praised the Ukrainian troops' staunch resistance that has 'defied odds' in rebuffing Russia's advance towards the capital of Kyiv Volodymyr Zelensky said the leadership shown by the UK would 'go down in history' after meeting Boris Johnson face-to-face and staging a walkabout in Kyiv Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people were told to flee for their lives in eastern Ukraine last night as Russian forces rained down artillery fire ahead of the expected new offensive. Air-raid sirens rang out in the embattled city of Luhansk as the governor, Serhiy Gaidai, gave desperate families the order to abandon their homes. Mr Gaidai said about 30 per cent of the area's 400,000 residents had stayed in the area's cities and villages despite being asked to leave. In a Telegram message posted early this morning, the governor told residents of Luhansk that nine trains would be available today for those wanting to flee before fighting in the region intensifies. 'They [Russia] are amassing forces for an offensive and we see the number of shellings has increased,' he warned. UK intelligence said Russian operations were focused on the south-eastern parts of the country, targeting Donbas, Mariupol and Mykolaiv. The attacks were 'supported by continued cruise missile launches into Ukraine by Russian naval forces', according to the UK Ministry of Defence. It comes after a train station serving as the main evacuation point for those fleeing the conflict in the Donbas was hit by a Russian shell on Friday, killing 52 people including five children. Moscow denied responsibility for the rocket attack on the Kramatorsk station, which also wounded 109 people according to the latest official count. Kramatorsk is the capital of the Donetsk region and will likely become a key position in the fight for the Donbas. Ukraine's prosecutor general said the attack which targeted a civilian evacuation hub was the latest war crime to be committed by Russian troops. Iryna Veneditktova told Sky News: 'Absolutely, it's a war crime. It was a Russian missile which killed more 50 people. 'These people just wanted to save their lives. They wanted to be evacuated with kids. It was women, it was children, and they just wanted to save their lives.' People gather at Kramatorsk railway station a day before it was hit by a missile strike, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kramatorsk A partially destroyed Russian rocket is pictured lying on the ground in Kramatorsk after a rocket attack killed 52 Some volunteers look for traces to help identify the corpses at Kramatorsk railway station after the missile attack in Kramatorsk, Ukraine on April 09, 2022 The attack on the railway station at Kramatorsk killed 52 and injured more than 100. Kramatorsk is the capital of the Donetsk region and will likely become a key position in the fight for the Donbas A Ukrainian woman reacts after explosions in Novoselivka as Russian attacks continue on Ukraine in Chernihiv, Ukraine on April 09, 2022 The mayor of eastern Lysychansk, Oleksandr Zaika, on Saturday asked residents to evacuate as soon as possible due to constant shelling by the Russian army, despite the risk of evacuation centres being hit. 'It has become very difficult in the city, enemy shells are already flying,' Zaika said in a video message. While the city had stocks of humanitarian aid, he added, 'that doesn't mean it will save your life if an enemy shell arrives'. And more Russian shells did arrive on Saturday, killing five people in the eastern cities of Vugledar and Novo Mikhaylovka, local governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said on Telegram. Meanwhile, in Kramatorsk, minibuses assembled at a church to collect shaken evacuees. Almost 80 people, most of them elderly, sheltered in a building near the targeted station. 'There were around 300 to 400 people who rushed here after the strike,' Yevgeny, a member of the Protestant church, told AFP. 'They were traumatised. Half of them ran to shelter in the cellar, others wanted to leave as soon as possible. Some were evacuated by bus,' he said. The scramble to leave Ukraine comes as British families ready to open their homes to Ukrainians refugees told of their frustration at visa requirements slowing down their guests' arrival in the UK. Just 1,200 refugees have arrived in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme, a tenth of the visas granted. Home Secretary Priti Patel has apologised for delays Louise Summers, 53, and her family from Tandridge, Surrey, have been paired under a refugee sanctuary scheme with a mother and two children from Kyiv who are currently in Poland waiting for their visas to be approved. 'There seems to be a real lack of urgency,' she said. Tom and Jane Oakley and their four children from East London are still waiting to be matched with a refugee. Mr Oakley said: 'It seems like the UK need to step up a bit and do more, especially as countries such as Poland and Germany seem to be doing so much more.' Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said: 'While the rest of Europe, including Ireland, has stepped up to take significant numbers of refugees from Ukraine, our response in the UK has been painfully slow.' Just 1,200 refugees have arrived in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme, a tenth of the visas granted, prompting Home Secretary Priti Patel to apologise for delays. By contrast, some 20,525 Ukrainians have arrived in Ireland while the German government last week said it had accepted 300,000. Poland has welcomed 2.5 million refugees in the last six weeks. Meanwhile, Nato is preparing to deploy a permanent full-scale military force on its eastern flank capable of repelling a Russian invasion similar to the one that has ravaged Ukraine, the alliance's secretary general revealed last night. Currently, Nato only deploys a relatively small 'tripwire' force in the Baltic states that border Russia and Belarus, which is intended to signal a commitment to the countries' defence rather than a credible defence in its own right. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (above) has announced that the current forces stationed in the Baltic countries facing Russia and Belarus will receive serious upgrades As part of Nato's major 'reset', this symbolic presence will be replaced by one capable of beating the Russian army back without reinforcements needing to be called in from across the alliance. Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in the Telegraph that Nato was 'in the midst of a very fundamental transformation' that will reflect 'the long-term consequences' of Vladimir Putin's actions. He pointed out that Nato troop numbers in the eastern flank were already at 40,000, nearly ten times greater than they were a few months ago before the invasion. 'What we see now is a new reality, a new normal for European security. Therefore, we have now asked our military commanders to provide options for what we call a reset, a longer-term adaptation of Nato. I expect that Nato leaders will make decisions on this when they meet in Madrid at the Nato summit in June.' Henry Patterson, the best-selling thriller author of The Eagle has landed, has passed away surrounded by family at the age of 92. The writer, known to the public under his pseudonym Jack Higgins, published 85 books during his lifetime. He died at home in Jersey, his long-term publisher HarperCollins said in a statement as it paid tribute to the 'instinctive, tough and relentless' author. Patterson is best known for the 1975 novel The Eagle has Landed about a fictional plot to kidnap Winston Churchill during World War Two. The book sold more than 50million copies and was adapted into a film starring Robert Duvall, Donald Sutherland, and Sir Michael Caine. Henry Patterson (pictured above), the best-selling thriller author of The Eagle has landed and , known to the public under his pseudonym Jack Higgins, died at home in Jersey surrounded by family, his long-term publisher HarperCollins said in a statement Patterson, (pictured in 1982), is best known for the 1975 novel The Eagle has Landed about a fictional plot to kidnap Winston Churchill during World War Two Patterson was born in Newcastle upon Tyne on July 27, 1929, to an English father and a Northern Irish mother. He was raised in Belfast until his mother remarried and he moved to Leeds. After a two-year stint of National Service, he qualified as a teacher and began to write novels on the side. He received a 75 advance for his first novel, Sad Wind From The Sea, in 1959. His final book, The Midnight Bell, was published in 2017 and was a Sunday Times bestseller. HarperCollins said that by the time his final novel came out, they referred to him simply as 'The Legend'. He is survived by four children from his first marriage - Sarah, Ruth, Sean, and Hannah - as well as his wife, Denise. In a statement, HarperCollins chief executive Charlie Redmayne said Patterson was a 'classic thriller writer'. The Eagle has Landed sold more than 50million copies and was adapted into a film starring Robert Duvall, Donald Sutherland, and Sir Michael Caine (pictured in the film, above) Patterson, above, was born in Newcastle on July 27, 1929, to an English father and a Northern Irish mother. He was raised in Belfast until his mother remarried and he moved to Leeds He said: 'I've been a fan of Jack Higgins for longer than I can remember. He was a classic thriller writer: instinctive, tough, relentless. 'The Eagle Has Landed and his other Liam Devlin books, his later Sean Dillon series, and so many others were and remain absolutely unputdownable. 'Being part of his publishing for even part of his career has been a privilege - his passing marks the end of an era.' Jonathan Lloyd, his literary agent and president of Curtis Brown, said he knew The Eagle Has Landed would be an 'instant classic' when it was first published. He added: 'I had the privilege of being at Collins Publishers when we received the manuscript of The Eagle Has Landed. 'We all knew, with a rare certainty, that we would be publishing an instant classic. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, center, Minister of Defense Acquisition Program Administration Kang Eun-ho, third from left, and Hanwha Defense CEO Son Jae-il, second from right, shovel sand with participants in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hanwha Armored Vehicle Center of Excellence in Geelong, Victoria, Friday. Yonhap By Park Jae-hyuk Hanwha Defense held a ceremony last Friday to celebrate the beginning of the construction of the Hanwha Armored Vehicle Center of Excellence (H-ACE) in Geelong, a port city in the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by around 200 politicians, government officials and defense industry insiders from Korea and Australia, including Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Korean Minister of Defense Acquisition Program Administration Kang Eun-ho, Hanwha Defense CEO Son Jae-il and Hanwha Defense Australia Managing Director Richard Cho. According to Hanwha Defense, H-ACE will be built on 150,000 square meters of land at Avalon Airport by 2024, along with a manufacturing plant on 32,000 square meters of land, with a 1.5-kilometer-long running track, a testing ground for river crossing equipment, a shooting range, an R&D center and factories for Australian subcontractors. In accordance with the company's 1-trillion-won ($813 million) contract with the Australian government last December, the new facility will produce 30 AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers and 15 AS10 armored ammunition resupply vehicles by 2027 for the Australian army. The AS9 Huntsman is an Australian version of Hanwha Defense's K9 Thunder, while the AS10 is an Australian version of the company's K10. Depending on the outcome of the bidding for Australia's LAND 400 Phase 3 infantry fighting vehicle project this year, Hanwha Defense is also considering producing its Redback armored vehicle at H-ACE. "Based on the geopolitical position and strategic cooperation between Korea and Australia, the production center will serve as a secondary supply chain for Korean defense products in the future," Hanwha Defense Australia's managing director said, with the expectation that the new plant will become a "bridgehead" for defense product exports to the Five Eyes, the intelligence alliance comprised of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S. In addition, the Australian government is anticipating H-ACE to boost the regional economy in the medium to long term, creating around 300 new jobs in Geelong. Late last month, Geelong's city government signed a partnership with the municipal government of Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, where Hanwha Defense's factories are located, increasing the likelihood of Korea and Australia cooperating further in the defense industry. Hanwha Defense's CEO vowed to continue making efforts to increase Korea's defense product exports, expressing his gratitude to the Korean government and military for supporting the construction of the new factory in Australia. "Hanwha Defense's production facility in Australia is very meaningful in that it means a domestic defense systems company has an overseas production base for the first time," he said. Anthony Albanese has vowed to never 'go missing' if he is elected Australia's next Prime Minister in a sly dig at Scott Morrison's notorious holiday to Hawaii during the Black Summer bushfires. Mr Albanese took the opportunity to slam the prime minister during his pitch to replace him in the country's top job in Canberra on Sunday. The opposition leader said Australians deserved better after suffering through floods, fires, and a pandemic as he outlined his vision for the country's future. 'I will restore faith in our political system by getting rid of the waste and warts, and establishing a strong Anti-Corruption Commission,' Mr Albanese pledged. 'I won't go missing when the going gets tough. I will accept the responsibility that comes with high office.' Mr Albanese (pictured on Sunday) hit out at the current prime minister during his pitch to become Australia's next leader, in which he promised to 'restore faith' in politics The sledge was directed at Mr Morrison's notorious trip to Hawaii during the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020, a holiday he has been highly criticised for. Poll What matters to you most in the 2022 election? The economy and cost of living National security Health and aged care Climate change Integrity What matters to you most in the 2022 election? The economy and cost of living 172 votes National security 58 votes Health and aged care 28 votes Climate change 21 votes Integrity 49 votes Now share your opinion Mr Albanese has previously denied the prime minister's claims that he had sent him a text message saying where he was holidaying during the bushfires. 'On the 15th of December 2019 at 9.44pm the prime minister did text me saying he was going on leave,' he explained to parliament last November,' he said. Mr Albanese said Mr Morrison did not tell him where he was going but said he was going with family, adding he had kept the private text conversation confidential. 'On the Friday he disclosed it in an interview with 2GB that he had texted me and that was the first time that that became public. But at no stage did he tell me where he was going,' he said. The prime minister was then forced to backtrack and admitted he hadn't told the opposition leader he had been headed for Hawaii. 'I want to confirm what the leader of the opposition said that in that text I did not tell him the destination of where I was going on leave with my family,' he said. Mr Albanese made a subtle dig at Mr Morrison's notorious trip to Hawaii during the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020 (pictured is the PM posing for a photo while on the trip) Mr Albanese (pictured in Canberra on Sunday) said Australians had the 'opportunity to build a better future' if they seized the chance to elect a 'better government' 'I simply communicated to him that I was taking leave. When I was referring to he knew where I was going and was fully aware I was travelling with my family, what I meant was, that we were going on leave together. 'I know I didn't tell him where we were going, because Mr Speaker, that is a private matter where members take leave and I know I didn't tell him the destination, nor would I.' The prime minister's backflip prompted Mr Albanese to further criticise the leader for being dishonest and saying 'whatever is convenient' at the time. In his first speech since Mr Morrison called the federal election for May 21 on Sunday, Mr Albanese promised to provide cheaper childcare, greater investment in renewable energy, and to establish an anti-corruption commission. He said Australians had the 'opportunity to build a better future' if they seized the chance to elect a 'better government'. Mr Albanese urged voters to ignore the prime minister's claims Labor is a risk to the economy, and said Australians deserved better than their current government. 'Australians have been magnificent in making sacrifices to overcome the challenges of the pandemic, the floods, the bushfires,' he said. The opposition leader has vowed not to 'go missing' when the going gets tough in a subtle dig to Mr Morrison's notorious trip to Hawaii during the Black Summer bushfires (pictured) Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese says Labor has outlined his vision for Australia in a speech after the federal election was called 'It has shown the strength of our society but it has also shown our vulnerabilities of our economy and where we need to make improvement. As we emerge from this, Australians deserve better.' Mr Albanese vowed to lead a government that would repay and reward hard work and reflect the decency, compassion and courage of Australians. He slammed the current government for having 'no vision' and said the budget was an example of this, with one-off payments 'to stop when the votes are counted'. 'They think it will be enough to give them a second decade in office. We can and we must do better,' the opposition leader said. He said Mr Morrison's government had been given an opportunity to put forward a range of long-term policies but had instead given one-off payments 'hoping that people would forget' the cost of living pressures. 'Well, childcare costs don't stop once people have voted,' he continued. Mr Albanese (pictured) slammed current government for having 'no vision' and said the budget was an example of this, with one-off payments 'to stop when the votes are counted' 'Nor does the rising costs of petrol or housing, energy costs. All of these things are going up - everything except people's pay. And this government have been complacent.' Mr Albanese also spoke about the insight he developed through his tough childhood as he grew up in a housing commission flat with his single mum. KEY DATES IN THE 2022 FEDERAL ELECTION April 10 - Election announcement April 11 - Issue of writs April 18 - Close of rolls, 8pm April 21 - Close of nominations, noon April 22 - Declaration of nominations, noon May 9 - Start of early voting May 21 - Election day June 28 - Return of writs deadline Advertisement 'I grew up not far from here in Sydney and public housing, the son of a single mum. I learned the value of a dollar, I learned the importance of resilience,' he said. 'But I also learned about the strength of community and the power of government to make a difference to people's lives. 'That experience of overcoming adversity and filling my mother's dreams for building a better life that she enjoyed, it took me into politics and it is what drives me today.' Mr Albanese also said his front bench will remain unchanged from his current shadow cabinet. 'It's expectation that the frontbench will serve in the same position is that they are in now. I'm very satisfied with my frontbench.' Scott Morrison claimed in his speech calling the election that the Coalition is a safer bet to ensure a strong economy but Mr Albanese firmly disagreed. 'The problem for this government is they are treading water.' 'What are their plans to create productivity, to get better cooperation between unions and business? To invest in infrastructure on the basis of what projects will boost productivity? 'We have the NBN, we will revitalise Infrastructure Australia, make sure investment goes where it should. We will make sure that we train Australians for the jobs of the future by creating jobs and skills in Australia.' LABOR'S ELECTION PLATFORM Anthony Albanese in his reply speech to Scott Morrison calling an election for May 21 outlined his plan for Australia: * More university places and 465,000 fee-free TAFE places under Labor's Future Made in Australia Skills Plan. A $50million TAFE technology fund will also improve IT facilities, workshops, laboratories and tele-health simulators across the country. * Increased funding for Medicare and expand more into telehealth and dental health. * Increase funding for renewable energy under the Powering Australia plan. This includes electric vehicle subsidies, investment in green manufacturing technology and, and New Energy trade skills programs. * The Housing Australia Future Fund which will build 30,000 new social and affordable housing properties in its first five years, and create thousands of jobs. * Address the aged care crises by provided better pay for workers, registers nurses around the clock, better food and more accountability on providers. Advertisement Scott Morrison called on voters to stick with the 'imperfect' government they know when they head to the polling booths in May Mr Morrison ended weeks of uncertainty by visiting Governor-General David Hurley on Sunday morning to announce his decision to dissolve the parliament and begin a six-week campaign. Speaking afterwards at a press conference at Parliament House, the prime minister urged voters to stick with his 'imperfect government' over the devil they don't know. '(The) Labor opposition that has been so focused on politics over these past few years that they still can't tell you what they do, who they are, or what they believe in and what they stand for,' Mr Morrison said. But Mr Albanese, who has a degree in economics, later rejected Mr Morrison's claims. '[This is] the most experienced incoming Labor government in history,' Mr Albanese said. 'If you look at some of the quite frankly absurd attacks that have gone on from Mr Morrison, they just don't stack up. 'One of those is about my experience. My experience is I've been Acting Prime Minister, I've been Deputy Prime Minister, I chaired the Parliamentary business committee for six years. 'So every piece of legislation that went through under the Rudd and Gillard governments I presided over.' Labor has been ahead in the polls consistently since June 2021, currently sitting on a two-party preferred vote of 55 per cent. Anthony Albanese, pictured with his mother Maryanne Therese Albanese, grew up in a house commission flat in Sydney The coalition starts the race with 76 seats out of the 151-seat lower house, with Labor on 69 if the new seat of Hawke in Victoria is considered a win. Forty seats in the upper house are in contention in a half-Senate election. Both leaders are tipped to start their campaigns in regional parts of the nation where marginal seats are up for grabs or need defending. There are concerns the campaigns could be derailed by Covid-19, but steps have been taken to minimise the chances of outbreaks. WA Labor have launched a scathing ad campaign against Scott Morrison and the Liberals only hours after the prime minister called the federal election. Australians will go to the polls for a federal election on May 21 following a six-week campaign. The Prime Minister fired the starter's gun on the federal election campaign after a 20-minute meeting with the Governor-General on Sunday morning. And Labor wasted no time getting started, with a campaign ad airing on television in the state on Sunday night. The ad targeted Mr Morrison on his view of WA's hard border and his support for Clive Palmer during his high court battle with the state. WA Labor have launched a scathing ad campaign against Scott Morrison and the Liberals only hours after the prime minister called the federal election for May 21 '[Scott Morrison] tried to tear down the border and backed Clive Palmer in his high court case against us,' it says. Scott Morrison had previously voiced his opinion during the pandemic that Western Australia's hard border should be scrapped. The federal government provided evidence to support Mr Palmer's push to bring down the border during the trial and supplied the mining magnate with almost $41,000 for his legal fees. Palmer eventually lost his court battle against WA after a high court ruled the hard border policy implemented by the McGowan state government was not discriminatory and was justified due to the Covid pandemic. The government pulled out of the case and later claimed the support was out of concern about the hard border rather than backing Mr Palmer. The campaign began with a television ad that aired in the state on Sunday night which targeted Mr Morrison on his view of WA's hard border and his support for Clive Palmer during the latter's high court battle with the state WA Labor's commercial then centred on Mr Morrison labelling NSW under Gladys Berejiklian's leadership as the 'gold standard' before alluding to his cave people reference WA Labor's commercial then centred on Mr Morrison labelling NSW under Ms Berejiklian's leadership as the 'gold standard' before alluding to his cave people reference during the pandemic. 'They said that NSW was the gold standard and West Australians were cave people.' The strange analogy likening West Australians to cavemen occurred on the Today show last year when Mr Morrison delivered his Covid exit strategy. Mr Morrison said it was 'absurd' any state could think it could protect itself from the Delta strain, in a jab at states including WA which support a tough approach to border restrictions to keep them Covid-free. 'Now it's like that movie The Croods,' he told host Karl Stefanovic, in reference to the DreamWorks children's film about cavemen. 'Some wanted to stay in the cave and the young girl wanted to deal with the challenges of living in a different world. Covid is a different world and we need to get out and live in it. 'We can't stay in the cave.' WA Premier Mark McGowan later hit back at the comment, saying it was an 'odd thing to say'. Besides the TV commercial, WA Labor also unveiled billboard ads featuring the prime minister with a Hawaiian head band before alluding to his support for Mr Palmer The ad then shows a picture of Scott Morrison in a plane heading to Hawaii as an example of the prime minister refusing to take 'responsibility'. 'When things get tough, Morrison won't take responsibly,' the voiceover continued. 'If WA can't trust Scomo, let's give someone else a go,' it added. Besides the TV commercial, WA Labor also unveiled billboard ads featuring the prime minister with a Hawaiian head band before alluding to his support for Mr Palmer. According to the West Australian, research conducted by WA Labor found the general consensus amongst many West Australians was that Scott Morrison was 'untrustworthy,' had 'lost credibility' and didn't 'take responsibility.' Scott Morrison's support for Clive Palmer during the court battle against their state and jetting off to Hawaii during the 2019 bushfires were two incidents that particularly irritated voters. The cohort also found that Mr Morrison was a 'big drag' on the WA Liberal vote. The federal election will be held on May 21. Advertisement Boris Johnson has been hailed by Voldymyr Zelensky after secretly taking the train to Kyiv for talks and pledging more weapons to help Ukraine resist the Russian invasion. The president said the leadership shown by the UK would 'go down in history' after meeting the PM face-to-face and staging a walkabout in the capital. The premiers have struck up a close relationship, speaking nearly daily on the phone since the crisis erupted. Mr Johnson has been eager to visit Kyiv for weeks, but Downing Street desperately tried to keep the trip under wraps. A video has emerged showing Mr Johnson on the train from Poland into Ukraine, shedding light on how the high-risk visit was conducted. The PM's presence was intended to be kept secret until he had left the war zone. However, it was mistakenly announced in a mid-afternoon tweet by Ukraine's embassy to the UK, which posted a picture of the leaders chatting with the caption 'Surprise' and a winking face emoji. At a joint appearance with Mr Zelensky, Mr Johnson said 'the Ukrainian people are a lion, and you are its roar' as he vowed to send Ukraine 120 armoured vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems to help with the battle against Russia. Footage showed the pair meeting and sitting across a table from each other, their respective flags on the far side. Mr Johnson was wearing a dark suit and Zelensky a khaki overall, his signature attire in public appearances since February 24. During a walkabout in the heart of Kyiv, they were handed ceramic cockerels that have come to symbolise the resistance to Putin since one survived on the top of a kitchen cabinet following bombing in Borodianka. In an address to the Ukrainian people overnight, Mr Zelensky said: 'The leadership of the united kingdom, in providing our country with all the necessary assistance in terms of defence, as well as leadership in sanctions policy, will go down in history forever.' He said the future of Europe and not just Ukraine's was at stake. He said Russia's aggression 'was not intended to be limited to Ukraine alone' and the 'entire European project is a target'. 'That is why it is not just the moral duty of all democracies, all the forces of Europe, to support Ukraine's desire for peace,' Zelensky said. 'This isa strategy of defence for every civilised state.' Security officials gave the green light to the visit after the exhausted and battered Russian forces which have tried to encircle Kyiv were withdrawn by Putin. Volodymyr Zelensky said the leadership shown by the UK would 'go down in history' after meeting Boris Johnson face-to-face and staging a walkabout in Kyiv A video has emerged showing Mr Johnson on the train from Poland into Ukraine, shedding light on how the high-risk visit was conducted Mr Johnson praised the Ukrainian troops' staunch resistance that has 'defied odds' in rebuffing Russia's advance towards the capital of Kyiv. 'I think that the Ukrainians have shown the courage of a lion, and you Volodymyr have given the roar of that lion,' he said. 'The Russians believed Ukraine could be engulfed in a matter of days and that Kyiv would falls in hours to their armies. How wrong they were'. Ukraine last night heaped praise on Johnson, with its Parliament declaring: 'We are strengthening our union of democracies. Be brave, like Boris. Be brave, like Ukraine.' Mr Johnson's calls with Mr Zelensky over the weeks since the war began are understood to have been emotional, with the pair striking up a close connection. A No10 spokesman said the Prime Minister was using the visit to set out a new package of financial and military aid. It came the day after he announced a further 100million worth of UK military assistance for Kyiv's forces, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons and so-called 'suicide drones'. Appearing alongside Mr Zelensky in a recorded broadcast clip, Johnson said the West would continue to 'ratchet up' sanctions on Moscow as he praised the courage of the Ukrainian resistance. Discussing the discovery of civilian bodies in Ukrainian towns, Johnson said the atrocities committed by Moscow's forces had 'permanently polluted' Putin's reputation. 'What Putin has done in places like Bucha and Irpin is war crimes that have permanently polluted his reputation and the reputation of his government,' the Prime Minister added. Mr Johnson and Mr Zelensky were handed ceramic cockerels by a woman in Kyiv. They have become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance since one survived bombing in Borodianka A cockerel designed by 20th Century Ukrainian artist Prokip Bidasiuk famously survived intact on a kitchen cabinet after bombing in Borodianka, and has come to represent the resistance The Ukrainian government explained the symbolism of the cockerels presented to Mr Johnson and Mr Zelensky Mr Johnson's visit makes him the first G7 leader to visit Kyiv since Putin launched his invasion. The leaders are pictured above at a memorial for the Heavenly Hundred, near Independence Square in the Ukrainian capital Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, and Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson walk during their meeting in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 9 The pair held a press conference together. Boris Johnson told Ukraine's President Zelensky 'the Ukrainian people are a lion, and you are its roar' British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has travelled to Kyiv to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky in an unannounced visit. A picture shared by the Embassy of Ukraine to the UK on Twitter showed the pair sitting across a table in the country's capital, with their respective flags in the room Pictured: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson follows Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky into a building in Kyiv today PM Boris Johnson praised the Ukrainian troops' staunch resistance that has 'defied odds' in rebuffing Russia's advance towards the capital of Kyiv A video of Mr Johnson in transit was posted on Facebook by Ukrainian railways spokesman Oleksandr Shevchenko. 'I gather you are called the 'iron people',' the PM said. 'This is not just because of the industry you work in. It also reflects that you are showing the spirit of Ukraine in standing up to the appalling aggression that we are seeing.' Ukrainian trains have played a key role in evacuating civilians from conflict zones, but they have been targeted by Russian shooting and shelling. This week 52 people were killed by shelling at a railway station in the eastern city of Kramatorsk as they awaited evacuation. 'I am so sorry for the loss of some of your colleagues and comrades in Kramatorsk,' Johnson said. 'I want to say a massive thank you to all the staff of Ukrainian railways for what you're doing,' he added. 'We in the UK stand in solidarity with you.' Mr Zelensky's chief diplomatic adviser Igor Zhovkva told Sunday Morning on BBC One that the president had invited Mr Johnson personally. He told the programme: 'Any visit that is happening now to the Ukraine is done on the invitation of the president of the Ukraine. Prime Minister Johnson received this invitation and he agreed. It might be a surprise for you but it is not a surprise for us. We were preparing for a while. This visit was very timely and very important in terms of war.' Mr Zhovkva described Mr Johnson as being 'very supportive' during previous discussions before the war began about 'the potential danger which Russian aggression might have'. Mr Zhovkva said many leaders are coming to Kyiv with their support now the war has begun but they have to come 'not only with their show of support but something that will have meaning, which has results'. He said 'we had results yesterday because the Prime Minister did not come empty-handed' and the political leaders talked about many things including military and financial support plus the further 'rebuilding Ukraine when we will win so it was very timely and helpful'. Official photos showed Mr Zelensky welcoming the PM in a courtyard in Kyiv, before the pair entered a building for their meeting. Mr Johnson later posted his own picture of the meeting on Twitter, saying he was there 'as a show of our unwavering support for the people of Ukraine'. After their meeting, Mr Zelensky wrote: 'The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson is one of the most principled opponents of the Russian invasion, a leader in sanctions pressure on Russia and defence support of Ukraine. Welcome to Kyiv, my friend.' Following his meeting with the Ukrainian leader, Mr Johnson said in a statement: 'Ukraine has defied the odds and pushed back Russian forces from the gates of Kyiv, achieving the greatest feat of arms of the 21st century. 'It is because of President Zelensky's resolute leadership and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people that Putin's monstrous aims are being thwarted. 'I made clear today that the United Kingdom stands unwaveringly with them in this ongoing fight, and we are in it for the long run. 'We are stepping up our own military and economic support and convening a global alliance to bring this tragedy to an end, and ensure Ukraine survives and thrives as a free and sovereign nation.' As well as the additional equipment Mr Johnson also confirmed further economic support, guaranteeing an additional 385million in World Bank lending to Ukraine, taking total UK loan guarantees to 770million. Johnson's visit makes him the first G7 leader to visit Kyiv since Putin launched his invasion, and follows trips to Kyiv by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Friday and the visit of the Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer earlier on Saturday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) welcomes British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left) for a meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, April 9 2022 Mr Zelenskyy speaks in front of protective sandbags during an interview in his office in Kyiv yesterday Pictured: Mr Zelensky and Mr Johnson shake hands as they meet in Kyiv on Saturday during an unannounced visit, in a photograph shared by the British Prime Minister on Twitter Johnson was wearing a dark suit and Zelensky a khaki overall, his signature attire in public appearances since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, as the pair met in Kyiv on Saturday (pictured) British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gives a thumbs up during a meeting with Ukraine's President, as Russia;s attack on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine April 9, 2022 Mr Zelensky is seen in a meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson this evening in Kyiv After their meeting, Mr Zelensky (pictured sitting across from Boris Johnson, left) wrote: 'The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson is one of the most principled opponents of the Russian invasion, a leader in sanctions pressure on Russia and defense support of Ukraine. Welcome to Kyiv my friend' Details of the meeting had not been made public prior to the image's release. The Embassy of Ukraine to the UK was one of the first to share the picture, writing: 'Surprise' with a winking face emoji (pictured) A view of destroyed Yuri Gagarin Stadium as Russian attacks continue on Ukraine in Chernihiv, Ukraine on April 09, 2022 A view of destroyed building as Russian attacks continue on Ukraine in Chernihiv, Ukraine on April 9, 2022 Last month, it was reported that the Prime Minister had asked officials to examine the practicality and value of the trip to the Ukrainian capital for talks with his Ukrainian counterpart. Since then, Moscow has pulled its forces back from Kyiv and the surrounding area in a bid to refocus its military campaign in the eastern Donbas region. At the time, security officials were said to be 'having kittens' at the prospect of Mr Johnson travelling to a war zone. But a Whitehall source said the Prime Minister 'wants to go' if it can be made to work. The source added: 'If you set aside the security concerns, which are considerable, the question is whether there is anything additional you could achieve by visiting in person, or whether it would just be a show of solidarity, and whether that is a sufficient goal in itself.' Disturbing footage has emerged of a massive brawl outside a busy pub which allegedly left a young man fighting for life. In the clip, which was captured outside the Oxford Tavern in Darlinghurst, Sydney, on Saturday morning, multiple men can be seen shoving and punching each other. Evander Tuala, 23, from Fairfield allegedly suffered head injuries during the melee and is in a critical condition at St Vincent's Hospital. A young man is in a critical condition and three people have been charged following a bloody brawl that spilled out onto Oxford Street in Sydney. Confronting footage filmed by a witness shows several men punching each other outside the venue He was allegedly hit in the head during the fight and knocked unconscious after striking the ground. Tuala's aunt, Niu Tuala, wrote a moving tribute dedicated to her 'sweet' nephew on social media on Sunday. 'You came into this world and brought so much love into our family,' she said. 'Now you've left us broken. You were stolen from us like a thief in the night.' Police said the brawl happened 12.36am outside the Oxford Tavern after two groups of men were told to leave the venue by security. 'We understand there's two different groups. The young man who is fighting for his life is from the western suburbs of Sydney, Fairfield way... And we understand the other group is from the eastern beaches area. They weren't known to each other, to our understanding, prior to this incident,' Superintendent Duncan said. 'We do understand that both groups were in a licensed premises, there was a very minor incident and security ejected them, and as a result of that a brawl broke out outside the premises.' Three eastern beaches men aged 20, 20 and 18 have been arrested. Keidan Donovan-Phillips, 20, and Byron Brown-Yeo, 19, remain in custody after their lawyers did not seek bail during a hearing in Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday. Superintendent Duncan said homicide detectives had been involved in a consultancy role, but 'obviously we're treating this as a potential homicide'. 'This is a serious assault... [We're] trying to identify the other parties involved and investigate further so charges can be made,' he said. Evander Tuala (pictured), 23, is fighting for his life in hospital after he was allegedly hit in the head during a 15-person brawl in Sydney and knocked unconscious after striking the ground Police confirmed that Tuala had suffered critical head injuries after his head struck the ground during the brawl. He is currently in a critical condition in hospital Det Duncan has called on witnesses to assist with the investigation. 'At the moment I'm calling for witnesses after a serious assault that occurred in the early hours of yesterday morning at Surry Hills,' he said. Det Supt Duncan said there would have been multiple witnesses, including hotel patrons, and urged anyone who either saw or took part in the brawl to come forward. P&O Ferries has suspended all services to Calais until Good Friday with thousands of lorries stuck at Dover causing yet more mayhem for those trying to cross the channel - as the meat industry is demanding hauliers carrying fresh food are given priority. Britain's busiest port Dover is being forced to contend with a perfect storm of bad weather, a pressure on services due to the Easter holiday rush and continued issues with the ferry service that sacked its workers. Some of the British Meat Processors Association's members have claimed it is taking more than a day to get across the channel and there are concerns that customers in Europe could take their business elsewhere. The controversial ferry service P&O has suspended the route from Calais to Dover until Thursday at least, it said. Road closures so hauliers can get through traffic jams have also continued in Kent and the M20 has been closed as of 10am. In light of this recent announcement, the Department for Transport has not taken any move to change how perishable items are transported. P&O Ferries has suspended all services to Calais until Good Friday with thousands of lorries stuck at Dover causing yet more mayhem for those trying to cross the channel - as the meat industry is demanding hauliers carrying fresh food are given priority. (Kent's M20 yesterday) The controversial ferry service P&O has suspended the route from Calais to Dover until Thursday at least, it said. Drivers have also been urged to avoid the M20, the A20 and the A2 as a result of a 23-mile lorry queue yesterday, including more than 2,000 lorries, caused by Operation Brock. Non-freight traffic is being advised to use the A20 instead of the M20, while freight traffic coming off J8 of the M20 has been sent into holding areas to await clearance before heading to the Channel Crossings. Nick Allen, chief executive of the British Meat Processors Association, told the BBC: 'We are told to expect disruption well into next week. With Easter weekend approaching and a very busy time for exporting fresh meat, this is really bad timing.' Lockerbie-based Eardley International said this is putting huge pressure on their fresh meat business, and can mean he loses out on 800 per truck. Drivers have also been urged to avoid the M20, the A20 and the A2 as a result of a 23-mile lorry queue yesterday, including more than 2,000 lorries, caused by Operation Brock Graham Eardley, company director at Eardley said: 'Now we are seeing delays of 20 to 25 hours to cross the Channel, and the quality and the sale value of that product falls by every hour it is delayed.' Danish shipping company DFDS Seaway says it is also expecting delays today and has said: 'Were expecting a busy day here in Dover today. 'Please allow at least 90 minutes to complete the check-in process & border controls at Port in addition to journey time.' While P&O also suspended its Larne and Cairnryan service until including and up to Tuesday. Its Pride of Hull to Rotterdam is restarting on April 13. Shane Brennan, chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation, said: 'The UK is getting a growing reputation for being a hassle to serve, and that creates problems for my members who can't find the hauliers to take their business because they don't want to take the risk of sitting in traffic on the M20.' Danish shipping company DFDS Seaway says it is also expecting delays today and has said: 'Were expecting a busy day here in Dover today. Please allow at least 90 minutes to complete the check-in process & border controls at Port in addition to journey time.' A very busy terminal 2 at London's Heathrow Airport yesterday as people head off for Easter holidays A Department for Transport spokesperson said: 'P&O's unacceptable actions have resulted in its vessels being detained, causing backlogs and traffic jams which would be substantially alleviated if its fleet was operating normally...' Its working with Kent Resilience Forum, police and regional leaders to help. Airports in contrast are looking less busy today with travellers at Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester all reporting short queues getting through security. British Airways had previously cancelled 84 domestic and European flights so far on Sunday, which were mainly axed a few weeks previously due to them having to reduce their schedule, while easyJet has grounded at least 38 flights so far. A spokeswoman for easyJet said: 'We will operate 1571 flights today with a small proportion having been cancelled in advance to give customers the ability to rebook onto alternative flights. We are sorry for any inconvenience for affected customers.' 'We will continue to manage the higher than usual sickness rates through advance cancellation of a small proportion of flights over the coming days.' Thousands of jovial racegoers adorned in cowboy hats and Hawaiian shirts have descended on a tiny outback town in Queensland for an iconic day of racing. The 139th Birdsville Races kicked off on Sunday for the first time in two years following disruptions from the Covid pandemic. More than 3,000 punters have gathered in the rural town of Birdsville, located on the edges of the Simpson and Stoney deserts, to witness the 140-year tradition. Racegoers who travelled from all corners of Australia for the two-day event celebrated by decorating themselves with colourful hats, shirts and tutus. It's by far the biggest event for the year in the tiny town of Birdsville which had a population of just 140 people in the 2016 Census. Thousands of brightly-dressed punters have gathered in the remote outback town of Birdsville for the 139th running of the iconic two-day event These punters decided to celebrate the 140-year tradition by wearing matching shirts featuring cockatoos, while others wore tutus and cowboy hats The 139th Birdsville Races kicked off on Sunday for the first time since the Covid pandemic hit Australian shores in 2019 (pictured, a group of punters wear matching shirts for the race) Punters struggled to stay cool in the sweltering 38C temperatures during Sunday's races The iconic event, dubbed the 'Melbourne Cup of the Outback', was attended by trainers and their jockeys from as far-flung as South Australia and Darwin. Punters struggled to stay cool in the sweltering 38 degree heat on Sunday - the hottest temperatures recorded in recent history of the iconic event. Spectators kept cool with ice-cold beverages and many a wide-brimmed hat, as horses and their jockeys both enjoyed a cold hose down after the race. Gary Brook, the Vice President of the Birdsville Race Club, said the scorching temperatures didn't take away from fun had on and off the track. Spectators kept cool with ice-cold beverages and many a wide-brimmed hat, as horses and their jockeys both enjoyed a cold hose down after the race Apprentice jockey Shae Nielson (left) won her first ever race on Sunday on horse Rosaraya, to the raucous applause from the 3000-strong crowd The 13-race program had 84 entries with the 1600m TAB Birdsville Cup on Monday offering the winning horse a record $42,000 in prize money Gary Brook, the Vice President of the Birdsville Race Club, said the scorching temperatures didn't take away from fun had on and off the track (pictured, punters at the entry gates) The April 2022 Birdsville Races will offer a combined prize-purse of $262,500 across the two days of racing as well as a record-breaking trainer bonus (pictured, punters on Sunday) 'It is so great to be back and supported so well by the thousands who travelled to join us at this special edition of the Birdsville Races,' Mr Brook said. 'The excitement was palpable among racegoers, trainers and jockeys alike, and - after this weekend - we can look forward to the September 2022 races.' The 13-race program had 84 entries with the 1600m TAB Birdsville Cup on Monday offering the winning horse a record $42,000 in prize money. The April 2022 Birdsville Races will offer a combined prize-purse of $262,500 across the two days of racing as well as a record-breaking trainer bonus. If a trainer wins both the April and September 2022 TAB Birdsville Cup races, they will receive up to $15,000 in bonuses - thought to be the biggest cash prize in the history of country racing in Queensland. At the 2016 census, Birdsville had a population of 140 people (pictured, punters on Sunday) Racegoers decided on a pineapple theme to commemorate the iconic racing event 'It is so great to be back and supported so well by the thousands who travelled to join us at this special edition of the Birdsville Races,' the vice president of the Birdsville racing club said. Apprentice jockey Shae Nielson won her first ever race on Sunday on horse Rosaraya, prompting raucous applause from the 3000-strong crowd. Her trainer Todd Austion also celebrated a trainers double after winning the first of two $2000 trainers bonuses awarded on the day. 'I'd like to thank Birdsville for putting on a great couple of days,' the 26-year-old jockey said of her triumph on the track. 'I will never forget this win and hope that I can come back again and ride at Birdsville. It's been more than I ever thought it would be.' Punters from across the country looking to get in on the action from the comfort of their own home can tune in to watch the 13-race line up on Sky Racing. Two bodies of civilians have been unearthed in the village of Buzova just west of Kyiv, sparking fears that more mass graves may be discovered as the extent of the chaos wrought on civilian populations by retreating Russian forces is revealed. The bodies were pulled out of a makeshift grave behind a petrol station on the motorway at the village's edge, which lies just 20 miles from the centre of the capital. They had been unceremoniously dumped in a manhole, and were being exhumed by the authorities earlier this afternoon. It comes just one week after mass graves containing dozens of bodies were discovered in the nearby towns of Bucha and Motyzhyn. Taras Didych, head of the Dmytrivka community that includes Buzova, told Ukrainian TV early this morning that 'dozens' of bodies could be discovered, before confirming two people had been exhumed in a later interview with Reuters this afternoon. 'Right now, as we are speaking, we are digging out two bodies of villagers, who were killed,' Didych said. 'There are other people who we cannot find. They could be in different places, but this doesn't lessen the pain of the loss of loved ones.' One woman at the scene was pictured howling in grief after she learned one of the two dead civilians found in the manhole was her son. Meanwhile, Ukrainian researchers have claimed they have been able to identify dozens of Russian soldiers they believe were involved in the massacre of innocent civilians in Bucha and other towns close to Kyiv. Artem Starosiek, who runs a Ukrainian risk assessment and analysis firm, said his team has identified 80 of 1,060 Russian troops thought to be responsible for the massacre after working with Ukraine's cyber police department. 'We're using social media to track down the soldiers we know were in Bucha,' Artem told The Times. 'We can get their phone numbers, addresses, families and even criminal records.' The revelation comes days after the main intelligence directorate of Ukraine's MoD said it believed that the 64th Motorised Rifle Brigade of the 35th All-Russian Army was the primary unit responsible for the Bucha massacre. The 'butchers of Bucha' left a trail of death and destruction in their wake, as Ukrainian authorities discovered several mass graves and scores of corpses who appeared to have been tortured and executed. The brigade's commander, Lieutenant Colonel Azatbek Omurbekov, stands accused of organising the alleged rape, pillage and murder of hundreds of Ukrainian civilians. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz this weekend became the latest world leaders to recognise the massacre of innocent civilians in Ukraine as war crimes. Bodies of civilians, who according to the head of the village were killed by Russian soldiers, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine lie on the ground after police exhumed them from a manhole at a fuel station in Buzova, Kyiv region, Ukraine April 10, 2022 Taras Didych, head of the Dmytrivka community that includes Buzova, told Ukrainian TV early this morning that 'dozens' of bodies could be discovered, before confirming two people had been exhumed in a later interview with Reuters this afternoon A mother reacts as police members exhume the body of her son, who according to the head of the village was killed by Russian soldiers, from a manhole at a fuel station in Buzova, Kyiv region, Ukraine April 10, 2022 Ukrainian researchers have claimed they have been able to identify dozens of Russian soldiers they believe were involved in the massacre of innocent civilians (bodies of civilians in plastic bags lay in a mass grave in Bucha city) Forensic technicians exhume the bodies of civilians who Ukrainian officials say were killed during Russia's invasion and then buried in a mass grave in the town of Bucha, outside Kyiv, Ukraine April 8 The 'butchers of Bucha' left a trail of death and destruction in their wake, as Ukrainian authorities discovered several mass graves and scores of corpses who appeared to have been tortured and executed. The brigade's commander, Lieutenant Colonel Azatbek Omurbekov, (pictured here after being blessed by a priest of the Orthodox Church) stands accused of organising the alleged rape, pillage and murder of hundreds of Ukrainian civilians The pair joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in condemning the Russian military's actions yesterday, with von der Leyen declaring that lawyers must be drafted in to examine evidence of war crimes on the front lines of Ukraine which she has seen 'with her own eyes'. 'My instinct says ''if this is not a war crime, what is a war crime?'' - but I am a medical doctor by training and lawyers have to investigate carefully,' von der Leyen told reporters on board a train leaving Ukraine on Saturday. 'I saw the photos, (Ukrainian prime minister) Denys Shmyhal showed me... We could also see with our own eyes, that the destruction in the city is targeted into the civilian lives,' she said, referring to the town of Bucha where the bodies of hundreds of civilians were found last week. German Chancellor Scholz echoed his countryman's assessment of the destruction in the town northwest of Kyiv: 'This is something we cannot forget. 'We cannot overlook that this is a crime. These are war crimes we will not accept... those who did this must be held accountable.' European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz this weekend became the latest world leaders to recognise the massacre of innocent civilians in Ukraine as war crimes Omurbekov is commander of the 64th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade involved in the occupation of Bucha, a town on the outskirts of Ukrainian capital Kyiv Ukraine has already declared it will investigate hundreds of suspects for thousands of cases of alleged war crimes. The country's prosecutor general Iryna Venediktova told Sky News today: 'Of course what we see on the ground in all the regions of Ukraine, it is war crimes, crimes against humanity. 'You know that now we started 5,600 cases in Ukraine on the above war crimes', she said, before adding: 'Vladimir Putin is the main war criminal of 21st century.' Sir Geoffrey Nice QC, led the prosecution of the former Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic at the International Criminal Tribunal, declared that a clear record of the atrocities committed in Ukraine needs to be made. 'What we should do is to ensure that a record of great clarity is left of what has happened, whether or not there are any war crimes trials, you should leave a full record of what has happened,' he told Times Radio today. He said it is important that 'we the public need to understand what we need to do when we are led not just into mischief but into absolute wickedness by a government in the way that Russia has led its people who would otherwise no doubt lead perfectly good and innocent lives'. 'We need to understand that can happen if badly-led and that record needs to be left, preferably involving a war crimes trials but that may never happen.' Despite several world leaders and top legal minds labelling the actions of Putin's troops in Bucha and other towns as war crimes, there are questions over whether the perpetrators will ever be brought to justice. Last month, the International Criminal Court's lead prosecutor Karim Khan said he had opened an investigation into possible war crimes in Ukraine. Yet of the 46 publicly indicted by the (ICC) since its inception in 2002, only two are currently in prison with six others having finished their sentences, raising questions over the efficacy of the court and its methods of enforcement. If ICC investigators find evidence of atrocities carried out by Omurbekov's men, the prosecutor will ask ICC judges to issue arrest warrants to bring individuals to trial in The Hague. However, the court does not have its own police and relies on states to arrest suspects. Russia is not a member of the court, and it is safe to say that Putin would refuse to extradite anyone named in an ICC prosecution. Therefore, Russian soldiers and commanders suspected of committing war crimes who are named in an ICC investigation would only be arrested if they were to travel to another country. An Ukrainian serviceman inspects the leftovers of Russian military vehicles in the town of Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv, after the Ukrainian army secured the area following the withdrawal of the Russian army from the Kyiv region on previous days, Bucha, Ukraine, April 8, 2022 Investigators begin the grim work of pulling bodies from a mass grave and assessing evidence of war crimes as families gather searching for missing loved ones in Bucha, Ukraine on April 8, 2022 Wayne Jordash QC, a human rights lawyer at Doughty Street Chambers, told The Times: 'The rules of war are an encouragement to better behaviour. Yet they're only as good as the enforcement that follows or doesn't follow. They are important but often sadly ignored.' Britain's policing minister Kit Malthouse said the government could begin levying targeted sanctions against individuals believed to have committed war crimes in an attempt to help Ukraine bring them to justice. 'While that is ongoing we can take action domestically around sanctions we are able to put on individuals, including combatants, leading generals and others involved in it, to signal our recognition of their part in this dreadful, dreadful assault upon a free democratic country,' he told Sky News today. 'We are putting as much support into the conflict as we possibly can to support the Ukrainians in their fight, we will do the same to bring those to justice who have perpetrated some truly awful crimes during this dreadful time.' The Kremlin continues to deny the accusations of war crimes levied against its troops, while Russian political commentators have gone as far as to suggest the harrowing scenes were staged by Ukraine and the West to discredit Putin. Meanwhile, the brigade accused of the war crimes in Bucha is already believed to have redeployed in preparation of a major Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine. Intelligence cited by Ukraine's MoD earlier this week said the 64th Motorized Rifle Brigade was travelling to the western Russian town of Belgorod, and would redeploy into eastern Ukraine today. The intelligence report even claimed the brigade was being sent to the 'hottest spots of the conflict', likely around Kharkiv, in the hope that they will be killed to avoid the possibility of the soldiers being forced to testify in any future war crime tribunals. 'Another goal of the rapid return of the 64th Brigade to Ukrainian territory is the quick 'disposal' of unnecessary witnesses,' the report read. 'That is, redeployment to a part of the war front where they will have no chance of surviving, thus making it impossible for them to testify in future courts.' Zelensky shocked the UN into silence earlier this week after accusing Russia of committing 'genocide' in Ukraine, comparing Moscow's military to the Islamic State terror group and demanding that Putin be brought to justice for his alleged atrocities in a video address to the Security Council. Volodymyr Zelensky said atrocities have been carried out in Ukraine, with women raped and killed in front of their families 'They cut off limbs, cut their throats. Women were raped and killed in front of their children. Their tongues were pulled out only because their aggressor did not hear what they wanted to hear from them,' he said. 'Anyone who has given criminal orders and carried them out by killing our people will be brought before the tribunal which should be similar to the Nuremberg tribunals.' Making his first appearance before the UN's highest body, Zelensky said the Russian troops are no different from other terrorists. He showed the council brief video footage of bloody corpses that ended with the words 'Stop Russian Aggression'. He stressed that Bucha was only one place and there are more with similar horrors, and called for a tribunal similar to the one set up at Nuremberg to try war criminals after the Second World War. Speaking to Times Radio, Sir Geoffrey Nice QC said that Zelensky's officials are conducting investigations into the actions of its own troops to ensure they are not also guilty of war crimes. 'We also know that Ukraine is checking whether its own troops have committed offences, of course some will have committed offences. This always happens in war,' the lawyer said. 'It is immensely to the credit of Ukraine that it has started publicly the process of investigating any crimes committed by its own people.' Changing street names will no longer be possible without first holding small-scale referenda under government plans to stop local heritage being wiped out by 'woke' campaign groups. A proposal drawn up by Michael Gove's Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will force councils to put road name changes to a public vote, over fears that campaign groups could otherwise force through controversial changes without majority support. Ministers say the plans are needed to stop Labour and Liberal Democrat local politicians removing names that pay tribute to controversial historical figures or that are otherwise viewed as offensive, according to The Telegraph. Residents of streets with proposed name changes will have a right to vote under the plans, with people in neighbouring roads also potentially to be included. Last year, Swanage Town Council attracted national media attention over its plan to re-name Darkie Lane to Dark Lane, which was prompted by a single letter of complaint from a family holidaying in the town in Dorset. A proposal drawn up by Michael Gove's Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will force councils to put road name changes to a public vote Labour-run Birmingham City Council was accused of 'virtue signalling' in December 2020 after it named six new roads in Perry Barr: Diversity Grove, Equality Road, Destiny Road, Inspire Avenue, Respect Way and Humanity Close Ultimately, that change was vetoed, despite Swanage Town Council voting in favour, after a referendum of the eight residences conducted by Dorset Council failed to return a single vote in favour of the proposed alteration. Oliver Dowden, the Conservative chairman and former culture secretary, said: 'Labour and Liberal Democrat councils across the country are hiking council tax while squandering hard-earned local taxpayers' money on these woke pet projects that nobody wants. 'These proposals will give local residents a democratic check against the lefty municipal militants trying to cancel war heroes like Churchill and Nelson.' Last year, Swanage Town Council attracted national media attention over its plan to re-name Darkie Lane (pictured) to Dark Lane Labour-run Birmingham City Council was accused of 'virtue signalling' in December 2020 after it named six new roads in Perry Barr: Diversity Grove, Equality Road, Destiny Road, Inspire Avenue, Respect Way and Humanity Close. The titles were decided by a panel of judges after locals were asked to submit suggestions for the 1,400 addresses. Boris Johnson's net zero plan to replace millions of gas and electric boilers with controversial new heat pumps could cost taxpayers 115 billion if the government's upgrade scheme is rolled out to all homes, a report has warned. Installing a new air source heat pump costs 10,500 on average. With the Government providing a 5,000 grant for sufficiently insulated homes and cutting VAT from 5 per cent to zero, households would be left with a bill of 4,975. The Government has encouraged people to replace their traditional boilers with heat pumps in order to reduce carbon emissions, but the high upfront cost will mean few households will be able to afford the new technology, despite government assistance. Through its Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the government has allocated 450 million to be spent via 5,000 grants, meaning only 90,000 households will be able to benefit from the subsidy. The Taxpayers' Alliance said extending the current scheme - and its 5,000 grants - to all homes on the gas grid would cost taxpayers 115 billion. Analysis shared with MailOnline this week by environmental think tank the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) found the soaring cost of gas means heat pumps are now up to 261 a year cheaper to operate than a gas boiler. However, when the cost of installation is factored in, it could take up to a decade for the heat pump to be cheaper, and only if it lasts to the maximum of its estimated lifetime of 20 to 25 years, while the gas boiler lasts the minimum of its lifetime of 10 to 15 years. Air source heat pumps (pictured in Kent last year) cost 5,000 to 12,000 to install, based on the home's size and insulation A report has warned that Boris Johnson's net zero plan to replace millions of gas and electric boilers with controversial new heat pumps could cost taxpayers 115 billion if the government's upgrade scheme is rolled out to all homes Heat pumps v gas boilers AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMP Installation cost : 4,975 (with 5,000 grant + no VAT) : 4,975 (with 5,000 grant + no VAT) Annual running cost : 723 to 964 : 723 to 964 Average lifetime : 20 to 25 years : 20 to 25 years Installation cost per year : 249 (20yrs) to 199 (25ys) : 249 (20yrs) to 199 (25ys) TOTAL COST OVER 10 YEARS : 12,128 (2,488 installation [presuming 20yr life] + 9,640 running) GAS BOILER Installation cost : 2,700 : 2,700 Annual running cost : 984 : 984 Average lifetime : 10 to 15 years : 10 to 15 years Installation cost per year : 180 (15yrs) to 270 (10yrs) : 180 (15yrs) to 270 (10yrs) TOTAL COST OVER 10 YEARS : 12,540 (2,700 installation [presuming 10yr life] + 9,840 running) : 12,540 (2,700 installation [presuming 10yr life] + 9,840 running) This makes a heat pump 412 cheaper over 10 years Data provided by the Regulatory Assistance Project Advertisement Figures revealed in the study showed that a new gas boiler costs an average of 2,700 to install and 984 to run per year, while a heat pump costs between 723 and 964 a year to run depending on its efficiency, plus the almost 5,000 to install. The RAP said the 54 per cent rise in the energy price cap to an average of nearly 2,000 a year from this week has changed the head-to-head running costs, meaning an efficient heat pump can be cheaper than a gas boiler, but only after the initial installation costs have been removed. Craig Mackinlay, Conservative MP for South Thanet, criticised the planned roll out of heat pumps, telling the Telegraph: 'Spending billions on a technology that clearly isn't ready is not the right focus for the Government. 'This money will almost certainly go to the wealthiest households at a time when our primary focus should be on getting bills down for the many. If there's money available, a wider programme of home insulation would be a better plan and could achieve more in the way of emissions reductions.' The RAP said gas boilers typically have a lifetime of ten to 15 years and modern heat pumps 20 to 25 years. That means, if spread over the lifetime, the cost per year of a capital investment for a gas boiler is 180 and for a heat pump it is 249, assuming possible lifetimes of 15 years for a gas boiler and 20 years for heat pumps. But if the assumption of 10 years for a gas boiler or 25 years for a heat pump is made, the heat pump would be 199 per year and the gas boiler 270 in terms of capital costs - making the heat pump cheaper. An air source heat pump looks like an air conditioning unit on the outside of buildings and works like a fridge in reverse, using electricity to extract energy from the outside air to provide heating for homes and hot water. There are also heat pumps that draw energy from the ground or water, but these tend to be more expensive and can cost anywhere between 13,000 and 35,000 depending on the size of the system required. Because they are extracting heat from the environment - which they can do even at low outside temperatures - they produce around three times the energy they use, making them much more efficient than a gas boiler. UK electricity is increasingly powered by low carbon sources such as wind, making heat pumps a cleaner alternative to burning gas while they also cut local air pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, that boilers emit. While the new Government grant will provide 5,000 for an air source heat pump, the amount is raised to 6,000 for a ground source heat pump, for homes in England and Wales that are sufficiently insulated. VAT is also being removed for installations of the clean tech, along with insulation to make homes cosier, which will bring down the initial upfront cost. Energy company Octopus has confirmed that with the 5,000 grant, it will offer heat pumps at a similar price to gas boilers - meaning they could cost around 3,000 to install. All heating technologies - including gas boilers - work more efficiently and save homeowners money if their home is well insulated - with improving insulation to save energy being a key part of cutting emissions from buildings. This is something that the campaign group Insulate Britain focused its demonstrations on last year. A recent Government study found all homes in the UK, from Victorian mid-terraces to 1960s blocks of flats, are suitable for heat pumps. But energy experts estimate that only about a fifth of homes, some 4.8million, are suitable for a heat pump today. Another 30 per cent, or 8.4million, need minimal changes such as loft and cavity wall insulation, which they say will also cut bills. Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air at low temperature into a fluid to heat your house and hot water. They extract renewable heat from the environment, meaning the heat output is greater than the electricity input Ground source heat pumps circulate a mixture of water and antifreeze around a ground loop pipe. Heat from the ground is absorbed into the fluid and then passes through a heat exchanger, and running costs will depend on the size of the home Heat pumps, which use electricity to generate heat from air, ground or water, have very high upfront installation costs Homeowners have also been advised that because radiators on heat pumps operate at a lower temperature than with gas, they might need to swap a few of the oldest single panel radiators to ensure they are big enough to heat the room sufficiently. These can normally be replaced with double or triple panelled radiators that fit in the same spot. Underfloor heating works well with heat pumps because it operates at a lower temperature than radiators, so this will continue to work in homes that have the system - but it is not necessary to install it. Boris Johnson acknowledged earlier this week that people are 'anxious at the moment about putting in ground source, or air source, heat pumps to heat their homes'. A Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy spokesman told MailOnline: 'We are incentivising millions of people into getting heat pumps by the end of the decade by slashing the price of installation by up to 5,000 and cutting VAT to 0 per cent. 'We are working with industry to further bring down the cost of heat pumps by up to half by 2025 and reaching parity with boilers by 2030 as the technology develops, making them ultimately the most affordable option.' Advertisement A luxury yacht seized while trying to smuggle cocaine worth 160 million into the UK will be auctioned at the end of the month. The MY Kahu was intercepted in international waters heading to the UK in September 2021 following a tip off she was carrying two tonnes of cocaine. The 120ft yacht is currently moored in Torquay and will be sold between April 27 and April 28 on an online auction with no reserve. The MY Kahu, pictured, which was seized while smuggling two tonnes of cocaine into the UK is being sold off in a No Reserve auction at the end of the month The luxury yacht has five state rooms and further sleeping space for four members of crew The National Crime Agency, who received a tip off from the Australian Federal Police who cracked an encrypted messaging network, found this cocaine on board the 120ft yacht The vessel, which was built for the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1979 has a fabulous living area with panoramic sea views In theory, someone could take home the 40-year-old yacht for as little as 1 but a previous report in Super Yacht News valued the vessel at around 1.25 million. The vessel was commissioned in 1979 for the Royal New Zealand Navy as a dive tender but was converted in 2010 into a luxury yacht. Potential buyers can travel to Torquay on April 20 to view the vessel ahead of the online sale. Anyone hoping to bid for the boat must lodge a 1,000 deposit with Belfast auctioneers Wilsons ahead of the sale. Unlucky bidders will be refunded their cash. The 43-year-old vessel is capable of trans-Atlantic and round-the-world trips. It was en-route from the Caribbean to the UK in September 2021 when it was intercepted by the National Crime Agency, UK Border Force and Australian Federal Police some 80 miles off the coast of Plymouth. A deep rummage search of the vessel found two tonnes of cocaine hidden inside the boat. The boat has five luxurious staterooms and accommodation for four crew members. It is powered by a pair of six-cylinder Cummins diesel engines capable of 13 knots or seven knots when cruising. At cruising speed she is capable of travelling approximately 8,000 miles when her 32,000-litre tanks are full of diesel. Marine diesel costs in the region of 1.66 a litre - meaning it would cost 53,120 to fill her up. That results in a cost per mile of about 6.64. The boat has an aluminium hull and superstructure. Government contracts manager for Wilsons Auctions told the Belfast Telegraph: 'We are delighted to manage the sale of this high-profile asset. It is reported that around 160m worth of cocaine was found on board MY Kahu and that is why the vessel is now being offered for sale by auction. 'We are proud to facilitate auctions on behalf of our government and law enforcement agency clients. We play an important role in realising a large quantity of assets on behalf of these clients and in recent years, these auctions have seen us responsible in returning 130 million back into the public purse. 'The online element of the auction is extremely convenient for bidders around the world to register and get involved. This will be an exciting one to watch.' The boat was intercepted after the Australian Federal Police cracked an encrypted phone system the smugglers were using. The lucky bidder will be able to enjoy lunch on the stern with their friends while anchored off the coast of somewhere warm The yacht features a fully equipped galley so preparing food should not be too problematic If staring out over the blue ocean gets boring, the new owner can put on the television, pictured right The vessel also provides quarters for a crew of four, but at 120ft, it would be possible for a family to operate the boat As part of their Operation Ironside, Australian officials were able to read messages sent over the AnOm network, enabling them to pass on information to colleagues in the UK. Speaking in September 2011, Matt Horne, NCA deputy director, said: 'This is a massive haul of cocaine with an estimated street value of around 160m. 'Theres no doubt these drugs would have been sold on into communities across the UK in such ways as County Lines fuelling more crime and misery. 'Organised crime groups are motivated by money. The deprivation of these drugs will smash a hole in the OCGs plans and ability to operate. 'Also, the arrests of the men transporting the drugs means the crime group has lost trusted offenders who would have been key to their operation. 'We continue to work with partners at home such as Border Force and those abroad such as the AFP to protect the public from the Class A drugs threat.' On the bridge, the vessel is equipped with a range of modern communication technology and stern and bow thrusters - enabling it to manoeuver it in port Inside the crew's quarters thing are slightly less luxurious than in the main state rooms With the diesel tanks fully topped up the MY Kahu, pictured, is able to cover 8,000 miles The 120ft yacht can cruise comfortably at eight knots and has a maximum range of 8,000 miles at a cost of 6. AFP Assistant Commissioner Lesa Gale, said: 'Intelligence from Operation Ironside had enabled the AFP to assist international enforcement partners in disrupting an alleged sophisticated criminal network. 'Operation Ironside has opened the door to unprecedented collaboration across law enforcement agencies around the globe. 'This result highlights the importance of the AFPs partnership with the NCA to combat offshore transnational organised crime that impacts both of our countries. 'The AFP and NCA have a strong, historic relationship and both agencies recognise the significant threat to national security posed by transnational organised crime.' Anyone seeking to buy a luxury yacht for the fraction of the price of an Oligarch can register for the auction here. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson walk during their meeting in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine, April 9, in this image provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office. AP-Yonhap Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson, one of Ukraine's staunchest backers, flew to Kyiv, Saturday, to pledge tighter sanctions on Russia and offer President Volodymyr Zelenskiy more defensive arms, a move the Ukrainian leader said others should follow. At a meeting shrouded in secrecy until Johnson appeared in the Ukrainian capital, the two leaders cemented the close ties they have nurtured since Russia invaded Ukraine Feb. 24. The move caps weeks of lobbying by Johnson to meet Zelenskiyy. With both men standing at podiums in front of cameras, they praised each other for their cooperation since the Russian invasion, which Moscow calls a "special operation" to demilitarize and "denazify" its neighbor. Zelenskiyy rejects the description, saying Russia is bent on destroying his country. "We must put more and more pressure on the Russian Federation, work harder to help the people of Ukraine defend it against the Russian Federation, and step up sanctions," Zelenskiyy said. Disgraced Tory MP David Warburton lobbied for a Russian businessman who loaned him 150,000 after a regulator ruled he was not a 'fit and proper person', it has been revealed. The MP for Somerton and Frome was suspended earlier this month over claims of sexual harassment and taking cocaine. He is also accused of failing to declare a large loan in 2017 from Russian-born investment banker Roman Joukovski, to help buy a property. It has now emerged that he wrote to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on March 12 last year, describing Mr Joukovski as 'extremely capable' and an 'honest and straightforward person whom I trust'. The letter, reported by The Sunday Times, came around the same time the FCA ruled Mr Joukovski was 'not a fit and proper person' and imposed restrictions on Dolfin, a company he founded, due to concerns about the way it conducts its business. It has also come to light that Mr Warburton, 56, complained the anti-sexual harassment training course 'Valuing Everyone' was 'insane'. He made the comment in a tweet from September 2020, which has since been deleted, responding to an MP refusing to take part in 'Orwellian "re-education"'. David Warburton (pictured above), 56, lobbied for a Russian businessman who loaned him 150,000 after a regulator ruled he was not a 'fit and proper person', it has been revealed He wrote to the Financial Conduct Authority (letter above) in March 2021, describing Roman Joukovski (above) as 'extremely capable' and an 'honest and straightforward person' The letter (above) came around the same time the FCA ruled Mr Joukovski was 'not a fit and proper person' and imposed restrictions on Dolfin, a company he founded, due to concerns about the way it conducts its business Concerning Mr Joukovski, the Tory MP wrote to the FCA: 'I was introduced to him through a mutual friend some four years ago, since when i have met him on numerous occasions. 'I know Roman both socially and also in relation to his business activities. Dealing with him during this period I have formed a positive view of Roman; in my judgement he is extremely capable and an honest and straightforward person whom I trust. 'I am happy to provide any further information that might assist the FCA in its assessment of Roman.' The FCA previously said it had taken action against Dolfin because it had operated a scheme designed to enable its clients to obtain a Tier 1 investor visa in breach of the immigration rules and therefore unlawfully. The regulator did not name the client but openDemocracy claimed it was Nurali Aliyev, the favoured grandson of Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstans autocratic former leader. An FCA spokesperson said: 'As an independent regulator, we take decisions about the firms we regulate based solely on our objectives and the information and intelligence we have.' Meanwhile, The Sun reported that Mr Warburton had not taken part in the 'Valuing Everyone' training as of July last year. In an unearthed tweet, the now suspended MP wrote: 'I've had to sign up to the 'Valuing Everyone' re-education course as not signing up is apparently a clear marker that I don't value people and require third-party intervention.' It has also come to light that Mr Warburton, 56, complained the anti-sexual harassment training course 'Valuing Everyone' was 'insane'. He made the comment in a tweet (above) from September 2020, which has since been deleted, responding to an MP refusing to take part in 'Orwellian "re-education"' The Conservative Party suspended Mr Warburton after a picture of him sitting alongside what is claimed to be lines of cocaine emerged Mr Warburton went on to say 'this is insane', adding that he 'will go no further down this rabbit hole.' The Twitter account on which the comments were posted appears to have since been deleted. A Parliament spokesman told the newspaper: 'Both Houses have made clear Valuing Everyone training is essential. 'It has been attended by over 790 Peers and over 600 MPs.' The 'Valuing Everyone' training was introduced in 2020 as part of measures to combat bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct. Mr Warburton's wife of 20 years, Harriet, 52, was said to be fully backing her husband, who denies accusations of abusing cocaine and inappropriately touching three women In November of the same year the virtual course was made compulsory, meaning that anyone who had not completed it by April 1 was in breach of the Code of Conduct. Mr Warburton is being investigated by Parliament's new '#MeToo' harassment watchdog, the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme, after being accused of taking cocaine and inappropriately touching three women. The Conservative Party suspended him after a picture of him sitting alongside what is claimed to be lines of cocaine emerged. Mr Warburton's wife of 20 years, Harriet, 52, was said to be fully backing her husband, who denies all wrongdoing. His family say the Tory, who is currently receiving psychiatric care, will launch a robust defence with his brother-in-law pondering if the politicians might have been the victim of a sting by a foreign power. MailOnline has reached out to Mr Warburton's office for comment. Two police officers have been praised for saving the lives of an elderly couple who were trapped in a burning car. The fire was already so ferocious by the time the officers got there, they had just seconds to save two lives. The couple had been driving a car towing a caravan on the South Western Highway in Harvey when they crashed on the morning of March 12. The driver had lost control of the vehicle causing it to fishtail and roll. The car then caught fire and the couple was trapped inside with their seatbelts on. In a dramatic video released by Western Australia Police, an officer frantically runs past the overturned trailer and debris strewn all over the road. Two Western Australian police officers have been praised for their action in saving the lives of an elderly couple trapped in a burning car (pictured) Senior Constable Kylie James and Probational Constable Reece Josemans arrived to the shocking scene at about 10.30am. 'Is there someone in the vehicle?' Mr Josemans is heard saying as he runs towards the burning vehicle. 'There's two people in the car,' a woman replied. By the time Mr Josemans reached the car, which was turned on its side, it was already well alight. 'Undo you seatbelts, undo your seatbelts,' he said to the couple. 'Go, go, go. I'm going to rip you out,' he added. He is then seen spraying a fire extinguisher at the car while a man on top of the car is holding a door open. A man is pictured on top of a burning car holding a door open while police officers work to rescue an elderly couple trapped inside Ms James is then heard saying 'Come on. Duck your head,' as the first person is dragged out of the car. 'Are you there, you there?' Mr Josemans then called into the car. A voice quietly said 'Yeah'. 'Push that seatbelt in for me, please,' the officer says. The officers then get the man out and walk away just before the car exploded so violently it shook the ground. 'I'm so glad to see you alive,' Mr Josemans said. The car (pictured) exploded into a ball of fire shortly after police officers rescued an elderly couple that had been trapped inside Mr Josemans said as he and his colleague arrived at the scene they 'noticed the vehicle had been crashed and there was a bit of smoke coming from the front of it. 'It wasn't until we got out of the vehicle and I heard a lady yelling, saying, 'Help, help, there are two people trapped inside'. 'That's when we went running over.' Mr Josemans and Ms James had just seconds to get the couple out of the car, which had 125 litres of petrol in it. Senior Constable Kylie James (pictured) has been praised for helping to save the lives of two people trapped in a car Probational Constable Reece Josemans (pictured) said 'we only had a minute' to rescue a couple trapped in a burning car There were also two gas bottles on the caravan it was towing. 'I remember just making eye contact with the two occupants,' he said. 'At that point in time, I didn't know how they were going to come out but I knew I had to find a way. 'I remember the feeling of the fire, it was the most unbearable (feeling) ... you know you've got to get them out.' The officers managed to cut the seatbelts and drag the couple out of the wreckage just before it was engulfed in flames. A police officer is pictured at the scene of an accident in Western Australia in which an elderly couple was rescued from a burning car Mr Josemans said what 'always goes through your head is the fact that the car exploded after. It makes you think we only had a minute.' The rescued couple was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The woman he pulled from the car told Mr Josemans 'You saved my life.' 'That to me, is everything. Job done. The best feeling in the word,' he said. WA's Police Minister Paul Papalia congratulated the officers from Harvey and Yarloop stations for their courage. Yarloop officer-in-charge Sergeant Wayne Byram said without the actions of the officers, along with emergency service crews and members of the public who stepped into raise the alarm, the couple would not have made it. Education watchdog Ofsted is set to be given powers that will allow inspectors to enter and close illegal schools after it warned that children are being educated in garages and being exposed to extremist materials. It is believed the notable rise in children being home schooled since the start of the pandemic will mean many have ended up being taught in unlawful operations. Nadhim Zahawi, the education secretary, will introduce laws to allow Ofsted to turn up without any notice at what they believe are unregistered schools. In order to help build stronger legal cases against illegal schools, inspectors will also be allowed to seize evidence and material. Ofsted wants the government to lifetime bans to be given to people running illegal schools to prevent them from setting up similar centres. Amanda Spielman, Ofsted's chief inspector, said unregistered schools have failed to equip children with British values, basic numeracy and literacy skills. Spielman said a 'small proportion' of cases have been linked to 'genuine extremism', but the wider concern is that there is a large proportion of children who are effectively 'very segregated from mainstream society' and do not know the basics that 'we expect of all children who are born as British citizens'. She said, many of the people educating the children were 'unfit' to work with them, she said: 'We see lots of staff without experience or qualifications, people with criminal records.' Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi is hoping to give Ofsted new powers to allow them to search illegal schools and seize evidence to help them prosecute, after they warned that tens of thousands of children could now be in unregistered schools Children are reportedly being exposed to extremist materials and being 'segregated from mainstream society' in illegal schools according to Ofsted (stock image of classroom) Running an unregistered school is a criminal offence, with a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment or an unlimited fine. The government considers 18 hours of education to be full-time and an independent school any centre where five or more pupils of school age attend. It is expected that the new powers will be incorporated into a schools bill, which ministers hope will be included in the Queen's Speech on May 10. Speaking to The Times, Spielman said she believed that the number of pupils attending unregistered schools could now be in the 'tens of thousands', after the pandemic likely increased the number of dropouts. She said Ofsted lacked the investigatory powers to build watertight cases and the inadequate laws were leaving the organisation working with their hands tied behind their back. Since 2016, only six out of 850 suspected unregistered schools which have been investigated, almost half of which it found reason to believe were operating illegally, have been prosecuted successfully. Spielman warned that 'quite a few' of the children being educated at home, which figures suggest rose by 34% in the last academic year to 115,000, were feared to be in illegal schools. Amanda Spielman (pictured), the chief inspector of Ofsted, said unregistered schools left many children segregated from mainstream society She said efforts to tackle the problem were undermined because inspectors lacked the ability to enter premises without permission. It also means that unregistered centres can hide evidence from inspectors, who are unable to open cupboards or seize material that could be used to build a criminal case. She said: 'There's a real contrast between the powers that we have and the powers that exist to investigate and prosecute other kinds of unregistered activities in the health sector, for example. 'We can, for example, just be standing on the doorstep attempting to exercise the right of entry we do have, while children are being led out the back and everything to do with operating an illegal school is being put away in cupboards. 'It's like an evacuation drill, really. Some have clearly got an established procedure for what they will do if an inspector comes.' Currently Ofsted inspectors are limited to taking photographs of materials they find. However they can't pick anything up, take out things they find or search inside a cupboard. Inspectors had found a number of safeguarding concerns while searching these schools, such as children being taught in garages, old office blocks and semi-commercial units in industrial estates, some with hanging wires, borken windows and 'padlocked fire exits'. Some children are being exposed to extremist materials, from books by an author banned from entering the UK for his extremist views to leaflets from a banned preacher. One illegal school was being run by members of a proscribed group. A quarter of the suspected unregistered schools inspected by Ofsted have been religious, although the real proportion is expected to be higher. Just over half were Islamic, a quarter Jewish and a quarter Christian. The DfE is looking at whether a new legal definition of a school is necessary, as there is concern that many of the centres use loopholes or adapt their practices to avoid being shut down. Zahawi is also set to introduce a new register that will require parents educating children at home to give details of their arrangement to their local authority. He is looking at a national daily attendance tracker, for which a pilot scheme is already underway, that would let the DfE monitor in real-time school registers nationwide. Zahawi said: 'So many home-educating families do a fantastic job but there are still too many children falling through the cracks, at risk of harm in unsafe settings like illegal unregistered schools. 'That's why we will be introducing new legislation requiring councils to maintain a register of children who are not in school, helping eliminate the concept of 'ghost children', alongside stronger powers for Ofsted to crack down on illegal schools and ensure the criminals who are running them face prosecution.' The grief-stricken parents of a young girl who ended her life after years of bullying have revealed how their daughter's life could have been saved in just 12 minutes. Murray Rosewarne and Emma Mason have spoken of their unimaginable grief after losing their eldest daughter Matilda 'Tilly' Rosewarne, 15, to suicide seven weeks ago. The couple told 60 Minutes their 'easy kid' with a big giggle and cheeky nature had been the target of schoolyard bullies since she was a small child. However, it was the circulation of a pornographic image, falsely said to be Tilly, on the app Snapchat that finally broke their daughter's spirit. Tilly (pictured) was found dead by her father near her old cubby house at the family's home in Bathurst, in the central west of NSW, on the morning of February 16 Her concerned parents had watched as their bright and cheerful daughter had begun to struggle to socialise, not even able to share a meal with her family. Following the Snapchat incident Tilly was moved to a new school, but because of how rapidly the image had circulated she continued to be targeted by bullies. Ms Mason said her daughter 'never got over' the fake pornographic image and said it had meant she had been unable to fit in to her new school or community. The desperate couple did everything they could to stop the image from continuing to circulate online, they reported it to Bathurst Police and Tilly's school. However, they were told nothing could be done and that it was the responsibility of the social media giant Snapchat to remove the explicit image. The couple later discovered if the incident had been reported to the eSafety Commissioner, the image could have been removed instantly. Julie Inman Grant, Australia's eSafety Commissioner told 60 Minutes no complaint had been made. 'We would have responded to her report within three hours, we likely would have been able to get down that content, as that content that was considered image-based abuse,' Ms Inman Grant said. 'If we thought that content needed to come down expeditiously, because the child was in distress, we've done that in as little as 12 minutes.' Murray Rosewarne and Emma Mason (pictured) have spoken of their unimaginable grief after just seven weeks ago losing their eldest daughter Tilly, 15, to suicide Tilly (pictured) had been the target of bullying for seven years before her death and most recently publicly humiliated by 'fake porn' being spread on the app Snapchat The commissioner explained that as the system was complaints-based, those who reported incidents of online abuse could be helped. 'No one is more devastated than I am that we didn't know about this case while it was happening, because I truly believe we could have helped this child,' she said. Ms Mason said her daughter had undoubtedly 'slipped through the cracks' and that more needed to be done to prevent anything similar from happening again. 'There's so many things that could've saved Tilly,' she said. 'Part of it is a lack of power for schools, a lack of power for police to investigate these sorts of things, knowledge even from police investigating the snapchat that the eSafety Commissioner was someone who could assist.' The family lodged a complaint with police about the bullying at the time, but there were difficulties identifying the person who owned the Snapchat account and the investigation was dropped. A Snapchat representative told Daily Mail Australia said the social media platform's policies explicitly prohibit bullying and harassment of any kind. They said confidential in-app reporting tools let Snapchat know if their users are seeing abusive content or being bulled and even though images and messages are deleted by default, if something is reported the content can be preserved. 'In Tilly's case, we are in close touch with the eSafety Commissioner's office and are standing by ready to support their investigation,' the spokesperson said. Snapchat has partnered with expert organisations like Project Rockit who specialise in bullying prevention and provide in-app resources to users. 'We're always looking for more ways to protect our community and we will soon launch new tools for parents to give them insights into their teens' activity on Snapchat and additional resources for how to stay safe online,' they said. The family has since called for children to take responsibility for 'what they write' and hope by sharing their story more can be done to police online abuse. Tilly, a budding performer, (pictured) left her parents and two younger sisters Maggie and Molly, a final gut-wrenching note saying she loved them Tilly's parents Emma and Murray Rosewarne wrote a tribute to their daughter and detailed some of the things she endured (pictured) The 15-year-old was found dead by her father near her old cubby house at the family's home in Bathurst, in the central west of NSW, on the morning of February 16. Mr Rosewarne said finding Tilly's body on that February morning would 'hurt forever', with his teary wife adding that night time was particularly hard. 'She couldn't see a life worth living at the end. Because what life was there when people feel like they can just abort someone's sense of self,' Ms Mason said. 'It begins with what you write and what you say.' Their daughter, who was a talented performer, left her parents and two younger sisters Maggie and Molly, a final gut-wrenching note saying she loved them. At Tilly's farewell at Bathurst Harness Racing Club, the couple told friends and family that their daughter decided to end her life as a result of catastrophic events that 'cut into Tilly's soul' Tilly's family (pictured) has been struggling after her sudden death just seven weeks ago 'Her last written words on this planet were about love,' Ms Rosewarne said. At Tilly's farewell at Bathurst Harness Racing Club, the couple told friends and family that their daughter decided to end her life as a result of catastrophic events that 'cut into Tilly's soul'. 'Every post you write, every image you share, every word you say has an impact,' they wrote in her funeral booklet. 'We beg you, before you post, share or speak - ask yourself, is it true? Is it kind? It is necessary?' 'If the answer is 'no' to any of these questions, do not post, do not share, do not speak.' Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 A Tinder swindler who conned a millionairess out of almost 150,000 claims he hasn't paid her her back yet because he can't access his Bitcoin fortune. Richard Dexter, 38, was jailed for four and a half years after he tricked victim Amrita Sebastian into believing he was a 'successful businessman', having met her on the dating app Tinder. The suave conman from Portsmouth, Hampshire, boasted of being worth 6.8million, having 'private jets', being 'involved in Hollywood studios', and buying a hot air balloon 'just because he could'. Richard Dexter (above), 38, was jailed for four and a half years after he tricked victim Amrita Sebastian Duping the Dubai-based millionairess into sending him 141,500, Dexter claimed he had 4.2million tied up in investments - but in reality there was just 37p in the account which wasn't even his. Two months ago, when he was jailed, he insisted he could pay Dubai-based executive Miss Sebastian back 'within a day' alleging he had '200,000' in a Bitcoin wallet. But a hearing at Portsmouth Crown Court was told Dexter hasn't paid back anything and has 'not been engaging' with the process. Dexter claimed he has 'no access' to the apparent Bitcoin wallet and insisted 'I've got nothing more to give' unless the court wanted to seize a doughnut shop he set up. 'I have no access to it... I've got no access to any of my information or devices', he told the court. He added that Bitcoin 'fluctuates on a minute by minute basis' when asked about the wallet's total amount. The suave conman from Portsmouth, Hampshire, boasted of being worth 6.8million, having 'private jets', being 'involved in Hollywood studios', and buying a hot air balloon 'just because he could' (pictured outside Portsmouth Crown Court) The 'well-educated and well-dressed' conman at one stage stropped and refused to enter the court, with judge Timothy Mousley QC branding him 'disruptive'. Dexter, who moaned about being 'locked in a cell for 23 hours a day', said: 'I can't speak to a solicitor, I'm not legally represented and I want to be. I want to understand what's going on. 'I've got nothing more to give. I have nothing more for you to take apart from my [doughnut] shop which probably won't last the month anyway.' Leaving the dock to exit down to the cells, he said: 'I can't be in this room, I'm sorry.' In Dexter's absence, Judge Mousley QC ordered the 141,000 to be confiscated within 28 days, suggesting Dexter use his Bitcoin to pay. Judge Mousley QC said: 'There has been no response from Dexter... to provide the information required. 'He's quite clearly not engaging with the processes and today has been disruptive. 'It's quite obvious to me that he [said he would] repay the money immediately and he had 200,000 of Bitcoin and from that resource the money would be paid. Dexter claimed he has 'no access' to the apparent Bitcoin wallet and insisted 'I've got nothing more to give' unless the court wanted to seize a doughnut shop he set up (pictured) 'There was evidence given that he had ample assets.' If the money is not paid in 28 days, Dexter will be jailed for a further two years. 8,000 in costs must also be paid to the Crown Prosecution Service, Judge Mousley QC ordered. Dexter said his doughnut shop, named Sticky Boy, is struggling and is now in the name of his partner, 37-year-old Hayley Jones. Previously it was heard that the father-of-two met Miss Sebastian on Tinder in 2015 and posed as a businessman selling biopharma tech. He claimed international companies 3M and Pall Corp were interested in tech equipment he had the patents for and willing to sign on deals worth up to 12 million. Dexter said his doughnut shop, named Sticky Boy (above), is struggling and is now in the name of his partner, 37-year-old Hayley Jones He told Miss Sebastian 'she wouldn't lose anything' and that he would pay her 100,000 as interest. Over the course of 15 months, she made a series of payments, some as large as 68,000. Prosecutor Robert Bryan said: 'He claimed he was a successful businessman selling biopharma technology and he said he was worth 6.8million and was involved in Hollywood studios. 'He alluded to his immense wealth and private jets, expensive cars, and said he had more by way of interest in his investments than a doctor's salary.' Judge Mousley QC ordered the 141,000 to be confiscated within 28 days, suggesting Dexter use his Bitcoin to pay (stock image of Portsmouth Crown Court) In one text to Miss Sebastian, Dexter wrote: 'Hey! I'm 32, most of my friends did uni and have debts and worries and all earn 40,000 to 60,000. I bought a hot air balloon yesterday just because I could.' Judge Mousley QC previously said of him: 'I'm left in no doubt that dishonesty is a feature of your character and it is profound. 'You are someone who shows no hesitation in resorting to lies with an ease that is almost breathtaking. 'When your truthfulness is challenged you reach for more lies to cover your tracks. 'There was absolutely no sign of you apologising to [Miss Sebastian] and there's little sign of any remorse.' He admitted seven counts of fraud relating to swindling 141,500 from Miss Sebastian. A council worker who shared the address of a sex offender with paedophile hunters leading to a mob descending on his house was seen laughing and heading to the pub after she was spared a prison sentence. Chloe Carr had been working as a Customer Services Assistant for Hull City Council when she sent the highly sensitive information to an online vigilante group, telling them he 'deserves all he gets'. Hull Crown Court was told a 30-strong group of people then arrived outside the house, who threatened to kill the man and burn down his home. The 23-year-old, who tried to hide her involvement, was fined 500 last week for her actions, with a judge saying she had helped to 'whip up a frenzy' by illegally sharing the information. Customer Services Assistant Chloe Carr sent the sensitive information to a vigilante group, which precipitated an angry mob turning up at the sex offender's home Now it has been reported she was seen laughing moments after leaving the court, before heading off to the pub. The mother-of-one was in a celebratory mood after a judge told her she was 'very lucky' not to be facing more serious charges which would have seen her sent to prison, The Sun reports. As she exited onto the street after the hearing, she was seen laughing and joking with two female supporters, with all three spotted walking into a pub over the road from the court building. Earlier in the day the court had heard that Carr, who was pregnant at the time of the offence in July 2020, had branded the sex offender 'disgusting' when passing his address on. The 23-year-old asked the paedophile hunters not to reveal that she had passed on the information Carr asked the hunters not to reveal that she had passed on the confidential information in an effort to stop the leak being traced back to her. The sex offender was moved to a new address, as the court heard that Carr's actions helped to 'whip up a frenzy' and were 'not a public service at all' as they 'destabilised' convicted criminals and risked making them 'unpredictable.' Carr, of Taylor Avenue, Cottingham, admitted unlawfully disclosing private data to an online website without consent. She denied a more serious charge of misconduct in a public office as a customer service advisor for Hull City Council by abusing the public's trust and disclosing confidential and personal data between June 4 and July 2, 2020, and the charge was dropped. Charlotte Baines, prosecuting, told the court that Carr was employed by an agency to work for the council to help direct people to assistance they may be able to access. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Carr was working from home in Anlaby, but was in a work chat group so that she could be in contact with her colleagues. A colleague sent a message to the group stating that a call had been received from a convicted sex offender, who had reached out to the council's customer services team to request a food parcel having being placed in emergency accommodation after his details were shared online. The address was shared to the group chat and Carr sent the details onto a Hull-based anti-paedophile group, Hull Live reports. She told the paedophile hunters she had details on the sex offender, but asked to be kept anonymous. She said in messages that it was 'disgusting' that the sex offender was still in Hull and would be living near a school. When asked by the anti-paedophile group if she had proof of the sex offender's address she said: 'Yes, everything is 100 per cent', and confirmed she had his street address. She added that she worked for Hull City Council and sent a screenshot of the address, adding: 'This can't come back to me due to my work.' When asked for the number of the house, she said it was 'so wrong' to put the man there and wrote: 'I don't believe in it. I will look now.' She added: 'Please don't mention it's come from the council' because records were kept and it might 'come back to me' when told the details would be posted online. Miss Bains told the court: 'The defendant made it abundantly clear that she worked for Hull City Council and the information needed to be kept anonymous.' At 18:40, the sex offender contacted police to say he had received a food parcel as requested from Hull City Council but that there were people at his door trying to break in. He said he had been warned by around 30 people in a mob outside the house to 'get out now or they would kill him and burn down the property.' Hull Crown Court (pictured) was told police identified Carr and later seized two laptops from her home At 19:19, the anti-paedophile group contacted Carr on Facebook Messenger to tell her the sex offender had been moved from the property. She replied: 'I am so happy. He is bloody awful. Happy to have helped everyone.' Police later identified Carr as being involved in the chats, and went to her home and seized two laptops. She told police she was angered when a colleague shared details of the sex offender because she was pregnant, and that someone in the group chat had said something needed to be done, prompting her to contact the anti-paedophile group. 'She said that she knew it was wrong,' Miss Baines told the court. 'She was kicked out of the works chat. She wasn't allowed to return to work, one assumes.' Helen Chapman, mitigating, said the sex offenders Carr had been referring to were people who had been before the courts, had been found guilty or sentenced and had 'done their time and come out' of prison. 'These groups exist on Facebook in order to whip up a frenzy,' she told the court. Carr was heavily pregnant at the time and the messages were exchanged just two weeks before she gave birth to her son in July 2020. The offence was 'short-lived but persistent', and Carr was in 'something of a vulnerable position' at the time because the father of her child had left her, Miss Chapman added. 'It didn't help that she was working from home,' she said. Carr, who had no previous convictions, is now 'just beginning to look for work,' Miss Chapman added. Judge Mark Bury said the offence may not have happened if Carr had been under a 'little bit more supervision' and if she had not been working from home. The decision not to proceed with a prosecution under a more serious misconduct in public office offence had been taken after a 'thorough review by a number of different people' for the prosecution, meaning that Carr now faced the maximum penalty of a fine, and not a prison sentence. Judge Bury told her she was 'very lucky' and said: 'The offence that you have committed is, in my view, a very serious one that would have carried a sentence of imprisonment.' He added he would have sent her to prison if found guilty of that offence. 'They had done their punishment. It wasn't for you to give their details out,' he added. 'The problem that this causes is that it destabilises offenders. It makes them unpredictable and more likely to commit offences that everyone else is trying their hardest to prevent them from doing. It's not doing a public service at all. It's a huge disservice. 'I am quite satisfied that you knew what you were doing because you said you didn't want your name to be mentioned because you would be sacked, which, of course, you were. I hope this has been a lesson. 'If you work in the public sector again, you just have to remember that you have a grave responsibility with public details. You thought you were helping. You were not.' Carr was fined 500 to be paid at 50 a month. An Iowa community was hit with a weekend of violence after a gunman opened fire at a downtown nightclub and an officer's home was riddled with bullets in what investigators say was a 'targeted attack'. Police say two people were killed and 10 injured after shots were fired at the Taboo Nightclub and Lounge in downtown Cedar Rapids around 1.30 a.m. Sunday. Several people were transported to area hospitals for treatment, police confirmed to KWWL. Their conditions remain unknown. Cedar Rapids police say there is no ongoing threat to the public, however crime scene officials remain on scene as they conduct their investigation. It is unclear if the shooter has been apprehended. The department did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment. Local police are also investigating a 'targeted' shooting at an off-duty officer's home that authorities believe was an 'act of intimidation and violence'. Two people were killed and 10 injured after shots were fired at an Iowa nightclub early Sunday morning The incident took place around 1.27am at the Taboo Nightclub and Lounge in downtown Cedar Rapids The violent weekend began Friday night when multiple shots were fired at a home in the city's Cherry Hill neighborhood around 11.30pm. Police say the shooting was an apparent targeted attack on an off-duty officer. While no injuries were reported, the officer's house, garage and take-home squad car were left riddled with bullets. Police are actively working to locate the suspects responsible for the attack, which Cedar Rapids Chief of Police Wayne Jerman deemed an 'extremely serious incident.' 'Evidence points to this being a targeted shooting toward a sworn peace officer. It was deliberate. It was an act of intimidation and violence and we will not tolerate it. We pursue all shots-fired incidents as serious, senseless actions and as such, receive our complete attention through the full legal process.' Jerman told KWWL. 'This is the time for anyone with knowledge of this incident to come forward and help ensure this violence stops now.' Cedar Rapid police are investigating two shootings that occurred over the weekend Cedar Rapids police are also investigating a 'targeted' shooting at an off-duty officer's home in the Cherry Hill neighborhood. Multiple shots were fired into the officer's house, garage and squad car around 11.30 p.m. Friday Violence struck the city again at 1.27 a.m. Sunday after at least 12 people were shot at Taboo Nightclub and Lounge Violence struck the city again at 1.27 a.m. Sunday after at least 12 people were shot at Taboo Nightclub and Lounge. Preliminary investigation revealed rounds were likely fired from the club's entrance. Little is known about the shooting so far, however it appears the incident occurred during the bar's 90s theme night. According to the club's Instagram account, the lounge was hosting an event titled 'Return of the Mac' featuring a 90s costume contest. Two dead, 10 hospitalized after overnight shooting at Taboo Nightclub in Cedar Rapids. Police say the shooting broke out at 1:27 a.m., investigators are still on scene. https://t.co/yljnLtjq2Z KWWL (@KWWL) April 10, 2022 The club required a $10 cover for admittance and was promoting bottle service and birthday packages. Taboo has not commented on the shooting and deleted their Facebook account shortly after the incident. Police say both weekend shootings remain under investigation. Officials have not implied that they are connected. Preliminary investigation revealed rounds were likely fired from the club's entrance The incident occurred during the club's 90s themed event The interior of the Taboo Nightclub and Louge is pictured Cedar Rapids, which is home to approximately 132,000 residents, according to recent census data, has seen an increase in violent crime over the past five years. Comparing the last five years, in 2021 the city saw an overall 16.27 percent increase in violent crimes which include murder, manslaughter, sex offenses or rape, robbery and aggravated assault. Homicides saw a decline last year at only 7 cases. There were 11 homicides in 2020. Sex offenses and rape reports had decreased from an average of 29 to 11 in 2021, which authorities attributed to COVID-19 distancing protocols. The city also saw a significant decline in robberies at 41 percent. 63 were reported in 2021 as compared to the five-year average of 106. Aggravated assaults saw a year-to-year decline from 83 to 63 in 2021, but an almost 17 percent rise against the five-year average. Armed aggravated assault rose from 110 in 2020 to 160 in 2021. Property crimes were down compared to 2020 and the five-year average. The city also reported an increase in domestic abuse, echoing nationwide pandemic trends. Jerman, speaking to KCRG after the 2021 crime data was released in January, said the rise in violent crime was 'concerning'. Both indicated they may apply to have matter heard under the Mental Health Act Both indicated they may apply to have matter heard under the Mental Health Act Both indicated they may apply to have matter heard under the Mental Health Act parents charged in relation to alleged assault of another child parents charged in relation to alleged assault of another child parents charged in relation to alleged assault of another child illiam's foster parents charged in relation to alleged assault of another child Both William Tyrrell's foster parents have been charged with stalking and intimidation, with the foster mother facing two charges and the foster dad a single count. The charges of stalk, intimidate intend fear of physical or mental harm are domestic related, according to court documents. As the investigation into the toddler's 2014 disappearance continues, the couple whose identities are suppressed for legal reasons are due to face Hornsby Local Court on the allegations later this month. The 56-year-old foster mother was hit with the fresh charge by NSW Police on Friday. Her lawyer, Sharon Ramsden, told the court her client would be pleading not guilty to the charge, The Australian reports. The foster mother of William Tyrrell has been charged with two counts of stalking and intimidation as the investigation into the toddler's disappearance continues The Sydney couple were foster parents to three-year-old William Tyrrell (pictured) when he disappeared from the NSW Mid North Coast town of Kendall, in September 2014 William Tyrrell's foster father (above) has been hit with a single charge of stalk and intimidate and will face Hornsby Local Court later this month William's foster father, 55, and foster mother were charged in November 2021 in relation to the alleged assault of a child who is not William Tyrrell. Both foster parents have pleaded not guilty, and have indicated they may apply to have the matter heard under the Mental Health Act. The Sydney couple were foster parents to the three-year-old when he disappeared from the NSW Mid North Coast town of Kendall, in September 2014. It comes weeks after it was revealed William's foster father was charged in January with two counts of 'knowingly provide false and misleading evidence'. The charges were only revealed in late March following a revision of non-publication orders surrounding the case. The foster father, who police claim 'lied about something we can prove', gave the allegedly false evidence to the secretive NSW Crime Commission late last year. William's foster father (pictured in December 2021) was charged in January this year with two counts of 'knowingly provide false and misleading evidence' On the second day of the search for William's remains at a dig site in the NSW Mid North Coast town of Kendall, the boys foster mother was declared a person of interest in his disappearance The details of what exactly is the evidence provided to the NSW Crime Commission by the foster father which police claim is false and misleading are unavailable. The foster father has entered pleas of not guilty to both charges. He testified for up to two hours after being secretly summonsed to appear at the NSWCC Surry Hills headquarters on November 11. This was four days before NSW Police launched a surprise 'high intensity' search of bushland around 800m from the house where William had been staying with his foster parents when he vanished seven years ago. On the second day of the search for William's remains at a dig site in the NSW Mid North Coast town of Kendall, the boys foster mother was declared a person of interest in his disappearance. NSW Police launched a surprise 'high intensity' search of bushland around 800m from the house where William had been staying when he vanished seven years ago Last month, William's foster mother was charged with another count of common assault of a child, which also does not relate to William, and her lawyer has indicated she will plead not guilty. William Tyrrell had been placed with the couple in March 2012 as a foster child in the care of the then state minister for family and community services until he was 18 years old. William was driven to the Kendall home of his foster grandmother on Friday, September 11, 2014 and was last seen playing on the verandah of the house on the Saturday morning. A widespread search for him in the surrounding area failed to find any trace of him. Last November, NSW police revealed the foster mother was being treated as a person of interest in William's case. William was driven to the Kendall home of his foster grandmother on Friday, September 11, 2014 and was last seen playing on the verandah (pictured) on the Saturday morning A new and extensive search for William's remains at Kendall began at the same time and continued for four weeks. Police, SES and rural fire workers along with detectives from Strike Force Rosann spent four weeks late last year digging up a section of forest less than a kilometre from the house where William vanished. Combing bushland and digging with excavators, police searched along Batar Creek Road, Kendall for William's remains and scraps from the SpiderMan suit he was last seen wearing. The foster mother denied any involvement in William's disappearance and no charges have ever been laid against any person. Police said William's foster mother was seen driving along the road on the morning the boy vanished. A veteran actor and member of the Motion Picture Academy blasted Will Smith's 10-year Oscar ban, calling it a 'toothless penalty' and says the star should voluntarily return his best actor award. In a scathing Variety op-ed, Harry Lennix, 57, compared Smith's punishment for slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars on March 27 to 'an extended time out for a playground bully' that 'lays bare the shallowness of Hollywood morals.' Lennix wrote that Smith needs to 'come to grips with the gravity of the offense he committed' and express-mail his golden trophy back to the Academy. The most 'galling' part of the ordeal, Lennix wrote, was Smith being allowed to accept his best actor trophy for his role in 'King Richard,' less than an hour after the violent onstage incident, and his reference to the 'will of God' in his speech. In a scathing Variety op-ed, Harry Lennix, 57, compared Smith's punishment for slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars to 'an extended time out for a playground bully' that 'lays bare the shallowness of Hollywood morals' Smith marched onto the Oscars stage on Sunday and hit Rock, after the comedian told a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Rock's wisecrack was targeted at Pinkett Smith's buzzcut, a style she has embraced in wake of her alopecia diagnosis Less than an hour earlier, Smith slapped Rock on-stage after the comedian made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith's shaved head. Pinkett-Smith has been open in the past about her struggles with alopecia. After the slap, Smith returned to his seat and screamed 'keep my wife's name out of your f*****g mouth.' He the then won the Oscar for Best Actor in his role as Serena and Venus Williams' father Richard Williams, in the film King Richard. He used his speech to apologize to the Academy and to Rock, and he later posted an apology on Instagram. Rock has not yet addressed the incident and declined to press charges against Smith. 'Smith's brutality stripped the entire evening of its prestige,' Lennix wrote in the op-ed piece. 'That was proven when stunned Oscar attendees gave a standing ovation to someone who'd just committed an assault in front of their eyes.' On Friday, the Academy banned him from future Oscar ceremonies for 10 years. In a statement, the Academy blasted Smiths 'unacceptable' and 'harmful' behavior that 'overshadowed' the entire evening. But Lennix wrote in the op-ed piece that he believes more could be done and that Smith should voluntarily return his trophy. 'With one deft blow, Will Smith created an existential crisis for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences,' Lennix said. 'The incident was such a jolt to societal norms that it will gnaw away at our national conscience until somehow properly atoned for.' Smith resigned from the Academy before it was able to hand out a punishment, but Lennix it was not enough. 'The stain on the Motion Picture Academy cannot be easily remediated. The only hope for a justifiable grace must involve Smith voluntarily returning his award for best actor.' Lennix wrote in a Variety op-ed piece that the 'only hope for a justifiable grace must involve Smith voluntarily returning his award for best actor' Smith gave a tearful apology as he accepted his Oscar for Best Actor after the slap on March 27 The slap divided Hollywood and the public, with some insisting he should be stripped of his Oscar and not be rewarded for violence while others said dismissed it and mocked it on social media. Comedian Ricky Gervais, 60 poked fun at the Academy's decision to ban Smith from future Oscar ceremonies on Saturday, noting that the actor is likely to 'do six years with good behavior.' Sharing an article announcing Will's ban, Ricky wrote: 'Hopefully he'll only do 6 years with good behavior' The actor has been a prominent voice among celebrities in the aftermath of the Smith-Rock incident, criticizing Smith for the slap, but has also hit out at people who have called Jada Pinkett-Smith's alopecia a 'disability.' Ricky said Chris Rock's joke about Jada's alopecia 'wasn't bad' and described it as the 'tamest joke' he would have told as he spoke during a live Q&A session on Twitter. 'Someone said it was joking about her [Jada's] disability. Well I'm going a bit thin, so I'm disabled. That means I can park right up next to (British supermarket) Tescos now,' he quipped. Letting out a laugh, he added: 'And I'm fat, that's a disease. I'm fat and balding, I should get f***ing benefits.' Opinions: On Friday, Ricky Gervais, 60, poked fun at the Academy's decision to ban Smith from future Oscar ceremonies, noting that the actor is likely to 'do six years with good behavior' Opinions: Ricky has hit out at people who have called Jada Pinkett Smith's alopecia a 'disability' as he weighed in on Will Smith's divisive Oscars slap Prior to being banned from Oscar ceremonies, Smith had already resigned from the Academy last Friday, taking the decision out of their hands to rescind his membership is it did with Harvey Weinstein. Smith's wife Jada will still be allowed to attend in-person events. The 54-person Board of Governors met on Friday morning and made the decision after furious debate between its 9,000 members raged for nearly two weeks in hundreds of WhatsApp groups. Many said their hesitation toward taking the drastic step of rescinding Smith's Oscar was based on the fact that sexual predators Harvey Weinstein and Roman Polanski have not had their Oscars taken away. On Saturday, Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, made her first public outing since the infamous slap that was sparked by a joke over her appearance. The Emmy-Award winner, 50, was attending the grand opening of The Rhimes Performing Arts Centre in Los Angeles. The new facility includes a fly aerial studio named for Jada and Will Smith and is open to students aged 8 and older, teaching teach classes in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, African, Dunham, Tap and Musical Theatre. Glittering: Jada Pinkett Smith looked glittering in gold on Saturday evening as she made her first public outing since her husband Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars Gorgeous in gold: Jada wore a strapless gown that spotlighted her toned arms and she accented the elegant ensemble with a red lip and gold earrings Natural beauty: Jada was later seen concealing her striking gown with a thick white dressing gown as she watched the night unfold from the crowd Meanwhile, Rock has barely addressed the assault at his stand-up gigs. Appearing at a surprise set at New York's Comedy Cellar last week, Rock said: 'Lower your expectations, I'm not going to address that s***,' a source told Page Six. Earlier that day, he was spotted walking around the city by himself. The 57-year-old comedian walked with his hands in his bomber jacket Tuesday morning. Tough times: Chris Rock was spotted Tuesday looking somber on a solo outing in New York City after his brother slammed Will Smith and said the Academy should strip him of his Oscar Rock's 42-year-old younger brother Kenny told the Los Angeles Times that he has trouble repeatedly watching the now infamous moment involving his brother from last week's Oscars ceremony. He said Smith should be stripped of the Best Actor trophy. He said: 'It eats at me watching it over and over again because you've seen a loved one being attacked and there's nothing you can do about it. 'Every time I'm watching the videos, it's like a rendition that just keeps going over and over in my head.' Kenny continued to express his distaste for the A-list actor's actions. He said: 'My brother was no threat to him and you just had no respect for him at that moment. 'You just belittled him in front of millions of people that watch the show.' Sajid Javid has confessed that he too was a 'non-dom' while working as a banker earning up to 3million a year. The Health Secretary revealed that he had the tax status between 2000 and 2006 before beginning his political career. It meant that Mr Javid - who became an MP in 2010 - did not pay UK tax on his overseas income during this period. He also disclosed that he benefited from an offshore trust 20 years ago when he worked for Deutsche Bank. The arrangements emerged as Rishi Sunak struggles to contain a growing crisis over his billionaire heiress wife being a non-dom. Akshata Murthy could have avoided millions of pounds in UK tax due to the status, but has dramatically tried to draw a line under the furore by declaring she will pay British taxes from the most recent financial year. The Liberal Democrats are turning up the heat by tabling a law that would force ministers to reveal their tax status and that of their family - although it has little chance of reaching the statute books. Health Secretary Sajid Javid has revealed that he was a non-dom between 2000 and 2006 before beginning his political career The arrangements emerged as Rishi Sunak struggles to contain a growing crisis over his billionaire heiress wife Akshata Murthy (pictured together) being a non-dom Mr Javid told the Sunday Times that he had 'been domiciled in the UK for tax purposes throughout my entire public life'. 'For almost two decades I constantly travelled around the world for work while resident in the UK, and was at times entirely resident abroad,' he said. 'For some of those years, I was non-domiciled for tax purposes. But I paid all UK taxes due on my income.' Mr Javid said he was entitled to the status because his father was born in Pakistan, although he is not thought to have been domiciled there for tax. He paid US taxes between 1992 and 1996 when he was posted to New York, before returning to the UK and becoming 'tax-resident here'. 'For some of those years I was non-domiciled for tax purposes, but I paid all UK taxes due on my income and have always done so,' Mr Javid said. 'In 2006 I moved to Singapore with my family and was therefore no longer a UK tax resident. 'In 2009, upon my return to the UK, I became tax-resident in the UK again and also proactively chose to give up my non-domiciled status by making the UK my 'domicile of choice'.' As for his offshore trust, Mr Javid said that when he became a Minister in 2012, he decided 'to voluntarily collapse that trust, repatriate all assets to the UK and pay 50 per cent income tax on those assets'. Mr Javid briefly served as Chancellor between July 2019 and February 2020, and has been tipped for a return Mr Sunak does not survive the controversy. The Treasury is searching for the mole who revealed that billionaire heiress Akshata Murthy has non-dom status. The sense of chaos was enhanced further yesterday as removal vans were pictured in Downing Street. An Opinium poll this weekend shows that approval for Mr Sunak now stands at just 28 per cent, while disapproval is 43 per cent The Sunaks are moving to their luxury West London home, said to be a long-planned step as their elder daughter is heading to boarding school. However, it is highly unusual for a Chancellor to live away from No11, partly due to security concerns. Friends have been briefing that he might even opt to walk away from politics to spare his family scrutiny. Tories also branded Mr Sunak 'petulant' for demanding a full leak inquiry, saying it showed how 'naive' he is politically. 'I think he is probably scuppered,' one former minister told MailOnline. 'What you are now seeing is somebody who is making basic political mistakes that maturity would have avoided.' In more grim news for Mr Sunak a poll today found his personal ratings have slumped again and are now at a dismal minus 15 - albeit still slightly better than Boris Johnson's. The Lib Dems are planning to table a Ministerial Tax Residency Status Bill when the Commons returns from recess. Although MPs and peers are not allowed to use non-dom status, their families are not covered by such rules. Lib Dem MP Christine Jardine said: 'Rishi Sunak's continued refusal to answer basic questions about his family's tax arrangements simply won't wash. It shows he is completely out of touch with people struggling to pay their bills. 'The public deserve to know what other steps the Chancellor's household may have taken to reduce their own tax bill while he hammers families around the country with unfair tax hikes. 'We have a draft law ready and waiting for when Parliament returns, to force Sunak and other ministers to reveal if their households are not paying their fair share by using tax havens.' Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting via videoconference at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, Russia, April 7, 2022. AP-Yonhap The EU blacklisted Russian President Vladimir Putin's two adult daughters and more than 200 other people as part of its latest sanctions package over Moscow's war in Ukraine, according to an official list published late Friday. Those on the list, which additionally included 18 companies, face asset seizures and travel bans in the 27-nation European Union. The United States and Britain had already sanctioned Putin's two daughters: Maria Vorontsova and Katerina (or Ekaterina) Tikhonova, born in 1985 and 1986 respectively. Their mother is the Russian leader's ex-wife Lyudmila, whose divorce from Putin was announced in 2013. The Kremlin had kept details of Putin's daughters' lives a closely guarded secret. A bipartisan delegation of House Representatives led by Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) traveled to Poland over the weekend where they met with allies and refugees amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, McCarthy's office announced early Sunday. The group of seven Republicans and two Democrats spoke face-to-face with members of the U.S. Army stationed in the country, as well as top Warsaw officials including Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. McCarthy warned Russian leader Vladimir Putin that the 'world is watching' his attack on Ukraine and hailed Poland as an 'indispensable' ally in a statement released just over three hours after midnight on Sunday, Eastern Time. 'The whole world is watching what's unfolding in Ukraine. We see the atrocities being committed by Vladimir Putin, and more importantly, we see the bravery of the Ukrainian people,' the California Republican said. 'We are hereas representatives of the United Statesto ensure we are doing what is right to support Ukrainians as they defend themselves and their democracy.' He ended the impassioned comments by calling the American visit a 'powerful message' to Moscow's autocratic regime. 'Poland has been an indispensable strategic partner by accepting millions of refugees, working closely with our military forces, and contributing fully to NATO as we all aim to restore peace and prosperity to the region,' McCarthy continued. 'Our visit today should serve as a powerful message to Putin that we condemn his unprovoked attacks. Evil cannot win.' McCarthy said he met with Ukrainian officials while in Poland who he said told him, 'We can fight the war ourselves; we just need better weapons to do it' While meeting with Ukrainians fleeing Russia's invasion, McCarthy said he and two other members of Congress spoke with a man who temporarily crossed the border to Poland to find urgent veterinary care for his dog He also personally thanked US service members, including those from California, for their efforts supporting NATO The delegation was made up of seven House Republicans and two House Democrats They appear to have arrived in Europe barely a day after Ukrainian officials say a Russian rocket attack killed at least 50 people and injured potentially hundreds more at a civilian railway station. The train station in Kramatorsk, a large transit hub in eastern Ukraine, was packed with 4,000 people -- mostly women, children and the elderly -- trying to save themselves by fleeing the war, the town's mayor said. Speaking to NBC's Meet The Press on Sunday, Ukrainian Defense Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the attack was 'horrendous' but that it would not prevent him from trying to seek an end to the conflict with Russian officials. 'If sitting down with the Russians will help me to prevent at least one massacre like in Bucha, or at least another attack like in Kramatorsk, I have to take that opportunity. Whatever I feel, if I have the chance to save a human life or a village, a town from destruction, I will take that chance,' Kuleba said. The group of American lawmakers follows a string of western and central European leaders visiting the region this weekend -- though most went directly to Ukraine. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a surprise visit to Kyiv via train on Saturday, where he was filmed walking through the streets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and receiving thanks from locals. EXCLUSIVE: Ukraines Foreign Minister @DmytroKuleba says U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnsons visit to Kyiv sends a message of confidence. Ukraine won the battle for Kyiv. Now another battle is coming, the battle for Donbas." pic.twitter.com/qkeQvs7W5P Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) April 10, 2022 British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has travelled to Kyiv to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky in an unannounced visit. A picture shared by the Embassy of Ukraine to the UK on Twitter showed the pair sitting across a table in the country's capital, with their respective flags in the room Johnson's visit was meant to be kept secret until he had left the war zone, but Ukraine's embassy in the United Kingdom accidentally broke the news on Twitter with a picture of the two leaders seated across from each other in the ravaged nation's capital. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer traveled to Kyiv for a one-day visit earlier on Saturday. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen was in Ukraine on Friday, where she was taken to Bucha to see the massive scale of atrocities against civilian residents there. Von der Leyen, who was reportedly moved by the devastation, said a decision on Ukraine's European Union membership could come in 'a matter of weeks' rather than years. The leaders of Slovenia, Poland and the Czech Republic also visited Kyiv in recent days. President Joe Biden was in Warsaw, Poland last month when he was so moved by Ukrainian refugees' stories that he later gave an impassioned speech where he said of Putin, 'For God's sake, this man cannot remain in power.' On their trip over the weekend, McCarthy said American lawmakers were welcomed by U.S. Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski at the embassy in Warsaw. A woman stands with bags and suitcases as refugees from Ukraine wait for the bus after they crossed Ukrainian-Polish border at the border crossing in Medyka, southeastern Poland on April 8 Ukrainian refugee Elena, left, hugs her five-year old granddaughter Christina, as they wait for the train to Warsaw They then visited with the Polish defense minister at his residence in the national capital, before McCarthy personally met with and thanked American service members from his home state of California. Lawmakers shared lunch with members of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne division who are stationed in southeast Poland as part of President Joe Biden's effort to support NATO countries in the region. On Sunday, however, Defense Minister Kuleba took aim at countries that have prevented Ukraine from joining NATO in the first place, claiming his nation was now 'paying the price' for the West's delay. 'f we were a member of NATO, this war wouldn't take place. The strategic mistake that was made in 2008 by Germany and France, who rejected the efforts of the United States and other allies to bring Ukraine in, is something that we are paying for,' Kuleba said. While meeting with Ukrainians fleeing Russia's invasion, McCarthy said he and two other members of Congress spoke with a man who temporarily crossed the border to Poland to find urgent veterinary care for his dog. McCarthy also said he asked Ukraine's officials what more they need from the United States. 'They were clear in their response: we can fight the war ourselves; we just need better weapons to do it,' the Congressional announcement read. Republicans accompanying McCarthy on the delegation are GOP Whip Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Rep. Michael Turner (R-Ohio), Rep. Kevin Calvert (R-Calif.), Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.), Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.), and Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.) The lone Democrats on the trip are Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.). Russia's war, ongoing for more than 40 days, took a devastating turn in recent weeks as images of what Moscow's troops have left behind in Kyiv suburbs like Bucha shock the world. Civilians lying dead in the street, some with hands behind their backs, some burned and some showing signs of sexual violence, have spurred outrage throughout the western world and renewed leaders' calls to try Putin and his troops for war crimes. Ukrainian officials have been working on exhuming shallow mass graves where bodies appear to have been indiscriminately dumped. The Kremlin has accused Ukraine of staging the scenes with crisis actors in order to discredit Russia. Moscow denied responsibility for the deadly missile strike on Kramatorsk as well, calling it the allegations 'a provocation' that 'absolutely do not correspond to reality.' Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar became the sixth House Democrat to join legislation stopping the end of Title 42 Representative Henry Cuellar became the latest Democrat to join bipartisan legislation against President Joe Biden ending Title 42, which allowed for immediate expulsion of illegal immigrants during the coronavirus health emergency. Cuellar's move now makes six House and five Senate Democrats who oppose lifting the pandemic-era rule. 'Title 42 should not be lifted,' Cuellar told Fox News when announcing he signed onto the legislation, claiming if his party doesn't 'stand up and do the right thing, they're going to be hit hard by the Republicans' in the 2022 midterm elections. 'But some of us are standing up and saying this is the right thing to do for the border,' the Texas congressman said of keeping Title 42 in play. 'We all believe in immigration reform, but we don't want chaos at the border. We want law and order at the border.' The House legislation Cuellar signed onto is similar to the Senate bill, which would require that Title 42 powers for expulsion at the border continue for 60 days after Bien's Surgeon General Vivek Murthy provides written notice that the COVID-19 public health emergency is lifted in the U.S. The Senate legislative proposal also requires that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) submit to Congress 'a plan to address any possible influx of entries or imports' related to the termination of Title 42. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) predicts that when Title 42 is dropped, the number of apprehensions will jump to 18,000 per day from the current record-breaking number of 8,000 each day. Other estimates say that the number of migrants crossing into the U.S. from Mexico will triple. The Democratic senators on board with the upper chamber bill to keep Title 42 as long as the health emergency remains are moderates Krysten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia as well as Mark Kelly of Arizona, Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Jon Tester of Montana. On the House side, Democrats signing on for a similar bipartisan bill on Title 42 are Representatives Tom O'Halleran of Arizona, Jared Golden of Maine, Stephanie Murphy of Florida, Chris Pappas of New Hampshire and Greg Stanton of Arizona. All of the Democratic House members on board with keeping the policy represent potentially vulnerable districts. CBP warns that if Title 42 ends, border crossing swill jump from 8,000 each day to 18,000 per day. Pictured: Authorities handcuff a person as vehicles wait to enter on Saturday, April 9 the U.S. CBP port of entry along the border in Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico Since Biden took office in January 2021, CBP has encountered more than 2.2 million migrants and the border and that number could as much as triple with the end of Title 42 next month Title 42 was initially implemented under then-President Donald Trump in March 2020 as a response from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to the emergence to COVID-19 pandemic. The policy has been used by both the Trump and Biden administration to instantly expel migrants at the border without hearing asylum claims. Both presidencies have also defended the process in court. Moderate Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona (left) and Joe Manchin of West Virginia (right) are among the five Democrats in the upper chamber supporting legislation to keep Title 42 as long as there is a declared public health emergency in the U.S. President for the National Border Patrol Council Brandon Judd told DailyMail.com in an interview last week that the whole process for expulsion with Title 42 takes about 15 minutes. Even with Title 42 in place, there has still been a mass amount of migrants arriving at the southern border since Biden took office, with around 2.2 million apprehensions since February 2021. The CDC announced last Friday that it will end Title 42 on May 23. This immediately sparked fears from both sides of the aisle, including from Biden's team, that a huge influx of migration will ensue. Democrats lament that there are no alternative policies in place or ready for implementation to quell the migration surge if Title 42 is dropped. A longtime Louisiana Democrat lawmaker stepped down last week amid a federal financial investigation into her 20-year gambling addiction. Karen Carter Peterson, 52, made her abrupt resignation public on Friday, citing her need to focus on a decades-long battle with depression and chronic gambling. 'I must place all of my energy on my mental health and personal well-being, and therefore have tendered my resignation effective immediately,' Peterson said in a statement. The former state senator is also the subject of a federal probe, sources told The New Orleans Advocate. While officials declined to divulge details about the investigation, they confirmed to the outlet that her finances and gambling addiction, first made public in 2019, will be the focus. The Louisiana Democratic Party chapter declined to comment on whether the party has received a subpoena or has been asked by federal authorities to hand in information about Peterson. The state senate has not been subpoenaed, President Page Cortez confirmed. The Democrat, who made two unsuccessful bids for Congress in recent years, had a political career spanning almost 30 years. Peterson, who has received both inpatient and outpatient treatment for her gambling, was elected to the State House in 1999 and then to the Senate in 2010. Her term was set to end next year at the end of the legislative session in June. Peterson's seat will be replaced this fall. Former Louisiana State Senator Karen Carter Peterson, 52, resigned on Friday, citing her need to focus on her decades-long battle with depression and chronic gambling (File photo) Her resignation comes amid a federal financial investigation into her 20-year gambling addiction Peterson's gambling issues first became public in February 2019 when local news station WWL-TV reported she had received a misdemeanor summons after gambling at L'Auberge Casino in Baton Rouge. In Louisiana, people with a gambling addiction can put themselves on self-imposed bans by agreeing to be part of a list circulated around casinos across the state. If they fail to abstain from gambling, they're issued a summons. At the time, Peterson opened up about her gambling and stepped down as chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party, where she had been elected in 2012. The former state senator hinted at her resignation on Thursday as she led prayer from the Senate dais. 'Over the last few years I've participated in successfully and received in-patient and outpatient treatment,' Peterson said. 'I want you to know that this addiction and this disease is insidious, many people suffer from it. The highest rate of suicide from all addictions.' The former state senator hinted at her resignation on Thursday. As she led prayer from the Senate dais, she spoke out about her struggle with chronic gambling Peterson, who has received both inpatient and outpatient to treat her gambling, was elected to the State House in 1999 and then to the Senate in 2010. She made her resignation public in a statement Friday Last month, Peterson sponsored a bill to recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in the state of Louisiana. The bill was signed and enacted on March 21. According to the Mayo Clinic, gambling can stimulate the brain's reward system much like drugs and alcohol do. People who develop that type of addiction can lead normal lives and even be considered reliable, responsible and dependable, but traumatic circumstances can trigger episodes of intense gambling. 'There are a lot of very successful very educated, accomplished doctors, lawyers, pilots, congressmen, whatever, who have a lot of stress,' Felicia Kleinpeter, CEO of Imagine Recovery, told FOX8. 'As people, we have stress and stress is something that is the real trigger for wanting to lapse back into those behaviors. So, her focusing on her recovery is really really admirable and it's the greatest gift you can give to herself and people who love her.' The federal probe will look into Peterson's finances and her addiction. According to financial records, Peterson made just above $130,000 in 2020. Besides her $22,000 salary as a senator, she made $109,000 as a counsel for the law firm Dentos, NOLA reported. Among Dentos clients are oil, insurance, real state, banking, and lobbying majors. It is unclear whether Peterson will remain working at the firm, but she is not currently listed on its website. The federal probe will look into Peterson's finances and her addiction. According to financial records, Peterson made just above $130,000 in 2020. Besides her $22,000 salary as a senator, she made $109,000 as a counsel for the law firm Dentos (File photo) Peterson, who is married to newly elected CEO of education nonprofit New Schools for New Orleans Dana Peterson, said Friday she was thankful for the support she had received throughout her legislative career. 'Since 1999, I've had the privilege to serve as the member of the Louisiana Legislature, offering passionate and vigorous advocacy on behalf of the people of this great state. 'I am hopeful that my decades of service have had a positive impact on the lives of those for whom I have fought,' she wrote in a statement. 'I humbly ask for prayers and support as I continue my journey of recovery and redemption. God bless the state of Louisiana.' In the state senate, Peterson pushed for bills regarding the rights of human trafficking victims, higher education opportunities, and treatment for cancer patients. A school failed to protect a black 10 year-old from bullies who ultimately drove her to suicide, a newly-published investigation has found. Davis School District in Farmington, Utah, failed to properly deal with complaints made by Isabella 'Izzy' Tichenor's mother Brittany Tichenor-Cox in the months running-up to her November 2021 death, the independent probe commissioned by the superintendent discovered. It found that the distressed youngster - who was awaiting a possible diagnosis of autism - had sprayed her clothes with Febreze after being told by other students and even a teacher that she smelled bad. The special ed teacher in question said she'd asked if Izzy had taken a shower while remarking on how she smelled. The report also revealed that staff at Foxboro Elementary School, which Izzy attended, didn't even know the district's formal definition of bullying. It added that Foxboro fostered an atmosphere 'in which bullying...could go underreported, uninvestigated, and unaddressed,' according to CNN. Isabella 'Izzy' Tichenor, 10, was a victim of 'racist' comments and remarks on her disability before committing suicide in November of last year, her mom says Davis School District was hit by a Department of Justice investigation just weeks before Izzy's death, which found that officials had spent years ignoring allegations of racist bullying made by black and Asian students, as well as their families. The subsequent probe into Izzy's death was unable to determine whether the bullying she'd suffered was racist - although it didn't rule it out. It explained: 'Issues relating to race, disability, and poverty sometimes intersect and when they do, can further complicate already challenging situations. 'It can be very difficult to extricate one from the others." 'When a student told Izzy she needed to wash her hair, this comment could have been borne out of racial animus, could have been an innocuous observation, or could have been a cloaked insult about poverty.' Brittany Tichenor-Cox (right) says her Izzy's teachers and fellow peers picked on her daughter on a daily basis The investigation did conclude, however, that the school did not do enough to protect the child and address the bullying allegations made by her mother in a timely manner. The DOJ report, published in October 2020, found that black students were disciplined more harshly than white students and were 'routinely' called the n-word. White students also called Asian students 'yellow' and 'squinty' and told them to 'go back to China,' the report states. Izzy's older sister had complained of racist bullying at the hands of students before her sibling's death, including one incident where she'd been called the n-word. The agency's discovery came in a report and settlement agreement published in October - a month before Izzy committed suicide. The investigation on the school district started in July 2019. DailyMail.com has contacted Tyler Ayres - the Tichenor's family lawyer - and the Davis School District for comment. Ayres has previously said that Izzy's family had reported the bullying to teachers and school officials, but felt ignored. In response, the Davis School District said in a statement that it would review the report's findings and offered a formal apology to Izzy's family. 'We are taking it seriously. We vow to continue our ongoing and extensive efforts to foster a welcoming environment for all students in the Davis School District,' the statement said. Brittany Tichenor-Cox consistently said in the past that Izzy expressed reservations about her time at Foxboro Elementary School in North Salt Lake since the start of the school year. She told her mom that she didn't think her teacher liked her. 'She doesnt say "hi" to me. She says "hi" to all the other kids,' Tichenor-Cox recalled Izzy saying. Brittany (left) said she contacted the school and the district several times but constantly felt ignored Izzy's mom, Brittany, says Izzy once took air freshener to school because her teacher told students they smell bad, which led to other students bullying her on the playground Tichenor-Cox added the teacher told Izzy she smelled bad - a comment she believes was also made by other kids on the school's playground because of her daughter's skin color. Izzy was so affected by the remarks that she starting bringing a bottle of air freshener to school to wear as perfume, causing Tichenor-Cox to cry. The mother recalled eventually getting a hold of her daughter's teacher at one point, who she says refused to take action. 'Im not going to work it out for them,' Tichenor-Cox said the teacher told her. 'I let them work it out.' The teacher also allegedly told Izzy to sit down when she asked for help, and that she didn't want to deal with her. Tichenor-Cox also says the students made fun of Izzy for the way she looked and for her autism, for which she was awaiting a formal diagnosis at the time of her death. The school's principal and vice-principal told her they would handle it, but Tichenor-Cox said she didn't believe anything was done. 'Even though my baby is gone, Im going to make sure I stand for Izzy, Tichenor-Cox said through sobs at a press conference in November. 'I will never get to see her again I will never She was 10 years old. She was only 10,' she added before burying her face on a table. Izzy was a student at Utah's Davis School District, which the Justice Department says has a 'serious and widespread racial harassment' problem. Pictured: Foxboro Elementary School Less than two months before Izzy's death, the DOJ released a report after reviewing more than 200 allegations of racial harassment and other discriminations and conducting five visits to the district, during which they spoke to staff and students. The report said: 'Black students reported strikingly similar experiences throughout the District: white and other non-Black students routinely called Black students the n-word and other racial epithets, called them monkeys or apes and said that their skin was dirty or looked like feces. 'Peers taunted Black students by making monkey noises at them, touching and pulling their hair without permission, repeatedly referencing slavery and lynching, and telling Black students go pick cotton and you are my slave. 'Harassment related to slavery increased when schools taught the subject, which some Black students felt was not taught in a respectful or considerate manner. 'White and other non-Black students demanded that Black students give them an N-Word Pass, which non-Black students claimed gave them permission to use the n-word with impunity, including to and around Black students.' Darlene McDonald, a local activist whose two black sons attended school in the district, said her older son 'faced being the butt of Black jokes,' according to the Salt Lake Tribune. Tomoya Averett, 22, said she was the victim of 'relentless' harassment. She says she was called the n-word and told by white students that 'God hates Black people; thats why their skin is dark' when she was 16. Advertisement Some 2,000 pro-Russian supporters marched through Frankfurt this afternoon amid demonstrations in several German cities backing President Vladimir Putin. A 350-car motorcade set off from Hannover to be greeted by 700 counter-demonstrators pledging their support for Ukraine. The motorcade, flying Russian and also a few German flags, is protesting against discrimination in Germany towards Russians following the Ukraine invasion. The marches and convoys have been dubbed 'a parade of shame'. Police said fences had been put up to separate the pro-Russian protesters from the counter-demonstration and they added that the protests had been peaceful so far. Pro Russian supporters have held a demonstration in Frankfurt earlier today along with protests in Hannover and Berlin German and Russian flags were carried by demonstrators, including one from the Soviet Union, right In Hanover, approximately 350 cars took part in a pro-Russian demonstration, with other demonstrations taking place in Frankfurt and Berlin Some of the cars in the demonstration carried both Russian and German flags in what has been described as a 'parade of shame' Some Germans turned out to demonstrate against the pro-Russian protesters who assembled earlier today Some anti-Kremlin demonstrators compared Russian President Vladimir Putin with Nazi leader Adolf Hitler Around 235,000 Russian citizens live in Germany, according to government statistics from late 2020. About 135,000 Ukrainians lived in Germany before Russia's invasion, based on the statistics, but around an additional 300,000 have arrived since the invasion. In Frankfurt, pro-Russian protesters gathered for a march through the city centre after local authorities refused to allow a motorcade, local media reports said. Counter-demonstrators assembled in two other locations in Frankfurt, with 'Stop War' banners and Ukrainian flags painted on their faces. Police in Frankfurt said it was too soon to provide estimates of numbers at either protest. Local authorities expected around 2,000 people at the pro-Russian march. Local authorities had warned ahead of the protests that while protesters had a right to assemble, Russian war propaganda or endorsements of Russian aggression would not be tolerated, local media reported. This pro-Kremlin demonstrator wore a tee shirt with his hero emblazoned on the front These people laid flowers at a cemetery to commemorate Soviet soldiers killed during World War II The demonstrators were protesting about the way the Western media has covered the war and its constant criticism of Russia One home made banner carried the phrase 'Russia and Germany peace for ever', while others held large flags from the Soviet Union However, police had to keep groups of rival free protesters apart after a counter demonstration in support of Ukraine The demonstrations supporting President Putin have been described as 'parades of shame' German police detained at least one man during today's demonstration in Frankfurt. According to eye-witnesses, the man allegedly assaulted a pro-Kremlin protester Those opposing the war in Ukraine were accused of 'Russophobia' by the pro-Kremlin demonstrators in Frankfurt earlier today 'We will not allow our fundamental right to gather and protest to be exploited for Russian war propaganda on German streets,' Lower-Saxony's interior minister Boris Pistorius told local media on Friday. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his troops into Ukraine on what he calls a 'special military operation' to demilitarise and 'denazify' Ukraine. Ukraine and the West say Putin launched an unprovoked war of aggression. Since Russia's invasion, members of Germany's Russian immigrant community have faced abuse, intimidation and even damage to property. Christian Freier, 40, who has both Russian and German citizenship said the website of his car repair shop has been hacked and his online ratings have plummeted. The cyber action began shortly after he arranged a pro-Russian rally. He said: 'My life is hell. My aim was only to protest against the daily aggression suffered by Russians in Germany.' Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, 383 anti-Russian and 181 anti-Ukrainian crimes have been officially reported to German police. Sociologist Jochen Toepfer said : 'The motives for taking part in these demonstrations are very diverse' This elderly woman, centre, had a flag draped across her shoulders with the initials CCCP which translates into English as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Germany is home to around 1.2 million Russians and 325,000 Ukrainians, plus more than 316,000 who have arrived as refugees since the start of the conflict. Rene Hermann, 50 said: 'All war is awful and can never be justified.' He has also been involved in organising pro-Russian rallies. His TikTok account has been suspended as it has been parroting pro-Putin propaganda. Sociologist Jochen Toepfer said : 'The motives for taking part in these demonstrations are very diverse. 'They were organised as demonstrations against discrimination in Germany. But there were certainly also fans of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, as well as people who don't necessarily like Putin but don't want to see their country discredited, despite the war.' Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison's glowing recommendation of MacKenzie Scott secured the writer a job working with her now-former husband, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Scott, 52, studied creative writing under Morrison, 91, while she attended Princeton University in the early 1990s. The writer and philanthropist, whose estimated net worth is around $50billion, was struggling to make ends meet as a waitress in New York City when she was offered a position at a hedge fund where Bezos, a Princeton alum, was working. Shortly after her interview with Bezos, Scott was offered a position at D. E. Shaw. She started working at the hedge fund in September 1992, landing the office next to the future founder of Amazon. Bezos, 58, had hired her 'based largely on a transcript of your phone recommendation,' Scott wrote in a letter to Morrison shortly afterwards, The New York Times reported in an expose published Sunday. The newspaper acquired multiple letters between the pair from Morrison's archive at the Princeton University library. It remains unknown exactly what Morrison, who served as Scott's mentor and helped her become a novelist, said during her phone call with Bezos - though she's previously praised Scott as an 'extraordinary writer, almost full-blown.' Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison's glowing recommendation of MacKenzie Scott secured the writer a job working for her now-former husband, Jeff Bezos. Scott and Bezos are pictured above in February 2017 Shown left to right, MacKenzie Scott, Toni Morrison, Ruth Simmons, president of Prairie View A&M University (who helped recruit Morrison to Princeton) and Princeton President Christopher L. Eisgruber are pictured at Princeton's dedication of Morrison Hall in Nov. 2017 Scott, then 23, quickly settled into a routine at D. E. Shaw, finding a balance between working and writing. 'I'm finding I have much time to write, all in the early morning, which probably displeases the accountant who lives below me although I recently invested in a rug to muffle my 5 a.m. trips to the kitchen for coffee,' she wrote to Morrison at the time. Her relationship with Bezos, then 29, also swiftly transitioned from professional to romantic as the pair worked together. Scott, who claims she fell for his 'famously booming laugh,' reportedly pursued a relationship with Bezos. The pair were engaged after just three months of dating and married after six. 'He edited what was my first and, happily, last piece of financial marketing literature, and after our wedding I started working full time on a novel,' Scott wrote of Bezos in another letter to Morrison. Shortly after she dedicated herself to writing, Bezos would quit his job at D. E. Shaw to begin selling books online - a platform that would later become the modern-day ecommerce giant Amazon. Bezos hired Scott to work with him at a NYC-based hedge fund in 1992. A letter Scott wrote to Morrison (pictured in Oct. 2003) at the time revealed the future Amazon founder hired her 'based largely on a transcript of your phone recommendation' The couple left New York and relocated to a rental property in Bellevue, Washington, which neighbors Seattle. Amazon was founded in their garage in 1994. Scott continued to update her mentor on the status of their endeavors. 'The new news is that last July Jeff and I moved from New York to Seattle, where I've spent most of my time helping him start a business selling books over the Internet,' she wrote Morrison in 1995. 'Our customers can browse an electronic catalog of 1.4 million titles by author, title, subject, and keywords and place orders via computer. It's an interesting business, and, on the whole, having a part-time job has been good for my writing.' Scott, who recognized Amazon as her husband's dream, supported him from the start and work alongside him to build the online retailer. 'I'm not a businessperson, but to me what I am hearing when he tells that idea is the passion and the excitement,' she recalled of Bezos' idea. However, she kept a focus on her own ambitions and goal to author a novel. Scott attended writing workshops at the University of Washington and continued to submit drafts of her work to Morrison, who eventually would connect her with an agent. She also left Amazon to focus on her writing full-time, making appearances at company and events and parties. Bezos, in multiple interviews, recalled finding Scott writing in hotel bathrooms while they traveled. The writer completed a draft of her first novel in 2000, shortly before the birth of her first child. Morrison would offer feedback and support throughout the entire revision process. 'You should know that I don't feel I got there,' Scott wrote to Morrison at the time. 'But I do feel I got to a point well-suited to some perspective-fostering maternity leave and a dose of serious criticism from willing readers.' Her mentor replied: 'As you revise, I am at your service if, and only if, you want me to be.' Morrison provided Scott with three pages of suggested edits for her manuscript, noting she was 'glad not to have to line edit for a living anymore'. 'But then, then there's a writer out there named MacKenzie and the profound pleasure of editing comes rushing back,' Morrison added. Scott's first book, The Testing of Luther Albright, was published in 2005 after nearly a decade's worth of work. Bezos and Scott (pictured in 2018) married six months after they started dating. Soon after their wedding Scott quit her job at the hedge fund to focus on her writing. Her plans slightly changed after the couple moved to Washington in 1994 and launched Amazon Scott, now a successful novelist and billionaire philanthropist, did not always have a life of luxury and prestige. She came from a privileged family and attended secondary school The Hotchkiss School, a private boarding school in Connecticut, but was forced to graduate early after her father's financial firm declared bankruptcy. Her parents also personally filed for bankruptcy making it impossible for Scott to attend Hotchkiss, where tuition prices mirrored that of a university, for her senior year. She took on extra coursework, including a fictional-writing seminar course that was arranged by the English department head to ensure she would meet the institution's four-year English requirement. She graduated in 1987, with her yearbook indicating she was 'bound for England' while her classmates specified their collegiate choices. Scott also wrote a message to her would-be graduating class that read: 'Class of '88: I'll miss being with you. Make the most of the year, and look twice before you leave. There is so much there to see.' Margot Bass, one of Scott's classmates, said the school knew Scott and her family were struggling but failed to offer her support amid the 'traumatic' experience. 'One thing I regret is the Hotchkiss community did not rally to support her,' Bass told the Times. 'I didn't even know what to make of it. I was young, and I didn't know how you support somebody whose family is going through a hard time.' After the couple founded and launched Amazon, Scott dedicated her time to writing a novel. Morrison helped Scott with its publication, acting as an editor and mentor. She also connected Scott with an agent (Morrison, Scott, Simmons and Eisgruber are pictured in 2017) Morrison (pictured in 2010) also taught Scott during her time at Princeton University and served as her thesis adviser. Morrison has called Scott an 'extraordinary writer, almost full-blown' Scott was eventually offered a scholarship to Princeton - where she studied under Morrison - and worked multiple jobs to sustain herself. 'I went off to college knowing I was going to have to work a variety of jobs to put myself through school,' the now-billionaire recalled. Unfortunately, Scott still struggled to stay afloat, noting there was a period of time when she had to accept help from members of the community to maintain her enrollment at the ivy league university. 'It was the college roommate who found me crying, and acted on her urge to loan me a thousand dollars to keep me from having to drop out sophomore year,' she said. 'It was the local dentist who offered me free dental work when he saw me securing a broken tooth with denture glue in college.' While her collegiate experience was a period of difficulty for Scott, it was also an 'intellectually rewarding' time. 'This writer that I admired so much also turned out to be such a gifted and devoted teacher,' she said after achieving her goal to become one of Morrison's pupils in the university's highly competitive writing program. 'She has given me a real example of a life of passionate devotion to more than one calling.' Morrison also served as Scott's thesis adviser, helping her with her 168-page work of fiction, The Fathering Water, which was seemingly loosely inspired by her own family's financial downfall. The piece would later become the basis of Scott's first novel. After graduating from Princeton, Scott returned to Hotchkiss to teach summer creative writing program and then moved to New York City to pursue her writing dreams. She resided in an apartment belonging to the family of Bass, her former Hotchkiss classmate, while she juggled between waitressing and writing. Scott found waitressing hard and was struggling with her novel, which prompted her to apply for the job at D. E. Shaw which unknowingly would change her life. 'I wasn't quite ready to write a book. Truthfully it wasn't going that well and I was having a lot of trouble making ends meet,' she said, describing that time in her life. 'Would I have ever considered a job in finance if I hadn't been having those difficulties?' she asked. 'Probably not.' Scott (pictured in March 2022) is now worth approximately $50billion. However, she wasn't always well-off. The writer graduated high school early after her parents filed for bankruptcy and couldn't afford her tuition. She also worked to put herself through college and was waitressing during the early stages of her writing career to make ends meet Scott, whose marriage to Bezos dissolved in 2019, has dedicated herself to charity and promised to continue issuing grants and making donations 'until the safe is empty'. Scott has given away approximately 18 percent of her fortune while Bezos has donated 1 percent. The pair are pictured together in July 2013 Accepting the position at D. E. Shaw spearheaded Scott's career, which includes a library of more than two dozen published novels and more than $12billion in charitable giving. She has also dedicated herself to philanthropy, having announced grants totaling at $6.6billion last year alone. Scott, whose marriage to Bezos dissolved in 2019, has promised to continue issuing grants and making donations 'until the safe is empty'. A currently operates Lost Horse, a shell company that was set up a few months after her divorce from Bezos. The company works with nonprofit organizations across the U.S., offering donations and resources to help achieve their goals and mission. Lost Horse has provided gifts to 1,257 charities ranging from little-known organizations to mainstream groups like Habitat for Humanity, which received a $436million donation from the company last month. This is believed to be Scott's largest gift. Before their divorce, Scott and Bezos made numerous charitable donations as a couple, however the writer's overall charitable donations far surpass that of her ex-husband - the second richest person in the world. Scott, according to a February article published in Vanity Fair, has given away approximately 18 percent of her fortune while Bezos has donated 1 percent. Bezos, last year pledged a $10billion donation to combat climate change. As of February, he had paid $2.1billion of so far. Advertisement Hundreds of people have descended on Downing Street today to protest against the exclusion of transgender people from a ban on conversion therapy. Protesters shouted 'Keep trans in the ban' and 'LGB with the T', with many waving the pink, white and blue transgender pride flag, while others held signs saying 'Pride is a protest' and 'Queerness doesn't need a cure'. The government is pushing ahead with a ban on conversion therapy - which aims to change a person's sexual orientation or suppress their gender identity - for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people. However, ministers are ready to exclude trans people from the ban on conversion therapy in favour of a 'more sensitive approach'. Conversion therapy can, in extreme forms, include physical violence and torturous practices. The government's new position has led to a backlash among some Tory MPs, with the Prime Minister now facing warnings that he could yet be forced to toughen up the conversion therapy ban and include transgender people. Hundreds of people have descended on Downing Street to protest against the exclusion of transgender people from a ban on conversion therapy. Pictured: LGBT campaigner Peter Tatchell speaking during the demonstration today People hold up signs reading 'no ban without trans' during a protest outside Downing Street in London, over transgender people not being included in plans to ban conversion therapy The government is pushing ahead with a ban on conversion therapy - which aims to change a person's sexual orientation or suppress their gender identity - for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people. Pictured: the demo outside Downing Street today People hold up a banner with the hashtag '#GWithTheT' as they protest against the exclusion of transgender people from a ban on conversion therapy outside Downing Street on Sunday LGBT campaigner Peter Tatchell told the demonstration that the only ban worth having is one that includes everyone. Standing outside Downing Street, Mr Tatchell said: 'We were promised a total ban. (Prime Minister Boris Johnson) has given us a half-baked ban, which we will never ever accept. 'The only ban worth having is a ban for everyone, including trans people.' He added that the hundreds of protesters gathered had sent a signal to the Prime Minister and to the people of the UK. Mr Tatchell said: 'It sends a signal that trans people and their allies will never give up the fight, until LGB is with the T.' According to the Guardian, about 50 Conservative MPs could vote to force the government to widen the planned ban on conversion therapy to include trans people. Ministers are ready to exclude trans people from the ban on conversion therapy in favour of a 'more sensitive approach'. Pictured: People take part in a demonstration outside Downing Street against the exclusion of transgender people from a ban on conversion therapy People take part in a protest outside Downing Street in London on Sunday, over transgender people not being included in plans to ban conversion therapy The government initially said it would no longer seek to ban the practice but would instead review how existing laws can be used more effectively. Yet, just hours later, Downing Street partially backtracked on that stance (protest pictured today) According to the Guardian, about 50 Conservative MPs could vote to force the government to widen the planned ban on conversion therapy to include trans people. Pictured: The protest outside Downing Street on Sunday Standing outside Downing Street, Mr Tatchell (pictured right) said: 'We were promised a total ban. (Prime Minister Boris Johnson) has given us a half-baked ban, which we will never ever accept' The newspaper said Number 10 had been warned this week that they 'might still lose' if the PM pushed ahead with his decision to exclude trans people from the ban. Former prime minister Theresa May initially promised to ban conversion therapy back in 2018, with Mr Johnson also vowing to ban the 'absolutely abhorrent' practice when he succeeded her in office. However, the last week has seen a messy double U-turn from ministers on the issue. The government initially said it would no longer seek to ban the practice but would instead review how existing laws can be used more effectively. Yet, just hours later, Downing Street partially backtracked on that stance - but said that a ban would only apply to gay conversion therapy and not trans conversion therapy. LGBT campaigner Mr Tatchell, pictured above, holding up a sign reading: Boris conned us. Ban conversion practices for everyone including trans' during the protest outside Downing Street today People wave flags and hold up signs as they take part in a demonstration outside Downing Street in London, to protest against the exclusion of transgender people from a ban on conversion therapy Former prime minister Theresa May initially promised to ban conversion therapy back in 2018, with Mr Johnson also vowing to ban the 'absolutely abhorrent' practice when he succeeded her in office. Pictured: protesters outside Downing Street today Protesters shouted 'Keep trans in the ban' and 'LGB with the T', with many waving the pink, white and blue transgender pride flag, while others held signs saying 'Pride is a protest' and 'Queerness doesn't need a cure' People take part in a demonstration outside Downing Street in London on Sunday, to protest against the exclusion of transgender people from a ban on conversion therapy A subsequent row prompted the cancellation of the UK's first-ever international LGBT+ conference after a mass boycott. Among those Tory MPs who have criticised the government's new stance on conversion therapy are Jamie Wallis, Britain's first openly trans MP, who said it was 'wrong' to 'exclude a whole group of people'. William Wragg, the Conservative chair of the Commons public administration and constitutional affairs select committee, said: 'If banning conversion therapy will stop the likes of me being subjected to mental cruelty in repressing my true self, why not so for someone who is trans?' Health Secretary Sajid Javid this week defended the government's decision not to include trans people in the planned ban on conversion therapy, saying that ministers needed to be 'more careful'. He cited a recent report by Dr Hilary Cass, who was asked by NHS England to review gender identity services for young people. A pastor who fled communism has detailed the abuse he said he suffered while jailed for 51 days for preaching to the Canadian Freedom Convoy. Artur Pawlowski, 49, told Fox News that he'd been kept in a metal cage, made to sleep on a concrete floor, deprived of his Bible and forced to endure repeated strip searches during his time at the grim Calgary Remand Centre. He also claims there was a price on his head, and alleges that the door to his cell would be left open after members of the Canadian government tried to have him attacked. Pawlowski, who made headlines for defying COVID-19 restrictions last year by holding church services, has been arrested five times since the beginning of the pandemic. Pastor Artur Pawlowski, a Polish-Canadian pastor who was jailed for 51 days after addressing truckers along the U.S.-Canada border in Coutts, Alberta, alleges mistreatment in prison He was released earlier this month following his most recent arrest on February 7 just days after he spoke to the trucker convoy at the U.S.-Canada border in Coutts, Alberta. His speech was at the height of the protests against a Canadian mandate that forces truckers crossing the border with the U.S. to be vaccinated. Pawlowski urged them to 'hold the line' against government overreach without resorting to violence - and advised them from traveling to Edmonton, fearing a government crackdown like what happened in Ottawa. Pawlowski was arrested at his home a few days later and taken to Calgary Remand Centre, where the pastor alleges he was mistreated. In a video interview, Pawlowski broke down as he told Rebel News that he was placed for a time in a small metal cage, not given water for a whole day, and deprived of both his glasses and a Bible for several days. He also claimed that he was strip-searched repeatedly, spent hours in solitary confinement and forced to sleep on cold concrete. 'They were punishing the entire prison because of me,' he said. 'And then they paraded me in front of the inmates, saying, 'That's the guy. You're being punished because of him. So if you have a chance to do something, that's the villain, that's the guy.'' 'And I think that was the scariest time,' he added. His speech was at the height of the protests against a Canadian mandate that forces truckers crossing the border with the U.S. to be vaccinated Pawlowski was arrested at his home a few days after he spoke to truckers and taken to Calgary Remand Centre, where the pastor alleges he was mistreated In the wake of Pawlowski's arrest, protesters demanding his release gathered daily outside the jail for more than 40 days. The protests prompted the prison to punish other inmates by placing all of them on lockdown, he said, which put him in danger. 'I was told by inmates, and they're willing to testify, that they were approached by different people from within the administration and the guards bribing them with different incentives to beat me up,' he said, adding that his cell door would sometimes be left open. Pawlowski was then transferred to Edmonton Remand Centre, the largest prison in Canada, where he said he shared a cell in the psychiatric ward with a paranoid schizophrenic who told him he had killed his own brother with a machete. 'I said, 'Oh my God, please. While I'm sleeping, please protect me,'' Pawlowski said. In the wake of Pawlowski's arrest, protesters demanding his release gathered daily outside the jail for more than 40 days Pawlowski was later transferred back to Calgary Remand Centre before his release, a place that has previously faced allegations of abuse, according to the Edmonton Journal Pawlowski was later transferred back to Calgary Remand Centre before his release, a place that has previously faced allegations of abuse, according to the Edmonton Journal. 'The safety and security of staff, inmates and visitors are a priority for Alberta Justice and Solicitor General,' a spokesperson for Shandro's office told Fox News. 'Should any individual have concerns about their housing or treatment while in custody, they can submit a complaint to the correctional facility director in writing. 'Information regarding current or former inmates in provincial correctional facilities is protected by privacy legislation. Therefore we are unable to release personal or health-related information,' the spokesperson added. Pawlowski made headlines when he threw armed police out of his church during an Easter service in April 2021, when they tried to inspect it for COVID-19 compliance. Pawlowski continued to hold church services, defying a court order, and was arrested publicly three other times, including in the middle of a Calgary highway and on the tarmac of the Calgary International Airport. Pawlowski has been arrested five times since the beginning of the pandemic Pawlowski was granted bail earlier this month after Court of Queen's Bench Justice Gaylene Kendall reviewed his case. But he was required to pay a $25,000 bail and a $10,000 surety from his wife, as well as $2,000 from his son. The pastor remains under house arrest and is subject to curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and can only leave his residence to conduct worship services or for medical emergencies. He 's barred from participating in any protests and still faces charges related to his church holding services during the pandemic. Russian forces who occupied the Chernobyl nuclear plant stole radioactive substances from research laboratories that could potentially kill them, Ukraine's State Agency for Managing the Exclusion Zone said on Sunday. Moscow's forces seized the defunct power plant on the first day of their invasion of Ukraine on February 24. They occupied the highly radioactive zone for over a month, before retreating on March 31. The agency said on Facebook that Russian soldiers pillaged two laboratories in the area and added that they entered a storage area of the Ecocentre research base and stole 133 highly radioactive substances. Russian forces who occupied the Chernobyl nuclear plant (pictured) stole radioactive substances from research laboratories that could potentially kill them 'Even a small part of this activity is deadly if handled unprofessionally,' the agency said. Earlier this week Ukraine's energy minister German Gulashchenko said Russian soldiers exposed themselves to a 'shocking' amount of nuclear radiation, saying some of them may have less than a year to live. 'They dug bare soil contaminated with radiation, collected radioactive sand in bags for fortification, breathed this dust,' Gulashchenko said on Facebook on Friday after visiting the exclusion zone. 'After a month of such exposure, they have a maximum of one year of life. More precisely, not life but a slow death from diseases,' the minister said. 'Every Russian soldier will bring a piece of Chernobyl home. Dead or alive. The ignorance of Russian soldiers is shocking.' He said Russian military equipment was also contaminated. A dosimetrist measures the level of radiation around trenches dug by the Russian military Earlier this week Ukraine's energy minister German Gulashchenko (above) said Russian soldiers exposed themselves to a 'shocking' amount of nuclear radiation, saying some of them may have less than a year to live Yesterday, it was reported that hostage staff were forced to steal fuel from Russian invaders to prevent 'catastrophe' as Ukrainian officials claim the Kremlin's soldiers looted the plant for personal belongings and took off with 169 prisoners. Photos from inside the site of the nuclear 1986 disaster show ransacked rooms meant to house plant staff, which are said to have been cleared of 'money, valuables' and 'laptops' by Russian soldiers who searched for goods 'like dogs'. Russian forces are also said to have dug trenches in the highly contaminated Red Forest, which sits in the exclusion zone. For a time they prevented staff maintaining facilities there from leaving or being spelled off by other workers. According to Ukrainian Interior Minister Denys Monastyrskyy, 169 Ukraine National Guard Soldiers who guarded the site were locked in an underground nuclear bunker for a month with no access to natural light, fresh air or information. A view of the rooms in the administrative building of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant where national guardsmen were said to be held as hostages It is not known where they are now, but he suspects they may have been taken to Russia via Belarus. He told CNN: 'They were kept here for 30 days without sufficient lighting and food. They were not allowed outside. On the last day they were taken away from here to an unknown direction. Today we know nothing about their fate unfortunately. 'The Russian military went through all Ukrainian clothes, personal belongings, like dogs, in search of, probably, money, valuables, laptops. There was looting here. The Russian military stole computers and equipment.' An engineer at the facility also told of tireless negotiations which staff had to undergo with Russian forces to ensure safe running of the plant. Valeriy Semonov told the BBC: 'We had to constantly negotiate with them, and try hard not to offend them, so that they allowed our personnel to manage the facility.' Reports from the infamous plant - which was the site of the 1986 disaster - show ransacked rooms in which plant staff slept, said to have been cleared of 'money, valuables' and 'laptops' Mr Semonov said in one instance he ended up having to steal fuel from the Russians when power to the station was cut off for three days because the results could have been 'catastrophic'. He added: 'Radioactive material could have been released. The scale of it, you can well imagine. 'I wasn't scared for my life. I was scared about what would happen if I wasn't there monitoring the plant. I was scared it would be a tragedy for humanity.' It comes as drone footage taken from the exclusion zone around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant appears to have confirmed reports that Russian troops dug trenches and fortifications in some of the most irradiated parts of the region. The footage, which has been geolocated and widely shared on social media, shows mounds of disturbed earth and fortifications dug on the outskirts of the Red Forest, just a few miles west of the Chernobyl plant. After the drone camera zooms out from the abandoned Russian positions and pans out, the ominous steel confinement dome that encapsulates the destroyed reactor can be seen in the distance. Denys Monastyrskyy told CNN : 'They were kept here for 30 days without sufficient lighting and food. They were not allowed outside' The Red Forest sits firmly inside the inner exclusion zone around Chernobyl, and was the area most heavily affected when the No. 4 reactor exploded in 1986, causing the world's worst nuclear accident. It is considered so highly contaminated that even the nuclear plant workers are not typically allowed to go there. There have also been reports of Russian soldiers bringing in radioactive material from the forest back with them. Ukrainian solider Ihor Ugolkov told CNN that radiation has increased since they came, and officials also claim it's a result of small particles and dust brought back in. Mr Ugolkov said: 'They went to the Red Forest and brought radioactive material back with them on their shoes. 'Other places are fine, but radiation increased here, because they were living here. 'They went everywhere, and they also took some radioactive dust on them (when they left).' Authorities said the site was handed back to Ukrainian forces last week, after being occupied by Vladimir Putin's troops since the beginning of the invasion Chernobyl staff were forced to steal fuel off Russian forces to prevent 'catastrophic' consequences as Ukrainian officials claim the Kremlin's soldiers looted the nuclear plant for personal belongings and took off with 169 prisoners Last week, Ukraine's state nuclear energy company Energoatom reported that several Russian troops had been evacuated from the forest to Belarus for acute radiation syndrome (ARS) treatment - though this is yet to be verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The last contingent of Russian troops retreated from their positions around Chernobyl on Friday last week, handing control of the territory around the power plant back to Ukraine for the first time since the start of the invasion on February 24. Rafael Grossi, the head of the IAEA, said last week he would be leading a mission to the Chernobyl as soon as possible to ascertain the damage caused by Russian troops and to ensure the plant safety protocols for storing nuclear waste have not been disrupted. 'I will head an assistance and support mission to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant as soon as possible. It will be the first in a series of such nuclear safety and security missions to Ukraine,' Grossi said. The Kremlin is yet to recognise the reports of its soldiers suffering ARS and has not commented on the withdrawal of its troops from Chernobyl. A BT engineer was sacked after he angrily called a female motorist a 'silly cow' then 'squared up to her' in a road rage incident, a tribunal heard. Colin Aldred shouted a 'torrent of foul language' at the woman following a near-miss, for which she apologised for immediately, while driving his work BT Openreach van. The shocked woman complained to Openreach about Aldred after the middle-aged engineer got out of his car to 'square up to me in quite an aggressive manner'. Aldred had already been given a written warning by BT over his 'road rage' - after he got out his car at a KFC drive-thru and 'aggressively' charged at an NHS doctor. His incident back in 2017 involved him using foul language towards someone after soiling himself. After verbally abusing the female driver, he was investigated and sacked - having told his boss 'stick my job up your a****'. Colin Aldred, a BT engineer from the North West, was sacked by Openreach after a road rage incident in which he called a female driver a 'silly cow' and then squared up to her (stock image) Aldred did win a claim of unfair dismissal from Openreach as he was not given a recording of a witness statement before he was sacked, but did not receive any compensation (file photo) Now, after Aldred sued Openreach over his sacking, a judge has ruled there was 'absolutely no excuse' abusing the woman and that the foul-mouthed engineer was lucky to 'keep his job for so long'. Aldred did win one claim of unfair dismissal on a technicality as there was a fault in Openreach's sacking procedure - but he won't be awarded any compensation. Openreach, part of BT, is responsible for maintaining telephone lines which connect British homes and businesses to the national broadband and telephone network. Aldred, a customer service engineer, worked for Openreach from April 2007 until April 2020. The Manchester Employment Tribunal heard Aldred, based in the North West, first landed himself in trouble in February 2017 when an Openreach customer complained about him. In October 2017, at Penketh telephone exchange, Cheshire, Aldred angrily swore at a staff member. A tribunal report said: 'Aldred told the tribunal that he was desperate for the toilet that day and had in fact soiled himself and in frustration had sworn at the member of staff', a tribunal report said. 'The [staff member], who had refused Aldred access, had done so because he had not provided the correct security pass.' In an earlier road rage incident, Aldred shouted and swore at an NHS doctor, who had a child in the car, at a KFC drive-thru (stock image of KFC drive-thru) In October 2018, Aldred ranted at a doctor. The report said: 'A member of the public who was a medical doctor in the NHS complained to Openreach about the behaviour of Aldred. 'He gave a detailed account explaining that Aldred was behind the doctor at the drive-through when he beeped the horn of his vehicle and shouted expletives including 'I haven't got all fucking day'. 'When the doctor asked the claimant to stop, he alleged the claimant became more aggressive. 'The doctor got out of his vehicle to take a photograph of the number plate of Aldred's vehicle. 'He said Aldred then exited his vehicle and aggressively advanced toward the doctor shouting that if he had a problem, he should square up to him face to face. 'The doctor had a young child in the front seat of the vehicle who was becoming distressed.' Aldred was suspended and given a written warning, admitting that he shouted 'I only have 45 minutes for lunch.' In December 2019 he verbally abused the female driver. The report said: 'The member of the public alleged Aldred had been travelling at speed and almost 'ripped off my door'. 'She admitted she had not seen the van coming around the corner. 'She put her hand up to apologise to the driver and was rewarded with a 'torrent of foul language being shouted at me through the window'. 'She then said that she walked around the corner to where the vehicle was parked, and a middle-aged man got out and began to 'square up to me in quite an aggressive manner'. 'She admitted to swearing at him in response to his manner.' Aldred reported the near miss but failed to tell his boss about his offensive remark. He later admitted calling the woman a 'silly cow' but denied confronting her. Aldred, who attended yearly training about how to treat the public with respect, was sacked in April 2020 but claimed it was 'unfair' at tribunal. Employment Judge Katherine Ross said: 'Even if he felt frustrated, Aldred should not have used offensive language in those circumstances. 'There is absolutely no excuse for it. We find Aldred was 100% to blame. 'We have had regard to the evidence which shows that he had been involved in a series of incidents during the course of his employment where he had behaved offensively towards members of the public, another employee and his manager. 'A disinterested observer might consider that Aldred had been fortunate to keep his job for so long.' Judge Ross said dismissal was a 'reasonable response' by Openreach, but that Aldred's claim of unfair dismissal succeeded as he was not given a recording of a witness statement before he was sacked. However, his compensation was reduced by 100% as he would have been sacked even if correct procedures were followed. Aldred also brought claims of disability discrimination and harassment, alleging that he was discriminated against on grounds of his 'stress and anxiety', but they were thrown out. A damaged residential building is seen in Panasivska Street, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, April 9, after shelling during the night, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Reuters-Yonhap Ukraine is preparing for "big battles" against Moscow's forces in the east of the country, officials in Kyiv said, as thousands of civilians flee in fear of an imminent Russian offensive. Evacuations resumed Saturday from Kramatorsk, in eastern Ukraine, where a missile strike killed 52 people at a railway station a day earlier, as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson became the latest Western leader to visit Kyiv. Hailing the country's response to the Russian invasion, Johnson offered Ukraine armored vehicles and anti-ship missiles to help ensure, he said, that the country will "never be invaded again." His offer came after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv was readying for a Russian onslaught. "Sadly, in parallel we see the preparations for important battles, some people say decisive ones, in the east," he said Saturday at a press conference with visiting Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. "We are ready to fight and to look in parallel to end this war through diplomacy." Zelenskyy's adviser Mykhaylo Podolyak said Ukraine must beat back Russia in the eastern Donbas region, where Moscow controls two separatist territories, before a meeting can take place between the Ukrainian leader and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Ukraine is ready for big battles. Ukraine must win them, including in the Donbas. And once that happens, Ukraine will have a more powerful negotiating position," he said on national television, as quoted by the Interfax news agency. "After that the presidents will meet. It could take two weeks, three." A video released by Zelenskyy's office showed him and Johnson walking through largely empty city streets to Kyiv's historic Maidan Square, as snipers kept watch. The two men greeted passersby, and one visibly emotional man called out to Johnson: "We need you." Johnson said the discovery of scores of civilian bodies in Ukrainian towns had "permanently polluted" Putin's reputation. Six weeks into Russia's invasion, Moscow has shifted its focus to eastern and southern Ukraine after stiff resistance thwarted plans to swiftly capture Kyiv. With thousands killed in the fighting and more than 11 million fleeing their homes or the country, the Ukrainian president called on the West to follow Britain's example on military aid. "We need even more sanctions" against Russia, Zelenskyy said in a video address Saturday. "We need more weapons for our state." A man cleans broken glasses on the pavement near residential buildings in Panasivska street, Kharkiv, Ukraine, April 9, that were damaged after shelling during the night, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Reuters-Yonhap EU leaders were meeting with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Friday ,as news emerged of the devastating attack on Kramatorsk Station. The 52 victims included five children. U.S. President Joe Biden accused Russia of being behind a "horrific atrocity" in Kramatorsk, and France condemned the strike as a "crime against humanity". Moscow denied responsibility for the rocket attack, which also wounded 109 people, according to the latest official count. As Russian forces regroup in the east and south of Ukraine, local officials are urging residents to flee before it is too late. The mayor of eastern Lysychansk, Oleksandr Zaika, asked residents to evacuate as soon as possible Saturday due to constant shelling by the Russian army. "It has become very difficult in the city, enemy shells are already flying," Zaika said in a video message. British Gas customers have been left spitting feathers after some of the company's smart meters appeared to show people using hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of energy every hour. Irate consumers have taken to social media to voice their anger at the company as their devices are struck with issues. Among these are some meters appearing to show customers using titanic amounts of gas and electricity when they are not doing so. This includes one person who reported their device showed they were using gas at the remarkable rate of 113,930.25 an hour. Some smart meter devices have been showing wildly unrealistic figures for the amount of energy people have been using, including this one which claims the owner has been using 113,930.25 of gas an hour British Gas has come under fire from customers for the reliability of its smart meters, with many reporting issues with the devices Another noted that their smart meter showed them as using 101,197.32 worth of gas an hour. Other people on social media complained their devices had not taken any readings since mid-February. British Gas has insisted the smart meters themselves are not faulty as they are recording consumption correctly, but there might be issues with the display which shows figures to customers. The company claim smart meters can be used to tell customers how much energy they are using that moment, how much it is costing them and how that compares to previous days, weeks and months. It says this makes it easier for customers to see how they can save money, as it shows them what happens when they switch appliances off, with the device sending readings directly to British Gas which uses them to create the bill. As a result, the issues have left some customers not knowing how large a bill they will face when it is totted up. Among those was @notrob_robert, who posted an image on Twitter of their meter showing them as using 113,930.25 of gas every an hour. 'Get a smart meter, they said. It'll be fun, they said,' they joked. They were joined by @KyteKerri, who posted an image of her smart meter suggesting her family was using 101,197.32 of gas every hour. This British Gas customer could not believe her eyes when her smart meter said she was using 101,197.32 of gas every hour Aiming her tweet at British Gas, she said: 'new meters fitted today to solve a faulty smart meter. What's this gas price per hour all about????' Another customer described the meters as 'not fit for purpose' after they appeared to show he was using 2,400 of energy a day. Speaking to the Mirror, Jamie Watkinson-Harvey said his meters have not worked since moving into his new home with his husband in September last year, and are now onto their seventh device. He said: 'One model said I was using 2,400 per day in electric. The app only has electric data for February 13 and 14 now and I genuinely do not know how they intend to rectify. 'As a result of a faulty meter we have been unable to adjust any of our energy habits since moving into our new property.' Other customers took to Twitter to bemoan their devices apparently not giving readings for two months. People also took to Twitter to complain about the firm's smart meters not giving up to date readings since mid-February @BaryStoner wrote: 'British Gas's smart metering is the worst! My electricity smart meter has never worked and being told to turn it off and on and wait seven days didn't fix it. 'And the website hasn't shown any data since the 16th February. Two months without being fixed!' @joncoxell said: 'What's the point of having a smart meter if it doesn't have the correct tariff showing on the display and there has been no data sent to my account since 16th Feb! Pointless.' @Cryptoarron wrote: 'When will the smart meter usage app start working again? It hasn't been updated since 16th February, what's the point of a smart meter if the data isn't available?' Meanwhile, in a tweet directed at British Gas, @ds6cats said they were 'wondering why Ive had no gas or electric usage since middle of February and why my smart meter isnt showing any usage'. In response to a complaint on Twitter, British Gas said its tech team was 'looking into' the issues affecting customers In response the British Gas Help Twitter account said there are problems with the readings on people's smart meters due to 'an ongoing issue that many people have been facing and the tech team are looking into it'. It added: 'Please could you delete the app, clear cookies and cache and reinstall the app and any further updates will go smoothly onto the app.' It comes after the firm and other suppliers hiked their prices after Ofgem, the energy regulator, raised the limit on how much they can make people pay amid rising global gas prices. This increase, which came into effect on April 1, has seen millions of homes have their energy bills rise by my than 50 per cent amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis. It has been a bitter pill to swallow for many, especially after British Gas's household energy supply division saw profits of 118 million last year. The issues come after the firm's household energy supply division posted a profit of 118 million last year A spokesperson for British Gas said: 'There isnt an issue with smart meters, which will be recording consumption correctly. 'If theres an issue with an individual customers In Home Display were happy to look into it.' On its website, British Gas says: 'Were receiving a high volume of customers trying to contact us, so wait times are much longer than usual. 'We understand that this is a worrying time. If youre looking for ways to reduce your bills, lowering your energy usage may help. View some energy saving tips. 'There is also support through our charities if you are struggling to pay. 'Find out more about the changes in the energy market.' Grace Tame has used her debut in comedy as an opportunity to ruthlessly mock Scott Morrison by likening him to a 'giant self-saucing comedy pudding'. The advocate for survivors of sexual assault took to the stage in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival held at Forum Melbourne on Sunday night. Tame featured as a guest on the panel for the popular comedy news podcast 'A Rational Fear' hosted by comedians Dan Ilic and Lewis Hobba. Despite admitting she had reservations about taking part in the comedy event, Tame didn't hold back when it came to roasting the Prime Minister. Grace Tame (pictured in March) has used her debut in comedy as an opportunity to ruthlessly mock Scott Morrison by likening him to a 'giant self-saucing comedy pudding' Tame was introduced to the audience as the 'Queen of side-eye' in reference to the now-famous look she gave the leader at The Lodge in Canberra earlier this year. After promising she wasn't going to get political, the 28-year-old quickly opened fire on Mr Morrison, labelling the leader a 'joke dessert that ices itself'. She added the PM 'grabs the ukulele all by himself' which referred to his performance in a recent 60 Minutes interview that was quickly mocked online. Under the disguise of characters from My Little Pony, a children's television show, Tame said was her favourite, she continued her attack on Liberal Party members. The comparison was made even clearer to the audience after one of Tame's not-so-fictional characters 'sharted in Old MacDonald's farm'. After promising she wasn't going to get political, the 28-year-old quickly opened fire on Mr Morrison, (pictured on Saturday) labelling the leader a 'joke dessert that ices itself' It appeared she was referring to the long-standing rumour a heartbroken Mr Morrison soiled himself at Engadine McDonald's in Sydney's south after his beloved Cronulla Sharks lost the Super League final 26-8 against the Brisbane Broncos. The Sharks had never won a premiership in their 30-year history at the time. Mr Morrison publicly addressed the persistent rumour two years ago while making a speech at the 2019 Midwinter Ball in Canberra. 'What really happened at the Engadine McDonald's in 1997?' he said to the crowd as they erupted in laughter, eagerly awaiting his next remark. 'It will remain the mystery of the ages.' He has since told Kyle and Jackie O on their radio show that the rumour isn't true. The advocate for survivors of sexual assault took to the stage to perform in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival held at Forum Melbourne on Sunday night Tame (pictured in March) also had some choice words for NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham who she mocked under the guise of jokes about an air-fryer Tame also had some choice words for NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham who she mocked under the guise of jokes about an air-fryer. She compared the leader to a 'basket case inside a pressure cooker' that has 'no filter' and declared she lived 'rent-free' in Mr Latham's head. The advocate also sarcastically named the politician as her 'favourite comedian'. Days before she took the stage, the 2021 Australian of the Year said she had been weighing up the decision to make her debut in the comedy world. She told her Twitter followers that it was an opportunity rather than a career move, and promised advocacy would always remain her first priority. 'There are risks in doing this, as there are with just about anything else in this mad life. Things have been especially tough lately,' she wrote ahead of the show. 'But I reckon we could use a laugh. Either way, the joke's on me. And if I fail, I'll pick myself up and move on. You never know, unless you try.' Tame joined other guests on the show including Gabbi Bolt from The Chaser, Vidya Rajan from The Feed and Dane Simpson from Have You Been Paying Attention. Tame joined other guests on the show including Gabbi Bolt from The Chaser, Vidya Rajan from The Feed and Dane Simpson from Have You Been Paying Attention Tame told her Twitter followers that it was an opportunity rather than a career move, and promised advocacy would always remain her first priority Meanwhile, Scott Morrison has pulled ahead of Anthony Albanese as preferred prime minister but Labor remains in poll position despite a further fall in popular support, the latest Newspoll shows. The Newspoll conducted for The Australian on the eve of the election campaign shows the contest between major parties tightening to its closest margin this year. Labor's primary vote has fallen to its lowest level since October last year, dropping a point to 37 per cent on top of a three-point fall last week. The Coalition's primary vote remains unchanged on a low 36 per cent. It would need to make up at least four points over the course of the campaign to be in a winning position. Mr Morrison (pictured on Saturday) has pulled ahead of the Labor leader as the better prime minister, the most recent Newspoll has revealed The shift in underlying support for Labor has resulted in a one-point gain for the Coalition on a two-party-preferred basis with Labor ahead 53-47. Mr Morrison has pulled ahead of the Labor leader as the better prime minister, the Newspoll shows. Mr Albanese fell three points to 39 per cent while Mr Morrison rose a point to 44 per cent. The Greens remain unchanged on 10 per cent, with One Nation level on 3 per cent, Clive Palmer's United Australia Party lifting a point to 4 per cent and "others" recording 10 per cent for the third poll in a row. The poll of 1506 voters was conducted across Australia between April 6 and 9. Labour was today still mired in confusion over whether it would abolish non-dom status. The party vowed to scrap the centuries-old provision - intended to attract wealthy people to the UK - under Jeremy Corbyn. After the row over Rishi Sunak's wife erupted last week, shadow business secretary Ed Miliband suggested that the last Labour government should have done away with non-doms. But shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper repeatedly dodged when pressed on the policy in interviews this morning. She told Sky News that shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves 'has a review under way'. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper repeatedly dodged when pressed on Labour's policy on non-doms in interviews this morning After the row over Rishi Sunak's wife erupted last week, shadow business secretary Ed Miliband suggested that the last Labour government should have done away with non-doms What is 'non-dom' status? Non-dom tax status typically applies to someone who was born overseas, spends much of their time in the UK but still considers another country to be their permanent residence or 'domicile'. In Akshata Murty's case, she would need to be claiming that the UK is not her permanent residence. Citizenship of an individual living in the UK is irrelevant when it comes to non-dom status as it is possible for a UK citizen, or someone born in the UK, to claim they are a non-dom. According to Home Office guidance: 'A person can change nationality without it affecting their domicile, or could acquire a change of domicile whilst retaining their original nationality. 'The fact that a person has acquired a new nationality can be a relevant factor in showing a change of domicile, but is not conclusive, depending upon the reasons for the change. If a person gives up their former nationality it may suggest a change of domicile.' Status is not given automatically because an individual must apply for the exemption in their tax status when filling out their UK tax return. According to the Government, a person's domicile is usually the country where their father considered his permanent home when the individual was born. In Ms Murthy's case, she was born in India, so she ticks the first box for claiming she is not domiciled in the UK. Others can also inherit their domicile from their parents, meaning they can still be born in the UK but have non-dom status. When evaluating someone's domicile, the taxman will consider a number of factors, including permanent country of residence and how long an individual intends to stay in the UK. When it comes to tax, the rules state that you do not pay UK tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than 2,000 a year and you do not bring them into the UK. If you earn more than 2,000 from overseas or bring any money into the UK you must pay UK tax on it - although this may be claimed back. Or you can pay an annual charge, depending on how long you have been in the UK. The charges are 30,000 if you have been in the UK for at least seven of the last nine tax years, or 60,000 for at least 12 of the previous 14 tax years. Therefore, if you are resident in the UK but a citizen of another country, you must still pay a fee. For high net-worth individuals, many will opt for the yearly charge because the income received from foreign businesses and investments is likely to lead to a far higher tax bill. Advertisement 'We have previously proposed reforms in exactly this area,' she said. Ms Cooper said it was a matter of 'basic fairness' that the Chancellor's family should pay tax in the same way as everyone else and should not enjoy 'special arrangements' to reduce their bills. 'I don't think the Chancellor gets that. 'That raises real questions about his judgment,' she told BBC1's Sunday Morning programme. Ms Murthy, who remains an Indian citizen, dramatically announced on Friday that she would now pay UK taxes on all her worldwide income as she did not want her tax status to be a distraction for her husband. It has been estimated that her non dom status could have saved her 20 million in taxes on dividends from her shares in Infosys, an Indian IT company founded by her father. Policing minister Kit Malthouse pointed out that non-dom status has been around for 'centuries' and 'allows wealthy, successful people to come from across the world and invest here in this country'. Mr Malthouse said it was 'not a brilliant time' for the details to come out when the country was struggling with a cost of living crisis, but said she had now 'corrected' the situation. With some Tory MPs questioning whether any hopes Mr Sunak harboured of becoming prime minister have been dashed by the disclosures, Mr Malthouse denied that his career was 'toast'. 'Rishi Sunak has been a remarkable force for good in this country over the last two years. 'He put in place some incredible support schemes during the pandemic at enormous speed,' he said. Governments have repeatedly looked at non-dom rules over the years, but opted to keep them in place. In 2015 the Tory administration brought in higher annual charges for those who make use of the arrangements. Citizenship of an individual living in the UK is irrelevant when it comes to non-dom status as it is possible for a UK citizen, or someone born in the UK, to claim they are a non-dom. According to Home Office guidance: 'A person can change nationality without it affecting their domicile, or could acquire a change of domicile whilst retaining their original nationality. 'The fact that a person has acquired a new nationality can be a relevant factor in showing a change of domicile, but is not conclusive, depending upon the reasons for the change. If a person gives up their former nationality it may suggest a change of domicile.' Status is not given automatically because an individual must apply for the exemption in their tax status when filling out their UK tax return. According to the Government, a person's domicile is usually the country where their father considered his permanent home when the individual was born. Others can also inherit their domicile from their parents, meaning they can still be born in the UK but have non-dom status. When evaluating someone's domicile, the taxman will consider a number of factors, including permanent country of residence and how long an individual intends to stay in the UK. When it comes to tax, the rules state that you do not pay UK tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than 2,000 a year and you do not bring them into the UK. If you earn more than 2,000 from overseas or bring any money into the UK you must pay UK tax on it - although this may be claimed back. Or you can pay an annual charge, depending on how long you have been in the UK. The charges are 30,000 if you have been in the UK for at least seven of the last nine tax years, or 60,000 for at least 12 of the previous 14 tax years. Therefore, if you are resident in the UK but a citizen of another country, you must still pay a fee. For high net-worth individuals, many will opt for the yearly charge because the income received from foreign businesses and investments is likely to lead to a far higher tax bill. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Sunday that Ukraine 'essentially won the battle of Kyiv' after Russian forces were forced to retreat from the capital city's suburbs. 'They've protected their city, and that is because of their bravery, their courage but it is also because of the supplies, the military equipment, everything we've expedited -- $1.7 billion's worth, from the United States,' Psaki said on Fox News Sunday. It comes just a day after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson stunned the world by embarking on a secretly-planned trip to Kyiv where he toured the streets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The city's mayor, Vitaly Klitschko, said Johnson's visit showed the world who the war-ravaged country's 'real friends' are.' Meanwhile, the White House again dismissed the notion that President Joe Biden will visit Ukraine or Kyiv in the near future -- despite the country's leaders openly inviting him to do so. The back-and-forth comes against the backdrop of mounting war crimes accusations against Russian President Vladimir Putin and his troops. Scenes of devastation left behind following Russia's retreat from the Kyiv suburbs show bodies strewn carelessly through the streets and in shallow mass graves -- some with hands bound behind their back and an execution-style bullet hole in the head, others charred and burned. Survivors have recounted stories of horrific sexual assault against women and children. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki lauded the Ukrainians for pushing Russian forces out of Kyiv in an interview on Fox News Sunday On Friday, Ukrainian officials say a Russian rocket attack killed at least 50 people and injured potentially hundreds more at a civilian railway station. The train station in Kramatorsk, a large transit hub in eastern Ukraine, was packed with 4,000 people -- mostly women, children and the elderly -- trying to save themselves by fleeing the war, the town's mayor said. The UK's Johnson took the train from Poland to Ukraine the following day. 'This visit was very important signal for our partners that Kyiv, much more safety right now, and also very important signal that Great Britain stay together with Ukraine, support Ukraine -- support our country in the fight for our freedom, for our independency,' Klitschko told ABC News' This Week. 'That's why we appreciate for humanitarian support, for political support and weapon support. It's very, very important for us in this critical time and we see who real friends of Ukraine.' Late last month, one of Zelensky's deputies called on Biden to visit Ukraine while he was in Europe for a NATO summit if he was 'brave.' But on Sunday Klitschko said he understood it was a 'safety decision' -- though he did leave the door open by stating that Ukraine would always be 'happy to see' friends. Biden officials have been hesitant however to say if the US president will visit Kyiv, as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is pictured doing here on Saturday 'Were very guest-friendly people and we would be very happy to see our friends in our city, in the capital of Ukraine,' he told ABC. 'But I understand, today, in the unusual situation when Ukraine is in war, its safety decision of security service, and everyone decide by himself to come into Kyiv or not.' The US president visited Poland in late March where he met with Polish and Ukrainian officials, as well as Ukrainian civilians fleeing Russia's attack. He said on the trip that he wanted to cross the border into the war zone but 'they will not let me.' On Sunday, Biden's National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told NBC News' Meet the Press that there was still no plan to travel to Kyiv. 'President Biden doesn't currently have any plans to travel to Kyiv. But what I will tell you is, he sits in the Oval Office and in the Situation Room on a daily basis, organizing and coordinating the world when it comes to the delivery of weapons,' Sullivan said. Host Chuck Todd pressed him again, 'Would you rule it out? If there was a reason to go, he would get there?' Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko said he understood the 'security' concerns about not letting Biden travel to Ukraine but said they are very 'guest-friendly people' U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson visiting Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv during war sends a very important signal that the city is safer now, Mayor Vitali Klitschko tells @jonkarl. We see who are real friends of Ukraine. https://t.co/SXMzGAZL7v pic.twitter.com/oQlTFbWPjV This Week (@ThisWeekABC) April 10, 2022 'President Biden has been to Kyiv before. He looks forward to going to Kyiv again. But we're not currently planning a trip,' Sullivan said. Johnson's Saturday visit was meant to be kept secret until he had left the war zone, but Ukraine's embassy in the United Kingdom accidentally broke the news on Twitter with a picture of the two leaders seated across from each other in the ravaged nation's capital. Biden said during a visit to Warsaw last month that he wanted to cross the border into Ukraine but was advised against it He's the only western head of state to have traveled there since the invasion began on February 24. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer traveled to Kyiv for a one-day visit earlier on Saturday. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen was in Ukraine on Friday, where she was taken to Bucha to see the massive scale of atrocities against civilian residents there. Von der Leyen, who was reportedly moved by the devastation, said a decision on Ukraine's European Union membership could come in 'a matter of weeks' rather than years. The leaders of Slovenia, Poland and the Czech Republic also visited Kyiv in recent days. Putin's bloody and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has been going on for more than 46 days since he first ordered troops to 'demilitarize' and 'de-Nazify' the former Soviet state. As accusations of war crimes mount against Kremlin forces for their alleged targeting of civilians, Russia acknowledged the growing toll the fighting is having on its own people for the first time late last week. Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Sky News on Thursday that Russia has faced 'significant losses of troops and its a huge tragedy for us' -- after for weeks being shadowy and vague about its military casualties. Psaki said Sunday the admission was 'significant' for 'a government that it known for their use of propaganda.' Advertisement Extinction Rebellion activists have attempted to bring London to a standstill again by blocking two major bridges on the second day of mayhem in the capital. The climate demonstrators are holding a sit-in protest on Lambeth and Vauxhall Bridges and have promised to bring more carnage to the capital. The group - which has been blocking traffic in the heart of London's shopping district - is holding two weeks of rebellion in London and has promised to create even more roadblocks than ever as protesters continue their calls for no new investment in fossil fuels. On Saturday, the climate change activists gathered at Speakers' Corner at Hyde Park before marching into the centre of the city's West End. Kicking off their demonstration in Hyde Park on Sunday morning, XR started blocking off major roads nearby, and promised its civil resistance and full disobedience would be felt across the city throughout the day as they moved to block the two bridges. Crowds sat in the middle of the road, waving multicoloured flags bearing the group's 'extinction' symbol and placards that read 'there is no planet B' and 'we want to live', and listened to music and speakers in sunny weather. Demonstrators allowed ambulances and fire engines to cross, with organisers parting the crowd by shouting 'blue light'. The Metropolitan Police said the protests have shut down the bridges, which are major traffic arteries across the Thames. The force tweeted: 'There are multiple protests taking place across London today. 'At the moment Lambeth and Vauxhall Bridges are currently closed due to a protest. 'We are working with our partners to reduce the disruption to Londoners.' Elsewhere, climate activists Just Stop Oil have dug a tunnel and locked themselves onto three oil terminals, as the group continues its demands that the Government stops new oil and gas projects. There have been 338 arrests since the Just Stop Oil protests began on April 1 and another 26 arrests are expected to be made today, Essex Police have said. Activists from Extinction Rebellion blocking Lambeth Bridge in central London as they called for the government to 'stop financing fossil fuels' Activists from Extinction Rebellion blocking Lambeth Bridge in central London were seen moving out of the road to allow a fire engine to cross the bridge Why are Extinction Rebellion doing a road-blocking protest? Extinction Rebellion billed today's protest as part of 'the final push in the plan to end fossil fuels'. On their website, the group said: 'Come to London from April 9 to April 17 and be ready to continue in civil resistance on at least the following three weekends. 'This is a crucial moment. Our reliance on fossil fuels is funding wars, driving the cost of living scandal and leading to climate breakdown. This is why we are demanding an immediate end to all new fossil fuel investments.' The group have said similar action to block 'areas of the city for as long as possible' is planned every day for a week or more. They have pledged that 'our disruption will not stop until the fossil fuel economy comes to an end, ' according to the Extinction Rebellion website. On Friday, two protesters from the climate movement shut down Tower Bridge by abseiling off the sides of the London landmark and unfurling a huge banner that read: 'End fossil fuels now.' The bridge, a main traffic artery across the Thames, was closed to vehicles, causing long queues Advertisement Activist and student Kiri Ley, 21, from Birmingham, said the group is occupying the capital peacefully in order to try and force the Government to make change when nothing else has worked. She said: 'I know that very often people will question our tactics about disruption for example, to ordinary people, stuff like roadblocks, like gluing on, locking on, and so on. 'What I would ask people, if you make that criticism, is what actually do you suggest that we do? 'We tried all the other methods - we've written letters, we've marched, we've spoken to our MPs, we've done literally everything we can and time and time again we see them doing completely the opposite of what the scientific evidence says and this is what is left to us, really, we do it because we know it works.' Earlier, campaigners spray painted red hands outside the London corporate offices of oilfield services company Schlumberger. It comes a day after some 8,000 protesters flooded the streets of London, according to Extinction Rebellion. On the first day of mass action on Saturday, they blockaded roads around Oxford Circus and Trafalgar Square. Extinction Rebellion has vowed to 'block areas of the city for as long as possible' every day for at least a week, and on the next three weekends. The environmental activist group plans to recruit new 'rebels' and hold training in non-violent action and resistance tactics in Hyde Park in the mornings before marching into the city centre 'en masse', it said on its website. 'Our disruption will not stop until the fossil fuel economy comes to an end,' it said. Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said that some Extinction Rebellion protests are counterproductive, but their disruptive actions are the 'only way that people feel they can make their voices heard'. She told Sunday Morning on BBC One: 'I think that being on the streets of London has been shown to be a way of capturing people's imaginations. People have joined those protests who have never protested before. They are doing it because they know we have to leave new fossil fuels in the ground. 'The International Energy Agency says that, the latest IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report says that and yet this Government and this energy strategy .. is foreseeing getting out even more oil and gas from the North Sea, that is frankly immoral and said the UN general secretary said that is frankly both morally and economically mad.' On Friday, two Extinction Rebellion protesters shut down Tower Bridge during the morning rush hour by abseiling off the sides of the landmark. Activists from the group, also known as XR, and Just Stop Oil have also been blocking access to oil terminals for ten days, demanding that the Government stops new oil and gas projects. They disrupted supplies from three oil terminals in Warwickshire, Hertfordshire and Essex on Sunday, Just Stop Oil said. Earlier today it was revealed that one in three petrol stations in the South are closed after the eco mobs blocked depots and locked themselves to pipework on the tenth day of mayhem. The mass protests have reportedly resulted in more than 800 arrests across the country and put a 'real strain' on local police services. Essex Police said the days of 'exceptionally dangerous' fuel protests are putting activists and officers at 'unacceptable' risk of harm. There have been 338 arrests since the protests began on April 1 and another 26 arrests are about to be made. And at 6:30am, the Grays Inter Terminal in Thurrock was swarmed by 40 people who climbed the loading bay pipework and locked themselves in (pictured) Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin said: 'We cannot stand by while criminal acts are being committed, and lives are being put at risk, in the name of protest. 'We are not anti-protest. 'Our job is to preserve life and catch criminals, and that's what we're going to do. 'Today's protest is exceptionally dangerous due to where the protesters have located themselves within the site. 'Our officers have been diligent in ensuring that all protesters know the risks involved, and we've been working hard to minimise the dangers this morning. 'Put simply: we don't want anyone to get hurt.' The force has said that policing protests in Thurrock has cost Essex Police 'in excess of 1 million'. Mr Pavelin said the protesters' 'acts of criminality on site are not only illegal, but they are continuing to put themselves and our officers at real risk of harm and that is unacceptable'. The impact of the protests is being felt by the people of Essex and beyond, he said. The BP Petrol station in Ely, Cambridgeshire, which closed on Sunday morning after it ran out of fuel This picture shows the queues at the Tesco Petrol station in Ely on Sunday morning He added: 'We've been lucky to have extra support from specialist officers from across the country, to support some of our officers continuing with their day jobs.' The force is working with organisations including Thurrock Council, the East of England Ambulance Service, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service plus the local fuel companies to try over the protests while also having to deal with local crime. Warwickshire Police said that a further 29 arrests have been made this weekend in connection with ongoing protests at Kingsbury Oil Terminal. Those in custody have been arrested for offences including criminal damage, conspiracy to cause criminal damage and conspiracy to commit public nuisance in what Assistant Chief Constable Ben Smith described as 'another busy weekend' for the force. This takes the total number of arrests to 180 since the protests began on April 1. Kicking off their demonstration in Hyde Park, Extinction Rebellion has also started blocking off major roads nearby Activists from Extinction Rebellion demonstrate at Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park, central London today Mr Smith, who said there would be a heightened police presence at the site over the coming days, added: 'This weekend's protest activity has been contained to the Piccadilly Way area and has caused little disruption to the wider community, or to the operations of the oil terminal. 'While we will always recognise and respect the public's right to peaceful protest, we will take action against anyone who breaks the law or causes significant impact on the local community.' He thanked the public for their ongoing patience and said the force is working to minimise disruption to the local community and the road networks. Overnight, Just Stop Oil supporters claim they dug a tunnel by concealing its efforts with a caravan under a key tanker route to the BP Kingsbury Terminal in Warwickshire. Despite a number of police arrests, Just Stop Oil claim five people remain inside the caravan this morning working on the tunnel. Reverend Tim Hughes, 71 a retired priest from Swindon, who is with the tunnellers, said: 'I'm here because our government is useless, they make a lot of noise but they are doing nothing. 'As a priest I have a duty of care for people, and also for creation. 'What I'm doing here, with everyone in this caravan, is what our government should be doing that is trying to protect our families and our loved ones from the appalling future that stands before us. 'I hope we can continue what we're doing and stop the flow of oil, if the government won't.' The BP station in Ely, Cambridgeshire was closed and the Tesco petrol station also in Ely had long queues before they finally ran out on Sunday morning. Liz Cheney confirmed Sunday the Select Committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack has enough evidence to refer to Attorney General Merrick Garland a criminal investigation into former President Donald Trump. 'It's absolutely clear that what President Trump was doing, what a number of people around him were doing, that they knew it was unlawful. They did it anyway,' Cheney said to CNN's State of the Union host Jake Tapper. The Wyoming at-large representative is one of two Republicans on the select committee probing the events of January 6 , 2021 the other is Representative Adam Kinzinger of Illinois. The remaining seven members are all Democrats. As the nine-member panel plans to issue a final report on its findings, it's unclear if that will actually include a criminal referral to President Joe Biden's attorney general. The shift in referral perspective comes, according to a New York Times report, after a ruling by Judge David O. Carter of the Federal District Court for Central California found it 'more likely than not' that Trump and John Eastman, a lawyer who advised on efforts to derail election certification, committed federal crimes. The panel feels that the judge's decision would carry more weight with Justice Department head Garland than any referral they would write, people with knowledge of the panel members' conversations told the Times. 'We have not made a decision about referrals on the committee,' Cheney told CNN on Sunday. Rep. Liz Cheney, a member of the January 6 committee, confirmed that there is still discussion on whether the panel will give a criminal referral to AG Merrick Garland for former President Donald Trump "It is absolutely clear that what President Trump was doing was unlawful." Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) responds to a New York Times report saying the Jan. 6 committee has evidence to make a criminal referral for former President Trump to the Justice Department. #CNNSOTU @CNNSotu pic.twitter.com/Aftprmjmd4 CNN (@CNN) April 10, 2022 'I think you certainly saw that [what Trump did was unlawful] in the decision that was issued by Judge Carter a few weeks ago, where he concluded that it was more likely than not that the president of the United States was engaged in criminal activity,' the GOP lawmaker said. 'I think what we have seen is a massive and well-organized and well-planned effort that used multiple tools to try to overturn an election.' Members and aides of the January 6 panel who are reluctant to signal support for a criminal referral suggested to the Times that it could create the appearance that AG Garland was investigating Trump for political reasons at the behest of Democrats in Congress rather than for legitimate reasons. Some members and aides are concerned that signaling support for a criminal referral could create the appearance that AG Garland was investigating Trump for political reasons at the behest of Democrats in Congress Lawmakers on the panel want to avoid any perceptions that a DOJ probe could be connected to Democratic vendettas against the former president for his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. If the final report does not explicitly refer a criminal investigation to Garland, the findings will still be valuable to federal prosecutors regarding evidence, some of which has not been made public, uncovered by the committee. Some people claim this could serve as a road map for prosecution even without a referral. When asked about arguments on the panel over whether to refer a criminal probe to Garland, Cheney said: 'There's not really a dispute on the committee.' 'The committee is working in a really collaborative way to discuss these issues, as we are with all of the issues we're addressing,' she assured. 'And we will continue to work together to do so. So, I wouldn't characterize there as being a dispute on the committee. I think that it is the single most collaborative committee on which I have ever served. I'm very proud of the bipartisan way in which we're operating.' The lawmaker, who was censured by the Republican Party in her home state of Wyoming, said that there is 'clearly' evidence that demonstrates 'the objective was absolutely to try to stop the count of electoral votes, to try to interfere with that official proceeding. 'And it's absolutely clear that they knew what they were doing was wrong, they knew that it was unlawful, and they did it anyway,' she added. Portuguese police are running out of time to prosecute anyone for Madeleine McCann's disappearance because of a law preventing prosecutions after 15 years. Madeleine McCann vanished on May 3 2007 - 14 years and 11 months ago - meaning police in Portugal must bring charges in the next month or face a 'greatly reduced' chance of getting a conviction, according to legal experts. The heat is rising as police continue to investigate accused German national Christian Brueckner, 45, who is currently behind bars in Germany for raping a 72-year-old American tourist in Praia da Luz two years before Madeleine went missing. Speaking to The Sun, Spencer Dohner, of MDM Legal in Faro, explained crimes punishable by ten or more years' jail time 'cannot generally be prosecuted once 15 years have passed' due to Portugal's statute of limitations. Mr Dohner continued: 'If Madeleine is dead and was murdered the cut-off point for prosecution would be the 15th anniversary of her disappearance. Portuguese police are running out of time to prosecute anyone for Madeleine McCann's disappearance because of a law preventing prosecutions after 15 years. Pictured: Madeleine McCann If charges are to be brought against accused Christian Brueckner (pictured), they must be filed before May 3 2022, the 15th anniversary of Madeleine McCann's disappearance; otherwise, the chances of achieving a conviction will be 'greatly reduced', say legal experts 'If she were found alive and had been the victim of sex crimes as a minor, legal proceedings could take place until she was 23.' If Madeleine McCann were still alive, she would be 18 now. In October 2021, German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters said investigators were 'confident' they had the right man and had sufficient evidence to charge over the 2007 disappearance - but that they were trying to amass as much evidence as possible before going to court. Mr Wolters said: 'It is circumstantial evidence we have no scientific evidence. 'When we still have questions, it would be nonsense to charge rather than wait for the answers that could strengthen our position.' Three-year-old Madeleine vanished from a holiday apartment in Portugal's Praia da Luz on May 3, 2007. Pictured: Praia da Luz beach German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters (pictured) said last year investigators were 'confident' they had the right man - but that they wanted more time to build their case A separate lawyer, based in Lisbon, told The Sun: 'Police and prosecutors in Portugal will be acutely aware of the time limits hanging over the case.' Although German authorities believe Brueckner killed Madeleine. an investigation led by former Surrey Police detective Mark Williams-Thomas found the convicted rapist had an alibi. According to the probe's findings, which were laid out earlier this year in a Channel 5 programme, 'Madeleine McCann: Investigating the Prime Suspect', Brueckner was not at the resort in Praia da Luz the night Madeleine disappeared but was actually '30 minutes away'. After a recent falling out with former President Donald Trump, Fox News appears to be gassing up another Republican contender for the 2024 nomination: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. On Sunday, the conservative network ran a piece on the new Republican man of the hour and gushed over DeSantis' fundraising prowess. With the deadline to report March totals to the Florida Secretary of State approaching, DeSantis - branded 'a fundraising behemoth' by Rupert Murdoch's network - has raised more than $109 million through his reelection campaign and his political committee Friends of DeSantis. The donations, first reported by the nonprofit Ballotpedia.org, make DeSantis, 43, the 2022 gubernatorial candidate with the most donations, followed by Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott at $44 million, and Democrat Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer at $14 million. Fox went on to praise DeSantis' 'popularity, influence, and strength,' deeming him a worthy contender for Trump, who has raised $125 million through his Save America political action committee. The network has gone to extreme lengths to defend the former president's decisions while he was in office, often praising his policies and even undermining reports about debunked election claims and his alleged role in the January 6 riot. But the relationship between the magnate-turned-politician and the network became rocky after Trump hit out at Fox for calling the 2020 Presidential election for Biden. Neither Trump nor DeSantis have confirmed 2024 ambitions. But early GOP polls indicate the Florida governor, who rose to national recognition with Trump's blessing, is second to the ex-president as the favorite for the Republican nomination. Fox News Digital has seemingly decided to switch gears in favor of Republican firebrand and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, touting him as a strong 2024 contender for Donald Trump DeSantis - branded 'a fundraising behemoth' by Rupert Murdoch's network - has raised more than $109million through his reelection campaign and his political committee Friends of DeSantis The donations, first reported by the nonprofit Ballotpedia.org, make DeSantis the gubernatorial candidate with the most donations, followed by Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott at $44million, and Democrat Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer at $14million Fox's piece on Sunday comes after months of speculation on whether DeSantis will make a bid for the country's highest office. The Florida Senator has repeatedly refused to confirm or deny reports that he could run against Trump in the Republican primaries, saying the Presidential election is 'way down the road. It's not anything that I'm planning for.' Just last week, Trump claimed that he would be the best candidate if he decides to run, and the likes of Mike Pence, his former vice president, Mike Pompeo, his former secretary of state, and DeSantis, would simply stand aside. 'If I ran, I can't imagine they'd want to run. Some out of loyalty would have had a hard time running,' Trump told The Washington Post on Thursday. 'I think that most of those people, and almost every name you mentioned, is there because of me. In some cases, because I backed them and endorsed them.' Trump went on to claim that the Florida gubernatorial race 'was over,' the day he endorsed DeSantis. 'You know Ron was at 3 percent, and the day I endorsed him, he won the race,' he said. Republican fundraiser and lobbyist David Tamasi told Fox News Digital that DeSantis reunited money from both small-dollar grassroots contributions and big, influential donors in the GOP. The Florida governor is extremely popular in Republican circles, and is widely seen as a leader who can push policies popularized by Trump, but without the same level of drama or baggage. But while DeSantis seems to be having no issue with the fundraising department, he would still face great challenges if he decides to run against Trump in the Republican primaries. In late February, the former president was elected by the Conservative Political Conference (CPA) as their favorite for the 2024 Republican Presidential Nomination, receiving a 59percent approval. DeSantis only obtained a 28percent. Neither Trump nor DeSantis have confirmed 2024 ambitions. But early GOP polls indicate the Florida governor, who rose to national recognition with Trump's blessing, is second to the ex-president as the favorite for the Republican nomination DeSantis has heaped praise on his 'friend' Trump, blaming the media and Democrats for rumors that his relationship with the ex-president has gone frosty. He insisted that the reported rivalry between him and Trump was a 'bunk' claim generated by the media, accusing them of stoking divisions to weaken the Republican Party ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. 'Donald Trump's a friend of mine. He is proud when people do well, and it's not just me, but obviously he's a Florida resident, and he appreciates the job that we've done,' DeSantis told Fox News in February. 'He's told me that many times, not only with helping with the election, but just how we govern the state.' Multiple reports have indicated Trump is privately seething about DeSantis' meteoric rise from pro-Trump House lawmaker to a top White House contender, and has bristled about the fact that DeSantis has not ruled out a 2024 challenge. Earlier this year, a report by Axios claimed that Trump said the popular governor has 'no personal charisma' and a 'dull personality.' DeSantis reportedly also told his inner circle that Trump's 'expectation that he bend the knee is asking too much,' the New York Times reported. Sources close to the former president - who have recently talked to him about the governor - said Trump has grown increasingly irked by DeSantis in recent months, with Trump beginning to voice his frustrations to those in his inner circle. DeSantis has become a favorite among Republicans for being outspoken about controversial topics. On Friday, the governor likened Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams' liberal policies to that of communist Cuba, saying Florida would be caught between far-left leaders if she wins the 2022 race DeSantis has become a favorite among Republicans for his limited-restriction approach to the COVID-19 pandemic and controversial takes on masking, vaccine mandates and transgender issues. He has sued and threatened to pull funding from school districts that enforced mask mandates throughout the pandemic. Last month, DeSantis signed the controversial 'Don't Say Gay' bill, which bans educators from discussing gender issues with Pre-K to third-grade students. 'I am standing my ground. I'm not backing down,' DeSantis said in November at a Republican mixer. 'We've done an awful lot in the state of Florida. We have a lot more to do, and I have only begun to fight.' On Friday, the governor likened Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams to communist Cuba, saying Florida would be caught between far-left leaders if she wins the 2022 race. 'If Stacey Abrams is elected governor of Georgia, I just want to be honest, that will be a Cold War between Florida and Georgia at that point,' DeSantis said. 'I mean, I can't have Castro to my south and Abrams to my north. That'd be a disaster. So, I hope you guys take care of that and we end up in good shape,' he told Georgia voters. Despite DeSantis' reference to Castro - whether he was referring to Cold War leader Fidel or his brother Raul who took over in 2011 - neither Castro is currently in power. Cuba is headed by President Miguel Diaz-Canel. A spokesperson for DeSantis' office told Newsweek that he was simply making an analogy to the differences between how DeSantis runs Florida and how Georgia would run should Abrams win. Last month, DeSantis signed the controversial 'Don't Say Gay' bill, which bans educators from discussing gender issues with Pre-K to third-grade students The governor recently made headlines after threatening Disney with regulations, claiming the company's woke ideology is a significant threat to the state. On April 1, the governor said some Republican legislators in Florida are considering punishing Walt Disney World for taking a public stand against the so-called 'Don't Say Gay' bill by repealing a 55-year law that allows the company to govern itself. 'They have gotten incredible treatment from the Florida legislature and are treated on a pedestal, this one corporation is treated differently than anybody else,' DeSantis told Fox & Friends. 'That is not something I've ever supported. In the legislature, you see a move to reevaluate the special privileges.' The controversial bill, which Disney spoke out against, forbids classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. Its many critics argue that the law's true intent is to marginalize LGBTQ people and their families. Disney, which is Florida's largest single employer and a major political donor, has found itself at the center of the escalating feud over the law, after progressive employees and customers blasted the company for donating money to all the sponsors of the so-called 'Don't Say Gay' bill and failing to denounce it. In response to the backlash, which included protests and walkouts, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced in March that he would be meeting with DeSantis to oppose the bill. 'I understand our original approach, no matter how well intended, didn't quite get the job done,' the CEO said at the time. Gov. Bill Lee (pictured) said he sees the new charter school expansion as part of an effort to develop what he called 'informed patriotism' in Tennessee students The governor of Tennessee has invited a private conservative college to open 50 charter schools whose anti-woke curriculum will teach students that America is 'an exceptionally good country.' Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, said that Hillsdale College, whose base is in Michigan, could open the schools using public funds, including $32 million set aside for charter facilities, the New York Times reported. Hillsdale College, which has close ties with former President Donald Trump, developed the '1776 Curriculum' and is eager to add to its network of charter schools with the curriculum that focus on 'the centrality of the Western tradition.' That curriculum - which spans 2,400 pages - was set up in response to the New York Times 1619 Project, which frames the founding of the United States through the eyes of slaves, and has been blasted for multiple inaccuracies. 'For decades, Hillsdale College has been the standard-bearer in quality curriculum and in the responsibility of preserving American liberty,' Lee told lawmakers recently. 'I believe their efforts are a good fit for Tennessee.' Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee invited Hillsdale College (pictured), a private conservative school in Michigan, to open 50 charter schools using public funds, including $32M set aside for charters A map shows Hillsdale Classical schools across the nation, not including the proposed 50 schools that Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has invited Hillsdale to open using public funds The college's '1776 Curriculum' is currently being used in the two dozen member schools in about 13 states, as well as several dozen more across the country, per its website. It comes as battles continue to rage across the US about what is being taught in public schools. Many parents have been outraged by the push towards divisive 'equity' lessons based on the teachings of critical race theory, which opponents say is divisive, and teaches white children that they are 'oppressors.' Florida has also enacted the Parental Rights in Education Bill - the so-called 'Don't say gay' bill, in response to reports of teachers encouraging children confused about their gender identity to hide it from their parents, and even move them towards medical treatment given to transgender people. Hillsdale has been criticized for its curriculum, which puts a spin on American history and provides a negative take on the New Deal and global warming. But to many Republican leaders, Hillsdale is a 'shining city on a hill' for its devotion to 'liberty as an antecedent of government, not a benefit from government,' Justice Clarence Thomas said in his 2016 commencement address. Donald Trump and Mike Pence have both spoken at the Michigan college, which has an outsize influence on US conservatives. Gov. Lee said he sees his new charter school expansion as part of an effort to develop what he called 'informed patriotism' in Tennessee students, according to the New York Times. The Times reported that Lee envisions an expansion into suburban and rural areas where, like many Hillsdale charter schools, they would most likely enroll children who are whiter and more affluent than the average charter student. Atlanta Classical Academy, one of Hillsdale's schools, has some of the highest scores among schools in Georgia, the Times reported. It focuses on traditional 'Western' subjects, including Latin and phonics. But school racial demographics are complete opposite than public schools, where 73 percent of public school students are black and 17 percent white. Yet, Atlanta Classical Academy is 17 percent black and 71 percent white, according to a 2020 state report. 'They're catering to white families and affluent families,' said Charisse Gulosino, an associate professor of leadership and policy studies at the University of Memphis, whose research has found that students in suburban charter schools do not outperform their public school counterparts. Hillsdale, which was founded in 1844 by abolitionists, does not accept state or federal funding, including no student grants or loans. The Times reported this move allows the school to 'avoid some government oversight, such as compliance with federal Title IX rules governing sexual discrimination.' Instead, the school relies partly on donations from conservative benefactors that are fueled by aggressive fund-raising campaigns, the Times reported, including on Rush Limbaugh's radio program before he died, and in Hillsdale's widely circulated digest, Imprimis, including a 2017 piece in which President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia was called 'a hero to populist conservatives around the world.' Hillsdale president Larry P Arnn in a speech last year, outlined his vision for expansion including plans for a new master's program to train teachers in classical education, a home-school division, online students and education centers Hillsdale College is a private school in southern Michigan that promotes conservative Christian values and has close ties with former President Donald Trump Hillsdale's president, Larry P. Arnn, and his daughter Kathleen O'Toole, who runs the charter school initiative, declined interviews with the Times. But in a speech last year, Dr. Arnn outlined his vision for expansion including plans for a new master's program to train teachers in classical education, a home-school division, online students and education centers. 'It's a grand adventure,' he said. China is accelerating its construction on more than 100 missile silos that can house nuclear weapons capable of reaching the United States, a move that the country's leaders say is meant to deter American forces from intervening in a potential future conflict over Taiwan. Although Beijing has accelerated its expansion of nuclear weaponry in recent months, the government claims its plan is to only maintain enough arsenal necessary to ensure the nation's security interests. Estimates by intelligence analysts and private-sector firms put China's nuclear arsenal somewhere in the 'hundreds' - far less than either the U.S. or Russia, which hold more than 4,000 each. Pentagon officials say that if China continues developing its technology at the current pace, it will have just over 1,000 warheads by 2030. Currently, Chinese military officials believe their nuclear weapons are too 'outdated' to act as an 'effective deterrent' against an American attack, according to the Wall Street Journal. 'China's inferior nuclear capability could only lead to growing U.S. pressure on China,' a source familiar with the plans told the newspaper. This acceleration has raised concerns among American military officials and security analysts that China may be willing to make a 'surprise nuclear strike' against the U.S. Beijing insiders, however, maintain that Chinese leadership is committed to 'not using the nuclear weapons first.' China is accelerating its construction on more than 100 missile silos at a remote northern base that can house nuclear weapons capable of reaching the United States. Above, a satellite image of the site from July 2021 Chinese officials say that the rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal is meant to deter American forces from intervening in a potential future conflict over Taiwan. Above, another image of the site from June 2021 Pictures above a missile silo field in Yumen, a rural area in China's northern Gansu province, revealed that last 45 temporary covers that were placed over each of the suspected missile silos had been removed American intelligence analysts say the the most sensitive work on the Chinese silos has been completed, citing satellite images taken in January. Pictures above a missile silo field in Yumen, a rural area in China's northern Gansu province, revealed that last 45 temporary covers that were placed over each of the suspected missile silos had been removed. Matt Korda, a senior research associate for the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists in Washington, noted that two smaller silo fields located in western China appear to be in earlier stages of development. The silos at each of those sites are reportedly capable of housing a new long-range missile, known as the DF-41, that is capable of striking the U.S. mainland. It was put into service in 2020. Military analysts also claim that China is putting greater emphasis on its ability to respond to nuclear attacks. The experts allege that Beijing, with assistance from Russia, is building an early-warning system that can detect incoming missiles. In February 2021, the nation also launched a satellite that is believed to be the beginning blueprint of a space-based sensor system for missiles. Additionally, China is said to be developing advanced weapons that could carry nuclear warheads, including hypersonic missiles, which experts allege the U.S. has 'proven defenses against.' These developments and advance weapons could also give China a better chance to retaliate if it were to be struck first in a nuclear attack. 'All of these capabilities work together to say to the U.S.: 'There is no world in which you can engage in a nuclear first strike against China and not expect nuclear retaliation back on your cities, even with your missile defenses, even with your great counterforce capabilities,' Caitlin Talmadge, an associate professor of security studies at Georgetown University, told the Journal. During a meeting with senior military officers in March 2021, President Xi Jinping (above) urged officials to 'accelerate the construction of advanced strategic deterrent systems' Despite China's recent efforts to expand its nuclear arsenal, the country continues to downplay its pursuits to the public. Above, the Chinese military's new DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missiles at a parade in 2019 Those familiar with the plans told the newspaper Chinese leadership is fearful that the U.S. may try to topple the nation's Communist government, citing the Trump and Biden Administrations' more aggressive policies towards China. These include recent attempts to ban Chinese apps from lucrative U.S. markets, deploying aircraft carriers to disputed waters in the South China Sea, selling arms to Taiwan and even accusing Chinese diplomats of espionage - which culminated in the forced closure of at least one of the country's American consulates, in Houston. However, despite the leadership's apparently accelerated timeline, China continues to downplay its nuclear pursuits to the public. 'On the assertions made by U.S. officials that China is expanding dramatically its nuclear capabilities, first, let me say that this is untrue,' Fu Cong, director general of the Foreign Ministry's arms control department, told the nation earlier this year. He instead argued the nation was only looking to have the minimum level of nuclear deterrents necessary to ensure national security and defense. He said that China is working to ensure its nuclear deterrent meets the minimum level necessary for national defense. However, during a meeting with senior military officers in March 2021, President Xi Jinping urged officials to 'accelerate the construction of advanced strategic deterrent systems.' China has reportedly declined to answers questions about the alleged missile silo fields and their contents. Leaders of the communist nation have also cited the conflict in Ukraine as a prime example of why its mission to develop increased 'nuclear deterrence' is paramount. Above, search and rescue teams seek survivors in the rubble of a Ukrainian building Chinese officials say Ukraine's decision to turn over its nuclear weapons in 1994 as a part of an agreement with western powers is a real-world example of what may happen to China if its arsenal is not upgraded properly. Above, Ukrainian forces fire GRAD rockets toward Russian positions in Donbas Tensions between China and the nominally self-ruled island of Taiwan, which sits roughly 100 miles off Chinas southeastern coast, have also ratcheted up in recent months. China sees the island as part of its territory and has said several times it would resort to violent intervention to keep it that way - something that has thrust Washington into a conundrum ever since President Donald Trump made a point of tightening ties with Taiwan. President Joe Biden has continued down this path, sending weapons, military training units and even delegations of American officials to the island to signal American support. Beijing has taken these developments as a threat - and some see the recent expansion of its military capabilities as a direct result of America's involvement in Taiwan. 'Large-scale conventional military involvement over Taiwan could quickly lead one side or the other to talk themselves into thinking nuclear use may improve the situation for their side,' said Christopher Twomey, an associate professor of National Security Affairs at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. Leaders of the communist nation have also cited the conflict in Ukraine as a prime example of why its mission to develop increased 'nuclear deterrence' is paramount - arguing that Ukraine's decision to turn over its nuclear weapons in 1994 as a part of an agreement with western powers is a real-world example of what may happen to China if its arsenal is not upgraded properly. 'Ukraine lost its nuclear deterrence in the past and that's why it got into a situation like this,' a retired Chinese military official with knowledge of the nuclear program told the Wall Street Journal. 'No matter how the situation develops in the future, the world will be more confrontational,' the official said. 'Under such circumstances, China definitely needs to maintain nuclear deterrence.' PHNOM PENH, April 10 (Xinhua) -- World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Cambodia Li Ailan said on Sunday that Cambodia's successful vaccine rollout has saved lives, stabilized the health system and contributed to the kingdom's economic recovery. "Cambodia has achieved the impressively high COVID-19 vaccination coverage of the primary doses at the very early stage," she wrote on social media. "The successful vaccine rollout helped save many lives, protect health and contribute to economic recovery." Li urged people to receive their booster dose if it is their turn. "A booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine is essential in Cambodia to help protect you and your loved one as it helps increase your immunity, reduce the risk of getting severe diseases, and enjoy your social functions in a safer way," she said. "The Omicron virus is still here with us." Meanwhile, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen decided to lift a mask mandate for four provinces as a trial after there were no new cases or very few infections in those provinces. In an audio message released publicly, Hun Sen said the provinces are Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, and Stung Treng in the northeast and Preah Vihear in the northwest. "For the people in the four provinces, they can decide by themselves whether to wear masks or not, but outside the four provinces, wearing masks is still mandatory," he said. The Southeast Asian nation has so far administered one dose of COVID-19 vaccines to 14.84 million people, or 92.8 percent of its 16 million population, the health ministry said, adding that of them, 14.09 million, or 88 percent, have been fully vaccinated with two required shots. Also, some 8 million, or 50 percent, have taken a third dose, and 1.21 million, or 7.5 percent, have got a fourth dose, the ministry said. Most of the vaccines used in the country's inoculation drive are China's Sinovac and Sinopharm. With its high vaccination rates, Cambodia has fully resumed its socio-economic activities and reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travelers without quarantine since November last year. Russians lined the streets in the west of the country to cheer Putin's soldiers as they went to fight in Ukraine. People in the region of Kursk cheered and waved as alleged war criminal Vladimir Putin's troops passed by in a convoy of tanks and trucks. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence said footage of the scene showed the invasion was not only Putin's war. It said: 'This is their war too. It is often said that ordinary Russians should not suffer from sanctions. After all, it's Putin, not them, who started the war. 'In this video, residents of Russia's Kursk region happily see off Russian soldiers to go rob, rape and kill Ukrainians.' Russians in Kursk, in the west of the country, waved to Putin's soldiers in tanks and trucks Each military vehicle was daubed with a white 'V' and many had Russian flags on them One supporter was even wearing a top with Cyrillic script CCCP (USSR) written on the back In the footage, Russians waved flags and cheered, with one man even wearing a top with USSR on the back. A child was also dressed in replica army kit as he waved at passing soldiers who were destined to fight in Ukraine. Putin is focussing his forces on the east of Ukraine, where more of the country is pro-separatist. It could be an attempt to have a battlefield win before May 9 so he can celebrate it on Russia's annual Victory Day parade in Moscow. It came as discoveries of mass graves and civilian casualties have triggered a wave of international condemnation. There was particular disgust about deaths in the town of Bucha, northwest of the Ukrainian capital. Putin is focussing his forces on the east of Ukraine, where more of the country is pro-separatist. It could be an attempt to have a battlefield win before May 9 so he can celebrate it on Russia's annual Victory Day parade in Moscow Satellite imagery has emerged of a huge convoy of Russian armour and artillery heading towards the under-siege areas of eastern Ukraine as both sides gear up for a brutal new phase of the war This handout satellite image released by Maxar Technologies shows a large military convoy consisting of hundreds of vehicles (including armored vehicles, trucks with towed artillery and support equipment) moving south through the Ukrainian town of Velykyi Burluk, Ukraine, April 8 Bodies of civilians, who according to the head of the village were killed by Russian soldiers amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, lie on the ground after police exhumed them from a well at the fuel station in Buzova The bodies of 132 civilians were found shot dead at a new potential Russian war crimes site in Ukraine, officials said today. Pictured: Workers remove debris from a destroyed building in the region west of Kyiv, April 8, 2022 A new grave with dozens of Ukrainian civilians was found on Saturday in Buzova, a liberated village near the capital Kyiv that for weeks was occupied by Russian forces, a local official said. Satellite imagery has revealed a huge convoy of Russian armour and artillery heading towards the under-siege areas of eastern Ukraine as both sides gear up for a brutal new phase of the war. The images, taken by Maxar technologies late Friday and released early this morning, showed the eight-mile long convoy of weaponry snaking through the town of Velykyi Burluk. The convoy was heading south through an arc of Russian-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine according to analysts, and is believed to be destined for the frontlines in the regions of Luhansk and Donetsk. Russian forces withdrew from key positions around Kyiv last week in the face of bitter resistance from Ukraine's armed forces, and are thought to be regrouping for a major new offensive in the Donbas. Cambridge University fresher who joined the Ukraine army says he will study - and even take exams - remotely from the war-torn country. Nikolai Nizalov, 19, drove to his home country two weeks ago to join a nine-man volunteer platoon, in which hell work primarily as a medic. And the studious natural sciences undergrad says hell still watch lectures and even hopes to take an exam remotely, when term starts again next month. Nikolai, who moved from Ukraine to the UK in 2013, has vowed to stay in the country 'until we win'. A Cambridge University fresher who has joined a military unit in Ukraine says he will study and even take an exam remotely while serving in the war-torn country. He is pictured (left) at the University of Cambridge, and again (right) in military gear after heading to Ukraine. He said: 'Ive brought my lectures with me that I need to watch. Ill try to keep up with them with the little spare time I have. 'I might sit my exam in May remotely. 'Ideally Ill come back for second year in October but Im not going to leave until we win. 'Even if I dont get a great mark this year I can apply for special permission to get into next year.' Nikolais platoon is made up of Ukrainian volunteers aged up to their 30s, some of whom have military experience. The unit is due to travel towards Kyiv next week and the student will be given a rifle for his own protection - despite having no combat experience. Nikolai, who moved from Ukraine to the UK in 2013, has vowed to stay in the country 'until we win'. Nikolai, who played a varsity water polo match against Oxford University days before driving to Ukraine, said: 'I feel much calmer here. 'When I was in Cambridge it was weird because my country was at war and people were going on with their normal lives. 'I have friends on the frontlines and I wouldnt be able to look them in the eye if I didnt help out. 'In Ukraine we are all together and I feel much more at peace. 'My parents obviously didnt want me to go but they understood why I wanted to - and I didnt give them much choice.' Nikolai, who is originally from Mykolaiv in southern Ukraine, is currently living at a friends house in the western city of Lviv. The natural sciences undergrad says he'll still watch lectures and even hopes to take an exam remotely next month. He said that he took an intensive medical course in the city to prepare him to work as a medic and head closer to the frontlines from next week. The undergrad also plans to operate a drone that will drop humanitarian supplies such as medication to people who cant be reached due to Russian military positions. Nikolai is fundraising to support his volunteer unit and says he has already raised enough to buy two 4x4 vehicles that will be used to transport the platoon. Nikolais fundraising page is here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/NNizalov Russia having veto power on the UN Security Council is like Hitler having a veto at Nuremberg, says the leading lawyer who prosecuted Slobodan Milosevic. Sir Geoffrey Nice QC believes that removing Russia from the UN Security Council or stripping it of its veto powers is a way to correct and make the current system 'more effective.' Speaking to Times Radio, he said: 'A very important step that should be taken is to kick Russia off the security council, or withdraw its veto, or in some other way stop it from having the power to stop itself being tried. 'That power, just think about this, is the equivalent of Hitler being given the veto power in 1944 to say who would be tried at Nuremberg in 1946.' Sir Geoffrey Nice QC (left) believes that removing Russia, led by Vladimir Putin (right) from the UN Security Council or stripping it of its veto powers is a way to correct and make the current system 'more effective' Sir Geoffrey, who led the prosecution of the former Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic at the International Criminal Tribunal, added: 'Saying that the present system is a bit broken or incomplete, doesn't mean to say we should not put all our effort into ensuring that it is improved. 'Certainly one of the ways it can be improved is by getting rid of Russia's veto and then it could stand trial for the crime of aggression. 'Another way is to ensure that after this conflict ends that identified Russian potential defendants are handed over by Russia.' He suggested the international community may be more willing to take this step now as the Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought the world to the brink of nuclear disaster and has made it wake up to the shortcomings of its own systems. And he suggested that the international community may be more open to taking this step now as the Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought the world to the brink of nuclear disaster and made it wake up to the shortcomings of its own systems. Pictured: Firefighters conduct work on debris after shelling hit residential areas at the Leninsky district's Yelenovka village of the pro-Russian separatists-controlled Donetsk, Ukraine today An Ukrainian serviceman inspects the leftovers of Russian military vehicles in the town of Bucha on April 8 Also in his interview with Times Radio today, Sir Geoffrey Nice QC said that a full record of 'great clarity' needs to be left to note the atrocities that have happened in Ukraine. And he highlighted the importance of keeping the records, saying that it would preferably involve war crimes trials but that it might not happen. It comes after several world leaders and top legal minds labelled the actions of Putin's troops in Bucha and other towns as war crimes. Also in his interview with Times Radio today, Sir Geoffrey Nice QC said that a full record of 'great clarity' needs to be left to note the atrocities that have happened in Ukraine. Pictured: A group of women wait to receive free food from a soup kitchen in Bucha on April 9 And he highlighted the importance of keeping the records, saying that it would preferably involve war crimes trials but that it might not happen. Pictured: A completely destroyed building is seen after shelling in Horenka district of Bucha, Ukraine on April 7 Ukraine has already declared that it will investigate hundreds of suspects for thousands of cases of alleged war crimes. The country's prosecutor general Iryna Venediktova told Sky News today: 'Of course what we see on the ground in all the regions of Ukraine, it is war crimes, crimes against humanity. 'You know that now we started 5,600 cases in Ukraine on the above war crimes', she said, before adding: 'Vladimir Putin is the main war criminal of 21st century.' Ukraine has already declared that it will investigate hundreds of suspects for thousands of cases of alleged war crimes. The country's prosecutor general Iryna Venediktova (pictured) told Sky News today: 'Of course what we see on the ground in all the regions of Ukraine, it is war crimes, crimes against humanity. 'You know that now we started 5,600 cases in Ukraine on the above war crimes', she said, before adding: 'Vladimir Putin is the main war criminal of 21st century' But there are questions over whether the perpetrators will ever be brought to justice. The International Criminal Court's lead prosecutor Karim Khan last month said he had opened an investigation into possible war crimes in Ukraine. But of the 46 indicted publicly by the ICC since its inception in 2002, only two are currently in prison. And six others have finished their sentences, raising questions offer the court's methods of enforcement and its efficacy. But there are questions over whether the perpetrators will ever be brought to justice. Pictured: A completely destroyed building is seen after shelling in Horenka district of Bucha on April 7 If investigators for the ICC find evidence of atrocities carried out by Lieutenant Colonel Azatbek Omurbekov's men in Bucha, the prosecutor will ask judges to issue arrest warrants to bring individuals to trial in The Hague. But the court does not have its own police officers and relies on states to arrest suspects. Russia is not a member of the court, and it is highly likely that Putin would refuse to extradite anyone named in an ICC prosecution. Therefore, Russian soldiers and commanders suspected of war crimes who are named in an ICC investigation would only be arrested if they were to travel to another country. Charges against a Texas woman who was arrested for murder after allegedly terminating her own pregnancy were dropped Sunday by the local district attorney. Lizelle Herrera, 26, was arrested Thursday after police alleged she violated the state's new, restrictive abortion law in 'knowingly causing the death of an individual by self-induced abortion,' cops said. But Starr County District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez wrote in a statement Sunday that he was dismissing the charges 'immediately,' adding that the incident was 'not a criminal matter.' 'It is clear to me that the events leading up to this indictment have taken a toll on Ms. Herrera and her family,' Ramirez wrote. 'To ignore this fact would be shortsighted.' 'The issues surrounding this matter are clearly contentious, however based on Texas law and the facts presented, it is not a criminal matter.' The recently passed Texas Heartbeat Act, under which Herrera was originally arrested and charged, bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected - usually around six weeks, well before most women know they are pregnant - with no exceptions for rape or incest. The law's unusual enforcement measures were meant to insulate it from legal challenges - anyone can bring forth a case against anyone who aids a woman in getting an abortion, other than the woman herself. Such a plaintiff could be entitled to up to $10,000. Lizelle Herrera, 26, was arrested Thursday after she 'intentionally and knowingly caused the death of an individual by self-induced abortion' Herrera was being held at the Starr County Jail on a $500,000 bond while authorities investigate the details surrounding her abortion La Frontera Fund, a Texas-based abortion assistance fund, held a protest outside of the Starr County Jail on Saturday morning demanding Herrera's release. 'This arrest is inhumane. We are demanding the immediate release of Lizelle Herrera,' Rockie Gonzalez, founder and board chair of Frontera Fund, told KSTX. 'What is alleged is that she was in the hospital and had a miscarriage and divulged some information to hospital staff, who then reported her to the police.' The organization, which acknowledged at the time that details surrounding Herrera's arrest are still only preliminary, also criticized the recently passed Texas Heartbeat Act. Protestors are chanting for abortion rights and the release of Lizelle Herrera. @TPRNews pic.twitter.com/qxzhhnqhng Carolina Cuellar Colmenares (@Wzrd_of_Lnlynss) April 9, 2022 'This is a developing story and we don't yet know all the details surrounding this tragic event, what we do know is that criminalizing pregnant people's choices or pregnancy outcomes, which the state of Texas has done, takes away people's autonomy over their own bodies, and leaves them with no safe options when they choose not to become a parent,' Gonzalez explained. The activist also argued that the bill, which took effect on September 1, 2021, is the most restrictive abortion ban in the country, prohibiting the procedure before many women even know they are pregnant. It also deputizes private citizens to sue anyone who performs or 'aids and abets' an abortion. 'We want people to know that this type of legislation impacts low-income people of color communities the most when state legislators put restrictions on our reproductive rights,' Gonzalez told the radio station. The Texas Heartbeat Act was met with criticisms from pro-choice groups following its enactment in September. Protesters are pictured outside of the U.S. Supreme Court last October Despite the criticisms, none of the legal challenges to overturn the law have been successful The bill was met with criticisms from pro-choice groups following its enactment in September. However, none of the legal challenges to overturn the law have been successful, including a case brought to the U.S. Supreme Court in December 2021 and the Texas Supreme Court last month. The Texas law conflicts with landmark U.S. Supreme Court rulings that prevent a state from banning abortion early in pregnancy, but it was written in a way that has essentially outmaneuvered those precedents. With few options left, Texas abortion providers have acknowledged the law is likely to stay on the books for the foreseeable future. Abortions in Texas dropped by about 60 per cent in September 2021, following the nation's most restrictive ban on the procedure Data published by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission in February revealed that abortion across the state fell by 60 percent during the first month under the new law. The nearly 2,200 abortions reported by Texas providers in September came after a new law took effect that bans the procedure once cardiac activity is detected, usually around six weeks of pregnancy, and without exceptions in cases of rape or incest. In August, there had been more than 5,400 abortions statewide, and abortion numbers were consistently above 4,250 in the first seven months of 2021. Texas state health officials said more data will be released on a monthly basis. Planned Parenthood said at the time that the numbers were 'the very beginning of the devastating impact' of the law as they saw 'a 1,082 per cent increase in patients with Texas zip codes seeking abortion compared to September 2019 and 2020.' 'It is unconscionable that thousands of Texans continue to be forced to travel hundreds of miles out of state to Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, and other farther states to access their fundamental right to safe, legal abortion,' the organization said. The law has also inspired several copycat bills in other states. The Oklahoma House voted 70-14 to pass a bill that would make performing an abortion in the state a felony punishable buy up to 10 years in jail and a $100,000 fine. Protestors gathered at the capitol on Tuesday to speak out against the bill How Texas's heartbeat abortion law has spurned a host of similar state statutes The Texas Heartbeat Act, which was enacted in September 2021, bans abortions after the detection of embryonic or fetal cardiac activity, which typically occurs after around six weeks of pregnancy. The law had a fairly swift and easy process of getting passed in the deeply conservative state. It was introduced to the state's Senate and House of Representatives on March 11, 2021, and was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott several months later on May 19. The law itself took effect shortly thereafter on September 1, with the Supreme Court ultimately denying a request for emergency relief from Texas abortion providers beforehand. It has since suffered several legal challenges and criticism. President Joe Biden called it 'extreme' and saying it 'blatantly violates the constitutional right established under Roe v. Wade.' Senator Elizabeth Warren argued that it is time to 'step up and codify Roe into federal law,' in response to the state's 'heartbeat' abortion ban. The law has also inspired several other states to follow suit with similar legislation. Advertisement Idaho last month had become the first state to enact legislation modeled after the Texas statute banning abortions after about six weeks. However, the Idaho Supreme Court on Friday temporarily blocked the law, meaning it won't go into effect on April 22 as planned. The Idaho bill also allowed the would-be father, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles of a 'preborn child' to each sue an abortion provider for a minimum of $20,000 in damages within four years after the abortion. Rapists can't file a lawsuit under the law, but a rapist's relatives could. Besides Idaho, eleven other states have proposed heartbeat bills since 2018; such bills have passed including bills in Ohio, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Texas, most of which lie either partly or entirely in the so-called Bible Belt whose population leans heavily against abortion. Similarly, the Oklahoma House gave final legislative approval on Tuesday to a bill that would make performing an abortion a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. With little discussion and no debate, the Republican-controlled House voted 70-14 to send the bill to Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt, who has previously said he'd sign any anti-abortion bill that comes to his desk. If Stitt signs the legislation and if does not get blocked by courts, the bill would take effect when the state Legislature adjourns in the summer. The bill, which passed the Senate last year, makes an exception only for an abortion performed to save the life of the mother, said GOP state Rep. Jim Olsen, of Roland, who sponsored the bill. There is no exception for rape or incest victims. Under the bill, a doctor or person convicted of performing an abortion would face up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. 'The penalties are for the doctor, not for the woman,' Olsen said. The future of the Oklahoma bill will most likely depend on the U.S. Supreme Court decision expected this summer regarding Mississippi's 15-week abortion ban that could roll back the Roe v. Wade decision. A man, 31, has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a police officer was slashed with a machete while attending an eight-hour hostage situation, according to reports. Officers were called to an address in east London after reports of a man armed with a machete suffering a 'mental health crisis'. During an apparent eight-hour stand-off, the officer was slashed with a machete before the man was arrested. He was given first aid after he sustained an injury to the neck, which is believed to have been self-inflicted, and was taken to hospital. The injured officer was taken to hospital and discharged, with the injury understood to be non-life threatening. Shocked locals claiming to be the arrested man's relatives described the suspect as a 'really nice, religious guy', who hasn't 'got a bad bone in his body'. Video footage on social media - understood to be from the scene in Forest Gate this afternoon - showed a heavily police presence in the area One told The Telegraph: 'All the years I've known him, he's never done anything like this, he's never been in trouble with the police, he's always been a straight shooter. 'I've known him all his life, he's not got a bad bone in his body. He's always gone to school, he's got a good education.' Another added: 'He's...not a naughty boy, none of that stuff. He's really nice and a religious guy, a load of people give him respect. 'We're just shocked.' The outlet also reported that riot police was seen carrying the suspect out of the house by his arms and legs. In a statement on Twitter yesterday afternoon the force said: 'Officers on scene in Skelton Road #Newham dealing with reports of a man suffering a mental health crisis inside an address. 'One officer has received a slash injury to his arm and has gone to hospital. Officers continue to engage with the man to resolve the situation.' At around 8pm, police again tweeted: 'This incident has now concluded. We will provide some further details when possible. Thank you to local people for your patience while officers dealt with the situation.' Video footage on social media - understood to be from the scene in Forest Gate yesterday - showed queues of police cars and vans lined up down the road with a heavily police presence in the area. Social media footage from Forest Gate, east London today. An officer was injured after being slashed in the arm with a 'large knife' while responding to an incident Another clip on Twitter showed a crowd gathered around a street cordoned off with police tape. A police statement said: 'A man has been arrested by officers responding to an incident at a house in Newham. 'At approximately 11.50hrs on Sunday, 10 April, police were called to reports of a man armed with a machete suffering a mental health crisis at a house in Skelton Road, E7. 'Officers attended the location. One officer received a slash injury to his arm and was taken to hospital. He has been discharged following treatment. 'Emergency services remained at the scene while police officers attempted to engage with the man. 'A number of people who were inside the address were helped to safety by colleagues from London Fire Brigade using a ladder. None of these people were hurt. 'At around 19.15hrs, officers arrested the 31-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder of the police officer. 'The man had sustained a knife injury to his neck, which is believed to have been self-inflicted. 'First aid was administered and the man has been taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service. We await an assessment of his condition. 'As is routine in circumstances where a person has sustained an injury during a police operation, the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed.' Stonewall has been accused of 'holding No 10 to ransom' after the charity staged a mass boycott of an LGBT international conference over ministers' failure to ban transgender conversion therapy. The Safe To Be Me summit was left in tatters earlier this week when more than 100 LGBT and HIV groups pulled out of the three-day event over the government's stance on conversion therapy - wasting 650,000 of taxpayers' money. Controversial charity Stonewall was being paid to co-chair the summit's external organising body, however the group wrote an open letter to Mr Johnson saying they would only participate in the conference if he includes transgender people in any legislation against conversion therapy. The event was due to be held in June to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the first ever London Pride marches and was set to be the UK's first ever global LGBT summit. However ministers officially scrapped the event on Tuesday following the charity's mass boycott and the resignation of the Government's own LGBT adviser Iain Anderson, who is a Stonewall ambassador. It comes as Boris Johnson said parents should have 'involvement at the very least' in decisions made by children to alter their gender and backed making the 'abhorrent' practice of trying to force gay people to become heterosexual illegal. But the PM refused to extend the proposed ban on the practice to trans people - despite opposition from backbench MPs and the Scottish Tories. Stonewall has been accused of 'holding No 10 to ransom' after the charity staged a mass boycott of an LGBT international conference over ministers' failure to ban transgender conversion therapy (file image) The Safe To Be Me summit was left in tatters earlier this week when more than 100 LGBT and HIV groups pulled out of the three-day event over the government's stance on conversion therapy - wasting 650,000 of taxpayers' money. Pictured: Prime Minister Boris Johnson Stonewall holding a top role for the summit caused unrest at No 10 following government departments leaving the charity over concerns around impartiality, reports The Telegraph. It comes as 650,000 of taxpayer cash was spent on the conference on 'proposed venue advertising' before the event was scrapped - with the true spending likely to be higher as it excludes the 'salaries of at least eighteen civil servants who spent two years planning the event' and obtaining sponsors with overseas trips. MPs have suggested they 'send Stonewall the bill' and made demands that the 'dominant' charity has 'no further involvement in Whitehall'. It was also reported that the Cabinet Office 'signed off 5 million in February 2022' for the Government Equalities Office to plan the three-day conference, with the 'required' budget totalling 8.1million. The final 3.1million was expected to be signed off closer to the Safe To Be Me summit's date. It comes as 650,000 of taxpayer cash was spent on the conference on 'proposed venue advertising' before the event was scrapped - with the true spending likely to be higher as it excludes the 'salaries of at least eighteen civil servants who spent two years planning the event' and obtaining sponsors with overseas trips A Stonewall spokesperson told MailOnline: More than 200 LGBTQ+ and HIV sector organisations pulled out of the Safe To Be Me conference in the wake of the Prime Minister's broken promise on conversion therapy. 'The withdrawal shows the depth of feeling and unity within the LGBTQ+ sector about the decision to continue to allow trans people to be subjected to these harmful practices. Trans people are nearly twice as likely to be targeted by conversion practices, and it is shameful that the UK Government is choosing to protect some LGBTQIA+ people and not others from this abusive practice. 'We remain in ongoing dialogue with the government on a range of policy issues, but could not support this conference when the Prime Minister continues to ignore the medical and human rights consensus on the need for a trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy. It was claimed last week that the Prime Minister had decided to ditch the plan but Mr Johnson later confirmed that a law banning conversion therapy will indeed be in the Queen's Speech next month, although it will not cover transgender therapy. In his letter to the PM, Mr Anderson said serving as the UK's first LGBT business champion had been 'the greatest privilege of my life' but he felt he had 'no choice' but to resign. Learning that trans people 'would be excluded from the legislation and therefore not have the same immediate protections' was 'deeply damaging to my work', he wrote. Mr Anderson added that it was 'profoundly shocking' that the Government had apparently backtracked on protection for transgender people in the same week that Jamie Wallis became the country's first MP to come out as transgender. Mr Wallis, who will continue using he/him pronouns 'for the time being', has said it would be a 'broken promise' to ban gay but not trans conversion therapy. The MP for Bridgend, who revealed on Twitter that he had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, said it would be 'wrong to exclude protections for a whole group of people'. A Georgia coroner discovered the bodies of his parents and 19-year-old son at the scene of a gun store robbery-gone-wrong. Coweta County Coroner Richard Hawk, 51, made the gruesome discovery at his parents' shooting range, Lock Stock & Barrel, in Grantville, 50 miles southwest of Atlanta. When he arrived at the shop around 8 p.m. on Friday, Hawk found the lifeless bodies of Thomas and Evelyn Hawk, both aged 75, and 19-year-old, Luke, who was visiting his grandparents for Spring Break and helping in the shop. According to authorities, the Hawks were killed by an armed robber who fled the scene making off with dozens of guns from the store. Hawk, who has been Coweta County's coroner since 2008, told The Guardian he was heartbroken after the huge loss. 'Tommy, Evelyn and Luke knew the Lord as their personal savior,' the distraught coroner told the outlet. 'They died knowing the lord and they're in heaven.' Police Chief Steve Whitlock said the Hawk family was well-known and well-respected in their small, tight-knit community. They had operated Lock Stock & Barrel for nearly 30 years. A sign out front proudly proclaims it 'American owned & operated.' The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the City of Grantville and NSSF are each offering a $5,000 reward, totaling to $15,000, for information that leads to an arrest in the killings. 'The brutality of these senseless murders along with the fact that these killer(s) have acquired additional firearms make solving this case our top priority,' ATF Atlanta Field Division Special Agent Benjamin Gibbons wrote in the statement. Authorities are asking anyone who drove by the between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on the day of the killings and saw vehicles other than the Hawks' white Ford dual-rear-wheel truck and a black Ford Expedition to contact them. Coweta County Coroner Richard Hawk, 51, found the lifeless bodies of Thomas and Evelyn Hawk, both aged 75, and his 19-year-old son, Luke, at his parents' shooting range in Grantville, Georgia Thomas Hawk, 75, was found dead with his wife and their 19-year-old grandson. Hawk had owned the shop for 30 years Law enforcement agents investigate the scene of a fatal robbery at Lock Stock & Barrel Shooting Range late Friday, April 8 The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the City of Grantville and NSSF are each offering a $5,000 reward, totaling to $15,000, for information that leads to an arrest in the killings 'This is just a shock to everybody in the community,' Chief Whitlock said. 'We're trying to do the best that we can to figure this out.' Whitlock said investigators believe the robbery and shooting happened around 5.30pm Friday, which is when the range normally closes. He said Richard Hawk came by the business and was the person who found the victims. There are no suspects as of Sunday evening, and no arrests have been made. Investigators said that as many as 40 guns and the range's surveillance camera were also stolen. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating, but when contacted referred all inquiries to Grantville Police. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was also called in due to the amount of weapons taken. Whitlock said he's grateful for the help from other law enforcement agencies in the investigation. At least 40 guns were stolen from the Lock Stock & Barrel Shooting range in Grantville, as well as the surveillance camera 'We're just a small town, 12 officers. I've been here eight years and have never had to investigate anything like this. It's been kind of hard on us. The crime rate is really, really low,' he said. A reward of $15,000 has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer or killers in the case, according to the ATF Atlanta office's Twitter feed. Police are asking any witnesses to come forward. Whitlock said they don't have any video evidence to work with right now. The Hawks had operated Lock Stock & Barrel for nearly 30 years. Their grandson was on Spring Break, helping his grandparents at the shop Police are asking any witnesses to come forward. Authorities said they don't have any video evidence to work with right now 'Anyone having driven by the shooting range during the time frame of 530pm to 630 pm that may have seen vehicles other than a white Ford dually truck and a black Ford expedition are asked to contact the police department,' Grantville police said in their Facebook statement. The shooting range is in rural Coweta County, about 50 miles southwest of Atlanta. Coweta County Sheriff Lenn Wood said in a statement on Facebook that the entire community was forever broken by the 'senseless and tragic' killings of the Hawk family members. 'I am also fervently praying that God will use our law enforcement community and the Coweta Community,' he said, 'to bring justice swiftly.' The mayor of a Ukrainian border town wept after hearing about the Mails record-breaking fundraising appeal. Tears streamed down Vasyl Yovdiis face when he heard how your donations close to 11million will help the 3,000 evacuees who have fled to Solotvyno. Some 35,000 people came via the historic salt mining town to reach Romania in the first four days after the invasion. Tears streamed down Vasyl Yovdiis face when he heard how your donations close to 11million will help the 3,000 evacuees who have fled to Solotvyno I want to thank from the bottom of my heart all the British people, Mr Yovdii said as he wiped his eyes dry. Your nation is truly phenomenal. The Mail Force Ukraine Appeal has teamed up with the AMAR Foundation, a charity set up by Tory peer Baroness Nicholson in 1991. Her team contacted authorities in Romania and Ukraine just two days after war broke out. The charity sent its first medical convoy funded by the Mails appeal last week with 80,000 worth of supplies, such as essential drugs, insulin and first aid kits. The Mail Force Ukraine Appeal began with a 500,000 donation from parent company DMGT at the personal request of Lord and Lady Rothermere. Since then, Mail readers have raised 10.7million. Solotvynos main hospital has already received medical aid funded by your donations. Beaming: Baroness Nicholson brings medical supplies to nurses in Solotvyno The Mail met Ukrainian couple Alla and Serhii Kohliuk, who had fled the devasted town of Makariv after the Russian destroyed their grocery shop that they had spent 25 years building together. Alla, 58, was being treated by medics there for a heart condition and post-traumatic stress as her concerned husband looked on. I was sat at home the night war started, she said. We were very scared when we heard the bombing start. We have lost our whole business, but we can only hope that our house is still OK. Baroness Nicholson said last night: Devastating pain and heart wringing grief caused by Russian cruelty is now softened by Mail readers huge generosity. Sighetu Marmatiei mayor Vasile Moldovan, who helped organise the convoy, added: I want to give heartfelt thanks to the readers of your newspaper for showing the true face of humanity in these hard times. Elon Musk has suggested that people who subscribe to Twitter's premium service Blue be allowed to pay with joke cryptocurrency Dogecoin. Musk - who became Twitter's largest shareholder last week - made the suggestion on Saturday as part of a slew of proposed 'improvements' to the social media site. Pitching a potential idea, Musk said: 'Everyone who signs up for Twitter Blue (ie pays $3/month) should get an authentication checkmark.' One respondent asked for the cost to be made cheaper, claiming that $3 feeds an entire family in the South American nation. That prompted Musk to respond again, writing: 'Maybe even an option to pay in Doge?' Musk has long enjoyed teasing his 80 million followers with the cryptocurrency, whose logo is a Shiba Inu dog, and which is widely regarded as a joke. Unlike Bitcoin - the most valuable form of crypto, which is worth around $43,320 as of April 10, Dogecoin is currently worth $0.16. Twitter's new largest shareholder Elon Musk, pictured, suggested letting users pay for the premium Twitter Blue with Dogecoins on Saturday Elon Musk has now suggested using 'joke' cryptocurrency Dogecoin as a payment method for Twitter's premium Blue service. Dogecoin is widely seen as a joke cryptocurrency, with one Dogecoin worth $0.16 as of April 10 Dogecoin is widely regarded as a joke cryptocurrency, with one of the coins worth just $0.16 USD as of April 10 - compared to one Bitcoin being worth more than $43,300 on the same date The Tesla CEO was also named to Twitter's board of directors Tuesday after tweeting several polls on hot-button issues within the company, including a question about whether it should implement an edit button. Twitter Blue, launched in June 2021, is Twitter's first subscription service and offers 'exclusive access to premium features' on a monthly subscription basis, Twitter says. It is available in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. They include bookmarks, and a 'preview' feature which lets subscribers see what a tweet will look like, and undo any errors, for 30 seconds before it goes live. The social media network confirmed it is finally working on a long-requested edit button last week, after Musk suggested that too. In a Twitter post, the head of electric vehicle maker Tesla Inc suggested that users who sign up for Twitter Blue should pay significantly less than the current $2.99 a month, and should get an authentication checkmark as well as an option to pay in local currency. 'Price should probably be ~$2/month, but paid 12 months up front & account doesn't get checkmark for 60 days (watch for credit card chargebacks) & suspended with no refund if used for scam/spam,' Musk said in a tweet. 'And no ads,' Musk suggested. 'The power of corporations to dictate policy is greatly enhanced if Twitter depends on advertising money to survive.' Musks musings came after he tweeted several polls to his millions of followers on the social media platform on Saturday. The outspoken Tesla CEO, known for his social media antics, initially asked if he should transform the company's Silicon Valley headquarters into a homeless shelter, before suggesting the removal of the letter 'w' in Twitter. In the first post, Musk - who purchased a 9.2 percent stake in the social media giant earlier this week and was subsequently named to the company's board of directors - seemingly took aim at the company's lax remote working policies, saying he came up with the plan 'since no one shows up anyway.' So far, the results of the 24-hour poll, posted at 9.30pm ET by the billionaire businessman, suggests overwhelming support for the prospective undertaking - with 91.1 percent of more than 923,459 respondents voting in favor of the plan. The second tweet about deleting 'w' saw Musk give two options without no as an answer, with 55.8 percent saying 'yes' and 44.2 percent 'of course' of 445,158 votes to date. It comes weeks after Twitter brass - who offered staffers the option of working from home 'forever' during the pandemic - reopened its offices March 15, with remote work remaining an option for staffers. Twitter stocks have surged since mid-March when Musk purchased his stake In the first post, Musk seemingly took aim at the company's lax remote working policies, saying he came up with the plan 'since no one shows up anyway.' So far, 91.1 percent of 923,459 respondents voted in favor of the plan The second tweet about deleting 'w' saw Musk give two options without no as an answer, with 55.8 percent saying 'yes' and 44.2 percent 'of course' of 445,158 votes to-date Musk became the company's majority shareholder this week after it was revealed he purchased a 9.2 percent stake in the social media giant earlier this week and was subsequently named to the company's board of directors 'Its been almost two years since we closed our offices and travel and Im excited to announce that were ready to fully open up business travel and all our offices around the world!' Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal wrote in a note to employees posted to Twitter March 3. 'Business travel is back effective immediately, and office openings will start on March 15,' the exec wrote. In the statement, Agrawal, who was promoted to CEO of the San Francisco-based company in November, said that he would be honoring a policy put in place by former head exec Jack Dorsey during the early days of the pandemic, that said staffers could work remotely 'forever' if they wanted to. 'Our top priority since the beginning of the pandemic has been to keep you all safe and this will continue,' Agrawal wrote. 'Now we are returning to a stage where youre living your lives, adjusting to local health guidelines, and deciding what works best for you. 'So, the decisions about where you work, whether you feel safe travelling for business, and what events you attend, should be yours,' the exec added, in a sentence this time set in bold. 'As we open back up, our approach remains the same,' Agrawal, 37, went on. 'Wherever you feel most productive and creative is where you will work and that include working from home full-time forever,' the CEO wrote, in another bolded sentence. 'Office every day? That works too. Some days in the office, some days from home? Of course.' Agrawal, however, warned that 'distributed working will be much, much harder' and said 'there will be lots of challenges' amid the new policy. Agrawal went on to tout the advantages of having staffers in the same physical space, where they can experience the 'company culture,' and said that visits to the office will 'bring that culture to life in such a powerful way.' The CEO then provided a sign-off that seemed hopeful of staffers' desire to return to in-person work. 'I look forward to seeing you all back at the office or perhaps at an event, somewhere in your home city, or mine?' 'Cant' wait... Parag.' The post from Muck comes weeks after Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal announced the company would be reopening its offices March 15, with remote work remaining an option for staffers. During the pandemic, the company offered staffers the option of working from home 'forever' In the statement, Agrawal, who was promoted to CEO of the San Francisco-based company in November, said he would be honoring a policy put in place by former head exec Jack Dorsey during the early days of the pandemic that allowed staffers to work remotely indefinitely More than a month later, as Silicon Valley's tech workers are starting to filter back to the office as Covid-19 cases plummet, it looks as if the CEO's faith in staffers' desire to return to work in-person was misplaced - something new board member Musk seemed to hone in on with his evidently mocking post. Google, for instance, told employees last month that it would begin requiring employees to return in person at least three days a week - a policy that went into effect this past week Apple similarly announced that by April 11, employees will have to work from the office at least one day a week. Twitter, meanwhile, has not issued any in-person requirements for its staffers - a decision Musk seemingly panned in his post. Staffers at the San Francisco-headquarter company now have the option to come into the office - a policy Musk seemingly took aim at with the Saturday poll. Pictured is Twitters San Francisco office last summer Prior to posting the poll, Musk also suggested further changes to Twitter's business models in a series of tweets suggesting tweaks to the platform's premium Blue service, including a cheaper subscription price, banning ads and offering the option to pay in cryptocurrency. The service, which offers users access to additional features, like an undo button and ad-free news articles, currently costs $2.99 a month. 'Price should probably be ~$2/month, but paid 12 months up front & account doesn't get checkmark for 60 days (watch for credit card chargebacks) & suspended with no refund if used for scam/spam,' Musk wrote Saturday. 'And no ads,' the South African mogul added. 'The power of corporations to dictate policy is greatly enhanced if Twitter depends on advertising money to survive.' Musk also declared that 'Everyone who signs up for Twitter Blue (ie pays $3/month) should get an authentication checkmark.' Prior to posting the poll, Musk also suggested further changes to Twitter's business models in a series of tweets suggesting tweaks to the platform's premium Blue service, including a cheaper subscription price, banning ads and offering the option to pay in cryptocurrency Musk, the world's wealthiest man, ruffled feathers this week when it was announced he purchased a 9.2 percent stake in the social media giant - making him the platform's largest shareholder - and was joining the company's board of directors. Twitter entered into its board membership agreement with Musk on Monday, an SEC report revealed. After submitting the regulatory filing Tuesday, Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal announced Musk's board membership on the social media, alleging the billionaire brings 'great value' to the company. 'I'm excited to share that we're appointing @elonmusk to our board! Through conversations with Elon in recent weeks, it became clear to us that he would bring great value to our Board,' Agrawal wrote. 'He's both a passionate believer and intense critic of the service which is exactly what we need on @Twitter, and in the boardroom, to make us stronger in the long-term. Welcome Elon!' Musk responded to the CEO, saying: 'Looking forward to working with Parag & Twitter board to make significant improvements to Twitter in coming months!' Other board members seemed receptive to Musk - who has 80 million Twitter followers - joining their ranks, with several issuing welcome messages online, including platform founder Jack Dorsey. Twitter board members, including founder Jack Dorsey, seemed excited about Musk's appointment Several, including Omid Kordestani, the board's executive chairman and a current member, posted messages of welcome to the platform Board chair and Salesforce Co-CEO Bret Taylor said they were excited to work with Musk 'Im really happy Elon is joining the Twitter board! He cares deeply about our world and Twitters role in it,' Dorsey tweeted. 'Parag and Elon both lead with their hearts, and they will be an incredible team.' Board chair and Salesforce Co-CEO Bret Taylor echoed the sentiment, saying: 'Welcome to the Twitter board, @elonmusk! We are all excited to work with you and build the future of Twitter together.' Taylor's post was retweeted by fellow board members Mimi Alemayehou, Senior Vice President for Public-Private Partnership at Mastercard; Martha Lane Fox, Founder and Chairperson of Lucky Voice Group; and Stanford University professor Dr. Fei-Fei Li. Omid Kordestani, the board's executive chairman and a current member, wrote: 'Welcome @elonmusk!' The four remaining board members - Former World Bank President Robert Zoellick, Invoia Capital general partner Patrick Pichette, 1stdibs.com Inc. CEO David Rosenblatt, and Egon Durban, Co-CEO of Silver Lake - did not publicly comment on Musk's appointment to the board. None of the members immediately responded to DailyMail.com's requests for comment. Priti Patel last night condemned 'selfish' eco-zealots inflicting fuel shortages on motorists. On the tenth day of the hugely disruptive protests, the Home Secretary branded the activists 'fanatical, and frankly dangerous'. They have been holding up fuel supplies by targeting three crucial depots in Warwickshire, Hertfordshire and Essex. And yesterday protesters also blocked two central London bridges in a series of 'exceptionally dangerous' stunts. The mayhem comes ahead of a record 21.5million motorists preparing to take to the roads this coming Easter weekend. On the tenth day of the hugely disruptive protests, the Home Secretary branded the activists 'fanatical, and frankly dangerous' A furious Miss Patel said: 'Hard-working people across our country are seeing their lives brought to a standstill by selfish, fanatical and frankly dangerous so-called activists. 'Keir Starmer's Labour Party repeatedly voted against our proposals that would have given the police extra powers to deal with this eco mob. The police have my full backing in doing everything necessary to address this public nuisance.' In a sign of the havoc, nearly a third of drivers surveyed in the Midlands and the South East reported a lack of fuel at forecourts. Diesel was in especially short supply. Yesterday the Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion fanatics brought chaos to fuel depots. At the Kingsbury oil terminal in Warwickshire (pictured) they claimed to have dug a tunnel under a tanker route in a bid to block deliveries to forecourts Ministers had planned to introduce new powers to help police tackle eco-protesters but the measures were blocked in the House of Lords in January. At the time, Miss Patel accused Labour of siding with 'vandals and thugs'. Proposed measures had included an offence of 'locking on' in a bid to stop protesters resorting to the common tactic of chaining themselves to buildings and vehicles. New stop and search powers were also proposed to allow police to detain protesters arriving carrying bike locks and other equipment designed to make themselves difficult to remove. Pictured: Protesters block the Esso West oil facility near Heathrow Airport Ministers are expected to try to revive the measures in the next Queen's Speech. Yesterday the Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion fanatics brought chaos to fuel depots. At the Kingsbury oil terminal in Warwickshire they claimed to have dug a tunnel under a tanker route in a bid to block deliveries to forecourts. Up to 40 campaigners then locked themselves to the gates of the Buncefield terminal in Hertfordshire. This was followed by further action at the Exolum storage terminal in Grays, Essex. Pictured: Queues at the Tesco petrol station in Ely this morning before it ran out of fuel again The group has vowed to continue until ministers agree to stop all new fossil fuel investments. On Lambeth Bridge, hundreds of protesters prevented cars and buses from using the key route linking north and south London. The protest had a festival atmosphere, with speakers playing dance music and a stall handing out pasta and falafel. The activists sat down and refused to move for hours. However they allowed ambulances to pass. A samba band joined the protesters blocking cars and buses on Vauxhall Bridge. The Metropolitan Police reopened both London bridges by 8pm last night, making 38 arrests. Essex Police said the depot protest tactics were becoming 'exceptionally dangerous' and putting activists and officers at 'unacceptable' risk of harm. The group has vowed to continue until ministers agree to stop all new fossil fuel investments. On Lambeth Bridge (pictured), hundreds of protesters prevented cars and buses from using the key route linking north and south London Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin said: 'We cannot stand by while criminal acts are being committed, and lives are being put at risk, in the name of protest.' The force has made 338 arrests since the protests began on April 1. Warwickshire Police has detained 180 people and its assistant chief constable, Ben Smith, said: 'While we will always recognise and respect the public's right to peaceful protest, we will take action against anyone who breaks the law or causes significant impact on the local community.' A spokesman for the UK Petroleum Industry Association said: 'The industry is working hard to ensure fuels are being delivered as quickly as possible.' A transgender heir to the Disney fortune has told of their guilt at not doing more to speak out against Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill, addressing the issue for the first time since their father announced to the world that he had a trans child. Charlee Corra Disney, a 30-year-old high school biology and environmental science teacher, came out as a transgender man who uses the pronouns 'they/theirs' to their family four years ago. Having avoided the spotlight for much of their adult life, Charlee was then thrown into the center of attention last week when their father Roy P. Disney - grandson of the company's co-founder, and great-nephew to Walt - issued a statement confirming his child was trans. Roy and his wife Sheri announced that they would match donations to the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ advocacy group in the country, up to $500,000. 'Equality matters deeply to us, especially because our child, Charlee, is transgender and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community,' he wrote in a statement. Charlee Corra Disney, a 30-year-old teacher, said on Sunday that they wished they had done more to speak out against Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill Roy P. Disney, grandson of the company's founder, and his wife Sheri Disney are pictured in October 2013. Last week they announced a grant matching donations to LGBTQ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign Charlee, who teaches biology, came out to their family four years ago Disney's tepid response to the controversial bill led to protests and worker walkouts Charlee told The Los Angeles Times, in an interview published on Sunday, that they were dismayed at Florida governor Ron DeSantis's signing of the controversial 'Don't Say Gay' bill, which forbids the discussion of homosexuality or transgender issues in classrooms for children through third grade. Charlee said that they were dismayed at the bill, signed into law on March 28, and wished they had done more at the time to campaign against it. 'I feel like I don't do very much to help,' Charlee said. 'I don't call senators or take action. I felt like I could be doing more.' Charlee said the new bill would isolate young people and make them feel uncomfortable in their own skin. 'I had very few openly gay role models,' said Charlee, whose mother remembers Charlee aged two or three tugging her away from the little girls' shoe section, saying: 'But mom, I'm a boy on the inside.' Charlee added: 'And I certainly didn't have any trans or nonbinary role models. 'I didn't see myself reflected in anyone, and that made me feel like there was something wrong with me.' Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, is pictured on March 28 signing the 'Don't Say Gay' bill What is the Parental Rights in Education bill? HB 1557 was introduced by two Republican members of the Florida Legislature - Representative Joe Harding and Senator Dennis Baxley. They say the bill's aim is to 'empower parents' in their children's education, and make teachers recognize the distinction between 'instruction' and 'discussion.' 'What we're prohibiting is instructing them in a specific direction,' Baxley said about how teachers lead students in a classroom. 'Students can talk about whatever they want to bring up, but sometimes the right answer is, ''You really ought to talk to your parents about that.''' The bill applies to children in kindergarten through third grade. It states that 'classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur.' It also requires districts to 'adopt procedures for notifying a student's parent if there is a change in the student's services or monitoring related to the student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being,' something LGBTQ advocates argue could lead to students being outed to their parents without the student's knowledge or consent. It was passed on March 8 in a 22-17 vote. The state House had approved the bill late last month. DeSantis signed it into law on March 28 and it will come into effect on July 1. Advertisement Ron P. Disney's gesture was celebrated on Twitter by his sister Abigail Disney, a documentary maker. 'Today I am busting with pride at what my brother and his wife have done. So proud so proud so proud!!!' she said. On Sunday, Abigail responded to criticism of the family firm for its move to be more inclusive and create more LGBTQ characters. She said the attacks from right-wing critics were 'absurd'. 'There have been gay people whether or not the word was ever spoken,' she told CNN. 'It denies the fact that everyone, conservative or not, has a gay friend or a transgender family member.' DeSantis, angered by condemnation from Disney employees and executives of the bill, has threatened to remove the company's self-governing privileges it has enjoyed in the state since construction began on Disney World in Orlando in 1967. 'Disney has alienated a lot of people now,' DeSantis said on April 1. 'And so the political influence they're used to wielding, I think has dissipated. 'And so the question is, why would you want to have special privileges in the law at all? And I don't think that we should.' Abigail Disney said DeSantis, considered a likely Republican contender for the presidency in 2024, was playing a strategic game to win over conservatives. 'This attack against Disney was so timed and rolled out so strategically that it was really hard for me to imagine that it didn't come from a series of decisions that got made in the background,' Disney said. She said the company's CEO Bob Chapek, who has been criticized for wavering in his support for protests against the bill, needed to be courageous and take a hard stance. 'You can't claim neutrality if you're supporting the people who write these laws,' Disney said. 'But on top of it, there is no neutrality anymore.' Charlee's comments and their parents' grant comes amid a months-long standoff between Disney and the state of Florida, where it employs 77,000 people - a standoff that has seen Chapek criticized by his employees for not being vocal enough, and Florida threaten Disney's position in the state in response. Some Republican legislators in Florida are now considering punishing Walt Disney World for taking a public stand against the so-called 'Don't Say Gay' bill by repealing a 55-year law that allows the company to govern itself. DeSantis raised revoking Disney's special arrangement in the state on April 1, and Florida House Rep. Spencer Roach tweeted that lawmakers held two meetings to discuss scrapping the 1967 Reedy Creek Improvement Act, which he said 'allows Disney to act as its own government.' Spencer, a Republican, added: 'If Disney wants to embrace woke ideology, it seems fitting that they should be regulated by Orange County.' The 1967 act, which was signed by then-Gov Claude Kirk, a Republican, created the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which encompasses about 25,000 acres in Orange and Osceola counties. Florida House Rep. Spencer Roach tweeted that lawmakers have met twice to discuss repealing the 1967 Reedy Creek Improvement Act, which allows Walt Disney World to govern itself The 1967 act created the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which encompasses about 25,000 acres in Orange and Osceola counties and is controlled by its landowners, the biggest among them being Disney The district is governed by its 19 landowners, the biggest of them being Disney World. It is responsible for overseeing land use and providing essential public services, including fire protection, emergency medical services, water services, electricity, sanitation. The district also operates and maintains all public roads and bridges. Walt Disney's 'Magic Kingdom': How 1967 law allowed the company to govern its vast Florida domain The Reedy Creek Improvement District, a semi-private, special-purpose government, is controlled by Disney. It was created in 1967 when then-Florida Gov. Claude Kirk, a Republican, signed into law the Reedy Creek Improvement Act authorizing it to regulate land use, enforce building codes, treat wastewater, control drainage, maintain utilities and provide fire protection at Disney World. The district is governed a Board of Supervisors that is selected by its 19 landowners, the biggest and most influential of them being Disney World. The district has the authority to tax the land, and use the revenue to provide essential public services and operate and maintain all public roads and bridges. Such private governments arent uncommon in Florida, which has more than 600 community development districts that manage and pay for infrastructure in new communities. If the 1967 is repealed by GOP lawmakers, Disney World's property will fall under the control of Orange and Osceola counties. Advertisement Disney World's special status is now at risk after the entertainment giant condemned the Parental Rights in Education bill - commonly known as 'Don't Say Gay' - which sparked an outrage amid LGBTQ activists and progressives. Its many critics argue that the law's true intent is to marginalize LGBTQ people and their families. Disney, which is Florida's largest single employer and a major political donor, has found itself at the center of the escalating feud over the law, after progressive employees and customers blasted the company for donating money to all the sponsors of the so-called 'Don't Say Gay' bill and failing to denounce it. In response to the backlash, which included protests and walkouts, Chapek announced earlier this month that he would be meeting with DeSantis to oppose the bill. 'I understand our original approach, no matter how well intended, didn't quite get the job done,' the CEO said at the time. After DeSantis signed the bill into law, Disney released a statement, saying: 'our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts.' DeSantis responded to Disney's new stance on the law by accusing the company of being dishonest and hypocritical. 'You've got to wonder why is the hill to die on to have transgenderism injected into kindergarten classrooms, or woke gender ideology injected into second grade classrooms. Why is that the hill to die on?' he asked in an interview with Fox News' Tucker Carlson. 'Meanwhile, if we've done a bill that prohibited talking about the abuse of Uyghurs in China, Disney would've supported that legislation. They won't say a word about that,' the Republican governor continued. DeSantis pointed out that Disney Cruises sail to the Dominican Republic, which has laws that ban gay marriage and legalize discrimination against gay people. Disney faced backlash for initially failing to oppose the so-called 'Don't Say Gay' bill after donating money to all of its sponsors Disney's tepid response to the controversial bill led to protests and worker walkouts 'So they're fine doing that and lining their pockets, they're fine lining their pockets from the CCP, and all the atrocities going on there,' he continued, referring to the Chinese Communist Party, which the company thanked in the credits of its live-action Mulan reboot. Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced in March that he would be meeting with DeSantis to oppose the bill 'But it's those kindergarteners in Florida that they really want to have transgenderism as part of their core curriculum in school.' Disney's about-face on the law prompted condemnation from some conservative employees, and calls for a boycott from the public. Jose Castillo, who works as a manager at a Disney resort and is also running for Congress in Florida, said his employer's decision to oppose the law could be 'bad for business' as not everyone is a 'raging liberal' who works there. In an interview with Fox News, Castillo argued that many staff were in favor of the bill and the company's pushback against its own workers was killing democracy. One Disney employee, writing under the pseudonym Ethan L. Clay, claimed the company's leaders have 'surrendered' to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) ideology and instilled a culture that forces employees who support the law to remain quiet out of fear of scrutiny or termination. 'I encourage everyone to ignore the bloviating of Disney executive leadership, from CEO Bob Chapek all the way down to park VPs,' Clay wrote in a blog post published on Quillette.com. 'These people are not thought-leaders or cultural revolutionaries. 'They are cowards held hostage by the prevailing narrative, and they will run in whichever direction that narrative dictates.' On Thursday, a clip was shared online of a Disney executive admitting that the company is seeking to increase diversity within their ranks because it is good for business, and the embattled CEO apologized to the LGBTQ community 'for not being the ally you needed me to be'. Karey Burke, head of entertainment, said that her son had told her: 'Gen-Z is 30-40 percent queerer than other generations Mom, so Disney better get with it.' Chapek, the CEO, meanwhile, begged forgiveness from the LGBTQ community. 'I want you to know that your words have made a real impact on me,' he said. 'I understand that we have made mistakes, and the pain that those mistakes have caused.' The leaders of the entertainment giant were speaking at one of Disney's 'Reimagine Tomorrow' forums, which since September has worked to serve as 'our way of amplifying underrepresented voices and untold stories as well as championing the importance of accurate representation in media and entertainment.' It vows that 50 percent of characters and content would be from underrepresented groups by 2022. Burke, president of Disney's General Entertainment Content, said in a clip from a session - obtained by journalist Christopher Rufo, who specializes in culture wars - that there was a commercial reason for increasing the number of LGBTQ characters. Karey Burke, president of Disney's General Entertainment Content, told a Disney forum on increasing diversity that her son told her: 'Gen-Z is 30-40 percent queerer than other generations Mom, so Disney better get with it' She told how, when she headed Disney's cable channel Freeform, she realized it made business sense. 'It was very much in the brand ethos of Freeform to be the tip of the spear when it comes to inclusion,' she said. 'And we jumped up and down, we celebrated that, nobody stopped us, and it felt great. 'In part, I think, nobody stopped us because we were targeting Gen-Z and Millennials.' Generation Z refers to those born between 1997 and 2012, now aged 10-25. Millennials are born between 1981 and 1996, ranging in age from 26 to 41. 'We were targeting a younger, I think more open minded...' Burke continued. 'And now we know, as my son texted me this morning: 'Gen-Z is 30-40 percent queerer than other generations Mom, so Disney better get with it.' Her comments came as Chapek apologized for not being more sympathetic to the challenges confronting the LGBTQ community. Chapek, who took over in February 2020, has been dogged by questions as to why Disney did not speak out publicly against Florida's controversial 'Don't Say Gay' bill, which bans discussion of LGBTQ+ issues in schools among young children. Chapek said that his team discussed the issues with Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, behind the scenes. Disney employees walked out of the company headquarters last week to protest the slow response to the Florida law. Parents hit the company from the other side for what they said was pandering to liberal politics. In the session, Chapek told the staff he would 'be a better ally', and said he had been profoundly moved by the stories his employees told. 'By now, I hope you have all read my most recent note in which I pledged to be a better ally for the LGBTQ+ community; apologized for not being the ally you needed me to be; and committed to ensuring that our company lives up to its values,' Chapek said. 'I meant every word. 'And that's what we are here to talk about today. 'I know we have work to do, and that work starts with listening.' Bob Chapek, the CEO of Disney, apologized to LGBTQ staff for not being 'an ally' NEW: Disney CEO Bob Chapek grovels, apologizes, and pledges to "be a better ally for the LGBTQ+ community." He delegated the company's moral authority to the "LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council" and now those internal activists have taken him as an ideological hostage. pic.twitter.com/efOSOmb47a Christopher F. Rufo (@realchrisrufo) April 7, 2022 The 61-year-old CEO said he accepted he had handled the situation in recent months badly. Disney CEO Bob Chapek has faced a storm of criticism for his handling of LGBTQ issues His predecessor, Bob Iger, dug the knife in last week, saying the issue was 'about right and wrong'. The two men are reportedly at loggerheads about the direction of Disney, and at the end of last month CNBC reported that many felt Chapek would not last long as CEO. Iger held the position for 15 years before retiring as one of Hollywood's most widely respected and liked CEOs. Chapek, in the session, tried to quell the anger, and said he understood 'the pain'. 'I hope that you are as impacted as I've been by the voices I've heard over the past few weeks,' said Chapek. 'I've read many emails that have been sent; spoken with LGBTQ+ employees and their allies; met with advocacy groups; and convened my own leadership team. 'I have been taken by the honesty, the openness and the urgency of their stories. 'I want you to know that your words have made a real impact on me. 'I understand that we have made mistakes, and the pain that those mistakes have caused. 'And I know that our silence wasn't just about the bill in Florida, but about every time an individual or institution that should have stood up for this community did not. 'I and the leadership team are determined to use this moment as a catalyst for more meaningful and lasting change.' Another speaker at the event outlined procedures that Disney had put in place to help people in Disney who were transgender, and their children. He said that Disney's benefits team would be able to provide information about what their healthcare policies included. 'The other big area is gender identity and expression,' he said. 'So doing all of this work to ensure our employees and cast can express their gender here authentically and proudly at the company. 'Coming up with guides to how to change your photo. Information about pronouns. 'Working with our benefits team to give information about gender affirmation procedures. 'Both for our employees who are transitioning and trans. 'But also our employees who have kids who have transitioning.' An unnamed man explained at the forum that the company was working to make Disney a more trans-friendly workplace NEW: Disney has adopted a benefits program to assist employees and their minor children with "gender affirmation procedures." This type of treatment typically includes puberty blockers, breast removal, and genital surgeries for "kids who are transitioning." pic.twitter.com/a2zSSboe0S Christopher F. Rufo (@realchrisrufo) April 7, 2022 A demonstrator holding a sign takes part in a protest as Disney's employees demonstrate on March 22 in Caliifornia The animation and live-action movie company has already announced that it would increase the number of gay characters in its films. 'I have heard so much from so many of my colleagues over the past few weeks in open forums, through emails and phone conversations,' Burke said in a previous forum. 'I feel a responsibility to speak not just for my self but also for [my kids].' She defended 20th Century Fox as 'the home of really incredible, groundbreaking LGBTQIA stories over the years.' But she said that it hasn't been inclusive enough. 'One of our execs stood up and said, 'You know we only have a handful of queer leads in our content,' Burke said. 'I went, 'What? That can't be true. And then I realized it is true.' Disney expressed support for the demonstration in a Facebook post Tuesday morning Disney has reportedly reinstated a gay kiss in its upcoming Toy Story spinoff amid the criticism. Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba), a character in the film Lightyear, has a relationship with another female character in the film Scar from the Lion King has been speculated to be a queer character Ursula of 'The Little Mermaid' has also said to be gender nonconforming Disney said their sensitivity to nonbinary people is nothing new they are working on eliminating gendered pronouns in their theme parks. 'Last summer we removed all gendered greetings in relationship to our live spiels,' Diversity and Inclusion Vivian Ware said at the town hall. 'We no longer say 'Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,' she said. 'We've provided training to all our cast members so now they know it's 'Hello, everyone or hello, friends.' Disney's sudden sexual awakening may be a bit of rebranding. The internet is awash with stories about gay characters in their animated films. Governor Ratcliffe from 'Pocahontas', Ursula of 'The Little Mermaid,' and Scar from 'The Lion King' have all been speculated to be queer or queer-coded. Le Fou, the bumbling sidekick in 'Beauty and the Beast' is said to be the first openly gay character. In 2021, Forbes complained in a headline 'How Many Times Is Disney Going To Introduce Its 'First' Gay Character?' Advertisement It was Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, who ordained 'you can never be too rich or too thin'. She was talking about women, but it increasingly seems she might have been referring to skyscrapers. A battle of multi-millionaire one-upmanship created Manhattan's skyline and its new addition once again takes the breath away. More than a quarter of a mile high but no more than 60 ft wide, the Steinway Tower, which has opened for residents, isn't just exceptionally tall, it is almost painfully thin. And to live there you have to have the sums that even the Duchess probably never imagined. It's not only one of the tallest buildings in the western world; with a height-to-width ratio of 24:1 (that is, 24 times taller than it is wide), it is the world's skinniest skyscraper. 'These are not the proportions of a classical column but of a coffee stirrer,' a critic sniped. Here, Tom Leonard offers a bird's eye view of the latest must-have for those living the high life . . . More than a quarter of a mile high but no more than 60 ft wide, the Steinway Tower, which has opened for residents, isn't just exceptionally tall, it is almost painfully thin It's not only one of the tallest buildings in the western world; with a height-to-width ratio of 24:1 (that is, 24 times taller than it is wide), it is the world's skinniest skyscraper Pictured: Interior views of a luxury unit at Steinway Towers, 111 West 57th Street, New York. The pool inside the tower's luxe amenity suite Pictured: A view of the New York cityscape from inside the skyscraper, which overlooks Central Park View from the Gods To the casual eye, the 1,428-foot, 84-floor condominium may look like a deathtrap, liable with the first high wind to come crashing into Central Park or at least wobble so violently that if you weren't already suffering from altitude sickness, you would almost certainly soon be feeling seasick. But these 'pencil towers' are the new ultra-prestige dwelling for the world's richest people. The Steinway (named after the 1925 headquarters of the Steinway & Sons piano company at its base) is particularly desirable or so its owners hope in being so narrow that each apartment covers at least one floor and so affords all-round panoramic views. In fact, there are 84 floors but only 46 apartments. These 'pencil towers' are the new ultra-prestige dwelling for the world's richest people The tower stands at 1,428 feet (435 meters) tall, making it one of the largest buildings in the western hemisphere, and the third tallest in New York City The Steinway, which reportedly cost 1.5 billion ($2 billion) to build, sits almost midway along the southern border of Central Park on a stretch so full of high-rise residential blocks with sky-scraping price tags that it's been dubbed Billionaires' Row And those views impressive near the bottom, heart-stopping at the top could hardly be bettered from the sort of building that needs to be cleared with the Federal Aviation Administration. The Steinway, which reportedly cost 1.5 billion ($2 billion) to build, sits almost midway along the southern border of Central Park on a stretch so full of high-rise residential blocks with sky-scraping price tags that it's been dubbed Billionaires' Row. Look north and you have the famous park, south and you can see the length of high-rise Manhattan. Manhattan's Slim Pickings New York's skyscrapers including the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center (the replacement for the Twin Towers destroyed in the 9/11 attacks) usually catch the eye because of their design. But, nowadays, the defining characteristic of the new pretenders is slimness. The trend for super-thin skyscrapers started in 1970s Hong Kong, an island short of space, and took hold in New York after the millennium. The Steinway Tower has a height-to-width ratio of 24:1, making it the 'most slender skyscraper in the world' and one of the tallest buildings in the Western hemisphere Pictured: The Steinway Tower is seen in the background as bikers and a horse and carriage make their way through Central Park on April 8 Steinway Tower, the world's skinniest skyscraper is seen on April 8, 2022 which has opened to residents in New York City, United States (pictured) Pictured: The sun reflects off the windows of Central Park Tower next to One 57 and the Steinway Tower and 220 Central Park South on Billionaires' Row Slenderness is an engineering term and is generally applied to skyscrapers with a minimum width-to-height ratio of 1:10. However, a building's 'slenderness ratio' is often difficult to calculate because the bases and towers are often different widths as the buildings rise. In New York, their design is partly a response to planning laws. These restrict the amount of land that can be built on in an area and also the height or 'air rights' of any building. But a loophole in the rules means developers can buy a parcel of land, then buy unused air rights from adjacent plots including from buildings shorter than their allowed maximum and stack these to build a tall but thin tower. Technological advances have contributed to the rise of the 'skinnies', as has the fact that, in a crowded market, for good or ill they tend to get noticed. Pictured: The skyline is seen, featuring the Steinway Tower which has opened for residents in New York Naughty Neighbours? Who buys these apartments? Well, often very rich people who live abroad and are looking for investment opportunities. The tragedy of many recently built New York skyscrapers in a city where millions struggle to find affordable housing is that so many apartments aren't occupied, their owners many in China buying them as speculative investments. In Billionaires' Row (where the New York Times estimated in 2019 that 40 per cent of apartments remained unsold) oligarchs have been especially well-represented. The trend for super-thin skyscrapers started in 1970s Hong Kong, an island short of space, and took hold in New York after the millennium. Pictured: The outside architecture of Steinway Towers But rich Russians are nowadays as welcome in New York as vodka at a Temperance Society meeting. Which is a pity given that, if anyone welcomed the Steinway Tower's 360-degree views, it would be the sort of dodgy businessman who wants as much warning as possible of anyone coming to arrest him. Hollywood star Jennifer Lopez bought a home at another similarly obtrusive pencil tower at 432 Park Avenue, but the identity of other buyers continues to be hidden in shell companies registered in tax havens. In five years, new developments on 57th Street have registered 41 residential transactions over $25 million, at an average sales price of $38.5 million. In five years, new developments on 57th Street have registered 41 residential transactions over $25 million, at an average sales price of $38.5 million. Pictured: The New York Skyscrapers, featuring The Steinway Tower High-life Horrors Studies have suggested there's a glut in the market for these homes, with many remaining unsold for long periods of time. For the view from the top of a pencil tower isn't entirely cloud-free they don't have the greatest customer satisfaction record. It's long been accepted that super-tall, super-skinny skyscrapers will move significantly in a brisk wind (experiencing this for the first time can be unnerving and even nausea-inducing, although you tend to get used to it). Pictured: Vertical view of Manhattan's westside, featuring the Steinway Tower and Central Park Tower at sunset Experts say problems arise when, for reasons of cost, time or incompetence, architects and builders don't factor this movement into their calculations on everything from walls to plumbing. If hit by high winds, tall skyscrapers can bend by as much as 3 ft. The developers of 432 Park Avenue, which is 1,396 ft tall, have been accused of failing in this regard by residents who are suing for $125 million, citing 1,500 construction and design defects, many of them allegedly potentially lethal. Visitors to the penthouse reported feeling 'super-nauseated' because of the swaying, and the building has suffered flooding, reportedly due to faulty plumbing, while the wails from its multi-millionaire occupants make clear they weren't ready for a home that creaks 'like the galley of a ship'. Experts are concerned other pencil towers will face the same nightmares. The fact is, life at the top isn't all it's cracked up to be. At the bottom of the tower, the first five floors are taken up by expensive shops and recreation spaces including an 82 ft swimming pool, private dining room and double-height fitness centre. Amenities include a 24-hour concierge and doorman (which sadly still doesn't beat a smaller downtown rival that offers residents a concierge private jet service). Pictured: The Steinway Tower in the New York skyline Nuisance to normal New Yorkers At the Steinway, the 'cheapest' studio flat costs 6 million ($7.75 million) and the prices soar up to more than 50.7 million ($66 million) for the penthouse. The latter stretching over three floors connected by an oval staircase provides 7,130 sq ft of interior space. It includes four bedrooms, five bathrooms, 14 ft high ceilings, a private lift and a hand-made nickel bathtub created by British designer William Holland. The penthouse was bought by an international buyer who snapped it up after only taking a virtual tour. At the bottom of the tower, the first five floors are taken up by expensive shops and recreation spaces including an 82 ft swimming pool, private dining room and double-height fitness centre. Amenities include a 24-hour concierge and doorman (which sadly still doesn't beat a smaller downtown rival that offers residents a concierge private jet service). The Steinway building's mainly glass facade includes blocks of bronzed terracotta so the tower will change colour at different times and from different angles. Pictured: Billionaire's Row in the background including the Steinway Tower as people sunbathe on August 23 The Steinway building's mainly glass facade includes blocks of bronzed terracotta so the tower will change colour at different times and from different angles. The tower, which tapers strikingly up to its tip, was designed by New York architecture firm SHoP Architects to evoke the Art Deco age during which so many of the city's greatest skyscrapers went up, and took from 2013 to 2021 to build. Its designers hail it as 'a project of extraordinary proportions and epic grandeur'. Other New Yorkers are more likely to hail it as yet another hideous monument to the vanity, arrogance and general excess of the world's super-rich. The Steinway and Billionaires' Row cast a lengthening shadow over the southern end of Central Park, which for many Manhattanites is their only recreational outdoor space. Not content to look down on everyone, the pencil tower brigade wants everyone to notice that they're looking down on them. Or so it might seem to poorer New Yorkers squinting up from down below. The tower, which tapers strikingly up to its tip, was designed by New York architecture firm SHoP Architects to evoke the Art Deco age during which so many of the city's greatest skyscrapers went up, and took from 2013 to 2021 to build. Its designers hail it as 'a project of extraordinary proportions and epic grandeur' Real Madrid are said to be stepping up their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland after suffering a setback in their attempt to sign Kylian Mbappe. The Spanish side had made Mbappe their primary target for the summer transfer window, but the PSG striker is expected to extend his contract in the French capital. As a result, Real Madrid have turned their attention to Haaland - with the hope of beating Premier League giants Manchester City to his signature. Real Madrid are said to be stepping up their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland According to The Mirror, Real Madrid are plotting a move for Haaland during the summer transfer window They have established Haaland as their primary target given Mbappe's current situation at Paris Saint-Germain. Mbappe's contract with the French giants expires this summer, but he is expected to sign new terms with the Ligue 1 side despite previously looking to leave. PSG are reportedly willing to pay Mbappe 125million (150m) over two seasons to keep him at the club. Kylian Mbappe was their primary target but he is expected to stay at Paris Saint-Germain Carlo Ancelotti's LaLiga giants have been longer-term admirers of the Norwegian striker Therefore, Real Madrid have decided to turn their attention back to Haaland ahead of the summer transfer window. The Spanish giants have been long-term admirers of Haaland - having pursued the Norwegian striker for several years. However, to sign Haaland, Real Madrid will have to activate his 63million release clause this summer. They will also have to battle it out with Manchester City as Pep Guardiola is said to be eager fill the void left by Sergio Aguero. Manchester City are reportedly ready to make the Norwegian the highest-paid player in England. However, Real Madrid will have to battle it out with Pep Guardiola (right) and Manchester City Haaland's salary is expected to top the likes of 400,000-a-week Kevin De Bruyne at City His salary is expected to top the likes of 400,000-a-week Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City. Man City and Real Madrid are both good options for Haaland as they are competing regularly for their domestic titles and in the latter stages of the Champions League. However, Manchester City may hold the upper hand as Haaland is said to be desperate to continue his development and feels his game would go to new levels under Guardiola. While there's no shortage of drama during Married At First Sight 's dinner parties, things aren't always what they seem behind the scenes. Daily Mail Australia can reveal that plenty of strategic planning by the show's producers made sure Monday night's finale made for excellent TV. The participants were given a short break during the 13-hour shoot, leaving very little time for the brides and grooms to eat food and get their makeup touched up. EXCLUSIVE: While there's no shortage of drama during Married At First Sight 's dinner parties, things aren't always what they seem behind the scenes. Daily Mail Australia can reveal that plenty of strategic planning by the show's producers made sure Monday night's finale made for excellent TV Exclusive behind-the-scenes photos show the cast making the most of their short break before they returned to the couch. Selin Mengu, Anthony Cincotta, Al Perkins, Kate Laidlaw, and Matt Ridley were seen racing to the snack area, where salads, fruit and nibbles were on hand. Despite appearing to have no friends on-screen, controversial couple Daniel Holmes and Carolina Santos caught up with co-stars Olivia Frazer and Jackson Lonie. Hungry work: The participants were given a short break throughout the 13 hour shoot leaving very little time for the brides and grooms to eat some food and get their makeup touched up Fuel: Selin, 33, was busy devouring packets of chips while sitting alone on the couch before her 'husband' joined her Hungry: Meanwhile, Al Perkins was seen snacking on a cup of fruit Support: Photos taken in the early hours of January 14 show Selina's co-stars rushing to her side after Cody announced their split in front of the experts. Pictured with Brent Vitiello Selin, 33, was busy devouring packets of chips while sitting alone on the couch before her TV 'husband' Anthony joined her. After producers called a break, Brent Vitiello rushed over to give Selina Chhaur a hug after Cody Bromley blindsided the room by telling them all that they've split. Brent and Selina were also seen chatting for a few moments before a crew member brought over a bottle of water. Emotional: At one stage Selin Mengu and Jack Millar were also seen trying to console Selina Bring it in: The trio shared a long hug before it was time to return to the couch Tired? Brent (right) sat alongside nutritionist Kate yawning At one stage, Selin Mengu and Jack Millar were also snapped trying to console Selina. Brent were seen sitting alongside nutritionist Kate yawning, while Jack Millar was seen resting on a restless Ella Ding. Meanwhile, experts Mel Schilling, Alessandra Rampolla and John Aiken were kept distracted being pampered by the show's professional makeup artists. Meanwhile Jack Millar (right) was seen resting on a restless Ella Ding (left) Thirsty? At one stage Carolina Santos walked over to hand 'husband' Daniel Holmes a Red Bull They are popular! Despite appearing to have no friends on-screen, controversial couple Daniel Holmes and Carolina Santos were spotted catching up with co-stars Pampering: Meanwhile, experts Mel Schilling, Alessandra Rampolla and John Aiken were kept distracted being pampered by the show's professional makeup artists Elsewhere Olivia applied her own makeup after a dramatic unseen confrontation with Domenica and Selin left her in tears. Although the finale only last a couple of hours, the show's emotionally charged reunion was shot over 13. The show's participants arrived at 3pm with their makeup and hair fully styled, before shooting at 6pm until sunrise. Is it over yet? Mel and John looked restless and unimpressed after the 13-hour shoot Touch up: Elsewhere Olivia was seen applying her own makeup after a dramatic unseen confrontation with Domenica and Selin left her in tears Separated: Most of the brides and grooms were kept in separate areas at The Grounds of Alexandria to save any talk, drama or resolutions for the cameras Long day: Although it only last a couple of hours, the show's emotionally charged reunion was shot over 13 Most of the brides and grooms were kept in separate areas at The Grounds of Alexandria to save any talk, drama or resolutions for the cameras. The show's producers sat in an off-set location and watched the events play out on monitors, similarly to the show's 'love experts'. There was little reshoots during the reunion, with everything playing out onscreen as it originally happened. She has spent over $200,000 on cosmetic procedures in the past in her quest to become a 'human Barbie doll'. And last month, Australian nurse Tara Jayne, 33, flaunted her body of work in a very skimpy neon pink bikini during a solo beach outing in Port Melbourne. The Botched star - whose past procedures include five breast augmentations, six nose jobs and endless rounds of Botox and filler - commanded attention in the barely there two-piece as she strolled across the sand. Commanding attention: Botched star Tara Jayne - who spent $200,000 on extreme plastic surgery - flaunted her ample cleavage and tiny figure in a skimpy neon pink bikini for a solo beach outing in Port Melbourne last month (pictured) Tara's skimpy bikini bottoms accentuated her pert derriere - which has been enhanced with butt implants - while the triangle string bikini top struggled to contain her very ample cleavage. The scanty ensemble also showed off her incredibly tiny frame, her rose tattoo on her shoulder and naval piercing. Tara, who found fame last year after appearing on E! reality show Botched, opted for a full face of makeup despite being at the beach. Slender: The Australian nurse, who found fame after starring on E! reality series Botched last year, showed off her tiny waistline, 45kg frame, rose tattoo and naval piercing in the barely there two-piece Eye-popping cleavage: Tara's triangle bikini top struggled to contain her very ample bust Surgically enhanced curves: Tara's skimpy bikini bottoms accentuated her pert derriere, which has been enhanced with butt implants She showed off a glamorous makeup look, including bold brows, a heavy smoky eye, thick black eyelashes and bronzer on her very chiselled cheekbones. At times, the OnlyFans model ran her manicured hands through her extra-long brunette hair extensions. Tara weighs just 45kg (99lbs or 7st), and is banned from getting any more surgery in Australia due to her extreme look. In August, she appeared on Todd Sampson's headline-making documentary series Mirror Mirror, which followed a group of Australians obsessed with going under the knife. Full glam: The OnlyFans model showed off a glamorous makeup look, including bold brows, a heavy smoky eye, thick black eyelashes and bronzer on her very chiselled cheekbones Talons: She also drew attention to extra-long white acrylic nails as she strutted across the sand In the show, Tara described herself as an 'upgraded limited-edition Barbie doll', while also bemoaning the inadequacy of her E-cup breasts. 'I think I want to get my boobs bigger,' she said. She had previously featured on E! reality show Botched in the hope of convincing Drs Paul Nassif and Terry Dubrow to give her bigger implants. 'Everything is tiny on me except for my tatas... I'm on a quest for a bigger chest!' she told producers. Dedicated: Tara has spent over $200,000 on cosmetic procedures in the past in her quest to become a 'human Barbie doll' Numerous surgeries: Tara's past procedures include five breast augmentations, six nose jobs and endless rounds of Botox and filler 'I currently have 540 CCs [of breast implant silicone], and I'm just not happy with them at all,' she said. Tara said she'd noticed a 'rippling effect' on the skin on her breasts and hoped 'filling out the space more' would fix the issue. But she was left disappointed when the doctors said her weight was 'dangerously low' at 45kg, making her far too slim to carry larger implants. 'I'm really concerned about Tara's overall well being', Dr Nassif said. Banned: Tara weighs just 45kg (99lbs or 7st), and is banned from getting any more surgery in Australia due to her extreme look Risky: Tara was left disappointed when doctors said her weight was 'dangerously low' at 45kg, making her far too slim to carry larger implants. Pictured right before her surgery 'Not just as it relates to surgery, but she really needs to get both physically and mentally healthy.' Tara said she'd stop at nothing to maintain and even enhance her 'knockout' 37-inch bust, 17-inch waist and 29-inch hips'. 'There is no limit for me when it comes to plastic surgery. It is incredibly addictive and I already want bigger breasts,' she added. 'As soon as travel is permitted, I have plans to go back overseas to visit my surgeon and get my breast size increased to 1500cc [from their current 1050ccc].' Documentary: In August, Tara appeared on Todd Sampson's headline-making documentary Mirror Mirror, which followed a group of Australians obsessed with going under the knife 'I think in this day and age, it's very important for a woman to be able to express the way they feel and just express everything about beauty,' she told The Morning Show last year. 'Plastic surgery is how I do that and that's what makes me happy. It gives me the confidence to be the best version of myself.' Tara recently joined adult subscription website OnlyFans to help fund her lifestyle and future cosmetic work during the Covid pandemic. She charges $25 for a monthly subscription, and previously boasted of making $10,000 in her first three days on the platform. He insisted that his move from BBC to Channel 5 was not 'motivated by money'. However it has since been reported that Dan Walker, 41, will sign an eye watering 1.5million to host the new channel's nightly news programme. According to The Sun, the star who reportedly earned 300,000 a year at the BBC, was unhappy when bosses refused to give him his own prime-time show. Moneybags: It's been reported that Dan Walker, 41, will sign an eye watering 1.5million to host the new channel's nightly news programme after claiming his move wasn't 'motivated by money' A sources told the publication, Dan attempted to use Channel 5's eye-popping offer as leverage with BBC bosses in a bid to secure his own more high-profile show. The source said: 'He went to them to discuss his future after getting the offer from Channel 5 in the hope that they'd give him what he wanted to keep him on the breakfast show'. 'But they refused and were left raging.' The deal will see the Strictly star on screens at 5pm four nights a week as well as presenting six hours of prime time shows every year. Dan's deals! A sources told the publication, Dan attempted to use Channel 5's eye-popping offer as leverage with BBC bosses in a bid to secure his own more high-profile show (pictured with co-host Sally Nugent) Dan told BBC Breakfast viewers on Tuesday: 'I've never ever been motivated by money in any job that I've ever taken'. The broadcaster will also have the opportunity to earn even more at the new channel by standing in for Jeremy Vine, 56, when the star is on leave from his popular mid-morning show. According to the publication the Strictly star was approached by Channel 5 last month when current anchor, and former BBC breakfast presenter Sian Williams, 57, decided to step down. MailOnline have contacted Dan's representatives, Channel 5 and BBC for comment. Dan's dosh: The broadcaster will also have the opportunity to earn even more at the new channel by standing in for Jeremy Vine, 56, when the star is on leave from his popular mid-morning show. Dan follows a string of huge names to ditch the Beeb recently - including Jon Sopel, Emily Maitlis and Andrew Marr - which has sparked fears of a mass exodus of talent. His former Breakfast co-star Louise Minchin also left last year as she looked to spent more quality time with her family. The journalist shared a video on Twitter announcing the news, saying: 'I have a little bit of news for you. Bye bye: Dan follows a string of huge names to ditch the Beeb recently - including Jon Sopel, Emily Maitlis and Andrew Marr - which has sparked fears of a mass exodus of talent (pictured with strictly partner Nadiya Bychkova) 'In the next few weeks I'm going to be leaving BBC Breakfast and moving to 5News and to Channel 5. 'I'm really excited but this has also been a massive decision for me because I love BBC Breakfast. I love working alongside Sally and I love the team there. 'But Channel 5 came with big ambitions, with big plans and I don't think opportunities like this come around very often and I can't wait. 'I've also had the incredible privilege of working on some iconic programmes over the last few years, both at the BBC and elsewhere. So many stars! Walker will be joining Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije (left) and replacing Sian Williams (right) Exit: His former Breakfast co-star Louise Minchin also left last year as she looked to spend more quality time with her family 'What I like about this deal is I not only get to present the news but also host a whole range of new programmes right across the channel. 'And what an honour to step into the shoes of Sian Williams. I know how popular she is with both the team and the audience. He said: 'All I can say is I will do my very best to maintain her incredibly high standards.' Walker added in a statement: 'I can't wait to get stuck into the daily news show, but I am also excited about making some great new TV for Channel 5. 'I love their ideas and creativity and it's rare to get an opportunity like this where paths and ambitions meet. The chance to do something different was too good to turn down.' Outgoing Williams also sent a 'warm welcome' to the presenter, but it was posted on Twitter in horrendous quality and the voice of the producer could be heard. Jon Hamm, 51, cut a dashing figure as he stepped out to dinner in Santa Monica this week with his girlfriend Anna Osceola, 33. The Mad Men heartthrob, who has let a distinguished touch of salt-and-pepper stubble come in, warded off the evening chill with a khaki jacket. He selected a simple white button-down shirt and a pair of midnight blue jeans for his latest outing, rounded off the look with walnut brown leather shoes. Off they go: Jon Hamm, 51, cut a dashing figure as he stepped out to dinner in Santa Monica this week with his girlfriend Anna Osceola, 33 Meanwhile his dramatically younger girlfriend, whom he has been with for two years, draped her statuesque frame in a figure-hugging dress. She opted for a blue and white print number that plunged to bare a touch of cleavage as she pounded the pavement beside her man. Her dress featured a thigh-slit that allowed her to flash her knockout legs, amplifying the effect by balancing on a sky-high pair of black ankle-strap stilettos. Anna let her luxurious hair fly free in the seaside breeze as she walked arm in arm with Jon to the showbiz hot spot Giorgio Baldi. Looking fab: The Mad Men heartthrob, who has let a distinguished touch of white stubble come in, warded off the evening chill with a khaki jacket The decades-old Italian haunt has played host to such celebrities as Jon's fellow TV legends Courteney Cox, Larry David and Eugene Levy. Jon, who has been dating Anna for two years, finally made his red carpet debut with her at a couple of Oscars parties less than two weeks ago. They whirled from event to event on Oscar Sunday, including the Mercedes-Benz Academy Awards Viewing Party at the Four Seasons Hotel. The sizzling couple then headed over to the world-famous Vanity Fair Oscar Party and posed up a storm for the camera. On the town: Jon, who has been dating Anna for two years, finally made his red carpet debut with her at the Mercedes-Benz Oscar party less than two weeks ago; seen March 27 Jon has been doing voiceover for Mercedes-Benz commercials since 2010, when his first ad with the brand ran during the Oscars. He and Anna first met when she played a receptionist named Clementine on the series of Mad Men, which aired in 2015. Romance rumors swirled around them a couple of years ago when they were repeatedly seen running errands together during the coronavirus lockdowns. Halle Berry stunned in a snap from the beach she posted to her Instagram on Saturday. The actress, 55, donned a sheer black cover-up over her skimpy black bikini in the post. Her hair was dyed a bright white and combed off to the side as she raised a gloved hand. Bringing the sizzle: Halle Berry stunned in a snap from the beach she posted to her Instagram on Saturday Berry protected her eyes from the harsh Los Angeles sun with a pair of dark sunglasses encircled by rhinestones. She captioned the photo, 'Nisi all grown up #BAPSvibes.' B.A.P.S. is one of Halle's hit films from the late 1990s. It follows two Black women who travel to Beverly Hills and become involved in an inheritance scam.'B.A.P.S.' stands for 'Black American Princesses.' Berry played a character named Nisi, short for Denise, alongside Natalie Desselle, who played Mickey, a nickname for Tamika. Film reference: B.A.P.S. is one of Halle's hit films from the late 1990s. It follows two Black women who travel to Beverly Hills and become involved in an inheritance scam Sheer: The X-Man star wasn't done posting for the day though as she later shared a snap in which she stood on stone steps on the beach Though initially poorly received, the film has gained cult classic status in more recent years. The X-Man star wasn't done posting for the day though as she later shared a snap in which she sat on stone steps near the beach while stylists fawned over her hair and makeup. She wrote 'getting it done' followed by a star emoji on top of the short clip. The Cleveland native's appearance at the beach came in the middle of a busy period for her. Lots of attention: Stylists fawned over Berry's hair and makeup while she sat perfectly still Putting in work: She wrote 'getting it done' followed by a star emoji on top of the short clip Her new movie The Mothership is currently in post-production and set for release later this year. The film will follow Berry's character as she searches for her husband who mysteriously disappeared from their rural farm one year prior. She's currently in the process of shooting Our Man From Jersey, the plot of which is still under wraps, though it is known that she will star opposite Mark Wahlberg. Gwyneth Paltrow looked summer ready in an Instagram photo posted by her wellness and lifestyle brand, Goop, on Saturday. The Seven actress, 49, showcased her trim waist and cleavage in an orange and white gingham bikini top, and flashed her toned legs in a button front dark-wash denim skirt. The A-line cut skirt with '70s-inspired patch pockets is from Goop's high-end G. Label, and retails on the brand's website for a whooping $395.00. Pricy: Gwyneth Paltrow, 49, showcased her trim waist and cleavage in a gingham bikini top and a button front denim skirt, which retails on Goop for $395.00, in a new Instagram photo The Academy Award winner wore her light blonde tresses parted in the middle and cascading down her shoulders. The mom-of-two smiled as she posed on top of a yellow picnic blanket laid out on top of grass. She accessorized her look with a chunky silver bracelet, a large round pendant around her neck, as well as a silver ring. Paltrow launched Goop in September 2008, as a weekly e-mail newsletter offering wellness and lifestyle advice and insight into the star's life. Her style: The actress recently showed off her office style, sporting an A-line skirt and white blouse from the high end GOOP clothing line, as well as $1,195 Roger Vivier loafers The company's name was inspired by author Peter Arnell, who reportedly told the star that all successful internet companies have double O's in their name. Goop has expanded through the years, creating a website and branching off into e-commerce, pop-up shops, wellness summits, a print magazine, a podcast and recently a Netflix docuseries. The actress has been giving tips on her style, and recently showed her fans what she likes to wear when headed for a day of work at the her GOOP offices. She looked chic in an A-line skirt and white blouse from her line, which she paired with $1,195 patent loafers by Roger Vivier. Aside from promoting her brand, Paltrow recently took to Instagram to celebrate her son Moses Martin's 16th birthday. Sweet 16: Paltrow recently took to Instagram to celebrate her son Moses Martin's 16th birthday with a sweet photo that showed the ceiling of her front hallway covered with colorful balloons She posted a sweet photo that showed the ceiling of her front hallway covered with colorful balloons to mark Moses' big day. The star shares her teenage son and a daughter named Apple, 17, with her ex-husband Chris Martin, 45, frontman of Coldplay. Martin and Paltrow were married for 11 years, after meeting backstage at a Coldplay concert in 2002. They welcomed their daughter in May 2004, followed by their son in April 2006. On March 25, 2014, Gwyneth took to her lifestyle blog to announce that she and Martin were splitting, and coined the term 'conscious uncoupling.' Their divorce was finalized in July 2016. Paltrow then went on to marry American television writer Brad Falchuk, 50, in September 2018. Meanwhile Martin has been dating Fifty Shades of Grey star Dakota Johnson, 32, since 2017. Ashley Graham is reveling in being a mother. The 34-year-old body-inclusive model went for the heartstrings on Saturday by posting photos and video with one of her three-month-old twins, calling him 'My Lil Roman Man,' on social media. The former Lane Bryant model could be seen wearing a black camisole and sweats, taking in a delicious whiff of new baby smell in a video posted to her Instagram stories. Baby love: Ashley Graham, 34, posted photos and video with one of her three-month-old twins, calling him 'My Lil Roman Man,' on social media The proud mom appeared makeup free, with a flawless complexion and her long darks locks are hanging loosely down her back. Roman and his twin brother, Malachi, were born to the American Beauty Star host and her husband, Justin Ervin, on January 7. The couple already share an older son, Isaac, who is two. Oh, that smell: The catwalk veteran shared a video in which she takes in a delicious whiff of new baby smell in video found in her Instagram stories Glow: The former Lane Bryant model could be seen wearing a black camisole and sweats. She appeared makeup free, with a flawless complexion and her long darks locks are hanging loosely down her back The busy model was very open about the changes taking place in her body before and after giving birth. Recent posts include the boundary breaking cover girl expressing her dismay over postpartum hair loss by belting out a parody of the Carrie Underwood hit Jesus Take the Wheel. 'Jesus take the wheel, take it from my hands, 'cause my hair is comin', it's comin' out, 'cause I'm three months postpartum.' Baby, baby: Roman and his twin brother, Malachi, were born to the American Beauty Star host and her husband, Justin Ervin, January 7. Ashley's oldest son, Isaac, is two Truth: She recently posted on TikTok about her frustration over criticism that she and other moms receive about breastfeeding their children The catwalk veteran has also shared with her 17.4 million Instagram followers about the difficulties getting back to the gym after delivery, and how important it is to make a check list, 'phone keys wallet breast milk,' before going anywhere. The best-selling author is outspoken about taking on tough issues faced by moms everywhere. She recently posted on TikTok expressing her frustration over criticism she and other moms receiving about breastfeeding their children in populated areas under the brutally honest headline, 'Me every time I'm about to breastfeed in public,' writing, 'I'm not going to apologize for feeding my child. Also, my boobs hurt if I don't.' Getting back in the groove: The catwalk veteran has also shared with her 17.4 million Instagram followers about the difficulties getting back to the gym after delivery, and how important it is to make a check list before going anywhere. 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. Married At First Sight stars Marilyse Corrigan and Luke Dawson fuelled romance romancers further on Sunday as they attended a swanky charity event together. The rumoured couple beamed as they posed arm-in-arm for the cameras, with Marilyse, 38, looking stunning in a plunging indigo gown. The television stars who were not put together on the reality show, looked to be in high spirits as they joined a host of famous famous at The Brewery in London to raise money for kidney research. Loved up? Marilyse Corrigan, 38, and Luke Dawson,37, fulled romance romancers further as they attended a swanky charity event in London on Saturday The brunette beauty looked ravishing in the striking chiffon high-low dress, with a plunging neck and nipped waist. The gorgeous outfit clung to her fantastic figure as well as displaying her enviable assets. The reality star accessorised the look with a glitter clutch and towering gold sandal heels. Gorgeous: The brunette beauty looked ravishing in the striking chiffon high-low dress, with a plunging neck and nipped waist 007: Luke cut a dapper figure in an alabaster blazer which he matched with a pair of smart tuxedo trousers Opting for a glamorous palette of make-up for the event, Marilyse displayed a smokey eye as well as a chic nude lip. The stunning star wore her long glossy locks to one side as they tumbles in a relaxed curl. Luke, 37, cut a dapper figure in an alabaster blazer which he matched with a pair of smart tuxedo trousers. Co-Stars: (L-R)Adam Aveling, Luke Dawson, Bob Veysay, Marilyse Corrigan, Megan Wolfe, Tayah Victoria and Matt Jameson Old Friends: Marilyse posed with Bob Veysey who sported a pair of sequinned loafers His hair neatly parted to one side, the Welshman wore a crisp with shirt and black dickie bow. Joining the couple, who have not confirmed their romance, were many of their MAFS co-stars. Megan Wolfe, looked stunning in a figure hugging tube dress complete with racy cut-outs. Wow: Megan Wolfe, looked stunning in a figure hugging tube dress complete with racy cut-outs The Girls: Marilyse, Megan and Tayah all posed for the cameras at the swanky event Happily married: Adam Aveling joins wife Tayah who looked stunning in a figure hugging emerald dress with knot detail at the bust. Her long blonde hair cascading in curls, the TV personality accessorised the look with a striking diamond choker. The busty beauty joined her former husband from the show Bob Voysey, with the two happily posing for photos. Fellow contestants Adam Aveling and Tayah Victoria also made an appearance, with the latter wearing a figure hugging emerald dress with knot detail at the bust. Wedding Bells: the couple met on the show and have continued in their relationship sicne filming stopped Bob: Bob looked smart in a black suit with silver glitter detail (pictured with a female friend) Before the party: The famous faces all posed for cameras before heading inside to enjoy the festivities The reality stars were also joined by acting legend Dame Joanna Lumley, 75, who also wished to raise money for the good cause. The Absolutely Fabulous actress looked stunning in a tiered pink lace skirt which she wore with a cropped tuxedo jacket. The Bafta winner accessorised her look with a large paisley clutch and a statement silver necklace. Legend: The reality stars were also joined by acting legend Dame Joanna Lumley, 75, who also wished to raise money for the good cause (pictured with Marilyse Corrigan) Isla Fisher donned an unusual colourful frock as she attended the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday. The Australian actress, 46, looked positively vibrant in a cartoon-style gown, which featured pink feather detailing at the hem and one shoulder. She teamed her look with a pair of peach heels, and accessorised with statement earrings. Vibrant! Isla Fisher donned an unusual colourful frock as she attended the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday The dress in question featured all sorts of drawings in a colourful print, including of a cat and a dog. Isla, who is married to British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, wore her locks down and wavy and wore dewy makeup to accentuate her striking features. She completed her look with a bright pink lip colour. Gorgeous! Isla, who is married to British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, wore her locks down and wavy and wore dewy makeup to accentuate her striking features While she's currently overseas, Isla's sighting comes after she and her family recently returned to live in her native city of Perth, Western Australia. Following the coronavirus pandemic, she and Sacha, along with their three children moved to Sydney in 2020. The Confessions of a Shopaholic star, who relocated to America early in her career, admitted that 'juggling' a family in Los Angeles wasn't easy in an interview with Marie Claire in 2020. Lovely: The dress in question featured all sorts of drawings in a colourful print, including of a cat and a dog Sassy lassy: She completed her look with a bright pink lip colour 'There's not really a culture of bringing your kids to dinner parties or to restaurants past 6pm. I tend to entertain at home because I want to be with my family - it's easier to put your kids to bed and have a wine with friends,' she said. Isla and Sacha, 50, met at a party in Sydney in 2002 and married eight years later. She also told Marie Claire that meeting Sacha was like 'winning the lottery'. Isla said their relationship was built on 'a shared sense of humour and a willingness to be married'. Sunrise star Sam Mac is going to be a father. The Channel Seven weatherman, 40, announced the happy news on Instagram on Sunday, confirming he and his stylist girlfriend Rebecca James are expecting their first child together. Sam shared a sweet image of Rebecca holding an ultrasound to her stomach, saying the pair were absolutely delighted with the pregnancy. Baby joy! Sunrise star Sam Mac, 40, has announces he and girlfriend Rebecca James (both pictured) are expecting their first child together in an Instagram post on Sunday 'Wowsers! Mini Mac coming soon. Bec just can't wipe the joy off her face,' Sam wrote. Rebecca added: 'Well this escalated. See you in September baby Mac'. The couple then shared a heartwarming video of them surprising their loved ones with the news, with Rebecca lifting her top to show the baby scan. Surprise! Rebecca added: 'Well this escalated. See you in September baby Mac' New arrival: Sam shared a sweet post of Rebecca holding an ultrasound to her stomach, saying the pair were absolutely delighted with the news The couple's celebrity friends took to social media to wish them well. 'How wonderful. Seems like that fancy footwork of yours isn't JUST limited to the dance floor,' Kylie Gillies wrote. 'Yeeeeewww,' former Bachelor Tim Robards added. 'Omg congratulations guys best news ever,' Brendan Fevola added. Happy: The couple then shared a heartwarming video of them surprising their loved ones with the news, with Rebecca lifting her top to show the baby scan Joy: 'Wowsers! Mini Mac coming soon. Bec just can't wipe the joy off her face,' Sam wrote The happy couple purchased a home in Sydney's inner west together in October. 'We bought a bloody house! In Sydney! Already drinking our way through the pain as we calculate the stamp duty #Pray4Us,' Sam wrote. In the accompanying image, the new homeowners were overjoyed as Sam carried a set of keys in hand, while Rebecca gripped onto a bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne. Sam and Rebecca first went public in March last year, and spent much of their relationship in different states due to the Covid pandemic. 'She's just so calm, down-to-earth, and caring, as well as being absolutely beautiful,' he told Stellar of his girlfriend in April. They're homeowners! Sam's post comes after the couple announced they purchased their first property together in October 'She's a 17 out of 10,' the Gold Logie nominee added. At the time, he hinted he was already thinking about marriage and children with Rebecca. He said: 'Everyone wants to share their life with someone who is super special to them. I want to start thinking about what the next five or 10 years will look like. 'I've written my first book, I've got a great girlfriend, a fantastic family and my job's going well. Life is really good.' The news comes days after Mac revealed that his beloved rescue cat Coco had died. Juliet Godwin is a newcomer to Home and Away's Summer Bay. And the actress certainly looked like she was fitting in well with the bikini-clad cast this week, as she stripped down to a skimpy two-piece while filming scenes at Palm Beach on Tuesday. Juliet, who is set to play a doctor who works at Northern Districts Hospital on the soap, commanded attention in a white-and-blue stripe bikini. Summer Baes! Home and Away stars Juliet Godwin (pictured) and Sophie Dillman turned-up the heat as they stripped down to their bikinis during filming at Palm Beach on Tuesday The stunning actress flaunted her toned abs and muscular thighs as she filmed on the sand while holding a surfboard. The beauty dipped into the ocean during scenes, before coming back out and posing in front of the camera. Home and Away appears to be Juliet's first major TV gig, after she played the minor character of Cara in ABC drama series The Heights in 2020. Red hot: Meanwhile, Sophie Dillman slipped into a stunning red swimsuit as she dripped in the water before shooting the scene Fun in the sun: Juliet, who is set to play a doctor who works at Northern Districts Hospital on the soap, courted attention in a white-and-blue stripe bikini At times she filmed alongside beloved star of the series, Sophie Dillman. Sophie slipped into a stunning red swimsuit as she dipped in the water before shooting the scene. Her character, Ziggy Astoni, was seen running out to meet Juliet on the sand before the pair acted out their scene. Surf's up: The beauty, who is yet to appear on the series, dripped into the ocean for scenes before coming back out and getting in-front of the camera At other times she was seen alongside her on-screen and off-screen love, Patrick O'Connor. The show's 'golden couple' opened-up about their lives together during an interview with New Idea in December. 'It's actually really hard work,' Sophie said. Debut: Home and Away appears to be Juliet's first major TV gig, after she played the minor character of Cara in ABC drama series The Heights in 2020 'Paddy and I are different to our characters so making their instincts seem natural when they aren't our own is a good challenge.' She added that the couple, who live together in Sydney, understand the importance of switching off at the end of the day - describing their home as a 'sanctuary'. Patrick, who plays Dean Thompson, said he has loved filming some of the more hardcore storylines last year. Production: Juliet spoke with a producer while filming some of her scenes 'I really enjoyed playing out the car crash scenes,' he said. 'It was an incredible shoot to be on and watching the car get flipped from behind the scenes was pretty impressive,' he added. 'Not to mention the beautiful locations of Yass and Wee Jasper in New South Wales.' Filming: Her character, Ziggy Astoni, was seen running out to meet Juliet on the sand before the pair acted out their scene on the beach Into the surf: Sophie was seen carrying a surfboard out of the ocean during the scene Home and Away has been through some upheaval of late following the exit of Sam Frost, who played nurse Jasmine Delaney. Sam's exit in December came about two months after she caused controversy by comparing Covid vaccine rules to 'segregation'. The 32-year-old later apologised for her choice of words and is now fully vaccinated. Love: At other times she was seen alongside her on-screen and off-screen love, Patrick O'Connor Emotional: Actor Patrick O'Connor was seen with his shirt off as he filmed a scene Channel Seven has stated it will not hire another actress to play Jasmine. She was followed out the door by Harley Bonner, who portrayed Dr Logan Bennett. Harley, 30, who previously starred in Neighbours as Josh Willis, quit Home and Away in January, reportedly because he did not want to get vaccinated. The Seven Network requires all cast and crew working on its productions to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Glam: James Stewart and Ada Nicodemou also filmed scenes for the show Pamela Anderson was dressed to the nines on Saturday evening when she stepped out for a family get-together with her son Brandon Thomas Lee. The 54-year-old actress who's been in Manhattan rehearsing for her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago was spotted in Manhattan at night with her son Later in the evening, Brandon, 25, took to Instagram and posted a photo of himself and girlfriend Lily Easton heading out on a date night. Hot in the city: Pamela Anderson, 54, spent some quality time with her son Brandon Thomas Lee, 25, in New York City on Saturday Pamela and Brandon were spotted making their way around the bustling streets of the Downtown neighborhood of SoHo. The actress, 54, showed off her famous figure in a bright yellow dress and a pair of open-toe heels. The former Playboy model had her trademark blonde tresses styled long and flowing past her shoulders with a few soft waves and a part on the slight right. Family time: Brandon joined his mother for a stroll in the Downtown neighborhood of SoHo Pamela has been in New York City rehearsing for her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago, which begins on April 12 She walked step for step with her son as they made their way to their destination. He went with a casual-cool ensemble consisting of black fitted pants, a navy blue shirt, white sneakers, and a black hat over his short dark brown hair. Not long after, a photo of Brandon and his lady, Lily Easton, appeared on his Instagram Stories. 'Hot date' and 'New York City,' it read near the top of the image, which showed Lee wearing the exact same outfit that he donned with his mother. Lily, who's an Australian-born model and influencer showed off her sexy curves in skin-tight black pants and a black leather jacket over a bustier. 'Hot date': After spending time with his mother, Brandon appears to have hooked up with his girlfriend Lily Easton, who documented their date night with a photo on Instagram Around the same time, she posted a series of snaps on her Instagram page that included one image of herself sharing a passionate kiss with Lee. 'Its not a f***in phase! My birthday on film,' she wrote in the caption. Lily, who celebrated her 22nd birthday on April 4, is a professional fashion and lingerie model who has worked with brands such as Guess. Pamela's stint on Broadway in Chicago will run from April 12June 5 at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City. Birthday bash: Also on Saturday, Lily posted a series of birthday snaps on her Instagram page that included one image of herself sharing a passionate kiss with Lee Rising star: She is an Australian-born model and social media influencer She's the Love Island Australia star who is never afraid to flash the flesh when it comes to good Instagram content. And Margarita Smith sported one of her most daring looks to date on Sunday, as she donned a miniscule G-string swimsuit while at her home on the Gold Coast. The 27-year-old posed up a storm during the impromptu photo shoot, wearing a lime green $100 swimsuit from Barely There Swimwear which showed off a huge amount of underboob. Sizzling: Margarita Smith sported one of her most daring looks to date on Sunday, as she donned a miniscule G-string swimsuit while posing at her home on the Gold Coast The busty brunette teamed her skimpy ensemble with two pendant necklaces, and wore sunglasses on her head. She wore lashings of makeup to accentuate her striking features, and wore her hair in a gentle beach wave. It comes days after the brunette beauty upstaged the bride at her own wedding at Rocklea Farm, Victoria last weekend when she posed for photos in a very revealing pink dress. In a series of Instagram snaps, Margarita flaunted her ample cleavage and jaw-dropping figure in a skin-tight dress that featured a racy cut-out design at the bust. Eye-popping display: The busty brunette teamed her skimpy ensemble with two pendant necklaces, and wore sunglasses on her head 'You literally look insane': It comes days after the brunette beauty upstaged the bride at her own wedding at Rocklea Farm, Victoria last weekend when she posed for photos in a very revealing pink dress The reality star boosted her height with perspex heels and was primped to perfection with a glamorous low ponytail, a golden tan and striking eye makeup. She posed up a storm at the idyllic venue with her boyfriend and the bride. The bride opted for a more demure dress, with a V-neckline, puffy sleeves and flowing fabric from the waist down. Sizzling: In a series of Instagram snaps, the brunette bombshell flaunted her ample cleavage and jaw-dropping figure in a skin-tight dress that featured a racy cut-out design at the bust Her day: The bride opted for a more demure dress, with a V-neckline, puffy sleeves and flowing fabric from the waist down Margarita's followers were quick to comment on the post, complimenting the star on how phenomenal she looked in the revealing dress. 'You literally look insane,' one posted, as well as one who wrote, 'You look absolutely fantastic in that dress.' One added: 'Girl, with a dress like that on though... pretty sure you stole the show.' Picture-perfect: Margarita was sure to capture shots with her boyfriend at the idyllic wedding venue. The reality star boosted her height with perspex heels and enhanced her eyes with striking makeup Tressed to perfection: She styled her brunette tresses into a glamorous low ponytail, with several tendrils left out to frame her face Getting their attention: Margarita's followers were quick to comment on the post, complimenting the star on how phenomenal she looked in the revealing dress. 'You literally look insane,' one posted, as well as one who wrote, 'You look absolutely fantastic in that dress' Another also posted: 'That dress is ridiculously sexy.' Margarita quickly became a social media sensation when she debuted on the 2019 season of Love Island Australia. Her Instagram, which boasts 203,000 followers, is littered with sizzling snaps of her posing up a storm in either swimwear, lingerie or activewear. In an interview with Daily Mail Australia back in November 2019, the influencer spoke candidly about having had a nose job and breast implants. Influencer: Margarita quickly became a social media sensation when she debuted on the 2019 season of Love Island Australia. Her Instagram, which boasts 203,000 followers, is littered with sizzling snaps of her posing up a storm in either swimwear, lingerie or activewear 'I've always been a really confident person, my whole life. I've never actually sat there and thought, "Oh, I don't like this,"' she explained. 'I liked my boobs before. I thought they were fantastic! But, to be honest, I've always liked that dolled up, fake look. 'Initially I thought, "Do I want it? Do I not?" and then I thought, "S**t, yeah, I want it!" I love it. It's just how I want to portray myself, but I'm confident in who I am, 100 per cent.' She added: 'I was so happy with myself. If you spoke to anyone who knew me before [plastic surgery], they'd say, "She's just as confident now as a she was before." It wasn't a confidence thing, it was more just a preference in look.' Former SAS Australia star Jett Kenny has shaved off his long locks for charity. On Saturday, the 28-year-old took part in The World's Greatest Shave to help raise funds and awareness for the Leukemia Foundation. The model's friend shaved Jett's head in a video posted to Instagram after he dyed it neon pink. New look! Jett Kenny looked completely unrecognisable as he shaved his head for charity after growing a long mane 'I'm doing this because my friend Jack's daughter was diagnosed with Leukaemia in August last year, just before her second birthday,' Jett explained in the video. He raised an impressive $25,713 for charity. Many followers offered their support, with one person writing: 'What an amazing selfless act. BTW the new do suits you.' He doesn't look like this anymore! On Saturday, Jett took part in The World's Greatest Shave to help raise funds and awareness for the Leukemia Foundation 'Well done Jett. Thank you for your support of the Leukaemia Foundation and the blood cancer community. It looks great,' another wrote. 'Unreal effort! What a beautiful way to support [those] doing it tough fighting this awful disease,' a third commented. Another agreed, adding: 'Amazing raising money to such a worthy cause!' Doing it for a good cause! The model's friend shaved Jett's head in a video posted to Instagram after he dyed it pink The Sunshine Coast based surf lifesaver recently revealed that he decided to colour his hair neon pink before shaving it off. 'When I said pink, I meant PINK,' he wrote alongside a photo of him showing off the new bold look. 'Nine more days till it all comes off, let's see what targets we can hit next. Let's smash 10k!' She's the former Minister for Foreign Affairs who has since become a fashion icon. And Julie Bishop, 65, simply stunned as she arrived at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday, alongside her dapper beau David Panton. Julie highlighted her incredible figure in a thigh-skimming black designer frock, which she teamed with black pointy-toe kitten heels and statement bling. The Minister for Fashion! Julie Bishop, 65, stunned in a thigh-skimming black designer frock as she arrived at the Australian F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday, with her dapper beau David Panton (both pictured) The former politician accessorised further with Audrey Hepburn-style sunglasses and a thin Louis Vuitton waist belt. Julie styled her blonde tresses into a voluminous half-up do, and her makeup was ultra-glamorous, consisting of a flawless complexion and a slick of nude lipstick. The style guru appeared in great spirits as she kept close to her longtime beau David, who works as a property developer. Perfection: Julie teamed the chic ensemble with black pointy-toe kitten heels, a thin Louis Vuitton waist belt, Audrey Hepburn-style sunglasses and statement bling Beauty: The fashionista styled her blonde locks into a voluminous half-up do, and her makeup was ultra-glamorous, consisting of a flawless complexion and a slick of nude lipstick David cut a casually suave figure in a crisp white dress shirt, black trousers, pristine sneakers and dark sunglasses. Throughout her career, Julie's fashion-forward ensembles have often attracted just as many headlines as her political endeavours. In a previous interview with News.com.au, Julie described her style as 'classic'. In good company: The style guru appeared in great spirits as she kept close to her longtime beau David, who works as a property developer. David cut a casually suave figure in a crisp white dress shirt, black trousers, pristine sneakers and dark sunglasses Reputation: Throughout her career, Julie's fashion-forward ensembles have often attracted just as many headlines as her political endeavours. Pictured in February 2019 '[It] hasn't changed a great deal over the years in the sense that I dress in a pretty classic way,' she said. Referencing Giorgio Armani in Sydney, Julie revealed: 'I have a favourite designer and I often contact them, they'll send me photographs of things and I'll choose it.' Julie also said that she's been collecting 'investment pieces' over the years, but tries to 'live within' her means. Stance: Julie previously described her style as 'classic' in an interview with News.com.au: '[It] hasn't changed a great deal over the years in the sense that I dress in a pretty classic way' Comfortable flats: Julie, who is known for her polished appearance, said in an interview with The Sun-Herald in June 2020, that after meeting British-American journalist Anna Wintour (right), 72, in 2019, she now can't live without sneakers She also revealed the surprising fashion advice she was given by American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour in June 2020, in an interview with The Sun-Herald. Julie, who is known for her crisp blazers and designer heels, said that after meeting the British-American journalist, 72, in 2019, she now can't live without sneakers. 'When Anna Wintour was here for last year's Australian Open and was asked about future trends, she said wearing sneakers. I've taken her at her word,' she responded. Advice: 'When Anna Wintour was here for last year's Australian Open and was asked about future trends, she said wearing sneakers. I've taken her at her word,' Julie told The Sun-Herald at the time Comfy, but make it fashion: Julie lived in 'Armani, Louis Vuitton and Isabel Marant sneakers' amid the coronavirus pandemic, whereas previously it was 'Aquazzura black stiletto pumps' Julie said she lived in 'Armani, Louis Vuitton and Isabel Marant sneakers' amid the coronavirus pandemic, whereas previously it was 'Aquazzura black stiletto pumps'. Elsewhere in the interview, the former deputy leader of the Liberal Party revealed Amal Clooney to be her style muse, describing her as 'classic' and 'sophisticated'. 'We had lunch one day in London and she wore a beautiful tweed suit; I also saw her in New York where we both wore simple black dresses. Her clothes always seem appropriate for the occasion,' she said. Furious Married At First Sight fans have complained to the Australian TV watchdog over this year's scandalous season. As reported by the Sunday Herald Sun, the Australian Commercial Media Authority has received 40 viewer complaints, down from last year's total of 67. ACMA revealed in a statement: 'Most of the contacts referred to allegations of inappropriate sexual content or treatment of participants.' Backlash: Furious Married At First Sight viewers have lodged complaints to the Australian TV watchdog over this year's scandalous season. Pictured: Carolina Santos The watchdog has directed the complainants to the Nine network, which airs MAFS. They have 60 days to respond, and if the complainant does not hear back or is not content with the response, they can then direct their issue back to ACMA. This year's explosive season of MAFS has seen a nude photo scandal, a cheating scandal, as well as emotional abuse. Olivia Frazer, 28, outed co-star Domenica Calarco, 29, as an OnlyFans model after sharing a nude photo of her among the cast. Unimpressed viewers: As reported by the Sunday Herald Sun, the Australian Commercial Media Authority has received 40 viewer complaints, down from last year's total of 67. Pictured: Olivia Frazer Too shocking for TV? ACMA revealed in a statement: 'Most of the contacts referred to allegations of inappropriate sexual content or treatment of participants.' Olivia is pictured with 'husband' Jackson Lonie During last Sunday night's reunion episode, Olivia refused point black to apologise to Domenica, while being grilled by fellow bride Holly Greenstein. Olivia also accused Domenica of 'brandishing a weapon' at her when she famously smashed a wine glass during an argument between the pair. Meanwhile Andrew Davis, 39, copped backlash by the show's experts and viewers for his cruel remarks about 'wife' Holly, 36. So much drama: This year's explosive season of MAFS has seen a nude photo scandal, a cheating scandal, as well as emotional abuse. Olivia, 28, outed co-star Domenica Calarco (pictured), 29, as an OnlyFans model after sharing a nude photo of her among the cast During the first commitment ceremony, the Texas native doubled down on his nasty comment that he's 'had better one night stands than sex' with Holly. Andrew said he had no problem if his honest confession came across as 'brutal'. The drama continued with Carolina Santos, 34, debuting her romance with co-star Daniel Holmes, 31, at the reunion while still being 'married' to Dion Giannarelli, 34. Brutal: Meanwhile Andrew Davis, 39, copped backlash by the show's experts and viewers for his cruel remarks about 'wife' Holly Greenstein, 36, (both pictured). The Texas native doubled down on his nasty comment that he's 'had better one night stands than sex' with Holly The shock new couple explained that once Daniel's bride Jessica Seracino left the experiment, he sought out Carolina as a shoulder to cry on since she was in the same boat with Dion. They 'connected on every level' and found in each other what they came in to the experiment for behind everyone's back. Nine are already advertising for the cast of the 2022 season. She recently took to Instagram to reveal the results of her nose surgery. And Danniella Westbrook continued to proudly showcase her post-op look on Saturday evening as she attended Cabaret All Stars at Proud Embankment. Looking spring chic in a blue blazer, rollneck jumper and jeans, the former EastEnders actress, 48, appeared to be regaining some of that confidence she has long desired as she posed for a series of photographs at the venue. Night out: Danniella Westbrook was spring chic in a blue blazer at Cabaret All Stars on Saturday night after revealing the results of her recent nose surgery The ex-Soap star rounded off her look with white trainers and carried her belongings in a quilted Chanel clutch. Her makeup was applied generously, with a touch of bronze defining her cheekbones. Also attending the show to support Claire Sweeney's performance include reality star Bobby Norris and drag queen Baga Chipz - Leo Loren. Cabaret: The former EastEnders actress, 48, appeared to be regaining some of that confidence she has long desired as she posed for a series of photographs at Proud Embankment Looking good: The ex-soap star rounded off her look with white trainers and carried her belongings in a quilted Chanel clutch Out: Also attending the show to support Claire Sweeney's performance include reality star Bobby Norris (right) and drag queen Baga Chipz - Leo Loren (left) Last week, Danniella took to Instagram to reveal the results of her recent nose surgery after she had the first in a series of reconstruction operations. The actress, who was pictured with a heavily bandaged face last week, recently revealed plans to have a rib inserted into her face as one of those surgeries after years of drug abuse caused her nose to collapse. Taking to Instagram, a happy Danniella revealed her new look as she posed for the camera in a fun video. New woman: Last week, Danniella took to Instagram to reveal the results of her recent nose surgery after she had the first in a series of reconstruction operations With her blonde hair styled in a chic bob and glamorous make-up, the star wore a white jacket with striking black thread detail. Danniella captioned the video: 'I can't help but take the Mickey - all these sultry insta posts are everywhere So here's one from me.' 'Representing the old girls, it's only a bit of fun people #justforlaughs.' Getting her confidence back: The former actress was spotted with a heavily bandaged face last week Wow: The star, now with a more defined feature, took off her red spectacles before winking into the camera Joking: Danniella captioned the video: 'I can't help but take the Mickey me all these sultry insta posts are everywhere So here's one from me.' Saucy: The actress posted the fun clip to her 86,000 followers on Tuesday Danniella previously underwent a rib insertion procedure in 2018, after osteoporosis rotted away her cheekbones and gums and, after spending the last year getting lip filler and Botox, in addition to surgery on her face, she is hoping to get back to her best. The former Celebrity Big Brother housemate has previously had five reconstructive operations but she is still targeted by cruel online trolls over her appearance, with people telling her to 'just go and kill yourself'. She told The Sun: 'I hate the way I look. I'm constantly made fun of, and trolled for Before: Danniella previously underwent the rib procedure in 2018, after osteoporosis rotted away her cheekbones and gums (pictured in March 2022) Fab: With her blonde hair styled in a chic bob and glamorous make-up, the star wore a white jacket with striking black thread detail 'People message me, saying, 'You're so ugly, you're a junkie, you should just go and kill yourself.' I've also had messages saying they are glad I'm not coming back to EastEnders because no one wants me scaring their kids on the telly.' However, the star insists she is not undergoing surgery to appease her bullies - she says she wants to be happy with herself and no longer wants to suffer with the breathing issues she suffers with as a result of her collapsed face. She explained: 'I've got to a point where looking like this upsets me, so I'm going to make a change not because of what others think but so I can be happy with the way I am. Get outta my pub: The former Celebrity Big Brother housemate has previously had five reconstructive operations but she is still targeted by cruel online trolls over her appearance, with people telling her to 'just go and kill yourself' (pictured in 1993) 'It will change the way I look but also help my breathing and sinus issues. 'So it's about my health as well. I'll be in for the big surgery, which is the bone replacement, at the end of April. And then the final operation to tweak and finish the nose is at the end of May.' Speaking to OK! magazine about her latest bout of facial reconstruction, she explained: 'I'm going through a lot operations at the moment. They're good but they're very hard.' New woman: Danniella is hoping her operation to have a rib inserted into her face will rebuild her confidence after years of drug abuse caused her nose to collapse (L: seen in 2021, R: seen in 1996) She continued: 'The first two of my operations haven't taken a toll on me but the next lot will do. I'm seeing a bone surgeon next who is going to be removing a rib.' In February, Danniella revealed that she was looking forward to her upcoming set of surgeries. Sharing a throwback snap of herself on Instagram, she penned: 'Can't wait for all my surgery to be done will be back too my best and fighting fit and next year I will be 50! Bring it on I'm ready. More than ready, I'm ready for a full transformation physically.' Troubles: The actress' battle with drugs has been well-publicised, and she famously had her nose reconstructed after her septum collapsed from excessive cocaine use in 2002 (pictured before face collapse in 1993) Danniella previously vowed to turn her life around following years of drug abuse and relapsing onto 'cocaine and champagne' last year. The actress' battle with drugs has been well-publicised, and she famously had her nose reconstructed after her septum collapsed from excessive cocaine use in 2002. At the height of her use, it was reported she would take up to five grams of cocaine a day, blowing close to 250,000 on the drug. The star has since embarked on multiple rehab stints in order to battle her demons - and revealed she was finally clean in June 2020, after attending a clinic in Mijas, Spain. Georgia Kousoulou has teased the second series of ITVBe's Baby Steps, which will document 'raw parenting' and her engagement to boyfriend Tommy Mallet. The TOWIE long-timers were at the helm of the debut two-part series in September, which followed their journey into parenthood. Georgia, 30, and her fiance Tommy, 29, welcomed son Brady last May and the reality stars also marked an additional milestone in February when business owner Tommy popped the question after eight years together. 'I'm so excited!': Georgia Kousoulou teased the second series of ITVBe's Baby Steps which documents 'raw parenting' and her engagement to Tommy Mallet And on Sunday morning, mother-of-one Georgia treated her fans to a sneak peek of the upcoming instalment on Instagram, urging them to keep their eyes peeled for the advert. The montage shows a string of clips of the new parents navigating life with their latest addition, as Georgia's voiceover explains there have been tears, belly laughs, but that's 'all part of parenthood', to which Tommy adds: 'We're getting quite good at it!' There is one segment where a visibly upset Georgia says: 'I feel like a bad mum', but the video soon progresses to a happier time when the couple head on a family holiday to Mexico. One knee: Georgia, 30, and her fiance Tommy, 29, welcomed son Brady last May and the reality stars also marked an additional milestone in February when business owner Tommy popped the question after eight years together Parents: The TOWIE long-timers were at the helm of the debut two-part series in September, which followed their journey into parenthood Raw: On Sunday morning, mother-of-one Georgia treated her fans to a sneak peek of the upcoming instalment on Instagram, urging them to keep their eyes peeled for the advert Adapting: The montage shows a string of clips of the new parents navigating life with their latest addition, as Georgia's voiceover explains there have been tears, belly laughs, but that's 'all part of parenthood' Speaking to the cameras prior to their getaway, Tommy says: 'I'm really keen to go away because... I'm going to ask her to marry me! 'The reason I was keen to go to Mexico is because I wanted to do it here. I think I always knew that I wanted to propose to Georgia.' Glimpses of their idyllic getaway are shown throughout the reel, including a sweet moment when Tommy takes a photo of his bride-to-be and Brady, enthusing: 'Wow!', before joking that there's a shark. Ups and downs: There is one segment where a visibly upset Georgia says: 'I feel like a bad mum', but the video soon progresses to a happier time when the couple head on a family holiday to Mexico Memory-making: Speaking to the cameras prior to their getaway, Tommy says: 'I'm really keen to go away because... I'm going to ask her to marry me!' Will you marry me? The advert wraps up with Tommy down on one knee, surrounded by rose petals The advert wraps up with Tommy down on one knee, surrounded by rose petals. Georgia wrote alongside the video: 'AHHHH Im so excited we get to share with you our crazy raw journey of parenting [sic] & THE ENGAGEMENT [sic] please tagg me if you see the advert #babysteps coming soon to @itvbe'. Excitement amounted in the comments, with one fan writing: 'Ahhh I need to know a date so dont miss it'. Georgia replied: '@hcwhit90 this month [sic] date will be announced next week [sic]'. Angie Kent has sent a warning to the future contestants of Married at First Sight. The former Bachelorette, 32, wrote in her column for Yahoo! Lifestyle on Friday that while the show may be addictive for viewers, for the stars it would 'f*ck you up'. Angie, who has since split with her 2019 Bachelorette season winner Carlin Sterritt, went on to suggest that the stars know their chances of finding 'The One' are slim. Vocal: Former Bachelorette Angie Kent (pictured), 32, has warned the future contestants of Married At First Sight that the show is 'extremely detrimental to one's mental health to watch' 'I must say, as much as this show is a guilty pleasure, it is extremely detrimental to one's mental health to watch, so I cannot even imagine being a part of it. That would really f*ck you up,' Angie said in her chilling warning to future MAFS contestants. The former Gogglebox star said she's not going to try and invest too much of her 'precious kind heart' in to the contestants, as they know what they're signing up for. 'Just watch any of the last four seasons to know that you've got about a one in a million shot of finding your future husband and/or wife, and if you think you are going to go on and get a solid edit.. you probs won't, hey (sic),' she wrote. Angie concluded by suggesting they get on dating apps like Tinder or Hinge unless they 'want most of Australia to know all of your business'. Downside of MAFS: Angie wrote in her column for Yahoo! Lifestyle on Friday that while the show may be addictive for viewers, for the stars it would 'f*ck you up'. Pictured: Olivia Frazer Knowing the score: The former Gogglebox star said she's not going to try and invest too much of her 'precious kind heart' in to the contestants, as they know what they're signing up for. Pictured: Brent Vitiello The blonde beauty made headlines back in July 2020 when she split from her Bachelorette season winner, Carlin. In December last year, she blasted Carlin on her Nova podcast Two Girls One Pod, claiming to her co-host Yvie Jones that he wanted her to look 'like a Barbie doll' during their romance. She also claimed he refused to adopt an 'ugly dog' because it wasn't 'aesthetically pleasing'. Angie started the chat by talking about her appearance on The Bachelorette, saying that at the time she would change her looks in an attempt to impress men - but realises now that only led to attracting the wrong kind of people. Love at first swipe: Angie concluded by suggesting they get on dating apps like Tinder or Hinge unless they 'want most of Australia to know all of your business'. Pictured: Tamara Djordjevic Reality TV romance: Angie made headlines back in July 2020 when she split from her Bachelorette 2019 season winner, Carlin Sterritt (pictured together) 'I'm gonna attract people that I don't really like, because I don't like being 48 kilos and drinking too much and having to look like a doll all the time,' she said. 'I'm going to end up with Carlin, and look how swimmingly that turned out. I don't want to attract that s**t. I want to look like this and attract a really nice human.' Cuttingly, she added: 'And no offence to him. I'm sure you know, he's a great partner to a Barbie doll... but not for this guy.' Carlin has since defended himself, denying Angie's 'ridiculous' claims and saying he's 'moved on' from their failed romance. Jessika Power put on a very sultry display on Saturday evening as she headed to her 'absolute favourite' restaurant in Manchester. The Married At First Star star, 29, donned an emerald co-ord - boasting a strapless bra and coordinating skirt - which all round spotlighted her incredible figure as she arrived at Menagerie Restaurant and Bar. The gorgeous ensemble featured a thigh-grazing split and studded keyhole detailing around her bust and abs. Night out: Married At First Sight star Jessika Power, 29, put on a very racy display in an emerald co-ord as she stepped out for dinner at Menagerie in Manchester on Saturday Jessika, joined by fellow Married at First Sight star Nikita Jasmine, paraded her lithe legs in clear strappy sandals and kept her belongings safe in a distinctive Louis Vuitton shoulder bag. She wore her blonde bob poker straight and sported an effortless face of makeup. Nikita, 27, looked equally as sensational in a skintight spaghetti-strapped dress as the girls held hands on their glamorous arrival. Jaw-dropping: The gorgeous ensemble featured a thigh-grazing split and studded keyhole detailing around her bust and abs Girl's night: Jessika, joined by fellow Married At First Sight star Nikita Jasmine, paraded her lithe legs in clear strappy sandals Close: Nikita, 27, looked equally as sensational in a skintight spaghetti-strapped dress as the girls held hands on their glamorous arrival Blonde beauty Jessika shared the best bits from their evening via social media, where the girls posed for stunning selfies and indulged on the eatery's globally-inspired main courses. This week, the Australian native revealed that she is returning Down Under as she asked fans if they could assist her with her vaccination status. In a video posed to her Instagram Stories, the star said she called Emirates Airlines, who advised she could fly home after receiving a negative PCR test. Beauty: Jessika wore her blonde bob poker straight and sported an effortless face of makeup 'Adore you': The girls posed for stunning selfies and indulged on the eatery's globally-inspired main courses 'Gotta get that done next Tuesday, then I'm out of here,' she said, however added that her return home was only temporary. 'I'm coming back to Australia for two and a half weeks... So getting ready to actually have a good time,' she added. Jessika then asked fans where the latest hot spots were in her native town of the Gold Coast, Queensland. Heading home! This week, the Australian native revealed that she is returning Down Under as she asked fans if they could assist her with her vaccination status Since arriving in the UK, Jessika has appeared on series 10 of Celebs Go Dating. However, she sparked speculation that she faked being single in order to star in the show, while seeing her current boyfriend, Connor Thompson. The Australian reality star - who reportedly signed a 40,000 ($70,227 AUD) deal to be on the E4 dating series - has reportedly engaged bosses for 'wasting everyone's time.' TOWIE has reportedly been thrown into turmoil after stars of the hit ITVBe show are refusing to film upcoming scenes with Chloe Brockett. Chloe, 21, hit headlines last weekend after she became embroiled in an ugly catfight during a night out, which saw her launch an ice bucket at former pal Ella Rae Wise. And amid reports that the reality star will be quizzed by police for her actions - after a reveller was left with blood streaming down their face - the Essex-based show is now facing further tumult as castmates have allegedly threatened to walk. Trouble ahead? TOWIE has reportedly been thrown into turmoil after stars of the hit ITVBe show are refusing to film upcoming scenes with Chloe Brockett (pictured this month) A source told The Sun: 'The general feeling amongst the cast is that Chloe's actions were unacceptable. 'Nobody wants the show to get a reputation like that and some stars have told bosses they won't film with Chloe when shooting resumes.' A TV insider added: 'There have been threats of walks outs over the issue so producers know they're serious.' MailOnline has contacted TOWIE for comment. Drama: Chloe, 21, (pictured on the show) hit headlines last weekend after she became embroiled in an ugly catfight during a night out, which saw her launch an ice bucket at former pal Ella Rae Wise Chloe allegedly threw an ice bucket at Ella during a row while on a night out, but missed and hit the cousin of fellow cast member Rem Larue in the face. Friends of the victim have claimed that she wants 'justice' for the injury, with police and ITVBe bosses stepping in to speak with Chloe about her actions. A source told The Sun: 'The police have been called by the young woman caught up in the incident. She was left badly shaken up and needed stitches to a wound on her head afterwards. Difficult: The Essex-based show is facing further tumult as castmates have allegedly threatened to walk (Ella pictured February 2022) 'They want answers from Chloe and hope that TOWIE takes the issue seriously.' Another insider claimed that Chloe's future on TOWIE could also be in jeopardy, with reports that the star will be 'pulled in to explain herself.' They said: 'The show has a strict policy of no violence and it will be hard to ignore such a public outburst from Chloe. It simply won't be condoned and she'll be pulled in to explain herself.' Nasty: Chloe allegedly threw an ice bucket at Ella during a row while on a night out, but missed and hit the cousin of fellow cast member Rem Larue in the face Chloe was celebrating a friend's birthday with pals at the W London Hotel when she launched a Grey Goose cooler at Ella during an argument. The vessel is said to have hit Rem's family member, leaving her bleeding, with the reportedly injured and angry woman needing to be held back by other partygoers including The Only Way Is Essex cast members Roman Hackett and Rem. In a video obtained by The Sun, Chloe is seen furiously flailing around as she is pinned to the ground by security, her white boots visible amongst the crowd. Fight night? In a video obtained by The Sun, Chloe is seen furiously flailing around as she is pinned to the ground by security, her white boots visible amongst the crowd The incident happened in the early hours of Saturday morning in The Perception Bar at the hotel. A witness told the publication: 'Chloe and Ella were rowing and it turned nasty. 'We saw Chloe throw an ice bucket at Ella but it missed and hit another woman. She was seriously bleeding.' Rows: Chloe and Ella have become embroiled in numerous war of words on TOWIE, including during the May 2021 season finale Security were holding and restraining Chloe to the floor during the commotion while she kicked her legs to try and get them off of her.' The source added: 'It was a truly awful display and completely unprovoked. 'The woman tried to confront Chloe but she wasn't able to get close to her because she was being held down by security. 'It was really shocking to see these women off the TV behaving in this way. And for Chloe to then lob an ice bucket and seriously hurt someone.' He's preparing to marry his long-term girlfriend Georgia Kousoulou. And now, Tommy Mallet has candidly revealed to his fans that he is going to 'embrace' his receding hairline. The former TOWIE star, 29, took to Instagram to share a selfie with his blond hair in its natural state on Sunday. Brave: Tommy Mallet has candidly revealed to his fans that he is going to 'embrace' his receding hairline Captioning the snap, he wrote: 'Hairlines moving mad.. I'm gonna embrace it'. Captioning the snap, he wrote: 'Hairlines moving mad.. I'm gonna embrace it'. It comes after Tommy teased his fans with a sneak peek of the upcoming instalment of ITVBe's Baby Steps on Instagram. Georgia, 30, and her fiance welcomed son Brody last May and the reality stars also marked an additional milestone in February when business owner Tommy popped the question after eight years together One knee: Georgia, 30, and her fiance welcomed son Brody last May and the reality stars also marked an additional milestone in February when business owner Tommy popped the question after eight years together The montage shows a string of clips of the new parents navigating life with their latest addition, as Georgia's voiceover explains there have been tears, belly laughs, but that's 'all part of parenthood', to which Tommy adds: 'We're getting quite good at it!' There is one segment where a visibly upset Georgia says: 'I feel like a bad mum', but the video soon progresses to a happier time when the couple head on a family holiday to Mexico. Speaking to the cameras prior to their getaway, Tommy says: 'I'm really keen to go away because... I'm going to ask her to marry me! Raw: On Sunday morning, mother-of-one Georgia treated her fans to a sneak peek of the upcoming instalment on Instagram, urging them to keep their eyes peeled for the advert Ups and downs: There is one segment where a visibly upset Georgia says: 'I feel like a bad mum', but the video soon progresses to a happier time when the couple head on a family holiday to Mexico 'The reason I was keen to go to Mexico is because I wanted to do it here. I think I always knew that I wanted to propose to Georgia.' Glimpses of their idyllic getaway are shown throughout the reel, including a sweet moment when Tommy takes a photo of his bride-to-be and Brody, enthusing: 'Wow!', before joking that there's a shark. The advert wraps up with Tommy down on one knee, surrounded by rose petals. Memory-making: Speaking to the cameras prior to their getaway, Tommy says: 'I'm really keen to go away because... I'm going to ask her to marry me!' Abbie Chatfield was accosted by an Instagram follower who accused her of being 'anti-feminist' due to her consumption of alcohol. The 26-year-old podcaster shared a series of comments made on her Instagram on Sunday, from someone who took exception to her boozing. 'Why are okay with getting paid alcohol promotions that harm women? And you claim to be a feminist? Alcohol is the patriarchy's biggest tool,' the person wrote. Drama: Abbie Chatfield (pictured) was accosted by an Instagram follower who accused her of being 'anti-feminist' due to her consumption of alcohol In a second comment they said: 'Abbie why are you promoting and endorsing cancer through alcohol consumption to your young and impressionable following? 'Being the vaccine public health QUEEN I'm sure you know the other dangerous stats young woman face?? Where are you in regards to that?' Abbie replied: 'Get a grip. I like a drink, maybe go and get vaccinated' before suggesting the person 'unfollow her'. Sips: The podcaster has been travelling around Europe and the UK with boyfriend Konrad Bien-Stephens. During that time, she has been pictured and filmed enjoying cocktails 'Why are okay with getting paid alcohol promotions that harm women? And you claim to be a feminist? Alcohol is the patriarchy's biggest tool,' the person wrote. Abbie replied: 'Get a grip. I like a drink, maybe go and get vaccinated' The podcaster has been travelling around Europe and the UK with boyfriend Konrad Bien-Stephens, 31. During that time, she has been pictured and filmed enjoying cocktails and alcoholic beverages. The couple started in Scotland, where they attended a friend's wedding. All over the world: Abbie and Konrad (right) started their holiday in Scotland, where they attended a friend's wedding. They then headed to Venice, Italy, and Lake Como, Italy They then headed to Venice, Italy, and Lake Como, Italy, staying at five-star hotels all the way, before returning to Scotland on Saturday. Abbie revealed on Friday that her lucrative career is funding her luxury holiday after a troll asked her she had a 'rich mummy and daddy'. She replied again on her Stories: 'Me, publicly having four solid income streams, including a NATIONAL RADIO GIG???? regularly talking about having a single mum. Random people: must be her RICH DADDY'. Simon Gregson was quizzed in the back of a police van after an altercation between two men at a Toby Carvery in Aintree on Friday night. The Coronation Street actor, 47, was at The Rocking Horse pub opposite the racecourse after Aintree Ladies Day having enjoyed some time at one of the course's luxury suites earlier in the day. It comes after the former I'm A Celebrity campmate Simon was ordered by club bouncers to leave his on-screen daughter Alexandra Mardell's work leaving party in Manchester's Deansgate district after allegedly taking off his shirt, dancing on furniture and hurling abuse at staff in February. Good spirits: Simon Gregson was quizzed in the back of a police van after an altercation between two men at a Toby Carvery in Aintree on Friday night (pictured at the event) A spokesperson for Toby Carvery Aintree told MailOnline: 'We can confirm there was an incident at the restaurant on Friday night which was reported to the police. We are fully co-operating with the police inquiry.' According to the Mirror, police spoke to Simon as he sat in the back of their van in the car park of The Rocking Horse on Friday after the altercation inside the pub. A source told the publication: 'There was a bust-up and bouncers kicked him out they pinned him to the ground before the police arrived. He was taken to the police van and spoken to for some time. It was all very messy.' 'He was acting pretty wildly': It comes after Simon was reportedly kicked out of his co-star's leaving party in Manchester by bouncers after dancing shirtless on furniture A police spokesperson added to the newspaper: 'We can confirm Merseyside Police were in attendance at the Rocking Horse pub on Grand National Avenue, Aintree. 'At around 9.20pm we received a report two men were involved in an altercation inside the pub. No injuries were reported and the victim declined to make a formal complaint to police. Inquiries are ongoing.' Earlier in the day, Simon was seen with the likes of Princess Annes daughter Zara Tindall, 40, and her ex-England rugby captain husband Mike, 43. MailOnline has contacted a representative for Simon and Merseyside Police for comment. Friends in high places: Earlier in the day on Friday, Simon was seen with the likes of Princess Annes daughter Zara Tindall, 40, and her ex-England rugby captain husband Mike, 43 It comes after Simon was reportedly ordered by bouncers to head home from his on-screen daughter Alexandra Mardell's leaving party in Manchester's Deansgate district in February. In footage obtained by The Sun, the soap star could be seen dancing shirtless on furniture after becoming 'a bit merry'. Simon allegedly directed his fury towards the security staff with an expletive-filled rant after they attempted to kick him out of the venue. An onlooker told the publication 'He was the life and soul of the party but took it a bit far and it annoyed the bar staff and bouncers in the end.' Hilarious: An onlooker said: 'He was the life and soul of the party but took it a bit far and it annoyed the bar staff and bouncers in the end' (pictured, centre, with Alexandra and her boyfriend Joe Parker, far left) A lip-reading expert told the publication Simon he appeared to be saying 'f**k' and 'f**k you' to the two members of staff before assuring: 'I will get down.' The star - who plays character Steve McDonald in the soap - had been partying with Corrie's Katie McGlynn at the showbiz bash. She allegedly stepped in-between her pal and the bouncer in a bid to cool down the situation, later posting a beaming photo of herself in an unmissable yellow dress alongside Alexandra, who plays Emma Booker in the ITV favourite. The source continued: 'Simon was acting pretty wildly but more in the sense that he was in high spirits and getting carried away. 'The crowd were laughing and cheering, with a lot of people egging him on, and most people there saw the funny side. But some clubbers were shouting abuse at him as well, which was unnecessary.' Alexandra's photos from the night saw her party with Millie Gibson (Kelly Neelan), Colson Smith (Craig Tinker), Georgia Taylor (Toyah Battersby), Elle Mulvaney (Amy Barlow) and Mollie Gallagher (Nina Lucas). Simon's representatives were contacted for comment by MailOnline. Gang: Elle Mulvaney (far left) Steve (centre-left), Emma (centre) and Tanisha Gorey (centre-right) appeared to be in high spirits during the star-studded party As Simon rose to fame in the 1990s as a new heart-throb in one of the nation's most beloved soaps, he was hiding a secret life of binge-drinking and drug-taking. Speaking exclusively previously to the Sunday Mirror, the star admitted that soon after his 1989 debut as Steve McDonald on Coronation Street, marijuana, cocaine and booze took a grip on his personal life. 'I went completely wild,' the 40-year-old actor admitted. 'Id go through a bottle of Scotch at four or five am after the pub... Sometimes Id be two hours late for work. Other times Id not be there at all. Looking back: As Simon rose to fame in the 1990s as a new heart-throb in one of the nation's most beloved soaps, he was hiding a secret life of binge-drinking and drug-taking (pictured 2016) 'I didnt take it seriously and I didnt want to be there. I hated being famous. Im not proud of my behaviour, but getting wasted was a way of forgetting... The cocaine use came hand in hand with the alcohol abuse. I started smoking marijuana first. 'Reality wasnt too great so this alternative reality with the use of substances was a better place to be. It was an experimentation at first and I could afford it... I was spending a lot on it. It changed me as a person.' Admitting that his resulting tardiness on the Corrie set led to tensions with on-screen dad Charlie Lawson, he turned things around soon after his troubles were made public in 1995. However , a sober Simon said: 'Everything that happened has made me the person I am today and I am so grateful for the life I have. I have a fantastic job, a gorgeous family and amazing friends and colleagues. I am a lucky bloke.' Sami Lukis headed off for her first overseas vacation in two years last month, flying from Sydney to New York. And the radio personality, 52, revealed it was a nervous journey, as she feared contracting Covid-19. Despite being encouraged to 'live with Covid' and accept it as part of a 'post-pandemic' world, Sami found it wasn't so simple. Off she goes: Sami Lukis (pictured) headed off for her first overseas vacation in two years last month, flying from Sydney to New York. And the radio personality, 52, revealed it was a nervous journey, as she feared contracting Covid-19 'I knew there'd be risks, especially while these new strains of the virus keep rearing their ugly heads,' she wrote in a column for Nine Honey on Sunday. 'I could find myself stranded overseas with COVID or requiring expensive medical assistance if it hit me hard.' Despite her fears, Sami ended up having a wonderful time and said it was worth the risk after 'two excruciating years' stuck in Sydney. Fun: Despite her fears, Sami ended up having a wonderful time and said it was worth the risk after 'two excruciating years' stuck in Sydney. 'I knew there'd be risks, especially while these new strains of the virus keep rearing their ugly heads,' she wrote 'There was also the possibility that I would not get COVID, and not get stranded, and have an absolutely awesome time. Which, as it turns out, is exactly what happened,' she added. The television personality advised those travelling overseas ensure they choose flexible airfares and 'a comprehensive insurance plan, with Covid cover'. She also suggested holiday makers know the Covid-safety requirements for each airline they fly, each airport they go through and each country they visit, and check online frequently to get the latest advice. 'There was also the possibility that I would not get COVID, and not get stranded, and have an absolutely awesome time. Which, as it turns out, is exactly what happened,' she said During her time in New York, Sami had a ball and frequently updated her Instagram followers with her adventures. 'Doesn't matter how many times I've been to NYC - I still can't help making this face every time I see Times Square' she captioned one image. 'Has COVID taken all the fun out of international travel? (Short answer: NO!)' she captioned another image of the New York skyline. 'I was a little nervous about travelling overseas again, but the journey was super easy, with no stress and no issues at check in, onboard or clearing customs in the USA' she wrote She wrote at length in another post: 'I'm back, baby! I can't even describe how wonderful it feels to be back in The Big Apple again, after two incredibly frustrating years away. I'm smiling so hard under this mask, it hurts. 'I was a little nervous about travelling overseas again, but the journey was super easy, with no stress and no issues at check in, onboard or clearing customs in the USA. 'With the right paperwork and preparation, it was much easier than I expected! And New York is just as friggin' amazing as it's always been.' Married At First Sight's Brent Vitiello and Ella Ding formed an unlikely friendship during their time filming this year's season of the Channel Nine experiment. And on Saturday night, the pair took their friendship to the next level by meeting each other's parents as they hosted a joint birthday celebration at Eros Sydney. Photos obtained by Daily Mail Australia show Brent, 34, and his mum Lana and father Rino pose alongside Ella, 28, and her mother Belinda for a group picture. Celebrations! Married At First Sight's Brent Vitiello, 34, (centre) and Ella Ding, 28, (left) hosted a joint birthday in Sydney on Saturday. Pictured alongside Brent's father Rino (right) Brent, cut a smart casual figure in a long sleeve shirt which he teamed up with black trousers. Ella meanwhile dared to bare as she put on a leggy display in a white coloured form-fitting dress that featured a thigh high split. Selina Chhaur also made a special appearance, flying in from Adelaide for the occasion. Cute! Photos obtained by Daily Mail Australia show Brent and his mum Lana (right) and father Rino pose alongside Ella and her mother Belinda (left) for a group picture. Pictured together Friends: Selina Chhaur (left) also made a special appearance, flying in from Adelaide for the occasion. Pictured alongside Ella and Domenica Calarco (right) The blonde beauty, 32, showcased her incredible trim frame in a ribbed skirt and a matching ruched knit halter top. Also in attendance was Jack Millar who was out celebrating his 27th birthday with his on-screen 'wife' Domenica Calarco. Domenica, 29, showed off her trim pins in a black mini dress. Fun: At one point, Domenica and Ella were seen dancing on table tops and didn't care who saw She elevated her height wearing blue coloured heels. At one point, Domenica and Ella were seen dancing on table tops and didn't care who saw. The reality star brides were seen showing off their best dance moves while club goers cheered them on. Good night: The reality star brides were seen showing off their best dance moves while club goers cheered them on Rumour has it that Brent and Ella are more than just friends after they were both partnered with other people on Married At First Sight. Brent did little to quell the speculation on Tuesday when he told New Idea the pair had grown 'really, really close' since filming wrapped. The venue manager revealed he and Ella both agreed they should have been matched in the experiment, but stopped short of confirming they were dating. 'Me and Ella have spoken. We are really, really close,' Brent said. Close: Rumour has it that Brent and Ella are more than just friends. Brent did little to quell the speculation on Tuesday when he told New Idea the pair had grown 'really, really close' since filming wrapped 'We've had the conversation that if we had been matched, things would've turned out amazingly and we were a lot more suited.' He said they hadn't taken things beyond a friendship just yet because Ella was still healing after her split from ex-'husband' Mitch Eynaud. Brent continued: 'We are just spending time together as really good friends, and if something happens, it does; if it doesn't, it doesn't. We're kind of open to both of it.' Mitch had ghosted Ella just days after they filmed the MAFS reunion dinner party in Sydney in January. TV presenter Alex Beresford has revealed he is engaged to his girlfriend Imogen McKay after proposing on New Year's Day while they were on holiday in Majorca. The 41-year-old Good Morning Britain weatherman and 29-year-old McKay have been dating since August 2020 after a mutual friend set them up on a blind date. Beresford told HELLO! magazine: 'I'd been on my own for a while and was ready for a new relationship. But I was adamant I didn't want to try a dating website. Happy news: TV presenter Alex Beresford has revealed he is engaged to his girlfriend Imogen McKay after proposing on New Year's Day while they were on holiday in Majorca 'I'm of an age where before social media, you met a girl, took her phone number and called to invite her out.' He explained that he asked a friend if she knew anyone he would get on with, to which she replied: 'I do - but she's way too good for you'. The presenter said he laughed along and told her "She's the one that I want!" Opening up: Hunky Alex admits he'd bene single 'for a while' and was ready to start dating again when he met Imogen through a mutual friend Read all about it: The full interview is available in the latest issue of HELLO! Reflecting on the beginning of their relationship, he said: 'We hit it off from the start. We talked every day about our shared values and goals, and our love for our families. We've always been on the same page.' McKay grew up in Australia and works in e-commerce operations for a top London restaurant. She revealed that she had never seen Beresford on television before meeting him and refrained from looking him up beforehand as she wanted to find out for herself what he was like. Recalling their first date in Bristol, where Beresford lives, she said: 'When we met, it felt as if we'd known each other for ages. Holding hands and laughing together just came naturally.' The couple have since had a long-distance relationship moving between Bristol and London before their engagement. Beresford described the "amazing moment" when he popped the question to McKay while they were walking along the beach in Majorica. Main man: The presenter is known to millions thanks to his role as Good Morning Britain weatherman and part-time host He said: 'The weather was sunny and warm, and the sea was crystal clear. "This is it," I thought. 'Imogen's not one for taking photos, but as I persuaded her to pose for a picture overlooking the sea, I kneeled down to take the engagement ring I'd hidden inside my rucksack. 'When she turned around, I was on one knee, and asked her the biggest question of my life - and she said yes. It was an amazing moment.' The couple plan to return to Majorca for their wedding in September, which will have around 100 guests to help them celebrate their big day. Beresford's 12-year-old son Cruz, from his previous marriage with Natalia Natkaniec, will act as ring bearer and best man. Read the full article in the latest issue of HELLO! magazine out now. Jada Pinkett Smith looked glittering in gold on Saturday evening as she made her first public outing since her husband Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars. The Emmy-Award winner, 50, was attending the grand opening of The Rhimes Performing Arts Centre in Los Angeles and used the star-studded event to show off her style. Jada wore a strapless gown that spotlighted her toned arms and she accented the elegant ensemble with a subtle red lip and gold earrings. Glittering: Jada Pinkett Smith looked glittering in gold on Saturday evening as she made her first public outing since her husband Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars The actress boosted her sophisticated frame with a pair of killer gold heels which were the perfect complementation to her look. Jada was later seen concealing her striking gown with a thick white dressing gown as she watched the night unfold from the crowd. Saturday night's event celebrated the opening of Bridgerton producer Shonda Rhimes ' latest project, The Rhimes Performing Arts Centre. Simply stunning: The Emmy-Award winner, 50, was attending the grand opening of The Rhimes Performing Arts Centre in Los Angeles Gorgeous in gold: Jada wore a strapless gown that spotlighted her toned arms and she accented the elegant ensemble with a red lip and gold earrings Natural beauty: Jada was later seen concealing her striking gown with a thick white dressing gown as she watched the night unfold from the crowd Star-studded: Saturday night's event celebrated the opening of Bridgerton producer Shonda Rhimes ' latest project, The Rhimes Performing Arts Centre ACADEMY'S FULL STATEMENT The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage. During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short unprepared for the unprecedented. Today, the Board of Governors convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to Will Smiths actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation. The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards. We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast. This action we are taking today in response to Will Smiths behavior is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy. We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted. Advertisement The new facility includes a fly aerial studio named for Jada and Will Smith and is open to students aged 8 and older, teaching teach classes in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, African, Dunham, Tap and Musical Theatre. Jada's husband Will, 53, has been banned from the Oscars for 10 years for slapping comedian Chris, but will be allowed to keep his award for Best Actor. In a statement, the Academy blasted the actor's 'unacceptable' and 'harmful' behaviour that 'overshadowed' the entire evening. 'During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short unprepared for the unprecedented. 'The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards. 'We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast.' In a statement on Friday afternoon after the decision was reached, Will told Deadline: 'I accept and respect the Academys decision.' He had already resigned from the Academy last Friday, taking the decision out of their hands to rescind his membership as it did with Harvey Weinstein. Jada will still be allowed to attend in-person events. The 54-person Board of Governors met on Friday morning after furious debate between its 9,000 members raged over the last 12 days in hundreds of WhatsApp groups. The slap divided Hollywood and the public, with some insisting he should be stripped of his Oscar and not be rewarded for violence while others said dismissed it and mocked it on social media. Consequence: Jada's husband Will, 53, has been banned from the Oscars for 10 years for slapping comedian Chris Rock last month, but will be allowed to keep his award for Best Actor Will slapped Chris on-stage after the comedian made a joke about Jada's shaved head. She has been open in the past about her struggles with alopecia. After the slap, the Fresh Prince returned to his seat and screamed, 'keep my wife's name out of your f*****g mouth.' He then won the Oscar for Best Actor in his role as Richard Williams, in the film King Richard. He used his speech to apologise to the Academy and to Chris , and he later posted an apology on Instagram. Chris has kept quiet on the issue, speaking out only to say he was 'processing' what happened. Robert Irwin shared a sweet tribute for his sister Bindi to Instagram on Sunday to celebrate National Siblings Day. Alongside an adorable throwback photo of the pair taken at Australia Zoo in Queensland, Robert, 18, described Bindi, 23, as the 'absolute best'. National Siblings Day on April 10 is predominantly celebrated in the US and Canada. 'The absolute best': Robert Irwin shared this sweet throwback photo with sister Bindi at Australia Zoo to celebrate National Siblings Day on April 10, in an Instagram post on Sunday In the sweet throwback snap, Robert looked cute in a white T-shirt, beige overalls and sneakers, as he crouched close to Bindi, who wore khakis and held onto a snake. Robert captioned the photo: 'Happy National Siblings Day to the absolute best'. Bindi also shared a tribute to her brother on Instagram, posting a photo of them at their current age, standing next to blown-up photos of themselves as children. Sibling love: Bindi, 23, also shared a tribute to her brother, 18, on Instagram. They are pictured with Bindi's daughter Grace Warrior, one 'Happy National Siblings Day to the very best. Love you 3,000!' she wrote online 'Happy National Siblings Day to the very best. Love you 3,000!' she wrote online. The sweet tributes come after Robert and Bindi's mother Terri Irwin recalled meeting their father, her late husband Steve Irwin, during an interview at a Brisbane auditorium on Wednesday night. Terri, 57, who hails from Oregon in the United States, had been visiting Australia when she was just 27 when she first laid eyes on The Crocodile Hunter. A rare insight: It comes after Robert and Bindi's mother Terri Irwin, 57, recalled meeting their father, her late husband Steve Irwin (both pictured), during an interview at a Brisbane auditorium on Wednesday night Terri travelled through Beerwah, a rural town in Queensland, and came across the Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park, now known as Australia Zoo. 'I was very impressed with the humility and love that he had for the animals,' Terri said during a live interview with The Courier Mail on Wednesday. 'Incredibly short shorts, a big hat, and a big mullet, and he was so enthusiastic.' Sweet: Terri, who hails from Oregon in the United States, had been visiting Australia when she was just 27 when she first laid eyes on The Crocodile Hunter. 'I was very impressed with the humility and love that he had for the animals,' Terri told the audience. Pictured in 2019 Unique: 'Incredibly short shorts, a big hat, and a big mullet, and he was so enthusiastic,' Terri went on to say of Steve. She revealed that they spent the entire day talking and exchanged phone numbers. Steve is pictured in 2003 Terri revealed that they spent the entire day talking and exchanged phone numbers. They eventually got married in 1992 in Oregon, and welcomed two children together, Bindi and Robert. Steve tragically died, aged 44, in September 2006 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming a documentary on the Batt Reef in Queensland. Nina Dobrev and Shaun White were spotted in each other's company during a sightseeing trip in Athens on Sunday. The 33-year-old actress and the 35-year-old snowboarder were seen posing for a selfie at one point, and they later held hands while taking a stroll with a mutual friend. The happy couple has been romantically connected ever since 2020, and they met at a motivational event the previous year. Staying close: Nina Dobrev and Shaun White were spotted in each other's company during a sightseeing trip in Athens on Sunday White kept it casual in a striped short-sleeve shirt, slim-fitting pants and stark white sneakers. Dobrev sported a sleeved white blouse while she spent time with the snowboarder. The Vampire Diaries actress also rocked a set of denim shorts and a set of shoes that matched her top. The performer accessorized with a stylish set of sunglasses, and her lovely brunette locks fell onto her shoulders and back. Making the most of it: The 33-year-old actress and the 35-year-old snowboarder were seen posing for a selfie at one point, and they later held hands while taking a stroll with a mutual friend Comfortable clothing: Dobrev sported a sleeved white blouse while she spent time with the snowboarder White and Dobrev first met while attending a motivational event that took place in Florida in 2019. The professional athlete was previously in a relationship with Phantogram member Sarah Barthel that lasted from 2013 until 2019. The actress also dated her Vampire Diaries costar Ian Somerhalder from 2010 until 2013. The two later accompanied each other on a safari trip to South Africa the following year. In the past: White and Dobrev first met while attending a motivational event that took place in Florida in 2019 Many of the pair's fans noticed that they were in the same location when they shared images from the excursion to their respective Instagram accounts. White and Dobrev went Instagram official in April of that year, when the actress posted a video of her and the athlete washing groceries on Instagram. The pair have since been featured in numerous photos that have been shared to their respective accounts. The athlete spoke about his relationship with the actress during an interview with Us Weekly, where he stated that he and the performer connected on several levels. Letting everyone know: White and Dobrev went Instagram official in April of that year, when the actress posted a video of her and the athlete washing groceries on Instagram While discussing his attraction to Dobrev, White stated: 'I wish I could sum it up into one or two things. It's such a mix of everything.' The snowboarder then noted that both he and the Flatliners cast member shared many qualities, which made their romance all the more intense. 'We have common interests. The way in which we met really kind of strengthened our relationship. And the problems that we do face, they kind of fall away through communication. It's just been great,' he said. Likeminded people: The snowboarder then noted that both he and the Flatliners cast member shared many qualities, which made their romance all the more intense White was also very open about what he admired most about the performer and remarked that she impressed him regularly. 'She wants to elevate the people around her. It's such a beautiful thing, especially in today's worldTo have that kind of a caring quality still is really special,' he stated. The athlete also praised her 'overwhelming kindness and care for people' during the sit-down. Filming for the brand new action packed IRA drama is well underway. And Colin Morgan took to the streets of Edinburgh as the cast of Borderland filmed an intense shootout outside Waverley Station on Sunday. The actor, 36, put on a rugged display with unkempt long brunette locks and facial hair as he was joined on set by weapon wielding co-stars. On set: Belfast star Colin Morgan, 36, was joined by weapon wielding co-stars as the cast filmed an intense shootout for upcoming drama Borderland in Edinburgh on Sunday Colin donned a longline beige trench coat with a white shirt and black trousers as he tucked a newspaper into his pocket. Elsewhere, men could been seen as they fired guns across the street and shielded themselves behind a vintage car. The actor donned a grey flat cap with a matching wool coat and retro framed sunglasses as he crouched down with his weapon. In character: He put on a rugged display with unkempt long brunette locks and facial hair Smart: Colin donned a longline beige trench coat with a white shirt and black trousers as he tucked a newspaper into his pocket Setting the scene: Crew members were seen as they set up an iconic red phone box He appeared to take a hit as one of the stunt guns that was fired by a policeman struck the character. The dramatic scene saw him take a bullet to the chest as he stumbled back, losing his hat and glasses. Colin's role in the upcoming film, which also stars Jack Reynor, is not currently known. Bad guy? Another actor donned a grey flat cap with a matching wool coat and retro framed sunglasses as he crouched down with his weapon Exciting: Elsewhere, men could been seen as they fired guns across the street and shielded themselves behind a vintage car Watch out: He appeared to take a hit as one of the stunt guns that was fired by a policeman struck the character Ouch: The dramatic scene saw him take a bullet to the chest as he stumbled back, losing his hat and glasses The actor most recently appeared in Belfast opposite Jamie Dornan and Caitriona Balfe. According to Deadline, Borderland follows an Irish paramilitary named Michael (Jack Reynor) who witnesses the death of his pregnant wife at the hands of SAS agent Tempest. Tempest is sent back to London to lead a counter-terrorist operation while Michael joins an active service unit wrecking havoc in the city. New project: Colin's role in the upcoming film, which also stars Jack Reynor, is not currently known Plot: According to Deadline , Borderland follows an Irish paramilitary named Michael (Jack Reynor) who witnesses the death of his pregnant wife at the hands of SAS agent Tempest Michael aims to hunt down Tempest to avenge his wife's death. The film will also star The Theory of Everything actress Felicity Jones. The screenplay was written by Felicity's husband Charles Guard and his brother Thomas. Coming soon: Colin most recently appeared in Belfast opposite Jamie Dornan and Caitriona Balfe The pair said: 'Borderland is a vengeance fueled chase movie, fusing some pulse ticking action with a powerful message for our times. 'We're thrilled that the script, driven as much by character as it is by plot, has attracted such a first rate cast.' Producer Chris Coen added: 'It's been a pleasure working with Rocket Science putting the film together and I couldn't be more excited to get this prodigious project into production later this year. The Guard Brothers make for a terrific team who are assembling a formidable cast and crew.' Stars of the critically-acclaimed HBO comedy-drama series The White Lotus reunited at Deadline's Contenders Television in Los Angeles. On Sunday, Connie Britton, Alexandra Daddario, Sydney Sweeney and Murray Bartlett hosted a panel at the week-long event that kicks off television award season. Connie., 55, looked chic in a black silk ensemble comprised of a blouse with 3/4 length sleeves and cropped pants. Back together: Stars of the critically-acclaimed HBO comedy-drama series The White Lotus reunited at Deadline's Contenders Television in Los Angeles The Boston native sported textured black platform Mary Janes and accessorized with gold bracelets, rings and earrings. The Friday Night Lights actress wore her strawberry blonde locks loose over her shoulders and had on tortoiseshell-framed eyeglasses. Alexandra, 36, bared her toned midriff in a black ribbed turtleneck crop top that she wore under a long brown tweed blazer with matching trousers. Reunion: On Sunday, Connie Britton, Alexandra Daddario, Sydney Sweeney and Murray Bartlett hosted a panel at the week-long event that kicks off television award season Stylish: Alexandra, 36, bared her toned midriff in a black ribbed turtleneck crop top that she wore under a long brown tweed blazer with matching trousers The San Andreas star wore her sleek brunette locks parted on the side and pulled back and completed her ensemble with black pointed toe pumps. Sydney donned a nude pantsuit that had a long-sleeved corset-style top and high-waisted wide-legged pants. The 24-year-old Euphoria star showed off a glimpse of her cleavage in the top which fastened with black hooks up her bare torso. Sexy: Sydney donned a nude pantsuit that had a long-sleeved corset-style top and high-waisted wide-legged pants Missing accessory: She accessorized with several gold rings but was not sporting the massive sparkler from fiance Jonathan Davino, to whom she became engaged in February The Spokane native's floor-length slacks featured press creases and side slits on the bottom. Sydney's blonde tresses were pulled back with several curled strands framing her face. She accessorized with several gold rings but was not sporting the massive sparkler from fiance Jonathan Davino, to whom she became engaged in February. Dressed-down: Murray was casually attired in a dark blue denim jacket over a light blue denim button-up shirt Murray was casually attired in a dark blue denim jacket over a light blue denim button-up shirt. The 51-year-old Australian actor had on black cargo pants and brown leather lace-up loafers. The White Lotus followed the exploits of guests and employees over the course of a week at a tropical resort in Hawaii. The plot: The White Lotus followed the exploits of guests and employees over the course of a week at a tropical resort in Hawaii During the panel, Murray, who starred as the resort's eccentric manager Armond said, 'It's an actor's dream to have [this kind of] roller coaster ride with a character,' He added, 'It was a dream dropped in my lap, really.' Murray also heaped praise on his co-stars, saying, 'It was such a fantastically talented group of people, but also a really wonderful group of people, which was lucky because we were quarantined together and couldn't leave.' Though the show was originally developed as a limited series, it was renewed as an anthology series with the next iteration following another group of vacationers and resort staff at a White Lotus property in Italy. Television talent: Throughout the day, several other stars made appearances to host panels for their shows at Contenders Television Throughout the day, several other stars made appearances to host panels for their shows at Contenders Television. John C. Reilly and Quincy Isaiah took to the stage to discuss their HBO series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. The 10-episode show told the story of the players that made up the storied 1980s Los Angeles Lakers dynasty led by owner Jerry Buss (Reilly). Panelists: John C. Reilly and Quincy Isaiah (pictured here) took to the stage to discuss their HBO series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. John, 56, walked the carpet ahead of the event in a black three-piece suit with a crisp white dress shirt. The Chicago star sported a straw hat and brown leather dress shoes and tucked a black silk handkerchief into the pocket of his suit jacket. Quincy, 25, who played Earvin 'Magic' Johnson in the series, stood out in a brightly colored 70s style holographic-patterned blazer which he teamed with a white dress shirt, a black tie, black trousers and black slippers. Executive producer: Mindy Kaling was in attendance as she hosted a panel with her The Sex Lives of College Girls co-creator Justin Noble Mindy Kaling was in attendance as she hosted a panel with her The Sex Lives of College Girls co-creator Justin Noble. The 42-year-old actress was clad in a light blue floral knee-length dress that featured pearl buttons, a white collar and white-trimmed front pockets. The Office star wore her brunette hair parted to the side and down and sported pointed toe white pumps. Coming back soon: Winona Ryder joined Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer for a panel ahead of the show's fourth season premiere on May 27 Winona Ryder joined Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer for a panel ahead of the show's fourth season premiere on May 27. The 50-year-old actress wore long black knit sweater with a deep V neckline over a white button-up shirt with ripped blue jeans and black and gold buckled shoes. The Edward Scissorhands star, who plays Joyce Byers in the Netflix series, styled her light brown shoulder-length locks in loose curls. Helen Hunt hosted a panel for the Starz series Blindspotting along with Jasmine Cephas Jones, Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal. Ensemble: Helen Hunt hosted a panel for the Starz series Blindspotting along with Jasmine Cephas Jones, Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal Helen, 58, sported a bright yellow ruffled blouse under a colorful tropical floral print vest with wide-legged black pants. Jasmine, 36, donned a cleavage-baring peach ruffled sundress that had a drawstring waist. Daveed, 40, who co-created the series with Rafael, donned a color-block jacket over a black and white polka dot button-up shirt with beige ripped jeans and clear-framed eyeglasses. Lovely: Jasmine, 36, donned a cleavage-baring peach ruffled sundress that had a drawstring waist Mixing patterns: . Daveed, 40, who co-created the series with Rafael, donned a color-block jacket over a black and white polka dot button-up shirt with beige ripped jeans and clear-framed eyeglasses DMZ star Rosario Dawson rocked a sleeveless pink, orange and maroon 70s style patterned silk dress with beige leather boots as she joined executive producer Ernest Dickerson to discuss their HBO Max show. The 42-year-old actress piled her long brunette tresses on top of her head and accessorized with gold hoop earrings and gold rings. Courteney Cox, Mira Sorvino, Greg Kinnear and showrunner Jeff Astrof hosted a panel on their Starz horror series Shining Vale. Retro: DMZ star Rosario Dawson rocked a sleeveless pink, orange and maroon 70s style patterned silk dress with beige leather boots as she joined executive producer Ernest Dickerson to discuss their HBO Max show Stunner: Tiffany Haddish was also in attendance in an all-black Thom Browne look Courteney, 57, looked stylish in an all-black ensemble comprised of a blazer over a lacy silk camisole that was tucked into trousers. She accessorized with gold necklaces and rings along with a black leather belt and wore black pointed-toe heels. The Scream star posed on the red carpet with Mira, 58, who was clad in a white twill sheath dress decorated with bejeweled buttons along with a pair of gold platform sandals. The Academy Award winner wore a black brace on her arm. Greg, 57, looked sharp in a black polo shirt under a black blazer with black slacks and black leather dress shoes. Courteney Cox and Mira Sorvino (seen here) joined Greg Kinnear and showrunner Jeff Astrof for a panel on their Starz horror series Shining Vale Chic: Courteney, 57, looked stylish in an all-black ensemble comprised of a blazer over a lacy silk tank camisole that was tucked into trousers. Fashionable: Mira was clad in a white twill sheath dress decorated with bejeweled buttons along with a pair of gold platform sandals Horror story: Shining Vale follows a dysfunctional family that moves into an old mansion in Connecticut Monochromatic: Greg, 57, looked sharp in a black polo shirt under a black blazer with black slacks and black leather dress shoes Meagan Good wore a cream-colored cargo jumpsuit that she tucked into a pair of black combat boots. The 40-year-old actress wore her raven braids in an elaborate updo and sported several gold hoop earrings. Grace Byers, 37, donned a chic green sleeveless jumpsuit with large gold hoop earrings and pulled her hair back into a sleek bun. Meagan and Grace joined creator Tracy Oliver and co-stars Jerrie Johnson and Shoniqua Shandai for a panel discussion on their Amazon Prime Video show Harlem. Edgy: Meagan Good wore a cream-colored cargo jumpsuit that she tucked into a pair of black combat boots Trendy: Grace Byers, 37, donned a chic emerald green sleeveless jumpsuit with large gold hoop earrings and pulled her hair back into a sleek bun Daniel Dae Kim had on a black polo shirt, a beige blazer, light gray pants and brown loafers along with a pair of black-framed eyeglasses. The 53-year-old South Korean actor and co-star Tony Goldwyn conducted a panel discussion on their Hulu series The Hot Zone: Anthrax. Seth Meyers kept it casual in a navy blue and red striped long-sleeved shirt and dark blue jeans with brown leather shoes. The 48-year-old television host served as the sole panelist for his talk show Late Night with Seth Meyers. Discussion: Daniel Dae Kim (seen here) and co-star Tony Goldwyn conducted a panel discussion on their Hulu series The Hot Zone: Anthrax Solo panelist: Seth Meyers kept it casual in a navy blue and red striped long-sleeved shirt and dark blue jeans with brown leather shoes 1883 stars Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Sam Elliott joined co-stars Isabel May and LaMonica Garrett for a conversation on their Paramount + Yellowstone prequel. Faith, 54, beamed as she posed on the red carpet in a dark blue denim ensemble that consisted of wide-leg pants and a long button-up shirt that had large front pockets. The country star, who wore her golden-streaked brunette waves down, completed her look with gold hoop earrings, several gold chain necklaces and red pointed-toe pumps. Prequel series: 1883 stars Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Sam Elliott joined co-stars Isabel May and LaMonica Garrett for a conversation on their Paramount + Yellowstone prequel All-demin: Faith, 54, beamed as she posed on the red carpet in a dark blue denim ensemble that consisted of wide-leg pants and a long button-up shirt that had large front pockets Real life love: Faith's on and off-screen husband Tim, 54, was also clad in a monochromatic outfit Faith's on and off-screen husband Tim, 54, was also clad in a monochromatic outfit. He paired a maroon long-sleeved shirt with pants in a slightly lighter shade of the same color. The It's Your Love hitmaker added a gold chain necklace that had a black saber tooth pendant and brown leather shoes. Sam, 77, donned a gray tweed blazer over a black t-shirt and black pants with black leather shoes. Dapper: Sam, 77, donned a gray tweed blazer over a black t-shirt and black pants with black leather shoes Octavia Spencer and Ron Cephas Jones hosted the panel for their Apple + series Truth Be Told. Octavia, 51, had on a black blouse with a matching blazer and trousers. She sported black beaded sandals, gold hoop earrings and an Apple watch. Ron, 65, looked dapper in a slate blue suit with a white dress shirt and a black tie that had a gold tie clip along with brown dress shoes. Tv awards season kickoff: Octavia Spencer and Ron Cephas Jones hosted the panel for their Apple + series Truth Be Told Sharp: Ron, 65, looked dapper in a slate blue suit with a white dress shirt and a black tie that had a gold tie clip along with brown dress shoes Star Trek: Picard star Patrick Stewart walked the red carpet ahead of his solo panel. The 81-year-old actor wore a black t-shirt under a black and gray plaid blazer with black pants, a studded black belt, black slide sneakers and black-framed eyeglasses. Bel Air stars Cassandra Freeman and Jabari Banks were panelists along with director Morgan Cooper and co-showrunner Rasheed Newson for Peacock's Bel Air. Cassandra, 43, was a ray of sunshine in a bright yellow pantsuit that featured a blazer with white cuffs. She sported gold jewelry and strappy pastel orange sandals. Veteran actor: Star Trek: Picard star Patrick Stewart walked the red carpet ahead of his solo panel Reboot: Bel Air stars Cassandra Freeman and Jabari Banks were panelists along with director Morgan Cooper and co-showrunner Rasheed Newson for Peacock's Bel Air Statement shoes: Jabari, 23, was clad in a red turtleneck sweater under a black leather jacket with black skinny jeans, white socks and black Prada shoes Jabari, 23, was clad in a red turtleneck sweater under a black leather jacket with black skinny jeans, white socks and black Prada shoes. Tiffany Haddish and Sam Richardson were joined on stage by executive producers Chris Miller and Phil Lord for The Afterparty panel. Tiffany, 42, showed off her chic style in a black corset top over a long pleated skirt with a black cropped blazer. Taking the stage: Tiffany Haddish and Sam Richardson were joined on stage by executive producers Chris Miller and Phil Lord for The Afterparty panel Eye-catching: Sam, 38, donned a black and yellow grid-patterned suit with a yellow graphic t-shirt and black sneakers She wore a red, blue and white belt and held a black leather handbag. The Girls Trip star sported black loafer-style heels and an Apple watch. Sam, 38, donned a black and yellow grid-patterned suit with a yellow graphic t-shirt and black sneakers. Joshua Jackson, 43, modeled a bold Gucci plaid suit over a white dress shirt with mahogany brown leather shoes and a gold chain. His co-star Christian Slater, 52, donned a cream knit sweater with brown tweed pants, brown leather shoes and tortoiseshell-framed eyeglasses. The two actors hosted the panel for their show Dr. Death with showrunner Patrick Macmanus and director Maggie Kiley. Luxurious: Joshua Jackson, 43, modeled a bold Gucci plaid suit over a white dress shirt with mahogany brown leather shoes and a gold chain Katherine Schwarzenegger showed off her growing baby bump while spending time with her mother, Maria Shriver, and baby daughter Lyla at a farmer's market in Pacific Palisades on Sunday. The 32-year-old author held her child, aged one, as she looked around the market and spent a bit of time in the shining California sun. The media personality shares her daughter with her husband, Chris Pratt, with whom she is expecting to welcome another kid in the near future. Expecting: Katherine Schwarzenegger showed off her growing baby bump while spending time with her mother, Maria Shriver, and baby daughter Lyla at a farmer's market in Pacific Palisades on Sunday Schwarzenegger wore a nearly all-black outfit that included a t-shirt worn underneath a zip-up hoodie. The writer also rocked a set of leggings and stark white sneakers during her trip to the farmer's market. The author accessorized with a chunk gold necklace from Allurez, earrings and a stylish blue-tinted set of sunglasses. Her lovely blonde hair was partially tied back, although much of it fell onto her shoulders. Keeping it consistent: Schwarzenegger wore a nearly all-black outfit that included a t-shirt worn underneath a zip-up hoodie Taking it easy: The writer also rocked a set of leggings and stark white sneakers during her trip to the farmer's market Schwarzenegger and Pratt were initially linked when they were spotted having a picnic in Santa Barbara in June of 2018. The 42-year-old actor was previously married to Anna Faris, with whom he shares a son named Jack, aged nine. The former couple tied the knot in 2009, although they split up in 2017 and divorced the following year. The writer and the actor later began seeing each other, and they were often spotted in each other's company throughout 2018. Making moves: Schwarzenegger and Pratt were initially linked when they were spotted having a picnic in Santa Barbara in June of 2018; they are seen in 2019 Schwarzenegger and Pratt went on to become engaged in January of 2019, and he made the announcement about the occasion through a post that was shared to his Instagram account. The two eventually married in Montecito, California that June. The happy couple subsequently announced that they were planning on starting a family, and they welcomed Lyla Maria into their lives in August of 2020. It was later revealed that they were looking to add another child to their family this past December. Proud parents: The happy couple subsequently announced that they were planning on starting a family, and they welcomed Lyla Maria into their lives in August of 2020 Schwarzenegger opened up about becoming a mother during an interview with People, where she was very clear about her enjoyment of parenthood. The author specifically stated that 'motherhood is the greatest gift and such a joy.' The media figure did point out, however, that welcoming her daughter during the pandemic was a 'unique experience.' Schwarzenegger added: 'I feel really blessed to have been able to become a mom during this time. It's something that I've looked forward to my whole life.' Rosario Dawson turned heads on Sunday as she attended Deadline's Contenders Television event in Los Angeles. The 42-year-old actress scooped her curly locks into a sultry updo and donned an orange, brown, and pink patterned dress. She added beige suede boots and beamed as she smiled for photos on the step-and-repeat. Showstopper: Rosario Dawson turned heads on Sunday as she attended Deadline's Contenders Television event in Los Angeles The New York native wore gold hoops in her ears, skipped a necklace, and adorned her fingers in gold rings. Ringlets of her hair fell around her face, creating a delicate frame for her gorgeous visage. The Seven Pounds star's face was immaculately made up with warm tones to complement her flawless complexion. It was rounded out with a nude pink, glossy lip stain and she proudly showed it off as she posed for pictures. Stylish: The 42-year-old actress scooped her curly locks into a sultry updo and donned an orange, brown, and pink patterned dress Sleek look: She added beige suede boots and beamed as she smiled for photos on the step-and-repeat; with director Ernest Dickerson Rosario channeled a 70s era look for her red carpet appearance, flaunting her toned arms in the sleeveless number. The dress was long and was tailored with expert draping that flattered her trim figure. She attended the event to take the stage to discuss her show DMZ, a dystopian miniseries about an American civil war set in the future. The entertainer walked alongside the show's director and executive producer Ernest Dickerson. Gorgeous: The Seven Pounds star's face was immaculately made up with warm tones to complement her flawless complexion She attended the event to take the stage to discuss her show DMZ, a dystopian miniseries about an American civil war set in the future Rosario looked giddy as she chatted up the HBO Max series, sitting with legs crossed on the stage's beige chair. Rosario plays the role of Alma Ortega, a woman in desperate search of her missing son, Christian. Deadline's week-long event kicks off television award season and had other guests including Courteney Cox, Connie Britton, and Mindy Kaling, among others. Collaborators: Rosario looked giddy as she chatted up the HBO Max series with Ernest Dickerson Excited: Rosario looked giddy as she chatted up the series, sitting with legs crossed on the stage's beige chair They have been living in Byron Bay for eight years after leaving the bright lights of Los Angeles back in 2014. And Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky well and truly looked like locals as they stepped out to visit a deli in nearby Newrybar over the weekend. The couple were joined by their three children - and the family's pet bearded dragon lizard. Only in Byron Bay! Elsa Pataky carried her pet bearded dragon lizard on her shoulder as she picked up food at a local deli with husband Chris Hemsworth on Saturday Elsa carried the reptile on her shoulder as the famous Hollywood couple left the eatery with some tasty treats. The Spanish actress, 45, was makeup free, and showed off her trim pins in a pair of tiny bohemian style shorts. She teamed the hot pants with a printed yellow T-shirt and a cream knitted cardigan. Cute: Elsa carried the reptile on her shoulder as the famous Hollywood couple left the eatery with some tasty treats Meanwhile, Thor hunk Chris, 38, flaunted his muscular frame in a white T-shirt and grey shorts. He shielded his famous face with designer sunglasses and a cap. The actor looked happy to be home after spending almost six months in Europe and USA filming Extraction 2. The Hemsworth family welcomed their pet lizard into the household back in June 2019. Boho beauty! The Spanish actress was makeup free, and showed off her trim pins in a pair of tiny bohemian style shorts At the time, the couple's eldest child, India Rose, nine, took the reptile to show and tell at school. Elsa and her children - India and twin sons Tristan and Sasha, eight - recently found themselves trapped in their $30million Byron Bay home after its entrance was 'completely flooded' during a previous bout of extreme weather. 'She was there on her own with her three young children because Chris is currently overseas filming [Netflix movie Extraction 2],' a source told The Daily Telegraph. Hunk: Meanwhile, Thor hunk Chris flaunted his muscular frame in a white T-shirt and grey shorts Family affair: The couple were joined by their three children during the outing Elsa was said to be 'stuck in her house for several days with no phone reception'. Last month, she praised those helping to save people in flood-stricken northern NSW. The Fast & Furious actress shared a series of photos on Instagram of the flood crisis and thanked the heroes on boats and jet-skis who went out to rescue locals. 'Northern Rivers and beyond had been hit by the worst floods in history. People have spent hours waiting on rooftops to be rescue,' she wrote. 'Thanks to all those who are able to help save people and animals stranded by the floodwaters, you are the real heroes. 'So amazing to watch how everyone pulls together in a disaster and helps the community. Our hearts go out to those affected by the floods. Stay safe.' Nearly 40 years after her iconic role in the gangster epic Scarface, Michelle Pfeiffer revealed an interesting detail about her iconic sunglasses. The 63-year-old actress made an appearance on Live With Kelly and Ryan on Friday, promoting her Showtime series The First Lady, where she plays Betty Ford, premiering on Sunday, April 17. She was asked about a photo of her playing Elvira in director Brian De Palma's iconic classic, revealing the sunglasses were her own, that she bought at a drugstore. Live: The 63-year-old actress made an appearance on Live With Kelly and Ryan on Friday, promoting her Showtime series The First Lady, where she plays Betty Ford, premiering on Sunday, April 17 Drugstore: She was asked about a photo of her playing Elvira in director Brian De Palma's iconic classic, revealing the sunglasses were her own, that she bought at a drugstore Seacrest called the sunglasses, 'epic' while Ripa commented they are 'so chic' before the actress revealed where she bought them. 'Those I bought at a drugstore for like three dollars,' she said, and when asked if she still had them, she said she did not. 'I kept them for awhile but I think they kinda fell apart over time. I mean, they were cheap,' she said. Three dollars: 'Those I bought at a drugstore for like three dollars,' she said, and when asked if she still had them, she said she did not While Scarface was one of her breakthrough roles that helped solidify her career, she also spoke about her very first role, a guest-starring spot on Fantasy Island. 'My very first role was... One line on Fantasy island. It was a big deal. And the episode was called "The island of lost women,"' she said. 'And my one line was "Who is he, Naomi?" A man shows up on the island,' she said,' adding the man's fantasy was an island filled with women. Breakthrough: While Scarface was one of her breakthrough roles that helped solidify her career, she also spoke about her very first role, a guest-starring spot on Fantasy Island First role: 'My very first role was... One line on Fantasy island. It was a big deal. And the episode was called "The island of lost women,"' she said She also spoke about playing Gerald Ford's husband on Showtime's The First Lady, which debuts on Friday. 'First of all, one of the reasons we wanted to do this show was that first lady is our kind of in the background,' she began. 'And supporting their husbands. But quietly working and having their own agenda in the background. And we never know about it,' she continued. New role: She also spoke about playing Gerald Ford's husband on Showtime's The First Lady, which debuts on Friday Background: 'First of all, one of the reasons we wanted to do this show was that first lady is our kind of in the background,' she began 'So of course we all know about the Betty Ford clinic, and she was one of the founders of that. And we know that because she was so open and honest about her alcohol and drug abuse. And because she was so transparent about it, it was just -- she talked about so many subjects that were really taboo at the time,' she said. 'You did not talk about that. You did not talk about breast cancer. He did not talk about mental illness. And she came out with all of all of the things about herself. And lifted a lot of the shame and paved the way for a lot of people to talk about it and to get the help that they needed,' she said. 'And she was also incredibly involved in politics. And she lobbied for the equal rights amendment to be ratified. She set up a command center in the White House,' she said. Clinic: 'So of course we all know about the Betty Ford clinic, and she was one of the founders of that. And we know that because she was so open and honest about her alcohol and drug abuse. And because she was so transparent about it, it was just -- she talked about so many subjects that were really taboo at the time,' she said Lubbock, TX (79409) Today A mainly sunny sky. High 103F. SW winds at 5 to 10 mph, increasing to 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Clear skies. Low near 65F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. Aerial Photo taken on April 7, 2022 shows farmers preparing for spring farming in Hongguang Village, Jiutai District of Changchun, capital city of northeast China's Jilin Province. (Yan Linyun/Handout via Xinhua) CHANGCHUN, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Northeast China's Jilin Province, which is China's major commodity grain base, has worked out plans to secure spring sowing while curbing the latest COVID-19 outbreak. In accordance with a work plan issued by the provincial leading group for COVID-19 prevention and control, Changchun and Jilin, two major cities of the province, will issue passes to farmers who wish to return to their villages for spring farming, officials said at a press conference held on Friday. Each of the returning farmers will be given three antigen home-testing kits. They will carry out testings themselves under the supervision of their local village committee on the second, fourth and seventh day upon arrival, according to the provincial plan for farmers stuck in the cities of Changchun and Jilin to return home for spring farming. The farmers are also required to conduct week-long health monitoring and to avoid social gatherings. Those who return home from areas under closed-off management and areas under control need to observe home quarantine for a week without outdoor activities, according to the plan. Since a cluster of new local infections began to emerge around March, over 60,000 people in Jilin have tested positive for COVID-19. Nearly 16,200 farmers who now are in Changchun, the provincial capital, have applied for returning to their villages, said Li Linfeng with Changchun's agriculture and rural affairs bureau. Starting from 4 p.m. Thursday, 22 areas in Changchun have been downgraded to low-risk areas for COVID-19, including Shuangyang District, the city of Gongzhuling, Nong'an County, the city of Dehui, and other key grain-producing areas. The first batch of farmers will leave Changchun for their villages on Saturday, Li said. The provincial COVID-19 prevention and control headquarters has also established a special working group in charge of organizing spring farming. Production materials including seeds and fertilizers are allowed to be given priority of transportation through "green channels." The provincial agriculture and rural affairs department has arranged specific staff to solve the problems of some enterprises and transport vehicles for agricultural supplies stranded at health checkpoints. About 500 key agricultural supply companies in the province have received certificates allowing their products to be smoothly transported to secure the timely launch of farming work. Currently, nearly 8,000 hectares of rice seedling breeding greenhouses have been set up across the province, hitting over 80 percent of the target in the original schedule. Over 90 percent of seeds, including corn and soybeans, have been sent to farmers. In the city of Jilin, an important rice production area, stores selling production materials have also launched online order and peer-to-peer delivery services. Stringent disinfection measures, closed-off management of the drivers, and contactless delivery are also underway. According to the provincial arrangements, all the production materials for planting corn should be delivered to households before April 20 and the major focus of spring farming from late April to early May will be corn sowing. Around mid-May, soybean sowing will be the major work priority, while the rice transplanting is expected to be completed before the end of May. In 2021, the province saw its annual grain output exceeding 40 million tonnes, a record high. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) Republican Bill McSwain pledges to be a pro-energy governor by turning on the spigot of natural gas. Another hopeful, Dave White, says he wants Pennsylvania to be the energy capital of the world. A third candidate, Lou Barletta, says having a glut of natural gas in the ground without a pipeline is like being in college and having a keg of beer without a tap. In Pennsylvania, the No. 2 natural gas producer after Texas, the importance of the industry is emerging as a top issue among Republican contenders for governor before the state's May 17 primary. The issue has taken on new urgency in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has revived the debate over how to enhance domestic energy production and spurred a pledge from President Joe Biden to increase liquefied natural gas exports to Europe to undercut Russia's leverage there. Despite promises by the Republican candidates, however, there are constraints on what they could do in office. While governors have influence over state agencies and lawmaking, they have limited ability to grant what the industry really wants, like building interstate pipelines and big processing facilities. Thats because other states and federal policy are involved. They dont control those things, said David Masur, executive director of PennEnvironment, a Philadelphia-based environmental group. Their power, if elected, stops at the border of Pennsylvania. And if other states have aggressive climate-change agendas, clean-energy agendas, the marketplace makes clean energy competitive, if not cheaper, than fossil fuels. Industry leaders describe drilling in Pennsylvania as strong and access to gas as plentiful, with established pipeline rights of way and thousands of wells waiting to be drilled into the nations most prolific gas reservoir, the Marcellus Shale. But for examples of Pennsylvanias limits, look no farther than its borders. Democratic governors in neighboring New York and New Jersey have effectively blocked the construction of major interstate pipelines the Constitution and the PennEast pipelines carrying gas from Pennsylvania to big metropolitan areas and, possibly, yet-to-be-built facilities to liquefy and export liquefied natural gas, or LNG. The states seem unlikely to change that position anytime soon. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who won reelection last year, remains committed to his promise to reach 100% clean energy in the state and an 80% reduction in planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, his office said. Interstate pipelines and LNG facilities also require federal approval and face opposition from environmental groups, which say natural gas mustn't be a long-term energy solution because it emits the potent greenhouse gas methane. The industry and its Republican allies contend that natural gas can make the U.S. more energy independent and counter Russias influence, while being planet-friendlier than higher-carbon oil and coal. Toby Rice, president and CEO of Pittsburgh-based gas exploration firm EQT Corp., projects that it would take 6,500 miles (over 10,400 km) of pipeline and $250 billion in LNG infrastructure in the U.S. to serve the U.S. and Europe and substantially cut coal use worldwide by 2030. Still, scientists are increasingly alarmed at the growing amount of natural gas infrastructure and say it will threaten efforts to slash carbon emissions to necessary goals. The presumed Democratic nominee for governor, state Attorney General Josh Shapiro, talks of balancing natural gas with expanding renewable energy. Shapiro ran for attorney general vowing to hold the gas industry accountable. He challenged the move by President Donald Trumps administration to allow LNG to be shipped by rail, criminally charged several companies and issued a grand jury report on the need to toughen industry regulations. During his campaign for governor, he has taken a middle-of-the-road stance partly a nod to influential labor unions whose workers build power plants, pipelines and refineries. He says it's a false choice to have to pick between environmental justice and the dignity of work and energy opportunity. The current governor, Democrat Tom Wolf, has what environmental activists and the industry see as a mixed bag. Wolf, who is constitutionally term-limited, is aiming to make Pennsylvania the first major fossil-fuel state to impose a carbon pricing plan, although his regulatory effort is currently held up in court. At the same time, he pursued higher taxes on natural gas production, but missed meaningful opportunities to combat greenhouse gases, environmental advocates say. He also stepped up for the industry: His administration issued permits for major gas-fired power plants, pipelines and refineries, and Wolf himself signed off on tax breaks to lure natural gas synthesis plants. Now, interest in building big, natural gas-fueled projects is surging, and a new governor could take office in 2023 with opportunities to land some. Fulfilling Biden's promises to surge natural gas exports to Europe could mean expanding existing pipelines across Pennsylvania and building new LNG terminals, possibly along the Delaware River near Philadelphia. We think that there is an opportunity for Pennsylvania to become a major LNG exporter, Rice said. Beyond LNG, industry boosters are optimistic about landing a gas-fed hydrogen fuel plant funded by Biden's infrastructure law in southwestern Pennsylvania, plus the construction of refineries across Pennsylvania's rural gas fields to make fertilizer, chemical products and fuels. Meanwhile, a proposal for an LNG facility in northeastern Pennsylvania that had envisioned transporting its product by rail to a Philadelphia-area export terminal is on hold and Biden's administration is moving to suspend the Trump-era LNG-by-rail rule. While a governor might not single-handedly give the gas industry what it wants, he or she could be helpful, industry advocates say. Barletta, White, McSwain and others in the nine-person GOP primary field for governor talk about stripping down unnecessary regulations or speeding up permitting times. That might help lure a big project, as would slashing Pennsylvania's corporate tax rate, said Gene Barr, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. Being a vocal advocate could help too, like lobbying a fellow governor in a neighboring state to permit a pipeline, Barr said. In recent days, Pennsylvanias Republican-controlled Legislature took up a pro-industry package of measures, including a resolution urging the governors of New York and New Jersey to allow the construction of gas pipelines from Pennsylvania. During that debate, Democratic state Rep. Greg Vitali said the idea that a legislative resolution would sway those governors is fanciful. Theyre going to make their own decisions with regard to which pipelines they accept, Vitali said, "and which pipelines they reject. ___ Associated Press writer Michael Catalini in Trenton, New Jersey, contributed to this report. ___ Follow Marc Levy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/timelywriter. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription and are still unable to access our content, please link your digital account to your print subscription If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. GENEVA, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Although the numbers of new weekly cases and deaths of COVID-19 continue to decrease in Europe since the end of March, the current high level of transmission is putting strain on testing capacity and surveillance systems in many countries and caution is still needed, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As per WHO's COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update, after the increase in cases observed in the European Region during the first half of March 2022, new weekly cases have decreased for the second consecutive week as of April 3, or 16 percent as compared to the previous week, with over 4.6 million new cases reported. Meanwhile, the number of new deaths has also continued to fall in Europe, with over 10,000 new deaths reported weekly as of April 3, or a 15 percent decrease as compared to the previous week. Despite the falling numbers, WHO Regional Office for Europe has cautioned that the current high level of transmission is putting strain on testing capacity and surveillance systems in many countries, meaning the number of cases reported may be underestimated or delayed. It has warned that rapidly changing testing strategies will further impact reported case numbers and test positivity, so these indicators should be interpreted with caution. As for specific countries, Germany's Health Minister Karl Lauterbach tweeted on Saturday that despite the decline in infection figures, "everyone should get tested, or self-tested, before an Easter trip." A day after the rejection by the Bundestag (lower house of Germany's Parliament) of mandatory vaccination for adults aged 60 years and older in the country, Lauterbach said on Friday this meant "people are not optimally prepared for an expected autumn outbreak wave." He said given the remaining vaccination gap, it would "not be possible to go into autumn without making masks compulsory." Saturday marked one month since Romania lifted all anti-epidemic precautionary measures. However, some local health experts and officials have expressed reservations and called on people to continue wearing masks, emphasizing that wearing masks is still one of the most effective measures prior to the end of the pandemic. In Portugal, health authorities said on Friday that the transmissibility of coronavirus in the country remains "very high," with an incidence of 602 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. And the mortality from COVID-19 has maintained an "increasing trend" since the second half of March. France's Health Minister Olivier Veran has said that the country is planning to offer a fourth vaccination shot to people over 60 years old who have already received their booster dose amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. In Finland, the country's Ministry of Social Affairs and Health said earlier this week that there are still no signs of the pandemic abating in the country, as the total number of patients in specialized healthcare and primary healthcare remains high since the turn of 2021-2022. In the Netherlands, although almost all COVID-19 measures have been lifted in late February, health workers are still worried about the strained healthcare resources and the virus' potential threats, in particular to the vulnerable people. And in Croatia, where almost all epidemiological measures are being phased out beginning Saturday, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has stated that caution is still required. "We certainly need to be careful though, COVID-19 is still there and unfortunately we still have people dying from the disease," he said. Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Thursday issued notices to Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar and Sarfaraz Ahmed, director SIT, state prohibition and excise department in connection with the 2017 Tollywood drugs trafficking case. The notices were issued in a contempt case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which complained that the state government and SIT, which was constituted to probe the drugs case, had failed to comply with the court orders in handing over copies and relevant material related to the probe done by SIT state prohibition and excise department in the 12 cases registered in 2017, in which several Tollywood personalities were reportedly involved. ED filed the contempt case a fortnight back. While hearing the case on Thursday, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili issued notices to Kumar and Ahmed directing them to respond within 10 days to the contentions raised by ED. The court had on February 19 directed the state government to furnish copies of the FIR and chargesheet pertaining to the case. The interim applications were filed by the ED in the PIL filed by Revanth Reddy in 2017 demanding a CBI probe into the alleged involvement of high-profile persons, including from Tollywood. Although the court was not inclined to issue directions as sought by Revanth Reddy, it accepted ED's plea for SIT inquiry details. On Thursday, Sanjeev Kumar, special counsel for the state government, tried to explain that the state government had handed over the details that were available with it. The contempt case was adjourned to April 25. Narayan Reddy alleged that attempts are being made by a few officials to hand over the rights on the land parcel to a private society. (Representational image/DC) HYDERABAD: BJP state leader Gudur Narayana Reddy on Saturday criticsed the government for its irresponsible behaviour when a few persons were making an attempt to grab state-owned land worth Rs 1,500 crore. Narayan Reddy alleged that attempts are being made by a few officials to hand over the rights on the land parcel to a private society though the courts had not given any decision on the title dispute. Due to the irresponsibility and corruption of a few officials, the private society may secure government land in Shaikpet village, he said. The BJP ledaer said that in Shaikpet village a fictitious survey number had been created by a few private persons who then claim ownership on 32 acres of government land. Though revenue officials asked the government to pursue the case in court, no action has been taken so far, he said. He noted that the GHMC had claimed that it had no record on the land for the past 20 years. This showed that a few officials of GHMC were in connivance with land grabbers. He demanded that layout permission to the private society be scrapped immediately and government take steps to secure rights of ownership on the land through the courts. Congress leaders asked why Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao could not write to the Centre on paddy procurement. (PTI) HYDERABAD: Senior Telangana Congress leaders held a protest in New Delhi on Thursday against the anti-people policies of the state and central governments. Among them were former PCC president Ponnala Lakshmaiah, TPCC working president, MLA T.Jayaprakash Jagga Reddy, Marri Shashidhar Reddy, B. Mahesh Kumar Goud, Jagadish Mudiraj and Chandana. They said the party would fight to ensure a roll back in the hikes. They said that by placing Congress leaders under house arrest in Hyderabad, the TRS government was trying to suppress the voice of Opposition parties. Congress leaders asked why Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao could not write to the Centre on paddy procurement. If the Centre hiked the fuel prices, why could not the state government reduce the taxes, they asked. The Congress leaders dared the TRS government for an open debate on the high level irregularities in the power section on the pretext of providing 24-hour power supply. New Delhi: With a road show in his home state the BJP national president J.P. Nadda kickstarted the party's campaign for the upcoming assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh. Citing the BJP's victory in four of the five states in the just concluded assembly polls, Mr. Nadda sounded confident that the Himachal Pradesh voters will again support the incumbent government. The state chief minister Jairam Thakur and Union minister Anurag Thakur also participated in the road show. Assembly elections in the state are scheduled by the year end. Seeking a reelection, the ruling party is going into the campaign with 'Mission Repeat' slogan in the hill state. While the BJP leadership is yet to officially announce whether or not the party will go to polls under CM Jairam Thakur's leadership, speculation is rife in the party's state unit that Mr Thakur will continue at the top post if BJP retains power. Opposition Congress is battling factionalism and infighting. After the demise of Congress stalwart and former CM Virbhadra Singh many senior Congress leaders are lobbying hard to be projected as the CM face of their party. In his home state for three days, Mr Nadda will also review preparations for the upcoming Shimla Municipal Corporation polls. The BJP had won the SMC for the first time after more than three decades in 2017. Addressing a public meeting after the road show in Shimla, Mr Nadda credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with changing the culture of politics by being proactive in implementing various social service initiatives. Mr Nadda claimed that the BJP governments have always tried to give to the hill state, while the previous Congress governments always kept snatching from the state. "When Mr Modi became the PRIME MINISTER in 2014, he restored the states status, paving way for only 10 per cent contribution from the state and 90 per cent from the Centre for various development works, he asserted. Ahead of his tour, three senior office bearers of AAP's state unit, including its state unit chief switched camps and joined the BJP. VIJAYAWADA: Short-listing of the likely members of the new cabinet of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy picked up momentum here on Saturday. The final list of names will be announced on Sunday, thereby putting an end to all speculations about the composition of the cabinet. It is likely that the number of ministers from OBCs, SCs and STs and women is likely to go up. Sri Rama Navami festival is on Sunday. As Dasami Tithi is considered auspicious, Reddy has decided to send the list to Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan during that time, following the suggestions of purohits and astrologers. Meanwhile, Reddy had long discussions with the government adviser (public affairs) Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy and some close confidantes on Friday while the process of filtration continued into Saturday. Earlier Reddy decided to replace 90 per cent of present ministers with new faces. However, in the last two days he changed his mind as he felt that senior ministers were needed to guide the government. Nearly six to ten from the outgoing cabinet are likely to get the nod again. The oath-taking ceremony is slated for Monday. Speaking to the media after his core meeting with the Chief Minister, Ramakrishna Reddy said the Cabinet would be a blend of old and new and there would be adequate representation to BCs and women. In this image provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson walk in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP) Kramatorsk, Ukraine: Ukraine is preparing for "big battles" against Moscow's forces in the east of the country, officials in Kyiv said, as thousands of civilians flee in fear of an imminent Russian offensive. Evacuations resumed on Saturday from Kramatorsk, in eastern Ukraine, where a missile strike killed 52 people at a railway station a day earlier, as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson became the latest Western leader to visit Kyiv. Hailing the country's response to the Russian invasion, Johnson offered Ukraine armoured vehicles and anti-ship missiles to help ensure, he said, that the country will "never be invaded again". His offer came after President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv was readying for a Russian onslaught. "Sadly, in parallel we see the preparations for important battles, some people say decisive ones, in the east," he said Saturday at a press conference with visiting Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. "We are ready to fight and to look in parallel to end this war through diplomacy." Zelensky's adviser Mykhaylo Podolyak said Ukraine must beat back Russia in the eastern Donbas region, where Moscow controls two separatist territories, before a meeting can take place between the Ukrainian leader and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Ukraine is ready for big battles. Ukraine must win them, including in the Donbas. And once that happens, Ukraine will have a more powerful negotiating position," he said on national television, as quoted by the Interfax news agency. "After that the presidents will meet. It could take two weeks, three." A video released by Zelensky's office showed him and Johnson walking through largely empty city streets to Kyiv's historic Maidan Square, as snipers kept watch. The two men greeted passersby, and one visibly emotional man called out to Johnson: "We need you." Johnson said the discovery of scores of civilian bodies in Ukrainian towns had "permanently polluted" Putin's reputation. Six weeks into Russia's invasion, Moscow has shifted its focus to eastern and southern Ukraine after stiff resistance thwarted plans to swiftly capture Kyiv. With thousands killed in the fighting and more than 11 million fleeing their homes or the country, the Ukrainian president called on the West to follow Britain's example on military aid. "We need even more sanctions" against Russia, Zelensky said in a video address Saturday. "We need more weapons for our state." Plea to evacuate EU leaders were meeting with Zelensky in Kyiv on Friday as news emerged of the devastating attack on Kramatorsk's station. The 52 victims included five children. US President Joe Biden accused Russia of being behind a "horrific atrocity" in Kramatorsk, and France condemned the strike as a "crime against humanity". Moscow denied responsibility for the rocket attack, which also wounded 109 people, according to the latest official count. As Russian forces regroup in the east and south of Ukraine, local officials are urging residents to flee before it is too late. The mayor of eastern Lysychansk, Oleksandr Zaika, on Saturday asked residents to evacuate as soon as possible due to constant shelling by the Russian army. "It has become very difficult in the city, enemy shells are already flying," Zaika said in a video message. While the city had stocks of humanitarian aid, he added, "that doesn't mean it will save your life if an enemy shell arrives". And more Russian shells did arrive on Saturday, killing five people in the eastern cities of Vugledar and Novo Mikhaylovka, local governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said on Telegram. Meanwhile, in Kramatorsk, minibuses assembled at a church to collect shaken evacuees. Almost 80 people, most of them elderly, sheltered in a building near the targeted station. "There were around 300 to 400 people who rushed here after the strike," Yevgeny, a member of the Protestant church, told AFP. "They were traumatised. Half of them ran to shelter in the cellar, others wanted to leave as soon as possible. Some were evacuated by bus" on Friday. The Kramatorsk station was serving as the main evacuation hub for refugees from parts of the eastern Donbas region still under Ukrainian control. AFP reporters at the station saw the remains of a missile tagged in white paint with the words "for our children" in Russian -- an expression used by pro-Russian separatists to invoke their own losses since fighting in Donbas began in 2014. The governor of Donetsk claimed a missile with cluster munitions -- banned by an international treaty -- was used in the attack, according to remarks published by the Interfax news agency. NATO plans new force Speaking Saturday from Warsaw, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a global pledging event for Ukrainian refugees has raised 10.1 billion euros ($11 billion). In another sign of Western solidarity, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the military alliance was drawing up plans for a permanent military force on its border to prevent further Russian aggression. "What we see now is a new reality, a new normal for European security. Therefore, we have now asked our military commanders to provide options for what we call a reset, a longer-term adaptation of NATO," he said in an interview with Britain's Daily Telegraph published Saturday. He said the new force would be one of the "long-term consequences" of Putin's invasion. Russian troops appear intent on creating a long-sought land link between occupied Crimea and the Moscow-backed separatist territories of Donetsk and Lugansk in the Donbas region. Growing evidence of atrocities has also galvanised Ukraine's allies in the EU, which has approved an embargo on Russian coal, frozen billions in assets of sanctioned individuals and ordered the closure of its ports to Russian vessels. Bucha -- where authorities say hundreds were killed, some with their hands bound -- has become a byword for the brutality allegedly inflicted under Russian occupation. And Ukrainian officials say they are uncovering even greater devastation in nearby towns. Fresh allegations also emerged from Obukhovychi, northwest of Kyiv, where villagers told AFP they were used as human shields. Moscow has denied targeting civilians. Prisoner exchange Ukraine said Saturday it had completed a third prisoner exchange with Russia, bringing 12 soldiers and 14 civilians home. But Moscow said Russian troops also fired on a Ukrainian vessel trying to evacuate commanders of the Azov battalion from the besieged southeastern city of Mariupol. The Azov Special Operations Detachment has been fighting Russian forces in Mariupol -- scene of some of the war's most grievous civilian suffering -- as it lies between Russia-occupied Crimea and the pro-Russian separatist regions in Ukraine's east. Fighting has become increasingly fierce in the region as Russia redirects its focus. The governor of Donetsk said that Russian shelling had also killed five civilians and wounded five others in two eastern Ukrainian cities Saturday. Four of them died in the city of Vugledar, and one in the town of Novomikhaylovka, Pavlo Kyrylenko said in a Telegram post. The Ukrainian army announced on Facebook that it had "destroyed four tanks, eight armoured vehicles and seven enemy vehicles", as well as "a plane, a helicopter" and drones. Tectonic plates of geopolitics are beginning to shift. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has exposed the fault lines of globalisation. And being self-reliant as a nation, especially, in critical areas has emerged as the most important lesson for countries. India, which is the largest importer of arms with 11% of total global imports, has a critical dependency in the defence sector on countries like Russia, France, Israel, and the US among others. As the Ukraine war raises alarm over the need for self-reliance on defence technology, Indias efforts of indigenisation have gathered pace. India has so far released three negative import lists comprising 310 items that will now be produced in the country. Interestingly, the list is exhaustive. From platforms like Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH), Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs, Light Weight Tanks, and unmanned underwater vehicles to high-end sensors like the Multi-Function Surveillance, Track, and Guidance Radar (MFSTAR), various missile systems; India has embarked on an ambitious journey of creating a huge military engineering infrastructure in the coming decade. Business opportunities are also substantial for Indian industries. As per estimates, around Rs 2.10 lakh crore worth of orders for defence equipment would be placed in Indian industries in the next five to seven years. As technology is a big component of each military equipment, the Indian technology industry - engineering services companies, IT services firms, and technology startups - is likely to be a huge beneficiary of this indigenisation move. Indian IT firms including engineering services companies have never been aggressive on the government contracts in the defence space due to various reasons. However, this is likely to change as the government is putting in concerted efforts towards Make in India of defence equipment. Also, the market opportunities are huge, said Pareekh Jain, an engineering services consultant and Founder of Pareekh Consulting. Moreover, big corporate houses like Tata, Mahindra, and L&T are betting big on the Indian defence sector. So, it will be natural that these companies will take support from their respective group companies (like TCS, Tech Mahindra, LTTS) to execute the software part of it, he added. Role of Indian firms & startups Analysts also pointed out that the Indian governments emphasis on the Transfer of Technology (ToT) with global defence firms is likely to boost the local ecosystem. Notably, the DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation) has entered into more than 1,430 ToT agreements with the Indian industry, out of which 450 have been signed, in the last two years. Indian engineering services companies like L&T Technology Services, Persistent Systems, Cyient, Tata Elxsi along with all large Indian IT services companies are currently working with many global defence giants in the US & Europe. Many feel the policy push will help these companies to tap the domestic market better. The trend earlier was that complex technology work which requires niche system and software engineering skills were largely being done outside the country but with this policy shift combined with increasing public-private partnerships, some of the high-end engineering design is being done out of India and this trend will only continue to rise. Indian engineering services firms can offer solutions such as digital engineering, system engineering, and avionics design that enable higher, faster, and safer product performance and can help further modernise the countrys defence sector. The day is not far when Indian engineering services companies can enable Made in India for the defence sector, Amit Chadha, CEO and Managing Director, L&T Technology Services (LTTS) told the Deccan Herald. Not only established firms, but startups are also increasingly playing a significant role in making the country self-reliant in defence technology. Since 25% of the budget for Research and Development in defence has been reserved for industry, startups, and academia in this years budget, it is expected to give a big push towards innovation. A lot of advanced technologies are not accessible for defence from global companies, it opens up huge opportunities for Indias semiconductor startups and technology companies. Startups like Astrome, Idea-Forge, Botlabs to name a few are developing very good technologies which can be successfully used for the strategic sector, said Dr Satya Gupta, President of VLSI Society of India & advisor to India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA). He added that an initiative like iDEX is an excellent start to increasing the participation of startups in the defence technology sector. Hybrid war As future war is going to be hybrid with cyberattacks being a key part of warfare, this also throws open significant opportunities for startups, cybersecurity firms, and Indian IT firms that can develop specific solutions to thwart such attempts. We have seen increased cybersecurity threat levels in the US and Europe due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. As any future warfare will have a significant cyber component, public-private participation with support to startups can enable India to design and develop India-specific cybersecurity solutions, said Sanjeev Dahiwadkar, Founder & CEO of ITShastra, a Pune-based IT services company. The global order is expected to see a significant change in the coming years. India as a middle power with two nuclear-armed neighbours doesnt have the luxury of depending on any other nation for critical defence technologies. As the Ukraine war shows, every nation has to fight its war alone. So, its better to indigenise our defence technology at a faster pace than to put our national security hostage to other nations whims. Watch the latest DH Videos here: Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra's initial statement that the 22-year-old Chandru was killed for not speaking Urdu was the correct version of events, BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar claimed Saturday. Kumar was referring to the JJ Nagar murder case in which Chandru was stabbed by one Shahid. Also Read | Bengaluru murder: Jnanendra blames Urdu, makes u-turn later Speaking to mediapersons, Kumar, the BJP general secretary, alleged that the police version of the incident was false. "The locals and the deceased's friend Simon were at the spot. Simon saw Chandru being stabbed. He was stabbed after he said he couldn't speak Urdu. The police commissioner has lied about this," he alleged, demanding an inquiry. Commenting on the Hindi imposition controversy, Kumar said his party was committed to ensuring prominence to Kannada in Karnataka and Hindi in India. Reacting to JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy's tweets that the BJP was doing injustice to Kannada by imposing Hindi, the BJP leader said Hindi was the language spoken by crores of people in the country. "In Karnataka, Kannda gets prominence. When it comes to India, Hindi gets prominence," he said. Check out the latest videos from DH: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted from office in a no-confidence vote in parliament in the early hours of Sunday after three years and seven months in power. A new government will be formed most likely under opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif after parliament reconvenes on Monday to vote for a new prime minister. The nation of more than 220 million people lies between Afghanistan to the west, China to the northeast and India to the east, making it of vital strategic importance. Since coming to power in 2018, Khan's rhetoric has become more anti-American, and he expressed a desire to move closer to China and, recently, Russia -- including talks with President Vladimir Putin on February 24, the day the invasion of Ukraine began. At the same time, US and Asian foreign policy experts said that Pakistan's powerful military has traditionally controlled foreign and defence policy, but Khan's sharp public rhetoric had an impact on a number of key relationships. Also Read | Churning in Islamabad: What does it mean for India? Here is what the upheaval, which comes as the economy is in deep trouble, means for countries closely involved in Pakistan: Afghanistan Ties between Pakistan's military intelligence agency and the Islamist militant Taliban have loosened in recent years. Now that the Taliban are back in power in Afghanistan, and facing an economic and humanitarian crisis due to a lack of money and international isolation, Qatar is arguably their most important foreign partner. "We (the United States) don't need Pakistan as a conduit to the Taliban. Qatar is definitely playing that role now," said Lisa Curtis, director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security think-tank. Also Read | A political potboiler in Pakistan Tensions have risen between the Taliban and Pakistan's military, which has lost several soldiers in attacks close to their mutual border. Pakistan wants the Taliban to do more to crack down on extremist groups and worries they will spread violence into Pakistan. That has begun to happen already. Khan had been less critical of the Taliban over human rights than most foreign leaders. China Khan consistently emphasised China's positive role in Pakistan and in the world at large. At the same time, the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which binds the neighbours together was actually conceptualised and launched under Pakistan's two established political parties, both of which are set to share power in the new government. Potential successor Sharif, the younger brother of three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, struck deals with China directly as leader of the eastern province of Punjab, and his reputation for getting major infrastructure projects off the ground while avoiding political grandstanding could in fact be music to Beijing's ears. Also Read | Unending cycle of Instability India The nuclear-armed neighbours have fought three wars since independence in 1947, two of them over the disputed Muslim-majority territory of Kashmir. As with Afghanistan, it is Pakistan's military that controls policy in the sensitive area, and tensions along the de facto border there are at their lowest level since 2021, thanks to a ceasefire. But there have been no formal diplomatic talks between the rivals for years because of deep distrust over a range of issues, including Khan's extreme criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his handling of attacks on minority Muslims in India. Karan Thapar, an Indian political commentator who has closely followed India-Pakistan ties, said the Pakistani military could put pressure on the new government in Islamabad to build on the successful ceasefire in Kashmir. Pakistan's powerful army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said recently that his country was ready to move forward on Kashmir if India agrees. Also Read | Imran Khan loses no-confidence motion, ousted as Pakistan PM The Sharif dynasty has been at the forefront of several dovish overtures toward India over the years. United States US-based South Asia experts said that Pakistan's political crisis is unlikely to be a priority for President Joe Biden, who is grappling with the war in Ukraine unless it led to mass unrest or rising tensions with India. "We have so many other fish to fry," said Robin Raphel, a former assistant secretary of state for South Asia who is a senior associate with the Center for Strategic and International Studies think-tank. With the Pakistani military maintaining its behind-the-scenes control of foreign and security policies, the change of government was not a major concern, according to some analysts. "Since it's the military that calls the shots on the policies that the US really cares about, i.e. Afghanistan, India and nuclear weapons, internal Pakistani political developments are largely irrelevant for the US," said Curtis, who served as the US President Donald Trump's National Security Council senior director for South Asia. She added that Khan's visit to Moscow had been a "disaster" in terms of US relations and that a new government in Islamabad could at least help mend ties "to some degree". Khan has blamed the United States for the current political crisis, saying that Washington wanted him removed because of the recent Moscow trip. Washington denies any role. Watch the latest DH Videos here: The change of government in Pakistan after the exit of hawkish Imran Khan and his likely replacement by hard-core realist Shehbaz Sharif may provide a little window of opportunity for the leaders of India and Pakistan to reset their nearly frozen bilateral ties, according to experts. As the younger brother of former three-time premier Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz over the years has earned the reputation of a matter-of-fact person who makes no bones while performing onerous tasks. His realism is often rancorous for friends and foes alike. When a Geo News TV anchor asked him a few days ago about terms of ties with the US under his leadership, Shehbaz responded: "Beggars cannot be choosers a remark instantly compared by his opponents with Khan's "honour in foreign policy" notion. Also Read | Shehbaz Sharif submits nomination papers for Pakistan PM's post A man who can work across the aisles in Parliament as well as with the powerful establishment with equal ease, can Shehbazs rise to power help to untangle the Indo-Pak puzzle? Samiullah Khan, a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker and close aid of Shehbaz, told PTI that his leader would chalk out a new policy for India. "Pakistan under Shehbaz will come up with a new policy towards India. Basically the Imran Khan regime had no or weak policy towards India, which allowed India to revoke the special status of Kashmir and Khan could only watch helplessly," he said. Leading political analyst Dr Hassan Askari said that first of all, Pakistan and India should start the dialogue which was suspended by India in 2014 because no forward movement is possible unless they start talking. Also Read | Shehbaz Sharif steps out of the shadows to lead Pakistan "Since India suspended the talks, the responsibility for its revival also lies on India. No government in Pakistan has opposed a meaningful dialogue, he said. When Khan came to power in 2018, he promised to rebuild ties with India but soon the two countries came to blows in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack. Though the storm passed but left behind jarring gaps in the relations with no possibility of quick mending. The revocation of the special status of Kashmir further alienated the two sides. Time went by with little effort by either side to unfreeze the icy ties until a no-confidence motion by the joint opposition changed the situation. Luckily India appeared only briefly in the vitriolic-ridden atmosphere leading to the removal of Khan. Rather the Indian part was assigned to the US, which emerged as the whipping boy in the wake of a letter controversy. The change could be an opportunity for resetting the ties between Islamabad and New Delhi, as Shehbaz has been saying that Khan damaged Pakistan's foreign policy. The main reason for hope is that the new prime minister should be seen as a continuation of Nawaz Sharif who still makes all political decisions of PML-N, and whose chemistry of relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not a secret. There are also potential hurdles for Shehbaz and first of all he would be wary of being called as another Modi ka yaar (friend of Modi). Shehbaz may hold the reins for a brief period because several opposition leaders have indicated that new elections would be held soon after enacting necessary reform, especially those related to elections. Any relaxation towards India in this short period would be blasted by Khan as a sellout. But the real hurdle is the K word and it would be difficult for any leader in Islamabad to offer anything in the absence of India showing flexibility on Kashmir. In fact, Shehbaz would be under pressure to match Khans oratory on Kashmir. Uzma Bokhari, a PML-N spokeswoman, said that Shehbaz after coming to power will push India to restore the special status of Kashmiris. "Unlike Khan, India will speak to the serious political leadership of Pakistan led by Shehbaz and listen to our concerns," she said. Samiullah Khan said that the PTI government failed to put pressure on India through the international community to restore the special status of Kashmir. "Imran is even so confused that he is praising Indian foreign policy as 'independent' and indirectly is critical of Pakistan's," he said, adding Shehbaz would come up with a strong and pragmatic policy towards Pakistan's neighbours including India. Askari said only limited space is available to the new leadership in Islamabad, adding that India should take lead and drop a hint to engage Pakistan. "There is no indication as yet if there will be any impact of a change of government on the ties of the two countries. First, there should be an indication from India, which I dont see, he said. But he didnt rule out improvement in the coming years. In the long term, the two sides can engage and revive the dialogue, he said, adding that real change may come after fresh elections, which are expected before the end of this year. However, Bokhari is more hopeful about ties with India due to historical reasons. "It was our supreme leader Nawaz Sharif on whose invitation Indian premier Vajpayee had come to Lahore and peace efforts were launched between the two arch rivals." The strained ties dipped further after India's war planes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26, 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The relations deteriorated after India announced withdrawing the special powers of Jammu and Kashmir in August, 2019. India has repeatedly told Pakistan that Jammu and Kashmir "was, is and shall forever" remain an integral part of the country. Check out latest DH videos here DAMASCUS, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Israel carried out missile strikes against Syrian military sites on Saturday, state news agency SANA reported. The missile strike was initiated from the airspace of Lebanon, targeting military sites in central Syria, SANA quoted a military source as saying. The Syrian air defenses intercepted most missiles, it said, adding the attack left damage only. It's the latest Israeli strike to hit Syrian sites in Syria. Union minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the dairy cooperative sector should take steps towards increasing the country's milk production by exploring possibilities in states possessing untapped potential. Calling the milk cooperative sector as the secret of Gujarat's prosperity, he said there was a need to replicate this model across the country. Shah urged the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI) to explore the possibility of increasing milk production in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar and make India more competitive in dairy export by increasing production and reducing price. The Union Home and Cooperation Minister was addressing the golden jubilee function of Anand-based NCDFI - the apex organisation for cooperative dairy sector - in state capital Gandhinagar. "There are still many regions with good availability of water and fertile land, which do not contribute much to the country's total milk production. Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bihar - there are still a lot of possibilities that remain to be harnessed," he said. The NCDFI should explore possibilities with the help of the governments in these states. After raising milk production by unlocking the possibilities in untapped states, the federation should also look at increasing exports of milk and dairy products at competitive rates, he said. "We should bring down the milk production costs and increase the export of milk and dairy products," Shah said. At the same time, the NCDFI should work to help dairy farmers increase their income by helping them develop alternative sources through honey production and natural farming, he added. Shah said that the dairy cooperative sector, founded by Tribhuvandas Patel (the founder of Amul cooperative movement) and promoted by Dr Verghese Kurien, is the secret of Gujarat's prosperity. "I want this to be replicated in all the states," he said. He reiterated the need to promote natural farming so that India becomes capable of fulfilling the need of organic farming demand of the world and rejuvenate its economy. He said his ministry is working on 'Rashtriya Sahakari Data Bank, under which all the cooperatives in the country will be streamlined. Shah inaugurated the headquarters of Gujarat State Co-operative Marketing Federation Ltd. (GUJCOMASOL), the apex cooperative marketing federation engaged in agro input business, at state capital Gandhinagar. He also inaugurated the "model cooperative village" programme of NABARD and GSC Bank, in his Lok Sabha constituency of Gandhinagar. Watch latest videos by DH here: The big dust storms of Middle-Eastern deserts transported to the Arabian Sea might improve rainfall over South Asia, particularly throughout extreme drought episodes over India. According to a study by researchers at the IIT Bhubaneswar, deserts are the Middle-Eastern regions that receive the least amount of rainfall among all biomes, however, they are known to modulate global and regional climate through various pathways. The study has been published recently in the Nature Publishing Group journal Climate and Atmospheric Science. Also Read | India's coastal cities may be inundated by 2050: Report The first indication of this was provided by a study published in the journal Nature Geoscience in 2014 by the same team and collaborators abroad. That study showed that desert dust aerosols emitted from the Middle-Eastern/Arabian and North African deserts increase rainfall over India at short time scales of about a week or two. This is made possible due to the warming induced by this dust over the Arabian Sea, which acts as a source of energy to speed up the monsoon circulation (winds, moisture) towards the Indian region. This relationship is now stronger during drought years associated with El-Nino. They also indicate that this dust induced rainfall enhancement is widespread across the whole south Asian monsoon domain, often occurring as a pulse that triggers short term increased rainfall in an otherwise dry situation. India has faced droughts or large-scale deficits and changes in the spatial pattern of monsoon rainfall due to ongoing climate change. However, with global warming in place and changing wind patterns, we can expect a rise in dust storms across Middle-Eastern deserts in the coming years. This dust may get transported to the Arabian Sea under favourable conditions and trigger short heavy rain spells over the Indian region. In other words, nature compensates for the deficit created by human activities, said V Vinoj, Assistant Professor, School of Earth Ocean and Climate Sciences, IIT Bhubaneswar. In a press statement circulated through Climate Trends, he said: It is well established that anthropogenic factors reduce rainfall and continue to do so for long-timescale (decades). Still, the silver lining is that there is a short period of respite to this drying trend in the form of increased short-time (about a week or so) rainfall. With the increasing potential of El-Nino like conditions in the future, these dust induced effects will become increasingly important in understanding changing characteristics of rainfall over India. Dr Vinoj said that recent studies have shown a decline in the desert dust over India due to increased pre-monsoon rains over the North-Western parts of India, potentially due to regional effects of climate change. However, human activities with associated emissions will continue to rise due to the country's economic development. In addition, increased dust over the middle eastern deserts transported over the Arabian Sea increases short period rainfall over India. So, on the one hand, dust emitted over India is declining, whereas dust over the Arabian Sea is rising to lead to increased rainfall. It will be interesting to see how these changes combinedly impact air quality and rainfall, he added. Check out DH's latest videos: Among the 690 students who graduated from the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) this year were several suffering from rare diseases and disabilities. They overcame great odds to study and graduate from one of the countrys premier B-schools. Vivekananda Nareddula, from Visakhapatnam, is a bilateral amputee as he suffered a locomotor disability. He trained himself to use his laptop without any difficulties using his designed set-up for stylus and laptop. Whenever I needed extra help, IIMBs office of inclusion and diversity provided me maximum support. My colleagues and professors always treated me fairly, he said. Aiming to start a company that is purpose-driven and profitable in a sustainable manner, he said: I always remember that the real world is often different to people like us. We got utmost support at IIMB, but we might not get the same kind of treatment everywhere, be it in public places, office spaces, exhibitions, events, etc. I realised that I can see my own growth only if I come out of my comfort zone. I thank the IIMB. Pratyush Mandal, who did his BTech in computer engineering from MIT, Pune, suffers from thalassemia. I managed exams and classroom learning with frequently required transfusions and doctor visits. Many times I had to prepare for exams while taking the treatment. Time management and support from friends and family have been my greatest pillars of strength. The IIMB campus, its infrastructure, the courteous and efficient staff, the greenery everything added to the learning experience. I made good friends and received a lot of support, he said. M V S Sampreet has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a neurogenerative disease that primarily affects the body muscles. I was homeschooled for a great part of my higher education due to the lack of accessible schools in our country. But the homeschooling was also not consistent due to my fathers frequent transfers. These challenges were overcome by my hard work and the support of my family and the IIMB, he said. He will be joining Deutsche Bank in the investment banking space and plans to pursue a PhD after gaining the relevant experience and knowledge of the industry. Kashish Ahuja also suffers from thalassemia. Her only challenge was time management. I had to manage my time for the treatment along with the tight schedule of the programme. The faculty at IIMB and my classmates were very helpful, she said. Those suffering from partial blindness, low vision, hearing impairment, etc, also graduated at the 47th annual convocation of IIMB on Friday. Watch the latest DH Videos here: Your guide to the summer treasures of the North of Boston and Merrimack Valley regions Click Here North West Regional College (NWRC) lecturer in Counselling, Michelle Leonard, always knew she wanted to help others. Shes been a fully qualified counsellor since 2010, working in the local community and through her own small private practice. Now, Michelle is taking her skills to a new level. In September last, she joined the health and care team at NWRC as a part-time lecturer and says shes loving the challenge of training new counsellors, who are in demand across Northern Ireland in the health, community and voluntary sector. According to Michelle, no career is more rewarding than counselling and she knows because shes personally felt the benefit of counselling in her own life. She said: I had counselling when I was in my 20s, and when I came out of it, I knew that I wanted my career to be about helping others in that way. Ive always been told that I am a good listener and people find a calmness about me. In fact, many of my friends have sought me out in times of crisis or distress. I trained at NWRC where I completed my Certificate in Counselling in 2006. I then went on to complete my HE Diploma in Counselling, and on to join Lifeline, a 24/7 Crisis Service for Northern Ireland. Now Im lecturing in counselling, Im passionate about getting more counsellors trained and qualified because they are so badly needed. People often ask me what skills are needed to be a counsellor and I usually tell them: a passion for helping others, a good listener, a capacity to look after yourself, and, being committed to an ongoing journey of personal reflection. Counselling is a way of life for me now its not just something I go in and do every day, its the way I am. People begin to heal the moment they are heard, thats a powerful statement. I cant think of any other job that gives you that. Returning to NWRC as a lecturer, Michelle says shes come full circle. It feels good to be back, she said. Its a privilege and a huge responsibility to do this. The courses in counselling at NWRC are demanding but extremely rewarding. Our students work hard to maintain a good work/life balance. You will be challenged to look at yourself, and what you believe in. Personal development is one of the most important skills youll learn. Michelle is particularly excited to be lecturing on NWRCs new Level 5 in CBT beginning in September. This course is for already qualified counsellors allowing them to develop CBT skills and theory as an integral part of their professional counselling. The counselling portfolio at North West Regional College has an extensive range of courses catering for those interested in pursuing careers in counselling and mental health. In recent years there has been increasing demand for these courses. All counselling courses are delivered by qualified counsellors who are actively working in clinical practice. Tutors are qualified in various areas such as Integrative Counselling, Person-Centred Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Children and Young People, Family Systems, & Psychotherapy. Qualified counsellors can expect to work in community and voluntary organisations, sessional work, GP practices, schools and private practice. Prospective students can enter at different levels as there are courses aimed at complete beginners and others that are only suitable for qualified counsellors. There are also taster courses for those who simply wish to test if this is a subject area of interest. The college currently has two pathways for students new to counselling. The first is the CPCAB which includes a 12-week introduction course progressing into Level 2, which require no formal qualifications, successful students can then progress to Levels 3 and 4. Alternatively, students can study the Level 4 certificate in counselling studies, a course validated by Ulster University. Successful completion of the Level 4 Certificate allows students to progress to a Level 5 (Foundation Degree) in Counselling. From September this year, NWRC is introducing two new courses for qualified counsellors: the Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Beha- vioural Skills and Theory and the Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling. As demand for places in counselling courses is quite high, applicants are advised to apply early to secure a place on their course. Counselling courses are available in Strabane, Strand Road and Limavady Campuses. For more information contact curriculum manager Kim Boyle on kim.boyle@nwrc.ac.uk or log on to www.nwrc.ac.uk Statement by Minister Simon Coveney to mark the 24th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement Statement Today marks the 24th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. As the world watches continuing horrors unfold in Ukraine, this anniversary reminds us of how far we have come, how profoundly precious peace is and of the power of democracy. With the election now underway, we will see that power exercised in the weeks ahead, as the people of Northern Ireland elect those who will represent and serve them in the coming years. The vision of the Good Friday Agreement is based on hope, on inclusion, on power sharing, and on peace and reconciliation across these islands. The Agreement was a defining moment in our shared history. Its defining legacy has been to commit everyone to exclusively democratic and peaceful means of resolving differences and pursuing political aspirations. In the subsequent 24 years, the island of Ireland has been transformed. While there are ongoing challenges, there is now increased trust between communities, greater mutual respect, and ongoing practical work to make peoples lives better. Every day, dedicated people from communities across the island of Ireland come together to continue the work of peace and reconciliation. It is important to remember that an overwhelming majority of people on this island voted in favour of the Good Friday Agreement. This was a clear vote for peace. At times over those 24 years, dark shadows of the past have returned. As we approach Easter, we also approach anniversary of the killing of journalist Lyra McKee, a vibrant young woman, passionate about both her home place and her work. Lyra was of the ceasefire generation. It is for this generation, and those who follow, that we must ensure no return to those dark days. The Good Friday Agreement remains the guiding light for a brighter future. I am acutely conscious that there are communities that feel that they have not benefited from the Peace Process. I want to reaffirm the Irish Governments commitment to work in partnership with politicians and all communities in Northern Ireland, and with the British Government to address these concerns. We have challenges ahead and solving these challenges can be frustrating. However, as the Agreement has shown us, it is only through collective, democratic action that we can find a way forward. ENDS Press Office 10 April 2022 | Minister Coveney to attend a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council Press release On 11 April, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney T.D. will attend a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. Russias continuing aggression against Ukraine will feature across a number of discussions at the Foreign Affairs Council. EU Foreign Ministers are expected to take stock of EU support to Ukraine and discuss the geopolitical impact of the war on the wider region. They will also meet with the Foreign Ministers of Iceland and Norway on coordination in response to the war and will hold an informal exchange with the ICC Prosecutor, Mr Karim Khan, and the Ukrainian Prosecutor General, Ms Iryna Venediktova. The Foreign Affairs Council will also discuss the Global Gateway, a new flagship global infrastructure programme, as well as recent developments in Mali, Libya and Yemen. Speaking ahead of the discussion on Russian aggression against Ukraine, Minister Coveney said: EU support for Ukraine remains unwavering in the face of Russias continued illegal war. Our discussions at the Foreign Affairs Council will be an opportunity to build on our recent decision to introduce a fifth sanctions package targeting Russia and Belarus and the extension of various supports to Ukraine. The pursuit of accountability is a central feature of the EU response to this war and we continue to support the work of the ICC Prosecutor, who will meet with us in Luxembourg to update on his ongoing investigation into possible international crimes committed in Ukraine. The atrocities committed in the areas of Ukraine under Russian control are horrifying and Ireland has again called for Russia to implement an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, stop this illegal and unjustified war against Ukraine and withdraw its troops immediately. The Minister commented on Mali: Ireland supports the continued EU prioritisation of the Sahel but is deeply concerned by the deteriorating security situation in Mali, particularly with regard to recent reports alleging the killing of civilians in Moura. Ends Press Office 10 April 2022 | Ambassador McGauran meets Mayor of Trnava, Peter Brocka News Ambassador McGauran met with the Mayor of Trnava, Peter Brocka at city hall on 15 March. The Mayor briefed the Ambassador on the many initiatives which he has undertaken to further enhance this outstandingly beautiful and historic city, justly called the Slovak Rome. The Mayor is extending sustainabale urban transport, introducing more cycle lanes as well as providing additional social housing. Mayor Brocka also spoke of the citys efforts to welcome Ukrainians who have sought safety in Trnava from the conflict. After their meeting, the two walked through the city to admire the recently-planted Irish Oak (Quercus Petraea) which the Embassy was proud to co-sponsor with the city authorities. This magnificent tree will be a living and enduring symbol of the friendship between Ireland and Trnava. Previous Item | Next Item Ambassador McGauran visits University of Trnava News As part of his programme for Saint Patricks week, Ambassador McGauran was delighted to visit the Faculty of Education at the University of Trnava on 15 March where he joined academic staff and students alike in celebrating Irelands national holiday. The Ambassador spoke about Ireland, its language, culture and traditions as well as our warm relations with Slovakia. It was an excellent opportunity to engage with students, some of whom had just returned from a visit to Ireland and who were keen to share their impressions. The Embassy of Ireland would like to express its sincere thanks to the facultys senior leadership and to the wonderful and dedicated academic team for their warm and generous welcome. The Ambassador looks forward to returning to the University of Trnava during the course of his assignment. Previous Item | Next Item PARIS, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. As for French overseas territories, voters already cast their ballots on Saturday. The Government will consider making payments to individuals who host Ukrainian refugees in their homes, The Taoiseach Micheal Martin has confirmed. Mr Martin said accommodation for refugees is becoming extremely challenging because thousands have arrived in a few weeks. He described the amount of refugees as an unprecedented situation. The Taoiseach said this is part of Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy to create pressures on democracies by creating so much migration. He said Ireland must be very clear that it will stand with Ukraine. When asked earlier in the week how close Ireland is to running out of accommodation for refugees, Mr Martin said: What is remarkable is that over 20,000 refugees have come into Ireland from Ukraine. We have never experienced such a rapid inflow of refugees fleeing war before. On the accommodation front, it is stretched but then there are lots of new initiatives coming on stream. It will be difficult in the coming weeks, of that there is no doubt. We are bringing more staff in, particularly on the pledging side, to get through that list faster and to release homes faster for refugees coming into the country. Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman said 21,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the State and around 13,000 are being accommodated in state-provided accommodation. The numbers of people arriving at the moment are slightly lower than in previous weeks. However, a larger number of these people do not have any connections with the country or relatives here, and require accommodation from the State. Over 21,000 offers of accommodation have been made by the Irish public, Mr O'Gorman confirmed while speaking to Newstalk Radio. An Tain Arts Centre are thrilled to announce the launch of Threading the Tain, an inter-county community, visual arts project, where 5 tapestries have been created to celebrate the Tain Bo Cuailnge. Funded by Creative Ireland and produced by An Tain Arts Centre in association with Creative Spark, each tapestry depicts scenes from the great epic that relates to each of the five counties that the Tain March Festival march through tracing the route of the Tain, namely Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Meath and Louth. A variety of textile techniques have been used in the creation of the tapestries, including dyeing, painting, felting, applique, faux chenille, hand embroidery, quilting and hand and machine sewing. The project was helmed by Louth based artist Sophie Coyle and Sophie has worked closely with archeologist Paul Gosling and Mel O Loan from the Tain March Festival, to determine which parts of the epic to include in the tapestry. The project was guided by a textile artist in each county who have led a group of community sewers in creating each panel. The artists are Frances Crowe Roscommon, Catherine Gray Longford, Claire Delabre Westmeath, Ina Olohan Meath and Una Curley Louth. Over 40 volunteers took part in the project and when placed together the five tapestries portray the overall story of the Tain, while each piece stands alone as an individual artwork. The project is a further development of the relationship between An Tain Arts Centre and the Tain March Festival. Mary Claire Cowley, of An Tain Arts Centre and Project Manager of Threading the Tain says, The project has very much been inspired by the passion for the Tain demonstrated by Paul Gosling and Mel O Loan and all the team at the Tain March Festival. "This has been a wonderful opportunity for us as counties bound by the ties of the Tain to come together in this collaborative, historical celebration of our identity and culture through craft and we are delighted to be launching Threading the Tain in conjunction with the Tain March Festival 2022. Starting on the 10th June in Cooley, this years Festival will trace the route of the Brown Bull as it made its way to from Cooley to Connaught. Over three weekends the Festival will visit key sites in Cooley, Dundalk, Ardee, Teltown, Kells, Mullingar and will finish in Roscommon Town on the 26th June. Threading the Tain will be available to view as a five-piece artwork by the public at An Tain Arts Centre, Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth from Saturday 23rd April until Saturday 11th June, coinciding with the start of the Tain March Festival. The Tapestry will then go on display in Roscommon for the end of the festival on the 26th June. Each piece will then be returned to its relevant County to go on semi-permanent display. CANBERRA, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Australians will go to the polls for a general election on May 21. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday visited the Governor-General to dissolve the parliament and call the election for all 151 seats in the House of Representatives and about half of 76 Senate seats. The election date is set for May 21. The governing Liberal-National Coalition has held power since 2013. If victorious, Morrison will become the first prime minister to win consecutive general elections since 2004. Currently, Newspoll indicates the opposition Labor Party and its leader Anthony Albanese leads in net satisfaction, with the party more preferred. Launching his re-election campaign on Sunday, Morrison said that the Coalition could be trusted to lead Australia's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. "This election and this campaign is incredibly important. That's because there is so much at stake for Australia and our future," he said. The election campaign, which will last about six weeks, is expected to be dominated by issues surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, climate change, cost of living, and housing affordability. In a video posted on social media on Saturday night, Albanese promised that Labor would "get spending under control so we can keep taxes low" if victorious. "Debt has skyrocketed under the Liberals. They'd doubled the debt even before the pandemic," he said. "Australians deserve a prime minister who shows up, who takes responsibility and who works with people." No matter how small or large your home, chances are theres an unwelcome critter lurking somewhere. And while they might not be harmful, its frightening to think household bugs could be breeding, causing allergic reactions or simply making a nuisance of themselves. Heres how to be a bug detective and keep those creepy crawlies at bay 1. The kitchen The busiest room in the house is paradise-found to colonies of ants theyre attracted to all types of food, especially sugary stuff. Once youve identified their entry point, you could try using natural home remedies to deter them, such as drawing a chalk line in front of the ant hole, or placing lemon peel there. Otherwise, Mark Smithson, CEO of Marks Electrical, suggests peppermint oil: Ants dislike the smell of peppermint. Mix around 10-15 drops into a mug of water and, if you add it to a spray bottle, you can spray this in problem areas. Repeat regularly. If all else fails, there are a number of products which you can buy. Spiders also spike in springtime and similarly to ants, dislike strong scents so citrus, peppermint oil, mint or lavender might deter them; again, if these don't work there are products available on the market to remove them. 2. The living room Whats known as woodworm season typically runs from April to September, as this is when theyre most active, says Steve Jameson, national operations manager for property preservation company Peter Cox. You should keep an eye out for holes about 1mm-2mm in diameter in wooden items such as furniture, floorboards, timber beams or window sills, he continues. You may also notice small piles of fine powdery dust (known as frass) near the holes, which indicates an active infestation. To lessen the chances of a wood-boring beetle infestation in your property, Jameson says to ventilate your home by opening windows to reduce moisture and humidity levels. Take care when bringing in second hand or antique wooden items into your home, making sure to check them carefully for any holes and take immediate action to treat the item if you spot any sign of an infestation, advises Jameson. He says DIY products, like wax, oils and water-based preservatives, can help to kill the beetles and prevent further woodworm infestation. If you think a wooden item or property you are considering buying has had a woodworm problem thats already been professionally treated, Jameson says to ask to see a guarantee certificate for when the treatment took place. They should come with at least a 10-year guarantee. 3. The bedroom Another nasty, dust mites are the most common household allergen and love bedding and carpets but theyre often missed because you cant see them. These microscopic mites are a problem because they excrete enzymes in their faeces, which can cause an allergic reaction, resulting in skin rashes and other unpleasant symptoms, says Steve Payne, sleep hygiene expert at Sleep and Snooze. They multiple easily in our warm bedding, feasting on flakes of dead skin and hair, explains Payne. They can trigger unpleasant year-round symptoms, so its worth taking the time to rid your bed of them as part of your spring clean. He says theres no point cleaning your mattress of mites if theyre living in your sheets, so first remove all your bedding and put it through a high-temperature wash to kill off any mites. The easiest and most economic way to clear dust mites from your mattress is to use baking soda and a vacuum cleaner, suggests Payne. Simply sprinkle baking soda across the surface of any fabric mattress and leave it for 15 minutes to an hour, then vacuum the baking soda off the bed, making sure to get it all from between any crevices. He says to help tackle this, ensure your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter to contain the mites, rather than inadvertently spreading them around the rest of your home. 4. The Bathroom Sophie Thorogood from the technical team at eco-friendly pest control brand Green Protect says: In these humid areas, pests such as silverfish, German cockroaches and booklice can thrive due to the high level of moisture in the air. Therefore, the first thing to do is eliminate sources of moisture wherever possible. You can do this by using a dehumidifier, having a properly working extractor fan, ventilating the room and hanging up damp laundry and towels, suggests Thorogood. Additionally, any damaged tiles or cracks in the room should be fixed and repaired as they can provide harbourage spots for the pests. There are several products which can be used for silverfish, but she says German cockroaches are difficult to treat, and a professional should always be called in. If not adequately managed, the infestation can spread to other areas including kitchens. If you live in an apartment building, neighbouring properties can also be affected, Thorogood warns. 5. The utility room and/or airing cupboard Moths like warm, dark and undisturbed places, making utility rooms and airing cupboards the perfect hiding place for them to feed and breed in your home, says Paul Blackhurst, technical academy head at Rentokil Pest Control. The textile-loving species can irreparably damage garments and soft furnishings, and they particularly enjoy feasting on non-synthetic materials such as wool, fur, silk, feathers, felt and leather. He says in order to get rid of the larvae to prevent further infestation, its important to wash the infested fabric at a minimum of 55C. For those fabrics that require a lower temperature wash, Blackhurst says you can always store them in the freezer for a few weeks to eradicate the larvae. As with any pest problem, prevention is key, but if you do have a moth problem in the home, its wise to seek professional help, says Blackhurst. One of my most memorable test drives Ive had was in a Skoda Fabia RS. It had a 1.4 TSi petrol engine mated to a DSG automatic gearbox. I volunteered to do all the shopping including drop offs and collections of the kids willingly. I revelled in driving it on any type of road but particularly one with twists and bends. It was glorious and I still tell people how good it is/was as well as its VW cousin the Polo GT. If you get a chance to drive, or own, either of these they are well worth checking out. Fast forward to today and there is a new Fabia. You must keep up to date nowadays when explaining new because whilst the car is new it is showcased using a familiar platform, in this case the VW MQB-A0 no less. Its the motoring equivalent of playing top trumps when you can rattle off what platform a car is built on. Other cars using this platform are the Scala and Kamiq from Skoda, the Polo and T-Cross from VW with the Ibiza and Arona from Seat not to be left out. For you, the buyer, it might be of interest as is the fact that the engines used are also common across the VW range. In this case its a 3-cylinder petrol engine producing 95bhp with performance of 0-100km/h in 10.6 seconds. Its a real gutsy and willing engine and youll be tempted to use its full power which may result in you not getting the 5.0 to 5.6 litres per 100km Skoda claim and match my 6.6 litres per 100kms which was, considering my driving style, very impressive. Heres an unconventional boast. The car can only claim longer and wider but not taller as it is 8mm lower than the older model going against the tide when everyone wants to be higher up in a taller car. As you know Im not a fully paid-up member of that club and the handling of the Fabia is the better for it. This car is a delight to drive and responds excellently to the best and worse your arms can throw at the steering wheel. It has great feel and in and around town it is as nimble as it gets. On our delightful R roads it has considerable stickiness and grips and grips in corners. It reminded me of why I loved the RS version so much. The external design carries over a lot of the current Skoda design themes with signature grille and rear light clusters and consequently is one of Skodas smartest looking cars. The longer and wider dimensions have allowed the boot to gain and extra 50 litres at 380 litres and the reality of using the boot is that if feels even bigger. To set the latest Fabia in your minds eye just think that it is wider and taller than the original Ford Focus and just 168mm shorter. We think of the Fabia as a Fiesta alternative, but this is a timely reminder of just how big cars are these days. Sure you can even see this whenever you visit a car park and just how tight the spaces are. Under the floor is, wait for it, a full spare tire. Is that simply clever or simply the right thing to do? The former, always. There is a nice touch with an umbrella in the drivers door that we have seen before, Fabia branding on the drivers binnacle and canvas fabric wrapped dashboard that looks nice but not passenger use friendly if you had a careless passenger as I suspect it is easily stained thatll be hard to remove. Another nifty idea is mobile phone pockets on the back of the front seats. And for safety reassurance it scored 5 stars at NCAP. Apple/Android mirroring is standard on three trim levels Ambition, Style and Monte Carlo with the entry level Active requiring you to select it as an extra. But it is wireless so its the fancy version. Theres no reversing camera which seems at odds with most manufacturers these days who only offer it instead of sensors. It is a 329 extra that I reckon is well worth ordering. There are 7 packs you can add as well depending on your needs. The Travel Assist pack that requires you to buy the 1.0 TSi engine and at Style or Monte Carlo trim level gives you adaptive cruise control, adaptive lane assist and a virtual cockpit and again worth adding albeit for 883. There are quite a few extras you can offer and Skoda, alas, are going further down this route adding increased delivery time and more money to your new car. I prefer three or four trim levels with few if any other extras you can choose. The cabin has a very airy feel to it and with the dimensions thats not surprising. The materials/plastics can be classed as better than average and feel long lasting. Remember when you chose an alloy wheel to look better than plastic hubcaps? Well now you can get an alloy wheel, 16" Proxima alloy wheels in this case on the Style model that have, wait for it, Black Aero plastic inserts. They do look very nice but not if you lose the insert. I dont think this fulfils the Skoda Simple Clever mantra. Overall this is an excellent small car. There are scores of existing owners whose beliefs about this car will be cemented and it is eye-catching enough to attract new buyers. Top three small car position for sure and a sure-fire winner for Skoda. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 HEFEI, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Recently, infrared cameras installed in the Anhui-based Guniujiang National Nature Reserve have captured some wild animals that are under state-level protection in China. The result is published by a research project, which is jointly conducted by the reserve and Inner Mongolia Normal University. It indicates that the number of animal resources in the reserve have been on the rise in recent years. Straddling Qimen and Shitai counties, the Guniujiang National Nature Reserve is the westward extension of the Huangshan Mountain. It is known as a "green natural museum." Undated image captured by the infrared camera shows a macaca in Guniujiang National Nature Reserve, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua) Undated image captured by the infrared camera shows a lophura nycthemera in Guniujiang National Nature Reserve, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua) Produced by Xinhua Global Service Just after his first week of official practice, new transfer Jesse Miritello persuaded sever MANAGEMENT at Cork University Hospital (CUH) have appealed to members of the general public to only attend the emergency department if absolutely necessary as it manages a surge in Covid-19 activity along with increased emergency presentations to the hospital. A spokesperson for the hospital said the increased level of activity and subsequent admissions means that some patients may experience a delay in the ED. All emergency and time-critical care for the sickest patients is being prioritised, they added. Management at CUH would like to remind the general public that they should explore all other options available to them prior to attending the Emergency Department including: General Practitioner / South Doc; Mercy Urgent Care Centre, St. Marys Health Campus, Gurranabraher, Cork, Telephone - 021-4926900; Local Injuries Unit Bantry General Hospital, Telephone 027 50133; and Local Injuries Unit, Mallow: General Hospital, Telephone 022 58506, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson added: Patient care is paramount in CUH and this situation is being treated as a priority by hospital management who have taken steps to address this issue. Hospital management wishes to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all staff during this very busy time. FIVE trailblazing alumni were honoured with an Alumni Achievement Award from their alma mater University College Cork last Friday evening. The awards are one of the highest accolades given by the university and the award winners included: her Honour Judge Helen Boyle, Cork Circuit Court judge; Professor Des Crowley, Doctor and inclusion health leader; Sean Minihane, founder of the Irish Immigration Reform Movement; Doireann Ni Ghriofa, award-winning poet and author, and Professor Martin Tangney OBE, biofuel pioneer. President of UCC, Professor John OHalloran paid tribute to the award winners: We are very proud that our alumni have been generous and impactful in securing a better life for our citizens and our planet, he said. Cormac Gilroy and Kieran OSullivan from sponsors Matheson pictured at the UCC Alumni Achievement Awards. Pic: John Allen Sean Minihane, a UCC engineering graduate, co-founded the Irish Immigration Reform Movement (IIRM) in 1987 and led the grassroots organisation whose primary purpose was to legalise the status of undocumented immigrants from Ireland and 34 other countries adversely affected by Americas 1965 Immigration Act. On behalf of all of my wonderful colleagues in the Irish Immigration Reform Movement (IIRM) and as an alumnus of UCC, I am very proud to be able to accept this award, said Sean Minihane. UCC Alumni award winner Judge Helen Boyle and husband Brian Murphy with children Elizabeth, Katherine, and Grace pictured at the UCC Alumni Achievement Awards. Pic: John Allen An accomplished lawyer and Circuit Court judge, Judge Helen Boyle graduated with a BCL and LLB from UCCs School of Law in 1992 and 1993 respectively. Judge Boyle practised as a barrister at the Cork Bar prior to her appointment as a judge. Since her appointment to the Circuit Court in 2020, she has made significant impacts in her field. I loved my time at UCC and appreciate the opportunities I was given there." "I made lifelong friends there. I realise that it was a privilege to study in UCC and I brought what I had learned with me as I progressed through life and work, stated her Honour Judge Boyle. UCC Alumni Award Winner Sean Minihane with family Susan Minihane, Brian, and Kevin Minihane pictured at the UCC Alumni Achievement Awards. Pic: John Allen UCC Medicine graduate Professor Des Crowley is clinical lead for the HSE Addiction Services, Dublin North, North Central and Northwest, a role of regional and national importance. In 1995 he established the opioid substitution treatment (OST) service at Mountjoy Prison, which he still oversees to this day. His work has been featured in the RTE documentaries The Joy and Back to the Joy. "I am honoured to receive this Alumni award. I hope that this award will highlight the ongoing need to reduce the known and existing barriers that marginalised and vulnerable populations experience in accessing equitable healthcare," said Professor Des Crowley. UCC Alumni Award Winner Doireann Ni Ghriofa and Tim Keane pictured at the UCC Alumni Achievement Awards. Pic: John Allen Award-winning poet and author Doireann Ni Ghriofa's critically acclaimed book A Ghost in the Throat has been described by The New York Times as 'ardent', 'shape-shifting' and 'exuberant'. The bestselling book won the An Post Irish Book of the Year in 2020 and the James Tait Black Prize. It is soon to be translated into eleven languages. To receive this award from UCC is a joy." "Some of the most formative experiences of my life occurred here, and I'm deeply honoured to see my writing recognised in this way, stated Doireann Ni Ghriofa. UCC Alumni Award winner Prof Martin Tangney and Anna Hyde pictured at the UCC Alumni Achievement Awards. Pic: John Allen An award-winning inventor, Professor Martin Tangney OBE is a key international figure in the low carbon sector, informing policy debate around the world. In 2007, he established the UKs first research centre dedicated to the development of sustainable biofuel and has since made history by powering the worlds first-ever car fuelled with biobutanol, a sustainable biofuel derived from the by-products of whiskey. Professor Tangney graduated from UCC with a BSc Microbiology in 1986. My degree course opened my eyes to the wonders of bacteria and how we can utilise them commercially." "As the world strives to tackle climate change, biotechnology has a pivotal role to play as companies like Celtic Renewables seek to replace fossil fuel-derived chemicals with sustainable low carbon biological alternatives. "The seeds for Celtic Renewables were planted in my mind at UCC, said Professor Martin Tangney OBE. Stay up to date on COVID-19 Get Breaking News Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. Sponsored By: St Anthony's Hospital Emporia, VA (23847) Today Partly cloudy in the morning. Increasing clouds with periods of showers later in the day. Thunder possible. High 67F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Overcast with rain showers at times. Low around 45F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Easter holiday food voucher scheme approved Children from low income families on the Island will receive food vouchers this Easter, after Tynwald backed the move. The Easter Holiday Food Voucher Scheme 2022 will offer assistance to more than 2,100 children and young people, who qualify for free school meals. In the coming days, parents and carers will receive two weekly vouchers that can be spent at any Shoprite store before the end of the two week break. For eligible families, the combined value will be 23.50 for a primary age pupil, and 29.50 for those at secondary school or University College Isle of Man. The vouchers will be received in the post and can be used to buy groceries. They cannot be used for alcohol, lottery tickets, tobacco, or exchanged for cash. TEHRAN, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Iran announced Saturday the sanction of another 24 U.S. officials and individuals for "involvement in terrorist and anti-human rights activities," according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry's website. The ministry said in a statement that these persons "support acts of terror and spread terrorism as well as flagrant violations of human rights," adding they were blacklisted in accordance with Iran's human rights and counter-terrorism laws. They also played a role in supporting, organizing, imposing, and intensifying U.S. unilateral coercive measures against the Iranian people and government, sponsoring and backing terrorist groups as well as activities and supporting Israel's oppressive moves in the region, particularly against Palestinians, said the ministry. It added U.S. unilateral coercive measures have exacerbated Iranians' living conditions amid the COVID-19 pandemic by preventing their access to medication as well as medical services and equipment, depriving them of basic rights. Such measures, the ministry said, are in flagrant violation of the fundamental principles of international law and human rights and clear instances of crime against humanity. It added that planning, leading and supporting terrorist acts as well as financing and providing material support to terrorist groups have violated international law and contradicted international obligations to fight terrorism. In July 2015, Iran signed the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with world powers, under which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for easing the U.S.-led sanctions. However, the U.S. government under former President Donald Trump unilaterally quitted the pact in May 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, prompting the latter to reduce its nuclear commitments in retaliation. Ora Mixon's funeral service will be noon, May 7th, at the Round Island Creek Mission Center. Interment will be in the Thatch Mann Cemetery. Visitation was 5-6 p.m. May 6th at Royal Funeral Home in Athens. Since February, GMs Cruise self-driving unit has offered public taxi rides in San Francisco. And for the most part, it seems the service hasnt run into any notable problems. That is until a strange situation played out last weekend when one of the companys vehicles left police seemingly confused by its response to a routine traffic stop. Welcome to the future. Cop pulls over driverless car (because no lights?) Then Cruise goes on the lamb. (via https://t.co/mtmsIeOAUP) pic.twitter.com/ecQ5xXuSnS Seth Weintraub (@llsethj) April 10, 2022 The video you see above was first posted on April 2nd but only began to circulate widely after 9to5 publisher Seth Weintraub shared it on his personal Twitter account on Saturday. It shows San Francisco police attempting to pull over a driverless Cruise vehicle in the citys Richmond District, only for the car to temporarily take off as a group of onlookers watch the scene in disbelief. One day after Weintraub shared the video, Cruise commented on the clip, stating its vehicle yielded to police and moved to the nearest safe location for that traffic stop. An officer contacted Cruise personnel and no citation was issued, the company said. We work closely with the SFPD on how to interact with our vehicles, including a dedicated phone number for them to call in situations like this. Its unclear why police stopped the vehicle, but it would appear the car didnt have its front lights on. It's safe to say we may see more episodes like the one that played out on April 2nd occur as autonomous vehicles become a more common sight on US roads. It should come as no surprise then Cruise produced a video designed to teach first responders how to approach its vehicles. Check it out above. Enid, OK (73701) Today Sunny skies with gusty winds developing later in the day. High 81F. Winds SE at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies, with gusty winds developing overnight. Low 68F. Winds SSE at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. Oklahoma residents, legislators debate abortion bills OKLAHOMA CITY Pregnancy would likely amount to a death sentence for her, says Erin Ward. INDIANAPOLIS On November 2021, 23-year-old Texas resident, Tanya, learned she was pregnant. That was two months after Texas lawmakers banned abortions after six weeks of pregnancy the stage when a fetal heartbeat can be detected, but before most women know theyre pregnant. The new law provides no exceptions for rape, incest or medical emergencies. Tanya, as she was identified in an interview excerpt included in a report published by the University of Texas at Austin, discovered during an ultrasound appointment that the law, known as the Heartbeat Act, made her ineligible for an abortion in Texas. I had looked up some (clinics), and the closest were basically New Orleans, Jackson, Miss., and Oklahoma. I had called about six or seven places in those three states, Tanya told researchers. Ultimately, Tanya booked an appointment in Mississippi and embarked on a days-long trip to receive an abortion at a clinic two states away from her home. Her experience was among several collected by researchers who estimated 1,400 Texans each month cross state lines to obtain abortion care following the 2021 passage of the Heartbeat Act. Analysts say the type of migration now common in Texas could become widespread if the 6-3 conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court decides to roll back abortion protections granted by the courts landmark 1973 decision in Roe vs. Wade. Justices are expected to issue a decision by early summer in a Mississippi case involving the same clinic where Tanya obtained her abortion. The reality is that if the Supreme Court overturns abortion rights, we expect 26 states are certain or are likely to ban abortion, said Elizabeth Nash, a state policy analyst with the Guttmacher Institute, a research think tank that supports abortion rights. That would affect 36 million women of reproductive ages across the country. Return to states rule The patchwork of state rules that would result from overturning Roe vs. Wade effectively would create islands of availability across the U.S. in states where lawmakers havent moved to stop abortions. And those states have become focal points for advocates both for and against abortion access. Regardless of the Supreme Courts decision, Robyn Chambers, the executive director of Advocacy for Children at Focus on the Family, said her organization will continue to advocate for abortion restrictions. Our hope is obviously that its overturned but we also recognize that if Roe is overturned at the federal level that abortion does not go away; it goes back to the state level, Chambers said. Our goal is to make abortion unthinkable. Similarly, Nash said clinics and providers in abortion-friendly states are preparing for an influx of patients from states with limited or no abortion access. That impacts their capacity both to treat residents from their own states and those traveling from elsewhere Nash said appointment backlogs in Oklahoma rocketed from a few days to three to four weeks after Texas restriction went into effect. And officials with the abortion provider Planned Parenthood reported an 800% increase in patients at clinics in Oklahoma during that period. Oklahomas Legislature had two proposals pending until this past week. One would have established a six-week ban, the other an outright ban on all abortions, except in cases of medical emergencies, rape and incest. On Tuesday, state lawmakers passed the latter bill. If signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt, it would make performing an abortion a felony in the state punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. Guttmacher identified 13 states that would likely absorb the vast majority of patients, including New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina. Several of those states, including Colorado, Illinois and New York, have passed laws protecting abortion access with Colorados governor signing the states law in early April. Of those states, experts expect Illinois to see the most dramatic influx of abortion patients as several surrounding states, including Michigan and Indiana, would disallow abortions. The state would become the nearest provider for as many as 8.9 million women, an increase of up to 8,651%. In anticipation, two clinics in southern Illinois created a call center to help out-of-state women with logistics such as financial assistance, hotels, flights, cabs and child care. We should be preparing and are preparing for a scenario where Roe v. Wade is no longer the law of the land, said Bonyen Lee-Gilmore, the vice president of strategy and communication at Planned Parenthood in St. Louis. Lee-Gilmore said about 75% of patients at Planned Parenthoods Fairview Heights clinic, across the river from St. Louis, traveled from Missouri, which has some of the countrys most restrictive abortion laws. Lawmakers in Missouri, recognizing that proximity and outflow, introduced a bill that would allow residents to sue out-of-state physicians who perform the procedure. Erin Hawley, a senior appellate lawyer for Alliance Defending Freedom, an anti-abortion group, said constitutional precedence allows states to protect the rights of their residents across state lines. Its clear that states have an interest in protecting citizens outside of their state boundaries, Hawley said. For example, if a child was kidnapped with the intention of taking her across state lines and killing her, no one would argue that states dont have an interest in protecting that life. Who is most impacted? Regardless of their fundamental disagreement over access to abortion services, many advocates often agree on who is most impacted by restrictions. About one in six pregnancies (excluding miscarriages) ended in abortion in 2017, according to Guttmacher an estimated 862,320 abortions. In 2014, more than half of abortion patients were in their 20s. Most, 59%, were already mothers and 75% were poor (living below the federal poverty level) or low-income (earning between 100% or 199% of the federal poverty level). The federal poverty level for a family of two in 2014 was $15,730. And whether abortion services are covered by insurance varies wildly from state to state, and from one insurance plan to the next. Even Medicaid coverage of abortions varies by state the Hyde Amendment blocks federal money from being spent on abortions, except under narrow circumstances, but some states supplement Medicaid programs with state money to cover abortions. Women denied an abortion were more likely than women who received an abortion to experience economic hardship and insecurity lasting years, the study from University of California researchers concluded. Laws that restrict access to abortion may result in worsened economic outcomes for women. Recognizing this, Chambers, with Focus on the Family, said youth anti-abortion activists pushed the organization to find ways to support mothers post-birth and advocate for affordable healthcare as well as housing and education opportunities. The top reasons women have an abortion is because of financial issues or lack of support financially, Chambers said. And so those are the things we need to focus on at that state level. Layered on top of financial considerations is the high maternal mortality rate in the U.S., including in many states with strict abortion restrictions. And mortality statistics show Black women and other minorities suffer the most. Maternal mortality rates for Black women are three times that of white women and we know that proportionately, there are more Black women seeking abortion care, Nash said. The fact that our country does not provide adequate reproductive healthcare the brunt is borne by Black women and that is a real problem. Research from the University of Colorado Boulder predicted that pregnancy-related deaths would increase by 21% if abortion was banned nationwide, with a 33% for Black women. SCOTUS isnt the end The Supreme Courts decision, even if justices dont overturn Roe vs. Wade, will trigger rapid action by states as lawmakers and advocates pull against one another, said Nash with Guttmacher. The estimated 26 states likely to constrict or halt abortion access include those with pre-Roe bans, those with trigger laws tied to Roe vs. Wade and others with laws currently tied up in litigation that could be dismissed following the justices decision. But Nash emphasized that one court loss couldnt permanently define abortion access, noting that politics change over time. Just because this is where the political climate is right now doesnt mean thats where it will be in 5, 10 or 15 years. It may look very different then, Nash said. These bans may be eased in some way over that time as people see the harm and politics change. Chambers, with Focus on the Family, said the organization doesnt have a blanket policy for when an abortion is or isnt permissible because each circumstance is unique. Regardless, knowing that abortions will continue in some states, Focus on the Family will continue pushing for abortion restrictions. We dont know all those situations but we do know that the better choice is life, Chambers said. I do have hope for the first time in a very long time that Roe could be overturned, but that doesnt mean we back down. BOISE CITY, Okla. Jerry Rice is a seed planter both physically and spiritually. The 71-year-old farmer and rancher, who lives in the Oklahoma Panhandle about six miles from the New Mexico state line, has been involved with the Fellowship of Christian Farmers International for around 30 years. FCFI, headquartered in Lexington, Ill., is a nonprofit, nondenominational ministry, the members of which attend farm shows and events, provide disaster relief and go on domestic and international mission trips. On the path forward 2022: Building a resilient community: ALL FAITH STORIES On the path forward 2022: Building a resilient community is a special section that will publish in the Enid News & Eagle for eight Sundays Rice, as an FCFI member, primarily attends farm shows in Amarillo, Texas, and Enid and Oklahoma City, saying those are his seed ministries. Were planting the seed of the gospel, and we have no idea what will come out of it, he said. We have some good things happen. We have some big things happen. People come by (the FCFI booth at the shows) and are all excited because were there doing that, and it encourages whoever comes by knowing that somebody is standing up and doing this. Doing what they can FCFI was formed in 1985 in San Antonio during the American Soybean Association EXPO by a group of farmers who met and discussed the need for an organized Christian fellowship of the farming industry, according to the Fellowships website. About 26 people attended the first FCFI meeting, organized by Steve Drake. Membership has grown to include several thousand people. FCFIs vision is to encourage Christian farm families and agricultural professionals to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior around the world. Rice, who also is a pastor at a small church in the Oklahoma Panhandle, and his wife went to an FCFI conference in the early 1990s, which kickstarted his involvement. Since then, Rice has coordinated several disaster relief projects and was an FCFI board member for three years. Were a volunteer organization, so everybody just steps up and does what they can, he said. Two-way street In the mid-2000s, wildfires burned millions of acres in the Texas Panhandle. Rice coordinated disaster relief to help rebuild barbed-wire fences lost in the flames. Several families, including 8-, 9- and 10-year-old children, volunteered to help out. One of the guys would come by the (FCFI) booth in Amarillo and would say, I cannot believe these people ... just came in and started rebuilding my fences, Rice said. He was an older man, and he was just amazed by that. Every year, he would come by the booth and tell me that same story. Rice said FCFI has been attending Enids farm show, KNID Agrifest, for more than 10 years. Most recently, Rice attended the Oklahoma City Farm Show, which was held this past week. You always get to meet local people and visit with them, Rice said. Its all a part of encouraging each other. Were there to encourage people, but then they turn around and encourage us back, so its a two-way street. To find more farm shows and events where FCFI is represented, go to www.fcfi.org/calendar-events/. The 29th annual FCFI Conference will be held July 27-29 in Branson, Mo. The best parts about being an FCFI member, Rice said, are getting to meet and form relationships with other people and helping those in need. This is good from the standpoint of having relationships with other like-minded people, and encouraging each other from a faith standpoint, Rice said. Its neat to have that kind of relationship and meet believers from all over. And helping people like with disaster relief projects is always a blessing. Getting involved For information on FCFI, go to www.fcfi.org, email fellowship@fcfi.org or call (309) 365-8710. Anyone interested in becoming an event volunteer or a mentor, providing disaster relief, going on mission trips, joining the prayer team or organizing an FCFI community can go to www.fcfi.org/make-an-impact/. ENID, Okla. Food insecurity among Oklahomans is prevalent, with more than half a million facing hunger 194,880 of them children according to Feeding America. One in 7 Oklahomans face hunger and 1 in 5 of those are children in Oklahoma, according to the organization that provides links between food pantries and those in need of their assistance. On the path forward 2022: Building a resilient community: ALL FAITH STORIES On the path forward 2022: Building a resilient community is a special section that will publish in the Enid News & Eagle for eight Sundays Local help Food pantries and distribution centers do the work to fill the gap in Northwest Oklahoma for those facing hunger. Food distribution services include Shepherds Cupboard, Loaves and Fishes, Salvation Army and RSVP for seniors. Food box or grocery distribution from the food pantries can be based on income limits and distribution limited to certain time. Meals are provided by Salvation Army at 6 p.m. daily, Our Daily Bread from 10:30 a.m. to noon weekdays, First Presbyterian Churchs Manna Meal from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday and Central Christian Church Enid Welcome Table from 4:30-5 p.m. Sunday. Not just a poverty thing Food insecurity, a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food, is not necessarily a continual condition, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Food insecurity may reflect a households need to make trade-offs between important basic needs, such as housing or medical bills and purchasing nutritionally adequate foods, according to Feeding America. Although related, food insecurity and poverty are not the same. For families with medical expenses or who face a high cost-of-living, resources can drain fast. Access to charitable food resources or participation in federal nutrition programs at times can fill gaps when their own resources are scarce. Availability of government support for households varies based on the household income as it relates to the poverty level. Oftentimes, those right on the line of qualifying for government assistance can still struggle to receive adequate nutrition. How to get involved Food insecurity solutions residents can assist with include raising awareness about hunger, supporting local food distribution efforts and calling on lawmakers to make ending hunger a priority. OKLAHOMA CITY Pregnancy likely would amount to a death sentence for her, says Erin Ward. Ward, of Oklahoma City, suffers from a rare health condition and said while shes married, if she gets pregnant, the related hormone surge would give her cancer. So on a recent Tuesday, she stood outside the Oklahoma Capitol with more than 100 others, urging Oklahoma lawmakers not to restrict her right to abortion access and to ensure there continues to be safe, effective access for everyone. I dont feel like thats worth a death sentence, she said. And people who want to take away safe abortion access are literally telling me that I deserve to die for whatever choices Ive made in my life. Thats freedom for some people, and freedom for everybody else to suffer. But as Ward rallied outside, Oklahoma lawmakers inside the Capitol were pushing through what critics said would be one of the most restrictive abortion access bills in the nation, and which proponents said would offer the strongest protections of life of any state. Anticipating landmark Supreme Court decision, states moving to restrict access to abortion Oklahomas Legislature passed a bill that if signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt would make performing an abortion a felony in the state punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. The measure, which is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt, criminalizes abortion except to save the life of the mother. Providers could face a felony charge and up to a decade in prison. It is one of a number of Republican-led measures moving through legislative chambers that abortion rights advocates say could alter the landscape for Oklahoma women as well as Texas women seeking abortion access.. The bills create a total ban, rely on a womans menstrual cycle to create the equivalent of a 30-day ban, and mimic a similar six-week ban that was passed in Texas. Supporters and critics alike agree that if signed into law, Oklahomas legislation would amount to one of the strictest regulations in the country, even surpassing a controversial law in Texas that has driven thousands of abortion-seekers to surrounding states. The ultimate goal is to protect all unborn life, said Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, who added that the bills advanced by the state Senate this year were strong protections of life. I believe deeply in the value and dignity of every human life, and so do the vast majority of my colleagues and the vast majority of Oklahomans, and we will continue to push that envelope as far as we possibly can, Treat said. Oklahomas restrictions at any level would be devastating and affect every single person whos seeking care in Oklahoma, said Emily Wales, interim CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which runs clinics that offer abortion services in Oklahoma City and Tulsa as well as a clinic in Little Rock and two in Kansas. The goal is certainly to do as much damage to the citizens of Oklahoma as Texas has done to its citizens. And if they can, I think theyre going to try to get away with doing even more, she said. Kansas has its own state constitutional protection for abortion access, but theres an amendment on the August ballot there that seeks to remove that, Wales said. Wales also said abortion has been a polarizing issue for a long time, but as politicians have passed more and more restrictions, patients and providers have adapted. Courts until recently also have stopped much legislation from taking effect. Wales said studies and polls continue to show that Americans dont like government interfering in their private medical decisions, and only recently has the reality of anti-abortion legislation started to hit home for many women since Texass Heartbeat Act took effect Sept. 1. The law bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. Planned Parenthood Great Plains health centers saw more than 1,100 patients from Texas from September to December 2021, with the overwhelming majority traveling to Oklahoma. During the same time in 2020, those centers saw just 50 patients from Texas. Its hard to capture what the patient need has been, Wales said. Weve increased accessibility. Weve increased hours. Weve increased physician coverage, but we still have patients who are knocking on our doors, who are calling at all hours trying to get in to get care, but we just cant keep up with demand. Now their clinics are fielding questions from Texas patients about why they have fewer rights there than in neighboring Oklahoma. Its a terrible conversation, she said. Its one that we cant explain. I also think to some extent of the awful restrictions were seeing now, and the patients in crisis. The speaks to what the goal has long been for anti-abortion politicians. Supporters and critics alike, meanwhile, are waiting for a much anticipated U.S. Supreme Court ruling later this year that could potentially overhaul the nations abortion regulations. Anti-abortion advocates hope that justices will shift the power to states to craft their own abortion rules, thereby creating a sort of patchwork system where state lawmakers could enact near-total bans. Oklahoma also has a trigger bill that would allow pre-Roe v. Wade statutes to take effect should the nations highest court overturn it this summer. The patients who are coming to us now in Oklahoma from Texas will just be pushed further out, Wales said. Now well have Texans plus Oklahomans who are going to Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Illinois. State Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, authored two anti-abortion legislative bills. He also authored a bill last year that was signed into law by Stitt that takes a physicians license away if they perform an abortion. That one is being challenged in the courts. Olsen said hes not concerned about the perception of government intervening in abortion access. He said the term health care is a misnomer when used for abortion. Because when you come in, you have a baby thats still alive, Olsen said. And when the woman leaves, theres a dead baby. This is something that kills a living being. It has nothing to do with health. It has more to do with death than anything else. He said if the U.S. Supreme Court ruling goes favorably and leaves abortion regulation to the states, then his laws will take effect. If it does not, then we got to go back to the drawing board and see what our best approach might be, he said. At this juncture, I dont know what that might be if the ruling goes unfavorably. Y Gonzalez, of Edmond, said its frustrating watching abortion regulations sweeping across Oklahoma and much of the country. Gonzalez, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, was attending the abortion rights rally outside the state Capitol and carried a poster that read, Keep your rosaries off my ovaries. I cant fathom how much people, especially cisgendered males, want to regulate our bodies, Gonzalez said. It is not your body. Historians and the media are treating Bush and Cheney much differently than they did 20 years ago. (White House Photo.) The recent rehabilitation of the images of former President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney in the media is not unusual in American history, says political expert William S. Bike in a recent article for Medium.com. "The media and historians often take a contrarian second look at officials years after they have left office and, since these officials no longer are in the white-hot glare of day-to-day politics, decide that the common opinion about those officials was not necessarily the correct one," said Bike, who is the author of a how-to book on all aspects of political campaigning, Winning Political Campaigns. See the article at https://billbike.medium.com/george-w-bush-and-dick-cheney-liberal-darlings-c7d37bcf5d4a. In the article, Bike compares historians' and the media's rehabilitation of their images to that of Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Jimmy Carter, and analyzes why events of 2020 are placing Bush and Cheney in a more favorable light. Containing "everything a candidate, campaign worker, or activist needs to know to conduct a political race," Winning Political Campaigns is written in an easy-to-read, easy-to-use alphabetical format. The book "provides essential tools, practical pointers, and valuable advice about running campaigns successfully," writes Fran Ulmer, former Lieutenant Governor of Alaska, in her foreword to the book. It is particularly useful for low-profile, grassroots, or local campaigns. Winning Political Campaigns was written by William S. Bike, an award-winning journalist and public relations professional. Bike is senior vice president of ANB Communications, a Chicago-based writing and public relations firm that has consulted for several political campaigns and public policy organizations. Bike also is an international award-winning political editor of a community newspaper and activist in community grassroots politics. Covering everything from advertising to building alliances, proper business practices, campaign literature, candidate behavior, media, voter contact, debating, fundraising, strategy, and more, Winning Political Campaigns is extremely thorough and detailed, yet easy to use. Real-life examples are drawn not only from the political world, but also from the worlds of sport, higher education, history, and more. Particularly useful are appendices including a sample itinerary for a political event, an event planning checklist, media terms, a sample news release and direct mail piece, and more. Winning Political Campaigns is available as a Kindle book for only $9.99 on Amazon at https://tinyurl.com/ykp23z4c Update: Parade winners Few traces of Fiesta 2022 remain on the streets, but lets take a moment to acknowledge the winners of both the Battle of Flowers and Fiesta Flambeau parades. Battle of Flowers 6A bands First place: Sandra Day OConnor High School Second place: Churchill Hill School and Wagner High School (tie) Third place: John Marshall High School Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Sub-6A bands First: Thomas Jefferson High School Second: Sidney Lanier High School Third: Luther Burbank High School Out-of-town bands First: Del Valle High School Second: Taylor High School Third: None Water wagons First: San Antonio Independent School District Mariachi Band Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Second: Legacy of Educational Excellence (LEE) High School Third: South San Antonio High School Fourth: William J. Brennan High School Civic/educational floats First: St. George Episcopal School Second: Fiesta Commission Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Third: University Health System School floats First: Alamo Heights High Schools Ole, ole, ole Second: Brennans Dutch Treat Third: LEEs Amazon Adventures and Roosevelt High Schools GDay, Mate (tie) Fiesta Flambeau Commercial floats First: Chick-fil-A Second: Bill Miller/Community Health/Gonzaba Third: La Michoacana Community floats First: Our Lady of the Lake/Ballet Festival/Danzavida Second: San Antonio Zulu/UTSA/Image Dance Third: San Antonio Lutheran Coronation/Beethoven Band Out-of-town floats First: McAllen Holiday Parade Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Second: City of Schertz Sweetheart Court Third: Floresville Peanut Festival/Texas Citrus Festival High school dance First: Southwest High School Second: Sam Houston High School Third: Thomas Jefferson High School/McCollum High School Out-of-town dance First: Alief Kerr High School Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Second: Karnes City High School Third: Medina Valley High School/Pleasanton High School Out-of-state dance First: T R Miller High School Second: Demopolis High School Third: Thomas County High School College dance University of Texas at San Antonio Community dance First: Samba Vida Drum & Dance Second: Kazamba/The Del Rio Queen City Belles Third: Charangas Local cheer teams First: Jefferson/Sidney Lanier High School Second: Thomas Edison High School/Claudia T. Johnson High School Third: Highlands High School/McCollum Out-of-town cheer teams First: Somerset High School Second: St. Pius High School Third: Pleasanton Out-of-state cheer teams First: T R Miller High School Second: Demopolis High School Third: Thomas County High School Marching units First: Pride San Antonio Second: Amazon Third: University Health System Local bands First: Sam Houston Second: McCollum Third: Johnson/Lanier Out-of-town bands First: Medina Valley Second: Pleasanton/Alief Kerr Third: Somerset Out-of-state bands First: Thomas County/DeSoto Central High School Second: Bainbridge High School Third: Saraland High School College band University of Texas at San Antonio Equestrians First: La Michoacana Meat Market Second: Royal Rosarians Vehicles First: Military Civilian Ambassadors/San Antonio Conservation Society Second: San Antonio Police Department Event Commander Third: Toyota Sequoia #45 Special awards Presidents Award: Floresville Peanut Festival Parade Directors Award: Our Lady of the Lake University Farthest Traveled: The Rosarians (from Portland, Ore.) 10:20 p.m., First Presbyterian Church parking lot at Avenue E and McCullough Susan Smith and Mark Bevis watched the parade from the back of a pickup. The friends have kids in Boy Scout Troop 345, which is one of the groups responsible for setting up and taking down paid chairs along the parade route. The group also was out at the Battle of Flowers Parade on Friday. Smith said its been neat to see some of the same bands both nights. Yesterday was a super early morning, and we left about 1:30 in the afternoon when we got everything picked up, Bevis said. And then tonights going to be a super late night. Well probably get out of here at 1:30 or something like that. Despite the long hours, the two said the parade has been fun to watch. This was their first time attending the parade. Its pretty outstanding he said of the event, and Smith agreed. On ExpressNews.com: Fiesta 2022 in photos 9:10 pm, Dewey and North Main While newlywed Adam Guiza has called San Antonio home since 1999, he had never attended a Fiesta event before coming downtown for Saturday nights Fiesta Flambeau parade, although he recalls watching the proceedings on TV. Im not big on crowds, he said. By chance, circumstances led Guiza to attend this year. He works at a Dollar Tree right by the beginning of the parade route, so, as he put it, I figured Id check it out. Holding up his phone to snap pictures of the passing floats, he said he was having a good time, sounding slightly surprised. What Ive seen so far, Ive enjoyed, he said. He especially liked the Chick-fil-A float because of the music playing. Guiza only wished his spouse, who is in Houston for work, could have been there with him. But theres always next year. You know what, he said, I will (attend). On ExpressNews.com: The best San Antonio offers: King William Fair and Parade back to the delight of San Antonio families 9 p.m., Alamo Plaza The Javens family was visiting San Antonio this weekend from Spring. It was a combined celebration, marking Roger and Jennifer Javens 15th anniversary and Savannah Javens ninth birthday. Though they had heard about the parade, they hadnt sought out any information on how to view it. The family of four stumbled upon it when they went to get ice cream at Haagen-Dazs downtown near the Alamo after a fun-filled day at SeaWorld San Antonio. Roger helped Savannah balance on one of the poles along Alamo Plaza street, and Jennifer did the same for 6-year-old Ashlyn. This is fun, Jennifer said as she held onto her daughter. We werent expecting this. On ExpressNews.com: Fiesta parade photos offer a blast from the past 8:10 p.m., North Main and Dewey For 25 of the approximately 30 years Hugh Hemphill, 60, has lived in San Antonio, he has driven the same 1929 Ford Model A in Fiesta Flambeau. After a while, they all start blending together, he said, but its still a lot of fun. Hemphill is originally from Scotland and moved to Texas in the 1990s. When asked how he landed a role in one of San Antonios most iconic events, he said with a flash of humor, Not everyone can drive a stick shift. Hemphill has always loved old cars, so he started volunteering at the Texas Transportation Museum shortly after he moved to town. Thats how he met the Ford. Sitting behind the wheel, Hemphill looked perfectly at home as he eyed the street ahead of him, waiting for his moment. By now, he could probably do it in his sleep. On ExpressNews.com: Battle of Flowers returns to San Antonio after two-year hiatus; 500,000 expected to attend 7:40 p.m., at the Cenotaph Genevieve and Katie Shaw took selfies in front of the Cenotaph as they waited for the Fiesta Flambeau parade to pass by. The mother and daughter, 47 and 9, were continuing a lifelong tradition of attending the parade. They also went to the Battle of Flowers Parade on Friday. They were attending the evening event with Shaws other daughter, Sierrah Shaw, 18, and her friends. This is like a happy place, Shaw said. We just wanted to enjoy it. As the two walked away from the monument toward the Alamo, the wind started to pick up, kicking up dirt and leaves under the trees near the Cenotaph. On ExpressNews.com: Its tradition: San Antonio families stake out Battle of Flowers viewing spots 7:15 p.m., West Courtland and Howard As a San Antonio resident, Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School eighth-grader Chris Castro has attended plenty of Fiestas before, but hes never had the chance to walk in one. Until now. Castro, 14, will be carrying his schools banner Saturday night in Fiesta Flambeau along with one other student. Both were selected because they are members of Rhodes Leadership Officer Training Corps, a military track. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Hanging out with one of his teachers, Bernardo Franco, Castro said he felt nervous. Everyones (going to be) watching me! he said, likely including his dad and grandma. But, he admitted, he felt something else besides anxiety: excitement. On ExpressNews.com: The dazzling gowns of Fiestas Order of the Alamo Coronation 2022 Near San Antonio College, 6:40 p.m. When the Texas Cavaliers float starts making its way along the Fiesta Flambeau parade route Saturday evening, it will be easily identifiable to the throngs of people lining the sidewalk. Painted baby blue and bright red, the same colors as the Cavaliers uniform, the float was mostly handmade by Cavalier Rob Eversberg, 43, and one other man. The project took several months to complete, but Eversberg is modest about his achievement. He wont even be riding on the top of the float. Im just a worker bee, he said. In the minutes before the parade started at 7 p.m., he was indeed as busy as one of the flying insects, making sure everything was in place. Organizers expect 750,000 people to come downtown to watch Fiesta Flambeau, billed as the countrys largest illuminated night parade. This years theme is Celebrating Literary Classics. Itll follow the same route used by the Battle of Flowers Parade the previous day. Standing on the sidewalk by where Eversberg was making last-minute preparations, Cavalier Tres Plummer, 32, said he and a friend will be carrying the Cavaliers banner in front of the float for the duration of the parade. I think for all of us, it feels very significant, especially our families coming out of lockdown, said Plummer, a software developer. We feel like the citys come back out in droves. Theyre ready to see organizations that help charities, and theyre excited to see everyone. In addition to holding the distinction of being the first unabbreviated Fiesta since the pandemic started, Fiesta 2022 is the first celebration Plummer will appear in as a member of the Cavaliers. caroline.tien@hearst.com megan.rodriguez@express-news.net CHICAGO, April 9 (Xinhua) -- CBOT agricultural futures finished the week higher in a narrow trading band as market volatility is expected to continue due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Corn futures ended 30 cents higher this week with both old and new crop contracts rising in tandem. There is a growing risk that supplies must be acutely rationed in 2022-2023 if Midwest weather is anything but perfect. There is an abrupt shift to unwanted dryness in central and northern Brazil, one of the world's top grain exporters. This is a concern as the return of regular rainfall in the states of Mato Grosso and Goias is highly unlikely as the monsoonal pattern there ends in May. As a result, 60-65 percent of Brazil's safrinha corn crop is at risk of pollinating under zero precipitation and high temperatures. It is critical that a majority of the crop in 2022 is planted before May 15 to avoid both potential yield issues and a lack of old crop supply in late August/September. Longer term, it is Ukraine's ability to grow and export corn that determines fair value in 2022-2023. Confirmation that exports will be restricted triggers a new bullish phase. New all-time highs are forecast in the next few months. A close above 7.75 dollars will attract additional buying. U.S. and European wheat markets ended sharply higher with July Kansas wheat above 11 dollars for the first time in two weeks. Near-term fair value lies between 10-12 dollars, but longer-term fundamental outlook of Chicago-based research company AgResource is increasingly turning more bullish. The market cannot yet prove or disprove that Black Sea surpluses will remain absent from the world market from July 1 onward. AgResource fears the Russia-Ukraine conflict will be a yearlong affair. Otherwise, the outlook is relatively clear as bullish geopolitics collide with adverse weather. The loss of old crop Black Sea surpluses has been dealt with via enlarged Indian exports and a modest slowing of world trade. However, global import demand is seasonally weak during April and May before it dramatically ramps up in June. World import demand usually peaks in early autumn as domestic harvests are exhausted, and replacing some 25-30 million metric tons of Black Sea exports will be outright impossible. Additionally, drought is forecast to worsen across the hard red winter wheat belt over the next 30 days, which is a dire concern amid historically low crop ratings. The market has not accounted for a sub-47 bushel per acre U.S. yield or the need to maximize U.S. exports in the July-December period. AgResource suggests buying breaks, saying a close above 11.20 dollars for July Kansas wheat foreshadowing a test of all-time highs. Soybean futures tested key support in early week trade and then closed sharply higher. The early week break uncovered solid consumptive buying with China booking old and new crop futures. The April World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate report raised the export forecast by 25 million bushels and lowered end stock by a similar amount which supported higher week trade. U.S. soybean export inspections have started to turn higher and have been above last year for seven consecutive weeks. Brazil has been exporting soybeans at a record rate, though the pace started to slow in the last week. Given crop losses, the hurried export rate means that Brazilian supplies will be exhausted far earlier than normal. Strong world demand and tightening world vegoil supplies look to push CBOT soybeans to new all-time highs, AgResource notes. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Update at 8 a.m. April 10: Texas A&M Forest Service reported the fire is 40 percent contained. According to Joint Base San Antonio, the fire has spread to 4,000 acres. Original story continues below: Multiple fire departments dispatched units to combat a brush fire at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis on Saturday, the Leon Springs Fire Department reported. Evacuations were in effect Saturday evening for the Oak Ridge and Georg Oaks neighborhoods, the Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer Fire Department reported. By 9 p.m., the fire had grown to 1,543 acres and was 25 percent contained, the Texas A&M Forest Service reported. An enormous plume of smoke hovered over the military training reservation Saturday afternoon as the fire continued burning. It was readily visible from neighboring areas, even as far away as Pipe Creek. The National Weather Service said that although the red flag warning ended at 8 p.m. Saturday, gusty winds south winds will combine with low humidity and critically to extremely dry fuels to create critical fire weather conditions throughout all of South Central Texas this evening. Sunday will see elevated to near critical fire weather conditions, it said. caroline.tien@hearst.com Deadly and destructive: The 10 worst Texas wildfires in state history Brandon Strickland, 20, drove home from church on Sunday unsure if he was going to be able to get to his house. A massive wildfire had broken out Saturday afternoon in the demolition-range area on Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, according to JBSA officials. Stricklands home is just two miles from the base. On my way home, there was smoke all the way down the road and some fire trucks and pickup trucks stationed all down it, Strickland said. He was able to get home but was on edge all day waiting for an evacuation order. Last night I wasnt expecting to see (the fire) from my driveway, Strickland said. To see a 50-foot flaming tornado from a random hill ... it was exhilarating. More than 24 hours later, the fire had burned almost 3,000 acres and was 50 percent contained. Earlier estimates had put the acreage at 4,000 but fire officials updated that number to 2,800 acres using GPS mapping on Sunday afternoon, officials said. The fire has not traveled past the base and remains within JBSA, said Angelina Casarez, a spokesperson for 502 Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio. The brush fire began about 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, said Casarez, but it has been determined that it started in an active training area. JBSA-Camp Bullis is made up of 27,000 acres that include ranges, training areas and wildlands on San Antonios north side. There are no reported injuries, and no occupied buildings have been damaged. Fire departments from across JBSA from Camp Bullis, Fort Sam Houston, Lackland and Randolph, as well as firefighters from Leon Creek, Shavano Park, Bulverde, Texas A&M Forest Service and other agencies from the surrounding area continued to fight the fire Sunday evening. Residents gathered on Blanco Road on Sunday to watch the fire burn and airplanes and helicopters drop water and fire retardant on the flames. Many of them stood on their cars taking pictures. Most were hopeful that the fire wouldnt spread to their homes. A strong north wind was blowing, making them feel optimistic about the safety of their homes. Some said that Blanco Road also could serve as a good firebreak if the fire got close to it. We are keeping an eye on it. We are all a little concerned. If it jumps this road, then weve got issues, said Steve Alexander, whos lived in the area for four years. On Saturday, two evacuations were in effect for the Oak Ridge and George Oak neighborhoods, the Express-News previously reported. As of Sunday afternoon, all evacuation orders had been lifted. Lorie Willis had to leave her nearby home because of a commitment, but she made sure a neighbor could evacuate her dog if necessary. I left my front door unlocked and my leash for my neighbor to get my dog if needed, said Willis, who has lived in the area with her husband for 22 years. But we are fine because the wind is blowing that way, she said, pointing north. Ive never seen anything like this ever in my life, said Willis husband, Lee. This ones real. I promise Im not a pyromaniac, but last night, I mean, it was really cool, he said about the red wall of flames. You could see the glow all the way down the road. I knew it was bad. claire.bryan@express-news.net GALVESTON Architecture students from Texas A&M University at College Station and Prairie View A&M University met last weekend in Galveston for a design charrette to brainstorm ideas for a museum to showcase the history of Juneteenth, which last year became a national holiday. The charrette, a collaborative session in which a group of designers share ideas for a project, was a continuation of an effort that has inspired significant community conversation since last summer about how to showcase and portray the story of Juneteenth in Galveston, the birthplace of the holiday. The students worked on proposed concepts for a museum at three possible Galveston sites: the current museum and gallery space at the Old Galveston Square Building, an empty field near Kermit Courville Stadium and the Central Cultural Center. The idea is to have concepts ready to present to the public by Juneteenth June 19 said Sam Collins III, a local historian and co-chairman of the Juneteenth Legacy Project. Other places will have Juneteenth celebrations, Collins said. Other places will talk about that story. But we have the birthplace of Juneteenth. Various people and groups in the community have been in discussion for months about how to tell the story of Juneteenth, which celebrates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom. The event has a special tie to Galveston because Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger landed on the island June 19, 1865, bringing with him news that the Civil War had ended. The students intend to make a museum that interacts with and connects with the Galveston community, said Gregory Luhan, department head of architecture at Texas A&M University. Some of his students were present at the April 2 brainstorming session. Theyre making relationships to the surrounding community, Luhan said. This project is really about telling the whole story, not a series of points in the story. The students proposed various ideas for repurposing the Old Galveston Square building and cultural center and for a new building near the stadium. Bernard Cunningham, a student at the Prairie View campus and native Galvestonian, was excited to get to work on a project in his hometown, he said. Cunningham liked the idea of a museum building, but wanted the community involved. For example, a building on The Strand could coordinate with the shops around the existing museum, he said. Our idea was making it an open concept, making retail shops in there more relatable to the museum, Cunningham said. In addition to the museum project, Galveston Historical Foundations committee on African American heritage has been working on an interactive introduction to Juneteenth at Ashton Villa. The building, 2328 Broadway, has been the site of Juneteenth celebrations for decades. The Ashton Villa exhibit isnt a museum and isnt meant to be permanent, said Dwayne Jones, executive director of the foundation. This is really an experience, Jones said. Its an introduction to what happened on Juneteenth, but its not huge. Its small but very interactive. The foundations exhibit is meant get people thinking about Juneteenth while the community plans for something more permanent, he said. Theres a lot more that can be done on Juneteenth in Galveston, but this is a start for us, Jones said. Jones expects the Ashton Villa exhibit to open about a week before Juneteenth. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate On the morning of her eviction hearing, Cecilia Perez sat and stared at her reflection in the mirror. She had done her makeup, straightened her hair, and put on black jeans and a shimmery black vest. She sorted through a folder of documents and tossed what she didnt need on her bed. Perez hadnt slept all night. Shed lain in bed, waiting to share a ride to court with her three fellow tenants at 817 W. Poplar St. a dilapidated four-unit apartment building just northwest of downtown. Their landlord had sent them eviction notices the week before the hearing last fall. Perezs notice said she had overstayed her lease. They dont have a case against us, said Perez, 44. Thats the thing. None of this is fair. For more than a year, documents show, the tenants had dealt with chronic sewage and water problems. The floors were bubbled up, and there was mold in the showers and holes in the walls. The tenants said that after the 2021 winter storm, the hot water went out and the plumbing was damaged, causing water and sewage to spill for months. Foot-deep pools of stagnant water surrounded their apartments, attracting bugs and reeking of sewage. The tenants filed numerous complaints with code enforcement officials, who issued various citations for plumbing violations. Plumbers came out, but no repairs were evident. Instead, the landlord initiated legal proceedings to evict them, challenging them to find other affordable housing. Jessica Phelps / Jessica Phelps From January 2021 to September 2021, the number of evictions filed in San Antonio hovered around 1,000 per month, but after the federal eviction moratorium ended in September, eviction filings surged. The moratorium, imposed by the government during the COVID-19 pandemic, prevented landlords from evicting tenants on the basis of overdue rent. In October, landlords filed 1,600 cases to evict. In December, they filed 1,532. Sandy Rollins, executive director of the Texas Tenants Union, said she has received roughly 80 calls a day from Texas residents about evictions and substandard conditions after the moratorium expired. Most dont know their rights, she said, and most cant afford legal representation to defend them. While landlords and property management companies typically can afford lawyers and have the experience to navigate the courts, renters are often overwhelmed by legal jargon, distrust and economic hardship. Its all day, every day, Rollins said. Everyone is supposed to have a home, to relax, to raise children, to get away. Many people dont have that. Its always an edge of homelessness for them. The landlord and tenants Jessica Phelps / Jessica Phelps Before Bradford Shepherds company bought 817 W. Poplar St. in 2017, Gary Simmons had been living there for more than a year. His apartment the buildings largest was at the front right, with a dining room, living room, back bedroom, porch and small yard. His wife lived with him, though she was not on the lease. Lawrence Ellis occupied the front left unit, with a tiny living room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Behind Ellis was Wayne Green, and behind Simmons was Perez whom everyone called Hazel in a studio apartment with a kitchenette a few feet wide. Her partner, Raymond Cantu, was also on her lease, though he visited the property only occasionally. Simmons, 62, said the property was in better condition when he moved in, when an elderly couple owned it. Perez said the building was falling apart when she arrived in 2019. Besides the sewage issues, there was no door on the unit and mildew on the walls. The property manager promised to have it all fixed soon, so she paid a $1,000 security deposit. But nothing was ever corrected, Perez said. Meanwhile, she bought a door with her own money, fixed the walls and redid the floors with a faux-wood look. On ExpressNews.com: Eviction looms over family awaiting rental assistance from troubled Hays County program Perez has been on and off the street since she was 8 and has dealt with physical and emotional abuse for years. At one point, she was stabbed in the chest, which left a small hole in her heart. Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and anxiety, Perez said it can be hard to concentrate and understand whats happening. Sometimes, when her PTSD is really bad, she cant get out of bed. She was homeless for three years before moving in. I was just so happy to have a roof over my head, Perez said. Green, 67, was receiving veterans disability compensation as was Ellis. He told Perez about one of the apartments when it became vacant. Jessica Phelps / Jessica Phelps Under Shepherd who was based in Austin and is now in Boise, Idaho the fourplex has been overseen by third-party property managers. In September 2020, Sheer Value Property Management, a San Antonio company, took over that role. For this article, numerous emails, calls and texts were sent to Shepherd. Although none of those messages was returned, Shepherd commented extensively about the case on Twitter. Writing about his tenants, Shepherd said in a July tweet: I dont want to know them, dont want them to know me. He also tweeted his disappointment in the return on his investment in the neighborhood. Definitely bought the city is pouring in a ton of money bit, he tweeted in August. The area is still horrible. Shepherd did not renew Perezs lease in fall 2020 and the others in spring 2021. He said on Twitter in March and April that the tenants were not paying their rent. The economics of eviction Jessica Phelps / Jessica Phelps Each tenant was receiving government assistance, from Veterans Affairs or Social Security, ranging from about $800 a month to a little more than $1,000. In San Antonio, thats not enough to afford housing at normal market rates, said Sofia Lopez, a researcher at the Action Center on Race and the Economy, which describes itself as a resource for organizations seeking to achieve racial, economic, environmental and educational justice. Median rent in the San Antonio-New Braunfels area is $912 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,114 for a two-bedroom, according to the 2021 data published by U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department. Affordable rent for someone making $800 a month is about $240. That inability to afford market-rate housing puts tenants like those at 817 W. Poplar at fundamental odds with landlords, for whom real estate is a commodity, Lopez said. Some landlords, she said, can and are content to let a property sit without improvements until they sell it once the market rises. On ExpressNews.com: Ayala: Homeless advocates pushing city on evictions, code enforcement During the eviction moratorium, Shepherd could not remove tenants for failing to pay rent. Then last spring, he began working to oust his Poplar residents on the grounds that they had overstayed their leases. At the same time, Shepherd applied to the Texas Rent Relief program, which was created during the pandemic to help tenants pay rent and utility bills. Perez said that when she signed forms for the program, it was the only time she saw Shepherd in person. She said he promised to fix all the propertys issues. She received $6,715 from the program in late April 2021, which went directly to the landlord to pay her past-due and future rent. When the moratorium ended in early September, the tenants received letters requesting that they leave by Sept. 30. None of them did. Tenants rights Jessica Phelps / Jessica Phelps While Simmons stepdaughter LaToya Graves was visiting for the summer, she had to boil water every night to bathe her children: 6-year-old Aaliyah and 5-year-old E.J. Meanwhile, the adults took cold showers every morning. Texas law says tenants have the right to demand that landlords repair any conditions that materially affect their physical health or safety, such as lack of hot water or working sewage, and that justices of the peace have the authority to enforce those requirements. But those rights, said Rollins of the Texas Tenants Union, are conditioned on tenants being current on their rent and if they follow rules for how they ask their landlord to fix such problems. Jessica Phelps / Jessica Phelps Leases can and typically do require such requests to be delivered by certified mail with return receipt requested or some other trackable form of delivery. Otherwise, Rollins said, two requests for repairs must be given. The 817 W. Poplar leases specified that requests for repairs be made in writing, a requirement that none of the tenants understood, though that may have been moot for those who were behind on rent, such as Perez. Such stipulations make it hard for tenants to sue their landlord for repairs, Rollins said. For tenants who are behind on rent or do not properly request repairs, its nearly impossible to win. After the February 2021 freeze, Simmons sent several emails about damages. The tenants said the landlord sent a plumber but that nothing was done to fix the sewage and hot water. They said they also called Sheer Value about the issues, to no avail, and contacted city code enforcement numerous times. In April, Shepherd told San Antonio code enforcement that he hired a plumber. But he said in a tweet that the tenants chased the plumbers away and violently threatened his property manager. The first complaint about water and sewer leaks was made in November 2020, which led to investigations by code enforcement on the property for a year. Multiple notices from the city were placed on the front gate citing Shepherd for various violations, including a lack of water service. A citation Oct. 11, 2021, for plumbing violations, including no hot water, carried a $300 penalty. The notice set an administrative hearing date at Municipal Court in mid-November, for which the penalty if Shepherd did not appear would be $1,000 or less. During this time, sewage from Simmons toilet was flowing into Perezs tub. To take a shower, she had to stand on the side of the tub and stick her head under the cold-water nozzle. Shepherds tenants werent the only people affected by his propertys plumbing problems. Neighbors of the fourplex paid $4,000 to repair damage from water that leaked into their yard and dripped into their basement, causing an electrical short. While the couple, in their 70s, paid to move wiring to another part of their house, their yard remained a massive puddle. The couple said the property manager told them she couldnt shut off the water line because its illegal to do so. And fixing the plumbing would require ripping up the floor in Greens apartment. In court Jessica Phelps / Jessica Phelps On the morning of eviction court, the tenants met in the driveway. All of them were anxious, pacing the property and barely speaking. Simmons came out last, begrudgingly. We cant be late, Perez kept repeating. Please, lets not be late. In a voicemail that Shepherd left for Simmons late last summer, the landlord said fixing the sewer problems would require shutting off the water and tearing down all the apartments. He said he would either pay him and Perez a months rent $500 for Perez and slightly more for Simmons to move out within a week or he would use that money to hire an eviction lawyer. Neither Perez nor Simmons accepted the deal, so the property management company retained Kristopher Bowen, a real estate lawyer for commercial and residential landlords, on Shepherds behalf. Bowen declined to comment during the court proceedings and did not return calls about the case. Meanwhile, the tenants conferred with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, which provides free civil legal services to southwest Texans but did not officially represent the Poplar tenants. Hallie Dunlap, a lawyer with Texas RioGrande, appeared at court only to offer advice. Less than 1 percent of tenants receive legal support during an eviction in Texas, said Matt Garcia, a lawyer who works with Dunlap. Thats because of a lack of attorneys who offer such services Texas RioGrande is one of a few in San Antonio that do so and tenants being unaware of the few pro bono or less-costly lawyers available. Ellis took a deal. He wouldnt be evicted if he agreed to leave by Nov. 22, 2021, giving him a little more than two weeks to find a new place. Simmons took a similar deal. Dunlap advised Perez and Green to appeal the eviction decision, which would give them more time to move. A tenant can appeal an eviction within five days of the initial hearing and stay on the property while the appeal is pending, though the tenant must continue paying rent. Green appealed, and Perez, whose case was not decided yet, returned to court the next week, but Dunlap could not make it. At Perezs next court appearance, which her partner, Cantu, attended, Bowen, Shepherds lawyer, conferred with them privately. Perez said she would not sign anything unless she received financial assistance to move and to pay a few months rent in a new place. Bowen wrote at the bottom of the agreement that the parties agree that Perez may seek relocation assistance from the city. The agreement also specified that the tenants could not appeal the eviction further. Unaware of the languages ramifications, Perez and Cantu signed the deal and had to be out before December or risk eviction. The end of the line Jessica Phelps / Jessica Phelps Two days before Ellis had to vacate 817 W. Poplar, his housing through the VA fell through. Instead, he moved into a boarding house, which the VA paid for until March, and put his possessions in storage. For two nights, he lived in his car because he couldnt afford a hotel. Green, who appealed the eviction, had a few months to find a new place. He finally left the property in March. After accepting the landlords deal, Simmons left with no idea where he would go. I know Im right in the end, he said. But its not like anyone cares. Perez could not secure city assistance before her move-out date. To receive it, she had to submit a new lease. But in her anxiety, Perez couldnt figure it out. When she returned to court for the last time, she was evicted in a few minutes and given two weeks to vacate. Perez didnt have enough money for a storage unit or a moving van, and initially, no one with a truck would help her move. I should feel lucky because I have all this and people have so much worse than me, she said. But Im so stuck. I feel so stuck. I dont know what to do anymore. On Dec. 15, the day of Perezs eviction, as she continued scrambling for money to move, Sheer Value hired 10 men from Craigslist to remove her possessions from the apartment. Everything boxes, a disassembled bed, clothing, dishes, a mirror was piled in the driveway as it began to rain. Even the door she bought when she moved in was taken off its hinges and tossed in with the rest. Dejected, Perez called her mother, with whom she has a strained relationship. I really need help here, she told her, her voice cracking. Her mother came with her father. She paid for storage space and used her truck to move her daughters possessions, which took three trips. All that was left was a grocery bag with personal items and a bicycle. Perez was homeless again. That night, she had a friend to stay with, though she didnt know for how long. She also had some leads on affordable apartments, but none came through. Shepherd never appeared in court for his violations, virtually or in person. Because he didnt show up, the court issued a default judgment of liability for $300 in January. But on a recommendation from the citys Development Services Department, the landlord paid $25 in the end. The case is now closed. Since the tenants vacated the property, prospective buyers have visited the site and checked out the fourplex. One buyer looked around and took photos, but he was not impressed. Ill probably just bulldoze the whole thing, he said. Elena Bruess writes for the Express-News through Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms. ReportforAmerica.org. elena.bruess@express-news.net Fairfield, MT (59436) Today Cloudy with occasional showers overnight. Low 44F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional showers overnight. Low 44F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Oak Hill, WV (25901) Today Cloudy with periods of rain. High 56F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Rain showers early with overcast skies late. Low 43F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. As the dramatic video reveal of Sudhanshu Sarias Sanaa gains traction on social media, the filmmaker has pulled off a casting coup, including Pooja Bhatt. Bhatt, Radhika Madan, Sohum Shah and Shikha Talsania round out the impressive group. With the inclusion of Bhatt, the hype for the female-led movie can only intensify. Pooja thoroughly fits the bill for this tailormade role in Sanaa, Sudhanshu Saria, the Producer-director-writer remarked. Im sure the legacy she carries as an actor and as the voice of women will add dimensions to the part she will be seen playing in the film. Im thrilled that she has boarded this journey with all of us. Saria has been recently confirmed as the director of Junglee Pictures Ulajh, a fast-track female-led spy film. Hes also co-producing and writing Delhi Crime Season 3 for Netflix, and hes writing, co-directing, and show-running Masoom, an Amazon Prime series. According to Bhatt, Sanaa is a deeply moving and astonishingly perceptive film that captures societys judgments around women in a way that is going to jolt a lot of people out of their preconceived notions and comfort zone. I am thrilled that Sudhanshu made me a part of this film that examines the lives of women as we actually live it and not in a way the world thinks or wishes that we do. Sanaa recounts the narrative of a headstrong and ambitious girl, played by Madan, who is in an internal conflict rooted in unresolved trauma. Bhatt, who made her acting comeback last year with Netflixs Bombay Begums, is all set to be on the large screen with Sanaa, a film that she believes explores womens lives in a profound sense. Also read: Alia Bhatt To Make Hollywood Debut In Heart Of Stone Co-starring Gal Gadot The Potala Palace, a landmark in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, features a mural that illustrates a historic marriage between the Han and Tibetan ethnic groups. The mural depicts ancient Tibetan officials standing in a row, holding their hands in front of their chests, to welcome Wencheng, a princess of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The princess traveled to Tibet to marry Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Similar to the mural, many other relics in Tibet have helped further uncover cultural communication and integration between the plateau region and the rest of China. Produced by Xinhua Global Service With rumours of Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatts wedding going around, Neetu Kapoor gets candid about her relationship with Alia Bhatt. In the interview, the veteran actor Neetu Kapoor talks about the relationship she shared with her mother-in-law Krishna Kapoor. She comments that she would want her relationship with Alia to be the same as she had with her mother-in-law. Neetu Kapoor revealed that she shared the friendliest bond with Krishna Kapoor, and she could talk to her about anything. She also shared that she could even complain about her husband to her. In an interview with the Times of India, Neetu Kapoor said, "I hope I do when they get married and I want to. My relationship with my mother-in-law was outstanding. She loved me more than her son and I know it. We were friends and spoke about everything under the sun. In fact, I would complain about my husband to her (laughs). We were very open. I hope I have the same equation with Alia because she is outstanding and amazing, The power couple, Ranbir and Alia are getting married on April 14. They have decided to tie the knot, after five years of dating. They will be seen on-screen in Ayan Mukerjis directorial next Brahmastra. With his impressive performance in Cobalt Blue, the actor Prateik Babbar has won the hearts of the nation. This movie followed an unconventional storyline, portraying a queer love story where two siblings fall in love with the same guy. The actor took to his Instagram to share that the movie will always be special to him, as one of the scenes features a picture of his late mother Smita Patil. He penned an emotional quote to go along with the post. Prateik Babbar wrote, Ive said it before.. & Ill say it over & over again.. this ones special for so many reasons.. but the most special reason being.. - this is the first time (& hopefully not the last) my gorgeous mother & I will ever be seen in the same frame together.. even if its just her photograph.. this particular scene & film will always empower me in ways I cannot articulate..Set in the early / mid 90s.. my character, that of a mysterious paying guest happens to be a fan of the great Smita Patil!.. what a time to be alive! If heartbreak had a name.. #CobaltBlueOnNetflix " Smita Patil was an Indian actress, who led the New Wave movement of cinemas in India. She however passed away at the tender age of thirty-one, just a few weeks after giving birth to her son Prateik. She was also a recipient of India's fourth-highest civilian honour, a Padma Shri. Macau, China--(Newsfile Corp. - April 10, 2022) - On April 7th, BYD ATTO 3 was officially launched in Macau as BYD and its Macau partner Companhia De Automoveis De Energia Nova Hap Dic Limitada are working to realize the "carbon-free" goal of Macau. BYD ATTO 3 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8404/119938_93864422e48d5917_001full.jpg ATTO 3 is the first SUV built on BYD's e-platform 3.0, specially designed for high-performance electric vehicles with four significant advantages: intelligence, efficiency, safety, and aesthetics. ATTO 3 is designed with Dragon Face 3.0 family design language, led by Wolfgang Egger, BYD's Global Styling Director. It integrates the electric and futuristic design with power, sharp lines, and a strong and sporty posture. ATTO 3 is a standard A-class SUV with a wheelbase of 2,720 mm, which allows the driver and the passengers to enjoy extra space and legroom to travel comfortably and freely in Macau. BYD's revolutionary Blade Battery technology comes as a standard in ATTO 3, offering drivers industry-leading safety levels and an extended single-charge range capability. General Manager of BYD (MACAU) LIMITADA, Mr. Ye Chenghui (in the middle), Founder of Hap Dic, Mr. Loi Ka Hou (left from the first), Co-founder of Hap Dic, Mr. Liu Pui Lam (right from the first) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8404/119938_93864422e48d5917_002full.jpg At the event, Mr. Ye Chenghui, General Manager of BYD (MACAU) LIMITADA, Mr. Loi Ka Hou, founder of Hap Dic, and Mr. Liu Pui Lam, co-founder of Hap Dic, jointly lit up the whole venue with the powerful VTOL function of BYD ATTO 3. Mr. Ye Chenghui said, "As the Chinese NEV industry leader, BYD sold 104,338 new energy passenger vehicles in March and continued to rank top in the monthly sales of new energy vehicles in China. In March 2022, BYD announced that it had stopped the production of full combustion engine vehicles and would focus on battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the future. We will join hands with Hap Dic to promote the development of green transportation in Macau and give further impetus to build a 'carbon-free city'." Liu Pui Lam said, "To better respond to the national goals for 'peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality', accelerate green transportation in Macau, and create a carbon-free city, Hap Dic will work together with BYD to introduce more new energy vehicles in Macau and cover efforts in green transport and environmental protection." About BYD BYD (Build Your Dreams) is a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. BYD now has four industries including Auto, Electronics, New Energy, and Rail Transit. Since its foundation in 1995, the company quickly developed solid expertise in rechargeable batteries and became a relentless advocate of sustainable development, successfully expanding its renewable energy solutions globally with operations in over 70 countries and regions. Its creation of a Zero Emissions Energy Solution, comprising affordable solar power generation, reliable energy storage, and cutting-edge electrified transportation, has made it an industry leader in the energy and transportation sectors. BYD is a Warren Buffet-backed company and is listed both on the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. More information on the company can be found at http://www.byd.com. Contact: These community newsletters are open to all; you do not need to be a member to sign up. (Although we hope you do join us!) The Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Northwest often gets credit for helping transform the city of Lebanon and it should. To be clear, there have been other positive changes in town that have occurred in the last decade or so to help Lebanon rebound from the downturn in the timber industry. The arrival of the Edward C. Allworth Veterans' Home, new Linn-Benton Community College facilities, a downtown revival, and trail and parks improvements have all benefited this citys fortunes. But theres no doubt the medical colleges opening in 2011 was a major factor in Lebanons upswing. Western University has roughly 475 students and 100 workers in The City that Friendliness Built, so youd expect good things to happen. And amazingly, Western Universitys impact in Lebanon will become even greater thanks to a windfall of $22.5 million. Those dollars are coming via a legal settlement where a Medicaid provider, FamilyCare Inc., sued the state of Oregon, alleging that the Oregon Health Authority put it out of business by pressuring the nonprofit to drop its rates to the point of insolvency. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Albany Democrat-Herald. Western University wasnt a party to the case, but FamilyCares CEO Jeff Heatherington is a major booster and donor, and actually helped bring the medical college to Lebanon. Hes donating the settlement money to Western University, which will help expand the COMP-NW campus and launch a behavioral health college in Lebanon. The new college will be built at a former Weyerhaeuser mill site of about 145 acres at the end of Milton Street in Lebanon, and that property also will be donated. The Heatherington Foundation for Innovation and Education in Healthcare purchased the site for $3.85 million in 2018. Its unclear what exactly the expansion at that former mill could mean for Western University at this time, but total enrollment and staffing are expected to grow significantly in Lebanon, which obviously brings huge benefits. Revitalizing a former mill site also is a plus for various reasons, including that construction projects typically help the local economy. There could be a few drawbacks, such as increased pressure to the housing market, but that seems like a minor quibble, especially considering how home and rental prices have surged into the stratosphere throughout the mid-valley. The behavioral health college will be Western Universitys third campus in Lebanon. COMP-NW, 200 Mullins Drive, has about 420 students this school year, and has graduated about 100 doctors every year since 2015. That number is expected to grow to 125 graduates and perhaps more per year over time. Western Universitys College of Health Sciences, 2665 S. Santiam Highway, has about 50 students, and welcomed its first cohort of physical therapy students in July 2021. In a few months, another 60 students are anticipated to start school there, and the Western University College of Health Sciences plans to add occupational therapy as an option in 2023, leading to another bump in enrollment. Tuition for aspiring physicians is rather expensive, as you might guess, so they have to live a bit frugally. Still, these students are a big boost for local businesses. Many of them live in Lebanon, shop in Lebanon stores, and eat at Lebanon restaurants while they are enrolled at COMP-NW. And some of them will fall in love with Lebanon or other spots in the mid-Willamette Valley and seek to practice medicine here. Linn and Benton counties, Oregon and the United States need more doctors and nurses for the health of our communities. All in all, the arrival of COMP-NW and the expansion of Western University here should be considered blessings for Lebanon. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A special ministerial conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs) is held in Macao, south China, April 10, 2022. A special ministerial conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and PSCs, also known as Forum Macao, opened Sunday in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) focusing on the epidemic fight and common development. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka) MACAO, April 10 (Xinhua) -- The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) will make greater efforts to further improve its function of a platform linking China and Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs), Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Ho Iat Seng said on Sunday. Ho made the remarks at a special ministerial conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and PSCs, also known as Forum Macao, held in Macao and Beijing with delegates joining offline or online. He said the Macao SAR will speed up integrating into China's development pattern of dual circulation of domestic and international markets, further serve as a bridge for two-way exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese mainland, the Macao SAR and PSCs, and help build a community with a shared future for mankind. During the process, Macao will fully tap its own advantages, work actively with the forum, and help achieve fruitful results in the exchanges and cooperation between China and PSCs, Ho said, adding that the building of the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin, Zhuhai city, which is adjacent to Macao, will help enrich Macao's role of a platform linking China and PSCs. Themed on epidemic fight and common development, the conference, which was held in time, will help enhance cooperation between China and PSCs in the field of health care, and jointly promote economic recovery, he added. Founded in Macao in 2003, the forum is aimed at enhancing economic and trade exchanges between China and PSCs, giving full play to Macao's role of an economic and trade platform linking China and PSCs, and promoting the common development of the Chinese mainland, PSCs and the Macao SAR. Chief Executive of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Ho Iat Seng (R) and Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR Fu Ziying attend the opening ceremony of a communication center on epidemic prevention between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (PSCs) in Macao, south China, April 10, 2022. A special ministerial conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and PSCs, also known as Forum Macao, opened Sunday in China's Macao SAR focusing on the epidemic fight and common development. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka) Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of a communication center on epidemic prevention between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (PSCs) in Macao, south China, April 10, 2022. A special ministerial conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and PSCs, also known as Forum Macao, opened Sunday in China's Macao SAR focusing on the epidemic fight and common development. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka) Gettysburg, PA (17325) Today Periods of rain. High 52F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch.. Tonight Steady light rain in the evening. Showers continuing late. Low 42F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Gillette, WY (82718) Today Mainly clear. Low 49F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low 49F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Thank you for reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. ISLAMABAD, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Five people were killed and another was seriously injured on Sunday after a truck collided with a rickshaw in Rajanpur district of Pakistan's eastern Punjab province, local media reported. According to the reports, the over-speeding truck loaded with vegetables collided with the rickshaw full of passengers in the district. The rescue teams reached the site and shifted the victims to a local hospital, the local media said, adding that the truck driver managed to escape. Road accidents frequently happen in Pakistan, mainly due to poorly maintained vehicles, dilapidated roads as well as negligence of road safety measures. English Norwegian (Oslo/Holla, March 24 2022) Norwegian power producer Statkraft and German chemical company WACKER have signed agreements to secure that around 40 per cent of the electricity needs at the silicon metal production site at Holla in Norway will be met by green electricity from hydropower in the future. Statkraft will supply a total of 2.35 TWh of certified Norwegian hydropower to WACKER's Holla site between January 2022 and December 2027. Around 525 GWh of this will come from the Svean hydropower plant under a green power purchase agreement (PPA). The agreement plays into WACKER's strategy of meeting more of its electricity needs from renewable sources. At its Holla site WACKER produces silicon metal in an energy-intensive process. Silicon metal is one of WACKERs most important raw materials. It is needed for producing silicones and hyperpure polysilicon. "Switching to green power in our production is an important lever for achieving our sustainability goals. The Holla site is the first step. In the short to medium term, we intend to steadily expand our green power portfolio with further purchases in Norway and Europe," says WACKER CEO Christian Hartel. Were happy to contribute to WACKER meeting their goals for electricity use and greenhouse gas reductions, and at the same time ensure stability both for Statkraft and the power-intensive industries, says EVP Market & IT, Hallvard Granheim. Statkraft is working closely with the power-intensive industry in Norway and the Nordics to offer short and long-term contracts hedging their electricity consumption. In recent years Statkraft has signed new contracts with several industrial companies, some lasting until 2039. About Statkraft: Statkraft is a leading company in hydropower internationally and Europes largest generator of renewable energy. The Group produces hydropower, wind power, solar power, gas-fired power and supplies district heating. Statkraft is a global company in energy market operations. Statkraft has 4,800 employees in 19 countries. About Wacker: WACKER is a globally active chemical company with some 14,400 employees and annual sales of around 6.21 billion (2021). WACKER has a global network of 26 production sites, 23 technical competence centers and 52 sales offices. For further information, please contact: Statkraft AS Lars Magnus Gunther, press spokesperson Tel: +47 91241636 lars.gunther@statkraft.com www.statkraft.com Wacker Chemie AG Media Relations & Information Manuela Dollinger Tel. +49 89 6279-1629 manuela.dollinger@wacker.com www.wacker.com Pump Signal is a team of internet entrepreneurs and cryptocurrencies trading analysts. They have initiated the Arbitrage system on their platform for the very first in the crypto industry enabling newbie traders to become successful. Moscow, Russia, April 09, 2022 (NEWSCALL) -- Pump Signal is an emerging platform made up the expert traders. The founders are assisted by plenty of professional marketers and traders. They help newbie traders to choose the best time to enter the market. In a recent development, Pump Signal has introduced the concept of Arbitrage System that enables investors to buy cheap and sell expensive. 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Pune, April 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- REPORT OVERVIEW The Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Market provides vital information about the global, regional, and top companies, such as Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) market share analysis, winning strategies, latest developments, and financials. Aside from giving information on the top participants in the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) market, the study also recalculates the influence of macroeconomic and microeconomic factors that may have an impact on the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) markets development. The report begins with an overview of the industrial chain structure, followed by a description of the increasing trend. Furthermore, the study examines market size and predictions for several geographic areas, kinds, and end-use sectors. Identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats results in fact-based analysis, new insights, increased revenue, historical data, and predicting new ideas. The Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) market is growing at a steady rate and with the rising adoption of strategies by key players, the market is expected to rise over the projected horizon. The Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Market key insights have been presented through the frameworks of SWOT and Porters Five Forces analysis along with the attractiveness of the market has been presented by sales, revenue, distribution channel, product type, and region. Request a Sample PDF of report @ https://www.industryresearch.biz/enquiry/request-sample/19891825 INSIGHTS Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), also known as Sustainable Natural Gas (SNG) or biomethane, is a biogas which has been upgraded to a quality similar to fossil natural gas and having a methane concentration of 90% or greater. A biogas is a gaseous form of methane obtained from biomass. By upgrading the quality to that of natural gas, it becomes possible to distribute the gas to customers via the existing gas grid within existing appliances. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global Renewable Natural Gas market size is estimated to be worth US$ 8090.1 million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of US$ 72130 million by 2028 with a CAGR of 44.0% during the review period. COVID-19 IMPACT We have been tracking the direct impact of COVID-19 on this market, as well as the indirect impact from other industries. This report analyzes the impact of the pandemic on the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) market from a Global and Regional perspective. The report outlines the market size, market characteristics, and market growth for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) industry, categorized by type, application, and consumer sector. In addition, it provides a comprehensive analysis of aspects involved in market development before and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Report also conducted a PESTEL analysis in the industry to study key influencers and barriers to entry. To Understand How Covid-19 Impact Is Covered in This Report https://www.industryresearch.biz/enquiry/request-covid19/19891825 KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS The market is fragmented due to the presence of a large number of regional and local enterprises from various nations. Mergers, expansions, acquisitions, and collaborations, as well as new product development, are emphasised as strategic strategies utilised by major firms to boost customer brand awareness. The markets leading businesses invest extensively in research and development to increase the effectiveness of their products and eliminate negative effects. List Of Market Players Profiled: Clean Energy Fuels Archaea Energy Montauk VERBIO Vanguard Renewables J V Energen Gasrec Future Biogas REN Energy Dominion Energy Deqingyuan California Bioenergy Asia Biogas AltEnergo Waga Energy Ameresc This report provides an analytical representation of the global Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Market, current trends, and future projections in order to discover prospective investment possibilities. The report contains a comprehensive analysis of the global Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) market share, as well as data on major drivers, constraints, and opportunities. The study provides a complete market analysis based on competitive intensity and how the competition will evolve in the next years. Enquire before purchasing this report https://www.industryresearch.biz/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/19891825 SEGMENTATION The scope of the report includes worldwide and regional markets, as well as a complete analysis of the markets overall development prospects. It also highlights the global marketplaces broad competitive environment. This research also includes an overview of leading companies, including the most recent effective marketing techniques, market contributions, and present and historical context. The Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Market is is segmented by product type and end-user industry/application. Growth across segments is used to identify the many growth factors that are predicted to dominate the market as a whole, as well as to design diverse tactics to distinguish between key applications and target markets. By Type Analysis: Agricultural RNG Resource Sewage & Wastewater RNG Resource Landfill RNG Resourc By Application Analysis: Electricity Generation Vehicle Fuel Gas Grid Other DRIVERS AND RESTRAINS The research report provides an analysis of the various factors driving the markets growth. It creates trends, constraints and impulses that change the market in a positive or negative direction. This section also discusses the various segments and applications that could affect the future market. The report includes a comprehensive boundary condition assessment that compares drivers and provides strategic planning. REGIONAL INSIGHTS Global and country analyses are some of the main metrics used to predict domestic market scenarios. It takes into account the presence and availability of global brands, the problem of strong or little competition with local and domestic brands, and the impact of national tariffs and trade routes on country data projections. Regionally, the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Market is clubbed into, - North America [US, Canada, Mexico] - Europe [Germany, UK, France, Russia, Italy, Rest of Europe] - Asia-Pacific [China, India, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific] - South America [Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America] - Middle East and Africa [GCC, North Africa, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa] Get a Sample Copy of the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Market Report Here Key Reasons to Purchase: - Gained an analysis of market insights and a comprehensive understanding of the Global Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Market and commercial environment. - To mitigate development risk, the production process evaluates key problems and solutions. - Recognize the driving forces and impediments that have the biggest influence on covid-19 in the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) market, as well as its worldwide market. - Explains the market strategies adopted by each major institution. - Understand the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Market's future view and forecast. - In addition to standard structure reports, we also offer custom studies tailored to specific requirements. Purchase this Report (Price 4900 USD for a Single User License) - https://www.industryresearch.biz/purchase/19891825 IMPORTANT POINTS FROM TABLE OF CONTENT (TOC) 1 Study Coverage 2 Global Renewable Natural Gas Production 3 Global Renewable Natural Gas Sales in Volume & Value Estimates and Forecasts 4 Competition by Manufactures 5 Market Size by Source 6 Market Size by Application 7 North America 8 Europe 9 Asia Pacific 10 Latin America 11 Middle East and Africa 12 Corporate Profiles 13 Industry Chain and Sales Channels Analysis 14 Market Drivers, Opportunities, Challenges and Risks Factors Analysis 15 Key Finding in The Global Renewable Natural Gas Study 16 Appendix Browse Detailed TOC of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Market @ https://www.industryresearch.biz/TOC/19891825#TOC REPORT COVERAGE The Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Market study includes data on market size, price trends, and emerging growth, as well as a comprehension of industry features that can lead to profitable prospects for new entrants and established organisations. This study examines the market's primary drivers and constraints in depth. The market trends discussed in the studies will influence the market's future orientation. The research also contains a complete analysis of the accomplishments of the worldwide market's leading players. It also discusses crucial market trends that are likely to be beneficial. The study report's purpose is to offer a fair and truthful picture of the situation. What the Report has to Offer? - Market Size Estimates: The report offers accurate and reliable estimation of the market size in terms of value and volume. Aspects such as production, distribution and supply chain, and revenue for the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) market are also highlighted in the report - Analysis on Market Trends: In this part, upcoming market trends and development have been scrutinized - Growth Opportunities: The report here provides clients with the detailed information on the lucrative opportunities in the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) market - Regional Analysis: In this section, the clients will find comprehensive analysis of the potential regions and countries in the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) market - Analysis on the Key Market Segments: The report focuses on the segments: end user, application, and product type and the key factors fuelling their growth. - Vendor Landscape: Competitive landscape provided in the report will help the companies to become better equipped to be able to make effective business decisions. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The collection and analysis of the base year data was performed using a large sample data collection module. Market data is analyzed and forecasted using consistent statistical market models. In addition, the most important success factors in market reporting are market share analysis and trend analysis. The main research methods are data mining, data triangulation and preliminary analysis and validation (industry experts) of the impact of data fluctuations on the market. In addition, the data model includes vendor positioning grid, market timeline analysis, market overview and leadership, industry positioning grid, enterprise operation analysis, metrics, top-down analysis, and vendor analysis. ABOUT US Market is changing rapidly with the ongoing expansion of the industry. Advancement in the technology has provided todays businesses with multifaceted advantages resulting in daily economic shifts. Thus, it is very important for a company to comprehend the patterns of the market movements in order to strategize better. An efficient strategy offers the companies with a head start in planning and an edge over the competitors. Industry Research is the credible source for gaining the market reports that will provide you with the lead your business needs. Pune, April 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- REPORT OVERVIEW The Life Sciences Market provides vital information about the global, regional, and top companies, such as Life Sciences market share analysis, winning strategies, latest developments, and financials. Aside from giving information on the top participants in the Life Sciences market, the study also recalculates the influence of macroeconomic and microeconomic factors that may have an impact on the Life Sciences markets development. The report begins with an overview of the industrial chain structure, followed by a description of the increasing trend. Furthermore, the study examines market size and predictions for several geographic areas, kinds, and end-use sectors. Identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats results in fact-based analysis, new insights, increased revenue, historical data, and predicting new ideas. The Life Sciences market is growing at a steady rate and with the rising adoption of strategies by key players, the market is expected to rise over the projected horizon. The Life Sciences Market key insights have been presented through the frameworks of SWOT and Porters Five Forces analysis along with the attractiveness of the market has been presented by sales, revenue, distribution channel, product type, and region. Request a Sample PDF of report @ https://www.industryresearch.biz/enquiry/request-sample/15318108 INSIGHTS Life Sciences Market study also includes attractiveness analysis of type, application and regions which are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate and attractiveness in terms of present and future opportunity for understanding the future growth of the market. Geographical and demographic data on the global Life Sciences market aims to determine the characteristics manufacturers need to include to meet the dynamics of the current market. The survey then deepens the best international players in the industry. This helps collect statistics on the revenue, products, growth, and other aspects of large companies. The Life Sciences market is expected to reach millions in 2022 and is projected to grow at an approximate CAGR during the reporting period. China is a global market for Life Sciences and will reach millions of USD by 2026, Germany's Life Sciences ecosystem is expected to be worth millions of dollars. Other significant Asian Pacific markets (Japan and South Korea) are expected to grow at similar rates over the next five years. COVID-19 IMPACT We have been tracking the direct impact of COVID-19 on this market, as well as the indirect impact from other industries. This report analyzes the impact of the pandemic on the Life Sciences market from a Global and Regional perspective. The report outlines the market size, market characteristics, and market growth for Life Sciences industry, categorized by type, application, and consumer sector. In addition, it provides a comprehensive analysis of aspects involved in market development before and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Report also conducted a PESTEL analysis in the industry to study key influencers and barriers to entry. To Understand How Covid-19 Impact Is Covered in This Report https://www.industryresearch.biz/enquiry/request-covid19/15318108 KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS The market is fragmented due to the presence of a large number of regional and local enterprises from various nations. Mergers, expansions, acquisitions, and collaborations, as well as new product development, are emphasised as strategic strategies utilised by major firms to boost customer brand awareness. The markets leading businesses invest extensively in research and development to increase the effectiveness of their products and eliminate negative effects. List Of Market Players Profiled: ICON Accenture Catalent Pharma Solutions DSM PRA International Covance Cognizant Technology Solutions Lonza Group Boehringer Ingelheim Parexel International Corporation Fareva Patheon Pharmaceutical Product Development Charles River Laboratories International Wipro Limited Piramal Healthcare Infosy This report provides an analytical representation of the global Life Sciences Market, current trends, and future projections in order to discover prospective investment possibilities. The report contains a comprehensive analysis of the global Life Sciences market share, as well as data on major drivers, constraints, and opportunities. The study provides a complete market analysis based on competitive intensity and how the competition will evolve in the next years. Enquire before purchasing this report https://www.industryresearch.biz/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/15318108 SEGMENTATION The scope of the report includes worldwide and regional markets, as well as a complete analysis of the markets overall development prospects. It also highlights the global marketplaces broad competitive environment. This research also includes an overview of leading companies, including the most recent effective marketing techniques, market contributions, and present and historical context. The Life Sciences Market is is segmented by product type and end-user industry/application. Growth across segments is used to identify the many growth factors that are predicted to dominate the market as a whole, as well as to design diverse tactics to distinguish between key applications and target markets. By Type Analysis: Knowledge Management Tools Data Analysis Platforms (Structural & Functional) Services Other By Application Analysis: Medical & Health Care Academy Agriculture Others DRIVERS AND RESTRAINS The research report provides an analysis of the various factors driving the markets growth. It creates trends, constraints and impulses that change the market in a positive or negative direction. This section also discusses the various segments and applications that could affect the future market. The report includes a comprehensive boundary condition assessment that compares drivers and provides strategic planning. REGIONAL INSIGHTS Global and country analyses are some of the main metrics used to predict domestic market scenarios. It takes into account the presence and availability of global brands, the problem of strong or little competition with local and domestic brands, and the impact of national tariffs and trade routes on country data projections. Regionally, the Life Sciences Market is clubbed into, - North America [US, Canada, Mexico] - Europe [Germany, UK, France, Russia, Italy, Rest of Europe] - Asia-Pacific [China, India, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific] - South America [Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America] - Middle East and Africa [GCC, North Africa, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa] Get a Sample Copy of the Life Sciences Market Report Here Key Reasons to Purchase: - Gained an analysis of market insights and a comprehensive understanding of the Global Life Sciences Market and commercial environment. - To mitigate development risk, the production process evaluates key problems and solutions. - Recognize the driving forces and impediments that have the biggest influence on covid-19 in the Life Sciences market, as well as its worldwide market. - Explains the market strategies adopted by each major institution. - Understand the Life Sciences Market's future view and forecast. - In addition to standard structure reports, we also offer custom studies tailored to specific requirements. Purchase this Report (Price 3400 USD for a Single User License) - https://www.industryresearch.biz/purchase/15318108 IMPORTANT POINTS FROM TABLE OF CONTENT (TOC) 1 Report Overview 1.1 Study Scope 1.2 Key Market Segments 1.3 Regulatory Scenario by Region/Country 1.4 Market Investment Scenario Strategic 1.5 Market Analysis by Type 1.5.1 Global Life Sciences Market Share by Type (2020-2026) 1.5.2 Knowledge Management Tools 1.5.3 Data Analysis Platforms (Structural & Functional) 1.5.4 Services 1.5.5 Others 1.6 Market by Application 1.6.1 Global Life Sciences Market Share by Application (2020-2026) 1.6.2 Medical & Health Care 1.6.3 Academy 1.6.4 Agriculture 1.6.5 Others 2. Global Market Growth Trends 2.1 Industry Trends 2.1.1 SWOT Analysis 2.1.2 Porters Five Forces Analysis 2.2 Potential Market and Growth Potential Analysis 2.3 Industry News and Policies by Regions 2.3.1 Industry News 2.3.2 Industry Policies 3 Value Chain of Life Sciences Market 3.1 Value Chain Status 3.2 Life Sciences Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis 3.2.1 Production Process Analysis 3.2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure of Life Sciences 3.2.3 Labor Cost of Life Sciences 3.3 Sales and Marketing Model Analysis 3.4 Downstream Major Customer Analysis (by Region) 4 Players Profiles 4.1 ICON 4.1.1 ICON Basic Information 4.1.2 Life Sciences Product Profiles, Application and Specification 4.1.3 ICON Life Sciences Market Performance (2015-2020) 4.1.4 ICON Business Overview 4.2 Accenture 4.2.1 Accenture Basic Information 4.2.2 Life Sciences Product Profiles, Application and Specification 4.2.3 Accenture Life Sciences Market Performance (2015-2020) 4.2.4 Accenture Business Overview 4.3 Catalent Pharma Solutions 4.3.1 Catalent Pharma Solutions Basic Information 4.3.2 Life Sciences Product Profiles, Application and Specification 4.3.3 Catalent Pharma Solutions Life Sciences Market Performance (2015-2020) 4.3.4 Catalent Pharma Solutions Business Overview 4.4 DSM 4.4.1 DSM Basic Information 4.4.2 Life Sciences Product Profiles, Application and Specification 4.4.3 DSM Life Sciences Market Performance (2015-2020) 4.4.4 DSM Business Overview 4.5 PRA International 4.5.1 PRA International Basic Information 4.5.2 Life Sciences Product Profiles, Application and Specification 4.5.3 PRA International Life Sciences Market Performance (2015-2020) 4.5.4 PRA International Business Overview 4.6 Covance 4.6.1 Covance Basic Information 4.6.2 Life Sciences Product Profiles, Application and Specification 4.6.3 Covance Life Sciences Market Performance (2015-2020) 4.6.4 Covance Business Overview 4.7 Cognizant Technology Solutions 4.7.1 Cognizant Technology Solutions Basic Information 4.7.2 Life Sciences Product Profiles, Application and Specification 4.7.3 Cognizant Technology Solutions Life Sciences Market Performance (2015-2020) 4.7.4 Cognizant Technology Solutions Business Overview 4.8 Lonza Group 4.8.1 Lonza Group Basic Information 4.8.2 Life Sciences Product Profiles, Application and Specification 4.8.3 Lonza Group Life Sciences Market Performance (2015-2020) 4.8.4 Lonza Group Business Overview ................ 5 Global Life Sciences Market Analysis by Regions 6 North America Life Sciences Market Analysis by Countries 7 Europe Life Sciences Market Analysis by Countries 8 Asia-Pacific Life Sciences Market Analysis by Countries 9 Middle East and Africa Life Sciences Market Analysis by Countries 10 South America Life Sciences Market Analysis by Countries 11 Global Life Sciences Market Segment by Types 11.1 Global Life Sciences Sales, Revenue and Market Share by Types (2015-2020) 11.1.1 Global Life Sciences Sales and Market Share by Types (2015-2020) 11.1.2 Global Life Sciences Revenue and Market Share by Types (2015-2020) 11.2 Knowledge Management Tools Sales and Price (2015-2020) 11.3 Data Analysis Platforms (Structural & Functional) Sales and Price (2015-2020) 11.4 Services Sales and Price (2015-2020) 11.5 Others Sales and Price (2015-2020) 12 Global Life Sciences Market Segment by Applications 12.1 Global Life Sciences Sales, Revenue and Market Share by Applications (2015-2020) 12.1.1 Global Life Sciences Sales and Market Share by Applications (2015-2020) 12.1.2 Global Life Sciences Revenue and Market Share by Applications (2015-2020) 12.2 Medical & Health Care Sales, Revenue and Growth Rate (2015-2020) 12.3 Academy Sales, Revenue and Growth Rate (2015-2020) 12.4 Agriculture Sales, Revenue and Growth Rate (2015-2020) 12.5 Others Sales, Revenue and Growth Rate (2015-2020) 13 Life Sciences Market Forecast by Regions (2020-2026) 13.1 Global Life Sciences Sales, Revenue and Growth Rate (2020-2026) 13.2 Life Sciences Market Forecast by Regions (2020-2026) 13.2.1 North America Life Sciences Market Forecast (2020-2026) 13.2.2 Europe Life Sciences Market Forecast (2020-2026) 13.2.3 Asia-Pacific Life Sciences Market Forecast (2020-2026) 13.2.4 Middle East and Africa Life Sciences Market Forecast (2020-2026) 13.2.5 South America Life Sciences Market Forecast (2020-2026) 13.3 Life Sciences Market Forecast by Types (2020-2026) 13.4 Life Sciences Market Forecast by Applications (2020-2026) 14 Appendix Browse Detailed TOC of Life Sciences Market @ https://www.industryresearch.biz/TOC/15318108#TOC REPORT COVERAGE The Life Sciences Market study includes data on market size, price trends, and emerging growth, as well as a comprehension of industry features that can lead to profitable prospects for new entrants and established organisations. This study examines the market's primary drivers and constraints in depth. The market trends discussed in the studies will influence the market's future orientation. The research also contains a complete analysis of the accomplishments of the worldwide market's leading players. It also discusses crucial market trends that are likely to be beneficial. The study report's purpose is to offer a fair and truthful picture of the situation. What the Report has to Offer? - Market Size Estimates: The report offers accurate and reliable estimation of the market size in terms of value and volume. Aspects such as production, distribution and supply chain, and revenue for the Life Sciences market are also highlighted in the report - Analysis on Market Trends: In this part, upcoming market trends and development have been scrutinized - Growth Opportunities: The report here provides clients with the detailed information on the lucrative opportunities in the Life Sciences market - Regional Analysis: In this section, the clients will find comprehensive analysis of the potential regions and countries in the Life Sciences market - Analysis on the Key Market Segments: The report focuses on the segments: end user, application, and product type and the key factors fuelling their growth. - Vendor Landscape: Competitive landscape provided in the report will help the companies to become better equipped to be able to make effective business decisions. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The collection and analysis of the base year data was performed using a large sample data collection module. Market data is analyzed and forecasted using consistent statistical market models. In addition, the most important success factors in market reporting are market share analysis and trend analysis. The main research methods are data mining, data triangulation and preliminary analysis and validation (industry experts) of the impact of data fluctuations on the market. In addition, the data model includes vendor positioning grid, market timeline analysis, market overview and leadership, industry positioning grid, enterprise operation analysis, metrics, top-down analysis, and vendor analysis. ABOUT US Market is changing rapidly with the ongoing expansion of the industry. Advancement in the technology has provided todays businesses with multifaceted advantages resulting in daily economic shifts. Thus, it is very important for a company to comprehend the patterns of the market movements in order to strategize better. An efficient strategy offers the companies with a head start in planning and an edge over the competitors. Industry Research is the credible source for gaining the market reports that will provide you with the lead your business needs. NEW YORK, April 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Butterfly Network, Inc. f/k/a Longview Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: BFLY) (a) between February 16, 2021 and November 15, 2021, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), and/or (b) all holders of Butterfly common stock as of the record date for the special meeting of shareholders held on February 12, 2021 to consider approval of the merger between Longview and Butterfly (the Merger) and entitled to vote on the Merger, of the important April 18, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Butterfly securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Butterfly class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=3602 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 18, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, the Proxy was negligently prepared and, as a result, contained untrue statements of material fact or omitted to state other facts necessary to make the statements made not misleading and were not prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations governing its preparation. Additionally, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Companys business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, the Proxy and defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Butterfly had overstated its post-Merger business and financial prospects; (2) notwithstanding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Butterflys financial projections failed to take into account the pandemics broad consequences, which included healthcare logistical challenges, and medical personnel fatigue; (3) accordingly, Butterflys gross margin levels and revenue projections were less sustainable than the Company had represented; (4) all the foregoing was reasonably likely to have a material negative impact on Butterflys business and financial condition; and (5) as a result, defendants public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Butterfly action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=3602 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 lrosen@rosenlegal.com pkim@rosenlegal.com cases@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com Max Verstappen retired at the Australian Grand Prix on lap 39 with problems with his car. Where it seemed to be about engine reasons, Helmut Marko does not expect this to be the case. The Red Bull Racing advisor told journalist Erik van Haren that. Although the Dutchman did not manage to beat Charles Leclerc during the race, he did seem to secure second place. Verstappen did not make it to the end of the GP, however, as even before the 40th lap he dropped out with problems. However, Marko stated that he does not expect it to be related to the engine. Instead, the fuel tank or fuel line should be the cause of Verstappen's failure. "I am more than concerned," he reportedly informed those present. Helmut Marko zegt zojuist in de paddock dat er met de motor niets mis is. Hij vermoedt een probleem met benzinetank of benzineleiding. "Ik ben meer dan bezorgd", zegt Marko, ook gezien snelheid van Ferrari. #F1 #Verstappen Erik van Haren (@ErikvHaren) April 10, 2022 Verstappen very disappointed Verstappen faced the press after the race very disappointed. It was not the first time he had to retire early, as he also had to deal with problems with his car in Bahrain. He hopes that Red Bull will find the cause and solve it quickly. Daniel Ricciardo could finally feel a little satisfied again in Melbourne. The Australian finished sixth in his home race. A nice result, when one thinks back to the disastrous weekends in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Leak above It seems that McLaren is starting to get the leak out a little. To Motorsport.com Ricciardo says that progress has been made faster than he initially thought possible. Ricciardo was always positive, even after the disaster weekend in Bahrain. But in Melbourne the team surprised itself a bit. He therefore calls it a smoother weekend. Remarkably, the improvement in performance did not come from an upgrade. According to Ricciardo, gains were made because the car is becoming better understood. The Australian says he has always had confidence in the current design and that it simply had to come out. He is happy that this happened at his home race. Many fans For the Australian fans, sixth place was a boost. No fewer than 128,294 spectators sat along the track on Sunday. Only twice before did more people show up for the race in Melbourne. Support local journalism We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate What would you like to see changed at Westchester County Airport? Thats what officials in New York are hoping to discover through a series of public hearings beginning this spring that will result in a new master plan for the airport the first in more than three decades. Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced last week that the county administration will take a long-term examination of the facility on the Connecticut border and how it could better meet a number of goals and continue to serve the region as an important transportation hub. Latimer, speaking at a weekly public briefing in White Plains, N.Y., said there was a balancing act between different parties at the airport, and the time had come to reassess how the county-owned airport should operate in future. The airport HPN, when referred to by its three-letter code has been returning to normal operations following a two-year slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are ready to embark in the next 60 days something that has been delayed two years due to COVID: a process to design and implement a master plan for the Westchester County Airport, Latimer said. This gives us a chance to discuss, conceptually, what we want to see at the airport, what kind of policies will help us to get to that level. Latimer recounted earlier strategies about the airport and plans to privatize the facility, which were rejected when Latimer was elected four years ago. We kept it in public hands, so we would be able to shape its future and not have its future shaped by private entities, which perhaps would have different priorities, he said. Latimer did not release specifics about the parameters of the long-range planning guide, while noting he was not foreseeing a significant expansion. He said the facility would not become a major transit center like LaGuardia Airport, but a facility appropriately scaled to a suburban location. The countys top elected official said the airport was an important part of our economic development strategy, to retain business and attract new business, while also functioning as a convenience for local residents. Public hearings are likely to begin in May, the county executive said, at locations around Westchester, along with one teleconference. That will begin the process of getting public input that will shape a master plan. ...Ultimately, it will be developed as policy, he said, noting the process could be a lengthy one. The master plan would be the first one since 1989. Latimer said he encouraged a robust public discussion on the future of the airport. Allen Williams, president of the Northwest Greenwich Association, said the master-plan process would be closely followed in neighboring Greenwich. Our Northwest neighbors are forever concerned about any short- or long-term plan the county is considering at Westchester Airport, he wrote in an email. Williams said he and his organization had a number of priorities. Maintain airport at its current size no future expansion of corporate or commercial jet operations was a top goal, he said. Williams said he would like the capacity of the main terminal, a maximum of 240 people in the facility in a half hour period, to be maintained. He also said noise reduction should be a concern, and he would like to see large fines and penalties for commercial and corporate jet operators violating the overnight curfew. The curfew, from midnight to 6:30 a.m., is currently voluntary and does not have a significant enforcement mechanism. The contamination of groundwater around the airport, detected in Rye Brook, N.Y., and Greenwich, has raised concerns, and Williams said he would like to see the administration offer remediation efforts to impacted homeowners. The contamination of the groundwater is due to the spread of chemical compound known as PFAS, used in fire-fighting foam during training exercises at the airport, reports show. At the public briefing Tuesday, Latimer introduced the new airport manager, April Gasparri, who is succeeding Peter Scherrer. Gasparri is the day-to-day manager of the airport through a county contract with AvPorts, the operations and management company which runs airports around the country. She took over in January. The new airport manager said the Westchester Airport was currently running at about 70 percent of its pre-pandemic volume, based on the number of commercial airline passengers. Gasparri, a West Point graduate who flew helicopter missions in Afghanistan, said she was glad and grateful to be leading us out of the pandemic at the airport. More information about the master-plan process would be released in coming days, said Catherine Cioffi, the communications director for the county executive. The Westchester County Airport outside Armonk was created in the 1940s as part of a defensive ring around New York City. Along with the commercial-passenger operation on the east side of the facility, an extensive facility for corporate jets and light aircraft runs on the west side of the airport. The facility is also used frequently for film and television productions. rmarchant@greenwichtime.com We often talk about how many companies have bowed out of the smartphone race, but the industry is difficult for component makers as well. These days most Androids are powered by either a Qualcomm or a MediaTek chipset. There is also the Exynos line from Samsung LSI, but the company rarely finds a client outside of its sibling Samsung Electronics. Unisoc has carved out a niche for itself and has found success. But we're not going to talk about any of those today, instead we want to reminisce about a chipset maker that called it quits almost a decade ago - Texas Instruments, "TI" as its friends knew it. The TI OMAP - Open Multimedia Application Platform - series powered some of the most influential devices over the years, smartphones, tablets and even smartwatches. Let's start with Nokia. The Nokia N9 ran MeeGo on a TI OMAP 3630, a 45nm chip with a single Cortex-A8 CPU and a PowerVR SGX530 GPU. We revisited the N9 in a previous installment where we remarked how fast the phone felt even compared against the dual-core flagships of the day. Nokia used OMAP chips in some of its best phones ever. MeeGo and the N9 trace their history back to the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet (TI OMAP 1710), which ran the Linux-based Maemo. This was followed by the Nokia N800 in 2007 (TI OMAP 2420) and N810 (2420 again) with a slide-out QWERTY. This series ended with the Nokia N900 (OMAP 3430) in 2009. Nokia N9 Nokia N800 Nokia N810 Nokia N900 Going back to 2004, the Nokia 7710 was Nokia first touchscreen device and the only one to run Symbian Series 90, a TI OMAP 1510 was the chipset of choice for this device (we hesitate to call it a tablet, though that is what it was back then). Nokia 7710 OMAPs have powered many other N-series and E-series devices. The multimedia powerhouse that was the Nokia N90 ran on a 1710 chip, the N91 had a similar chip and a 4/8 GB microdrive, there was the oddball N92 too. The Nokia N82 used an OMAP 2420, as did the venerable Nokia N95, arguably the best Symbians ever. Nokia N90 Nokia N91 Nokia N95 Nokia N82 Nokia's Communicator series was trying to stage a comeback in the 2000s with devices like the Nokia 9300, 9500 and Nokia E90. The failure of the Nokia N97 and N97 mini put an end to the Communicator design, however. Nokia 9500 Nokia 9300 Nokia E90 Anyway, Texas Instruments chips were the brains inside other Nokia business phones too: the E61, E62 and E63. Nokia E63 Nokia E62 Nokia E61 OMAP chips ran many other OSes over the years too. The TI OMAP 4460 - still 45nm, but now with two Cortex-A9 cores and a PowerVR SGX540 GPU - powered the Galaxy Nexus by Samsung, one of the early Google phones. Some Galaxy S variants have used OMAPs as well, e.g. the Galaxy SL used an OMAP 3630 instead of the Exynos 3 (aka Hummingbird). There was also the I9100G Galaxy S II with a TI chip instead of the Exynos of the regular I9100. Samsung Galaxy Nexus I9250 Samsung I9003 Galaxy SL Samsung I9100G Galaxy S II Motorola built quite a few Androids based on a TI OMAP chipset. There were the likes of the DROID/MILESTONE, the Android phone designed to take on the iPhone. The TI OMAP 4430 (similar to the 4460) was powerful enough for AT&T's ATRIX 2. As you may recall, ATRIX was a line of phones that could attach to a laptop dock and offer a desktop-like environment long before Samsung's DeX and Motorola's new Ready For. Motorola MILESTONE Motorola DROID X Motorola RAZR XT910 Motorola ATRIX 2 MB865 A few other Motos that we want to highlight include the Motorola A1000, a Symbian-based PDA/smartphone, the Motorola MPx220, a Windows Mobile 2003 flip phone without a touchscreen, the Motorola FlipOut, a kooky phone with a QWERTY that rotated out and the rugged Motorola DEFY. Motorola A1000 Motorola MPx220 Motorola FlipOut Motorola DEFY We promised TI OMAP-powered smartwatches and here are a couple. Remember the MOTOACTV? It was an early take on a smartwatch that focused on exercise tracking and ran Android 2.3 Gingerbread. There was also the original Moto 360, Motrola's first Google Wear watch (nee Android Wear). Motorola MOTOACTV Motorola Moto 360 (1st gen) Like the Nokia N9, we think that the Palm Pre was one of the most influential phones in terms of smartphone UI. The Pre 2 also used an OMAP chip, while the cheaper Pixi ran on a Qualcomm chip. Palm Pre Palm Pre 2 There are too many phones to stop and discuss each one in detail, but we feel like we're not paying enough respect to the OMAPs by just mentioning them occasionally. These chips were built with powerful ISPs and we can prove it. The Samsung i8910 Omnia HD came out in mid-2009 and was the first mobile phone that could record and play 720p video. The Sony Ericsson Vivaz was SE's first phone that could capture 720p video and also used a TI chip. And so did the Satio (Idou), one of the first 12 MP phones. Samsung i8910 Omnia HD Sony Ericsson Vivaz Sony Ericsson Satio (Idou) We don't know what it was, but the OMAP chips lent themselves to running various OSes quite well. We've already covered Linux, Symbian, Windows Mobile, webOS and Android, now here's one more - BlackBerry Tablet OS with the Playbook, which quickly morphed into BlackBerry 10 OS. One BlackBerry Z10 used an OMAP chip, though most stuck to Snapdragons. BlackBerry Playbook BlackBerry Z10 The LG Optimus 3D, one of the first (and thankfully few) smartphones with a 3D display is also in the TI OMAP camp, its rival, the HTC EVO 3D, featured a Snapdragon S3 instead. A few other LGs to mention here include the stylish Optimus Black P970 and Prada 3.0. LG Optimus 3D P920 LG Optimus Black P970 LG Optimus Black P970 Amazon started building ebook readers in 2007 to support one of its core businesses (remember, Amazon started as an online book store). Later, it branched out into making Android tablets, in part to get into the app store business, but also to support its streaming service. The original Amazon Kindle Fire used a TI OMAP, as did the Fire HD. The B&N Nook Color tablet had an OMAP chip as well, even the Nook Simple Touch, one of the few eInk tablets (especially back in the day). The Kindles and Nooks got some competition in the face of the Kobo Arc, another tablet from a company that branched out from making ebook readers. Amazon Kindle Fire Amazon Kindle Fire HD What became of the Texas Instruments OMAP series? Well, in late 2012 there was a report that the company is giving up on smartphones, but TI refuted that claim and said that the OMAP 5 series was on the way. A couple of OMAP 5 chips did launch - 28 nm, now with two Cortex-A15 cores and a PowerVR SGX544 MP2 GPU - but they were never used in a phone, tablet or similar device (other than the DragonBox Pyra, a handheld console/PDA, but we're not sure that counts). Which is your favorite TI OMAP-powered phone? Would you like to see a more detailed Flashback about any of the devices mentioned above? PS. If you miss Tegra more than the TI chips, here is a similar retrospective. The Nvidia chips have powered their fair share of memorable and oddball devices too. PDN Lifestyle reporter Madison Scott takes us behind the scenes of Breaking Wave Theatre Company's "Much Ado About Nothing," which she also co-directed, at the University of Guam on May 3. The play runs May 5-8. Since he was little, George Glory had a love for the natural sciences. He enjoyed mixing things together and seeing how they reacted with one another. Now a junior at Okkodo High School, Glory was finally able to express his scientific passions by participating in the 2022 Chemistry Titration Competition. The University of Guam College of Natural and Applied Sciences Chemistry Program hosted its annual Chemistry Titration Competition on March 31. High school students across the island gathered at the UOG Science Building to compete in this experimental-based exercise involving lab skills such as titration. Students from six high schools participated in the event: Father Duenas Memorial School, Academy of Our Lady of Guam, Notre Dame High School, Okkodo High School, St. Johns School, and Harvest Christian Academy. Each school sent four individuals (plus one sub), and they were formed into two teams of two for the competition. The competition is a quantitative exercise, according to UOG chemistry professor Maika Vuki, head of the competition. Titration is a laboratory method of chemical quantitative analysis to determine the quantity of an unknown substance. Students used this method to perform calculations that would give them the specific amount of unknown substance. Walking in, students already know the basic principles of a chemical reaction from their teachers. Now they must apply that knowledge to be able to calculate the quantity with a high level of accuracy and precision, Vuki said. With access to the universitys laboratories and equipment, students had three hours to perform their experiment and record their results. Silence filled the room as each student cautiously worked to get the most accurate and precise calculations as possible. It was intense, Christian Lobaton said. Everybody was being very careful about not over titrating, and there were always TAs (teacher assistants) over your shoulder monitoring your work. On top of the titration itself, many made some human mistakes that required a lot of time to correct. At the end of the competition, students were judged based on their lab performance as well as the accuracy and precision of their calculations compared to the given value. An awards ceremony recongized the top three scorers of three categories: team, individual and laboratory skills. Cash prizes were given to the winners ranging up to $200. After placing second overall in laboratory skills, Glory has learned much more about the natural sciences. I learned the concepts of critical thinking skills, teamwork, accuracy in lab skills, and patience. I was definitely satisfied, Glory said. Kasey Xu, a VIBE intern from St. Johns School, won first place overall for the individual category and called the competition a great experience. Vaishnavi Khandelwal, who placed third with Xu in the team category and third overall in laboratory skills, also enjoyed the experience. Not only was I able to gain greater insight into the process of acid-base titration and work on my lab skills, but I also really enjoyed working together with my friends from our schools titration club, Khandelwal said. Vuki hopes that competition increases the level of interest in the sciences. We hope that these individuals who have already gained the experience will be able to transfer those skills to those of their (peers) to help in their learning, Vuki said. by Yosley Carrero MATANZAS, Cuba, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Cubans continue to condemn the U.S. culture of war ahead of the 61st anniversary of the victory over the U.S.-backed Bay of Pigs invasion on April 19. Among them is 74-year-old Nemesia Rodriguez, who lives in the municipality of Cienaga de Zapata, located some 200 km east of the country's capital Havana. She saw how her mother was killed and her brothers were wounded after a plane bombed a truck transporting her and a group of other Cuban civilians to be evacuated to a safe place during the invasion. "The wounds of war are still open to me," she said. "The U.S. administrations have a long history of interventions and a double standard on democracy and human rights." A pair of white shoes Nemesia was carrying with her during the invasion are exhibited at Playa Giron Museum as a reminder of the bloody confrontation. Founded in 1976 and remodeled in 2016, the museum treasures more than 1,000 items, including weapons, photos and different documents. "The U.S. administrations have systematically violated the human rights of Cubans," the museum's director Dulce Maria Limonta told Xinhua. "We firmly stand against U.S. interference in the internal affairs of other countries." The Bay of Pigs invasion was executed by some 1,500 exiled Cubans paid by the U.S. government. After three days of fierce combat, which left some 150 deaths on the Cuban side and 300 on the mercenary one, the Cuban people emerged victoriously. Cienaga de Zapata resident Haydee Garcia, 72, said Cubans do not expect their country to be invaded again. "The United States has invaded many countries throughout history, leaving a horrible trace of deaths," she said. "We believe in dialogue and diplomacy as effective tools for the resolution of conflicts." The U.S.-backed Bay of Pigs invasion, which ran from April 17 to 19, 1961, was preceded by the bombing of a Cuban airbase, international airport and school complex on April 15. Secondary school student Daniel Ortega said that new generations of Cubans would never forget that the beautiful beach of Playa Giron was one of the locations of a major U.S. defeat in Latin America. "They tried to seize control of this country but failed. Many Cubans died during the invasion," he said. "We want a future of peace." A backlog of more than 1,200 applications for welfare program services such as Medicaid is being processed by the Department of Public Health and Social Services, according to department spokesperson Janela Carrera. The backup started at the end of January and stretched into February as Public Health employees at the Northern Region Community Health Clinic contracted COVID-19 during the omicron surge. Several of our staff got sick, and of course this had a ripple effect, so a lot of our cases were affected and what we actually ended up having to do was close off certain sections of Northern Public Health for deep cleaning and sanitization, said Carrera. The backlog got worse when several staff members retired or left the department at that time, she said. Submissions Because of the health risks, certain sections of the department were not accepting documents and applications in person, so applicants were asked to drop them off or submit them online or via email. Thats just applications. Thats not including the change reports that have to be completed and then there are also renewal applications, Carrera said. Meanwhile, staff members have also been busy processing Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program benefits, a federal program that provides eligible public school students with food stamp cards to compensate them for free school meals that stopped because of the pandemic. Transfers To help catch up on the backlog, three staff members were moved from the Bureau of Health Care Financing Administration to assist the Bureau of Economic Security. We are doing our best to manage and process as many applications as we can, said Carrera. Carrera said she does not know what services the majority of applicants are trying to get since many people say they are interested in learning about any programs they qualify for. For example, someone primarily trying to get Medicaid may also put they want to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. We check across the board to see what they may be eligible for, Carrera said. Vince Dydasco says that locating the remains of his grandfather, which according to his family were buried during World War II on what is now military property in Dededo, would help close an open wound. Dydasco said his mother, Rosa, was about 9 years old when her father died during the Japanese militarys occupation of Guam, falling ill on their family ranch near what is now Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. The area was historically known as Magua but was listed as the municipality of Machanao during the war. The burial site of his grandfather, Jose Guerrero Manibusan, was something he only learned about while interviewing his mother around 2017 so she could apply for a war claim, Dydasco said. Wed come in, sit down, and Id asked her questions, ask more questions. He said his mother, who is 89 this year, was reluctant to speak about the war and had also started experiencing dementia. It took almost two years of interviewing her every week to put together the information needed for her claim. After recently reading an article about the Magua area written by Guam Museum curator Michael Bevacqua, Dydasco said something clicked. He asked his mother to talk again about families that lived around the family ranch and compared it to a map of property owners and it matched exactly, he said. She said that they went away from the ranch and buried him with other burials, like a cemetery. Dydasco and his mother now live in Hawaii, but he said that his cousins who grew up on Guam near the old ranch and had heard similar stories about their grandfather would have a better idea of where the burial site was. Theyd like to work with the military or the local government to find the remains. Its a wound that has been reopened. Working together collaboratively is the only way to answer it, the 14 year U.S. Army veteran said. Taitingfong Not far from the Manibusan family ranch, Joseph Borja Taitingfong had been buried on his own ranch during WWII, according to grandson Vince Taitingfong. Vince Taitingfong said he had the burial detailed on his own fathers war claim testimony, and had discussed it with older members of his family. Theyve given me more confidence in regards that hes still there, he said. He said Dydascos mother had even remembered his own father, who lived nearby, by name. Since speaking with Bevacqua, Vince Taitingfong had learned that his grandfather was a member of the sixth Guam Congress, they had done a roll call and his name was on there, Taitingfong said, and also a member of the Young Mens League of Guam. If we can get permission to access the area just to take a look, see if hes there, make a prayer or something like that. We want to get some closure. Moving forward When asked whether Camp Blaz could assist either family, Capt. A. J. Ramos, Director of Communication Strategy and Operations for Camp Blaz, said that any organization or agency could request to participate in consultation over the 2011 programmatic agreement, which governs the handling of historic remains related to the buildup. Each request will be carefully considered by all parties and regulatory agencies, and the information gathered will be the basis to inform our final decisions, Ramos said. We are committed to treating all human remains and archaeological resources that may be discovered during construction activities with dignity and respect. Requests to participate would have to go through the Guam State Historic Preservation Office, he said. State Historic Preservation Officer Patrick Lujan, who recently returned from military leave with the Air Force Reserves, said that his office could assist the families with making an official request to Joint Region Marianas. Vince Taitingfong said he had gotten in contact with Lujan previously but did not get far. I dont recall talking to anybody about it, Lujan said, theyre more than welcome to come in. Paying a visit and having access (to the property), thats not a problem, he said. I think Camp Blaz would accommodate that. Lujan said Camp Blaz did have a public access plan, and similar accommodations had been made with the Sumay Cemetery on Naval Base Guam. But excavating the area in search of the remains was a more difficult task, as the military had mostly finished grading in the area and were now moving on to building structures on site. It was unlikely that more archeological sites would be found moving forward, he said. Lujan and Ramos said there were no WWII era remains discovered in the vicinity of Camp Blaz. Local historian Dave Lotz, who assisted the families in identifying their former properties, said he wrote the office of the governor for help locating the remains of both men, including DNA testing. Dydasco also wanted DNA samples taken, pointing to recovery efforts that were made for U.S. soldiers who died in Vietnam. For us not to go that route with the remains that they did find to be irresponsible, he said. The governors spokesperson Krystal Paco-San Agustin on Thursday said she did not receive a letter from Lotz. Theres only a handful of remains in the history of our island that have been approved to be DNA tested, Lujan said, its got to be something thats discussed with the landowner. The situation was not something he had dealt with during his time as SHPO, and more dialogue was needed moving forward. Allow access Speaker Therese Terlaje, chair of the Legislatures committee on justice and culture, said it was her belief that the Taitingfongs, Manibusans, and other families had a right to visit land that was now occupied by Camp Blaz and locate their loved ones. The Legislatures Committee on Justice and Culture has consistently called upon JRM to avoid further disturbance of historical sites, especially burial grounds, and allow the public to access these lands, especially for those families who lost these properties due to federal land takings after WWII. The COVID-19 pandemic was the main reason cited by JRM for limiting public access programs on base, she said, Considering their bases lifting of most COVID restrictions, the public access program should be reopened and more made accessible for the public. About 208 remaining Guam restaurants and small businesses could receive funding if the Relief for Restaurants and other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act of 2022 becomes law. H.R. 3807 would provide $42 billion to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund which would award grants to eligible businesses that previously applied to the program but werent able to secure funding, according to a release by Guam Del. Mike San Nicolas. The bill would also provide $13 billion to establish a Hard Hit Industries Award Program that awards funds to small businesses that were hit hard by the pandemic and werent eligible for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund or Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program. The bill was introduced by Congressman Earl Blumenauer, D-Oregon, with San Nicolas as a co-sponsor. After engaging the Small Business Administration for more equitable funding for Territorial establishments eligible for this kind of federal relief it was further iterated by the Agency that additional resources would be a necessary step, and we are pleased that this legislation we co-sponsored and sought support for has passed the House, said San Nicolas. The funding for the bill would be offset by pandemic funds reclaimed, seized or returned to the federal government. Our businesses eligible for Restaurant Revitalization Funding are uniquely impacted during these times with a tourism economy far from recovery and a struggling unemployment scenario unlike the States, making their business prospects and outlook far more precarious, and underscoring the need for us to make every effort to get this measure through, San Nicolas added. The measure will move to the Senate for consideration. Haiti - PNH : 10 bandits killed, a policewoman injured The report drawn up by the West Intelligence Center for the period from Friday April 1st to Friday April 8, 2022, reveals that 10 bandits were fatally injured in exchanges of fire with law enforcement officers assigned to the police stations of Delmas, Port-au-Prince, Petion-Ville and Carrefour. A policewoman assigned to the Delmas police station was shot and injured. During these operations, 3 weapons were seized including an AR15 assault rifle, magazines and ammunition. In addition, on Saturday April 9, agents from the Intervention Brigade of the Tabarre police station intercepted two individuals at the public market who were in the process of ransoming the merchants under the threat of a handgun. They are Philogene Jean Simon (37), from Port-au-Prince and Brenord Gaby (24) from Tabarre. A Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver in their possession was seized. The two thugs have been taken into custody for the moment accused of criminal association and illegal possession of a firearm. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Insecurity : Exasperated and frustrated Haitian lawyers On Friday April 8, 2022, several dozen lawyers in gowns accompanied by Marie Suzy Legros, president of the Bar Association of Port-au-Prince, demonstrated in front of the residence of Prime Minister ai Ariel Henry to protest against insecurity, the assassinations and kidnappings that afflict them. "In February, we had 7 kidnappings in our ranks and a lawyer was killed," Marie Suzy Legros told AFP. Recall that in January 2022 another lawyer Me Fritz Altenor was shot and killed while driving his vehicle https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35769-haiti-news-zapping.html The insecurity that reigns in the area of the Palace of Justice is one of their main grievances. Few lawyers even dare to go to court located near a slum controlled by Haiti's most powerful gangs. In addition, several judges see their life and that of their family threatened, do not have protection to carry out the investigation of the cases for which they are responsible and sometimes some are forced to flee abroad with their family... In recent years, the gangs have grown in power and spread throughout the capital and the country, committing more and more murders and kidnappings for ransom. Lawyers are exasperated and frustrated with a justice system that lacks the resources to function properly. "Sometimes, gang members enter the courthouse to look for their accomplices or their brothers, depending on the name they are given, to help them escape," denounced Mr. Legros. Moreover, the state of decrepitude of the courts defies reason deplores the Batonniere Legros [...] Without a functional court, the feeling of impunity grows and without justice there is no country," she concluded. With a paralyzed judicial system and one of the highest prison overcrowding in the world (Haiti first in the world in 2016 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23478-haiti-flash-haiti-world-champion-of-prison-overcrowding.html ) the situation is only getting worse The judicial situation will encounter new difficulties as the clerks will go on an indefinite strike from Tuesday, April 12 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36387-haiti-news-zapping.html "Our working conditions are precarious in Haiti. There is no equipment, there are no computers. In some courts, there is not even paper," said Martin Aine, President of the National Association of Haitian Clerks (ANAGH), who recalls that the salary of a clerk is only US$150 per month. adding "You can't live on such a salary, that's why there is so much corruption in the Haitian justice system." S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Diaspora Covid-19 : Daily Bulletin #751 GLOBAL SITUATION 2019-2022: Epidemiological situation: Sunday April 10, 2022 the number of people infected worldwide with the Covid-19 coronavirus and its variants since the start of the pandemic (March 11, 2020) amounts to 498,662,448 cases (+797,100 in 24 hours ), the day before (+1,149,771) Number of infected countries: 225 *Healings: 443,675,347 people have been cured of Covid-19 worldwide (+10,218,618 impact correction USA), the day before (+1,041,164) *Deaths: 6,202,221 people have died of Covid-19 worldwide since the start of the pandemic (+2,859 in 24 hours), the day before (+3,321) *Active cases (less deaths and recoveries) in the world is currently 48,784,880 cases (-9,424,377 USA correction impact), the day before (+105,286) Average cure rate in the world: 88.97% (+) Average mortality rate in the world: 1.24% (=) World: Number of daily confirmed cases (Day 1) Vaccination: 11.43 billion doses of vaccine injected (+20 million doses injected. Update April 8, 2022 (latest data available). HAITI: According to the Ministry of Public Health, +10 new cases of Covid-19 and its variants have been confirmed in Haiti as of April 6, 2022 (latest partial data available ) for a total of 30,585 confirmed cases throughout the national territory (48.7% women and 51.3% men), since the first case (March 19, 2020 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30319-haiti-health-origin-of-the-first-2-cases-of-covid-19-in-haiti.html ). Previous update (+8 cases as of April 2, 2022). Healings: 29,082 (+107) Cure rate: 95.08% (+) Deaths: 835 deaths (+2) (West +2) Death rate: 2.73% (+) 5th Wave (Omicron Dominant): Total of the 5th wave (beginning of December 27, 2021) 4,591 confirmed cases and 69 deaths Screening since the start of the pandemic: 191,478 tests (+1,242 in 4 days) since March 19, 2020, latest data available. Note that the very small number of people screened every day at the national level out of a population estimated at 11.6 million citizens, does not statistically allow us to make a representative estimate of the situation in Haiti, which translates into a < B>number of daily confirmed cases largely underestimated. TOP 5 of the most affected municipalities in the West (2022): Delmas: 744 (+3); Petion-ville 624 (+0); Port-au-Prince 407 (+0); Tabarre 288 (+0); Cross-Bouquets 242 (+1) Confirmed cases by department (2022 / 2021 / 2020): West: 2022: 2,563 cases; (2021: 9.890); (2020: 6,945 cases) North: 2022: 269 cases; (2021: 664); (2020: 677 cases) Center: 2022: 230 cases; (2021: 1.001); (2020: 508 cases) Artibonitis: 2022: 188 cases; (2021: 855); (2020: 593 cases) Northeast: 2022: 148 cases; (2021: 404); (2020: 314 cases) Southeast: 2022: 268 cases; (2021: 768); (2020: 274 cases) South: 2022: 216 cases; (2021: 891); (2020: 262 cases) North West: 2022: 263 cases; (2021: 383); (2020: 229 cases) Grand'Anse: 2022: 176 cases; (2021: 861); (2020: 176 cases) Nippes: 2022: 39 cases; (2021: 249) (2020: 149 cases) Cumulative deaths by department (2022-2021): West: 296 deaths (2020: 104 deaths) North: 54 deaths (2020: 34 deaths) Center: 79 deaths (2020: 13 deaths) Artibonite: 42 deaths (2020: 39 deaths) North East: 7 deaths (2020: 6 deaths) South: 51 deaths (2020: 6 deaths) Southeast: 15 deaths (2020: 9 deaths) North West: 15 deaths (2020: 12 deaths) Grand'Anse: 7 deaths (2020: 13 deaths) Nippes: 27 deaths (2020: 5 deaths) Distribution of deaths by age (since the start of the epidemic): 0-9 years: 15 deaths 10-19 years: 10 deaths 20-29 years: 31 deaths 30-39 years: 56 deaths 40-49 years: 80 deaths 50-59 years: 135 deaths (+1) 60-69 years: 187 deaths 70-79 years: 184 deaths (+1) 80 years and over: 137 deaths Vaccination: 163,369 Haitians (1.4% of the population) +2,205 in 6 days have received a 1st dose of vaccine since July 16, 2021, date of the first injection through 149 open vaccination centers and 111,914 Haitians are fully vaccinated (2 doses, 0.96% of the population) +1.585 in 6 days. Update March 22, 2022 latest information available (source MSPP). List of the 149 Vaccination Centers open in Haiti (and hours) by department: (updated October 20, 2021, latest information available) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35051-haiti-covid-19-list-of-149-vaccination-centers-open-in-the-country.html DIASPORA: Epidemiological situation: USA: *Cases since the first case (February 29, 2020): 82,053,242 cases (+18,504 in 24 hours), the day before (+46,460) *Healings: 75,651,681 healings (9,339,788 US health service correction), the day before (+92,397) National Healing Rate: 86.89% (+) *Deaths: 1,012,131 deaths (+466 in 24 hours), the day before (+569) National death rate: 1.23% (=) *Active cases (less deaths and recoveries): 5,389,430 (-9,321,750 US health service correction), the day before (-46,506) USA: Trend active cases: (minus recoveries and deaths) (Day-1) Vaccination: 565.12 million doses of vaccine injected since December 14, 2020, date of the first injection in the United States (+350,000). Update April 9 (latest data available). DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Confirmed cases since March 1, 2020: 578,484 cases (+68 in 24 hours) the day before (+39 in 24 hours). First case (March 1, 2020) Healings: 573,963 healings (+67 in 24 hours), the day before (+11) National Cure Rate: 99.21% (=) Deaths: 4,375 deaths (+0), previous (+0) Death rate: 0.75% (=) Positivity rate over 4 epidemiological weeks: 0.90% (-) Active cases: (excluding deaths and recoveries) 146 cases (+1 in 24 hours) the day before (+28) Dominican Republic: Number of daily confirmed cases: (Day-1) TOP 5 Provinces with the most new cases in the last 24 hours: La Altagrafcia: + 28 new cases in 24 hours (+) Distrito Nacional: +16 new cases in 24 hours (-) Santo Domingo: +17 new cases in 24 hours (+) Samana: + 4 new cases in 24 hours () Santiago: + 3 new cases in 24 hours (-) Vaccination: 15.54 million doses of vaccine injected since February 16, 2021, date of the first injection in the Dominican Republic (+20,000 doses injected). Update April 7, 2022 (latest data available). QUEBEC: Warning: Quebec health authorities no longer update data on the Covid situation on weekends. The figures below are therefore the latest available. Confirmed cases since the first case (February 27, 2020): 992,649 (+3.572 in 24 hours), previous (+3.777) Healings: 947,016 people (+3,161 in 24 hours) previous (+1,894) Cure rate: 95.40% (=) Deaths: 14,512 (+30 in 24h) previous (+26) Death rate: 1.46% (-) Active cases: (excluding death and recovery) 31,121 cases (+381 in 24 hours), previous (+1,855) Quebec: Trend of daily confirmed cases (average weekly trend) Vaccination: 18,818,996 doses of vaccine injected since December 14, 2020, date of the first injection (+35,199 doses in 24 hours), latest data available - MSSS as of April 8, 2022) FRANCE: *Confirmed cases since the first case (January 24, 2020): 26,839,721 cases (+141,690 cases in 24 hours), previous (+148,768) *Healings: 23,993,917 healings (+81,196), previous (+97,965) National Cure Rate: 89.39% (-) Deaths: 143,243 (+87 in 24h), previous (+139) Death rate: 0.53% (=) Active Cases: 2,702,561 (+60,407 in 24h), previous (+50,664) France: Trend of active cases: (minus recoveries and deaths) (day 1) Vaccination: 142.10 million doses of vaccine injected since December 27, 2020, date of the first injection in France (+50,000 doses injected). Update April 8, 2022 (latest data available) Previous bulletin : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36386-haiti-diaspora-covid-19-daily-bulletin-750.html See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30319-haiti-health-origin-of-the-first-2-cases-of-covid-19-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30165-haiti-flash-first-case-of-covid-19-in-the-dominican-republic.html HL/ HaitiLibre By William Schwartz | Published on 2022/04/09 We are introduced to Kang-in (played by Sol Kyung-gu) as he charges down the streets of Hong Kong to capture a double agent. Following the conclusion of this opening, we jump ahead four years later to prosecutor Ji-hoon (played by Park Hae-soo) who is trying and failing to make a case against a major corporate criminal. So, Ji-hoon is extremely logically sent to Shenyang to check in on the status of Kang-in's intelligence operation, since apparently he's been faking reports. Advertisement My first question when we were told that Kang-in was writing fake reports was how Ji-hoon's superiors at the National Intelligence Service knew they were fake, and what incorrect information Kang-in was sending. This question is never answered, despite the fake reports being the entire purpose of Ji-hoon's fact-finding mission. But that plot hook is mostly irrelevant, since it was just an excuse to get Ji-hoon into Shenyang so he could see how tough, cool spies like Kang-in who don't play by the rules operate. Despite one character being dismissive at Ji-hoon's apparent expectations of spy wackiness, that's pretty much exactly what "Yaksha: Ruthless Operations" does for most of its runtime. There's constant gunfights and chase scenes as Kang-in attempts to hunt down the North Korean operator of Kim Jong-un's slush fund. Kang-in's main rivals in this goal are the Japanese, with the Chinese being mostly indifferent to all the urban warfare going on in their city in broad nightlight. I was impressed with how "Yaksha: Ruthless Operations" manages be condescending to every other country in Northeast Asia. North Koreans are eager to defect. The Japanese want to sabotage Korean reunification because they fear a united Korea's power. The Chinese are eager to steal vital organs for the black market. I don't think I'd heard any of these stereotypes sincerely in at least a decade. For a movie about real, tough spies, the political talking points of "Yaksha: Ruthless Operations" are weirdly out of date. But the main plot isn't any more dynamic. I've already mentioned how Ji-hoon's position in Shenyang is highly contrived. The closest thing he has to an arc is that, having witnessed Kang-in lead an incredibly cool spy mission, Ji-hoon goes home to South Korea and...I guess is now a better prosecutor somehow. The case that fell apart on a technicality before is now successful on the second try. And then, Ji-hoon gets a call for a new mission. The plot in "Yaksha: Ruthless Operations" is quite weak, and the characters rather boring. Be that as it may, the movie's main selling point is the spy action stuff. Those parts are mostly all right. Still, the plot's so predictable I couldn't even feign surprise at the latest turnabout. Of course Kang-in is a good guy, through and through, despite the fact that he murders and tortures people at the slightest provocation. I'd try to criticize "Yaksha: Ruthless Operations" on the ethics of this but honestly? The movie is so cliched I don't think it really warrants that level of critical thought. Review by William Schwartz ___________ "Yaksha: Ruthless Operations" is directed by Nah Hyeon, and features Sol Kyung-gu, Park Hae-soo, Yang Dong-geun, Lee El, Song Jae-rim, Jinyoung. Release date in Korea: 2022/04/08. AN Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) helicopter reportedly crashed yesterday near Chibhero College in Mhondoro, but police and army officials were coy on details about its passengers and possible casualties. Impeccable sources told NewsDay that the crash occurred yesterday afternoon near Chibhero College in Mhondoro. Police sources also confirmed the crash, which saw top officials attending the crash site. Military and police details also cordoned off the site, making it inaccessible. The sources said the crash took place in the area where a helicopter carrying President Emmerson Mnangagwa was forced to crash land after developing a technical fault while he was returning to the capital from his Precabe Farm in Kwekwe. The crash was in the same area where Mnangagwas helicopter almost crashed, the source said. The road leading to the accident scene was cordoned off, and no one was allowed there. We are not yet aware who was involved in the accident, and if there were any casualties. Zimbabwe National Army spokesperson Colonel Alphios Makotore said he could not comment on the matter. I am not in the air force, I am in the army, he curtly said yesterday. AFZ public relations officer, Simon Matingwina yesterday acknowledged the crash but said it was not an air force helicopter. I know about the crash, but its not our helicopter. I think Mhondoro police attended the scene, he said last night. Efforts to get a comment from police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi were fruitless as he was not picking up calls. This is not the first time that an air force chopper has crashed in the country. Last April, an AFZ helicopter Agusta Bell AB 412 crashed in a farming area in Arcturus, 30km east of the capital killing three crew members and a child as it came down on a house. Two months later, another chopper, an Mi-35 helicopter gunship, with five aircraft technicians on board crash-landed near oil expresser Surface Wilmar in Chitungwiza. Newsday Hastings, NE (68901) Today Partly to mostly cloudy and windy. High 76F. Winds SSE at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Cloudy and windy with thunderstorms becoming likely overnight. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low near 60F. Winds SSE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 60%. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Submit Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. A SLOGAN written on the side of a sandwich delivery van has taken on a new meaning with the war in Ukraine. Bloc, which is based at Manor Farm in Peppard, has nine vans and each one bears the phrase Make sandwiches, not war. When one of the drivers visited Wallingford recently he was asked by a man if he would drive around the block again in order to be filmed. The man was originally from Ukraine and wanted to show his family still living there the support for the country in Britain. David Gervaise-Jones, 70, who owns the business, said: The message on the side of our vans has always been the same but we wanted to do something when we heard a Ukrainian MP on the radio sending out a plea for people all around the world to show their support. We decided to fly Ukrainian flags on each of the vans and on the first morning one of our drivers was on his usual route to the Hithercroft industrial estate in Wallingford when a man came running out and asked him if he would mind driving back around and approach again. We play the Great Escape jingle on our loudspeaker so that people know we are coming and the man asked if we could play it again while he made a video. He told us that he was from Ukraine and he was going to send the video back to his family at home in Kyiv. It made us all feel very emotional. David said the slogan came about when the company created a website some time ago. He said: We had a guy in to build it and he suggested that we have a thought for the day on it. We came up with the phrase Make sandwiches, not war and he liked it so much he said we should put it on the side of our vans because it would make people smile, so we did and it does. We always thought it was a nice phrase but now it has taken on a new meaning. Its good to be able to say that we support Ukraine and for people to tell their families in Ukraine that we are not on Putins side. That makes me feel good because we have all seen the news of whats going on there. One bit that really got me was a guy outside Mariupol, who looked to be the same age as me, pushing a wheelbarrow with bits in and I just started to cry. I think we all well up when we see things like that. David and his son Oliver previously ran a coffee shop, Bloc Brazilian 2 in Henley market place for 11 years. It closed it in 2013 due to growing competition. By then, the pair also had two vans delivering sandwiches and set themselves up at the former Highlands Farm industrial estate. David said: When we had the coffee shop in Henley we had customers from Ellas Kitchen in Rotherfield Greys who would come in and collect their sandwiches. They asked if we would be interested in delivering some to them. At first I thought I didnt particularly want to drive up there at a busy lunchtime and deliver one tuna sandwich but they said there were quite a few others there. Then the rest of the estate started buying them and I decided to get our first refrigerated van. That coincided with the explosion of coffee shops in Henley. When we started there was only us and Bell Street Baguettes and another in Friday Street but then there was Starbucks and Patisserie Valerie in Market Place and then Caffe Nero and Costa. The only way we could keep our business running was through the vans so we decided to close the shop. The vans are much cheaper to run and we have been able to build up the business. David, who lives near Newbury, added: I used to be a lawyer and that was a stressful job but doing this, the worst thing that could happen is the bread doesnt arrive. All our drivers are between the ages of 58 and 75 and they never let you down. When the first lockdown happened we were all on furlough for a couple of months, then we brought back three vans and we have steadily built up the business again and we are now just about at pre-covid levels. Free access for current print subscribers As a home delivery subscriber, you get free unlimited digital access to premium content on HenryHerald.com, including local news, local sports, obituaries, legal notices, local features, and the e-edition. All you need is your print subscription account number and your last name. Don't know your subscription number? Email access@henryherald.com with your delivery address. Activate your account now. If you recently bought a property, are you sure it is properly registered in your name? Well, there might be need to verify this with the Department of Deeds, Companies and Intellectual Property. Of late, several people have been duped by a sophisticated network of criminals that fraudulently sold them properties whose owners had either relocated or died. The Deeds Registry is currently streamlining its procedures through the introduction of a new digital system that is meant to curb corruption. The system will create a paperless office and facilitate the electronic storage of deeds. Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Permanent Secretary Mrs Virginia Mabhiza said this will improve efficiency and curb fraud. Automation is already in progress and the system will allow for stronger security and easier retrieval of files, she said. There has been an alarming increase in fake title deeds over the past three or so years. A syndicate made up of bogus estate agents, lawyers and officials from the Deeds Registry is believed to be behind the scandal. Corrupt or bogus police officials are in some instances roped in. The Office has so far discovered 24 fake title deeds for individually owned properties. Three fake company-owned title deeds have also been unearthed, said The Registrar of Deeds, Ms Elizabeth Nyagura. The figures are for Harare only. Scanning of historical records is also underway in other towns and cities, but we are still to verify and make public our findings. While some fake documents have been discovered through the ongoing exercise, others have been discovered through due diligence by clients. We are also discovering some of the fake title deeds when a client brings a copy of the document he or she would have received from the purposed owner for verification. Most of these cases bear imitated Registrars signature or forged victims identity, leaving the other details of the original documents unchanged, added Ms Nyagura. According to reports, more than 10 suspects, including two lawyers, were arrested for forged deeds in Harare last year. Naturally, the police are concerned and urging the public to be cautious. We have a number of fraud cases involving tampering with title deeds. The public needs to be vigilant when buying properties by following all the necessary verification steps to avoid falling prey, said Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi. Ms Nyagura added that they are also mulling introducing a Property Alert Service. Under the system, a subscriber or property owner will receive an email or mobile notification to alert them each time there is an attempt to sell or mortgage their property. Our legislation has already been amended to enable the establishment of an electronic registry as well as having a securitised paper for those documents that still need to be done on paper. It comes with advanced features and will reduce the risk of imitations, she explained. Plans to amend Section 9 of the Deeds Registries Act, which gives the public access to title deeds and allow them to make photocopies, are also afoot. The provision was largely made for banks and companies, but criminals are also taking advantage. But the amendment will limit the application for copies strictly to the owner under strict guidelines. We have held several public awareness programmes to disseminate information to the public on how to identify fake title deeds and guard against fraudulent transactions. Our staff has also been trained on how to identify fake deeds and what to do when they discover one, added Ms Nyagura. The Maphosa siblings from Old Luveve, Bulawayo, were last year left counting their losses after buying a US$40 000 property with forged title deeds. The property was said to be owned by Mlibazisi Ndebele. However, a month later, the Deeds Office discovered their title deed was fake through the ongoing verification exercise. It was discovered that the property was in actual fact owned and registered under the late Martha Mathe. The duo was arrested, while Ndebele, who claimed ownership of the property and received payment, has since vanished. In Harare, Martha Gwashure is currently embroiled in a battle to recover her late father Isidore Gwashures company after losing directorship to a ring of fraudsters. Marthas father died in 2003, leaving behind a company and a farm to his son MacDonald. The late Gwashures attorney and the two siblings handled the estate as combined executors. Years later, the attorney relocated, leaving Linda Banda as his replacement. As fate would have it, MacDonald also died in 2019. The grieving family did not promptly follow up on the estate. A year later, Banda mysteriously withdrew from the estate and the family appointed Martha as the new executor. It is then that Martha later discovered that the directorship of the company had been changed into a new name without any of the family members knowledge. We waited for some time but Banda did not do much and it got us all frustrated. It was only after I visited the Deeds Office that we discovered our title deeds had been tampered with. I also discovered that some crucial files were missing. We then tried to get in touch with Banda for clarification but she was no longer available. Up to now, no one knows where she is, said Martha. Spirited efforts by this publication to get in touch with Banda were also in vain. Sunday Mail Jimmy McMinn, Sr., 85, of Greenville, passed away peacefully in his home on May 5, 2022. Jimmy was born on July 17, 1936, to Thomas J. and Mary McMinn. Jimmy was a Christian man who loved to play golf and fish. He met and married the love of his life, Elizabeth Burkhart, on March 2, 1958. He The Palisades Power Plant, pictured in Covert Township, is scheduled to close in May for decommissioning. A Zanu PF youth member, who is challenging President Emmerson Mnangagwas ascendancy after the 2017 military coup, says he is receiving death threats amid a spirited campaign to cause the collapse of the intriguing High Court case. Sybeth Musengezi caused a furore last year when he approached the High Court challenging the way Mnangagwa was allowed by Zanu PF to succeed the late Robert Mugabe as leader of the ruling party after the coup. Musengezi was recently summoned by the police for an interview over an unspecified matter. On Friday he told The Standard that he had been receiving death threats, but quickly pointed out that he would not be intimidated to drop his court challenge or flee the country before the matter was heard. Musengezis lawyer Nqobani Sithole said there was a choreographed onslaught against his client to reveal his whereabouts, with former Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption commissioner Goodson Nguni also filing papers at the High Court recently demanding the same. Nguni, who is the president of the Federation of Non-Governmental Organisations, filed a joinder in the case on behalf of Mnangagwa in January even though he was not cited in Musengezis court application. In an answering affidavit filed on March 16, Nguni claimed that Musengezi had skipped the border and called on the courts to force him to disclose his whereabouts. I submit that an inference should be drawn that the first respondent is not even within the Republic of Zimbabwe, neither is he the one attesting the affidavits considering that he is wanted by law enforcement. The one respondent is more visible on foreign media, Nguni submitted through his lawyers T K Hove. Nguni cited Musengezi, Zanu PF, Mnangagwa, Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu, Zanu PF secretary for finance Patrick Chinamasa, former vice-president Phelekezela Mphoko and former party secretary for finance Ignatius Chombo as first to seventh respondents respectively. Again, the 1st respondent must prove his actual place of residence as required by the 2nd respondent for membership, he said. The 2nd applicant is a member of good standing who pays subscriptions and has a known address of service. The 1st respondent is wasting the courts time since his address is non-existent and impossible to execute if costs are awarded against him. But Musengezis lawyer said Ngunis demands were unheard of, and an attempt to intimidate and harm his client so that he skips the borders and collapse the court challenge. It does not make any sense at all. The litigant shared his address with his lawyer, and that is enough. Why would they want the address of the litigant, to do what?, Sithole asked yesterday. We are always in court for different cases, but we do not get asked such. We are left guessing that this is an attempt to scare him to flee the country. What do they want at his residence? Why the sudden interest in his address before the matter goes to court. If they get the address, then what? Musengezi added: I have received countless threats on normal calls, WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter. I wont be intimidated to leave the country. Zimbabwe is my home and if Im to die Ill die in my motherland. They have tried all tricks, including threatening me with arrest, but I am not moved by any of that. Musengezi is challenging the constitutionality of processes that saw Mnangagwa assuming the leadership of the ruling party and countrys presidency after the coup. In opposing papers, the Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu said the High Court had no jurisdiction to hear the case, adding that Mnangagwa enjoyed presidential immunity. Musengezi cited Zanu PF, Mnangagwa, Mpofu, Chinamsa, Mphoko and Chombo as the first to fifth respondents respectively in his application. Zanu PF is also claiming that the politician is being sponsored by exiled former minister Saviour Kasukuwere who has declared an interest to challenge Mnangagwa in next years elections. Standard Uniontown, PA (15401) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 55F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later at night. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 42F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. THE Russia and Ukraine conflict, which has spawned a surge in global food prices and disruption of world markets and supply chains, has been a wake-up call for Zimbabwe on the need to ensure food security, President Mnangagwa has said. In his weekly column published in The Sunday Mail yesterday, President Mnangagwa said a new world order was emerging, and Zimbabwe must respond appropriately and creatively to keep abreast with fast moving global events. Foremost, Zimbabwe must be a food-secure nation. This means ensuring our agriculture is modernised through mechanisation for greater efficiencies and productivity. We will not stop at anything to achieve food security for our nation, he said. For that to happen, we need to secure vital inputs for our agricultural sector. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with the resultant turbulence in global food prices, is a wake-up call to us all. Global supply chains both for fertilisers and grains stand imperilled by that conflict situation. President Mnangagwa said Russia and Ukraine were big players in the global economy, principally in the key sectors of technologies, agriculture and energy. The ongoing conflict between them has reverberated globally, including disrupting world markets and supply chains, all against post-pandemic fragilities already afflicting the world, he said. President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe will have to respond appropriately to the developments taking place. A new world order is emerging, and Zimbabwe must respond appropriately and creatively, so it is not sidelined or placed on the receiving end of these fast-paced global changes. Our activities in the past two months, and going forward, should be understood from that broad, regional, continental and global perspective, he said. President Mnangagwa noted that Zimbabwe had equally been a victim of unilateralism where illegal sanctions were imposed by the West just as NATO was provocatively making an eastward expansion. Zimbabwe, itself already a victim of Western unilateralism, is in the full glare of all these global headwinds. Against NATOs provocative eastward expansion in Europe, and Russian Federations robust response to that threat of encirclement by NATO, a new situation has arisen which requires that we re-map the world with a view to finding our own place and securing our interests, he said. Like in the case of Zimbabwe which has endured more than two decades of illegal sanctions, the conflict raging in Eastern Europe has made many nations realise how powerful nations and global interests still function on old and archaic notions of spheres of influence, and that they will not hesitate to use unilateral economic coercion to bully independent-minded states unwilling to kowtow to their whims and interests. President Mnangagwa said the situation called for great changes where nations engage, reach out for safe and gainful partnerships, transact internationally, relate or submit to global regulatory frameworks and institutions. Fortuitously, Africa had a premonition of this meltdown in world affairs, and had already embarked on a robust framework for continental free trade, underpinned by Agenda 2063. This was a stroke of far-sightedness, indeed a new trajectory which must find justification and impetus in the ensuing global turbulence. Russia and Ukraine, the two nations in conflict, are big players in the global economy, principally in the key sectors of technologies, agriculture and energy, he said. President Mnangagwa said the fact that Russia was now demanding payment in domestic currency, just as China was equally challenging the dominance of the United States dollar, demonstrated a shift in the global epicentre. The hitherto unchallenged currency and medium of international trade is being shaken as a key global player. Russia, demands payment in its domestic currency. The Chinese Yuan is also challenging dominance of the United States dollar. All this points to a shift in the global epicentre, he said. President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe has escalated its international engagements consistent with its policy of engagement and re-engagement coupled with its economic policies such as the National Development Strategy 1. The changing global situation, which is increasingly being shaped by conflict and unilateralism, enjoins us to look to ourselves, to our region and to our continent primarily. Beyond ourselves, our region and our continent, we face growing uncertainty which we can only offset through creative and responsive diplomacy, he said. Herald This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Preparing for Passover involves a whole lot more for the Funk and Rosen families than making matzo ball soup and setting the Seder plate. There are costumes to try on and props to assemble. The Funks backyard in Bellaire transforms into a stage, and everyone has a part to play as the Passover story comes to life. Usually, the Jewish holiday, which begins the evening of April 15 this year, involves reading the Haggadah, the Old Testament story of the exodus of Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Family members take turns reciting the text aloud, as they gather for the Seder, a Passover meal full of symbolism. But thats just the beginning for the Funks and Rosens. Instead of simply reading the words, aunts, uncles, parents and grandparents reenact the Passover story, intent on creating lasting memories for all. The adults dress up as Moses, Pharaoh and even the prophet Elijah. The children search for a hidden doll in the yard, after learning about the Pharaohs daughters finding baby Moses in a basket in the river. When the Haggadah gets to the part describing the 10 plagues that God used to persuade the Egyptians, the families use objects to make each one seem real. For instance, marshmallows are thrown to represent hail. Everyone wears sunglasses to represent the darkness. And the younger children watch with wonder as their grandmother, Arza Funk, pours a pitcher of water that turns red, a trick involving food coloring, to portray the first plague blood. We love Passover in our family, Adam Funk said. He and his wife, Caroline, host the celebration in their home, with their children Valentina, 7, Isabella, 5, and Niko, 2. Its such a great blend of tradition and family, Adam said. And its just fun. You get to celebrate in a fantastic way. He grew up with a more traditional Seder, as did Caroline. Everything changed, however, when their children, nieces and nephews were born. It all started when Adams parents Arza and Arie Funk lived on a ranch in La Grange. Arza, a retired nursery school teacher, wanted to make the Passover story more accessible for younger children. Its part of the duty of Passover to teach the story, she said. But you have to do it on their level. Out on their property, the couple raised a tent, filled it with rugs and pillows. A sea of bluebonnets in the field represented the Nile. We hid Moses in a basket, Arza recalled. We dressed up, and we did it all like a play. The Funks invited Carolines parents, Pam and Steven Rosen, to attend. It was lovely, Pam said. With everyone sitting on the ground wearing costumes, reading from the Haggadah and acting out parts, she said this wasnt the Passover she knew. After converting to Judaism when she married, she had always celebrated more conventional Seders with her husband and his family. That was my only experience, and how my children grew up, she said. Adopting the Funks interactive Passover was easy, she said. Arza brings all of her props, and the children love it, Pam Rosen said. She has made it so very fun. She has brought this level of creativity, and its something so special and magical for the children. They get to understand the beauty and the lessons of Passover. Over time, and as more grandchildren were born, the holiday tradition expanded. And we carried it on to Houston, when we moved, Arza said. Now, family members join from all over Texas on both the Rosen and Funk sides. Its the highlight of the year, Arza said. The kids say this is their favorite holiday and thats the whole point. Theres a phrase in Hebrew ldor vdor that means generation to generation, Caroline Funk said. And thats what their Passover tradition is all about. It has everything to do with remembering the past, passing it on to the next generation, and hopefully, they will do the same thing, when my children become parents, she said. Its all about family and keeping traditions alive. Arza wants the children to see as much as possible, to engage their senses of touch and taste, and interact as they listen to the biblical tale. Its actually a commandment to teach the story to your children, she said. Its important to feel it. And to have these memories. In fact, the Torah states, And you shall tell your child on that day as follows: Because of this, HaShem did for me, when he took me out of Egypt. Rabbi Brian Strauss, at the Funks and Rosens Congregation Beth Yeshurun, said sharing the Passover story is a paramount duty. The most fundamental command is to pass the story on, he said. God didnt have to free us from Egypt, but God did it for a reason to be free to worship God. Retelling that history is essential, Strauss explained. But if you can dress it up in any way possible, thats even better, he said. I tell families dont just sit there. You can read the text, but you can still be missing the point. The ideal is to capture the imagination of the children listening, to make them curious and want to dive into their own histories. When you ask questions, youre more likely to want to know the answer, Strauss said. We have so many opportunities now to make the story more captivating, more enjoyable. If you can come up with a creative way to tell the story, that is better. When his own children were younger, the rabbi also dressed up as Moses for Passover. Sometimes the Seder would be more like a scavenger hunt. Now that his children are older, Strauss likes to engage them in conversation and discussion around the table. He said the Rosen and Funk families set a shining example of how to truly honor the mitzvah, or commandment, of passing on the Passover story to the next generation. Theyre following the mitzvah in a beautiful way, Strauss said. Peyton is a Houston-based freelance writer. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) A former sergeant for the Alabama Department of Corrections has been sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for assaulting two inmates at Elmore Correctional Facility, federal prosecutors said. Ulysses Oliver Jr., 47, was sentenced Friday to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release. According to court documents, the inmate assault happened on Feb. 16, 2019. Prosecutors said Oliver went to an observation room where two inmates were handcuffed. Oliver reportedly pulled the first victim into a hallway and struck him multiple times with his fists and feet, then struck him with his collapsible baton about 19 times. Oliver then returned to the observation room and pulled the second man into the hallway, where he reportedly kicked him and used his baton to strike him about 10 times. The handcuffed victims did not resist and posed no threat, the Justice Department said. Prosecutors said Oliver, who pleaded guilty in the case, assaulted the inmates as punishment because he believed the victims had brought contraband into the facility. The assaults occurred near other correctional officers, who did not intervene. Two other former corrections officers have pleaded guilty in connection with the incident, and a third was convicted at trial. The actions of Mr. Oliver and his co-defendants run completely counter to the responsibilities and trust given to correctional officers, said U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Stewart for the Middle District of Alabama. Oliver knew that the use of force in this case was unnecessary and excessive, and so did the other officers involved. While I fully support the difficult and dangerous jobs that these officers undertake each day, my office remains committed to holding those that ignore their oaths accountable. A shoot-out inside a moving car killed one person in southwest Houston late Saturday, authorities said. An argument broke out around 11 p.m. between two passengers inside the car entering Interstate 610 via the South Post Oak entrance ramp, Isaac Duplechain, a commander with the Houston Police Department, told OnScene TV. The passengers, both men, opened fire during the argument, killing one, he said. The driver was unharmed, Duplechain said. Paramedics with the Houston Fire Department pronounced the back seat passenger dead. They took the front seat passenger to a local hospital in stable condition. The relationship between the two men was unclear, as was the reason for the shoot-out, he said. No charges have been filed while homicide investigators interview the driver and the surviving passenger. A man was shot by police Saturday after lunging for a gun inside a northwest Houston tire shop, where he had been terrorizing the owner and employees, according to executive assistant chief Larry Satterwhite. The suspect, 48, is in stable condition at Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital. Police officers were originally dispatched Saturday afternoon to the business, located in a strip mall in the 700 block of West Mount Houston Road, after the owner said the man was threatening people there with a gun. The owner thought the man might still be in the area when police arrived. Around 5 p.m., police searched around the business intending to arrest him for trespassing, Satterwhite said. Officers eventually found him inside an office in the tire shop, sitting near a handgun and what police described as an uzi-style firearm. Police asked him to come out. The man lunged toward one of the weapons, Satterwhite said, and police shot him at least twice before tending to his injuries. Police did not release the mans name. He has an extensive criminal history and was wanted for a parole violation for engaging in organized criminal activity, Satterwhite said. He said police had previously responded to reports of the man assaulting people at the business, but the man was always gone when they arrived. Police had also received reports of the man firing a gun in a nearby bar, he said. Officers recovered shell casings at the scene from that incident, he said. This has been an ongoing thing that hes been doing to the people over here, Satterwhite said during a news conference at the scene. Two officers fired their weapon. They were not hurt, he said, adding that the department will abide by its policy of releasing the body camera footage within 30 days of the incident. He did not say what charges the suspect might face. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate On the morning of her eviction hearing, Cecilia Perez sat and stared at her reflection in the mirror. She had done her makeup, straightened her hair, and put on black jeans and a shimmery black vest. She sorted through a folder of documents and tossed what she didnt need on her bed. Perez hadnt slept all night. Shed lain in bed, waiting to share a ride to court with her three fellow tenants at 817 W. Poplar St. a dilapidated four-unit apartment building just northwest of downtown. Their landlord had sent them eviction notices the week before the hearing last fall. Perezs notice said she had overstayed her lease. They dont have a case against us, said Perez, 44. Thats the thing. None of this is fair. For more than a year, documents show, the tenants had dealt with chronic sewage and water problems. The floors were bubbled up, and there was mold in the showers and holes in the walls. The tenants said that after the 2021 winter storm, the hot water went out and the plumbing was damaged, causing water and sewage to spill for months. Foot-deep pools of stagnant water surrounded their apartments, attracting bugs and reeking of sewage. 'I TRUSTED THEM': Some landlords got piece of Texas' $2B in rent relief money and evicted struggling tenants anyway The tenants filed numerous complaints with code enforcement officials, who issued various citations for plumbing violations. Plumbers came out, but no repairs were evident. Instead, the landlord initiated legal proceedings to evict them, challenging them to find other affordable housing. Jessica Phelps / Jessica Phelps From January 2021 to September 2021, the number of evictions filed in San Antonio hovered around 1,000 per month, but after the federal eviction moratorium ended in September, eviction filings surged. The moratorium, imposed by the government during the COVID-19 pandemic, prevented landlords from evicting tenants on the basis of overdue rent. In October, landlords filed 1,600 cases to evict. In December, they filed 1,532. Sandy Rollins, executive director of the Texas Tenants Union, said she has received roughly 80 calls a day from Texas residents about evictions and substandard conditions after the moratorium expired. Most dont know their rights, she said, and most cant afford legal representation to defend them. While landlords and property management companies typically can afford lawyers and have the experience to navigate the courts, renters are often overwhelmed by legal jargon, distrust and economic hardship. Its all day, every day, Rollins said. Everyone is supposed to have a home, to relax, to raise children, to get away. Many people dont have that. Its always an edge of homelessness for them. The landlord and tenants Jessica Phelps / Jessica Phelps Before Bradford Shepherds company bought 817 W. Poplar St. in 2017, Gary Simmons had been living there for more than a year. His apartment the buildings largest was at the front right, with a dining room, living room, back bedroom, porch and small yard. His wife lived with him, though she was not on the lease. Lawrence Ellis occupied the front left unit, with a tiny living room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Behind Ellis was Wayne Green, and behind Simmons was Perez whom everyone called Hazel in a studio apartment with a kitchenette a few feet wide. Her partner, Raymond Cantu, was also on her lease, though he visited the property only occasionally. Simmons, 62, said the property was in better condition when he moved in, when an elderly couple owned it. Perez said the building was falling apart when she arrived in 2019. Besides the sewage issues, there was no door on the unit and mildew on the walls. The property manager promised to have it all fixed soon, so she paid a $1,000 security deposit. But nothing was ever corrected, Perez said. Meanwhile, she bought a door with her own money, fixed the walls and redid the floors with a faux-wood look. EVICTION MORATORIUM: Local nonprofits maxed out by demand for assistance as eviction moratorium approaches Perez has been on and off the street since she was 8 and has dealt with physical and emotional abuse for years. At one point, she was stabbed in the chest, which left a small hole in her heart. Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and anxiety, Perez said it can be hard to concentrate and understand whats happening. Sometimes, when her PTSD is really bad, she cant get out of bed. She was homeless for three years before moving in. I was just so happy to have a roof over my head, Perez said. Green, 67, was receiving veterans disability compensation as was Ellis. He told Perez about one of the apartments when it became vacant. Jessica Phelps / Jessica Phelps Under Shepherd who was based in Austin and is now in Boise, Idaho the fourplex has been overseen by third-party property managers. In September 2020, Sheer Value Property Management, a San Antonio company, took over that role. For this article, numerous emails, calls and texts were sent to Shepherd. Although none of those messages was returned, Shepherd commented extensively about the case on Twitter. Writing about his tenants, Shepherd said in a July tweet: I dont want to know them, dont want them to know me. He also tweeted his disappointment in the return on his investment in the neighborhood. Definitely bought the city is pouring in a ton of money bit, he tweeted in August. The area is still horrible. Shepherd did not renew Perezs lease in fall 2020 and the others in spring 2021. He said on Twitter in March and April that the tenants were not paying their rent. The economics of eviction Jessica Phelps / Jessica Phelps Each tenant was receiving government assistance, from Veterans Affairs or Social Security, ranging from about $800 a month to a little more than $1,000. In San Antonio, thats not enough to afford housing at normal market rates, said Sofia Lopez, a researcher at the Action Center on Race and the Economy, which describes itself as a resource for organizations seeking to achieve racial, economic, environmental and educational justice. Median rent in the San Antonio-New Braunfels area is $912 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,114 for a two-bedroom, according to the 2021 data published by U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department. Affordable rent for someone making $800 a month is about $240. That inability to afford market-rate housing puts tenants like those at 817 W. Poplar at fundamental odds with landlords, for whom real estate is a commodity, Lopez said. Some landlords, she said, can and are content to let a property sit without improvements until they sell it once the market rises. COLUMN: Landlords deserve relief from COVID eviction moratorium as debts mount During the eviction moratorium, Shepherd could not remove tenants for failing to pay rent. Then last spring, he began working to oust his Poplar residents on the grounds that they had overstayed their leases. At the same time, Shepherd applied to the Texas Rent Relief program, which was created during the pandemic to help tenants pay rent and utility bills. Perez said that when she signed forms for the program, it was the only time she saw Shepherd in person. She said he promised to fix all the propertys issues. She received $6,715 from the program in late April 2021, which went directly to the landlord to pay her past-due and future rent. When the moratorium ended in early September, the tenants received letters requesting that they leave by Sept. 30. None of them did. Tenants rights Jessica Phelps / Jessica Phelps While Simmons stepdaughter LaToya Graves was visiting for the summer, she had to boil water every night to bathe her children: 6-year-old Aaliyah and 5-year-old E.J. Meanwhile, the adults took cold showers every morning. Texas law says tenants have the right to demand that landlords repair any conditions that materially affect their physical health or safety, such as lack of hot water or working sewage, and that justices of the peace have the authority to enforce those requirements. But those rights, said Rollins of the Texas Tenants Union, are conditioned on tenants being current on their rent and if they follow rules for how they ask their landlord to fix such problems. Jessica Phelps / Jessica Phelps Leases can and typically do require such requests to be delivered by certified mail with return receipt requested or some other trackable form of delivery. Otherwise, Rollins said, two requests for repairs must be given. The 817 W. Poplar leases specified that requests for repairs be made in writing, a requirement that none of the tenants understood, though that may have been moot for those who were behind on rent, such as Perez. Such stipulations make it hard for tenants to sue their landlord for repairs, Rollins said. For tenants who are behind on rent or do not properly request repairs, its nearly impossible to win. After the February 2021 freeze, Simmons sent several emails about damages. The tenants said the landlord sent a plumber but that nothing was done to fix the sewage and hot water. They said they also called Sheer Value about the issues, to no avail, and contacted city code enforcement numerous times. RENTAL RELIEF: Feds clawing back rent relief funds from programs slow to give out the money with Texas leading the pack In April, Shepherd told San Antonio code enforcement that he hired a plumber. But he said in a tweet that the tenants chased the plumbers away and violently threatened his property manager. The first complaint about water and sewer leaks was made in November 2020, which led to investigations by code enforcement on the property for a year. Multiple notices from the city were placed on the front gate citing Shepherd for various violations, including a lack of water service. A citation Oct. 11, 2021, for plumbing violations, including no hot water, carried a $300 penalty. The notice set an administrative hearing date at Municipal Court in mid-November, for which the penalty if Shepherd did not appear would be $1,000 or less. During this time, sewage from Simmons toilet was flowing into Perezs tub. To take a shower, she had to stand on the side of the tub and stick her head under the cold-water nozzle. Shepherds tenants werent the only people affected by his propertys plumbing problems. Neighbors of the fourplex paid $4,000 to repair damage from water that leaked into their yard and dripped into their basement, causing an electrical short. While the couple, in their 70s, paid to move wiring to another part of their house, their yard remained a massive puddle. The couple said the property manager told them she couldnt shut off the water line because its illegal to do so. And fixing the plumbing would require ripping up the floor in Greens apartment. In court Jessica Phelps / Jessica Phelps On the morning of eviction court, the tenants met in the driveway. All of them were anxious, pacing the property and barely speaking. Simmons came out last, begrudgingly. We cant be late, Perez kept repeating. Please, lets not be late. In a voicemail that Shepherd left for Simmons late last summer, the landlord said fixing the sewer problems would require shutting off the water and tearing down all the apartments. He said he would either pay him and Perez a months rent $500 for Perez and slightly more for Simmons to move out within a week or he would use that money to hire an eviction lawyer. Neither Perez nor Simmons accepted the deal, so the property management company retained Kristopher Bowen, a real estate lawyer for commercial and residential landlords, on Shepherds behalf. Bowen declined to comment during the court proceedings and did not return calls about the case. Meanwhile, the tenants conferred with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, which provides free civil legal services to southwest Texans but did not officially represent the Poplar tenants. Hallie Dunlap, a lawyer with Texas RioGrande, appeared at court only to offer advice. Less than 1 percent of tenants receive legal support during an eviction in Texas, said Matt Garcia, a lawyer who works with Dunlap. Thats because of a lack of attorneys who offer such services Texas RioGrande is one of a few in San Antonio that do so and tenants being unaware of the few pro bono or less-costly lawyers available. EVICTIONS: Even before Supreme Court decision, these Houston complexes were evicting dozens Ellis took a deal. He wouldnt be evicted if he agreed to leave by Nov. 22, 2021, giving him a little more than two weeks to find a new place. Simmons took a similar deal. Dunlap advised Perez and Green to appeal the eviction decision, which would give them more time to move. A tenant can appeal an eviction within five days of the initial hearing and stay on the property while the appeal is pending, though the tenant must continue paying rent. Green appealed, and Perez, whose case was not decided yet, returned to court the next week, but Dunlap could not make it. At Perezs next court appearance, which her partner, Cantu, attended, Bowen, Shepherds lawyer, conferred with them privately. Perez said she would not sign anything unless she received financial assistance to move and to pay a few months rent in a new place. Bowen wrote at the bottom of the agreement that the parties agree that Perez may seek relocation assistance from the city. The agreement also specified that the tenants could not appeal the eviction further. Unaware of the languages ramifications, Perez and Cantu signed the deal and had to be out before December or risk eviction. The end of the line Jessica Phelps / Jessica Phelps Two days before Ellis had to vacate 817 W. Poplar, his housing through the VA fell through. Instead, he moved into a boarding house, which the VA paid for until March, and put his possessions in storage. For two nights, he lived in his car because he couldnt afford a hotel. Green, who appealed the eviction, had a few months to find a new place. He finally left the property in March. After accepting the landlords deal, Simmons left with no idea where he would go. I know Im right in the end, he said. But its not like anyone cares. Perez could not secure city assistance before her move-out date. To receive it, she had to submit a new lease. But in her anxiety, Perez couldnt figure it out. When she returned to court for the last time, she was evicted in a few minutes and given two weeks to vacate. Perez didnt have enough money for a storage unit or a moving van, and initially, no one with a truck would help her move. I should feel lucky because I have all this and people have so much worse than me, she said. But Im so stuck. I feel so stuck. I dont know what to do anymore. On Dec. 15, the day of Perezs eviction, as she continued scrambling for money to move, Sheer Value hired 10 men from Craigslist to remove her possessions from the apartment. Everything boxes, a disassembled bed, clothing, dishes, a mirror was piled in the driveway as it began to rain. Even the door she bought when she moved in was taken off its hinges and tossed in with the rest. Dejected, Perez called her mother, with whom she has a strained relationship. I really need help here, she told her, her voice cracking. Her mother came with her father. She paid for storage space and used her truck to move her daughters possessions, which took three trips. All that was left was a grocery bag with personal items and a bicycle. Perez was homeless again. That night, she had a friend to stay with, though she didnt know for how long. She also had some leads on affordable apartments, but none came through. Shepherd never appeared in court for his violations, virtually or in person. Because he didnt show up, the court issued a default judgment of liability for $300 in January. But on a recommendation from the citys Development Services Department, the landlord paid $25 in the end. The case is now closed. Since the tenants vacated the property, prospective buyers have visited the site and checked out the fourplex. One buyer looked around and took photos, but he was not impressed. Ill probably just bulldoze the whole thing, he said. Elena Bruess writes for the Express-News through Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms. ReportforAmerica.org. elena.bruess@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Large crowds flocked to downtown Saturday to celebrate creativity and car culture with the return of the Houston Art Car Parade. After a two-year, pandemic-related hiatus, more than 250 tricked-out vans, cars, bikes and lawnmowers took to the streets, decorated with everything from kids toys to swangas. More than 100 new vehicles participated this year a record number of newcomers. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and parade grand marshal Bun B led the 35th annual parade riding in slabs - quintessential Houston custom vehicles. Geekier vehicles would follow - like a pointy-eared Baby Yoda car, a giant chicken or the bee themed car, with a keep hives alive sign. The irreverent Fart Car, a first-year entry from the Health Museum, featured a poop queen with a plunger, poop emojis and giant colon to promote colon health. It's a huge, larger than life model of the colon, said John Arcidiacono, the museums president. Kids can crawl through and get their picture taken in the colon, if they want to. Arcidiacono has attended the Art Car Parade for decades and missed the festivities during the pandemic. Its been closed for two years, so it's really exciting to be out, he said. With painted red and yellow metal flames, fire extinguishers and a chicken on top, The Phoenix was another car making its parade debut. It rose from the ashes of a storage shed in Katy, after some heavy tinkering by Jay Weiss, 74. I have probably been in 25 parades, said Weiss, who has been fixing up antique cars since graduating from Texas A&M in 1971. Also in the parade line-up was Pride and Joy, which features a statue of the late Texas blues rock guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan, decorated with thousands of pieces of donated costume jewelry and glass. The car celebrates iconic Texas with an armadillo and a reflective longhorn skull. At first it was just a car for me, said Daf Meza Flores, 20, one of the artists who worked on the car while a student in Heights High School in 2018. But she said after she saw the publics reactions to the car at the parade in 2019, the car became her pride and joy. Seeing people's reactions is what made me end up becoming proud of it, Flores said. Her former teacher, Art Car maven Rebecca Bass, has spent decades designing art cars with students. Art Car and Ed: 'Art Car Maven' teaches teamwork to Reagan students Other cars brought a distinctly DIY feel, like the red, white and green Santa-themed car which has retro Santa figurines glued on and a giant Santa hat. On another camo-painted car, an actual banjo player strums for onlookers. Eliseo Hilarios cars are a bit slicker. Hes brought four cars to this years parade. Hes been working on low riders for decades and has participated in the Art Car Parade since the 1980s. I like to bring the cars out, bring my family, said Hilario, who runs the Kingsmen Car Club. Most of the family members in this club are my family, he said. One of his cars is a 1962 Impala called Captain America with an illustration of a U.S. and a Mexican flag on the hood and a cholo guy with a girl to make it look a little gangster, said Hilario. The wacky cars brought out loyal art car fans, like Gisele and Jerome Auzenne from Katy. We just really enjoy it, said Gisele, who said theyve been coming for several years just to watch the cars go by. But some fans in the crowd even arrived from out of state. Alvaro Soares, 36, from Rhode Island was on a road trip in Texas and heard about the parade while visiting Houstons Art Car Museum earlier this month. He thought, I don't really want to backtrack on my trip, said Soares, who wasnt planning to return to Houston. But after staying a few days in San Antonio for Fiesta, he decided to check it out, I was like, I'll pop back to Houston. Jay R. Jordan / Jay Jordan, Staff A motorcyclist speeding into oncoming traffic late Saturday in west Houston struck a car and died from his injuries, authorities said. The motorcyclist, whose identity has not been released, became trapped under the car and died on impact, Houston Police Department's Sgt. David Rose told Metro Video. Attorneys for Texas oldest death row prisoner have filed a petition to stop his April 21 execution, arguing that it amounts to cruel and unusual punishment and violates his right to due process. Carl Wayne Buntion, 78, was convicted of murdering a Houston police officer more than three decades ago. He often uses a wheelchair, according to the filing, and experiences vertigo so severe that he cannot be housed in a cell which is not on the ground floor. He has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C and cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease, court records say. The petition names Bryan Collier, executive director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and Bobby Lumpkin, director of the agencys Correctional Institutions Division, as defendants. In a statement, the agency said it does not comment on pending litigation. During a traffic stop in 1990 for a minor violation, Buntion got out of the car and shot Houston police office James Irby in the forehead and then twice in the back. Irby died almost instantly, according to court records. At the time, Buntion had only been out on parole for a matter of weeks. He was sentenced to death the next year. The latest filing in Houston federal court follows years of unsuccessful legal efforts to get Buntion off death row. His original death sentence was ruled unconstitutional because jurors were not allowed to hear mitigating evidence, which would have provided reasons for him not to receive the death penalty. That sentence was vacated in 2009, but he was sentenced to death again in a 2012 retrial. By that point, life history records had been destroyed and crucial witnesses either died or had become unavailable, according to court filings. His attorneys argued that in the time between his original sentence and the retrial, the state actively resisted Buntions attempts to obtain a constitutional proceeding. Buntion appealed the 2012 sentencing, invoking due process claims alleging the state's procedures were "no more than a sham, creating the illusion of process where none exists," according to court filings. That appeal and later applications for relief were denied. In the most recent filing, Buntions attorneys argue that executing him now, after state-imposed delays prolonged his confinement, would serve no penological purpose, violate his right to due process and constitute cruel and unusual punishment. Buntions lawyers also filed a petition on March 30 to the state Board of Pardons and Paroles asking to commute his sentence to life without parole, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. The petition asks the board to recommend that Gov. Greg Abbott grant him clemency. Otherwise, Buntion is asking for a reprieve of 90 days to allow the courts to decide what access he can have to a spiritual adviser in the execution chamber. julian.gill@chron.com Strong winds sweeping the Houston area Sunday prompted a wind advisory from the National Weather Service. Across the region, the 30 to 40 mph winds were powerful enough to dislodge tree branches and shake moving cars. Meteorologists detected the strongest gusts near William P. Hobby Airport, where wind speeds reached 43 mph mid-morning. The advisory is set to expire at 7 p.m., but could be extended if gusts above 40 mph continue into the night, according to the NWS. Gusty winds, produced by warm air streaming inland off the Gulf of Mexico, are a normal feature of springtime weather, meteorologist Josh Lichter said. "We get these during the transition between winter and spring," Lichter said. The westward winds could bring light rain by Tuesday, with forecasters predicting up to a quarter inch of precipitation throughout the week. Residents are advised to secure outdoor furniture and monitor decaying tree limbs to reduce the potential for power outages. Trucks and cars pulling trailers should prepare for difficult driving conditions. "Bring inside anything that could become debris," Lichter said. When Richard Molina talks with new Houston police cadets about his uncle, Joe Campos Torres, few know the story. Few know how his uncle, an Army veteran, was savagely beaten by the Houston police after his arrest at an East End bar on May 5, 1977. He was ultimately pushed off a 20-foot platform into Buffalo Bayou in the shadow of the jail, with Officer Terry Denson reportedly remarking, Lets see if the wetback can swim. His body was found floating in the bayou three days later, on Mothers Day. Few know how the place where he was beaten was part of a landscape of police violence in a city considered by defense attorneys and community leaders at the time the most violent and unchecked such force in the United States. Now, almost 45 years later, not far from the site, the small park and stretch of trail that will bear the name of Joe Campos Torres was dedicated earlier this month with a public ceremony in downtown Houston. In many ways, the April 2 event was the culmination of decades of work on the part of Torres family against police brutality. They have organized annual memorial walks in his memory and tried to present the story on their own terms. But the memorial was also a moment of negotiation between official narratives and community history. The stage was crowded with politicians and officials, many of whom addressed Margarita, or Mama, Torres directly. Everyone had a different connection to the story, including the unrest that followed. Though six officers were involved in the murder, only Denson and a fellow officer were charged with felony murder but ultimately convicted of a misdemeanor in state court, given one-year probation and $1 fines. Later, the Justice Department charged the pair and one other officer with civil rights violations for which they received a prison sentence of one year and a day. One year after the murder, on May 7, 1978, community tensions erupted when police showed up to Cinco de Mayo celebrations at Near Northsides Moody Park. In the following clash community historian and filmmaker Carlos Calbillo remembers it as an insurrection community members chanted Torres name. Sylvia Garcia remembered protesting outside the jail as a young activist with no chance of getting city leaders to meet with her. Now she is a U.S. congresswoman. Adrian Garcia, a Harris County commissioner and former sheriff, recalled that he had seen the Moody Park riot that took place a year after the murder of Campos Torres, and how it motivated him to join the police force. Their stories, without a doubt, reveal how those seated in the halls of power and wearing badges reflect the diversity of our city far more than before. Police Chief Troy Finner spoke from the heart, repeating his apology on behalf of the city and its police force, hoping it would help the family heal. It couldnt have escaped many in the audience, though, that when it came time for the family to speak there was a rush to wrap things up. After the historic marker was unveiled and the official event ended, Janie Torres, Joes sister, stood in front of the marker and spoke extemporaneously, without a microphone, recalling those haunting, inhuman words: They said, Lets see if the wetback can swim. Who owns the memory at the core of Torres memorial or any public memorial? Who determines the meaning of a story, sometimes decades, sometimes centuries in the making? Who says where it started and where it ends? Violence against people of Mexican origin throughout Texas history, and the systematic erasure regarding the vital contributions of Tejanos, began long before Torres was murdered along the Bayou by police in 1977. And the ripples of that crime, and the communitys stand against the courthouse injustice that followed, transcend the East End and stretch far beyond Second Ward, Magnolia Park, Denver Harbor, into todays struggles against police and our hopes of fairness and justice for the future. For generations, Mexican American families, many Indigenous to the land now called Texas, kept the memories of injustice privately and communally, as research by historian Monica Munoz Martinez documents in detail. And for decades, Molina and his family did as well. Born shortly after his uncle was killed, Molina says he was raised with the ever-present memory of him. He was very motivating to us as children, especially my brother who ended up joining the military and losing his life over in Afghanistan, says Molina. He was a father figure. Even after Torres left the house as a young man, he would come back to check on his mother and younger siblings, often bringing groceries. But now, his memory is held in a very public space as well, opening it again to a wave of sometimes dissonant interpretation and re-interpretation. Consider: a huge banner showing him in uniform hangs from a building in the nearby jail complex. A memorial, by definition, remembers something that has happened, an act or event that has concluded. But, even decades after he was killed, Torres has a presence in this moment. He is a memory, ever-present in the minds of those who loved him and now, commemorated in a historic marker, but he is also an icon of a movement very much alive. The various ways people make sense of his story diverge, converge and then diverge again, moving like the bayou through our social consciousnesses. Government institutions will move on, says Tony Diaz, writer, activist and founder of the weekly radio program Nuestra Palabra. They will point to that and say we addressed that. We, as a community, have to keep doing. Which is precisely what Molina envisions: We are trying to create a place that is going to serve as an area for gatherings, for remembrance, for education, for further actions that we need to take for the stories happening now, including, he believes, the story of Nicolas Chavez, who was mentally ill and suicidal when he was killed in April 2021 by four Houston police officers recently reinstated following a grand jurys decision not to indict them. When governmental entities create memorials, they typically think thats the end of the act, says Diaz. We, as artists and as community activists, know thats just the beginning, he adds referencing the decades of community organizing, including the Chicano Movement of the 60s and 70s that worked alongside Black activists in the city. Some 45 years on, the memorial named for Joe Campos Torres is an overdue acknowledgment and a record not just of his life but of the memory his family has carried, and shared, for decades. For those people that Molina encounters who have never heard his uncles name, the memorial is an education, perhaps an awakening. Some these days believe learning about painful episodes in our history is about meting out shame or stagnating in the muck of distrust and derision. We believe its the only way out. And the only way to never return. While officials have pointed to progress and change, separating us from then, the meaning of the site with a view of the glass and steel of downtown skyscrapers and the water that is the citys true heartbeat, rising and falling and sometimes submerging all that is solid and static will remain in the communitys hands. A Texas district attorney said Sunday that he will ask a judge to dismiss a murder charge against a woman over a self-induced abortion. Lizelle Herrera was arrested Thursday in Rio Grande City, a community of about 14,000 people along the Mexico border, after a Starr County grand jury indicted her on March 30 for murder for allegedly causing the death of an individual ... by self-induced abortion." District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez said Sunday that his office would move to dismiss the charge on Monday. In reviewing this case, it is clear that Ms. Herrera cannot and should not be prosecuted for the allegation against her, Ramirez said in a statement. Ramirez went on to say, It is my hope that with the dismissal of this case it is made clear that Ms. Herrera did not commit a criminal act under the laws of the State of Texas." Authorities haven't released details about what Herrera allegedly did, and Ramirez didn't immediately respond to an email Sunday seeking further information about the case. From his statement Sunday and a previous statement put out by a Starr County Sheriff's Office official, it wasn't clear if Herrera was accused of giving herself an abortion or assisting in someone else's self-induced abortion. In a tweet Sunday, Planned Parenthood called the decision Such NEEDED news." While the charges against Lizelle have been dismissed, we know the fight against the criminalization of pregnancy outcomes has only just begun, said Alexis McGill Johnson, Planned Parenthood's president and CEO. A leading Texas anti-abortion group said it understood the decision, saying that state law provides only civil remedies, not criminal ones. ABORTION BAN: Women are finding other means to abortion despite Texas crackdown The Texas Heartbeat Act and other Pro-Life policies in the state clearly prohibit criminal charges for pregnant women. Texas Right to Life opposes public prosecutors going outside of the bounds of Texas prudent and carefully crafted policies, said Texas Right to Life spokeswoman Kimberlyn Schwartz. Herrera was released Saturday from the Starr County jail after posting a $500,000 bond. The indictment alleged that Herrera, on Jan. 7, did then and there intentionally and knowingly cause the death of an individual ... by self-induced abortion. In confirming the indictment Saturday, sheriff's Maj. Carlos Delgado said no further information would be released until Monday because the case was still under investigation. Texas law would exempt Herrera from a criminal homicide charge for aborting her own pregnancy, University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck said. (Homicide) doesnt apply to the murder of an unborn child if the conduct charged is conduct committed by the mother of the unborn child, Vladeck said. A 2021 state law that bans abortions in Texas for women who are as early as six weeks pregnant has sharply curtailed the number of abortions in the state. The law leaves enforcement to private citizens who can sue doctors or anyone who helps a woman get an abortion. ABORTION LAW: Texas high court ends months-long challenge to 6-week abortion ban The woman receiving the abortion is exempted from the law. Another Texas law prohibits doctors and clinics from prescribing abortion-inducing medications after the seventh week of pregnancy and prohibits the delivery of the pills by mail. Medication abortions are not considered self-induced under federal Food and Drug Administration regulations, Vladeck said. You can only receive the medication under medical supervision, according to Vladeck. I realize this sounds weird because you are taking the pill yourself, but it is under a providers at least theoretical care. Associated Press writers Ken Miller in Oklahoma City and Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas, contributed to this report. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. Q&A: Next Head of Pine Cobble Wants to Strengthen Ties to Community WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. Eric Chapman is coming to town to be the new head of school at Pine Cobble elementary. But when he talks about his reasons for coming, he sounds like he might have the potential for a position at the local Chamber of Commerce. "When I came to visit, it was just the beginning of autumn and all the wonderful changes of the trees, and it looked like a movie set, frankly," Chapman said this week. "It didn't feel real. "I was coming down Route 7, and every turn was a red barn with autumn leaves behind it, or a babbling brook or a horse farm or a dairy farm. I thought, 'This is not real. It had to be a set up of some sort.' "It only got better from there, when I arrived at campus and met the teachers and the people and the kids." Chapman has been an educator and administrator for a quarter century, most recently as the assistant head of school for academic programs at the Park School in Brookline. He also has held posts at New York City's St. Mark's School, Calhoun School and Town School. In the fall, he will take over as the 15th head of school at Pine Cobble, replacing Sue Wells, who is stepping down after 11 years at the helm. "We are confident that Mr. Chapman will lead Pine Cobble with vision, authenticity, strategic intention, and demonstrable care, and with unwavering commitment to strong academics and principles of inclusion and respect for all members of our community," according to a news release from the school's board of trustees. "We are excited and energized by the promise and potential of Mr. Chapman's appointment as our next Head of School." Chapman recently sat down with iBerkshires.com to talk about his new position. Q: Your description of the landscape here brings up a point that I noticed in looking at your previous positions. This is going to be a little bit of a change of culture for you. Chapman: And it is one that I'm looking forward to. COVID taught me the value of being present, especially in schools after they were shut down for so long. The school I'm in now has a beautiful campus and is more suburban, I'd say. That [experience] was the first time I was able to appreciate being part of land. When Pine Cobble came around, it was the next step of enjoying nature and being part of it. I took all that for granted before COVID, and I never will again. Q: You have family as well that you're looking to bring up in this area? Chapman: I have an 11-year-old son, Malcolm, who also is excited about visiting Pine Cobble. Right now, he is going to school in Manhattan, and he is looking forward to having more green space. Q: Along with congestion and pavement and things like that, urban environments also can bring a little bit more diversity in terms of the population. This area, this corner of Northern Berkshire County, is not necessarily as diverse. I know that diversity work has been a big part of your professional experience and, I gather, is a priority for the folks at Pine Cobble. Is it concerning that the local population does not necessarily reflect that? Chapman: At all of the schools I've been in, especially in the last 25-30 years, even the term diversity has changed its meaning from tolerance to inclusion and now belonging. I see different things when I think about it. I was looking at a few different schools at the same time I was looking at Pine Cobble. The feeling there was unique as far as how invested people were in all kinds of diversity, with arts in the Berkshires, making sure all kids are seen. Racial diversity seems like the area is looking to have more of, including at the college. But there are also other parts of diversity: economic diversity, interest of people in having conversations about what it means to have acceptance was important to me. My son is also a big theater kid, and that was appealing to me. The area is very much like New York and Boston. It has this big arts piece which sometimes is important in helping kids belong. Q: The announcement of your appointment that the school sent out mentions that you have an interest in fostering ties between schools and communities, which is sometimes an issue for private schools that sometimes can feel a little disconnected from the community at large, is it not? Chapman: It always confuses me why that is. We're part of the community. We bring in kids from the community. A lot of the families were raised there. I always wanted to connect to the places where kids go on weekends, where they play sports, and where they go to the theater. When they see their head of school at different events on the weekends, it gives them a smile. They're also a little confused sometimes. They say, 'Wait, the head of school is talking to my parents outside of school. Is that allowed?' Then they're happy. And you learn what drives them on top of that. Sometimes that means walking down the block and seeing how far they commute from. Sometimes it's seeing a student on campus and saying, 'You get here that early?' and you learn about their home life. Or you learn how an individual student might stay late every day. To me, that gives me a fuller picture of the child's health. Q: Your teaching background looks like most of your time in the classroom was in the upper grades, upper elementary, junior high. How do you feel about the step of being head of school at an institution that has classes from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade? Chapman: Because my teaching has been in seventh and eighth grade for the core part of my career, I really make it my business to be part of classrooms for the younger grades. I'm continuing to learn all the time. The best part of it is listening to the kids. I really try not to be the guy who is preaching all the time but listening. Q: You already mentioned the pandemic, but one can't really talk about anything these days without mentioning COVID-19, and that is especially true in education. What if any lessons, do you think educators learned from that experience as we, hopefully, are able to get back to normal? Chapman: First of all, knock on wood because it always seems like we're hearing about the next variant. COVID really did teach me a lot about understanding what students are going through at different stages of development. We quickly learned that Zoom was not always going to work. My wife is an educator as well, on the younger end, third grade. She also helped inform me about what would work and didn't work and what people respond to. You have to start with the experts, who are the teachers, and make connections to school and home. When it first happened, we thought we'd be shut down for a week or a couple of weeks. At my current school, we were shut down for two or three months, the remainder of the school year. How do you pivot? How do you get ready for fluency for all kids? How do you make sure they have the supplies that they need? It was a good reminder that we had the true gambit of families who are at the school. We had some families who lost their jobs pretty quickly, some who had food insecurity issues. We thought about what we could do as a school to help them. How do you prepare for inequities? Some people have pre-existing health concerns. Being present in the moment, thinking about how you can be flexible and pivot for that and not forgetting the true diversity of experiences kids have as they come to our school. One child, I remember talking to, was nervous about coming back because they had a grandparent who was immune compromised, and they pick up the child or take care of them on the weekends. Once I learned their story, that could help me adjust. Q: Pine Cobble had a different issue to work through in the past year when a former teacher was charged with assaulting a student. Do you feel like the school has work to do in maintaining the trust of its families? Chapman: Relationships really are the key. I've been very impressed with the people at Pine Cobble now helping to heal the community, support the community on a day-to-day basis. I'm going to try to take the baton from them and continue next year to respect the great work they've already done. I would love to say I've never heard of this at other schools, but unfortunately, it has. Schools are faced with questions about how you heal the community both the individual and the larger community. I'm impressed with how they've been handling it. Q: In terms of building bridges to the larger community, are there specific things you've been able to do at schools in the past to do that work? Chapman: It's not necessarily marketing and admissions but just being part of the community again. How do we have events again now that public health conditions allow it. How do we be a part of the community breaking down boundaries, some imagined and some not. We need to get out there, get to meet people, maybe even have people learn about the school and come on campus. A lot of this is pre-COVID, but we'd say, 'Here is a play we're having and want the community to come see it,' or, 'Here is an event we're having that we can host.' Sometimes it's much more targeted, like, 'Here is an open house for this segment of the community.' They might come with pre-conceived notions, but let's have some coffee or some tea. Let's have this event and enjoy it. A lot of the schools I've been in have been in suburban environments. Once those doors open, it feels better and feels more comfortable. I'm hoping COVID will let us do that. 1Berkshire Starts Entrepreneurial Material Translation Project PITTSFIELD, Mass. 1Berkshire announced that it has begun a several month long project to collect materials and resources in the region focused on entrepreneurial resources and guidance, to then have them translated into Spanish. This effort, in partnership with the Berkshire Immigrant Center and Berkshire Language Management, aims to help increase the accessibility of key information, resources, and marketing materials for Spanish speaking businesses and entrepreneurs in the region. 1Berkshire has been actively working with the Berkshire Immigrant Center for over 2 years to navigate opportunities and resources to support the needs of this critical group in our region. "It is exciting for us to be able to directly invest resources into supporting our immigrant entrepreneurs, and immigrant owned and operated business community in this very tangible way, and we are so glad to be working with two incredible partner organizations right here in the region to do so," Ben Lamb, Director of Economic Development at 1Berkshire said. Over the next few months, 1Berkshire will work with its collaborative partners and fellow entrepreneurial support programs in the Berkshires to pull together the most critical resources to be translated. From there, translation experts from the Berkshire Immigrant Center and Berkshire Language Management will help to get the documents and audio translated into at least Spanish, and potentially additional languages as capacity allows. "We were humbled to be asked along with Berkshire Language Management to be a part of this transformative and necessary program to increase access for immigrant-owned businesses and entrepreneurs whose native language isn't English. 1Berkshire is helping to pave the way for change in how the Berkshires welcomes and supports all types of businesses," Michelle Lopez, Director of the Berkshire Immigrant Center said. This work is mad possible through Berkshire Language Management. "We are honored to partner and collaborate in this project with 1Berkshire and Berkshire Immigrant Center," Silvana Kirby, Managing Director of Berkshire Language Management said. "Both organizations are always supporting our community, local growth and assisting immigrant entrepreneurs. Language is key to communication, for meaning and understanding. We are excited about being part of this project and community development process." In Kashmir, street food culture has got a boost after the opening of Chew N Brew - Eat On The Go- a mobile food van in Srinagar city. The food joint is first of its kind in the valley. The venture is the outcome of hard work of 40-year-old Sajad Ahmad Bhat, an MBA graduate from Bharatiya Vidyapeeth University (BVP), Pune. I started this venture back in 2016. Before that I worked in many multinational companies in India, Sajad told Indiatimes. Idrees Bukhtiyar I opened a Kashmir themed restaurant in Pune in 2014 but after eight months when I visited Kashmir it was hit due to devastating floods and I couldnt go back and thats when I decided to open my own venture and serve my own place, he said. The aim of opening this food van was to start the street food culture in Kashmir. We also wanted to provide the food at the cheapest rates to those who cant afford big restaurants and make it easier for the passerby to get the food, he said. Sajads innovative fast food outlet is sponsored by Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) under its Seed Capital Fund Scheme (SCFS). This is a 15 lakh rupee project in which 35% is subsidized while 65% has been paid by the bank. Idrees Bukhtiyar It was very tough to motivate the JKEDI officials for the loan because we already had one mobile food van then, titled, Just Bites and that couldnt perform well. Then there were a lot of issues in procuring the permissions from other authorities because Kashmir was witnessing this facility for the first time and it was a unique concept, he said. Now, thankfully we are registered with all the important government departments like Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Industries and Commerce, Labour and others, he said. 2016 Unrest Affected Us After the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in July 2016, the valley witnessed lockdown and curfew for some six months causing massive losses to the business sector. The lockdown affected our business completely. The conditions were so ugly for us that I used to sell tea outside a prominent Srinagar hospital so as to pay my bank installments, Sajad said. Idrees Bukhtiyar He added, Since my staff is non-local, I have to send them back to their homes as we were unable to pay them the salaries then. He said things were initially very tough after the abrogation of Article 370 and COVID lockdown as well. I have to pay the salaries to my employees from my pocket but later business started coming back on track and we started delivering at customers' homes, he said. Sajad estimates a loss of around Rs 12 lakh in these three lockdowns. Delivering Across Srinagar Sajad is currently catering to Srinagar city but is now planning to expand his business in near future. We are a team of 12 people. We are reaching out to schools, colleges, offices and hospitals as well, he said. Idrees Bukhtiyar We get over 80 delivery orders in a day while at the van counter there we get over 150 orders in a day, he said. Regarding the business expansion, Sajad said, We are also going online soon, which will help the customers to book their order online and pay there only. Currently, we have one van which remains parked in Wazir Bagh area of Srinagar but once business starts growing, we will purchase more vans and put them in every nook and corner of the city, he said. No Professional Cooks He said no one among the team is a professional cook. We all have learnt from each other and now I too cook with them and I dont shy away, said Sajad, who has many awards to his credit. Idrees Bukhtiyar Chew N Brew sells the food at the cheapest rates which is affordable for a common man. We sell Chinese to Mughlai, Veg to Tandoori, Special Thalis, Combos and others, he said. Before signing off, Sajad hoped that the right institutions would connect with him so as to create more employment for the youth. I have faced a lot of harassment on the part of authorities but now I want things to go smoothly. I expect the help from the right institutions so as to take this venture a long way, he said. For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News. The sleepy twin villages of Novyi and Staryi Byik with a combined population of just 2000 people had nothing to worry about since the Russian forces were busy capturing Kyiv. So, some people came back to their families on the first day of war thinking it's quieter and ofcourse, safer tha Kyiv. But 27 February onwards, things changed as Russians arrived. Recounting the terror tales Here begins a thread of tweets posted by Shaun Walker who covers central/ eastern Europe for The Guardian as mentioned in his bio on Twitter. A Twitter thread where people of the two villages recount the terror of Russian atrocities more than a month later. "In the first hours, most locals hid in cellars. Bohdan Hladky and Oleksandr Mohyrchuk popped outside to smoke. Oleksandrs wife went up to check on them after some time. A neighbour came running from across the street. The Russians have taken your boys, he said, breathlessly," describes Walker. In the first hours, most locals hid in cellars. Bohdan Hladky and Oleksandr Mohyrchuk popped outside to smoke. Oleksandrs wife went up to check on them after some time. A neighbour came running from across the street. The Russians have taken your boys, he said, breathlessly. Shaun Walker (@shaunwalker7) April 9, 2022 Two brothers killed Walker who goes by the username shaunwalker7 tweets further, "The two men were among six people executed on the first day. A later examination found four were shot in the head, one stabbed in the heart, and one had his throat cut." With a picture of graves placed side by side, Walker writes, "They were buried this week in these graves." The two men were among six people executed on the first day. A later examination found four were shot in the head, one stabbed in the heart, and one had his throat cut. They were buried this week in these graves. pic.twitter.com/2K7T8MW5yw Shaun Walker (@shaunwalker7) April 9, 2022 Destroyed schools Walker tweets about how Russians captured a school, destroyed the infrastructure and fired missiles from its courtyard, treating it as their base camp. He even talks about houses being looted and later, ruined by the forces. I dont know how well teach. The school bus is destroyed, so we cant take the children to neighbouring villages, headteacher Natalia Vovk told me. The school will try to arrange distance learning, but the Russians have stolen all the electronic equipment. pic.twitter.com/UCeShaOoKH Shaun Walker (@shaunwalker7) April 9, 2022 Houses looted Petro and Tamara Lysenko were one of many to have their house looted. The Russians ate all their food, killed a piglet and several chickens, stole the washing machine, all of Petros clothes and a computer, smashed up the three family cars and daubed Z symbol on the fridge. pic.twitter.com/S4eJJDZk2w Shaun Walker (@shaunwalker7) April 9, 2022 Soldier asks for volunteers ready to get killed "Maksym Didyk spent 12 days tied up and blindfolded in a small outhouse across the road from the school after being grabbed at a checkpoint on 19 March. On the day before the Russians left, one of the soldiers told Maksym hed been ordered to execute the prisoners," he writes. "The soldier in charge of the prisoners said he had been ordered to provide four corpses, Didyk recalled. He said he didnt want to do it he had tears in his eyes but he said it was his orders and he had to shoot four people. He asked for volunteers. tweets Walker. The soldier in charge of the prisoners said he had been ordered to provide four corpses, Didyk recalled. He said he didnt want to do it he had tears in his eyes but he said it was his orders and he had to shoot four people. He asked for volunteers. Shaun Walker (@shaunwalker7) April 9, 2022 Walker further says that Didyk and his father later saw three of the corpses. Two of them in this mortar crater in the cemetery, one with his brains spilling out. He and his father later saw three of the corpses. Two of them in this mortar crater in the cemetery, one with his brains spilling out. The blood patches were still visible. pic.twitter.com/n1HB0RJY1r Shaun Walker (@shaunwalker7) April 9, 2022 Missing 10-year-old daughter Speaking about a teacher and her missing daughter, Walker writes, "Viktoria Andrusha was arrested on 26 March and spent a day in the basement with Maksym before being moved on. Nobody has heard from her since. Her parents are devastated, desperately hoping for good news." "Her mother was also held for three days blindfolded. A Russian soldier suggested to her the reason for her husbands joint pain: Do you know that not far from you theres a laboratory where the Americans are making biological substances and injecting your people with them? Her mother was also held for three days blindfolded. A Russian soldier suggested to her the reason for her husbands joint pain: Do you know that not far from you theres a laboratory where the Americans are making biological substances and injecting your people with them? Shaun Walker (@shaunwalker7) April 9, 2022 In the last tweet, he writes, "One small sleepy village left in ruins. Devastated relatives with executed or missing family members, houses destroyed, lives ruined. Sorrow and hatred that will remain for a generation." For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News. What is the most unusual thing you have seen while travelling on a train? Well, definitely not an animal, right? Well, people on an Eastern Railways train sure did witness that. Unsplash (Representational Image) Pictures of a horse enjoying a ride in a packed local train are going viral. The owner of this horse has landed into trouble post as the RPF arrested him for offences under the Railway Act. The 40-year-year owner named Gafoor Ali Mollah chose to give his horse a train ride from Dakshin Durgapur to Netra, a distance of 23 km, instead of trudging back home after a tiring race that the stallion had participated in. However, the pictures of the horse standing in-between passengers in a vendor compartment of an EMU local train on Thursday became viral. After this, RPF authorities located its owner at his Netra home and arrested him on Friday with the help of the local police. Journalist Pooja Mehta shared a picture of the same on Twitter and captioned it saying, "Pictures have gone viral showing a horse inside a local train in WestBengal. Pictures are reportedly from Sealdah-Diamond Harbour Down local train. Eastern Railway has ordered an investigation to fact-check the viral pictures." #Bizzare: Pictures have gone viral showing a horse inside a local train in #WestBengal. Pictures are reportedly from Sealdah-Diamond Harbour Down local train. Eastern Railway has ordered an investigation to fact-check the viral pictures. pic.twitter.com/fBPqHD2lNc Pooja Mehta (@pooja_news) April 7, 2022 People on the internet were amused seeing this picture. What the....? common sense has surely gone out of the window and how did a horse entered inside a railway platform on the first place itself! Sourav() (@Sourav_3294) April 7, 2022 What the....? common sense has surely gone out of the window and how did a horse entered inside a railway platform on the first place itself! Sourav() (@Sourav_3294) April 7, 2022 What is wrong with the horse if donkeys can travel in the train? After all whoever voted in Bengal are loyal donkeys. Even God has raised his hands off this Sonaar Bangla. ( World's biggest Gold Reserve) nishu72 (@nishu721) April 8, 2022 .. .. (@i_AbhishekP71) April 7, 2022 Bengal me sab sambhav he yaha jiski lathi uski bhesh wala system chalta he gopal sharma (@36gopal) April 9, 2022 According to NDTV, "He has been booked under various sections of the Railway Act for creating nuisance in railway property and unauthorised occupation in a train," Eastern Railway spokesperson Ekalabya Chakraborty said, adding that animals cannot be travelling in passenger compartments and a separate wagon has to be booked for the purpose. What do you think? For the latest from trending, click here. Woodbridge, VA (22192) Today Cloudy with periods of rain. High 53F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch.. Tonight Cloudy. Some light rain is likely. Low 43F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Products Global Inconel718 powder market trend 2022-2030 Properties and Production Technology of Nickel-based Superalloys by Newsintegra927 The purchasing pace at the demand end of the international thermal coal market continues to slow down and the international thermal coal price continues to decline. Prices for thermal coal at major international ports continued to fall last week as buyers in Europe slowed in recent days for April, coupled with weaker-than-expected import demand from End users in China. According to China Coal Market net monitoring: Australia Newcastle port thermal coal price index was 253 USD/ton, compared with 309.02 USD/ton, down 56.02 USD/ton, down 18.13%. South Africa's Port Richards thermal coal price Index was $264.5 / mt, down the US $62.72 / mt or 19.17% from US $327.22 / mt. The European ARA Tri-port thermal coal price Index was $281.8 / ton. Does the price of thermal coal in major international ports continue to decline to affect the price of the Inconel718 powder? Nickel-based superalloys are the most widely used. The main reason is that, one is that more alloying elements can be dissolved in the nickel-based alloy, and it can maintain good structural stability; the other is that it can form a coherent and ordered A3B-type intermetallic compound [Ni3(Al, Ti)] As a strengthening phase, the alloy can be effectively strengthened and obtain higher high temperature strength than iron-based superalloys and cobalt-based superalloys; thirdly, nickel-based alloys containing chromium have better oxidation and resistance than iron-based superalloys. Nickel-based alloys contain more than ten elements, of which Cr mainly plays an anti-oxidation and anti-corrosion role, and other elements mainly play a strengthening role. According to their strengthening action mode, they can be divided into: solid solution strengthening elements such as tungsten, molybdenum, cobalt, chromium and vanadium; precipitation strengthening elements such as aluminum, titanium, niobium and tantalum; grain boundary strengthening elements such as boron, zirconium, Magnesium and rare earth elements, etc. Production Process In terms of smelting: in order to obtain more pure molten steel, reduce gas content and harmful element content; at the same time, due to the presence of easily oxidizable elements such as Al and Ti in some alloys, it is difficult to control non-vacuum smelting; it is also to obtain better thermoplasticity , Nickel-based heat-resistant alloys are usually smelted in a vacuum induction furnace, and even produced by vacuum induction smelting plus vacuum consumable furnace or electroslag furnace remelting. In terms of deformation: forging and rolling processes are used. For alloys with poor thermoplasticity, they are even rolled after extrusion and billeting or are directly extruded with mild steel (or stainless steel) sheathing. The purpose of deformation is to break the casting structure and optimize the microstructure. Casting: usually use a vacuum induction furnace to smelt the master alloy to ensure the composition and control the gas and impurity content, and use the vacuum remelting-precision casting method to make parts. Heat treatment: Wrought alloy and some cast alloys need to be heat treated, including solution treatment, intermediate treatment and aging treatment. Take Udmet 500 alloy as an example. Its heat treatment system is divided into four stages: solution treatment, 1175, 2 hours, Air cooling; intermediate treatment, 1080C, 4 hours, air cooling; primary aging treatment, 843C, 24 hours, air cooling; secondary aging treatment, 760C, 16 hours, air cooling. In order to obtain the required organizational state and good overall performance. About KMPASS KMPASS is a trusted global chemical material supplier & manufacturer with over 12 years experience in providing super high-quality chemicals and Nanomaterials. The company export to many countries, such as USA, Canada, Europe, UAE, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya,Egypt,Nigeria,Cameroon,Uganda,Turkey,Mexico,Azerbaijan,Belgium,Cyprus,Czech Republic,Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Dubai, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia,Germany, France, Italy, Portugal etc. As a leading nanotechnology development manufacturer, KMPASS dominates the market. Our professional work team provides perfect solutions to help improve the efficiency of various industries, create value, and easily cope with various challenges. If you are looking for Inconel718 powder, please send an email to: sales2@nanotrun.com At present, international supply chains were shocked, and logistics and transportation efficiency decreases. Geopolitical conflicts further aggravate uncertainties about the European and American economic recovery and the global commodity supply. For this reason, I assume the price of the Inconel718 powder would not decrease significantly in the short term. Inquery us The most expensive place to rent farmland in the EU is the Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The average rental of 1,714 per hectare in this region of north-eastern Italy is slightly more than twice the national Italian average, according to Eurostats latest report on land rental and sale prices. The report, mostly based on 2020 prices, reveals that Ireland has the fourth-highest farmland rental or sale cost. Eurostat said it averaged about 320 per hectare per year to rent arable land and/or permanent pasture in Ireland in 2020. The land sale price was about 25,000 per hectare for arable land in Ireland in 2020. The report reveals huge variation between and within member states in agricultural land prices and rents. Eurostat said prices depend on many factors, including national laws; regional climate; productivity factors such as soil quality, slope, and drainage; and the market forces of supply and demand (including foreign land ownership rules). Competition for land comes not only from farmers but also from others planning to use land for purposes other than agriculture. Among the EU regions for which data are available, the most expensive region to buy arable land in the EU is a location probably familiar to some Irish farmers from their holidays, the Canary Islands, part of Spain, with an average price of 120,477 per hectare in 2020. However, the Netherlands is the most expensive member state for arable land, with a hectare averaging 69,632 in 2019. The price of arable land in every region of the Netherlands was above all other available national averages in the EU. Among the member states for which data are available, renting one hectare of arable land and/or permanent grassland was most expensive in Italy (an average of 837 per year in 2020). Next was the Netherlands, at about 800, followed by Denmark at about 550. Austria had a rental cost only marginally below Irelands 320 per hectare, and then came Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Finland, and Bulgaria, all with a rental cost averaging about 250. Figures are included for Norway, at only about 30, with land rental costing from about 180 down in other EU member states. Overall, in 2020, renting agricultural land was cheapest in Slovakia, with a hectare costing an average of 57 for the year, although the cheapest regions in the EU for renting agricultural land were Central Norrland and Upper Norrland in Sweden (both 34 per year). But data was not available for Cyprus, Germany, or Portugal. The cost of buying land Not surprisingly, the cost of buying land in different member states has similar rankings to rental rates. However, the Netherlands comes out on top, at nearly 70,000 per hectare of arable land in 2019. Next comes Luxembourg, at nearly 40,000, in 2020. It's about 35,000 in Italy, followed by Ireland at about 25,000. Slovenia and Denmark are near the 20,000 mark. Arable land cost about 10,000 per hectare in Spain, Greece, Poland, Sweden, Czechia, and Finland. Lower rates were seen in Romania, France, Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Estonia, and Croatia. Arable land was cheapest in Croatia, with a hectare costing on average 3,440 in 2020. At the regional level, a hectare of arable land was cheapest in the Ovre Norrland region of Sweden (averaging 1,822 in 2020). Data was not available for Belgium, Germany, Cyprus, Malta, Austria, and Portugal. From the data available, the strongest purchase price growth between 2011 and 2020 for a hectare of arable land was in Romania and Czechia (both with a more than five-fold increase). Other sharp rises were recorded for Estonia and Lithuania (both about a three-and-a-half-fold increase, albeit remaining among the lowest national averages in the EU), and Bulgaria, Hungary and Poland (both more than doubling). Prices rose in most other Member States too, albeit at much lower rates. The notable exception was Greece, where the average price of arable land declined (by about 18% in the period under consideration). In almost all regions for which data are available, buying arable land was more expensive than buying permanent grassland (as much as 20 times more expensive on the Greek islands of Voreio Aigaio and in the Spanish region of Murcia). Buying irrigable arable land was more expensive than non-irrigable arable land in almost all regions in Spain (it was almost six times more expensive in the Spanish region of Murcia) and Slovakia, but cheaper in almost all regions in Italy (particularly in Liguria where it was half the price). The Eurostat figures are used by EU agriculture policymakers when evaluating the impact of the CAP and other policies. A gunman accused of shooting and seriously wounding Lady Gagas dog walker and stealing her two French bulldogs has been mistakenly released from jail. James Jackson, 19, was facing an attempted murder charge when he was released from Los Angeles Countys jail on Wednesday due to a clerical error, the Sheriffs Department said. The sheriffs Major Crimes Bureau is working on finding him, a spokesperson said. Jackson was one of five people arrested in connection with the February 24 2021 attack in Hollywood. Lady Gagas dog walker was seriously injured (Chris Pizzello/AP) Prosecutors said Jackson and two other alleged gang members had driven around looking for expensive French bulldogs to steal, then spotted, tailed and robbed Ryan Fischer as he walked Lady Gagas dogs near Sunset Boulevard. During a violent struggle, Mr Fischer was hit, choked and then shot in an attack captured by the doorbell camera of a nearby home. The camera recorded the dog walker screaming Oh, my God. Ive been shot! and Help me! and Im bleeding out from my chest. Mr Fischer lost part of a lung. While Im deeply concerned at the events that led to his release, Im confident law enforcement will rectify the error, Mr Fischer said in a statement obtained by KABC-TV. I ask for Mr Jackson to turn himself over to the authorities, so resolution to the crime committed against me runs its course, whatever the courts determine that outcome to be. The pop stars dogs were returned two days later by a woman who claimed she had found them tied to a pole and asked about Lady Gagas offer of a 500,000 dollar reward if the dogs were returned no questions asked. The singer was in Rome at the time filming a movie. Lady Gaga offered a return for the dogs return (Ian West/PA) She has been charged with receiving stolen property and the father of another suspect is charged with helping him avoid arrest. Jackson already had pleaded not guilty when the county district attorneys office filed a superseding indictment on Tuesday charging him with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit a robbery and assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The move was done to speed up the legal process and Jackson was arraigned on Wednesday under a new case number, the District Attorneys office said in a statement. Mr Jackson was subsequently released from custody by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. We are unsure as to why they did so, the statement said. Estlin Luna wasn't born to make the last Census. She was tragically killed before this one. In the statistics that make up who and what we are as a nation, she wouldn't be recorded. Amongst the millions of facts and figures, she didn't exist. But Estlin's mother Amy was anxious that future generations would know about her beautiful little girl. Anxious that she too would be counted. So in the time capsule section of the form, a new feature this year, she shared Estlin's story. Tonight as we count those in our house and our family, we are thinking so much of our beloved little girl Estlin Luna, she wrote. She was tragically taken from us five years ago, just before her fourth birthday, in a car crash. Estlin was our firstborn child and the love of our lives." She was never counted in a census and so we are so relieved to be able to mention her here. "She was beautiful, creative, funny, so smart and clever and confident beyond her years. We were honoured to be her parents and honoured still to grieve her for the rest of our lives. "Estlin Luna, we carry you in our hearts, love always, Mommy, Daddy, Mannix and Lucie. Feeling such comfort today after filling in the time capsule section in the #Census2022 last night. Estlin never was counted in a census but 100+ yrs from now she will be remembered & our ancestors will be able to read about her. Just incredible. pic.twitter.com/ZL1eyZdUpZ AmyKDWall (@AmyKDWall) April 4, 2022 The timeless note touched the hearts of thousands who took to social media in an outpouring of support. Others too used the time capsule slot to share poignant memories of lost loved ones. Others wrote of their hope for the future. Some left notes to their future children, others hoped for a better world for theirs. We asked some Irish Examiner readers what they put in their time capsule. Ruth Cotter from Leixlip, Co Kildare shared a poem about her baby boy, Taidhg: We wrote about our son Taidhg who was born in 2021. He was born with only half a heart. Census time capsule from Ruth Cotter, Leixlip, Co Kildare. "He had hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and underwent open-heart surgery. He lived for five weeks before he passed. He was a magical little boy and I want everyone to know him and how brave he was. Kay Ward of Malin Head, Co Donegal, also used the time capsule to share an unimaginable loss. With a heavy heart I fill out this form for four children when I am a mother of five, she writes. Danai's mum Kay Ward describes her baby boy. Let the records show that my beautiful son Danai Ward existed and filled our lives from the 23rd of September 2017, until the moment he closed his eyes on the morning of the 1st of July 2020. "He would have been in playschool this year and we miss him more with every passing day. Thank you for leaving a space on this form, so that we could write his name and remember him this night. Andrew McGinley, whose children Conor, 9, Darragh, 7, and Carla, 3, were killed by their mother Deirdre Morley at their family home in Newcastle, Co Dublin in January 2020, shared a picture of his form featuring just his details on Twitter, noting it was a very lonely census. Ive gotten through birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas but it ends up being Census Day that floors me and beats the crap out of me Tomorrow is another day though and I will celebrate the lives of Conor, Darragh & Carla and remind you all again of their magnificence https://t.co/OdjYcXvpCm Conors Clips (@conorsclips) April 3, 2022 He told the Irish Examiner he wrote about his three children but that he wont be sharing the details of his time capsule. Parents too were remembered through the form: Kenneth Noonan from Athlone wrote about his late father; Stephanie OConnor from Cork city also wrote about her dad. I wanted future generations of our family to know how special my Dad was and how the world is a little bit darker without him." Orla Wright in Dublin used the time capsule as an opportunity to share her grandparents story. My folks are both unwell and my mum was too sad to write about a future they are losing so I transcribed a poem her dad had written for her mum in 1935, the year before they married. "He was a schoolteacher and university graduate, she was fun, loving and a friend to all her grandkids. It will be nearly 200 years old in 2122 and hopefully will keep everyone's memories alive. Orla Wright's census time capsule about her grandparents (right). Geraldine Kilduff from Mullingar used the space to introduce herself as an unacknowledged Thalidomider. Aged 63, still waiting for justice. Michelle Conaghan in Sligo pondered whether a cure for cancer would be available in 2122 while Yvonne Brewer Spillane in Cork was curious about many conditions: "Do Doctors know anything yet about properly supporting and treating people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)? Any cure yet for ME/CFS, Lyme Disease, Long Covid? Fiona Barry Kenneally describes her son Theos progress in facilities from CUH to Temple Street and uses her time capsule to campaign for carers: I look to the future and hope one day that carers will be valued for the great work they do for their own. Unsurprisingly, Covid-19 was a hot topic too with the focus on both the sorrow of the pandemic as well as the new experiences lockdown threw into their lives. We are just at the end of the pandemic. I didn't mind the two years at home I loved the peace and quiet, wrote Mary Martin from Drogheda. It was amazing what I learned to do on the computer. I'd have never 'zoomed' anyone if not for the virus. Sean OReilly in Galway said the experience changed the way people lived, worked and even died. Kilkenny resident Jennifer Butler shares her concern that set dancing could die out due to the pandemic. Set dancing is slow to return, as many older dancers are afraid of Covid. There is a concern set dancing will be lost and forgotten." The war in Ukraine was on many minds and it is mentioned often in their time capsules. Karl Horgan in Cork said he hoped those reading his time capsule in 2122 read this in a world where Ukraine is free, where tyranny is extinguished, that you have solved climate change, ended injustice and created unity. Beatrice Karaciovaite in Co Cavan shares a message of support for Ukraine. Beatrice Karaciovaite in Cavan said her family is from a former Soviet country: "We hope that when you read this 100 years on, Ukraine will be celebrating their 100-year anniversary of victory against Russia and the war, she wrote. Census enumerator, Imogen Forrest, said the war in Ukraine is just one of the struggles facing society today. I am acutely aware that as a country we have many hurdles to overcome. The pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the climate emergency have brought out the best in some of us, and the worst in others. Census enumerator, Imogen Forrest, said the war in Ukraine is just one of the struggles facing society today. The new Irish reflected on their adopted home too. Laya Little in Cork says there is warmth and generosity here. I came here because Im enamoured by the Irish. I hope that in 100 years it hasnt changed. That there are still rolling hills and chats around pints on any given night. I hope theres still a warmth and generosity in the people you meet in the shops. Lindita Jaupaj in Dublin says Ireland has been a safe place full of opportunities for her and she is proud to be an Irish citizen. Climate change and nature were also recorded. In Donegal, Denis Doherty told her descendants she has planted a small orchard for you at my cottage in Carndonagh (in the family since pre-Famine times). Lawrence in Dublin wrote yesterday I sowed a wildflower patch and Kerry man Charles Williams has planted trees around his farm in Killarney. I planted many trees around the farm over the past number of years, I hope many of them are still surviving long after I am gone, he wrote. Census time capsule from Ann Burke in Westport, Co Mayo. Ann Burke in Co Mayo hopes the global ecosystem is healthy in 100 years. I hope that humanity has managed to pull together to save and rewild this paradise of a planet we call home. Of course, pets are part of modern families and their role is prominent in many time capsules. Margaret O'Sullivan in Kerry wrote about her two dogs, Hunter and Roxy. Margaret OSullivan in Co Kerry shared details of Hunter and Roxy, a springer spaniel and a mixed terrier. Describing his family, Ivor OSullivan mentioned his newest companion. As I write this note, our new dog Canelo is laying at my feet, with her best friend Messi sitting next to Dolores. Dearbhla Quinn-Hemmings in Dublin documents all the pets in her family, including her parents cats. We have just adopted a lurcher (greyhound/lab) named Pepper (eight months old) and have a 13-year-old cat named Sadie who we adopted in May 2021. PS: My parents live at no 16 with two cats Oscar and Lily. Writings from well-known faces By Jen Stevens Louise McSharry, Zara King, and James Patrice The time capsule section of the 2022 census form sent many of us into a spin. What could we say to our future relatives that would give them an insight into our lives today? Did it need to be profound? Or funny? Or sweet? Or full of tiny details that are so hard for historians to find? We asked some well-known people to share what they wrote in theirs. James Kavanagh, Co-owner Currabinny and 'Irish Examiner' food columnist James Kavanagh. Picture: Brid O'Donovan I feel very lucky and liberated as a gay man in Ireland in 2022. I'd imagine if I read a Census form from an Irish gay man 100 years ago they'd be writing that they feel hunted, hated, isolated, and unwelcome. These, unfortunately, are not historical feelings for some people in the LGBTQ+ family. There are plenty of loud, ugly, modern bigots spreading the same lies and vibes their biggoted ancestors spread but this time, their target are our trans brothers and sisters. I hope whoever is reading this in 100 years reels in disgust and disbelief that there are still gross people in 2022 unnecessarily and exhaustingly throwing hate at a group of marginalised, innocent and gorgeous people. As a fairly liberated member of the LGBTQ+ family, it's not time to pull the ladder up, and it's always worth remembering that there is no LBG without the T. Zara King, new correspondent, Virgin Media News News correspondent, Zara King. As I write this in 2022 and you read it in 2122, something we will have in common is that feeling of gratitude. Please know that those small things really are the big things. Lots of love, Z. x Louise McSharry, broadcaster and podcaster, Catch Up with Louise McSharry Broadcaster and podcaster, Louise McSharry's, census entry. We are very lucky to live happily in a nice house with a peaceful family in a lovely part of Dublin which still has a sense of community. Technology is a huge part of our life; we sometimes worry if maybe too much. We are proud of the strides toward equality Ireland has made but we would like more progress, specifically in terms of classism, racism, and especially the abolition of direct provision which we are horrified by. We worry about climate change. We have two cats, Debbie and Dolly, which we adopted when I (Louise) had cancer. I am proud to have become entirely self-employed via my podcast (a relatively new media form). We teach our children to tell the truth, be kind, and accept people as they are. We would like better weather Wan the Bohs!'. Chupi Sweetman, jeweller Chupi Sweetman left a note for her future great grandchildren. I quit my job in fast fashion for one in diamonds because I wanted to make pieces of the future, so I loved the question in the census form. Life is so terribly busy in our nonstop world, its wonderful to take time and think about what kind of world we want to leave for our grandchildren. I thought about what I would have liked to have heard from my great-grandmother; I wrote about hope and love. I painted a story of our family as people, not just statistics. I described the hope of emerging from a pandemic and the horror of seeing a war in Ukraine. I wrote about the social change I have seen in my life; from marriage equality to the right to choose. I wrote about my darling daughter and how I hope that in one hundred years we will have a more equal world for women. I hope that when her grandchildren read it they will get a tiny taste of who we were, how we loved, and what we cared about. James Patrice, presenter on 'The Today Show' and 'Dancing with the Star' James Patrice sends a message of love, equality, tolerance, and kindness. Heres to a world of love, equality, tolerance, and kindness and heres to keeping her lit! (A bit cheesy I know, but I love the idea of a future generation seeing those words and not even having to question their place in society.) Carl Mullan, 2fm Breakfast with Doireann, Donncha and Carl Carl Mullan's time capsule. On the night of the 3rd of April 2022, we are also joined in our home by our female, black Labrador, Angie. She is the best girlie-wirlie in the whole world and she makes us laugh and smile every day. She makes our home complete, and we love her very much. Angie Mullan born 21/04/20. PS: Shes farting on the couch as I write this because today she ate a hash brown that she shouldnt have. Derval ORourke, Olympian and Irelands Fittest Family Coach Derval O'Rourke advised people to use time wisely with people they care about. There are four of us in our house and we like to spend our time on the water or near the water. Archie, who is three, likes to kiss people all over their faces and hug you around the neck and Dafne, who is six, has told us that she and Archie are planning on living with us in the house forever. Be careful with your time because you dont have that much and use it wisely with people you care about. Taoiseach Micheal Martin has declared that the Russian missile attack on a Ukrainian train station which killed at least 52 civilians has reached the threshold of genocide. The Taoiseach made the comment in a tweet he issued following an official trip to Finland where war crimes by the Russian military in Ukraine and the security policy of Ireland and Finland dominated. We utterly condemn the slaughter of innocent civilians at Kramatorsk train station today. The horrific attack is further evidence of the barbaric nature of Russias war on #Ukraine. This is genocide. And those responsible must be held to account. Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) April 8, 2022 Up until now, the Irish Government has referred to "war crimes" and "crimes against humanity" in its condemnation of Russian military atrocities affecting civilians in Ukraine. The UN Genocide Convention places an obligation on signatories to act to prevent genocides, in addition to prosecuting those responsible afterwards. At least 52 civilians are estimated to have been killed when a Russian missile hit outside the train station in eastern Ukraine, where thousands were captured on video the previous day waiting to evacuate the area, which is under threat of Russian attack. Commenting on the Taoiseachs remarks, Professor Ben Tonra of UCD School of Politics and International Relations said: If you take that attack and others alongside statements from Russian President that Ukraine as a nation does not exist - and his stated ambition that Ukrainian state be disassembled - then the concept of genocide i.e. elimination of a national group - does come into play. Id be cautious on the use of the term only to ensure that it is not devalued. At the same time, it does establish the demand that responsibility and accountability for war crimes and/or genocidal actions is assigned. The Taoiseach is properly flagging that this must be judged. Ukrainian soldiers load bodies on a military truck after the attack. Picture: Fadel Adel Senna/AFP via Getty Images Speaking at a joint press conference in Helsinki with his Finnish counterpart, Sanna Marin, Mr Martin said Russias war on Ukraine had turned upside down the rules-based international order. We have to reflect on the security implications, he said and cited the impact of the cyberattack on the HSE systems last year in the threat posed by cyber and hybrid attacks. The situation has changed, he said. Its not just about conventional warfare. In Ireland, the invasion of Ukraine has initiated a discussion on our own approach. This is something we will reflect on in the time ahead. But he said this would be happening later. When questioned would the revelations of massacres in Ukraine force Ireland to change its policy of neutrality, he said: Nothing in Irelands military neutrality in any way impedes the EU response. We are not a strong military country. By definition, our capacities are not strong. We want to play to our strengths where we can be most effective in terms of our contribution. He said Ireland was supplying non-lethal military aid, in the way of fuel, body armour, and ready-meals. Sanna Marin said Finland, which is also militarily neutral, was delivering both humanitarian aid and military aid to Ukraine. She said they will be contributing further with the revelations of atrocities: We will give more military help and humanitarian. We all have to help Ukraine will the war. Its not a question of if they will win, its when they will win. She said they were already conducting an analysis of Finlands security and defence situation caused by the war. She said the report will be submitted to the Finnish parliament next week and discussed extensively over the upcoming weeks with a decision by summer. She confirmed this includes whether or not Finland, which has a 1,340km border with Russia, will look to join Nato. She said it will be a careful discussion but said it would not take any longer than it needs to, saying the situation is very severe. Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said the government is examining ways to financially reward people who give up their homes to Ukrainian refugees. The move could be considered in the context of boosting the availability of refugee accommodation for fleeing Ukrainians. Speaking on Sunday, Mr Martin said: I think that's something that we're not ruling out, but that's something we can examine. Initially, it was never to be a monetary situation but you know, given in terms of the sustainability of that model, that's something that would always be under review. In terms of the influx of Ukrainian people fleeing the war, he said it is going to become extremely challenging because over 20,000 people have come into the country in a matter of weeks. He said such an influx is unprecedented in terms of anything we have experienced before in relation to refugees fleeing a conflict zone and a war. Asked about people living in large communal halls, he said the number of public pledges of help is not as large as originally anticipated We have to move fast in terms of going through all the pledges for example, not all of them have been processed or gone through and there's some opportunities there. "They're not as large as originally anticipated, he said. Childrens Minister Roderic OGorman said the States system to house Ukrainian refugees is under pressure, adding that the Government has probably reached the limit of the amount of hotel and guesthouse accommodation it can provide. About 21,000 refugees have arrived into the country from Ukraine following the Russian invasion. Of those, about 13,000 are being accommodated in State-provided accommodation, he told Newstalks On the Record: We have secured over 3,000 rooms now at this stage and thats the primary means by which we are accommodating people. "Weve also secured the use of maybe larger institutions, former convents and the like, and well be looking to secure more of those going forward. Of course, a number will be accommodated in pledged accommodation as well, and that number is going to grow in the coming weeks. Mr OGorman said they have not needed to use military-style accommodation at Green Glens Arena at Millstreet, Co Cork, or Gormanston Camp in Co Meath yet. Weve probably reached the limit in terms of the amount of hotel or B&B accommodation that we can provide, so its now looking at other sources, looking at those institutional buildings, filling out the pledges and looking at supports local authorities can provide. The system is under pressure. Australias prime minister has called for a May election that will be fought on issues including climate change and the pandemic. Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday advised Governor-General David Hurley as representative of Australias head of state, the Queen, to set the election date. Mr Morrison will announce later on Sunday that Australia will go to the polls on May 14 or May 21. Mr Morrisons conservative coalition is seeking a fourth three-year term. Mr Morrison led his government to a narrow victory at the last election in 2019 despite opinion polls consistently placing the centre-left opposition Australian Labor Party ahead. The Liberal Party-led coalition is again behind in most opinion polls, but many analysts predict a tight result. The last election occurred in the hottest and driest year Australia had ever experienced. The year ended with devastating wildfires across Australias south-east that directly killed 33 people and more than 400 others through smoke. Mr Morrison was widely criticised for taking a secret family vacation to Hawaii at the height of the crisis while his hometown Sydney was blanketed in toxic smoke. Scott Morrison, shown with the Prince of Wales, failed to make an positive impression at Cop26 in Glasgow in November (Jane Barlow/PA) He cut his vacation short due to the public backlash, but was further criticised over his explanation for his absence: I dont hold a hose. His government was criticised for its responses to the fires and also record flooding this year in some of the same areas in Australias south-east that were razed two years earlier. Australia was initially successful in containing the death toll from the Covid-19 pandemic largely through restrictions on international travel. But the more contagious Delta and Omicron variants have proved more difficult to contain. The opposition criticised the government over the pace of Australias vaccine rollout, which was derided as a stroll out as it fell months behind schedule. Australias population is now one of the most vaccinated in the world. The government has defended its pandemic record and takes credit for Australia having the third-lowest death toll among the 38 Organisation for Economic Development and Cooperation countries. With China imposing official and unofficial trade sanctions against Australia in recent years, the government argues that Beijing wants Labor to win the election because the party was less likely to stand up to economic coercion. Labor takes credit for thwarting the governments plan in 2014 to sign an extradition treaty with China. Bilateral relations have since deteriorated, and the government now warns that Australians risk arbitrary detention if they visit China. Several experts say both sides of politics are largely united on national security issues and that the government in confecting differences on China. Fantastic Sunday weather forecast makes it ideal to celebrate by adding a sweet treat to any of the delicious Sunday meal options being served our participating #tasteofkeybiscayne restaurants this April 10 Sake Room This Sunday, try a delicious roll topped with strawberry with hints of lemon and honey Free Crunchy Crab Salad with $50 purchase Special only good for orders called in to (305) 456-0488 We are open for Indoor & Outdoor Dining, Takeout or delivery daily from Noon to 10 p.m. Call (305) 456-0488 to place a takeout or delivery order directly Following all CDC safety protocols 328 Crandon Blvd Ste 108, Galleria Shopping Center Grub hub UberEats also available. Please if you can call us first Randazzo by Yesenia Open for Indoor & Outdoor dining, Takeout or delivery. Reservations recommended Today - Sunday - open at 2 p.m. for lunch! Make the ending of your Sunday Randazzos Italian meal special by creating your own dessert platter? Yesenias Chocolate Cake and #Cannolis with #Pistachio Dessert Platter is a popular one or tiramisu, ricotta cheesecake, and cannolis. Please call (305) 456-0480 to place an order or make a reservation Open Monday, Wednesday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., open until 11 p.m. Friday. NEW! Now open for lunch at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays! Closed Tuesdays 328 Crandon Blvd Ste 112, Galleria Shopping Center Delivery service with Postmates or UberEats Tacopolis Warm up on this cooler Sunday by trying something differentCaffee lechero and concha or churros. Tacopolis, where every day is Taco-Day!! Only eat tacos on days that end in a Y Tacopolis strives to serve Authentic Mexican food in a casual and relaxed family atmosphere Open 7-days a week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Open for Outdoor dining, Takeout or delivery but our own service of find us on UberEats Located in the Square Shopping Center at 260 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne. To place a phone order, call (786) 703-5523. To order online, click here D'Lite Bistro & Bakery Who says eating healthy means sacrificing taste and flavor? Not at DLite! Come enjoy our terrazita for Tea Time and enjoy this cooler weather - you will not regret making your Sunday a bit more special with our famous cappuccinos, golden milk and matcha latte. What a delicious threesome combination! We are a unique and healthy restaurant that serves salads, wraps, sandwiches, bowls, protein smoothies and cold press juices made fresh every morning including gluten-free, vegetarian and keto options. We open at 8 a.m. daily and close at 8 p.m. everyday except Sat and Sun when we close at 6 p.m. DLite is located in the Arcade Mall, 180 Crandon Blvd. To place an order, call (305) 882-9284 or visit us online by clicking here. Boaters Grill & Lighthouse Cafe / Bill Baggs The restaurants inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park the popular Boaters Grill, located at No Name Harbor and accessible by boat, and the beachside Lighthouse Cafe. All you need to make Sunday special is a little love and a whole-lot-of-flan! Boaters Grill is open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Lighthouse Cafe is open 7-days a week, from 9 a.m. to Sunset The restaurants are located inside Bill Baggs State Park, at 1200 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne. You can reach them at (305) 361-0080 32 Degrees by MG You deserve gourmet meal options that are fast and convenient. Sunday is a great day to meal plan for the week Fresh, fully cooked meals from 32 Degrees are a great mealtime option. We provide frozen, ready-prepared meals that are great for the busiest of lifestyles! We shop, prep, cook, and deliver to your doorstep, so you can experience the benefits of gourmet eating without the fuss or hassle. Our fully cooked meals are created with passion by our chefs using only the freshest ingredients. We never use additives or preservatives. Our meals are ready to eat in the microwave in 5 minutes. Place your order today by visiting 32-degrees.com Use code 32ISLANDER at checkout and receive 15% off* your first order. *Offer good on orders of $40 or more. Costa Med Bistro Enjoy Costa Med this evening either with it or at home this evening.. This Sunday, indulge in something sweet, you cant go wrong with our Key Lime dessert! Order online for take out, click here! Costa Med, a TripAdvisor Traverlers Choice nominated restaurant, is located in the Square Shopping Center. 260 Crandon Blvd. Reservations suggested. Call (305) 361-7575 to make a reservation Hours. Lunch Mon to Sat: Noon a.m. to 4 p.m. Dinner Mon to Sat: 6 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. / Sun 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Golden Hog Your local independent grocer can deliver freshly prepared meals or all the groceries you need. Email us your order here. Be the star of the Sunday gathering with Golden Hogs French Macaroons! Assorted variety of twenty macarons in beautiful gift boxes Call (305) 361-1300 for Sunday Chef's Choice special menu. The Golden-Hog has a complete line of specialty groceries for delivery. Golden Hog puts safety first, shop with confidence. To place an order online, click here Brasas KB Have you tried our Peruvian Chicken Rotisserie for lunch or dinner that includes 2 sides and sauce of your choice: huancaina, aji amarillo, huacatay and olivas negras peruanas. Enjoy change of pace this Sunday with our Rotisserie chicken sandwich and sweet plantains Our delicious half pound hamburger, with one side and a soda, only $10.99 - loaded it up with a fried egg, bacon, cheese and pickles to make it a "completa" for only $4 more! Can't beat the quality! Unmatched value! We are open for Indoor & Outdoor Dining, Takeout or free delivery. Call (786) 615-2399 to place a takeout order. Open Noon to 8 p.m. for Dine-In, Takeout or delivery. 328 Crandon Blvd, Galleria Shopping Center La Scala Closed on Sundays The popular Italian Bistro now offers their delicious meals to enjoy at home and thanks your support during the last year To place a Monday takeout order call (786) 773-3633 or visit us online by clicking here. Open 5 to 9 p.m. 180 Crandon Blvd Arcade Shopping Center. Kazumi Closed Sunday. Our modern Japanese fusion restaurant offers creative treatments & creativity in our dishes To see our menu, click here Call us tomorrow at (305) 361-2675. Check back tomorrow for more specials as we add more restaurants to #tasteofkeybiscayne-To-Go And please remember to order from the restaurant directly before using one of the apps this way we support the local restaurants by saving them the commission they are charged, which at times is as much as 30% On April 4, 1949, 12 countries signed the North Atlantic Treaty. Founding members were Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States. It is often said that NATO was created in response to the expansionism threat posed by the Soviet Union. This is only partially true. The Alliances creation also forbade the revival of nationalist militarism in Europe through a strong North American presence on the continent, and encouraged European political integration. Today, 30 nations are united and determined to serve these three purposes. The aftermath of World War II saw much of Europe devastated in a way that is now difficult to envision. Yet, images from the Ukraine offer gruesome reminders. Approximately 36.5 million Europeans had died in the conflict, 19 million of them civilians. Refugee camps and rationing dominated daily life. Infant mortality rates were as high as one in four. Millions of orphans wandered the burnt-out shells of former metropolises. In the German city of Hamburg alone, half a million people were homeless. Four years later Western democracies came together to sign the treaty best known for its renowned Article 5, in which the new Allies agreed that an armed attack against one or more of them shall be considered an attack against them all and that following such an attack, each country would take such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force in response. While the North Atlantic Treaty had created Allies, it had not created a military structure. This changed with the Soviet detonation of an atomic bomb in 1949 and in the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950. SHAPE, the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe was formed, with US General Dwight D. Eisenhower as the first Supreme Allied Commander Europe, or SACEUR. Since its founding in 1949, 18 more nations have joined the Alliance, which in the 1950s was a purely defensive organization. In the 1960s, NATO became a political instrument for detente. In the 1990s, the Alliance was a tool for the stabilization of Eastern Europe and Central Asia through the incorporation of new partners and Allies. In the first half of the 21st century, NATO faces an ever-growing number of new threats. Russias illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its unjustified and unprovoked attack on Ukraine are a sobering reminder of the importance of NATOs core task: collective defense. Excerpts from nato.int More info: NATO FACT SHEET For weeks, the ABC has been boasting about how good its coverage of the federal election will be. But when push came to shove, when the actual day of calling the poll arrived, the government-funded organisation was found seriously wanting. The ABC's Insiders program is claimed to be the country's top politics show, but with Patricia Karvelas at the helm on Sunday it resembled a ghastly car-crash. Exactly why David Speers, the regular host, was not around on the day when Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited the governor-general is difficult to fathom. It speaks to the ABC's incompetence. Karvelas seemed to be on the edge all the time, as excited as someone going out on a first date. Yet she has long been touted as a political veteran. She seemed to be obsessed by the plane on which Morrison was making the short journey from Sydney to Canberra: it's taking off (all planes do); it's flying (haven't heard of a plane travelling on a road yet); it's going to land (really?); the prime minister will be driven to the governor-general's residence (I can't recall a single instance when the incumbent prime minister has walked the distance) and so on. What the bloody hell is wrong with ABC insiders this morning. Mining banality extreme with actions of the PM. I could not give a toss if he is getting in his car /plane whatever. Mal Peters (@peters_malcolm) April 9, 2022 Karvelas was so incoherent that she even started speculating on what refreshments Morrison would be served and whether sandwiches would be on the menu or not. Add to this, there was a third-rate panel to debate the issues of the day, if there were any. Jennifer Hewett of the AFR, Gareth Parker of 6PR and Fran Kelly, formerly of Radio National, are not the hottest tickets on a day when an election is called not if anyone wants to really generate some interest among viewers. The @PatsKarvelas train wreck interview on @InsidersABC did two things ...it put Karvellas in a poor position re objectivity during the campaign and made the focus of the interview about her rather than an underprepared Richard Marles. Sad. Tony Windsor (@TonyHWindsor) April 10, 2022 If this was not enough, Karvelas also conducted what could only be described as a car-crash of an interview with Labor deputy leader Richard Marles. Her bias came across clearly and to call it unprofessional would be the understatement of 2022. Marles is generally not the most agile person during an interview, but Karvelas could not pin him down even on a single point. Breaking.. The Governor General is delaying the process of finalising the calling of the election until appropriate discussions are held about Richard Marles political aspirations. Tony Windsor (@TonyHWindsor) April 10, 2022 Karvelas was so overcome by the occasion which incidentally happens every three years or so that she did not apportion time for one of the better features of the show: Talking Pictures, which takes a look at the cartoons and images of the week gone by. But then, as always, there were ABC apologists making out that Karvelas was doing a "stellar job". And if one hour of this third-rate show was not enough, as soon as it was over, people were treated to the spectacle of Greg Jennett and Jane Norman taking over the coverage. And @PatsKarvelas is doing a stellar job steering the @InsidersABC ship today. Louise Milligan (@Milliganreports) April 9, 2022 Jennett, as usual, had a beatific smile on his face all the time and kept doing his impression of a poor man's Stan Grant. [Even the normal Stan Grant is painful, so one can imagine what Jennett is like.] As for Norman, the only charitable way to describe her is "callow". It says a lot about the whole morning that even a seasoned and erudite commentator like Laura Tingle could not rescue the proceedings from mediocrity. Live shots of the PMs plane landing in Canberra. Why do we need that? Anton Enus (@AntonEnus) April 9, 2022 To think that there are nearly 40 more days of this kind of garbage programming ahead makes one sick to the gills. Streaming services are going to experience a boom; maybe the ABC can ask for a cut, given that it would be contributing more than just a bit to the subscriber numbers. The Poly Studio P21 is an elegant all-in-one display, camera, microphone, speakers, and lighting unit which helps you look good, sound good, and switch effortlessly from working on screen to all the different forms of video and audio conferencing in use today. Fundamentally, the Poly Studio P21 is a 21" HD 1920x1080 monitor that plugs into power and connects to your computer, laptop, tablet, or whatever via USB-C and USB-A provided it supports DisplayLink. Your computing device recognises it now has an external display, speakers, microphone, and a camera all available for use. In simplest terms, you can use the display like you would any additional monitor; drag your apps over to it and they appear there. If you use Microsoft Teams, Zoom, GoToMeeting, Google Meet, AWS Chime, WebEx, or any other such thing you can use the devices built-in camera and microphone. However, its more than a monitor, more than a videoconferencing device; its a lifestyle device that enhances productivity in a way that is greater than the sum of its parts. To start with, the device includes smart lighting. Start a videoconferencing app and lights down both sides of the screen switch on automatically, illuminating your face. Or, adjust the volume and under-screen lighting gives visual feedback indicating the volume via brightness. Mute your microphone - either from inside the app itself or by pressing the mute button on the Poly P21 and the under-screen lighting switches to red so you can tell at a glance. The lighting adds to the displays bezel, making it a thicker border than most modern monitors, but its a decent tradeoff; to achieve the same with a standalone monitor youd need separate lighting and invariably you would have to control it manually. The base also includes a wireless charger to set your phone on, allowing it to charge while you work. The Poly Studio P21 has many nice touches like this that all combine to help you look good, sound good, and be all-around productive. You can see an example in this iTWireTV interview which I conducted via Zoom using the Poly Studio P21s camera and microphone. No headphones or headset was required, the audio was crisp and sharp on both sides of the call, and the imagery was sharp with vibrant colours. Then, in between calls, I played music and podcasts through the Poly P21 speaker. It brings an impressive soundstage and delivers impressive volume. In fact, while I first approached the Poly Studio P21 as being a videoconferencing unit like many others I soon found it is more than this. Its simple to explain what it is - a monitor with speakers, microphone and lights built-in - but there is an almost indescribable quality about how Poly has put it together and imbued it with seamless simplicity of operation and smart touches that make it far more than what youd achieve by sticking a webcam on a monitor yourself. It also offers two USB ports and a headphone jack for expansion. The headphone option means you can use the Poly P21 equally well with the speaker turned on in your own home or office and with headphones in an open-plan room. The camera has a privacy shutter so you can physically block the camera when you dont want to appear on-screen. Additionally, IT departments can manage the device remotely via Poly Lens cloud management. To get started you only need to install Poly Lens, DisplayLink drivers, and plug it in. Then away you work. And work you do, switching from email to conference calls to music, in and out of documents and calls as you need. The Poly P21 makes it effortless and even, dare I say, enjoyable. Theres none of this can you hear me business. No wondering if youre on mute or how to get yourself off it. No fiddling with Bluetooth. It works easily, works simply, and works every time. It's won awards like the 2021 UC Awards Best work from home product and its easy to see why. Poly products are sold within Australia via resellers and distributors and you can reach out to them for pricing. Give it a look. If you find yourself in and out of meetings, the Poly P21 can help bring back control, peace of mind, and sanity to your schedule. Stacker offers a look at five new series produced by and streaming on Netflix that have been released in April. Click for more. Johnson City, TN (37604) Today Cloudy. Some light rain is likely. High 58F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Showers in the evening, then cloudy overnight. Low 48F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Weather Alert ...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Missouri...Kansas... Elk River near Tiff City affecting McDonald County. Spring River near Waco affecting Jasper County. Spring River at Carthage affecting Jasper County. Spring River above Baxter Springs affecting Cherokee County. ...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Missouri... Shoal Creek near Joplin affecting Newton and Jasper Counties. For the Spring River Basin...including Baxter Springs, Waco, Carthage...Moderate flooding is forecast. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Many flood deaths occur in vehicles. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov. The next statement will be issued Saturday evening at 845 PM CDT. && ...FLOOD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL EARLY SUNDAY AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Moderate flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Spring River at Carthage. * WHEN...Until early Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...At 14.0 feet, moderate flooding occurs at the gage site. The levee system closes due to flood waters affecting the north central industrial section of Carthage. Flood waters affect low lying areas and country roads north and west of Carthage along the river. Kellogg Lake Park floods and is closed. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 7:45 PM CDT Friday the stage was 14.2 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to fall below flood stage early tomorrow afternoon and continue falling to 5.0 feet Wednesday evening. - Flood stage is 10.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood && We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Ukraine on Sunday said Kremlin propaganda laid the groundwork for civilian killings in Moscows invasion, accusing Russian media of sowing hatred towards Ukrainians for years. The discovery of civilian bodies in areas recently retaken by Ukraine has shocked the world. Kyiv calls them war crimes and has vowed to punish perpetrators. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Sunday cited civilian killings in the town of Bucha outside of Kyiv after bodies were discovered as the Russian army retreated from the area. Bucha did not happen in one day, he said on Twitter. For many years, Russian political elites and propaganda have been inciting hatred, dehumanising Ukrainians, nurturing Russian superiority and laying ground for these atrocities, Kuleba said. Bodies have also been found in other towns near the capital after Russias retreat. Kuleba called for scholars to research the lead-up to the civilian killings in Bucha. State television in Russia is tightly controlled by the Kremlin. Since 2014, when Moscow annexed Ukraines Crimea after a pro-Western revolt in Kyiv, it has been dominated by an anti-Ukraine narrative. Russian state media portrays authorities in Kyiv as fascists, with President Vladimir Putin saying he aimed to de-Nazify Ukraine with his military offensive. Ukraine is preparing for important battles against Moscows forces in the east of the country, the president said, as Pope Francis on Sunday called for an Easter truce to end the war. Evacuations continued from Kramatorsk, in eastern Ukraine, where a missile strike on Friday killed 57 people at a railway station, according to a revised toll. Meanwhile a strategic airport in the city of Dnipro was badly damaged in fresh shelling on Sunday. President Volodymyr Zelensky again condemned atrocities against civilians, and after speaking with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said they had agreed that all perpetrators of war crimes must be identified and punished. Ukraines prosecutor general Iryna Venediktova said the country was examining the alleged culpability of 500 leading Russian officials for thousands of war crimes, including President Vladimir Putin. And White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan pledged the US would work with the international community to make sure theres accountability for what he called mass atrocities. Pope Francis called for an Easter ceasefire in Ukraine to pave the way for peace. Let the Easter truce begin. But not to provide more weapons and pick up the combat again no! a truce that will lead to peace, through real negotiation, he told a mass at Saint Peters Square. The pontiff denounced a war where defenceless civilians suffered heinous massacres and atrocious cruelty. But Russias Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, a key Putin ally, issued his own appeal against Russias enemies. In this difficult period for our fatherland, may the Lord help each of us to unite, including around power, he said. This is how true solidarity will emerge in our people, as well as an ability to push back external and internal enemies, and to build a life with more good, truth and love. Ready to fight The remarks came after Zelensky said Ukraine was readying for a new Russian onslaught. We see the preparations for important battles, some people say decisive ones, in the east, he said on Saturday at a press conference with visiting Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. We are ready to fight and to look in parallel to end this war through diplomacy. Launching his own diplomatic initiative, Nehammer said he would meet Putin on Monday in a move his spokesman insisted was coordinated with Berlin, Brussels and Zelensky. He will be the first European leader to visit the Kremlin since the invasion began on February 24. The UN on Sunday said 4,232 civilian casualties had been recorded in Ukraine to date, with 1,793 killed and 2,439 injured. Pavlo Kyrylenko, the governor of Donetsk region, updated the death toll from Fridays attack at the station in Kramatorsk from 52 to 57 in a post to Telegram. Ukraines prosecutor Venediktova said 1,222 bodies had been found in the region around Kyiv alone so far. At least two corpses were found inside a manhole at a petrol station on a motorway outside Kyiv on Sunday, an AFP reporter saw. The bodies appeared to be wearing a mix of civilian and military clothing. A distraught woman appeared at the manhole and peered inside, before breaking down and clawing the earth. She wailed my son, my son. Ukraine said Kremlin propaganda had laid the groundwork for the bloody campaign, and that the Russian media had played its part. For many years, Russian political elites and propaganda have been inciting hatred, dehumanising Ukrainians, nurturing Russian superiority and laying ground for these atrocities, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted on Sunday. Rockets keep flying The comments came on the heels of a surprise visit to Kyiv on Saturday by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Hailing the countrys response to the Russian invasion, Johnson offered Ukraine armoured vehicles and anti-ship missiles, crucial to halting the Russian naval siege of Black Sea ports, to help ensure that the country will never be invaded again. In a bid to shore up international resolve against Moscow, US President Joe Biden is to hold virtual talks on Monday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, just weeks after saying India had been shaky in its response to the invasion. At the same time, EU foreign ministers are to meet to discuss a sixth round of sanctions, even as divisions over a ban on Russia gas and oil imports threatens to blunt their impact. In further Russian strikes, the airport in Dnipro between central and eastern Ukraine, was hit hard. The airport itself and the infrastructure around it has been destroyed. Rockets keep flying and flying, the head of the citys military administration, Valentin Reznichenko, said on Telegram. An AFP reporter saw black smoke in the sky above the facility, but a plane also took off later on Sunday, suggesting its runway was still functioning. New normal As Russian forces regroup in the east and south of Ukraine, local officials are urging residents to flee before it is too late. Weekend bombardments in eastern Ukraine killed 10 civilians, including a child and wounded 11 others around Kharkiv, the regions governor Oleg Synegubov posted on Telegram on Sunday. Earlier, on Facebook, he had reported 66 strikes over 24 hours. The Russian army continues to wage war on civilians due to a lack of victories at the front, he said. Lugansk governor Sergiy Gaiday said in a new video that civilians were afraid to flee the region after the tragedy in Kramatorsk. We evacuated 2,700-2,500 people per day, but now there are fewer and fewer, he said. Today, only 200 people have been evacuated. Im sure that 20-25 percent of the Lugansk regions population are still there, he added. Unfortunately, sometimes we just beg (them) to come out of hiding because we know what comes next Russian forces, he said, will destroy everything in their path, so for the sake of people, for the sake of their survival, we beg them to go anyway. A Russian defence ministry statement meanwhile said the Kyiv authorities and their western allies continued to stage monstrous and merciless provocations and murder civilians in the self-proclaimed Lugansk Peoples Republic. burs-dlc/har/jj/raz Meta Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will visit Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday, the first European leader to meet him since Moscows invasion of Ukraine, Vienna said Sunday. He is going there, having informed Berlin, Brussels and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to encourage dialogue, said a spokesman for Nehammer, who was in Ukraine on Saturday. The spokesman confirmed he is the first European leader to meet Putin since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Nehammer took the initiative himself and organised the meeting during his stay in Ukraine, wanting to do everything so that progress towards peace can be made even if the chances are minimal, he added. He intends to talk to the Kremlin about war crimes in the town of Bucha outside Kyiv, which he visited on Saturday. Dozens of bodies dressed in civilian clothes were discovered there a week ago, shocking the world, following the withdrawal of Russian troops. Moscow has firmly rejected any involvement. Nehammer, who returned to Vienna on Sunday, also met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit. It is important that, within the framework of our neutrality, we support Ukraine both at a humanitarian level and politically, the spokesman said. Austria is a member of the European Union, but does not belong to NATO. Vienna has condemned Russias invasion of Ukraine and this week expelled four Russian diplomats. Polish President Andrzej Duda on Sunday said he would pursue justice through international courts for the Katyn massacre in 1940 when Stalins police shot around 22,000 Poles. Genocide has no statute of limitations. Therefore, I will demand that this case be settled before international courts. We will submit the appropriate motions in the nearest future, Duda said in a speech. He did not say which court he would apply to, or who would be accused. Poland on Sunday commemorated the anniversary of the 2010 Smolensk plane crash, which killed the then-president and 95 others, as well as the 82nd anniversary of the massacre which took place in Russia. Forgotten, unpunished war crimes, crimes against humanity, are fuelling the sense of impunity among the perpetrators. They are like a green light to their successors and followers, Duda said. We can see this today in full scale as the brutal aggression from Russia against independent and democratic Ukraine unfolds. Last week the Polish prime minister referred to a genocide carried out by Russian troops in Ukraine, including in the town of Bucha. Duda said Poland would support Ukraine in any legal or diplomatic effort to seek justice for crimes committed by Russians. We will do our utmost to make sure that the Ukrainian victims do not have to wait for justice to be meted out for as much as 80 years! After the USSRs invasion of eastern Polish regions in September 1939 under the German-Soviet pact, 22,000 Polish officers who were prisoners of the Red Army were shot dead in Katyn forest and Mednoie in Russia as well as in Kharkiv, eastern Ukraine. The Soviet Union for decades accused Nazi Germany of committing the massacre and it was not until April 1990 that then Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev recognised his countrys responsibility for the killings. This was a crime of genocide committed by the Soviets on completely defenceless victims. It was never punished, Duda said. He recalled a brief episode in the early 1990s under president Boris Yeltsin, when the Kremlin accepted that Stalinist authorities were responsible for the massacre. Duda regretted that no further action was taken. The investigation of Katyn was dropped, no perpetrator was ever punished. Whereas (President Vladimir) Putins Russia has been glorifying Stalin and the Soviet Union again for years, he said. The Katyn lie has again got the upper hand. Ukraine said Sunday it had found more than 1,200 bodies in the Kyiv region, the scene of atrocities allegedly committed by Russian troops, as residents in the countrys east braced or fled ahead of an expected massive offensive. Heavy bombardments hammered Ukraine through the weekend, adding to mounting casualties six weeks into Russias invasion of its neighbour. Shelling claimed two lives in northeast Kharkiv on Sunday morning, regional governor Oleg Synegubov said, the day after 10 civilians, including a child, died in bombings southeast of the city. The Russian army continues to wage war on civilians due to a lack of victories at the front, Synegubov said on Telegram. In Dnipro, an industrial city of around a million inhabitants, a rain of Russian missiles nearly destroyed the local airport, causing an uncertain number of casualties, local authorities said. An AFP reporter saw black smoke in the sky above the facility, but a plane also took off later on Sunday, suggesting its runway was still functioning. President Volodymyr Zelensky again condemned atrocities against civilians, and, after speaking with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said they had agreed that all perpetrators of war crimes must be identified and punished. Ukraines Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova said the country was examining the alleged culpability of 500 leading Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, for thousands of war crimes. And White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan pledged the US would work with the international community to make sure theres accountability for what he called mass atrocities. At the Vatican, Pope Francis called for an Easter ceasefire to pave the way for peace, denouncing a war where defenceless civilians suffered heinous massacres and atrocious cruelty. We will respond In his nightly address, Zelensky said Russian troops were about to launch even larger operations in the east of Ukraine. We are preparing for their actions. We will respond, he said. Residents have been fleeing in their thousands, but Lugansk governor Sergiy Gaiday said many were afraid to leave after a missile strike on a railway station in the city of Kramatorsk on Friday killed 57 people, according to a revised tally issued by local authorities. We evacuated 2,700-2,500 people per day, but now there are fewer and fewer, Gaiday said, adding he was sure that 20-25 percent of the regions population was still there. Sometimes we just beg (them) to come out of hiding because we know what comes next, he said, adding Russian forces would destroy everything in their path. Almost 50 wounded and elderly patients were transported from the east in a hospital train by medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) over the weekend, the first such evacuation since the attack on the Kramatorsk station. Electrician Evhen Perepelytsia was one of those evacuated after he lost his leg, and almost his life, to shelling in his hometown of Hirske in Lugansk. We hope that the worst is over that after what Ive been through, it will be better, said 30-year-old after the train arrived in the western city of Lviv. Russias defence ministry has denied carrying out the Kramatorsk attack. It said Kyiv and its western allies were continuing to stage monstrous and merciless provocations and murdering civilians in the self-proclaimed Lugansk Peoples Republic, one of two pro-Russian separatist statelets in Ukraines eastern Donbas. Inciting hatred Ukraine on Sunday hit out at the Kremlin and Russian media for laying the groundwork for war for many years. Russian political elites and propaganda have been inciting hatred, dehumanising Ukrainians, nurturing Russian superiority and laying ground for these atrocities, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted on Sunday. But in an interview with NBCs Meet the Press, Kuleba said he remained open to negotiating with the Russians. If sitting down with the Russians will help me to prevent at least one massacre like in Bucha, or at least another attack like in Kramatorsk, I have to take that opportunity, he said. Bucha where authorities say hundreds were killed, some with their hands bound has become a byword for the brutality allegedly inflicted under Russian occupation. Ukraines prosecutor Venediktova said 1,222 bodies had been found there and in the broader region around Kyiv so far. At least two corpses were found inside a manhole at a petrol station on a motorway outside Kyiv on Sunday, an AFP reporter saw. The bodies appeared to be wearing a mix of civilian and military clothing. A distraught woman peered into the manhole before breaking down, clawing at the earth and wailing, My son, my son. The United Nations said on Sunday that 4,232 civilian casualties had been recorded in Ukraine to date, with 1,793 killed and 2,439 injured. Nehammer to Moscow Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said he would meet Putin on Monday, which would make him the first European leader to visit the Kremlin since the invasion began on February 24. Nehammer met the Ukrainian leader in Kyiv over the weekend, and his spokesman said he had informed Berlin, Brussels and Zelensky of the trip to Moscow. Austria is a member of the European Union, but not of NATO. EU foreign ministers will also meet Monday to discuss a sixth round of sanctions, even as divisions over a ban on Russia gas and oil imports threaten to blunt their impact. In a bid to shore up international resolve against Moscow, US President Joe Biden is to hold virtual talks on Monday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, just weeks after saying India had been shaky in its response to the invasion. A US spokeswoman said the two leaders would consult on ways to offset the destabilizing impact (of the war) on global food supply and commodity markets. The World Bank on Sunday issued a dire forecast, saying Ukraines economy would collapse by 45.1 percent this year a much bleaker outlook than it predicted even a month ago while Russia would see an 11.2 percent decline in GDP. burs-dlc/bbk/sw/reb/lb Meta ALBANY, Ore. - Friends and family came together Saturday to remember 75-year-old Al Pierce. He is the man who was found dead in his Albany home on Feb. 25. Saturday evening, dozens gathered for a celebration of life at The Eagles in Albany. They shared their favorite memories with Pierce and some of the things they wish they could have done with him when he was alive. Police said Pierce's roommate, 42-year-old Elizabeth 'Liz' Jimenez murdered him. She was found in Oceanside, California on Mar. 16, and was taken to jail there before being extradited back to Albany. Person-of-interest found in suspicious death of Albany man A spokesperson for the Oceanside Police Department said 42-year-old Elizabeth Jimenez went to great lengths to stay hidden. Jimenez is now in Linn County Jail facing multiple charges including second degree murder. Oregon Music Hall of Fame President Terry Currier said he was shocked when they discovered 72 of their signed guitars had been stolen from their storage unit in northeast Portland earlier this year. 'Extremely reliable in determining the prevalence of COVID-19': OSU's wastewater monitoring is going strong I woke up to teach my morning class a bit tired, like a usual workday teaching English in Poland. But when I checked my phone for any messages from my parents, I found an unsettling email from the New York Times. It was Feb. 24 and explosions throughout Ukraine heralded a brutal invasion of the nation next door. I was nervous for the first few days of the war. The only consensus seemed to be that Russian forces were expected to quickly overwhelm Ukrainian defenders and install a puppet regime, and many other questions were unanswered. Would Russia annex the rest of Ukraine like it annexed Crimea in 2014? Would Russian forces continue heading west into Poland? Would I have to pack and leave? Would I even be able to leave? Would I have to fight? Weeks later, its clear that the consensus was wrong. While the destruction in Ukraine is widespread, motivated Ukrainian forces have proved themselves to be a formidable force against an invasion that has repeatedly failed to capture the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. More Russian soldiers have been killed in the span of weeks in Ukraine than the number of American troops killed over the span of decades in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am much, much closer to Ukraine now than if I was at home, but I am still a meaningful distance away from the war. The 600 miles between where I teach in Gliwice, Poland and Ukraines capital of Kyiv is about the same as the distance between my hometown of Kenosha, and Fargo, N.D. I once did that drive in a day, but it was a long day, and it wasnt through a war zone. Some things are more unsettling about watching the conflict from Poland. Most Americans see photos of damaged Soviet-style apartment blocks. I see photos of damaged apartment blocks that look like the one I live in. If I see someone on the train with luggage and a pet, theyre probably leaving behind loved ones to seek safety in a foreign land. But there are also positive signs here in Poland. While the national government of Poland has a bad track record regarding refugees, today the people of Poland and local governments are coming together to help an enormous wave of refugees. Poland, a country about twice the size of Wisconsin but with as many residents as California, has welcomed more than two million refugees since the war began. Thats equivalent to 5% of the countrys total population before the crisis. Every single train station Ive been in since the war began now has a designated area to help refugees, staffed with volunteers and stocked with food and drinks. Ukrainian flags fly alongside and sometimes in place of Polish flags. Schoolchildren make paper hand cutouts declaring Solidarni z Ukraina, (Solidarity with Ukraine). Trilingual signs on buses advertise free rides for Ukrainian citizens. Some of my students have welcomed Ukrainian refugees into their homes. And in Krakow, Ive begun to see American soldiers on leave exploring the city. Those American soldiers are a major reason why I am calm now. Poland is a member of NATO, meaning that an attack on Poland is also treated as an attack on the other 29 members, which include the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the United States. Our military is helping protect democracy and freedom not only in the United States but also abroad, and for that I (and many others) am grateful. Adam Larson is from Kenosha, currently working as an English language teacher in Gliwice, Poland. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 When Adam Larson went to Poland to teach English, he was hoping to explore the country his mothers grandparents came from, travel to nearby areas and brush up on his Polish language skills. Then Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine, and Poland found itself welcoming refugees, NATO troops and even President Biden. Larson lives and works in the city of Gliwice, about 200 miles from the Ukrainian border. He was, at first, understandably nervous about the war next door. But once I realized the number of things that would have to happen to put me at risk, he said, I stopped worrying. Still, he added, My mom would worry about me wherever I am in the world. Relatives and friends have reached out to make sure that Im OK, which is the same thing that happened with the civil unrest in Kenosha in 2020. His job in Poland is the second adventure hes had since graduating from college, though his first position working as a ranger with the Maryland Park Service at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park wasnt nearly as close to Russian tanks. I had planned on living abroad after I graduated from college, he explained, but I graduated in the spring of 2020, so that really wasnt possible. When the Park Service job ended, I applied for teaching jobs overseas and volunteered at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center for a bit, and thats when I was hired to work here. Family roots in Poland Its his first visit to Poland and Europe in general but his family does have roots there. All of my moms grandparents were Polish and immigrated to the U.S. in the early 20th century, he said, adding, although they didnt technically emigrate from Poland because between 1795 and 1918, Poland was not an independent state. His own Polish language skills were minimal. My grandma could speak Polish, and so when I was a little kid, she taught me a few words and how to count to 10 in Polish. My family still eats some Polish foods like pierogi, Polish sausage and what we refer to as Easter soup, which here is called zurek and is eaten throughout the year, which I am happy about. He arrived in Poland on Jan. 2 and plans to stay through the end of June, teaching English to children, teens and adults. Larson is teaching at Speed School of Englishs Gliwice campus. Adult classes mostly focus on speaking, while kids and teens classes cover reading, writing, listening and speaking more evenly. The city, he said, has about 177,000 residents and is about two hours southeast of Wrocaw and an hour and 20 minutes west of Krakow. Since hes been living and working in Gliwice, his Polish is getting better all the time. I currently have a vocabulary of about a hundred words, and Ive learned how to pronounce Polish, which has several letters and sounds not used in English (a, c, e, , n, o, s, z, z) as well as a handful of digraphs (cz, dz, dz, dz, rz, sz) he said. I can only understand a few words here and there in written Polish, but I can at least pronounce it, as Polish is consistently spelled like it sounds. I know some basic phrases, a few verbs, and some non-basic stuff just for fun, like the tongue twister Grzegorz Brzeczyszczykiewicz (a made up character from the made up town of Chrzaszczyzewoszyce, Powiat ekoody). Exploring the country When people find hes from the U.S. the most common question he gets is Why are you here? He explains: Thats partly because, with the exception of the current refugee crisis, most recent migration has been from Poland to Western Europe, and partly because Im not in a city that has a lot of foreigners or foreign visitors. Since working in Poland, hes learned that history here is even more complicated than I thought it was. As one example, he said, prior to World War II, Gliwice (then Gleiwitz) was on the German side of the border between Germany and Poland, and after World War II the Soviets redrew borders, making Gliwice part of Poland, and then forcibly relocated ethnic groups to create more homogenous nations. When hes not working, he tries to explore as much as possible. When I studied abroad in Hong Kong, all of my classes were from Tuesday to Thursday, giving me four-day weekends every week and a lot of time to explore Hong Kong and Asia, Larson said. Here, I work Monday to Friday, so I really have to make the most of my free days. Im trying my best to see as much as I can. So far, Ive visited Krakow, Wrocaw, Czestochowa, Katowice, Opole and Bytom in Poland and Ostrava in the Czech Republic and Oslo, Norway with more travels planned. Amazon really is everywhere While hes from away from home, the city wheres hes based isnt all that different. Kenosha and Gliwice actually have a lot in common, Larson said. Theyre both relaxed, small cities near larger metropolitan centers; are associated with the auto industry and both even have Amazon warehouses due to good access to highways. He add a suggestion for our city officials: Kenosha doesnt have a sister city in Poland, and Gliwice doesnt have a sister city in the United States, so with their similarities that might be something worth pursuing. When this job ends, Larson hopes to keep exploring the world, though he will miss the food in Poland. When asked whats the best thing hes eaten since being there, Larson has trouble coming up with a single item. Its hard to pick a favorite, because Ive liked nearly everything Ive tried so far here, he said, including many varieties of pierogi (filled dumplings), sausage and soup. Im not a fan of barszcz czerwony (borscht), but I hope to someday try duck blood soup, which my grandma specifically remembered from her childhood as a gross food. While hes busy in Poland and nearby areas, Larson said anyone who wants to keep up with his adventures should sign up for my free newsletter at adamlarson.substack.com. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Roughly 11,000 Chinook salmon fingerlings were released into a special net pen Friday in the Kenosha Harbor as part of a new effort to increase salmon returns during spawning seasons. In total, approximately 20,000 Chinook fingerlings have been stocked locally by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, around half of which were released into the aluminum frame enclosure, measuring 20-feet long, eight feet wide and eight feet tall. The young fish will be held for roughly two to three weeks before theyre released from the pen, giving them access to Lake Michigan. Russ Ruegger, vice president of the Kenosha Charter Boat Association, said they got the idea for the net pen from similar efforts in Milwaukee and Racine, which had seen improved fish returns after implementation. Its a project we felt strongly we needed to try because we just havent had the return in the fall, Ruegger said. It used to be elbow to elbow with people fishing in the fall. The hope is that the salmon will better imprint on the harbor after spending several weeks, increasing they chances theyll return in four years time to spawn. Fishery growth The pen cost over $16,000 to construct, which charter members said was well over their initial estimations due to rising costs of materials. Once the pen is cleaned however, members say it can be reused every year without additional costs. Were just trying to make this a better overall fishery, said Rich Tanner with the KCBA. We used to get good returns of salmon into the harbor, and in the last eight to 10 years the returns havent been good. Although it will be years before the benefits of the project on salmon returns can be determined, Wisconsin DNR fisheries biologist Aaron Schiller said such efforts would help the salmon population against predators. They can grow them for a little bit longer than the hatchery can hold them for, Schiller. Theyre going to survive better when we release them than if we dump them right into the harbor. Ruegger was optimistic. Itll increase fall fishery tremendously, Ruegger said. Its a huge benefit to the Kenosha Downtown area to have a good fishery. Releasing at night Cormorants and gulls, which Ruegger described as fish-killing machines, pose a serious risk to the salmon once theyre released, which is why Ruegger said they plan to open the pen at night, when the birds arent hunting. Its unbelievable, Ruegger said. You get one in here screeching, and before you know it therell be hundreds of them. Tanner expressed thanks to various organizations and individuals who helped bring the project together. He said there was a definite learning curve to getting approval for the project, and joked about being handed two giant stacks of paperwork to fill out. The whole thing has been a process, but as a group well get more efficient at it, Tanner said. The project was spearheaded by the Kenosha Charter Boat Association, along with support from Visit Kenosha, Great Lakes Yacht Sales, Jeffs Marine Service and the Kenosha Yacht Club. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. On Tuesday, in a dramatic and furious speech to the United Nations Security Council, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented graphic atrocity photographs from Bucha including close-ups of dead children and clumps of corpses, some with their hands tied behind their backs. The chamber fell silent, the New York Times reported, and the photographs ricocheted around the world. Almost immediately, the European Commission proposed to cut off coal imports from Russia and President Joe Biden vowed additional sanctions. The pictures, apparently, had done their job. But images cant make political decisions. Photographs cant do our thinking for us, though sometimes they can nudge us a bit. It is doubtful that the Bucha photographs will significantly alter the course of the war. What they can do and have done is strengthen a political will that already existed what the photography critic Susan Sontag called a relevant political consciousness to fight Russias aggression. They echo the already deep sense of outrage and revulsion, on the part of governments and ordinary citizens, toward the war and those who launched it. The images tell us something that, in a sense, we already knew. Horrific photographs like those shown at the U.N. help us do what we were primed to do, but history shows they can rarely do more. The Ukraine war is being compared to the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s, and in some ways the comparison is apt. Here, once again, a fledgling democracy is fighting a fierce dictatorship. A peoples army, composed in large part of ordinary civilians, is fighting a far larger and better equipped foe (in Spain, it was the forces of Francisco Franco, Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini). Civilians are mercilessly targeted, especially from the air. And in both cases, images helped to tell the story of the struggle. Writers, poets, journalists and photographers flocked to Spain to support the republic. The war was indelibly photographed by, most prominently, Robert Capa. His depictions of the anti-Franco fighters some far too young, others far too old were imbued with something close to tenderness. Here, he seemed to say, were men who were willing to kill, and die, for their freedom, but who did not want to kill or die. Capa sought to mobilize support for the Spanish Republic on the basis of respect, not pity. Many newspaper and television images of the Ukrainian fighters strikingly echo this sensibility. Capa and his colleagues, especially Gerda Taro and David (Chim) Seymour, photographed the war with an explicit political aim: military intervention by the liberal democracies. They failed. In the U.S., France and England, the political will for intervention was weak if not absent, especially on the part of governments. Five months after the end of the Spanish war, Hitler invaded Poland and instigated World War II. The so-called Caesar photographs from Syria represent another instance of the failure of images or, rather, on the part of those who saw them to take action. Caesar is the code name of a government photographer from Syria; with the outbreak of that countrys civil war, his duties changed. Now, instead of photographing mundane events like car accidents, he was told to document the incomprehensibly cruel tortures that President Bashar Assads dictatorship has committed on an enormous scale. Caesars images are among the worst I have ever seen, and far more disgusting than anything yet shown from Bucha. They depict bodies people who have been slowly starved to death; whose faces have been mutilated by knives; whose eyes have been gouged out, apparently while they were still alive. (It is not exactly clear why the Assad regime has recorded its own atrocities, though this suggests both a confident sense of impunity and a kind of moral derangement.) Horrified by what he was seeing, Caesar and a friend spent two years smuggling tens of thousands of torture photographs out of the country, which put them and their families at risk of death. The photographs have been verified by forensic experts, including the FBI, and in 2014 were widely circulated in major newspapers, on the websites of human rights organizations and at the United Nations. Caesar, who now lives under witness protection in Europe, testified, in disguise, before Congress. Perhaps more important, his photographs were shown to world leaders including then-Secretary of State John F. Kerry and Laurent Fabius, then foreign minister of France. Like Capa, Caesar hoped the images would change the worlds attitude toward the war. The effect of the photographs was zero. No liberal democracy had any intention of significant involvement in the Syrian civil war, especially in light of the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Assad, whose major ally is Russian President Vladimir Putin, has dismissed the photographs as propaganda and suggested they might have been Photoshopped. Now it is the Kremlin claiming that atrocity photos are fakes and trying to discredit the images from Bucha, which is one of the many bitter ironies of this war. After Hitler invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, Russians began circulating photographs of Nazi atrocities to the West. Some of these photographs were taken by Russian army photographers; others were plucked off the bodies of dead German soldiers, who had snapped what we might call atrocity mementos. In 1942, the Soviets, whose casualties would be far greater than those of any other country, published We Shall Not Forgive! a book filled with grisly Nazi-taken photos. Like the Soviets who, 80 years ago, desperately conveyed their struggle to the West, Zelenskyy today aims to mobilize greater military intervention in support of his country. Whether he succeeds remains to be seen. But success or failure will primarily depend on geopolitical considerations and political will, regardless of how devastating the Ukrainian images are. ABOUT THE WRITER Susie Linfield, a journalism professor at New York University, is the author of The Cruel Radiance: Photography and Political Violence. 2022 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Copyright 2022 Tribune Content Agency. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 CANBERRA, Australia The first of 20 Bushmaster armored vehicles has left Australia for Ukr 285 Shares Share Happy Doctors Day. Every year, eager young pre-med students apply for medical school. When they dont make it in and are quite determined, they apply to schools on a few Caribbean islands. They teach the same material, the same practical skills, the same tests are given and must be passed. Except these students arrive on an island far from home. Far from family and friends. Often, they must leave their spouses or children at home. The power goes out; the water turns brown. They wake up at 5 a.m. on a Saturday to go to the market with the rest of the local islanders to get their fresh food, because groceries are far between, are often arent open. The food is not guaranteed to be fresh or free of parasites. They endure constant changes in schedule, abrupt changes in school policy, abrupt changes in test days, tropical diseases. They endure professors who copy and paste questions directly from question banks far more advanced than the material they are expected to learn. They get test questions with spelling errors, grammar errors, or no question, and if they object, they are often threatened with their medical careers. Hundreds fail out the first semester. But still, they endure. They go to the clinics on the island. They go to hospitals with no air conditioning and few modern medical machines. They learn to be flexible and endure while being the epitome of professionalism. With a smile on their face. They care for the people of the island. They see how the people struggle. They see how the people endure. They grow. They learn. Then the medical students rotate in whatever hospitals in the U.S. will take them. These hospitals are often small. The call rooms in the darkest corners filled with cockroaches. Their late-night calls nourished with the chips and soda from a vending machine. The scrubs all torn. They practice more skills for hundreds of hours. They learn to draw blood, start IVs, transport patients. They learn to beg and plead with the staff to ensure the patient gets their surgery that day. They run around desperately searching for translator phones to get a proper patient history. They run to get food for patients who havent eaten. They do the jobs of the nurses who have gone on strike. If, for a moment, they falter or displease anyone, their career is threatened. They may stay on call for 72 hours straight to avoid the wrath of a higher power. It doesnt matter, they say. Its no big deal. I can do it. If ever they are sick, they are told to suck it up and stick it out. If they are in tears, they are told they are wrong. They study hard and take the same strenuous 7-hour exams as U.S. students, which at times require traveling several states. They are judged the same. They pass. But how well? Often the same as U.S. students do. Sometimes better. But if they dont, they work twice as hard. They have all the books. They arrive early each shift. If a superior is ever in a bad mood, they apologize feverishly. It doesnt matter if it is their fault. Their evaluations and reputations are at the mercy of their fickle, jaded, overworked, undervalued supervisors. They are angry to be teaching these inferior students. These students are too soft. They will be toughened up good. They survive all these, but they know their odds are quite slim. Because they compete with the U.S. grads. The ones that stayed close to home. The ones with power, clean water, family close by. The ones that often look upon them as inferior. They are not worthy. They are not knowledgeable. The nurses catch on to this. The nurse practitioners catch on to this. The residency directors tell them this must be true. Then the newly minted Caribbean doctors, having made it this far, with thousands of hours more training and education than most nurse practitioners and physician assistants, more testing, more struggle, must spend between $5,000 and $10,000 on applications for any hope to get into a residency. That is exactly what they are told. They travel from state to state with the cleanest suits and the brightest smiles. The finest-tuned interview answers, and the greatest of hope. They have lost friends on this journey. They have lost family. They have lost love. They are exhausted, but they are eager still. They power between 5 and 25 interviews all over the country. It is expensive. They endure. Match Day comes. Hundreds discover they did not match. They were not worthy. Some end their lives. Some give up hope. Some jump from one hospital to another, desperate for more experience. They pay thousands of dollars for more rotations or internships. More promises of matching if they just spend more money and prove that they are more devoted than anyone else. They put their lives on hold, or some get married and have children. But they carry on. The years tick by. They know their window is short. They become a scribe for $12 an hour, a research assistant for $13 an hour. An Uber driver. A garbage man. A McDonalds employee while doing observerships in spare hours. They grow desperate. They feel as though their dreams are shattered. Their lives are over. Some end their lives. Some declare bankruptcy. Their debts are hundreds of thousands of dollars. They scrape by. They wonder what all this was for as they watch NPs, PAs, and others gain more money and independence with less debt. What was this for? Why did I do this again? I forgot. But I must keep going. I have nothing else to fall back on. I have too much debt. There is a patient. They are dying, slowly, in a rural town far from medical care. They are an inner-city grifter in an understaffed ER. They are wondering where the doctors are. We are here. We have always been here. But we have been kept on the other side of that door, looking in. What was it all for? Happy Doctors Day. We wonder if we deserve to be doctors. Did we not want it enough? Were we not eager enough? Were we not obedient enough? Should we have said yes to that 72-hour call? Should we have said yes to that resident with promises of a good word, if we just spent that time alone with him in that dirty, musty call room, on that cold, wooden bed? If we had just signed that underhanded contract? If we had promised to be a resident without any pay? Happy Doctors Day. What was this all for? Patricia McGuire is a physician. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Looking to update your home? Watch the KHQ Spring Home Design Guide featuring the areas top home improvement businesses on Sat, May 7 at 4:30pm on KHQ. And click here to win a $500 VISA gift card, courtesy of our presenting partner - VPC Electric! Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High around 75F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional showers late at night. Thunder possible. Low 57F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Support local journalism Local news, sports and entertainment when you want it. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the best local news, sports and entertainment coverage. About 200 abortion rights demonstrators gathered outside the Old Courthouse in St. Louis, for a rally on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021. Speakers warned that Missouri will likely pursue a restrictive abortion law similar to Texas. A man has been arrested and charged in connection with the burial of both his mother and sister inside plastic containers in the backyard of their suburban Chicago home, according to police. The third body retrieved in a search and rescue operation for six Koreans who went missing in waters west of Taiwan has been identified as one of the missing crew members, Seoul's foreign ministry said Sunday. According to ministry, the remains of the missing crew member of the Kyoto 1 were found in the waters southeast of Penghu, Taiwan, at around 1 p.m. Saturday. The body has been moved to a nearby hospital in Taiwan. On Thursday, Taiwanese maritime authorities received a distress call from the Kyoto 1 and informed South Korea of the accident. All six missing crew members of the vessel are Korean nationals. Two bodies recovered Friday were confirmed to have been South Korean crew members aboard the ship. The Kyoto 1 was on its way to the Batam port of Indonesia from Busan, taking the Kyoto 2 tender ship in tow, which has been found in the waters. Taiwanese authorities and Korea's Coast Guard are continuing with the search of the three missing crew members. (Yonhap) Lee Jong-seop, former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaks to reporters at the transition committee office building in Seoul after being announced as defense minister nominee, April 10. Yonhap Lee Jong-seop, a retired Army lieutenant general and former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), is an expert in military policy and strategy, with a focus on alliance issues between South Korea and the United States. A graduate of the Korea Military Academy, Lee previously served as vice chief of staff of management at the 1st Army Command, and vice head of the defense ministry's policy and planning division. LG Electronics' headquarters in Seoul / Courtesy of LG Electronics By Baek Byung-yeul LG Electronics and LG Innotek, the IT affiliates of LG Group, decided to raise their employees' salaries by 8.2 percent and 10 percent, respectively. In addition to these wage increases, they will also improve employee welfare programs, such as increasing parental leave to two years from the previous one year, a company official said Sunday. The officials said the salary increases and welfare program improvements are necessary to raise morale among workers and retain talented employees, but some pointed out that excessive compensation could diminish profitability. "The union and management recently agreed to boost the average wage increase rate this year to 8.2 percent," an LG Electronics spokesman said, adding that the company made the decision to boost workplace morale and strengthen salary competitiveness compared to competitors. In 2021, the company raised the average wage of its employees by 9 percent, marking the largest increase in 10 years. An LG Innotek spokeswoman also said, "The union and management reached an agreement to increase wages by an average of 10 percent." She added, "It was the largest increase ever." "The purpose of the increase is to raise wages to enhance employee morale following the payment of performance bonuses of up to 1,000 percent during the previous year," the official said. Kim Dae-jong, a professor in the School of Business at Sejong University, said the reason such IT companies are rushing to raise compensation so much is because doing so is essential to securing quality workers. "The core competitiveness of IT companies is based on the talented workers they have. Not only LG Group affiliates, but also Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, Naver, Kakao and even overseas IT giant Microsoft are raising their employees' wages," he said. "As the IT industry is the core industry of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the cost of employees is becoming very high. In the IT industry, which has a severe workforce mobility rate, it should be seen as an inevitable aspect to prevent employees from leaving to work at rival firms," Kim added. Responding to criticism that excessive wage hikes are not good for the corporate bottom line, an IT industry official said, "Giving high compensation is a solid investment in the mid- to long-term growth of companies." "In the short term, a high wage increase can be seen as a negative factor. But the younger generation is sensitive to compensation. If companies fail to provide reasonable compensation, those young employees will easily leave. Many IT companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix have also been giving a lot of incentives. On that level, companies seem to value fair compensation very much," the official said, on condition of anonymity. Another official from a domestic IT company said, "It seems that companies believe that uncertainties such as the trade dispute between the U.S. and China and the supply chain disruption amid the COVID-19 pandemic are greater factors to possible declines in their operating profits than salary increases." Dr. Terry Gaff is a physician in northeast Indiana. Contact him at drgaff@kpcmedia.com or on Facebook. To read past columns and to post comments go to kpcnews.com/columnists/terry_gaff. I feel a bit like the Willy Wonka of neon. If you could eat neon, chocolate would be the next best thing.Matthew Bracey, neon artist Growing up in the infinitely colorful if waning heydays of neon in 1960s and 1970s Milwaukee, like Bracey Im an inveterate fanboy of classic neon. Im always at the ready to tuck into a heaping helping of retro-nostalgic old school neon. Lighting up the dark night skies and downtown landscapes with a radiant glow, neon signs essentially writing with light with glass tubes and electrically-charged noble gasses like namesake neon, argon, helium, xenon, krypton and mercury vapor have made a bold, colorful advertising statement for more than a century. Eleven years after father of neon Georges Claude installed the worlds first neon sign at a Parisian barber shop in 1912, the first neon signs arrived on U.S. shores after two orange and blue neon Packard signs were installed at Earle C. Anthonys car dealership in Los Angeles, spurring traffic jams by slack-jawed onlookers. In short order, the neon sign craze made its way to Wisconsin. Since hanging my wordsmiths fedora at the Regional News back on Feb. 28, Ive been in my neon-crazed element in Lake Geneva, where vintage neon is still holding forth at a dedicated handful of neon-loving businesses, some familar from childhood visits to the city waaaay back in the day. At Brunos Liquors, 524 Broad St., Jim Sharkus is the third generation to oversee the stores circa-1960 sign, with its red cursive Brunos name, mint green martini glass and deep ruby red cherry. The sign was first installed for his dads tavern, Brunos Pink Isle, which was transitioned into a liquor store in 1974. I hear from people about it all the time, Sharkus said of his sign. People are intrigued by it. Everybody wants to stop and take a picture with it. Must be a lot of people named Bruno out there. Weve had movie producers come and offer us a lot of money for it to put it in movies. Its not for sale. You cant really replace something like that. Its irreplaceable. Its an icon. Anybody thats been to Lake Geneva knows that sign. Its a pretty much a landmark. Its very cool weve had it in the family that long. With stewardship for the iconic sign comes a lot of responsibility to keep it going according to Sharkus, whose father, store namesake Bruno, passed away at 98 on Jan. 29. Its hard to upkeep it, he noted. Its a lot of maintenance, a lot of upkeep, to keep those things together. Its expensive, but its worth every penny. A look at old archival photos of downtown Lake Geneva from decades ago show a community filled with neon signage, Today, only a grandfathered handful of neon signs like the one at Brunos survive. The city, they dont want to have neons or lighted signs like that, Sharkus said. Theyre pretty anti-sign in this town, so whatever youve got up youve really got to maintain because you cannot replace them here. Once theyre down, theyre gone. Thats unfortunate. I think itd be cool to see more of the vintage signs like that. I understand that they dont want it looking like the Wisconsin Dells, I get that part of it, but it could be opened up a little bit more than what it is, thats for sure. Itd be cool to see the city open up their views on signage a little bit. Sharkus is an unapologetic diehard fan of neon. I love em, he said. I think theyre very cool. I love the old school look of it. Its vintage. Very nostalgic. At Lake Aire Restaurant, 804 W. Main St. in downtown Lake Geneva, the classic neon signage over the front entryway dates to 1950. Retired restaurateur George Argiropoulos, who sold Lake Aire to son Demetrius in 2020, continues to dote over the restaurants classic green and red neon sign, as he has since 1984. Its a calling not for the faint of heart or thin of wallet, with Argorpoulos investing $5,500-6,000 in a complete sign overhaul a decade ago. Maintaining a neon sign is a pain in the butt, Argiropoulos said. Every year I replace one or two of the transformers and theyre not cheap. Ive got a guy from Racine that comes to maintain it every time I need him. He specializes in old neon signs and takes care of it. It takes an experienced person. But the hassle is worth it, Argiropoulos noted, calling himself an old timer with an appreciation for the workmanship of a bygone area when things were built to last a lifetime or more. Quite often I see people come by and take pictures of it because it is unique, he said of the Lake Aire sign. Everybody likes it. They like the look and the design of the old neon signs that they dont see much of anymore. I do, too. I like to keep the uniqueness of the old town look. There arent many of us that keep the look of the old town anymore. People appreciate that we maintain it. Wed like to keep it as long as we can. To do a new sign like this, I dont know what it would cost. I dont know that theyd even do it anymore. A couple years ago, the sign famously caught the attention of Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson, which featured the neon Lake Aire sign in its magazine advertising promoting the rollout of a new bike. They came at 3 a.m., Argiropoulos recalled. We turned the sign on and they took a picture of the bike in front of it on Main Street. At 802 S. Wells St., once the old U.S. 12 alignment, the grandaddy of local neon signs hangs its shingle at The Cheese Box, where owners John and Cheri Borowiec hope to someday restore the shops circa-1940 roadside sign to its heydays glory. The Cheese Boxs sign SausageCheeseGift Boxes has been dark since before the couple bought The Cheese Box from Ed Schwinn in 2013. Ive looked into it a little bit with friends about firing it up again, John said of the 82-year-old sign, a testament to the handiwork of Everbright (1927-), which installed the very first neon sign in Milwaukee in the early 1930s. I would like to get it back to neon. Everybody tells me I might be better off going to LED, but if youre gonna do it I think youve gotta go neon. At some point it would be nice to pursue it. You always have something that gets pushed in front of that. It might be a goal that I could reach here soon, maybe in the next year or so. Revisit the conversation with my friends again. Even in its non-operative state, Borowiec noted the brown, green and buttery yellow porcelain steel sign still catches the eyes of nostalgic neon fans. People take pictures of it, he said. Its the nostalgia of it. They remember the neon signs being dominant, not only in this area but everywhere. A lot of people say itd be cool to see it lit up again. Borowiec, who vacationed in Lake Geneva as a child in the citys neon-festooned 1960s heyday, recalled days when then-U.S. 12 was a mile of motels lit in a main drag blaze of neon glory. It was a whole neon strip, he said, noting the sign at The Cheese Box is the lone survivor of the strips halcyon days. I remember the illumination, the glow from a distance. You knew you were getting close to The Lake. You got excited when youd see that glow. Driving by, youd look at the brilliance of the signs. It was pretty. The memories of Lake Genevas neon-lit heydays, and the enduring familiar sights of the citys retro old school neon survivors, still maintain their magic for many, myself included, as yesterday meets today under the colorful neon glow. Spoiler: Its possible the Cheese Boxs neon sign could in the future be lit up again. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. When the Kolb family that founded Kolb's Farm Store in Chester County, Pennsylvania decided to put their farm up for sale, they found a young, energetic farming family willing to take on the job of continuing the farm and the legacy of the store. Kolkata, Apr 10 (PTI) While BJP leaders, including Dilip Ghosh, led Ram Navami rallies at various parts of West Bengal, the ruling Trinamool Congress conducted rival celebrations honouring the goddess Basanti, a form of Durga. Two armed Ram Navami processions were sighted at Barrackpore, not far from Kolkata, despite prohibitions on the display of weapons. Also Read | The Life-size Sculpture of Maharaja Ranjit Singh the Ruler of the Sikh Empire During the Latest Tweet by IANS India. The rival celebrations by the two political parties to mobilise people and underscore their message to the masses have been a trend for some years now. While the BJP has brought Ram Navami rallies in the state in a bid to mobilise support among the majority religious populace, the TMC has started using local Hindu worship formats to underline their roots in the Hindu faith, indigenous to Bengal. Also Read | JNU Violence: Student Unions Clash in Jawaharlal Nehru University Campus Over Eating Non-Veg Food on Ram Navami. The Ram Navami processions were mostly sans weapons, barring two rallies in Bhatpara area of North 24 Parganas district where participants were seen brandishing swords. The state police said legal action would be initiated as per law for taking out armed rallies on Ram Navami, celebrated as Lord Rama's birthday. VHP state media-in-charge Sourish Mukherjee claimed that around 1,000 Ram Navami processions were organised across West Bengal, and there have been "no reports of any untoward incident". For the last two years, the Ram Navami celebrations in the state were low key affairs due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, it was celebrated in a big way. We took out around 1,000 processions across the state, he claimed. Asked whether the rallies organised by VHP had activists carrying weapons, Mukherjee said, "We didn't ask anyone to bring any weapon. We have held peaceful processions." TMC leaders also took out Ram Navami processions in some areas and organised Basanti Puja, a popular spring festival in the state. Said Debasish Kumar, TMC leader and MLA who participated in one of the Basanti Pujas, BJP uses Ram Navami to reach out to the population, we are with the people 365 days. A senior officer of the West Bengal Police said the Ram Navami rallies have been "peaceful". So far, there are no reports of any untoward incident. The rallies have been peaceful, he said. Two armed Ram Navami processions were taken out in the Bhatpara area, which falls under the Barrackpore Lok Sabha Constituency, where participants were seen dancing with swords and sharp-edged weapons. I am not aware of organisers who took out the armed processions. I am here to participate in a peaceful Ram Navami rally, Barrackpore's BJP MP Arjun Singh said. He said Ram Navami signifies the victory of truth over evil. The TMC also took out a rally in Bhatpara where the youths were seen brandishing swords along with chants of "Khela Hobe". A local TMC leader said they had appealed to locals to ensure that no one was hurt. Manoj Kumar Verma, the commissioner of Barrackpore Police Commissionerate, said legal action would be initiated against those who took out armed rallies. We have noticed arms being brandished at those rallies and action would be taken as per law, he added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kolkata, Apr 10 (PTI) A minor girl died after she was allegedly gang-raped at a birthday party in Hanskhali in West Bengal's Nadia district, police said on Sunday. The girl's family claimed that the main accused is the son of a Trinamool Congress panchayat member, who has been arrested for further investigation, they said. Also Read | The #IndianAirForce , in Its Enquiry, Has Found More Than One Official Guilty in Latest Tweet by IANS India. The parents of the minor, a student of Class 9, lodged a complaint against the accused at Hanskhali police station on Saturday, four days after the incident. According to the complaint, the girl went to the residence of the accused on Monday afternoon to attend his birthday party, but she returned home in an ailing condition and died soon after. Also Read | JNU Violence: Student Unions Clash in Jawaharlal Nehru University Campus Over Eating Non-Veg Food on Ram Navami. Our daughter was bleeding profusely and had severe abdominal pain after she came back from the party at the residence of the local TMC leader's son, and before we could take her to hospital, she died. "From the sequence of events and after talking to the people present at the party, we are sure she was gang-raped by the accused and his friends, the girl's mother told reporters. She also alleged that a group of people forcibly took the minor's body for cremation even before her death certificate was issued. Reacting to the development, senior TMC leader and the state's Minister of Women and Child Development, Sashi Panja, said the ruling party has zero tolerance for abuse of minors and women. There should not be any politics over the incident. Police will do everything possible to investigate and take further action, she said. Meanwhile, opposition BJP has called for a 12-hour bandh in Hanskhali in protest against the incident. (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], April 10 (ANI): On the occasion of Ram Navami, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the 14th foundation day celebration of Umiya Mata Temple at Gathila, Junagadh in Gujarat on Sunday at 1 pm via video conferencing. The inauguration of the temple was also done by him in 2008 when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Also Read | India-US 2+2 Dialogue: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Embarks on US Visit to Cement Bilateral Ties. Based on suggestions given by the Prime Minister in 2008, the temple trust has expanded its scope into various social and health-related activities as well such as free cataract operations and free ayurvedic medicines for economically weaker patients. Umiya Maa is considered the clan-deity or 'kuldevi' of the Kadava Patidars. (ANI) Also Read | Maharashtra Shocker: 30-Year-Old Man Bludgeoned to Death, Body Dumped in Mira Road. (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, April 10: Two groups of students clashed at the Kaveri hostel in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) here on Sunday, police said. While the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) alleged that the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members stopped students from eating non-vegetarian food in the hostel and "created a violent atmosphere", the ABVP denied the charge and claimed that "'Leftists" obstructed a puja programme organised at the hostel on Ram Navami festival. Both sides accused each other of pelting stones and injuring their members. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Manoj C told PTI that some students have sustained injuries. 'Shiv Sena Has Become Pseudo-Secular', Says Devendra Fadnavis After Party Worker Prints Urdu Calendar. "There is no violence as of now. A protest was held which is over. We are all positioned here with our team. On the request of the university, we have come here. We are trying to maintain peace," he said He said the details of the incident will be shared later. The JNUSU alleged that the ABVP, which is the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), used "muscle power and goondaism" to create a ruckus, manhandling the staff and asking them not to prepare any non-vegetarian items. "They were forcing and attacking the mess committee to change the dinner menu and exclude the usual non-vegetarian items in it for all students," it alleged. "JNU and its hostels are meant to be inclusive spaces for all and not one particular section," it said. JNU Violence: ABVP Attacks Students Eating Non-Veg Food in Canteen During Navratri. The ABVP, however, rejected the JNUSU's allegations and claimed "Leftists'' disrupted a pooja and havan organised by students on the occasion of Ram Navami. "Some common students had organised a pooja and havan programme on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami at 3:30 PM at Kaveri hostel. "This pooja was joined by a large number of common students of JNU. The Leftists came to object, obstruct and prevent the pooja from happening. They have created a false ruckus on the issue of 'Right to Food' (Non-Vegetarian Food)," they said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], April 10 (ANI): Uttarakhand will soon begin the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in the state, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Sunday. Days after Dhami took oath as the Chief Minister of the state, he said that he will try to fulfill all the promises made by the party. Also Read | Shiv Sena Has Become Pseudo-Secular, Says Devendra Fadnavis After Party Worker Prints Urdu Calendar. Addressing a public gathering today in the capital city, Dhami said, "We will fulfill all the promises. We'll implement the Uniform Civil Code in the state. We have also launched '1064 Anti-Corruption Mobile App' where you can lodge complaints and I assure you that strict action will be taken." In March, the Uttarakhand government announced that it will form a "high-powered" expert panel to prepare a draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for the state. The decision was taken at the first state cabinet committee meeting headed by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, a day after the new government was sworn in. Also Read | Maharashtra: Cricket Fan From Satara Arrested for Breaching Security During IPL Match Between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. With this, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in March this year said that Uttarakhand would be the first state to implement the UCC. The Uniform Civil Code is a proposal in India to formulate and implement personal laws of citizens which apply to all citizens equally regardless of their religion, sex, gender and sexual orientation. Currently, the personal laws of various communities are governed by their religious scriptures. The code comes under Article 44 of the Constitution which lays down that the state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India. Notably, in BJP's 2019 Lok Sabha election manifesto, BJP promised the implementation of UCC if it comes to power. (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, April 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden on Monday to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the security situation in the Indo-Pacific region. "President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will meet virtually with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India on Monday, April 11 to further deepen ties between our governments, economies, and our people," the White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement. The leaders will discuss ending the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening the global economy and bolstering "security, democracy and prosperity" in the Indo-Pacific. India-US 2+2 Dialogue: PM Narendra Modi to Hold Virtual Interaction with US President Joe Biden Tomorrow. "President Biden and Prime Minister Modi will discuss cooperation on a range of issues including ending the COVID-19 pandemic, countering the climate crisis, strengthening the global economy, and upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," Psaki added. According to the White House, Biden will continue close consultations on the consequences of "Russia's war against Ukraine" and mitigate its impact on global food supply and commodity markets. PM Modi and Biden last spoke during the Quad Leaders meet in March. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a separate statement, informed that the two leaders will review ongoing bilateral cooperation and exchange views on recent developments in South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and global issues of mutual interest. Rajnath Singh Arrives in Washington DC to Attend India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. "The virtual meeting will enable both sides to continue their regular and high-level engagement aimed at further strengthening the bilateral Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," the MEA said. The virtual meeting is scheduled to precede the fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Paris [France], April 10 (ANI): As France votes today for the presidential election, Emmanuel Macron faces stiff competition from far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Macron enjoyed solid support in the beginning as he tried to achieve a diplomatic solution to the situation in Ukraine and led talks on economic sanctions against Russia, reported NHK World. Also Read | Russia-Ukraine War: President Volodymyr Zelensky Will Only Meet Russian President Putin After Ukraines Victory in Major Battles, Says Ukrainian Official. However, his rival Le Pen's support base including low-income voters has edged up and is threatening Macron's aspirations for a second term. She vied for wider support with pledges to improve the economy and living standards in the face of soaring prices of goods such as fuel, reported NHK World. Also Read | Nepal Curbs Import of Vehicles and Other Essential Goods Amid Dwindling Foreign Exchange Reserves. Voters in France are heading for the polls on Sunday for the first round of the presidential election which is held every five years. Twelve candidates are in the electoral, with the Ukrainian situation dominating debates among the candidates, besides bringing the economy on track from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The average of opinion polls as of Friday night shows that Macron, who is a centrist, kept his lead with 26 per cent support and Le Pen got 23 per cent. Jean-Luc Melenchon on the far left garnered 17 per cent support while, some polls show that about 30 per cent of voters are still undecided, reported NHK World. A preliminary result will be known on Monday. If no candidate receives a majority of votes, the two candidates who garner the most votes will qualify for a run-off on April 24. (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], April 10 (ANI/Sputnik): Finance ministers and central bank governors from the G7 most industrialized nations will meet on the sidelines of a G20 event in Washington on April 20, Japanese media said on Saturday. The Kyodo news agency cited sources familiar with the matter as saying that the seven -- the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States -- will discuss ways of increasing pressure on Russia over Ukraine and mitigating the backlash of sanctions, including a surge in prices. Also Read | Pakistan Political Crisis: Imran Khan Rejects Reports Claiming Dismissal of Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. G20 finance chiefs and central bankers will meet in Washington under Indonesian chairmanship. US President Joe Biden demanded that Russia be removed from the group of the world's largest economies, with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen hinting that the US might boycott G20 meetings if Russian officials attended them. (ANI/Sputnik) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Tel Aviv, Apr 10 (AP) Israeli forces shot three Palestinians in a series of confrontations across Israel and the occupied West Bank on Sunday, killing two including an unarmed woman, Israeli and Palestinian officials said. It was the latest in a growing wave of violence that has broken out during the holy month of Ramadan. The clashes came as Israeli troops combed the northern West Bank city of Jenin and the surrounding area, home to two of the Palestinians who staged deadly attacks against Israelis in recent weeks. Also Read | Pakistan Political Crisis: Nomination Papers of Shehbaz Sharif, Shah Mahmood Qureshi Approved as Parliament Set to Elect New PM Tomorrow. Ramadan this year converges with major Jewish and Christian holidays. Protests during Ramadan last year boiled over into an 11-day war between Israel and Gaza militants. We will be at every place at any time as needed to cut off these terror attacks. Israel is going on the offensive, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told his Cabinet. Also Read | Rajnath Singh Arrives in Washington DC to Attend India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. Four attacks by Palestinians in recent weeks have killed 14 people in one of the deadliest bursts of violence against Israelis in years. In response, Israel has stepped up its military activity in the West Bank. At a military checkpoint near the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Israeli soldiers opened fire at a woman who the army said failed to heed calls to stop and ignored warning shots fired into the air. The army said that soldiers aimed at the woman's lower body. But the Palestinian Health Ministry said the woman, who was in her 40s, later died from her injuries in a hospital. The Israeli military confirmed the woman was found to be unarmed and said the incident was under investigation. Palestinian assailants often carry out attacks at checkpoints in the West Bank. But Palestinians and human rights groups say the military often uses excessive force and in some cases has injured or killed people who were not involved in violence. In the volatile southern West Bank city of Hebron, Israel's border police said an officer shot another woman who stabbed and lightly wounded him near the Cave of the Patriarchs, a holy site revered by Jews and Muslims. Palestinian officials said the woman was killed. More violence broke out later Sunday as Israeli forces patrolled Jenin, considered a stronghold of Palestinian militants, as soldiers investigated the home of an attacker who killed three Israelis in a mass shooting last week. The army said soldiers came under fire from a gunman on a motorcycle and shot him. The man's condition wasn't immediately known. Israel has taken a series of steps to try to calm the situation, including granting thousands of Palestinians from the Hamas-run Gaza Strip permits to work inside Israel. At the same time, it has been stepping up security measures in hopes of preventing further violence. Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed orders Sunday placing two Palestinian citizens of Israel in administrative detention, a controversial practice that allows authorities to hold them without charge. One suspect was placed under detention for four months on suspicion that he was planning an attack, while the second suspect was jailed for six months for what it said was past involvement in militant activity, the Defense Ministry said. Israel's Security Cabinet approved a plan to spend just over USD 110 million to extend some 40 kilometers (25 miles) of the porous West Bank separation barrier. Some of the attackers are believed to have slipped into Israel without permits. Late Saturday, Israel announced that it was tightening restrictions on movement in and out of Jenin, though it continued to allow laborers to enter Israel for work. A raid on the home of one of the assailants on Saturday sparked a gunbattle that left at least one Palestinian militant dead. Jenin governor Akram Rajoub denounced the ongoing Israeli activity in the area, called the measures an expression of collective punishment meant to disrupt the lives of Palestinians rather than thwart attacks. In Sunday's raid, the military said a violent riot broke out as forces were operating in the village of Yabad, home to one of the attackers. It said forces opened fire and shot one Palestinian who threw an explosive at them. It was unclear what his condition was. Forces arrested at least eight suspects and found Israeli military ammunition and uniforms in one of the suspect's homes as well as illegal arms, the military said. Earlier, Brig. Gen. Ran Kochav, the chief military spokesman, told Israeli Army Radio that some 100 Palestinians marched toward Joseph's Tomb in the West Bank city of Nablus late Saturday and set it ablaze before they were dispersed by Palestinian security forces. Images on social media showed parts of the tomb inside the shrine smashed and charred. Joseph's Tomb is a flashpoint prayer site. Some Jews believe the biblical Joseph is buried in the tomb, while Muslims say a sheikh is buried there. The army escorts Jewish worshippers to the site several times a year, in coordination with Palestinian security forces. The incident drew condemnation from Israeli leaders. The vandalism of Joseph's Tomb is a grave event and a serious violation of freedom of worship in one of the holiest places for every Jew, Gantz tweeted.(AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad, Apr 9 (PTI) Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri resigned on Saturday night minutes after the crucial session of the house resumed for after a break of over three hours. The crucial session of the house began at 10:30 am (11:00 IST) with Speaker Qaiser, a senior member of Prime Minister Imran Khan's party, in chair. Since then, the session was adjourned thrice for one reason or another. Also Read | Pakistan Political Crisis: Imran Khan Rejects Reports Claiming Dismissal of Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. After announcing resignation, he asked Ayaz Sadiq of PML-N to chair the proceedings, who is now conducting the proceedings. Process of voting on the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Khan has just started. Also Read | Iran Sanctions 24 Americans Over Terrorism, Human Rights Abuse. (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, April 10: Ahead of the 2+2 dialogue between India and the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden on Monday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed. "The two leaders will review ongoing bilateral cooperation and exchange views on recent developments in South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and global issues of mutual interest," MEA said. President Biden and PM Modi last spoke during the Quad Leaders meet in March. "The virtual meeting will enable both sides to continue their regular and high-level engagement aimed at further strengthening the bilateral Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," the MEA further said. The virtual meeting is scheduled to precede the fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue which will be led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of External Affairs (MEA) S Jaishankar on the Indian side and their US counterparts, Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. India-US 2+2 Dialogue: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Embarks on US Visit to Cement Bilateral Ties. The White House also confirmed the meeting saying that the two leaders will meet virtually to "further deepen ties between our governments, economies, and our people." "President Biden and Prime Minister Modi will discuss cooperation on a range of issues including ending the COVID-19 pandemic, countering the climate crisis, strengthening the global economy, and upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. "President Biden will continue our close consultations on the consequences of Russia's brutal war against Ukraine and mitigating its destabilizing impact on global food supply and commodity markets," she added. The Press Secretary also informed that the Leaders will advance the ongoing conversations about the development of an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and delivering high-quality infrastructure. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Colombo [Sri Lanka], April 10 (ANI): Sri Lanka's parliamentary group of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on Sunday said that they have come up with a private member's bill to scrap the 20th amendment and remove the powers of the executive presidency. This decision was taken after a meeting at the Opposition Leader's office. Sri Lankan MP Harshana Rajakaruna said a constitutional amendment will be brought in to scrap the powers of the President, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported. Also Read | Rajnath Singh Arrives in Washington DC to Attend India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. "Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa will meet MPs of other parties shortly to get their support. We are confident of numbers as we will try to muster the support of some SLPP MPs as well as those who have decided to become independent," Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa invited 41 lawmakers who quit the government amid the nation's worst economic crisis to meet for talks on a caretaker government on Sunday. Also Read | Russia-Ukraine War: 2,200 Ukrainian Men Detained Trying to Leave the Country in Violation of Martial Law. Dozens of lawmakers from Rajapaksa's coalition chose to sit in parliament as independents after accusing him of economic mismanagement, effectively stripping the government of majority support. Maithripala Sirisena, the leader of the Freedom Party that withdrew its support of Rajapaksa, said the rebels wanted Rajapaksa to put a unity government in place for the duration of the transitional period and curtail his executive powers in order to deal with the crisis. Sri Lanka plunged into chaos after a lack of essential items and rolling power cuts caused nationwide protests. The country relies on tourists for foreign currency to import food and fuel and months of pandemic restrictions have starved it of money. UN human rights experts on Friday had urged the Sri Lankan Government to guarantee the fundamental rights of peaceful assembly and of expression during peaceful protests, amid the country's severe economic crisis. "We are gravely concerned by the recent proclamation of a state of emergency as well as the order that blocked access to social media platforms," the experts said in a statement issued by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). They also condemned the excessive use of teargas and water cannon to disperse protesters, as well as the recent block of social media platforms. "We urge the Sri Lankan Government to allow students, human rights defenders and others to protest in a peaceful manner, and to freely share their political views and express their discontent, both online and offline." (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Happy Ram Navami 2022! Ram Navami is a grand Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm by the people of the Hindu religion in India, the land of festivals. The festival of Ram Navami is celebrated on the ninth day of Chaitra month. It is believed that Lord Ram was born on this day. Maa Durga, Shri Ram and Maa Sita are worshipped on the day of Ram Navami. On this day, the 9th form of Mother Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped. According to the Panchang, the festival of Ram Navami will be celebrated on April 10, 2022. This day is the ninth date of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. That is why this date is called Ram Navami. Ram Navami 2022 Images & HD Wallpapers for Free Download Online: Wish Happy Ram Navami With New WhatsApp Stickers, GIF Greetings, Quotes and Facebook Messages. The festival of Shri Ram Navami is being celebrated for the last several thousand years. According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Vishnu took birth on earth in the form of Shri Ram to end the atrocities of Lankapati Ravana and annihilate him. According to mythology, King Dasharatha of Ayodhya, whose majesty prevailed in 10 directions, had done three marriages but did not get any child from any queen and because of this, he used to be very upset. When he discussed this with the sages, he advised them to conduct Putreshti Yagya. King Dasharatha decided to perform a Yagya to get a son. King Dasharatha distributed the prasad (kheer) of the yajna among his three queens. A few months after receiving the prasad, the three queens conceived. After this, Shri Ram was born on the ninth day of Chaitra Shukla from the womb of the elder queen Kaushalya. Later, in the auspicious constellations and auspicious times, Queen Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharata and the third queen Sumitra gave birth to twin and stunning sons Lakshman and Shatrughna. Ram Navami 2022 Dos & Donts: From Bhajan Kirtan to Ramcharitmanas Recitation, Auspicious Things To Do on the Birth Anniversary of Lord Ram for Good Luck and Happiness. Lord Rama is known as the ideal man and therefore he is called Maryada Purushottam. To celebrate the day, we have brought for you adorable images and wallpapers of Lord Ram, which you can download and share with your loved ones. You can download these amazing Ram Navami images, wallpapers, WhatsApp stickers, GIF greetings, photo SMS and Facebook messages for free. Since this festival is associated with Lord Rama, this day is very auspicious for the people of the Hindu religion. Navratri of Chaitra ends on the day of Ram Navami. On this very auspicious and holy occasion, you can say Shubh Ram Navami to your friends, relatives and loved ones, so we bring you lovely Hindi WhatsApp Stickers, Facebook Greetings, GIF Wishes, Photo SMS, Messages, and HD Wallpapers, which You can send through social media. You can download Ram Navami WhatsApp Stickers from Play Store, here is the download link. Ram Navami Wishes (File Image) WhatsApp Message Reads: Here is Hoping that Lord Ram Bestows Peace, Joy and Prosperity in Your Life And Brightens it With his Divine Blessings. Happy Ram Navami 2022. Ram Navami Wishes (File Image) WhatsApp Message Reads: Ram Jinka Naam Hai, Ayodhya Jinka Dhaam Hai, Aise Raghunandan ko, Hamara Pranam Hai. Aapko aur Aapke Parivar ko Ram Navami ki Hardik Shubhkamnayein. Ram Navami Wishes (File Image) WhatsApp Message Reads: Abandon Pride, Which is the Same as Tamas-Guna, Rooted As it is in Ignorance and is A Source of Considerable Pain; and Adore Lord Shri Rama, the Chief of the Raghus and an Ocean of Compassion." - Tulsidas, Ramayana Ram Navami Wishes (File Image) WhatsApp Message Reads: Ram Navami 2022. "Lord Rama Means One. When One Gets this Oneness Within and This Oneness is Corroborated by the Members of the Human Race, Then No Other Desire Arises." - Sri Jibankrishna Happy Ram Navami Wishes (File Image) WhatsApp Message Reads: Let This Festival Remind You to Think Positive and Never Lose Hope as Good Always Triumphs Over Evil. Happy Ram Navami. Happy Ram Navami Wishes (File Image) WhatsApp Message Reads: Mangal Bhawan Amangal Haari, Dravu Su Dasharath Ajara Bihari, Ram Siya Ram Siya Ram Jai Jai Ram. Happy Ram Navami 2022. Ram Navami 2022 Messages: Wishes, WhatsApp Messages and Images To Observe Festival of Shri Ram On this day many Hindu people go to Ayodhya and take bath in the Sarayu river. And in many places fasts are also kept and havans are done. It is believed that by observing a fast on this day, all the wishes of the worshiper are fulfilled, on this day Chaitra Ram fair is organized in Ayodhya, in which a large crowd is seen every year. After bathing on the day of Ram Navami, Ramcharit Manas is recited in the temples in homes. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 10, 2022 07:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). A member of the paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces and a villager were killed, and four villagers wounded on Saturday in an attack by militants of the extremist #IslamicState (IS) group in #Iraqi northern province of #Kirkuk, a local police source said. (Representational Image) pic.twitter.com/LZAO74fXif IANS (@ians_india) April 10, 2022 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, first met at work and fell in love. The two met in 1989 when Barack was a summer associate at Michelle's law office. Michelle was his mentor during a summer associateship in a Chicago law firm. Barack and Michelle went on their first date that summer and got married three years later, or in 1992, Brides reported. In a 2008 interview with ABC News, Michelle recalled that since both of them went to Harvard, the firm thought of hooking them up. The former first lady initially turned down Barack's invite, saying she found it to be "completely tacky." However, she eventually gave in, and they went out for ice cream. The night has ended with a kiss. Barack told O Magazine in 2007 that she kissed Michelle on their first date, and "it tasted like chocolate." On the other hand, Michelle said they clicked right away, and by the end of the date, "it was over... I was sold." READ NEXT: Michelle Obama's Possible Presidential Bid Would Put Republicans 'In a Very Difficult Position': Ex-Donald Trump Aide Barack Obama and Michelle Obama Marriage Barack Obama and Michelle Obama got married at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, with Michelle's brother walking her down the aisle while Barack's brother was the best man. Michelle earlier revealed that she had multiple miscarriages before giving birth to their first child, Malia, in 1998. She added that she even underwent IV treatments. In 2001, the former first lady gave birth to their second daughter Natasha. Valerie Jarrett, a pal since the early 1990s, told Us Magazine that Michelle really wanted to be a mother. Jarrett said Michelle was talking about children when she first met her. The former first lady went candid during a People interview, talking about "the hard parts" of her marriage with Barack. Michelle said they did not have role models for their marriage as their parents' generation taught their elders not to talk about marriage and "the hard times." Michelle revealed that she and the former president had gone to marriage counseling earlier in their marriage. She said that marriage counseling for them was one of the ways where they learned to talk about their differences. It was previously reported that the couple almost called it quits before Barack's presidency. In the controversial biography "The Amateur," released in 2012, author Edward Klein wrote that Michelle started writing up divorce papers before they entered the White House. Klein said there were many incidents that put a strain on their marriage. Barack Obama has once talked about the times when his wife felt the "underlying tension," with the pressure and stress of needing to get everything right to be on at every moment. Barack Obama and Michelle Obama Marriage Amid Politics The former president said their marriage was strained during the eight years he spent as president of the United States. Barack Obama admitted there was tension and stress within the family, and he could not sleep from worrying about it. He said Michelle Obama very much believed in the work he did. However, Barack noted the former first lady was less optimistic about what he could get done, Hello Magazine reported. Barack Obama added that Michelle was more skeptical about politics and more mindful of the sacrifices to the family. The former president described the end of his presidency as "a big exhale." Barack said they were able to get their longstanding marriage back on track after they left office. He shared that Michelle has become more relaxed and joyful and has allowed them "to be friends again." In the 2021 interview with People, Michelle Obama also said that tough times befall their marriage, but they got through and came out of it stronger. "We came through the struggle together, which makes our foundation even more solid than it was... I am happy to say that I can now look up from all of that and look over across the room, and I still see my friend," the former first lady noted. READ MORE: Hunter Biden's Wife: Who Is Melissa Cohen? Getting to Know the Second Wife of President Joe Biden's Son This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Barack Obama on Married Life as President: 'We Went Through Our Rough Patches' - From Guardian News The delivery dates for new turnkey houses for council tenants are outside of Laois County Council's control. The council is buying turnkey homes off private developers' plans as part of a range of efforts to accommodate people on its housing waiting list, currently at over 1,740 names. Turnkey involves a developer agreeing to fund and then sell fully completed new homes to the council for a price set ahead of construction. One such development was raised as a concern at the March meeting of Laois County Council. Featherbed Lane is Borris-in-Ossory will provide a total of 11 new homes. The first 6 houses of the 11 house Featherbed Lane Housing Estate Borris in Ossory were handed over last year with the remaining 5 units to be ready by October/November 2021. The five are now promised to be ready by June 2022. Cllr James Kelly told the Leinster Express that people are stressed. "This is very unfair and stressful for the families who were fully convinced that they would be in their new house for Christmas," he said. It is very disappointing that the five remaining houses on Featherbed Lane. I know of people who were supposed to be out of their rental houses because they were sold. Quarter two means the end of June, he said at the March meeting of Laois County Council, where the new delivery date was listed in the manager's report. Council Director of Services for Housing Angela McEvoy said they have no control on a completion date. It is a turnkey development outside of our control for turnaround. But I will actively pursue it, she said. Cllr Kelly said tenants are waiting for six months. It's very disappointing, Five tenants are waiting. They were told last October or November, he said. Housing Official Georgina Ireland reassured him of their efforts. There is regular contact by the senior engineer with the developer. There were a number of issues. All we can do is keep the foot to the neck on it on a weekly basis. What we want at the end of the day is houses delivered. We are hoping they will be in by May, Ms Ireland said. Cllr Aisling Moran meanwhile wants to impose penalties on developers for late delivery of turnkey builds. You can't just say 'we will take houses' and leave it. We need to know when they will be ready. If they go over the timeline penalise them. We need to treat this like a business, she said. She asked if there was a bond in place, and Ms Ireland replied that all private developments do. Cllr Moran asked could this not be used by the council to take over finishing the houses. Ms McEvoy explained that bonds cannot be used until planning permits are out of date, after five to ten years. "They are the ones in control of how quickly it happens," she said. An over-time incentive system is understood to have been introduced at Dublin Airport to increase security staffing levels to cope with increased passenger numbers. Dublin Airport Authoritys (DAA) security screening was particularly stretched due to staff shortages, with an extra 300 security staff required on top of the 600 existing staff. It is understood that a new triple-time payment scheme to encourage overtime is being offered to staff to try to keep passenger queues at the airport as short as possible. Social media footage over the weekend showed the full extent of hold-ups as passengers queued outside the airport from early morning. A statement on the Dublin Airport Twitter feed said: We are currently filtering passengers into the terminal buildings in an orderly manner to join check in & security queues which are moving & we thank passengers for their cooperation & patience at this extremely busy time of the morning in advance of the first wave of departures. We are currently managing the flow of passengers into the terminal as part of a carefully planned process with the aim of keeping passengers safe and ultimately making sure passengers make their flights on time. We have 10 security lanes open in T1 and queues are moving steadily. Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) April 10, 2022 The airport announced a five-point strategy earlier this week after lengthy queues in recent weeks sparked concern from government and complaints from some passengers that they had missed their flights. The queues were attributed to delays at security screening during peak times. The airport said it had been trying to rebound from the impact of the pandemic and blamed shortages in fully trained staff working at the countrys busiest airport. They advised passengers to arrive at the airport a minimum of three-and-a-half hours prior to their departure time over the busy Easter period. Other measures being taken include the recruitment and training of additional security screening staff, deployment of a task force, a targeted communication campaign and keeping security in Terminal 1 open 24/7 to reduce the build-up of queues. ENHANCEMENT works are to take place at a popular Limerick tourist attraction. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is planning a series of works at Desmond Castle in Newcastle West, which re-opened last Thursday for the summer season. New signage and flagpoles are planned for the medieval castle, while consultants have been appointed to progress the long-term project of roofing the Halla Mor. The OPW Minister and local TD Patrick O'Donovan was on his home turf in Newcastle West this week, where he had a tour of the castle ahead of its summer opening. "Visitors can not only enjoy free entrance for guided tours of the medieval castle with one of the most impressive surviving banqueting halls in Ireland, but can also look forward to resting afterwards in the courtyard on additional seating that will be installed in the course of the 2022 season," he said. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Desmond Castle welcomed 19,408 people last year, a record number in its 24 years of operation, and a 53% increase from 2019. Mr ODonovan said: "With the opening of the Limerick Greenway last year, Desmond Castle Newcastle West has been put on the map of many new visitors, whether they are local tourists or from further away, taking to their bikes to actively explore the beauty of West Limerick. Over 220,000 people used the Greenway in the first five months after it opened last July and I have no doubt it will enjoy enduring popularity and enhance the tourism appeal of the entire area, linking many exciting discovery points along the route from Rathkeale to Newcastle West and all the way to the Kerry border. A FILE is to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions in the case of a man who is accused of stealing an articulated truck which was transporting fertilser. Noel Greaney, aged 37, of Rooska West, Athea appeared before Limerick District Court after he was charged in connection with an offence which is alleged to have occurred in West Limerick last month. He faces a single charge, under the provisions of the Road Traffic Act, of stealing the Mercedes truck from a location on the main N21 at Barnagh between Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale on March 22, last. While the trailer, which was carrying fertiliser worth around 30,000 was later recovered by gardai, the tractor unit has not been located. It is understood, the blue and white vehicle is worth in the region of 40,000. During a brief procedural hearing, Detective Sergeant Mike Reidy gave evidence of formally arresting and charging the defendant prior to the court sitting. He told Judge Patricia Harney there was no objection to bail subject to Mr Greaneys compliance with a number of conditions. The defendant, who entered a bond of 2,000, must live at his home address and sign on at Newcastle West garda station three times a week. He has surrendered his passport to gardai and has agreed not to apply for any travel documents while on bail. He has also been directed not to have any contact with another named individual who is not before the court. Barrister Donal Cronin gave an undertaking, on behalf of his client, to provide gardai with a mobile phone number within 48 hours of the court hearing. Noting that directions are awaited from the DPP, Judge Harney granted bail and she adjouned the matter to a date in late May before Newcastle West Court. A LIMERICK school that has been instrumental in the development of talented musicians is toasting to a highly successful six decades in the heart of the classical community. Limerick School of Music first opened its doors on Mulgrave Street, in Limerick city, in January 1962, after the CEO of the adjoining Limerick Senior College set out to establish a dedicated music school. Starting off with a small enrolment of between 30 to 40 students at that time, the campus now sees 1,440 students tutored in orchestral music, by 39 highly specialised teachers, each academic year. Principal David O Connell, who started at the school in September 1965, said that the philosophy has always been to be an accessible resource to all in the community. Coupled with that, he said, is the ethos of enriching students and helping them achieve a good classical grounding, meaning that they can tackle any musical genre in life after that. What is most important to us here is instilling a love and joy of music, he told the Limerick Leader. Healthy competition is encouraged at LSOM, with each students greeted with a sense of achievement every year as they make their way through sets of graded exams, from Grade 1-8. Junior and Leaving Certificate music is also catered for on site, as well as professional diplomas. David informed that many of LSOMs graduates pursue third-level undergraduate and postgraduate music degrees in Cork, Dublin and throughout Europe. Lots of them go on to become performers, teachers and educators around the world, he said, adding that its not just about sending out professional musicians, but people who are well-rounded. Exponential growth over the last 60 years had led to new innovative courses being implemented at LSOM. Mini Musicians was designed two years ago, to allow young children to shape their interests. Starting off at the age of four, children attend with their parent or guardian and test out all aspects of music. Teachers will then guide them towards the area that suits them best: string, wind or piano. A specialized violin making course, set up in 1975, has been steadily producing a string of talented instrument makers. The year-long endeavour now caters for any instrument with strings or made of wood. Taught by Niall O Neill (pictured below) in a specialised workshop on-site, up to twelve students learn to craft violins, violas, cellos, double basses, guitars, harps, mandolins and ukuleles. David said that many retired carpenters or musicians opt to take up the hand-carving instrument course. He listed the violin as the most difficult to make, due to its intricacy and curvature. Now boasting three orchestras, a big band and choirs, the aim of Limerick School of Music is to keep expanding within its available resources and relating to current music trends, David added. A celebratory 60-year gala concert is due to take place at the University Concert Hall (UCH) at the University of Limerick on May 22. Several of the schools talented alumni have been invited back and will make up a Senior Orchestra of up to 130 performers to mark the special occasion. Its important that music keeps moving forward and that we cater for all genres of music here, not just classical, David said, reflecting on the schools evolution since he became principal in 1999. New advancements in technology since then has led to PCs in each room on campus, as well as high-tech video recording and sound mixing material. Both marketing and music technology are now key areas on the schools radar, David said, adding that Music Generation in Limerick has led to the discovery of thousands of musicians in Limerick. There is a greater awareness now to selling yourself as a musician. Traditionally, it would have been a long, difficult and lonely path to sell you and your product, David said. Now in its 12th year in the city, Music Generation Limerick provides access to high quality music education for young people in marginalised communities. With the advent of programmes like Music Generation Limerick, a defined career path is now much more accessible for young children in Limerick. He added that Limerick is lucky to have a dedicated school of music, being only one of three in total nationally. Without the huge support of the LCETB and the CEO in 1959 in the initial stages, LSOM wouldnt be here today, he admitted. We have enjoyed a hugely successful 60 years here and we are looking forward to the next 60, he concluded. Visit www.UCH.ie to book tickets for the Limerick School of Music's s 60-year gala celebration. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. A SPECIAL ceremony of remembrance and reflection to mark the impact of Covid-19 will take place in Limerick later today. The Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Daniel Butler will lead the ceremony which will take place in the courtyard at the rear of City Hall at Merchants Quay. The ceremony, which begins at 1pm, will remember those who lost their lives during the pandemic to date and will pay tribute to those who contributed to the fight locally and nationally against the virus. Representatives from all sectors who had to work through the pandemic will be in attendance and the public are also invited to attend. This ceremony will represent an opportunity for the people of Limerick to pause and reflect on all those who have been affected by, or lost their lives, during the pandemic. The ceremony will also include contributions from the main faiths across Limerick, a special wreath laying ceremony and reflective readings and song and an address from the Mayor. Commenting ahead of the event, Mayor Daniel Butler said: "The past two years has been a very difficult time for many. We have lost many people and our lives have been severely hampered due to the pandemic. This ceremony is a time for us to reflect on the past two years and how our lives have changed as a result and how we came together as communities to help each other." The mayor added: "It also gives us an opportunity to pay tribute to all the frontline workers across all sectors of society for their dedication and hard work throughout the pandemic and indeed now as we learn to live with the virus." When Citigroup Inc. shut down operations in Saudi Arabia after Sept. 11, 2001, government officials here felt betrayed. For years after, the Saudis snubbed Citi as executives realized they had made a mistake and tried to rebuild their business. Two decades later, the third-biggest U.S. bank has again found favor in the kingdom as one of the foreign lenders helping Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman modernize its oil-heavy economy. In recent years, Citi has participated in the countrys biggest listings, including the offering of oil giant Saudi Arabian Oil Co., known as Aramco. It obtained a license in 2018 for investment banking, hired local staff and opened an office. It now plans to deepen its activity by applying for a full banking permit. That would put it on par with competitors such as JPMorgan Chase & Co. in offering banking and payments to international companies in Saudi Arabia and could lead to lucrative work with the kingdoms biggest institutions. They paid their dues," said a senior Saudi official. They were in the penalty box long enough. Theyre back in the game." The banks bumpy road back to favor provides a glimpse into the business environment in this opaque G-20 country and how it is changing under Prince Mohammed, whose social and economic overhauls have drawn praise and brutal crackdown on dissent sparked outrage. Saudi Arabia has struggled to attract foreign investment, and Prince Mohammed, the countrys de facto ruler, has turned to the financial-services industry to inject capital into his economy. For Citi, Saudi Arabia represents a hot market. Already, it advised last year on the $1.2 billion listing of ACWA Power, the countrys biggest renewable-energy firm, and the $1 billion sale of a stake in its stock exchange. It was a bookrunner on the December sale of a $3.2 billion stake in Saudi Telecom Co. by the Saudi sovereign-wealth fund and advised the fund on the $380 million acquisition of English soccer club Newcastle in October, according to people familiar with the deals. Citi hopes its revival in Saudi Arabia will position it to benefit as the kingdom privatizes billions of dollars worth of government assets, its $500 billion sovereign-wealth fund becomes more active overseas, and its biggest companies look to expand abroad. The government also continues to explore asset sales of Aramco, the worlds biggest oil company. Few emerging markets globally offer Citi such a panoply of potential fees. Those efforts dovetail with a new strategy put forward by Chief Executive Jane Fraser, who last year announced Citi would sell unprofitable retail banking assets and focus on investment banking and managing companies bank accounts and rich individuals wealth. The banking license would allow Citi to take deposits from firms inside Saudi Arabia and manage their cash and offer local payments. In November, Ms. Fraser led a Citi delegation to Saudi Arabia to meet officials and regulators and visited the desert camp of billionaire Prince al-Waleed bin Talal, once the banks largest single shareholder. She held a falcon and patted a camel, before eating dinner with the prince, according to a video published by his company. She told Prince Alwaleedthe highest-profile detainee in a 2017 roundup of businessmen and royals in Riyadhs Ritz Carlton Hotelthat she was pleased with the way the Saudi market was moving, said a person familiar with the exchange. In return, the prince praised her global strategy revamp, saying youre taking some tough decisions," the person said. Ms. Fraser didnt see Prince Mohammed. Her predecessor, Michael Corbat, met him several times as Citi sought to demonstrate its support for Saudi Arabia and came away from the interactions energized about the changes in the kingdom. After the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, Mr. Corbat pulled out of Riyadhs flagship investment conference. He returned the following year but didnt meet Prince Mohammed again. Ebru Pakcan, Citis chief executive for emerging markets in Europe, Middle East and Africa, said growing demand in Saudi Arabia for financial advice has helped the bank overcome the impact of its hasty exit. People will get over that because they need to continue to think about how they are going to evolve," she said. Still, the bank faces competition. Regulators have dished out full banking licenses in recent years to Standard Chartered and Credit Suisse. JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley are expanding staff, and HSBC Holdings PLC, too, in recent years has carved out a special role in the kingdom. From 2017 to 2021, JPMorgan made the most investment-banking revenue in the kingdom, at $143 million, closely followed by HSBC, and then Citi at $134 million, according to research firm Dealogic. The Saudi banking industry is much different than when Citi left in 2004. At the time, the U.S. government was investigating potential Saudi links to the terrorist attacks that felled the World Trade Center. Saudi banking-privacy regulations made it difficult for Citi to access customer data at Saudi American Bank, which it managed and owned a 20% stake in, said people familiar with the events. Citi feared it couldnt determine whether 9/11 financiers held accounts, leaving it unable to answer questions from Congress and vulnerable to investigation, these people said. Then the only U.S. bank with a retail-banking subsidiary in the kingdom, Citi pulled the plug. Within a few years, executives in New York sought to return, but the damage in Riyadh was done, said the people familiar with its exit. For the next decade, Citi sought to get back in Saudi officials good graces. Prince Alwaleed tried unsuccessfully to usher the bank back. The ascent of Prince Mohammed turned out to be the key for Citi. In 2015, King Salman bin Abdulaziz ascended to the throne and put his young son in charge of the economy. Prince Mohammeds ambitious plans to sell shares in Aramco and create new industries needed access to the global-financial system. The government at that time had no debt outstanding with international investors. A senior Saudi financial official called Citi, inviting it to help. On the other end of the line was Carmen Haddad, a veteran Citi banker who had been cultivating relationships in the kingdom since 2000. Citi may officially still have been a pariah in some Saudi circles, but that didnt prevent it from lending money to the kingdom. It was one of several banks that, together, lent the kingdom $10 billion in 2016 and then coordinated Saudi Arabias debut international sovereign bond. In a sign of its seriousness, Citi dispatched its head of global-capital markets from New York to join the sales roadshow with potential investors. The deals helped dispel doubts among Saudi officials about the banks commitment to the kingdom. The Indian real estate sector has remained a promising market for property investors from across the world. Interestingly, the Non-resident Indians (NRIs) have taken a keen interest in the property market in India. Industry experts explain the reasons why the NRI investor must keep investing in Indian real estate. Against the backdrop of the challenges faced due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Indian economy faced severe hardships. However, the pandemic is over, and the Indian economy is resurgent. The pent-up demand has started to come to the fore, and the economy will grow leaps and bounds in the coming years. This will appreciate the property prices, and the NRI investors can expect a handsome Return on Investment on the invested money. New segments of investment such as fractional ownership of land, co-working spaces, commercial real estate, and warehousing present an excellent opportunity for the NRI real estate investors," said Subhash Goel, MD- Goel Ganga Developments. Experts believe that a simplified taxation regime also encourages the NRIs to park their surplus money in India. The NRIs also get an indexation benefit for properties held in India. For example, immovable properties held for more than 24 months is treated as long-term capital asset and obtain an indexation benefit with simplified taxation at 20%. The Income-tax Act of India also allows certain tax deductions under Sections 80C and 80TTA," said Atul Goel, MD, Goel Ganga Group The NRI community has a unique advantage of converting their hard-earned foreign income into lucrative investment options in India. With the rupee value at an all-time low of 75+ against a dollar, the investment in real estate has become more affordable and approachable. Suren Goel, Partner, RPS Group said that with the rupee value falling further, the purchasing power of the investors will rise manifold. For example, a piece of land worth 75 lakh would cost around 1 lakh dollars at present. However, at a rupee value of 65 against a dollar, the same cost would have been 1 lakh 15 thousand dollars," he explained. The cricketer who once led a team famous for perfecting the craft of reverse swing found himself run out this weekend, ousted from power as Pakistans prime minister by a late-night vote of no-confidence ordered by its judiciary. Of its National Assemblys 342 members, 174 asked Imran Khan to go, while his party fought only feebly for him. As hed tried to bend the rules to stay in office, his ouster was deserved. The envy he expressed of Indias foreign policy should have covered democratic processes, too. Leader of the opposition Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of three-time PM Nawaz Sharif, is widely expected to replace Khan. The brothers are seen as aligned on ties with China and India but divergent on a key issue, their partys army relations, which would explain why the former chief minister of Punjab province has a chance. With Pakistans economy reeling, foreign policy under Americas eye and the Assembly due for polls this year, its tilt is a policy bet that its people should get to make, duly informed of both Beijings and Washingtons policies. Also of the fact that command models usually dont prosper, whatever the colour of the ideology. Engineering is the application of science and math to solve problems. Engineering is the application of science and mathematics to solve problems. Engineers figure out how things work and find practical uses for scientific discoveries. Scientists and inventors often get the credit for innovations that advance the human condition, but it is engineers who are instrumental in making those innovations available to the world. In his book, "Disturbing the Universe" (Sloan Foundation, 1981), physicist Freeman Dyson wrote, "A good scientist is a person with original ideas. A good engineer is a person who makes a design that works with as few original ideas as possible. There are no prima donnas in engineering." The history of engineering is part and parcel of the history of human civilization. The Pyramids of Giza, Stonehenge, the Parthenon and the Eiffel Tower stand today as monuments to our heritage of engineering. Today's engineers not only build huge structures, such as the International Space Station (ISS), but they are also building maps to the human genome and better, smaller computer chips. Engineering is one of the cornerstones of STEAM education (formerly known as STEM education), an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to motivate students to learn about science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. Types of engineering Mechanical engineering involves the design, manufacturing, inspection and maintenance of machinery, equipment and components as well as control systems and instruments for monitoring their status and performance. This includes vehicles, construction and farm machinery, industrial installations and a wide variety of tools and devices. Electrical engineering involves the design, testing, manufacturing, construction, control, monitoring and inspection of electrical and electronic devices, machinery and systems. These systems vary in scale from microscopic circuits to national power generation and transmission systems. Electrical engineering systems vary in scale from microscopic circuits to national power generation and transmission systems. (Image credit: Hinterhaus Productions via Getty Images.) Civil engineering involves the design, construction, maintenance and inspection of large infrastructure projects such as highways, railroads, bridges, tunnels, dams and airports. Aerospace engineering involves the design, manufacturing and testing of aircraft and spacecraft as well as parts and components such as airframes, power plants, control and guidance systems, electrical and electronic systems, and communication and navigation systems. Nuclear engineering involves the design, manufacturing, construction, operation and testing of equipment, systems and processes involving the production, control and detection of nuclear radiation. These systems include particle accelerators and nuclear reactors for electric power plants and ships, radioisotope production and research. Nuclear engineering also includes monitoring and protecting humans from the potentially harmful effects of radiation. Structural engineering involves the design, construction and inspection of load-bearing structures such large commercial buildings, bridges and industrial infrastructure. Biomedical engineering is the practice of designing systems, equipment and devices for use in the practice of medicine. It also involves working closely with medical practitioners, including doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists and researchers, in order to determine, understand and meet their requirements for systems, equipment and devices. Biomedical engineers work closely with medical practitioners to design systems, equipment and devices for medical use. (Image credit: Janiecbros via Getty Images) Chemical engineering is the practice of designing equipment, systems and processes for refining raw materials and for mixing, compounding and processing chemicals to make valuable products. Computer engineering is the practice of designing computer hardware components, computer systems, networks and computer software. Industrial engineering is the practice of designing and optimizing facilities, equipment, systems and processes for manufacturing, material processing, and any number of other work environments. Environmental engineering is the practice of preventing, reducing and eliminating sources of pollution that affect air, water and land. It also involves detecting and measuring pollution levels, determining sources of pollution, cleaning up and rehabilitating polluted sites and ensuring compliance with local, state and federal regulations. Environmental engineers also design municipal water supply and industrial wastewater treatment systems like the Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works in Hong Kong. (Image credit: William C. Y. Chu via Getty Images) Engineers require in-depth knowledge of mathematics, physics and computer applications such as simulations and computer-aided design. This is why most college programs include basic engineering courses in a wide range of topics before students choose to specialize in a particular area. Careers in engineering: jobs & salaries Many employers require engineers to obtain state certification as Professional Engineers. Additionally, many engineers belong to the American Society of Professional Engineers and other engineering societies for their areas of specialization. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has information on various specialized fields of engineering, including educational requirements, job descriptions, work environments and job outlooks. Another source of information on job descriptions, educational requirements and required skills and knowledge for different areas of engineering can be found at MyMajors.com. Engineers work in many different settings, according to the BLS, including research laboratories, factories, construction sites, nuclear power plants, offshore oil rigs and even on the ISS. Additionally, many engineers work in businesses related to their areas of specialization; for example, an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) engineer might own a heating and air conditioning company, and a structural engineer might own a construction company. Engineers work in many different settings, including research laboratories, factories, construction sites, nuclear power plants, offshore oil rigs and even on the ISS. (Image credit: Monty Rakusen via Getty Images.) Most engineering jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in engineering. State certification as a Professional Engineer, which requires passing a rigorous and comprehensive test, is also required by many employers and to work as a consultant. Senior engineering positions and professorships generally require a master's degree or a doctorate. Employment of engineers is projected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030, depending on the field of specialization, according to the BLS. The areas with most projected job growth are sectors experiencing an increase in demand such as renewable energy, oil and gas extractions and robotics. According to BLS, the average annual wage for architecture and engineering occupations was $83,160 in May 2020. This is considerably higher than the average of all occupations which stands at $41,950. Engineering has matured and expanded over the centuries along with our knowledge and understanding of science, mathematics and the laws of physics and their applications. Today, engineers apply both well-established scientific principles and cutting-edge innovations in order to design, build, improve, operate and maintain complex devices, structures, systems and processes. It was engineering that brought us out of the caves; it was engineering that took us to the moon; and if we ever make it to the stars, it will be engineering that takes us there. As our knowledge continues to advance, engineers will have new opportunities to find practical uses for scientific discoveries. As the novelist James A. Michener aptly put it in his novel "Space" (Fawcett, 1983), "Scientists dream about doing great things. Engineers do them." Additional resources Looking for a job in engineering or simply wanting to see what career options are available check out Engineer Jobs for the latest listings. Thinking about studying engineering? Kingston University, London has come up with a list of five benefits to studying engineering. The Engineering Council also has useful resources for those considering a career in engineering. Starbucks workers have added to the momentum of a union campaign that went public in late August and has upended decades of union-free labor at the companys corporate-owned stores. On Thursday and Friday, workers at six stores in upstate New York voted to unionize, according to the National Labor Relations Board, bringing the total number of company-owned stores where workers have backed a union to 16. The union, Workers United, was also leading by a wide margin in votes tallied Friday at a store in Kansas, but the number of challenged ballots leaves the outcome in doubt until their status can be resolved. The union has lost only one election, but it is formally challenging the outcome. Since the union secured its first two victories in elections that concluded in December, workers at more than 175 other stores across at least 25 states have filed for union elections, out of roughly 9,000 corporate-owned stores in the United States. The labor board will count ballots in at least three more stores next week. The organizing success at Starbucks appears to reflect a growing interest among workers in unionizing, including the efforts at Amazon, where workers last week voted to unionize a Staten Island warehouse by a significant margin. On Wednesday, the general counsel of the NLRB, Jennifer Abruzzo, said union election filings were up more than 50% during the previous six months versus the same period one year earlier. Abruzzo expressed concern that funding and staff shortages were making it difficult for the agency to keep up with the activity, saying in a statement that the board needs a significant increase of funds to fully effectuate the mission of the agency. Starbucks has sought to persuade workers not to unionize by holding anti-union meetings with workers and conversations between managers and individual employees, but some employees say the meetings have only galvanized their support for organizing. In some cases, Starbucks has also sent a number of senior officials to stores from out of town, a move the company says is intended to address operational issues like staffing and training but which some union supporters have said they find intimidating. The union has accused Starbucks of seeking to cut back hours nationally as a way to encourage longtime employees to leave the company and replace them with workers who are more skeptical about unionizing. And the union argues that Starbucks has retaliated against workers for supporting the union by disciplining or firing them. Last month, the NLRB issued a formal complaint against Starbucks for retaliating against two Arizona employees, a step it takes after finding merit in accusations against employers or unions. The company has denied that it has cut hours to prompt employees to leave, saying it schedules workers in response to customer demand, and it has rejected accusations of anti-union activity. As the union campaign accelerated in March, Starbucks announced that Kevin Johnson, who had served as CEO since 2017, would be replaced on an interim basis by Howard Schultz, who had led the company twice before and remains one of its largest investors. Some investors who had warned Johnson that the companys anti-union tactics could damage its reputation expressed optimism that the leadership change might bring about a shift in Starbucks posture toward the union. But the company soon announced that it would not agree to stay neutral in union elections, as the union has requested, dampening those hopes. On Monday, the day that Schultz returned as CEO, Starbucks fired Laila Dalton, one of the two Arizona workers whom the NLRB had accused Starbucks of retaliating against in March. The company said Dalton had violated company rules by recording co-workers conversations without their permission. A partners interest in a union does not exempt them from the standards we have always held, Reggie Borges, a company spokesperson, said in a statement, using the companys term for an employee. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Click here to read the full article. Amber Heard has shared a message regarding her ongoing legal battle with her ex-husband Johnny Depp, thanking her supporters. Im going to go offline for the next several weeks. As you may know, Ill be in Virginia where I face my ex-husband Johnny Depp in court, Heard wrote. Johnny is suing me for an op-ed I wrote in the Washington Post, in which I recounted my experience of violence and domestic abuse. I never named him, rather I wrote about the price women pay for speaking against men in power. I continue to pay that price, but hopefully when this case concludes, I can move on and so can Johnny. I have always maintained a love for Johnny and it brings me great pain to have to live out the details of our past life together in front of the word, the post continues. At this time, I recognize the ongoing support Ive been fortunate to receive throughout these years, and in these coming weeks I will be leaning on it more than ever. Depp is pursuing a $50 million defamation lawsuit against Heard. The actress plea to dismiss the suit after Depp lost his libel case in the U.K. was denied. The case is set to open Monday in Fairfax County, Va. Depp has launched a legal battle against Heard after the actress penned a Washington Post op-ed in 2018 stating that she is a survivor of domestic abuse. Although Heard did not mention Depp by name in the piece, she accused him of domestic violence after filing for divorce in 2016. In November 2020, Depp lost a U.K. libel case against the publisher of The Sun, a U.K. tabloid that alleged he was a wife beater in a 2018 article. The judge ruled that the words were substantially true. Heard requested that Depps stateside defamation suit against her be dismissed after the U.K. judgement was finalized, since both lawsuits involve allegations of Depp as an abuser. However, the Virginia court ruled that the two cases and statements were inherently different. Depp has since argued that Hollywood is boycotting him, pointing to the long-delayed release of his biopic Minamata. Depp also exited the Warner Bros. franchise Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, where he had played the main antagonist role of Gellert Grindelwald across two films. The role has since been recast with Mads Mikkelsen. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Judge Ketanji Brown Jacksons historic appointment as the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court was the focus of Saturday Night Lives cold open. In the Oval Office, Jackson (played by Ego Nwodim) and President Biden (played by James Austin Jackson) recreated the photos of them watching the Senates confirmation vote earlier this week. I promised to put a Black woman on the court, and that is what I did. So that is one campaign promise down and only 74 to go, Biden said. Jacksons response: I was happy to do my part. Ive worked twice as hard as a white man my entire life and then spent an entire week listening to Ted Cruz call me a pedophile. The sketch imagined what might have gone on in the room during this momentous day, with Jackson receiving wisdom from prominent Americans of the past. Her first visitation? Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Kate McKinnon returned with fists in the air, the frilly collar, and digs at Ted Cruz all part of her delightfully brusque portrait of RBG. Her advice for Jackson? Always label your lunches. Because justices have sticky fingers. Look, I know your confirmation process put you through the wringer, but in the end, people do the right thing. And you know, I was confirmed in the Senate 96 to 3, so what was your vote? 53 to 47, Jackson (Nwodim) said. Yeah, a lot of them walked out and one guy kept asking me if babies are racist. Well, it was Ted Cruz, so I bet the book was called, Goodnight Cancun and thats a Gins-burn. Justice Jackson was then visited by other famous Black Americans Harriet Tubman (Punkie Johnson), Jackie Robinson (Chris Redd), and Justice Thurgood Marshall (Kenan Thompson), who became the first Black Supreme Court justice in 1967. So what advice for me do you have as a person of color on the Supreme Court? Jackson asked Marshall. Democracy can be slow and messy. It stumbles, but over time, it moves forward. I mean, I was the first Black Supreme Court justice, so you must be what, the 10th, the 20th? Nope, Jackson replied. Just the third. One Laredo girl is doing what she can to help youngsters in the city learn through reading one library book at a time. Miss Pre-Teen Laredo Elizabeth Bausman has started a Little Free Library right here in the city with the hopes that children, and others, can embrace the joy of reading -- and maybe the community can help out along the way. The Little Free Library project was introduced as a community service project for the Heart of Gold Pageant Queens to pursue within their local communities by Angel and Keshawn Jameson, Heart of Gold Directors, Bausman said. Elizabeth and her mother, Mary, are lifetime queens with the system and wanted to install a library in Laredo. According to the spokesman for the Literacy Volunteers of Laredo, they found an anonymous local builder who used leftover materials to build the main structure of the library, and Bausman finished it by painting it her favorite color blue. Bausmans mother is on the executive board for the Literacy Volunteers for Laredo and introduced the project to the board. She met with Sandra Taylor to install the first library in the Pan American Courts Arts Complex. It wasnt easy scheduling a launch date due to the COVID outbreaks and the inauguration was rescheduled a few times, Mary said. Dr. Juan and Juanita Lira from Laredo Rotary and Carolyn Schmies from Womens City Club donated books for the library. According to the Literacy Volunteers of Laredo, there are already five of these libraries throughout the city. Laredo has five established Little Free Libraries on the global map in central and north Laredo. But Elizabeth noticed there werent any in the south and east parts of Laredo, so she decided to expand her project to install five libraries within the next five years in those areas, Mary said. The hope is to promote literacy equally throughout the city. This can happen for those who dont like to read ebooks or who dont have the ability to check out books from our libraries. Bausman said there will be Spanish books in the selections provided in the small libraries created throughout the community as well. There will be books in Spanish and possibly other languages," Bausman said. The language and level of reading will be determined by who contributes when they leave a book. That is the exciting part. The Bausmans said it is important to hold these libraries in place considering much of the Laredo community still lacks in many aspects of learning and reading. Since we are a border city, our percentage (of illiteracy) is higher than some other regions in the United States. Our community is full of arts, culture and traditions. We need to promote literacy to be more connected and stronger as a community so we can share our knowledge with the rest of the world in more ways. According to the Bausmans, the way Little Free Libraries work is simple. You can take a book and leave a book in its place, Mary said. It is a trust system, but we all know that people read at different speeds and the inventory of books may run low at times. This is when we need community help from organizations such as Literacy Volunteers of Laredo, The Laredo Rotary Clubs or Women's City Club who helped with stocking this library. Each Little Free Library has a registered number on the websites global map showing its location and how to get there. Thus, after the library is inaugurated Saturday, the new library will be seen on a global scale. That means anyone who is local or visiting Laredo can find the library and contribute to building a better community through literacy, Bausman said. Anyone can donate books and LVL has agreed to accept those donations. Those interested can contact Gloria Vasquez for more information at 956-724-5207 concerning donations and other events. Also, anyone interested can also contact Literacy Volunteers of Laredo for Bausman to install a Little Free Library in their area and meet her goal of promoting literacy in Laredo. We already have the second installation coming up, Mary said. We will announce that location soon. A couple was arrested for allegedly transporting migrants and having small amounts of marijuana. David Hernandez, 21, and Lizbeth Anel Lucio, 21, were arrested and charged with smuggling of persons with likelihood of serious bodily injury or death and possession of marijuana. Lucio was additionally charged with evading arrest with a vehicle. The case unfolded at about 2:11 p.m. April 4 when a Webb County Precinct 3 Constables Office sergeant spotted a white Ford Fusion failing to stay in the lane of travel and going several times to the shoulder. The Fusion stopped abruptly on the shoulder just east of Pescadito Road. When the sergeant activated his units lights, the driver took off on Texas 359 and almost crashed several times, according to court documents. Several people abandoned the vehicle when the vehicle stopped on Rubio Road. The vehicle then continued traveling until it stopped half a mile east of Jordan Road. Authorities approached the Fusion and discovered one migrant in the trunk. A passenger identified as Hernandez was detained. The driver was identified as Lucio. A search of the vehicle yielded two plastic baggies containing marijuana and an additional marijuana baggie was found inside a purse. In a post-arrest statement, Lucio stated she got scared when she saw the units lights and drove off. She stated she was aware that she almost crashed two times. Lucio added the marijuana in the car was for personal use but mentioned she was unaware the migrant was in the vehicle. Hernandez, however, stated that the migrant asked for a ride to a location close to the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint. But Hernandez stated that his girlfriend, Lucio, got scared and sped off. He stated he told Lucio to stop but she did not. Hernandez also mentioned that the marijuana found in the vehicle was for personal use. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BOALSBURG, Pa. (AP) Voters are digesting a newly hostile Democratic primary race for Pennsylvania's open U.S. Senate seat as the top candidates came together Saturday, face to face, for the first time since Conor Lamb first attacked rival John Fetterman in earnest. Fetterman, Pennsylvania's lieutenant governor, has been on the defensive, after a week of attacks by Lamb and a third candidate, Malcolm Kenyatta, as well as by a super PAC supporting Lamb that is running a TV ad statewide accusing Fetterman of being extreme. Neither Lamb nor Kenyatta made any reference to Fetterman in their remarks to a crowd of about 200 Penn State-area Democrats in a hotel ballroom just outside State College. Fetterman, however, told the crowd he would only run a positive campaign. My commitment to you is that if youve entrusted any of your resources to our campaign, not one dollar of that will ever be weaponized against a fellow Democrat," Fetterman said. If you wanted to harm a Democrat, you can write a check to the RNC. Theyre much better at it and theyre much more efficient at it." With just over five weeks until the May 17 primary, Democrats are jockeying for the nomination to try to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Pat Toomey in perhaps the party's best chance nationally to pick up a seat in the closely divided Senate. The national party has not gotten involved in Pennsylvania's primary race this year after doing so twice before in 2010 and 2016 in a bid to beat Toomey. Saturday's crowd of Democrats a blue dot around Penn State's main campus in a sea of Republican-dominated central Pennsylvania was a blend of voters who have settled on either Fetterman, Lamb or Kenyatta, and some who are undecided or leaning. Many have seen the TV ad or read about criticism of Fetterman over a 2013 incident when, shotgun in hand, he confronted someone who he believed to be involved with gunfire on a street nearby Fettermans home in Braddock. Lamb and Kenyatta raised the issue again at a Muhlenberg College forum last Sunday that Fetterman didnt attend. Lamb criticized Fetterman in other ways, including calling him a flip-flopper because Fetterman changed his position on natural gas drilling in recent years. On Friday, Kenyatta confronted Fetterman at an online forum hosted by a progressive group over the 2013 incident, calling it a type of vigilante justice. Fetterman countered that he made a split second decision in the interest of public safety. At Saturday's event, nobody who decided to support Fetterman or is thinking about supporting him said the attacks were affecting their decision making. Lydia Vanderbergh, who works for Penn State's Sustainability Institute, said she is deciding between Lamb and Fetterman, seeing them as the most electable Democrats in Novembers election. Her questions for them are about moving on from planet-warming fossil fuels in the age of climate change Pennsylvania is the nations No. 2 natural gas producer and what they are doing to reach out to voters in rural Pennsylvania. Some are concerned about what the attacks will mean for Fetterman's prospects in November. Patty Stephens, who serves on her municipal board, has long supported Kenyatta, but worried that should Fetterman win the primary, he is carrying a lot of baggage that will be weaponized against him by Republicans. Steven Smith, a retired professor of piano at Penn State, is leaning toward supporting Fetterman, and worries about the attacks. But, he said, it's probably better to deal with it now, instead of in the general election campaign, to give people a chance to come to grips with it. A Franklin & Marshall College poll in February found that Fetterman appeared to have an early lead in the Democratic primary, but many voters were undecided. Saturday was the first time that Fetterman and Lamb have crossed paths after Lamb changed the tone of the race barely a week ago by attacking Fetterman on Twitter over the 2013 incident. Attendees on Saturday didn't view Fetterman as extreme, or even as liberal as Kenyatta. Smith said he viewed Lamb and Fetterman as having basically the same positions, and is leaning toward Fetterman as the best candidate to win back blue-collar voters that Democrats have lost. Peter Buck, a Kenyatta supporter who works at Penn State's Sustainability Institute, said he expects Democrats will move on after the primary, because we have a Democracy to save and a climate to save, and we as Democrats know that. ___ Follow Marc Levy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/timelywriter. UEDEM, Germany (AP) As Russias military buildup near Ukraine accelerated early this year, military planners at NATO began preparing to dispatch scores of fighter jets and surveillance aircraft into the skies near Russia and Ukraine. It was a warning to Moscow not to make the mistake of targeting any member country. Even in the weeks preceding the war, politicians and analysts were divided over whether President Vladimir Putin would really order Russian troops to invade. From a military point of view, though, the forces arrayed around Ukraine appeared designed to do just that. It became a matter of urgency to put more eyes in the sky and to tightly link NATO aircraft, warships, ground-based missile systems and radar installations to protect the alliances eastern flank. We are monitoring very closely, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said this week. Information, best possible situation awareness, is of course extremely critical in such a dangerous situation as we see in Ukraine now. In the lead-up to the Feb. 24 invasion, the alliances Combined Air Operations Center in Uedem, western Germany, shifted gear. A few dozen military personnel now simultaneously manage up to 30 aircraft in skies from the northern tip of Norway down to Slovakia. From an underground bunker in quiet farmland, patrolling aircraft are diverted to monitor suspicious Russian planes. Jets on 15-minute standby are routinely Alpha Scrambled from around Europe to intercept unidentified aircraft near NATO airspace. More than 100 aircraft can be working aloft on any given day, mixed in among roughly 30,000 civilian flights made daily through European skies. Six Boeing E-3A surveillance planes from NATOs ageing fleet of early warning and control aircraft help create an air picture to share with member nations. These eyes in the sky do not fly into Ukraine or Russia, but can see up to 400 kilometers (250 miles) across borders. Fighter jets also provide information about what is going on inside part of two countries at war. These assets are sometimes sent from as far away as western France, refueled mid-air, and can patrol for about an hour in the border area before they must return. The 30-nation military alliance is wary of being drawn into a wider war with Russia, so borders and airspace are scrupulously respected. There is always the fog of war, and we dont want to have NATO assets close by because even unintentionally you might have some losses, said Major General Harold Van Pee, commander of the NATO facility in Uedem. The most sensitive zones for unidentified planes are the Kola Peninsula at the high north borders of Russia and Norway the Gulf of Finland approaching the Russian city of St. Petersburg, and the skies around Russias exclave of Kaliningrad, sandwiched between Lithuania and Poland. From their computer screens, NATO personnel can also track cruise missiles, like those that Russia used last month to pound a military training base in western Ukraine near NATO member Poland, killing 35 people. But shadowing them with aircraft is a high-risk endeavor, particularly at night, in poor weather or when the missiles hug the ground, flying so low that electrical pylons and cables become a danger. We have to be convinced that there is a credible threat to go after one, Van Pee said. A less obvious challenge to NATO airspace is rogue drones. Military officers said that Russia is using powerful electromagnetic devices for communication jamming purposes which can disrupt remotely controlled flights. Last month, a military drone drifted uncontrolled out of Ukraine through the airspace of three members Romania, Hungary and Croatia before crashing in the Croatian capital. Some parked cars were damaged but no one was hurt. The drone weighed just over 6 tons. Both Russia and Ukraine denied launching it. Military officers and NATO officials refuse to comment on the incident until an investigation is completed. Even if you fly alongside one of those drones, are you going to do something about it? You have to ask yourself, because if you shoot it down then for sure youre going to do damage on the ground. If you let it fly, hopefully it will crash in the sea. I mean, you dont know, Van Pee said. Whether its a rogue drone or a missile threat, political and legal experts are supposed to be involved in any decision to shoot something down. Despite the war in its backyard, NATO is operating under strict peacetime rules and is determined to keep it that way. Before you start using force there has to be an imminent threat to either NATO forces or NATO populations. Thats a judgement call, and thats always hard to make, Van Pee said. ___ Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) When Ted Budd won a surprise endorsement from former President Donald Trump last year, he was a little-known congressman running for a Senate seat in North Carolina against some of the states most recognizable Republicans, including a former governor. As he enters the final stretch before the states May 17 primary, Budd is again hoping for a boost, banking on the power of Trumps endorsement to put him on top of a field that includes a dozen other Republicans. We feel weve got strong momentum, Budd told The Associated Press. Whether its grassroots, trend lines in polling or fundraising, we think were in a very good place. Budds candidacy will serve as an early test of whether Trumps backing is powerful enough to lift someone from relative obscurity to the GOP nomination for a critical Senate seat. A strong showing by Budd could provide clues about how Trump-backed candidates in other states, including Georgia, that vote in quick succession after North Carolina, will fare. The race will be a test of the Trump effect on North Carolina among North Carolina Republicans, I think not just for North Carolina but nationally, said Mike Rusher, a political consultant who previously worked for the state GOP. Democrats have made inroads across the South in recent years, winning a presidential election in Georgia in 2020 for the first time in 28 years and picking up two Senate seats. North Carolina has experienced similar demographic changes, driven by an influx of new residents to the Raleigh and Charlotte areas. But for now, Democrats have struggled to make the same progress in the states presidential and Senate races. Barack Obama was the last Democratic presidential contender to carry North Carolina in 2008, and a Democrat hasnt won a Senate seat since Kay Hagan the same year. Trump returned to the state on Saturday for a rally in rural Johnston County, just southeast of Raleigh, where he hyped Budd as a great guy and a tremendous person. Some people didnt know him, but now they know him," he said. Trump was a boon to North Carolina Republicans in the 2020 campaign, boosting turnout so that GOP candidates with few exceptions won races up and down the ballot even as Trump himself only narrowly eked out a win. Budd is running for retiring Republican Sen. Richard Burr's seat against former Gov. Pat McCrory, who is viewed as a moderate and has kept some distance from Trump while backing his economic policies. A dozen other Republicans are also seeking the nomination, including former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker, who has resisted Trump's entreaties to drop out. The winner is expected to take on presumptive Democratic nominee Cheri Beasley, a former state Supreme Court chief justice, in November's general election. Like nearly all statewide races, the general election should be close, and a Democratic victory could thwart GOP hopes of retaking the Senate majority. While McCrory entered the race as its best-known candidate, Budd and his advisers are increasingly optimistic that his position is strengthening in the races final weeks. Budd credited Trumps endorsement as the single biggest factor to help advance and get attention on this campaign. He has also benefited from millions of dollars in super PAC spending on his behalf, including from the Club for Growth's political wing. The group's ads heavily feature Trump's endorsement, casting Budd as a reliable conservative while highlighting McCrory's past criticism of the former president and slamming him as a disloyal, liberal loser." McCrory became governor in 2013 but lost reelection after he signed a bathroom bill targeting transgender people that cost the state billions. Saturday's rally comes amid questions over whether Trump's influence is fading amid stumbles in other states. Last month, he withdrew his endorsement of Rep. Mo Brooks, who was struggling to gain traction in Alabama's Senate primary. Last year, his endorsed candidate in Pennsylvania's Senate race, Sean Parnell, dropped out amid allegations of abuse by his estranged wife. As aides have warned that he is setting himself up for failure by offering too many endorsements, Trump has held off picking sides in several competitive Senate contests, including in Missouri and Ohio, where early voting is underway. Seeing Walker as a potential spoiler, Trump has tried to no avail to pressure him to leave the race a tactic he has used successfully in other contests to bolster his favored candidates' chances. The top vote-getter must garner more than 30% of the vote to avoid a runoff. Otherwise, the top two finishers advance to a runoff in late July. Look, we appreciate President Trump and the work that he did for our country, but it doesnt mean that he makes the right decisions and sometimes he gets bad counsel, Walker said in an interview. And in this particular incident, he has hitched his wagon to the wrong horse. McCrory, meanwhile, dismissed polling out this week suggesting he had lost his early edge, saying theres time for a counterattack. This race is going to be a dead heat. Its neck and neck right now, and its amazing that were even in that position, considering $7 to $8 million have been spent against us from a special interest group in D.C., McCrory said in an unnamed reference to Club for Growth Action. Many voters have yet to make up their minds, with early in-person voting beginning April 28. John Dismukes, 48, of Carolina Beach describes himself as "100% undecided." "Im looking at all three of them, he said. Billy Shomaker, a retired commercial pilot from Beech Mountain, said he supports Budd regardless of Trump's endorsement. I like President Trump. I dont like everything he does, said Shomaker, 68. Trumps preferred candidates in North Carolina havent always been successful. In 2020, political newcomer Madison Cawthorn comfortably won a GOP congressional primary runoff over Trump's pick. But Trump soon embraced Cawthorn, who won the general election at age 25 and became one of the ex-presidents strongest supporters. Now, Trump is returning the favor, featuring him as a rally speaker and endorsing him for reelection even as Cawthorn has faced backlash over recent incendiary comments. McCrory said he had other events to attend Saturday and wouldnt have shared the stage with Budd, Cawthorn or Trump even if offered. Trump says I dont represent his values, McCrory said, referencing the former presidents words when he endorsed Budd 10 months ago. I agree with the policies of Trump. But yeah, we maybe have different opinion on values. ___ Colvin reported from New York. A supposed plumber landed behind bars after authorities said he never returned to finish a job. On April 3, Ronald Palma-Hernandez, 41, was served with an arrest warrant charging him with deceptive trade practice. On March 5, a woman put out on Facebook that she needed a plumber to fix a water leak at her home. Moments later, Palma-Hernandez agreed to stop by and check the issue. He told the woman he could fix the issue for $400, according to court documents. Palma-Hernandez showed up the next morning at 10 a.m. Before starting, he asked for $200 up front. He then tore the cement around the area to get to the leak. Palma-Hernandez then asked the woman for $100 to buy some hoses and some couplings to replace the damaged ones. Palma-Hernandez then poured fresh cement over where he had broken the old one and supposedly was done at 6:30 p.m. that day. After he left, the water started leaking out again. The woman called Palma-Hernandez back. He then came back and dug out all the fresh cement he had just poured into the hole and pretty much destroyed everything he had just done, plus the issue was not yet resolved. He then told her that it was too late to continue that night and promised to return the next day, states the affidavit. Palma-Hernandez never showed up. The woman got upset because she had taken the day off from work. Police said there are several text messages where he says that he would go at a specific time but never showed up. Palma-Hernandez would return her $200 but kept the rest. Palma-Hernandez had supposedly bought more parts with her money, but he refused to give her the parts so she could hire someone else, according to court documents. Police said the woman was without running water for days and had to get water from her neighbor to bathe. She provided police with Palma-Hernandezs business card, where he offers plumbing services. The state of Texas requires a license to render the service. He was not a licensed plumber, according to court documents. When an investigator spoke to Palma-Hernandez, he stated he had intentions to go back but added that the woman was being difficult. He did not provide a valid excuse for not returning to finish the job, according to police. A possible motive has been revealed in the case where a teen fatally stabbed a man in his sleep. Tomas Alejandro Aguilar, 18, told authorities he stabbed Oscar Oswaldo Bedarte, 42, because he had so much rage for what Bedarte allegedly did to Aguilars ex-girlfriend, according to an arrest affidavit. The case unfolded when Aguilar called police at about 1:39 a.m. March 30 saying that an unknown person attempted to stab him multiple times with a kitchen knife. Aguilar further stated that he was able to take the knife away from the person and stabbed him multiple times. Aguilar added that he had sustained injuries and still had the knife on his person, according to police. Responding officers located Aguilar by the intersection of Hidalgo Street and Santa Isabel Avenue. Aguilar reiterated he had stabbed the male after the male had tried to stab him. Aguilar added that the incident occurred in the 2200 block of Iturbide Street. Aguilar had a laceration to the lower area of his left cheek and small lacerations on his fingers. Laredo Fire Department crews took Aguilar to Laredo Medical Center for treatment. Officers observed a trail of blood leading to the residence on Iturbide, where the front door was open. Officers then entered the home and observed blood in plain view inside the residence. After conducting a protective sweep of the home, officers saw a man lying on a bedroom floor in a pool of blood. It was determined he had died due to his injuries. Authorities identified him as Bedarte. LPDs Crime Against Persons Unit took over the case. Meanwhile at LMC, medical personnel told police that Aguilar was about to be discharged. Aguilar only required some stitches and did not sustain life threatening injuries. A detective told Aguilar that he wanted to give him an opportunity to explain what happened. Aguilar agreed to be interviewed at LPD headquarters. Initially, Aguilar stated that he had met two men at a park by Diaz Street and that they invited him to their house somewhere in the Laredo College area. As they walked by Iturbide Street, an unknown male came out of the residence and asked them for help. Aguilar claimed that the male needing help wanted to move a piece of furniture. Aguilar agreed but his supposed friends left. Once inside the home, Aguilar claimed that the male attacked him for no reason. Aguilar stated that the male punched him and he fell down to the floor. The male got on top of him and tried to stab him in the chest area. Aguilar claimed he poked the male in the eye with his thumb and was able to take the knife away from him. Aguilar then stabbed the male multiple times. During the interview, Aguilar mentioned that he did know the man that attacked him. He stated the male, Bedarte, was the stepfather of his ex-girlfriend. But he claimed he did not know the name of the stepfather. Aguilar claimed that the stepfather had an active Child Protective Services case for child abuse. He later stated that was not the reason he stabbed him. At the crime scene, investigators noticed a lot of blood in one of the bedrooms. It appeared that the male was stabbed while he was in bed since the blood was concentrated in that area and on the floor next to the male. Authorities told Aguilar that his story did not make sense, given the evidence and location of the blood, according to court documents. Tomas (Aguilar) then changed his story and confessed to detectives that he did in fact stab his ex-girlfriends stepfather because he had so much rage for what he had done to his ex-girlfriend. Tomas (Aguilar) admitted to have stabbed his ex-girlfriends stepfather while he was asleep in his bed. Tomas (Aguilar) stated that he had wanted to kill him since December of last year but did not have the guts to do it back then, states the affidavit. Aguilar told police he went to the home on Iturbide and went inside since the door was unlocked. Once inside, he searched for a knife and found one in the kitchens sink. Aguilar added he stabbed his ex-girlfriends father once in the upper chest area. Bedarte woke up and punched Aguilar in the face. Aguilar then stabbed Bedarte again on the side of his abdominal area. Aguilar alleged that Bedarte managed to take away the knife from him and stabbed him on the cheek area and fingers. But Aguilar then took over the knife and stabbed Bedarte multiple times, states the affidavit. Aguilar reported the incident to police after running away from the scene. Police did recover a knife from Aguilar. Bedartes obit described him as a hardcore Dallas Cowboys fan who loved music, singing, dancing and making people laugh. A GoFundMe account has been set up for Bedartes funeral expenses. People wanting to donate may visit https://gofund.me/661d5a0c. Members of the Serving Children and Adults in Need Inc. organization marched Saturday in support of the more than one billion women who have fallen victim to some form of violence. The 1 Billion Rising Awareness Walk is an event sponsored by the organization and the SASI Program. It began at the SCAN headquarters on 1605 Saldana Ave. at 9 a.m. and lasted until 1 p.m. People who attended the event were encouraged to take their posters in support for the victims of these types of violence. One in three women on the planet will be raped or beaten, simply because they are women, SCANs Sexual Assault Services and Info Program Coordinator Sylvia Flores said. Thats one billion. On April 9, SASI (joined) a worldwide movement to end violence against women and girls, and we are asking the community to take a stand against violence. Through the walk, SCAN hopes to inform the community about the fact violence against women exists, and that it is happening to those you may know -- daughters, mothers, sisters, friends and coworkers. The organization also wants to raise awareness and indicate how it happens not only in faraway countries but also in our back yards." Every day, Flores says people interact with survivors without knowing their experiences. In Laredo, Flores says the number is significant when it comes to violence against this group of people. Sexual assault is one of the least reported crimes, Flores said. Survivors are reluctant to report because they are afraid they wont be believed, afraid of how their family and friends may react, afraid they will be blamed. Some people still believe that victims must have done something to cause it, so many stay quiet. Flores says SCAN does provide services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and more often than not it has not been reported to law enforcement because of the severity of the issue. We see first-hand many forms of injustice, from cases being closed due to lack of evidence or perpetrators going about their lives while the women they abuse and rape are left believing they deserve what happened to them, Flores said. If you have a woman in your life that you love -- a mother, daughter, sister or friend -- take a stand. If enough of us stand together, we can make a difference. If someone confides in you, believe them. Even though the problem is immense, Flores says there is one practical solution: education. However, she believes education should not be about preventing being a victim but also about preventing someone from becoming a perpetrator. (We must) educate ourselves on risk factors that increase the chance of becoming a victim or perpetrator of any crime, including interpersonal and sexual violence, Flores said. Educating our children about setting and respecting boundaries (of) their own and others. Teach them about consent -- not just in a sexual setting -- consent and respecting boundaries go hand in hand. Parents need to be aware that our children are learning from us, our beliefs, attitudes (and) our actions. Flores says if parents do not respect women, then the children will not either. If our actions convey that women have less value that is what they learn, Flores said. If we expose our children to social media where women are objectified, boys will treat women like objects and girls will think they are nothing more than objects. Objects like property can be owned and discarded like property. Women cannot (and) should not. For high school students who attended Saturdays event, they found this to be beneficial to themselves as they were be able to get some community service hours for their time. High school students are now required to complete 100 community service hours to graduate. Therefore, she said students who participated in the event earned 10 community service hours to be applied to meet their high school graduation requirement. Ultimately, she wants these students to learn and also for there to be more awareness in the community. Everyone has a right to be happy and live violence free, Flores said. Get involved. If we stand together, we create a community that does not accept violence as a way to control and oppress women. We cannot create a safe community without healthy mothers, and in order to have healthy women, we need to be respected, valued and supported. Healthy women equals healthy families, equals healthy communities, equals healthy society. During the event, people were encouraged to march and dance in support of the awareness they want to bring to the community and beyond. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, The News. The Arts Council have this week announced that applications have opened for schools to apply for the Creative Schools 2022/2023 programme. Designed to provide opportunities for children and young people to build their artistic and creative skills, the Creative Schools Programme supports Primary and Post-Primary schools and Youthreach centres across Ireland to put arts and creativity at the heart of childrens and young peoples lives. Key supports offered by the programme include specialist support and advice from an assigned Creative Associate, training and networking, and funding to implement Creative Schools Plans. The Creative Schools initiative has been very well received since its inception in 2018, with more than 90% of participating schools recommending the programme. Speaking at the launch, Director of the Arts Council Maureen Kennelly said, We are excited to be able to invite the next round of schools to join the Creative Schools initiative. As part of the Arts Councils ongoing commitment to plan and provide for children and young people, Creative Schools is a powerful project which places arts and creativity at the heart of young peoples lives. We thank the Department of Education, the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht and all at Creative Ireland for their ongoing partnership in this important national programme. Catherine Martin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media said: Culture and the Arts are a fundamental expression of who we are as a nation and play an important role in communities across Ireland. I am delighted to be here today at Stanhope Street Primary School, which is a current participant in the Creative Schools programme. Creative expression provides opportunities for children and young people to try out new ideas and explore their creative potential. This programme has been devised to give both teachers and students the tools to explore creativity and to implement their own bespoke Creative Schools Plan. I encourage all schools to consider applying to Creative Schools and begin their own creative journey. Norma Foley TD, Minister for Education said, We are delighted to join with our colleagues in the Arts Council and in the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and invite all schools to apply for Creative Schools 2022. The initiative provides opportunities for children and young people to build their artistic and creative skills; to communicate, collaborate, stimulate their imaginations, be inventive, and to harness their curiosity. I commend all the schools who have undertaken this journey so far and look forward to a new cohort of schools beginning their participation soon. Each school taking part receives a grant and works with a Creative Associate who use their practical experience in supporting them to develop and implement their own unique Creative School Plan. This is a two-year guided journey in which children and young peoples involvement in planning, decision-making and reflection is central. The programme offers a real opportunity for school communities to explore what creativity means to them, and how participation in the arts can support their schools learning and development priorities. Participation empowers children and young people to develop, implement and evaluate arts and creative activity throughout their schools/centres and stimulate additional ways of working which reinforce the impact of creativity on children and young peoples learning, development and well-being. All Department of Education-recognised schools and Youthreach centres interested in joining the programme in September 2022 are invited to apply to the Arts Council. The final deadline for receipt of applications is 17.30pm on Thursday June 2, 2022. Longford Lotto players are being urged to check their tickets after one player, who bought their ticket in the county, matched five numbers and the bonus in Saturday night's draw to win a tasty 195,697. Saturday nights Lotto draw saw over 107,000 nationwide win prizes across the Lotto and Lotto Plus games which also included a player in Longford who matched five numbers and the bonus in the main draw to win an incredible 195,697. The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased on Friday, April 8 at the Dunnes Stores at Weavers Site on the Dublin Road in Longford town. The winning numbers for the Saturday, April 9 draw were: 04, 07, 17, 24, 29, 42 and the bonus was 15. Meanwhile, a Lotto player in Louth has officially become Irelands newest Lotto millionaire after scooping Saturday nights Lotto Plus 1 top prize of 1 million. The Wee County player has also taken the title of 15th National Lottery millionaire of 2022. The National Lottery have confirmed that they hope to reveal the winning store details in the coming days. The winning numbers for the Lotto Plus 1 draw on Saturday, April 9 were: 05, 21, 25, 33, 41, 42 and the bonus was 06. Lotto players in Longford and Louth are today being urged to check their tickets very carefully as two players now have tickets worth 195,697 and 1 million. The two biggest winners from Saturday nights draw are advised to sign the back of their tickets and keep them safe. The winners should contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to claim their prizes. As there was no outright winner of the 4,921,157 jackpot on offer in last nights draw, Wednesdays Lotto jackpot is now set to roll towards an estimated 5.2 million. A National Lottery spokeperson said: What a weekend this has been for Lotto players in Longford and Louth. In the main draw, we saw a player in Longford who purchased their ticket at Dunnes Store at Weavers Site on the Dublin Road match five numbers and the bonus to win an incredible 195,697. And then the biggest winner of the night was a player in Louth who took the highly coveted title of newest Lotto millionaire after winning the Lotto Plus 1 top prize. We will be releasing further information on the winning location in the coming days but in the meantime, we are encouraging all of our players in Longford and Louth to check their tickets very carefully and for the winners to make contact with our prize claims team as soon as possible. Given the multitude of Longford men and women who lived and worked in London, it is not surprising that many of them played a part in Republican activity in their adopted city. Sir Henry Wilson from Ballinalee It is ironic indeed that the most active Longford man in London during the War of Independence was Sir Henry Wilson, Chief of the Imperial General Staff, in other words, the top man in the British Army. A more extreme anti-Irish man would be hard to find, at a time when Ireland was bleeding from the atrocities of the Black and Tans. Henry Wilson was born in Currygrane House, near Ballinalee, a couple of miles away from Sean Mac Eoin, but poles apart in terms of Irishness. In the 1913-1914 period, when Home Rule was the big question, Wilson supported Ulster resistance and facilitated the importation of arms for the Ulster Volunteer Force. By 1920, he was the highest-ranking office in the British Army and encouraged the Black and Tans in their deadly operations in Ireland. He fought stringently to get the British to reject the Treaty terms and he sought to overturn the outcome, so that British troops could return to Ireland. When that failed, he supported James Craig in his destructive operations against Catholic areas in the newly established six-county state. After the burning of Ballinalee by the Tans and Auxiliaries in November 1920, Sean Mac Eoin visited Currygrane, where Henrys brother, James Mackay Wilson lived. Mac Eoin asked him to write to his brother requesting that he use his influence to stop this carry-on. Wilsons response was that his brother would pay no heed to such a request. Michael Collins had been planning to eliminate Sir Henry Wilson, but that didnt happen up to the time of the Truce in July 1921. However, it seems Wilson remained a target for the IRA, even after the Treaty was signed. On June 22, 1922, Wilson was shot dead at his own doorstep in Eaton Square. Two men, Reginald Dunne and Joseph OSullivan, were convicted of the killing and were hanged in Wandsworth Jail on August 10, 1922. Ironically, both men were London-born. Twelve days later, Michael Collins was killed at Beal na mBlath. Longford Links with Terence MacSwiney The death of Terence MacSwiney, on October 25, 1920, was one of the most dramatic events of the War of Independence. MacSwiney died in Brixton Prison after 73 days on hunger strike. Sean McGrath from Kenagh was a leading Republican in London at that time and he had travelled over to Dublin to take part in the 1916 Rising. When MacSwiney died, McGrath was one of the organisers of the funeral. Sean McGrath was general secretary of the Irish Self-Determination League in the 1920s, an organisation that had about 20,000 members at peak-time. Right up to the time of his death in 1950, he was involved in the Anti Partition League and United Ireland Association. Fr Pat Mac Cormaic from Mullinalaghta was serving in Birmingham during the War of Independence and he was present at the inquest into Terence MacSwineys death. Fr Mac Cormaic was later involved in sourcing arms for the IRA in England and a consignment for the North Longford Flying Column arrived sometime after Sean Mac Eoin was arrested. Collins deemed that better use would be made of the equipment in Cork, and it was there they ended up. Attempts to Bomb London A number of Longford men were linked to IRA bombing missions in England, some of which were aborted, while others proceeded. In December 1920, Frank Davis, a leading member of the North Longford Flying Column, was called to Dublin by Cathal Brugha and asked to go with a group of men to London to blow up the houses of parliament. Davis was told that he would be unlikely to come out of this operation alive, but he volunteered to go anyway. However, the operation didnt go ahead. In March 1921, it was the same Cathal Brugha who summoned Sean Mac Eoin to Dublin with a similar plan in mind, but this time The mission was to be the execution of every member of the British Cabinet. Mac Eoin reluctantly agreed to participate, but he soon discovered that Michael Collins hadnt approved of the plan at all, and Brugha was acting on his own. Mac Eoin was unfortunate that this trip to Dublin, on an ill-advised visit, would lead to his arrest in Mullingar on the way home. This put an end to Mac Eoins War of Independence and he was subsequently sentenced to death for the killing of RIC Inspector McGrath, which had occurred some months earlier. Bombing Campaign in 1939 The IRA decided on a bombing campaign in England in 1939 and one of the principal organisers of this campaign was Willie Mulligan from Aughnacliffe. Willie travelled to and from England, ferrying arms and bomb-making equipment. When De Valeras government introduced internment in January 1940, Willie was the first man in Ireland to be arrested and he was sent to the Curragh. This was probably on foot of his suspected involvement in the planned campaign in England. Mulligan spent most of the war years in the Curragh. Ruairi O Bradaigh Arborfield Raid Ruairi O Bradaigh was Longfords most high-profile connection with the Border Campaign of the 1950s. His first entry into serious IRA activity came in August 1955 when he led a group of eight men to carry out a raid on a British military barracks in Arborfield, about 40 miles from London. While six hundred soldiers were in their beds, a small group of IRA men succeeded in overpowering the nineteen soldiers on sentry duties. Two vans were driven into the barracks and loaded with 55 Sten guns, 10 Bren guns and more than 75,000 rounds of ammunition. Shortly afterwards, the IRAs haul of equipment was discovered by British police but Ruairi O Bradaigh and those who travelled in the van with him escaped back to Ireland. Three others in the second van were arrested and spent long terms in jail. Jim Curran and the Birmingham Six Jim Curran from Smear, Aughnacliffe, emigrated to England in 1967, just a year before the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Movement was established. A separate Irish Civil Rights Association was established in Dublin and politicians from different parties, as well as prominent figures like Siobhan McKenna and Edna OBrien, lent their support. A branch was formed in London in 1973 and, by the end of the year, Jim Curran was its chairman. Thus began almost fifty years of Jims association with Irish causes. For many years, Jim Curran was involved with An Cumann Cabhrach, the organisation which looked after the welfare of Irish prisoners and their families. When the Birmingham Six were arrested, Jim sought the necessary clearance from the republican leadership to provide support to the families, but he was immediately informed that these were not IRA members. Jim Curran was therefore the first person, on the outside, to realise there was a problem with the Birmingham Six, a problem that was to reach massive proportions, when they were subsequently wrongly convicted. When Jim realised that the six men were innocent, he came home to Longford and approached Longford solicitor, PM Farrell. He had great difficulty in getting Paddy Mel to take any interest in the case, but it did lead to an approach to Sean Mac Bride who advised the families of the prisoners to go to Fr Denis Faul in Dungannon and this was the beginning of a campaign for their release. Other Longford London Republican links A number of other Longford men spent their lives in London in support of Irish unity and freedom. Tom Skelly from Aughavadden, Newtowncashel, was active in Republican circles for many years. In the 1970s, he supported the campaign against internment in the Six Counties and the campaign against the Prevention of Terrorism Act. In 1972, he joined the Irish Civil Rights Association, and he was involved in supporting prisoners and their families and helped out in the campaign for the release of the Birmingham Six. Tom Skelly was a founder member of the Longford Association in London. Paddy Bonds background was unusual for an Irish Republican. The Bonds of Faragh, Killoe, were major landlords. His father, Major Brian Willoughby Bond had been in the Connaught Rangers during World War I and Paddys grandfather, James Willoughby Bond, was a prominent Unionist and anti-Home Ruler. Paddy Bond went to London and was active in the Connolly Association and ran the associations bookshop in Grays Inn Road in London and contributed to their paper the Irish Democrat. Pat Reynolds grew up within 100 yards of the Clonfin monument in the townland of Graffoge. He went to London in 1970 and has been involved in many Irish activities since then. He was involved in the IBRG (Irish in Britain Representation Group) and its Chairman and PRO for some years. He was involved in issues like the Prevention of Terrorism Act, strip searching, Irish welfare conferences, transfer of prisoners and many others. Chris Maguire was another Longford man who was involved with the Connolly Association and other Irish activities. Patrick Kelly from Legan was involved in one of the last Republican operations in London before the Good Friday Agreement. In the early hours of 23 September 1996, British police raided a guesthouse in Hammersmith and shot dead Diarmuid ONeill, while standing inside his room door. Four other men were arrested, including Patrick Kelly. Over a year later, in December 1997, the case of Patrick Kelly and three others was eventually heard at the Old Bailey and Kelly was sentenced to 20 years in prison, the longest sentence ever imposed on a Longford Republican. Patrick was eventually repatriated to Ireland and later released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. Longford has more than halved the number of households on social housing waiting lists in the last five years. Longford / Westmeath TD and Minister for Planning and Local Government, Peter Burke welcomed the figures published last week in the 2021 Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA) which show a substantial reduction of 53% in the Longford social housing waiting list since the first annual assessment was conducted in 2016. The 2021 Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA) shows 301 households in Longford were assessed as being qualified for, and in need of, social housing support as of November 17, 2021. This figure is down 201 (40%) from 502 households recorded on 2 November 2020. This figure also represents a total decrease of 343 (53%) households since 2016 when annual recording of the SSHA began. Nationally, 59,247 households were assessed as being qualified for social housing support as of 17 November 2021, down 2,633 (4.3%) from 61,880 households on 2 November 2020. This figure is a reduction of 32,353 (35.3%) since 2016. Minister Burke said, These results are evidence that Government investment in social housing supports is working for Longford. Nationally, over 23,300 households had their housing needs met in 2021 this is despite the very significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on delivery. Its important to remember that most residential construction was halted for a 13-week period from January to April. We must not, and will not, lose sight of the fact that there are still just over 300 households in Longford who are relying on us for the provision of housing support. Housing for All, which was launched six months ago, sets us on a pathway to delivering 90,000 new social homes between now and the end of 2030. This year we will be investing more than 4bn to deliver 11,820 new social homes in 2022, including 9,000 new build social homes. As with all Departments, we are watching the situation in Ukraine closely. The Russian invasion is having significant impacts on all sectors of society and our goal is to provide shelter and accommodation for those fleeing war while protecting to the greatest extent possible, Housing for All delivery at its existing pace. The strong pipeline of home building activity is encouraging. New figures show that in the past twelve months (March 2021 to February 2022), Commencement Notices for the construction of 33,006 new homes were received. This is the highest rolling 12-month total since comparable data was first published. Specifically related to social housing, the Construction Status Report for Quarter 4 2021, showed that there were 8,749 social homes onsite at the end of December, with a further 10,455 homes at various stages of design and procurement. Supporting local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies to increase housing construction is a priority for my Department. Weather Alert ...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Louisiana... Mississippi River At Red River Landing affecting West Feliciana, East Baton Rouge and Pointe Coupee Parishes. For the Lower Mississippi River...including Red River Landing... 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. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov/lix. Click on the Rivers and Lakes menu for forecasts and observations. The next statement will be issued when updates are needed. && ...FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL FRIDAY, MAY 27... * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Mississippi River At Red River Landing. * WHEN...Until Friday, May 27. * IMPACTS...At 51.0 feet, All river islands along the reach from Red River Landing to Baton Rouge will be inundated. Recreational camps and river bottom farm land will be under water. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 7:00 PM CDT Friday the stage was 48.5 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to drop briefly below flood stage this weekend before rising above flood stage Tuesday. The river will crest near 51.0 feet Friday, May 20. - Flood stage is 48.0 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 52.4 feet on 02/14/2010. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood && Mankato, MN (56001) Today Sunny early then partly cloudy and windy later in the day. High 72F. Winds SSE at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Overcast. Low 53F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. While people close to Will Smith claim that the actor is in a deep depression derived from the scandal generated by the slap he gave to comedian Chris Rock for joking about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's alopecia during the Oscars 2022 broadcast on March 27, the lady in question seems to have turned the page and even recently gave herself the task of smiling in front of the media cameras. Guest of honor The wife of the until recently beloved Hollywood actor was one of the guests of honor at the grand opening of the Rhimes Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. Undoubtedly, Jada's appearance at the event attracted the gaze of the other guests and even took the shine off her, as being the subject of the topic of the moment in the training industry everyone wanted to be near her to see if she would issue any comment on the sanction received by Will Smith, who was banned from all Academy events for 10 years as a consequence of his irrationality on the most awaited night by the American film community. Radiant in front of the cameras To the surprise of friends and strangers, Jada Pinkett wore a shiny gold dress combined with gold earrings that gave her a radiant appearance. With a big smile she posed with other celebrities such as the creator, head writer and executive producer of Grey's Anatomy, Shonda Rhimes, and the actress of the same series, winner of five Emmy awards, Debbie Allen, as well as with actor Samuel L. Jackson and his wife LaTanya Richardson Jackson. In this sense, it seems that Will's decline shows signs of having strengthened Jada's image, who will continue to be even more talked about when a book is published about an extramarital affair she had long ago. Between 2017 and 2019, when he was beginning to lay the foundation for a strong campaign to become president of the United States, Joe Biden and his wife Jill earned more than $13 million in income from companies they claim paid them to collaborate with them by participating in speaking engagements and book deals. Clear accounts The detail is that once the name of his Hunter Biden was brought to light by a scandal of foreign business that indirectly links the presidential couple, a group of legal experts requested the publication of the tax returns of companies linked to the payments of the Biden family that should have been declared to the IRS. The goal is to have greater transparency in the president's income to rule out any speculation about the origin of the money he once earned while serving as the nation's vice president. According to Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington University, in a country where all taxpayers are required to be clear about their income it is best to make the income of the nation's leader transparent. "There is no evidence of wrongdoing, but it has reached a point where the White House has to err on the side of transparency. The president's past denial of any knowledge or involvement in his son's business dealings is now contradicted not only by witnesses and emails, but also by Hunter Biden himself," Turley wrote in an email to The Post that was made public. Two companies under the spotlight For his part, Richard Painter, a law professor at the University of Minnesota, emphasized that without the companies' statements, it is unknown where the money comes from, hence the need to know the documentation that supports the operations. "That is precisely why it is better to disclose: then all the cards are face up on the table. Otherwise, people have no idea what's there. and that undermines public confidence in government," he said. Meanwhile, Brett Tolman, a former U.S. attorney in Utah, floated the idea that the federal grand jury investigation into Hunter Biden should be expanded to examine Joe and Jill Biden's income. "In a white collar investigation, the focus is on the 'source' of the funds. This should be at the heart of what they are doing now. Biden would have no way to stop a grand jury subpoena," she mentioned. The Federalist noted that S-CelticCapri Corp. and Giacoppa Corp. are the corporations that would be forced to release their tax returns that should reflect the millions of dollars they once paid to Joe and Jill Biden, Anatoly Antonov, Russia's Ambassador to the United States of America has warned that the current actions of Western nations in relation to his country's war on Ukraine could be leading towards a direct military confrontation between Russia and the USA. Antonov believes that the support being received by Ukraine from the West is escalating the crisis and hinted that the consequences of such policies continuing or being stepped up could be severe. "Western states are directly involved in the current events as they continue to pump Ukraine with weapons and ammunition, thereby inciting further bloodshed," Antonov told Newsweek. "We warn that such actions are dangerous and provocative as they are directed against our state. They can lead the US and the Russian Federation onto the path of direct military confrontation. "Any supply of weapons and military equipment from the West, performed by transport convoys through the territory of Ukraine, is a legitimate military target for our Armed Forces." The USA and the EU have been at the forefront of the efforts to support Ukraine's military efforts without become directly involved. The EU recently approved a major deal to sell further military supplies to Ukraine. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. To subscribe, click here. Already a subscriber? Click here. BUTLER [ndash] Funeral services for Mary Shirley Cooper of the Snell Community will be Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 11 a.m., at the Chapel of Bumpers Funeral Home in Butler, Ala. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Butler, Alabama. Stepping into the Highland Woods Community Center this week is like stepping into a different world one far sweeter, more beautiful and exponentially more colorful. Its like, holy smokes isnt it? declared local balloon artist Liz Romani with a wide smile. You can hear all about it, even see pictures, but until youre standing in the middle of a Big Balloon Build, you just dont know. Its larger than life, she said, raising her voice to be heard over the hustle and bustle of voices and laughter and the inflating of balloons. Its just so cool. Its been nearly two years since Romani first announced that the Big Balloon Build would make its first-ever U.S. appearance right here in Indianas oldest city. And when the team, which includes a partnership with the United Way of Knox County, received approval months ago from Hasbro to go ahead with a Candy Land theme, efforts ramped up even more, Romani said, to create a dream land the likes of which local eyes those both young, old and everything in between have never seen before. Its insane to be here, standing in it, Romani said, her eyes drifting side-to-side, up and down, to all four corners, the floor and even the ceiling, of Highland Woods, nearly every square inch of it transformed into a colorful balloon world the stuff of dreams. Im really so excited for everyone to see it, and the process has gone so smoothly, too. The last build we did was in Birmingham (England), and it was massive, the biggest one weve done to date. And this one trumps that one, she said proudly. Just six years ago, Romani, the manager at Valley Party Supply, 310 S. Fourth St., attended her first conference for balloon artists and found herself hooked, only then fully understanding that balloons can be so much more than simple air-filled orbs for adorning birthday parties. Then in the fall of 2018, she traveled to Wales to work on her first-ever Big Balloon Build. She connected immediately with its creator, Stuart Davies, a native of Wales, who years before began creating these life-size balloon experiences. Eventually, she convinced Davies to bring his talent and his team of artists to the U.S., right here to Vincennes. The builds have grown, too, sometimes exponentially. This one features 65 artists working in tandem to create the full, immersive Candy Land experience. From a forrest of green trees to brightly-colored lollipops and even startling likenesses of the board game characters themselves, nary a detail has been spared to bring the beloved childs game to life. The artists themselves represent five countries and 22 states, Romani said, and together they have worked for nearly four days, using a total of 125,000 balloons to create the colorful, magical dreamscape. The artists are divided into teams, Romani said, each one of them overseeing the creation of a different aspect of the board game. We have the Gingerbread Forrest, the Cupcake Commons, the Peppermint Woods, Romani said as she pointed around the room. The big castle has two teams because it includes a giant rainbow, and then theres the Ice Cream Sea, too. Over there well have giant cotton candy waves crashing down over the stage, she said, oozing excitement and joy. Oh, and the Lollipop Woods, of course. And then a whole team thats doing nothing but working to build the characters. The teams have worked daily for as much as ten hours to create the candy dreamland, but Romani has been insistent that their evenings are spent socializing and networking. Too, shes made sure that theyve experienced all that Vincennes has to offer, coordinating local restaurants to bring in meals and treats throughout the day and organizing dinners out in the evenings, too. Our community is phenomenal, and Ive been talking Vincennes up for a year to these people during Zoom meetings, she said with a laugh. Id say, wait til you taste Procopios, Jennas bakehouse, Evan Fossmeyers donuts. Im not from here. Im a big city girl, from LA, but Ive fallen in love with Vincennes. It has embraced me, and now Im a champion for small businesses, locally-owned businesses. Im a champion for Vincennes. So I want them to see how great our community is. The Big Balloon Build was unveiled to its first visitors Thursday afternoon following a celebratory ribbon cutting with the Knox County Chamber of Commerce. The group invited kids and adults with KCARC to have the first look, then residents from local nursing homes, too. Seeing their faces, Romani said, makes all the hard work the blood, sweat, and sometimes tears well worth it. Its a mega pay off for us to see their initial reaction, when a kid comes in here and they just cant believe it, Romani said, gesturing wide and with big eyes, just as a child would upon first seeing a warehouse-size building covered floor to ceiling in brightly-colored balloons. Thats the best part of the build. These are the hardest working people on the planet, she said of the artists. They have worked tirelessly the last three-and-a-half days, but they love this. And thats why. Following a benefit dinner tonight, which includes a balloon dress fashion show, the proceeds of which will go to United Way and the agencies it serves, the Big Balloon Build will be open to the public from 1-8 p.m. on Saturday. The entrance fee is a bag of non-perishable food that will then be dispersed by the United Way to the countys many food pantries. Making an impact, Romani said, has become as much a part of the Big Balloon Build as the balloon creations and talented artists themselves. The event has major, national sponsors that provide both the balloons themselves all of them eco-friendly to the equipment used, allowing for the proceeds to be given back to a charity of the groups choosing. Each Big Balloon Build chooses a nonprofit with which to partner, and the hope, Romani said, is that the impact grows ever larger with each larger-than-life balloon experience erected around the world. The artists themselves pay to be a part of the Big Balloon Builds, that money going to Davies to compensate him for his ideas and guidance, Romani said, but each of them take home something far more valuable: the skills and experience necessary to make even greater impacts in their own communities, not to mention genuine, lasting friendships, too. Theyve left their businesses, their countries, and their states to come to this community to make a difference to people through the joy of balloons, Davies said during the ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday afternoon, and thats what the Big Ballon Build is all about. Davies expressed his sincerest gratitude, too, at how Vincennes had embraced him over the last week, as well as the 65 artists themselves. Mayor Joe Yochum, during the ceremony, even made them all honorary citizens. The valleys in South Wales are really small, so when you come to an area like Vincennes and everything is all spread out, you feel like you could get lost because theres nothing to hold you down or pin you in one direction, he told the group gathered amid the shade of a dense balloon forrest. I think the thing that pins people down in Vincennes is the community and the people. Its such an amazing community; Im just blown away. We have felt part of this community for the past week, and I think forevermore we will all feel a part of Vincennes. I hope weve left you some lasting memories. Home aquariums have come a long way since the days of a goldfish in a bowl, and brothers Claud and Mike Day of ADM Industries Inc. both enjoy the peace and tranquility that comes from the modern aquariums in their offices. Claud Day, president of ADM Industries, decided to step up to a 75-gallon freshwater tank about a year-and-a-half ago after 40 years of enjoying fish tanks off and on in his home. I have always had small tanks, 20-gallon tanks, but this is the biggest one I have ever had, he said. The tank is filled with live plants in various shades of green, a piece of Malaysian driftwood and about seven or eight varieties of colorful fish. It is quite a bit of work if you did it yourself, he said. My son owns an exotic pet store in Bowling Green, and he is the one who built this for me. Claud Day points to an angelfish in the tank, saying his name is Bob. The fish was raised by Day and his wife, and the couple have had him for about eight or nine years. After spending most of his life in a 20-gallon tank, Bob is enjoying his current home, but he can be a bit cantankerous at times. Day points to some brightly-colored neon tetras and said the senior angelfish is not always a big fan of his tank mates. I would love to have more, those are schooling fish, like 20-30 of them, but if I get very many Bob eats them, he said. He will put up with five or six of them. Claud Day said that the aquarium is a relaxing feature to have in the office. At times it has been pretty stressful with COVID-19, and I used to go over there and stand and look out the window if I had a stressful phone call or something, he said, and now if I need a break I will come over and watch the fish. Located just across the hall in the ADM offices, Mike Day is enjoying a new saltwater aquarium that he has had for about six months. The tank was also built by his nephew Austin Day, who operates Pet Central in Bowling Green. While keeping an aquarium is old hat for his brother, this is Mikes first aquarium. I kept getting up and going over there to relax and look at the fish tank, Mike Day said. Having a nephew that was in the business, I talked to Austin and asked what it would take to do a saltwater tank. Mike Day said that while a saltwater tank is more complicated to maintain than a freshwater tank, he thought it would be nice to have something different from his brothers aquarium across the hall. I am doing it with training wheels, he said. They come every two weeks and service stuff. I am learning, and I am doing some of the stuff myself. Mike Day joked that at 108 gallons, he ended up with a larger aquarium than his brother. He accused me of getting a bigger tank than he had, he said with a laugh. I had nothing to do with it, his son did it. I find it relaxing, I sit in here and watch them for a while when I am kind of stressed, and other people in the building come in and look at his or look at mine. Claud Day said they are considering installing a third aquarium in the company break room for everyone to enjoy. LONDON (AP) U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on Saturday joined the stream of European leaders showing their support for Ukraine by traveling to the nations capital for face-to-face meetings with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Johnsons surprise visit included a pledge of new military assistance, including 120 armored vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems. This came a day after he promised to send an additional 100 million pounds ($130 million) of high-grade military equipment to Ukraine, saying Britain wanted to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression. Johnson also confirmed further economic support, guaranteeing an additional $500 million in World Bank lending to Ukraine, taking Britain's total loan guarantee to up to $1 billion. Today I met my friend President @ZelenskyyUa in Kyiv as a show of our unwavering support for the people of Ukraine,'' Johnson said on Twitter. Were setting out a new package of financial & military aid which is a testament of our commitment to his countrys struggle against Russias barbaric campaign.'' The head of Ukraine's presidential office, Andriy Yermak, said the conversation was rich and constructive, but offered no details. An image of the two leaders meeting was posted online by the Ukrainian Embassy in London with the headline: Surprise, and a winking smiley face. The package of military aid Britain announced Friday includes more Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles, another 800 anti-tank missiles and precision munitions capable of lingering in the sky until directed to their target. Ukraine has defied the odds and pushed back Russian forces from the gates of Kyiv, achieving the greatest feat of arms of the 21st century, Johnson said in a statement. It is because of President Zelenskyys resolute leadership and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people that Putins monstrous aims are being thwarted.'' As Zelenskyy makes a continuous round of virtual appearances to drum up support from lawmakers around the world, an increasing number of European leaders have decided the time is right to travel to Ukraines capital, Kyiv, for in-person talks. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was in Kyiv on Friday, following earlier visits from the Czech, Polish and Slovenian prime ministers. Nehammer met with Zelenskyy earlier Saturday and pledged that the EU would continue to ratchet up sanctions against Russia until the war stops. As long as people are dying, every sanction is still insufficient, he said, adding that Austrian embassy staff will return to Kyiv from western Ukraine. Von der Leyen, who heads the European Unions executive branch, travelled to Warsaw on Saturday to lead a fundraising event for Ukraine. She was joined by Polish President Andrzej Duda, with Zelenskyy and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appearing by video link. At the end of the 90-minute meeting, von der Leyen said 10.1 billion euros ($11 billion) had been raised for Ukrainian refugees. The event was held in Warsaw because more than 2.5 million of the 4.4 million people who have fled Ukraine since Russias invasion began Feb. 24 have entered Poland. Many have stayed, though some have moved on to other countries. Convened jointly by von der Leyen and Trudeau, the event sought to attract pledges from governments, global celebrities and average citizens. It ended with Julian Lennon singing his father John Lennons peace song Imagine," which he said is the first time he did so publicly. Julian Lennon posted on social media that he always said he would only sing the song if it was the end of the world. He says its the right song to sing now because the war on Ukraine is an unimaginable tragedy, and he felt compelled to respond in the most significant way that he could. Associated Press Writers Colleen Barry in Milan, Geir Moulson in Berlin and Monika Scislowska in Warsaw contributed. Follow all AP stories on the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine. With less than four months until the primary election, Congressman Charlie Crist stressed a need for party unity among the Democratic gubernatorial candidates this past weekend, and rightly so. With work still progressing on bringing back Bad Axes summer day camp program, the city has someone in mind to lead it. City Manager Rob Stiverson said during this weeks Bad Axe City Council meeting he was looking at Madeline Jimkowski, an elementary education major looking to start teaching at Bad Axe schools next year, to take on the day camp administrator role. She would replace Megan McBride, who previously ran the day camp program and now runs the parks and recreation program in Port Austin. You ask her questions, she doesnt bat an eye, Stiverson said. She might have 120 kids, administrators, or counselors under her. She seemed very confident. During a recent hiring day held at the Huron Intermediate School District, Stiverson received 10 resumes for eight counselor positions, saying four were a sure thing while the other four he still has to work through. Stiverson had reached out to Cass City Schools about providing free food for the day camp program, since it is the nearest school district that still offers such a program. He is hoping one of the counselors will be able to drive out to the school to pick up free lunches for the kids to help bring more in. The National Universal Lunch Program will expire in June, with the Huron County schools that participated in it are going back to either students paying for lunch or qualifying for a different program that can offer free food. Once we get confirmation for sure that it is a free program, well get it out as part of marketing to draw kids in, Stiverson said. Stiverson is also looking at an announced young professionals grant as a way to pay for the counselorss services. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced last week that $4 million in grants have been given to 16 different Michigan Works organizations to help provide young adults with an introduction to work, including job skills, career exploration, preparation activities, and earned income. GST Michigan Works, which includes Huron Countys branch along with Tuscola, Sanilac, Lapeer, Shiawassee, and Genesee counties, received $257,924 of those funds. Stiverson said that if the counselors apply for this grant and are able to get money from it, that would be how they get paid as opposed to through the day camp program. The money they would be paid would instead be used to make programming better. The program is scheduled to run 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from June 20 to Aug. 19 at Bad Axe City Park. Stiverson would like to have all the counselors hired by the end of May. Program registration forms are available both at Bad Axe City Hall and on the City of Bad Axes website. Kids can be enrolled in either a two-day program with no field trips, a two-day program with field trips, or a five-day program with field trips. It is more expensive for non-city residents to register than city residents. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON (AP) House Democrats on Wednesday accused oil companies of "ripping off the American people and putting profits before production as Americans suffer from ever-increasing gasoline prices during the war in Ukraine. "At a time of record profits, Big Oil is refusing to increase production to provide the American people some much needed relief at the gas pump, said Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Oil executives, testifying before Congress for the second time in six months, responded that oil is a global market and that oil companies dont dictate prices. We do not control the market price of crude oil or natural gas, nor of refined products like gasoline and diesel fuel, and we have no tolerance for price gouging, said Chevron CEO Michael Wirth. Facing sharp questions from Democrats, Wirth, ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods and other executives said their companies have no plans to halt payments of dividends to stockholders or to restrict stock buybacks that have enriched shareholders and company executives. The six companies at the hearing recorded $77 billion in profits last year, they testified. The hearing comes as President Joe Biden has ordered the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nations strategic petroleum reserve for six months in a bid to control energy prices, which have spiked as the United States and its allies have imposed steep sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The national average gas price was $4.16 a gallon for regular on Wednesday, up from $2.87 a year ago, according to AAA. Biden and other Democrats have blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin and the U.S. oil industry for the increase, citing reports that oil companies have made record profits in recent months as prices have risen following Russias invasion of Ukraine. "This is the Biden price hike,'' countered Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington state, the committee's top Republican. Noting that prices were increasing before Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, McMorris Rodgers said Americans are too smart and have not fallen for this claim by Biden and other Democrats. She called the hearing purely political. Woods said Exxon has halted investments in Russia and is withdrawing from operations there. The company is increasing production in the United States, Woods said, including in the oil-rich Permian Basin in New Mexico and Texas. Exxon also is increasing production outside the U.S., including "a world-class development in Guyana,'' he said. Rep. Kim Schrier, D-Wash., said gas prices are close to $5 per gallon in her Seattle-area district. Her constituents are mad, and they should be,'' she said, citing the record profits oil companies are reaping. "This feels like gouging. It even feels like profiteering,'' Schrier said. Prices at the pump have not gone down in recent weeks along with crude oil prices, she and other Democrats noted. At a time of war and high prices, "oil companies should not be sending profits back to shareholders,'' she said, urging oil executives to restore production to pre-pandemic levels. Wirth, the Chevron CEO, said his company produced a record amount of oil in 2021, while also making sure to return value to shareholders'' through higher dividends and stock buybacks. "They're not mutually exclusive. We can do both,'' he said. Democrats have introduced bills in the House and Senate to impose a windfall tax on oil profits, although the idea has generated little momentum on Capitol Hill. West Coast senators, including Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell of Washington state, have called on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate possible price manipulation on the West Coast, where prices in California top $6 per gallon. Americans have the right to know why one of our most important commodities doesnt have the right amount of transparency and oversight,'' Cantwell said at a hearing Tuesday. Targeting what she called the mysterious middle of the supply chain,'' Cantwell said lawmakers and the FTC should ensure that as in the 2001 energy crisis spurred by Enron "there arent a bunch of smart guys in the room hurting consumers because they think we cant figure out what is happening.'' Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., blamed Biden for high gas prices, citing cancellation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline and a moratorium on new drilling leases on federal lands. Walberg said he was disappointed that neither Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm nor any other administration official appeared at the House hearing to answer for the administrations failed policies. Biden has called on Congress to impose financial penalties on companies that lease public lands but don't produce oil, a request that so far has been ignored. Biden also invoked the Defense Production Act to encourage mining of critical minerals for batteries in electric vehicles, part of a broader push to reduce use of fossil fuels and address climate change. The bottom line is if we want lower gas prices we need to have more oil supply right now, Biden said last week in announcing the strategic oil release. Higher prices have hurt Bidens approval domestically and added billions of oil-export dollars to the Russian government as it wages war on Ukraine. Oil companies have pledged to boost domestic production, but it is growing slowly. Executives point to supply chain and labor constraints as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as investor demands for returns. They have called for more federal permits to allow additional leases. Besides Exxon and Chevron, other companies represented at the hearing were Shell, BP, Pioneer Natural Resources and Devon Energy. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MILFORD It was in 2017 when Julie Nash and her team at the citys economic and community development department started seeing an expansion in vacant office space. The office vacancy trend started before the pandemic, and according to Nash, when the country went into lockdown, things went over the edge with office space. In the second quarter of 2019, the city had 11.5 percent of its office space vacant. By early 2020 that number had climbed to 14.4 percent, and by the spring it stood at 14.8 percent. Nash said the average numbers in 2019 we are about 11 percent, with 2020 at about 14 percent. In 2021, the vacancis popped up to 17 percent, but this year, she said the numbers are back around 14 percent, according to data provided by Advisra Consulting in Milford. Offices became an issue a few years before the pandemic because the way people work in digital technology changed the landscape of how people work, said Nash. In 2017, Nash and her team started to research what kind of offices were becoming vacant. Specifically, the team wanted to know if the vacancies were occurring in the larger buildings, or were entire smaller buildings becoming vacant. Other questions we were asking are: Is it downtown? Is it in the outskirts? What companies were in those spaces? And were they downsizing or leaving the state? said Nash. These were questions that we were all starting to have. Reinventing office is certainly something we are looking at, and people are looking at from across the country. You can see before the pandemic, and through the pandemic, vacant office space went up three percent, which is a lot, added Nash. Milford is not the only city seeing an increase in vacant office space. For all of 2021, Fairfield County recorded about 1.7 million square feet of new office leases, up 23 percent from 2020, according to commercial real estate firm CBRE. It trailed by 13 percent, however, the countys five-year annual average of about 1.9 million square feet. Nash said her office is not getting a lot of calls inquiring about offices, but they are receiving a lot of calls for co-working space, and more specifically, they are fielding calls asking about conference rooms. If they have clients coming in, they have a professional place to bring them, and they can throw up a presentation, she said. Before the pandemic, co-working space was a big deal in Connecticut, Nash added. The state of Connecticut had a grant for it, and they ran out. I had discussed with some of the co-working spaces throughout the state, pre-pandemic if this is something we needed, but they seemed to fall out of favor for a little while, and now they are high again, she said. One of the office spaces in Milford that is doing an entire remodel of its amenities and office space is 470-488 Wheelers Farm Road, a 450,000-square-foot building that was constructed in the 1980s by Equitable Life Insurance Company. We had a co-working operation here, but that is closed. But we are considering re-opening it, said Joseph Coci of Mountain Development Corp. We have several tenants that want a co-working space, and they came from Julie Nash. The property had previously housed high-profile tenants including IBM, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, The Warnaco Group, Ann Taylor and Dassault Systemes. Under the new management of Pent Park, owned by M3 Equities, Coci said it would be done this year. The two reasons the amenities and offices are being remodeled are both because of the new management, and the interest they are receiving in the space. Theres been quite a bit of activity going on here, Coci added. The location will have remodeled common areas, a full-service executive cafeteria, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an improved conference center with a larger training room and private conference rooms, an improved game room and more. Pent Park also offers custom build-out and furniture packaging for businesses looking to use available office space on the 50-acre campus. Businesses like WeWork and others of that nature have created the co-working impetus, and that is part of the market now, Coci added. But another part of it is just tenant demand and companies relocating here from out of the state or from other parts of the state. At the city level, Nash and her team are working on an economic development strategic plan. It will help us pick pathways that will lead to success in areas that need help like office space, said Nash. It will take the temperature of business in the city and find avenues that we can take and have a road map for the next several years, that we can go down and get us back to a better place than we are now. However, some challenges in re-creating an office space into a co-working space are zoning laws. Sometimes, the building can only be used by the building patrons, said Nash. So co-working businesses will come to us to change the zoning, so they can have a facility that will attract not only people in the building but also in the surrounding area. Another idea Nash has heard from office owners in Milford and across the state is turning offices into living spaces. Again, those take big zoning changes, and you cant spot zone, she said. You cant just change the zone of one building. It has to be the entire zone. Theres a lot that goes into changing a zone like that. In 2021, the Planning and Zoning Board approved 14 live-work units, making them the first of their kind in the city. The live-work model will allow business and residential use within the same space. The board approved a special exception to create the 14 live-work units because the current zoning did not allow for such units. But the one idea that Nash and her team are hearing the most and what they would like to do in Milford is attracting larger companies to have hubs in the city. Its hard to access talent when you are in one specific location. But when you go remote, you have access to an enormous amount of talent, she said. Larger companies are going to decrease their office space capacities, so why cant there be hubs for these large companies here in the city? Nash and her team are doing a real estate audit with Goman+York Property Advisors, and the purpose of that is to see all the commercial properties in Milford. We want to see who is in there, what kind of taxes they are paying, how long their lease is, how many true vacancies do we have, she said. We want to have a good handle on the landscape. The auditing software is expensive, and the work is difficult, Nash said. But we are finally doing it, and Im so excited about it, she said. Its going to give us a good handle on whats happening in the city especially office space, because they are our largest vacancy now, and have been for a very long time, but that is a trend across the country. Answers Xiaomi's Series 12 phones are among the first to use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip Xiaomi has unveiled its latest flagship smartphone and wearable device. The Mi 12 series is currently only available in China and comes in two models: the Mi 12 and the Mi 12 Pro. Both phones are the first to use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8-gen 1 chipset and have LPDDR5 RAM. The Mi 12 boasts a 4,500mah battery, while the 12 Pro boasts what the company claims are its first 120W, 4,600mah single battery. Xiaomi says it has increased capacity by 400 mah compared to dual batteries without increasing size. The camera array on the base model includes SONY's 50MP IMX766 as the main camera, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 5-megapixel telephoto sensor. Meanwhile, the 12 Pro features a new SONY IMX707 sensor, an ultra-wide camera with a 115-degree field of view, and a 2x telephoto portrait camera. According to Xiaomi, all three sensors are 50MP, while the main camera has a 49% improvement in light capture capability over previous models. On the front end, each device has a 32MP sensor. On the Mi 11 series, the front-facing perforated camera is on the left, but like the 11T, this time it's in the middle.Xiaomi notes that both devices support night mode, and both are said to have a camera that works in low light. The company says it will introduce a new imaging computing algorithm that it claims can improve capture speed and shutter delay.The mi 12 has a 6.28-inch flexible OLED display with a resolution of 2400 1080, a brightness of 1100 nits, and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The 12 Pro features a 6.73-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 3200 x 1440 and a brightness of 1,500 nits. Xiaomi said the display uses microlens technology to "enhance the viewing experience while improving smart energy-saving capabilities".Both devices support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.For audio, both phones have symmetrical dual speakers and Dolby Atmos support. The 12 Pro comes with a custom mid-woofer and tweeter.It will be available on December 31, with prices starting at 3,699 yuan ($580) for the Mi 12 and 4,699 yuan ($738) for the Mi 12 Pro. The company also said it would release a lower-cost version of the Mi 12 on the same day. The Mi 12X comes with a Snapdragon 870 chipset and starts at 3,199 yuan ($500).The phone will use MIUI 13, an Android 12-based operating system that will also be used on the Mi 11 series, mi 11T, and other phones and tablets. Xiaomi's smartwatches, speakers, and TVs will also use the operating system to help unify the ecosystem. A feature in the Mi Smart Hub allows users to share information about their screens, music, and apps with multiple nearby devices with a simple gesture. Inquery us According to a report from National Public Radio (NPR) on December 17, the Biden transition team revealed that the U.S. Congressman Cedric Richmond tested positive for the new crown virus. He also served as Deng consultant has a close relationship. According to reports, a spokesperson for Richmond said in a statement that Richmond has not had close contact with Biden. He will be quarantined for 14 days and be tested for the new coronavirus twice. He will not return to work until he has fully recovered post. The spokesperson said that Richmond went to Georgia alone on the 15th local time to participate in activities related to the states Senate election. At that time, Biden and Richmond had interacted in the open arena, but both of them wore masks for no more than 15 minutes. The spokesperson also revealed that Biden had been tested for the new coronavirus on the 17th local time, and the test result was negative. According to information published by the Biden camp government transition website (buildbackbetter.com), Richmond is a Democratic congressman from Louisiana. He served as the national co-chair of the Biden campaign team and was Biden earliest support. After Biden wins the election, Richmond will resign his position in the House of Representatives and become Biden senior adviser and director of the White House Office of Public Participation. It is generally believed that joining Biden White House staff will bring the deep relationships established in Congress to the White House. The price of Aluminum Oxynitride-Sodium Oxide (Al23O27N5-Na2O)-Sputtering Target continues to be affected by factors such as market growth momentum, various opportunities and challenges. However, during the forecast period from 2020 to 2025, the global Aluminum Oxynitride-Sodium Oxide (Al23O27N5-Na2O)-Sputtering Target sales market is expected to continue to be lower than the average level of the past five years. The growth rate will also decrease. It is expected that from today to the end of next five years, the price of Aluminum Oxynitride-Sodium Oxide (Al23O27N5-Na2O)-Sputtering Target will have a slight downward trend. 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It also has a specific awareness that can help you choose the right business execution and steps. Market reports systematically display information in the form of organizational charts, facts, charts, statistics and graphs, which represent the status of related transactions on global and regional platforms. In addition, the report also includes the entire business chain, through which the growth rate and decline rate of specific industries in the market can be analyzed. The report also describes the total cost of manufacturing the product and analyzing its assembly process. In addition, the report also includes major developments in the market. The report involves value chain analysis and represents the workflow in the market. In addition, the market is classified by category, process, end-use industry and region. The report divides the market based on geographic location. MIS-ASIA is an online content marketing platform that has a large number of visitors worldwide. 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If coronavirus vaccinations are rolled out widely, life could return to normal by next winter, one of the scientists behind the front-running coronavirus vaccine told British television on Sunday. Ugur Sahin, the Turkish co-founder of the German firm BioNTech, told the BBCs The Andrew Marr Show that this winter will be hard, without any major impact from vaccinations. Together with US giant Pfizer, BioNTech is developing the leading candidate in the worldwide chase for a vaccine. Israel has ordered millions of units of the vaccine, hoping that the first deliveries will arrive in the country by January. Affected by the new coronary pneumonia epidemic, the Rubidium Hydroxide (RbOH-XH2O)-Pieces market is changing rapidly. These changes are indicators of market growth. This year-on-year upward trend in the market indicates that the next November 2020-2026 will show an oval but steady growth. 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Learn more knowledge about Lithium nitride from nanotrun website. Inquery us The Chiir Royal Family of Nandom in the Upper West Region has pointed accusing fingers at the Nandom Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) for facilitating the installation of Prof. Edmund Delle as paramount chief of the area, an exercise the family contends violates customs and tradition. The family earlier alleged a joint team of military and police raided their palace on April 3 and held the hostage. This they suspected was in relation to their protest against the gazetting of Prof. Edmund Delle as paramount chief of Nandom. Read: UW/R: Nandom Chiir Royal Family alleges being held hostage by joint military & police team A new release from the family under the signature of the family head, Peter Aabenyaa Deri, mentions MUSEC as being complicit in the whole process. It has become abundantly clear that MUSEC has played a critical role though disappointing to the Chiir Royal Family in the Nandom Chieftaincy Affairs and in getting Prof. Edmund Delle gazetted as Paramount Chief of Nandom. All the media publications by MUSEC were a grand scheme well executed in support of Prof. Edmund Delles candidature as Paramount Chief of Nandom, parts of the statement read. The family arrived at this conclusion based on what they claim are these instances that have now exposed the meddling or failure of MUSEC to offer fair and impartial support in the Nandom Chieftaincy case. The claims are as attached. The Chiir Royal Family is convinced that MUSEC is neck-deep in the processes and should be held responsible for any breach of peace in Nandom. 3news.com 10.04.2022 LISTEN The Upper West Regional Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Mahamud Nayaro, for committing several offences. The man was arrested for possessing firearms without authority and possessing Police accoutrements without authority among other offences. A statement issued by the Upper West Regional Police Command said a Complainant came to the Regional CID with injuries on his left thumb, right wrist, left foot and complained of severe chest pains. According to the Police, preliminary investigations revealed that, on Wednesday 23 March 2022, at about 2am, the suspect and three other accomplices accused the Complainant of purchasing stolen copper wire, hence subjected him to severe beatings in his house and demanded an amount of ten thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS10,000). Also, On Thursday, 7 April 2022, Suspect Mahamud Nayaro aged 40 years, who claims to be a private security man was arrested and a search conducted in his house at Sandemuni a suburb of the Wa Municipality revealed, a pump action with four AAA Cartridges, a locally manufactured pistol with eight rounds of ammunition, top and down Police uniform, two Police raincoats and a quantity of electrical cables. The Upper West Regional Police Command however added that comprehensive investigation has commenced into the matter. It added that it has also mounted a manhunt to get his accomplices arrested to assist in the investigation. Source: classfmonline.com Two persons have sustained severe injuries after they were reportedly shot by the Akatsi police on Sunday morning. The rampaging youth were said to have massed up at the police station to demand the release of a motorbike seized by the Akatsi police on Friday night, after the police allegedly run down 3 persons on a motorbike with their riot van, near the Akatsi Training College, resulting in the death of one of the riders. The development resulted in an altercation that led to the police allegedly firing shots at the youth. The two injured persons have since been rushed to Ho for medical attention. According to an eyewitness, military persons have been brought in to help maintain law and order and prevent the situation from escalating. The youth say, persons on motorbikes have constantly been harrased by police in the district. According to them, only a few months ago, police in the Akatsi district brutalized a young man after he was accused of stealing; the accused later died, resulting in a misunderstanding between the police and the youth. On Friday night, the police used their car to hit one of the youth around 11pm and when they sent him to the district hospital, the person died. This morning, the youth went to the police station to take the motorbike and the police started fighting with the guys. They shot two of the guys who have been taken to Ho for treatment. The police have brought some armoured cars and they are shooting in the town, the eyewitness said. Meanwhile, the police in Akatsi say, efforts are underway to calm tension among the angry youth. According to the Akatsi District Commander of Police, Supt. Isaac Baah, police are working together with the leaders of the community, to resolve the differences and will address the issue in a few hours. citinewsroom 10.04.2022 LISTEN Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has justified Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's silence on the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-levy) during his recent address on the state of the Ghanaian economy. According to him, the government has on several occasions including its Town Hall meetings, answered all questions pertaining to the E-Levy, hence it was needless for the Vice President to reiterate same during his lecture on the State of the economy last Thursday. Speaking on the Big Issue, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said while the demand for the Vice Presidents comments was understandable, such calls are not necessary, especially when he had played various roles regarding the introduction of the controversial tax. I can understand why some people want him to do an elaborate talk. But it should not be missed that his presentation was the third in the series of presentations by the government dealing with various issues, and weve dealt extensively with the E-levy, travelling from Takoradi, Koforidua, Wa, Ho and other places engaging the public, Parliament and using mass media platforms explaining the whys. Weve been dealing with the fact that those two principal issues, first that digitization will not be compromised by E-levy, and have responded to the second matter that deals with the poor. The Vice President himself was very instrumental in this, said the minister. The Vice-President is on record to have opposed any taxation on Mobile Money (MoMo) transactions, suggesting that such a move will impoverish the average Ghanaian. It, therefore, became a surprise to many that his government introduced the tax measure amidst huge public resistance to the policy. Ghanaians were thus looking forward to his take on the E-levy following its controversial passage in Parliament and expected implementation in May 2022, but their expectations were not met as the Vice President failed to make any clear comment in that regard. citinewsroom 10.04.2022 LISTEN Global warming zealots, leave our beloved dogs out of it. Why are you even studying the carbon pawprints of our pets? Hmmm. First, it was the greenhouse gas emissions of cows, and now its moved on to our beloved pets our babies in fur. What animals are next? And even more horrendous, are human kids on your radical radar? In Time to Eat the Dog, the Real Guide to Sustainable Living, Robert and Brenda Vale proclaim that a medium-size dog has a footprint of 2.1 acres compared with slightly more than one acre for a standard sport utility vehicle. Sounds like hype to sell their new book! The Vale authors wont be eating my dogs. And I wont be buying their book. A 2017 article in Forbes discussed the research on the impact of climate change concerning our pets and greenhouse gas emissions. Dogs tend to eat meat, after all, and meat production is a major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. By one estimate, it's even the largest. And dogs tend to eat highly processed meat, so their carbon pawprint grows as their food is manufactured, and again as it is transported. According to Forbes, Seth Wynes of Sweden's Lund University and Kimberly Nicholas of the University of British Columbia found conclusive evidence that dog ownership contributes substantially to climate change. Who funded this study and why? Are cats next? What about horses, goats, and pigs? Visit www.lunduniversity.lu.se/article/four-lifestyle-choices-most-reduce-your-carbon-footprint where Wynes found that having fewer children was one of four actions that would have the greatest impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Folks, do you comprehend where this is going? Fewer pets. Fewer animals. Fewer kids. Here comes the slippery slope. No pets. No animals. No kids. There are two types of pawprints that your pet leaves: carbon and ecological. Your dog's carbon pawprint considers the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the creation and transportation of products he uses, the resources needed to grow the meat and vegetables that are found in his food, and the waste that he creates. Ecological pawprint (EPP) is an accounting tool based on the ecological footprint (EF) that is used to measure environmental sustainability. It measures how much biologically productive land and water is used for your companion animals food consumption. Visit www.academic.oup.com. Whats worse for the climate crisis: Your child or your pet? That question prefaces an article you can read at www.euronews.com/green/2021/04/28/what-s-worse-for-the-climate-crisis-your-child-or-your-pet.Both owning a pet and having a child can increase your carbon footprint in different ways, but which one is worse? So, now theres a comparison between your pet and your child concerning the warming of the earth. Who will be next on the list? I guess, the climate scientists get to decide or the globalists at the United Nations. Follow the money trail and you may find a carbon tax for pet ownership in the future. Will we have to fight for freedom of dog ownership? Will the killing of our beloved pets be a government mandate? A global mandate? But, more imperative, will the political powers demand or mandate a one-child policy. It happened in China. Could this happen in free countries? I invite readers to write a Letter to the Editor and share their views on this topic. Melissa Martin, Ph.D., is a syndicated opinion-editorial columnist. She lives in USA. The first Pan African Conference went into full swing in Manchester, London (1900) led by Henry Sylvester Williams a lawyer, graduate of the University of London, founder of the African Association, and credited with coining the term Pan African. The young W.E.B Dubois attended Williams Pan African Conference after graduating from school, Fisk (*HBCU) in1888 and Harvard in 1895, and he would later go on to organize Pan African Congresses. Marcus Garvey attended the University of London Birkbeck College, 1912; he studied law and philosophy. Garvey played a major role in Pan Africanism, guiding Black masses into understanding self-reliance and self-sufficiency. Garvey taught Economic empowerment via the Universal Negro Improvement Association (1914); and Black prideteaching the African Diaspora to relearn and reclaim their African heritage with his Back to Africa Movement. In 1945, returning to where it all started Manchester, the Fifth Pan African Congress, which was a major event, Dubois collaborated with such persons as Kwame Nkrumah, George Padmore, Jomo Kenyatta and other Black/African freedom fighters struggling for African nations independence from Europeans colonial rule. The Pan African Movement beginnings are in the Western Hemisphere and led by African Diasporans who fought the war outside of Africa against the most brutal form of slavery in world history built on racism. The Pan African Movement spread towards The Motherland from which millions of Africans were sold by wicked chieftaincies, and stolen away from Africa by white slave traders. The Pan African Movement struggle is against those who not only dominated chattel slavery (European slave ships, slave castles, branding irons and shackle owners), but also proceeded to strengthen their system of white supremacy, colonize and further exploit the cradle of civilization. The same Pan African Movement is still fighting against white supremacy, genocidal acts against Black people, and the increase efforts of Eurocentrics to white wash Black/African history. Please note, the Pan African Movement is not just a revolution against racist white Europeans, white Americans, white Arabs, white Asians, BUT-- to counter self-hating Black people suffering from Negropeanism (M. Ani), and those who have yet to heal from hundreds of years of trauma and needing to devise an African-centered system conducive for their upliftment. A Pan African Movement is efforts to provide a foundation to deal with miseducation, under-education and the uneducated, in order to cease locking step with former chattel slave masters and colonialists. One must ask, how can continental African politicians be dismissive towards Pan Africanismwhen the ideology and movement was devised to unite Black people, inspire Black economic upliftment and gain independence from European colonialists? What confused African politicians fail to understand, if it were not for Pan Africanism continental African politicians today would not be writing their own constitutions, holding the position of president and serving as parliamentarians. Racist European colonialists would be sitting in those chairs, and many chiefs would still be servants-- liaisons and language translators for colonialists. History tells, both ancient and contemporary, of African solidarity and the ushering out of European invaders, land grabbers, instigators of internal conflicts in other words, evidence of continental Africa purging itself of Europeans chaos and regaining stolen lands. This is nothing new, which Paul Guthrie, Michael Bradley, Chancellor Williams and Kwame Nkrumah explain in their writings, which are must-reads. Today, the 21st century, the Pan African dilemma-- too many African nations are still without consistent electrical power, several African nations are a.k.a. HIPCs (Highly Indebted Poor Countries), listed on Corruption Indexes, suffering with unstable currencies, underhanded re-taxing (i.e. Ghana officials fighting for MoMo money), African politicians skipping after Europeans COVID-19 loan schemes and falling into Chinese debt traps. To add insult to injury, African nations today are suffering from not having highly well trained and well-equipped hospitals as their politicians fly not only beyond their countrys borders, but outside of the African continent seeking medical help. Question is what would early Pan Africanist think of the state of Africa today? Pre 1966such as President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba, President Sekou Toure, President Julius Nyerere and other great revolutionaries. Nevertheless, regardless of white-capitalists-wannabe politicians, and how their African nations are bleeding profusely, they still make great efforts to demonstrate loyalty to European neo-colonialists by unplugging from the Pan African Movement. With great urgency, without fear or failure, African politicians need to take a sankofa approach and plug back into Pan Africanism. This Pan African dilemma must be turned around and with common goals revisit lessons from Manchester and teachings of the UNIA, i.e. Black solidarity, African-centered education, Black economic empowerment and re-development of Mother Africa. Forward ever. *HBCU--Historically Black Colleges and Universities, built by Africans. References: Carter G. Woodson (1933) The Miseducation of the Negro. Marimba Ani (1994) Yurugu: An African-Centered Critique of European Cultural Thought and Behavior ___________________ Dr. K. Makeda Muhammad is a Repatriate a returnee to Africa via Ghana in 2011. Dr. Makedas field of study is Black Studies--she is an educator, writer, Pan Africanist, community activist, and social media freedom fighter. MILES CITY, Mont. - The Montana Farmers Union has announced the dates for upcoming Congressional Primary Debates for candidates running for Montanas two seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Montana Right Now will be broadcasting the debates along with the Northern Ag Network. Its our opportunity to put issues that are important to rural Montana and family farms at the forefront of the conversation surrounding the elections, MFU President Walter Schweitzer said, adding that rural communities are the backbone of Montana. The debates are open to the public and kick off on April 21. Times and locations are as follows: Republicans, District 2: 7 p.m., April 21, at the Miles City Community College; Democrats, District 2: 7 p.m., April 28, at Montana State University-Northern in Havre; Democrats, District 1: 7:30 p.m., May 6, at MSUs Inspiration Hall in Bozeman; and Republicans, District 1: 7 p.m., May 20, at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center in Whitefish All candidates registered with the Montana Secretary of State have been invited to participate. As of the morning of April 7, republicans Mitch Heuer, Matt Jette, Al Doc Olszewski, and Mary Todd and democrats Cora Neumann, Monica Tranel, and Tom Winter had committed to participating in the District 1 debates, with republicans Kyle Austin, James Boyette, and Charles Walking Child and democrats Penny Ronning and Mark Sweeney committing to District 2 debates. As of Thursday evening, neither Republican candidates Ryan Zinke or Matt Rosendale have decided whether or not they will participate in the debate. We are still waiting on confirmation from Democrat Skylar Williams. Alicia Vikanders part in Irma Vep is her strangest role yet. The 33-year-old actress plays Mira, an American film star who travels to Paris to star in a remake of Les Vampires, a French movie about a criminal gang in which she stars as femme fatale Irma Vep. The name Irma Vep is also an anagram for vampire and Mira starts to struggle to distinguish between what is reality and what is fantasy. Speaking to Britain's Harper's Bazaar magazine, Alicia described the HBO show as being so meta, its eating itself, and she cannot put it in a genre. The Tomb Raider star explained: I think, while I was making it, I played five roles Its like Chinese boxes. Theres always something else going on. I think thats the beauty of the project. The series has been directed by French filmmaker Olivier Assayas, who said he has always wanted to work with Alicia. Olivier explained: [I] always wanted to work with [Alicia]; it was just a matter of finding the right role. And I thought about her at once for Irma Vep. She has all the depth, the complexity and the humour I needed. Speaking about the director, Alicia added: Hes the most timid and kind person and everybody loves him. When you go on set, its all the same people hes worked with for years its a joy to be with him and his friends, and its all happy and sweet. And then he wrote this in a few months, with its darkness, and you say, This was actually in your mind? Hes an extreme observer. The Ex Machina star added: I love the communal feeling independent films give you. Emma Bunton will miss Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz wedding. The Spice Girls star has confirmed she won't be there for the couple's big day in Palm Beach, Florida, as she sent her well-wishes to the couple and asked her bandmate Victoria Beckham "not to cry too much". Taking to Instagram, Emma shared a snap of herself with the happy couple, writing alongside it: "These two beautiful souls are getting married today! I'm so sorry I couldn't make it there to celebrate you both. We love you all very much. @victoriabeckham @davidbeckham try not to cry to much!!#happytears (sic)" It is believed Geri Horner will also be missing the ceremony, which will take place at Nicola's family's estate, with the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Eva Longoria and Serena Williams among those attending. Geri is believed to have flown to Melbourne with her husband Christina Horner for the Australian Grand Prix. A source said: "Geri has been accompanying Christian where possible on all of his work trips. This one is particularly far away but it is the Easter holidays so it was possible to make the journey. They are hoping to get some down time there too. With Christian busy with work she didnt want to fly out to the States on her own." At the time of writing, it is not yet known whether Mel C will be at the nuptials but Mel B - also known as Scary Spice - recently confirmed she will be by her friend Victoria's side as Brooklyn ties the knot. The nuptials are a grand affair, with preparations having gone on for weeks as the couple tie the knot in a $3 million celebration at the family's grand estate, which has beautiful views across the sea. Khloe Kardashian has hit back at those who criticise her for holding her daughter. The 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' star showed up to the premiere of the family's latest Hulu show with her daughter True Thompson - who she has with her ex-partner Tristan Thompson - and for all the snaps the family had on the red carpet, she held onto her little girl, who is about to turn four-years-old. Now Khloe has hit back at social media trolls, who criticised her for still holding her child. Writing on Twitter, she said: "For the people who comment that I hold True too much number 1 Im gonna hold my baby until I cant hold her anymore. Number 2 when theres tons of cameras around, flashing lights, paps yelling things "I want my baby to feel safe. Worry about your own children. We good over here." Khloe's daughter is very tall for her age - but she refuses to let people call True 'big' and always corrects them. Speaking recently, she said: "She's very tall. People will always say, 'She's so big.' And Ill say, 'Oh, she's so tall.' I try to make them be more descriptive. I know what an adult means when they say that, but I dont want her to misinterpret that. It wasnt from one person, I guess just from society or how people critiqued my body." She also revealed True is a "very tough" little girl, but she's teaching her that it's OK if she needs to cry too. Explaining how she deals with her daughter's strength, she said: "If thats who she is, Im not trying to make her not be that way. But sometimes, Ill notice she may bump into something. Ill say, 'Are you OK, Tu-Tu?' And shell say, 'Yes,' and kind of brush it off. I do try to always tell her that its OK if she cries or if something is wrong." Press release from the University of Montana: MISSOULA University of Montana student Cana Odegaard said its a long shot, but one day shed love to work for the United Nations or UNICEF helping refugees and children around the world. That shot, it turns out, might not be all that long considering Odegaard, who is studying world languages and cultures along with Arabic and international development, has won a coveted Critical Language Scholarship in just her first year in college. Joining her in receiving this competitive recognition is sophomore Kolter Stevenson, who is majoring in management information systems, finance and international business, with a minor in Russian. The CLS is a summer study abroad program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State to expand the number of Americans mastering foreign languages critical to Americas national security and economic prosperity. Finalists for the 2022 program were selected from a diverse pool of over 4,500 applicants, representing all 50states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. Both Odegaard and Stevenson had deep language experiences long before their collegiate studies and said the CLS will do much to accelerate their skills. Odegaard, from Missoula, spent portions of her childhood living internationally. Her father was in computer programming and traveled overseas with her family, which also was involved in ministry work in Cairo and other parts of the world. Living in the Middle East sparked her deep interest in Arabic. The alphabet is fascinating to look at, and the people that I met were so hospitable. Its how I feel in love with Arabic, she said. Stevensons family is from Norway, and the Amsterdam, Montana, native has a close bond with his familys homeland. After two years of high school, he elected to study in Bergen, Norway, to learn more about the Norwegian language and culture. Along the way, he took a course in Russian and developed a passion for the language. Today, he counts himself fortunate to study Russian at UM, which has the best Russian program west of the Mississippi, he said. Russian is spoken in many countries, so its useful beyond Russia, said Stevenson, who also spent time in 2019 studying in Moldova through another U.S. Department of State language initiative for youth. The cultural aspect is beautiful, and a respect for nature is imbedded in the language, which I find fascinating. Stevenson said he struggles with every language he studies, which includes Spanish, and jokes that hes not even fluent in English. This humble attitude belies his awesome commitment to his studies, said Clint Walker, UM associate professor of Russian language and culture. If you raise the bar, Kolter is there, Walker said. He works on a different level and is always challenging himself to be better. Students like him fire you up as an instructor. Deena Mansour, executive director of the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center, met Odegaard as a student in Mansours Global Public Diplomacy class and was so impressed she offered to write a recommendation letter to the CLS committee. For any scholarship program, a commitment to community and leadership are essential. Cana has consistently demonstrated such qualities, even in her short time at the University of Montana, Mansour said, noting that Odegaard has embraced a role as citizen diplomat. I can always rely on her to ask a thoughtful question that represents herself, our University, and our state well, Mansour added. With world conditions in flux, Odegaard said she will do her studies virtually with an institute in Oman this summer. Stevenson recently learned he will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to study at the American University of Central Asia. Both said theyd like to use their language skills someday to live and work internationally. That might be owning an environmental business in Estonia for Stevenson. For Odegaard that very well might be for the U.N. I really hope to one day go back to some of the countries and talk to refuges and learn their stories in their language, she said. BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) Russian ally Serbia took the delivery of a sophisticated Chinese anti-aircraft system in a veiled operation this weekend, amid Western concerns that an arms buildup in the Balkans at the time of the war in Ukraine could threaten the fragile peace in the region. Media and military experts said Sunday that six Chinese Air Force Y-20 transport planes landed at Belgrade's civilian airport early Saturday, reportedly carrying HQ-22 surface-to-air missile systems for the Serbian military. The Chinese cargo planes with military markings were pictured at Belgrade's Nikola Tesla airport. Serbia's defense ministry did not immediately respond to APs request for comment. The arms delivery over the territory of at least two NATO member states, Turkey and Bulgaria, was seen by experts as a demonstration of Chinas growing global reach. The Y-20s appearance raised eyebrows because they flew en masse as opposed to a series of single-aircraft flights, wrote The Warzone online magazine. The Y-20s presence in Europe in any numbers is also still a fairly new development. Serbian military analyst Aleksandar Radic said that the Chinese carried out their demonstration of force. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic all but confirmed the delivery of the medium-range system that was agreed in 2019, saying on Saturday that he will present the newest pride of the Serbian military on Tuesday or Wednesday. He had earlier complained that NATO countries, which represent most of Serbias neighbors, are refusing to allow the systems delivery flights over their territories amid tensions over Russias aggression on Ukraine. Although Serbia has voted in favor of U.N. resolutions that condemn the bloody Russian attacks in Ukraine, it has refused to join international sanctions against its allies in Moscow or outright criticize the apparent atrocities committed by the Russian troops there. Back in 2020, U.S. officials warned Belgrade against the purchase of HQ-22 anti-aircraft systems, whose export version is known as FK-3. They said that if Serbia really wants to join the European Union and other Western alliances, it must align its military equipment with Western standards. The Chinese missile system has been widely compared to the American Patriot and the Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile systems although it has a shorter range than more advanced S-300s. Serbia will be the first operator of the Chinese missiles in Europe. Serbia was at war with its neighbors in the 1990s. The country, which is formally seeking EU membership, has already been boosting its armed forces with Russian and Chinese arms, including warplanes, battle tanks and other equipment. In 2020, it took delivery of Chengdu Pterodactyl-1 drones, known in China as Wing Loong. The combat drones are able to strike targets with bombs and missiles and can be used for reconnaissance tasks. There are fears in the West that the arming of Serbia by Russia and China could encourage the Balkan country toward another war, especially against its former province of Kosovo that proclaimed independence in 2008. Serbia, Russia and China dont recognize Kosovos statehood, while the United States and most Western countries do. PHOENIX (AP) Jennifer Chau was astonished last month when the U.S. Census Bureau's report card on how accurately it counted the U.S. population in 2020 showed that Asian people were overcounted by the highest rate of any race or ethnic group. The director of an Asian American advocacy group thought thousands of people would be missed outreach activities had been scratched by the coronavirus pandemic, and she and her staff feared widespread language barriers and wariness of sharing information with the government could hinder participation. They also thought recent attacks against Asian Americans could stir up fears within the Asian population, the fastest-growing race or ethnic group in the U.S. Im honestly shocked, said Chau, director of the Arizona Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander For Equity Coalition. But Chau and other advocates and academics also believe the overcounting of the Asian population by 2.6% in the once-a-decade U.S. head count may not be all that it seems on the surface. They say it likely masks great variation in who was counted among different Asian communities in the U.S. They also believe it could signal that biracial and multiracial residents identified as Asian in larger numbers than in the past. The specifics are difficult to determine because all Asian communities are grouped together under the same race category in the census. This conceals the wide variety of income, education and health backgrounds between subgroups and tends to blur characteristics unique to certain communities, some advocates said. It may also perpetuate the model minority" myth of Asians being affluent and well-educated. Asian Americans have the largest income inequality than any other racial groups in the U.S. and the overall overcount likely masks the experiences of Asian ethnic groups who were more vulnerable to being undercounted, said Aggie Yellow Horse, an assistant professor of Asian Pacific American Studies at Arizona State University. Almost four dozen U.S. House members this month asked the Census Bureau to break down the accuracy of the count of Asian residents by subgroups. Asians in the U.S. trace their roots to more than 20 countries, with China and India having the largest representation. But the bureau has no plans to do so, at least not in the immediate future. To really see how the Asian American community fared, you need lower level geography to understand if there was an undercount or if certain communities fared better than others, said Terry Ao Minnis, senior director of census and voting programs at Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC. Asians were overcounted by a higher rate than any other group. White residents were overcounted by 0.6%, and white residents who arent Hispanic were overcounted by 1.6%. The Black population was undercounted by 3.3%, those who identified as some other race had a 4.3% undercount, almost 5% of the Hispanic population was missed and more than 5.6% of American Indians living on reservations were undercounted. Civil rights leaders blamed the undercounts on hurdles created by the pandemic and political interference by then-President Donald Trumps administration, which tried unsuccessfully to add a citizenship question to the census form and cut field operations short. The census not only is used for determining how many congressional seats each state gets and for redrawing political districts; it helps determine how $1.5 trillion a year in federal funding is allocated. Overcounts, which are revealed through a survey the bureau conducts apart from the census, occur when people are counted twice, such as college students being counted on campus and at their parents homes. In the 2020 census, 19.9 million residents identified as Asian alone, a 35% increase from 2010. Another 4.1 million residents identified as Asian in combination with another race group, a 55% jump from 2010. Asians now make up more than 7% of the U.S. population. Some of the growth by Asians in the 2020 census may be rooted in the fluidity of how some people, particularly those who are biracial or multiracial, report their identity on the census form, said Paul Ong, a professor emeritus of urban planning and Asian American Studies at UCLA. People change their identity from one survey to another, and this is much more prevalent among those who are multiracial or biracial, Ong said. Lan Hoang, a Vietnamese American woman who works at the same coalition as Chau, listed her three young children as Asian, as well as white and Hispanic to represent her husband's background. She used the census as an opportunity to talk to them about the importance of identity, even reading them a kids' book about the head count. It talks about how important it is that you let others know that youre here, this is who you represent, Hoang said. When I filled out (the form), they were totally surprised. ... 'Yeah, youre three different things in one. Youre special. Conversations about declaring one's Asian background are especially meaningful given the anti-Asian hate brought on by the pandemic, Hoang added. Eight people, including six women of Asian descent, were fatally shot last year at Georgia massage businesses, and thousands more attacks against Asians have happened across the U.S. since 2020. Such factors may have led some multiracial people who ordinarily would have indicated on the census form that they were white, Black or some other race to instead select Asian, Ong said. When that happens, people who are multiracial go in two directions: They reject their minority identity or they embrace it, Ong said. With the rise of anti-Asian hostility, it forced some multiracial Asians to select a single identity. Another factor that may have contributed to the Asian overcount is the fact that young adult Asians were more likely to be in college than other racial or ethnic groups: 58% compared to 42% or less for young adults of other race or ethnic backgrounds. That may have led them to be counted twice, on campuses and at their parents' homes, where they went after colleges and universities closed because of the pandemic. UCLA junior Lauren Chen spent most of her freshman year back home in Mesa, Arizona, in 2020. Her father included Chen on the household census form even though Census Bureau rules said she should have been counted at school. Chen has no idea if she was counted twice. UCLA was pretty swamped with trying to figure out how to get people their belongings. ... It was a very messy moment and I dont think I knew anyone that got mail or anything like that, Chen said. (The census) is definitely something that I paid attention to, especially with the way that my Dad focused on it. Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeSchneiderAP. Tang reported from Phoenix and is a member of The Associated Press Race and Ethnicity team. Follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ttangAP. LVIV, Ukraine Ukraines president warned his nation Sunday night that the coming week would be as crucial as any in the war. Russian troops will move to even larger operations in the east of our state, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address. He accused Russia of trying to evade responsibility for war crimes. When people lack the courage to admit their mistakes, apologize, adapt to reality and learn, they turn into monsters. And when the world ignores it, the monsters decide that it is the world that has to adapt to them. Ukraine will stop all this, Zelenskyy said. The day will come when they will have to admit everything. Accept the truth, he said. He again called on Western countries, including Germany, to provide more assistance to Ukraine. During talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Zelenskyy said he discussed how to strengthen sanctions against Russia and how to force Russia to seek peace. I am glad to note that the German position has recently changed in favor of Ukraine. I consider it absolutely logical, Zelenskyy said. KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: US: Russia's new battlefield commander has history of brutality Ukraine digs in to fight Russias looming eastern offensive Ukraine churches display faith, hope and charity amid wreckage Analysis: War, economy could weaken Putins place as leader Biden, Modi to speak as India avoids hard line on Russia Zelenskyy, in AP interview, says he seeks peace despite atrocities Go to https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine for more coverage OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: The president of the European Commission said the questionnaire she handed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during her visit to Kyiv represents a very important step forward. Ursula von der Leyen said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union that Ukraines response will enable her to decide whether to recommend the nation as a candidate to join the European Union. The process normally takes years, but she has said Ukraines application could take just weeks to consider. She said Ukrainians belong to our European family, without any question. Yesterday, somebody told me: You know, when our soldiers are dying, I want them to know that their children will be free be and be part of the European Union, von der Leyen said. They are in an extraordinary situation, where we have to take unusual steps. One thing is clear for me: After this war, when Ukraine will be rebuilt, when we support Ukraine in reconstructing this country, this will be accompanied by reforms. So, it is an extraordinary way to shape the country and to go down the path towards the European Union. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government is providing investigative support to efforts to document war crimes in Ukraine, and he said Russian President Vladimir Putin is responsible. It is clear that Putin is systematically targeting civilians, whether its hospitals or train stations or maternity wards. This is one of the reasons why Canada was one of the first countries to call on the International Criminal Court to look into Putins war crimes, Trudeau said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union. Canadian investigators, Trudeau said, are building up the case for people to recognize that not only was this a terrible mistake to violate the sovereignty of another country and create massive global instability thats impacting energy and food prices around the world, but it is also a series of war crimes that Putin is deliberately committing that he needs to be held to account for. Asked if the crimes amount to genocide, Trudeau said it remains to be determined. The stories of what Russian soldiers are doing, not just the murder of civilians, but the systematic use of sexual violence and rape, to destabilize and have the greatest negative impact on Ukrainian people as possible is absolutely unforgivable and unacceptable, Trudeau said. And thats why the global community is going to and is responding so strongly. Its almost Easter in Ukraine, where faith, hope and charity are on display at a trio of churches on the far edges of the capital. Sunday services were held in Bucha even as bodies were being removed from a mass grave in the churchyard. In Makarov, the faithful were moved to tears at the sight of crosses scattered in broken glass. And in Borodyanka, a church was untouched near where Russian attacks ripped open a high-rise. Thats where donations are bringing help to elderly people who stayed while others fled Russian occupation. Ukrainian authorities said weeks ago that at least 59 spiritual sites were damaged. On the day when Pope Francis called for an Easter truce in Ukraine to make way for a negotiated peace, church visitors invoked God in recalling their survival. Each person who was leaving, from any place, Makarov, Bucha, Hostomel or from Andriivka, the neighboring village which was destroyed to the ground; each one, even those who did not know the Lords Prayer, he was speaking to God with his own words, said Alona Parkhomenko in Makarov, where the church exterior was speckled with bullet holes and the priest warned of falling glass. WASHINGTON Russias newly appointed battlefield commander in Ukraine made his reputation crushing resistance to Syrian President Bashar Assad during that countrys devastating civil war. Russian forces led by Gen. Alexander Dvornikov destroyed whole cities while dropping barrel bombs that targeted civilians. With Moscow supporting Assad, the war in Syria has killed more than 350,000 people. Lt. Col. Fares al-Bayoush, a Syrian army defector, said Sunday he expects a similar scorched-earth strategy under the commander in Ukraine. Speaking by telephone from Turkey, al-Bayoush said he believes the aim of naming Dvornikov as Ukraine war commander is to cause widespread destruction in many places at once. He has very good experience in this policy, al-Bayoush said. This commander is a war criminal. KYIV, Ukraine -- The mayor of Kyiv and his brother said the visit of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to their capital shows who Ukraines real friends are at this critical time. But they understand if security concerns keep U.S. President Joe Biden from visiting for now. Mayor Vitali Klitschko and his brother Wladimir have been professional boxers and now outspoken defenders of Ukraine. Interviewed Sunday on ABC News This Week with George Stephanopoulos, they said they expect Russias military to return and target Kyiv again. And when they do, they said they cant defend Ukraine with their fists they need weapons. Wladimir Klitschko also pleaded for the world to isolate Russia economically, saying every cent that Russia is getting, theyre using for weapons to kill us. Vitali Klitschko said everyone was shocked when the Russians who pushed on Kyiv retreated after killing hundreds of civilians during their occupation. He called it genocide to kill women, children, old people and teenagers for no reason. To defend Ukraine now, the mayor said, is to defend democracy and peace in Europe. WILMINGTON, Del. The White House said President Joe Biden will press Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a hard line against Russias Ukraine invasion. Press Secretary Jen Psaki says the leaders plan a virtual meeting on Monday. Indias neutral stance in the war has raised concerns in Washington and earned praise from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who lauded India this month for judging the situation in its entirety, not just in a one-sided way. India abstained when the U.N. General Assembly voted Thursday to suspend Russia from its seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council over allegations of war crimes. India continues to purchase Russian energy despite Western pressure to avoid buying Russian oil and gas. And the U.S. has considered sanctions on India for its recent purchase of advanced Russian air defense systems. Psakis statement says Biden will discuss how Russias war against Ukraine is destabilizing the global food supply and commodity markets, and the need to strengthen the global economy while upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity. BERLIN -- Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday. The Austria Press Agency reported that Nehammer told reporters in Vienna on Sunday that he plans to make the journey. It follows a trip on Saturday to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. APA reported that Nehammer aims to encourage dialogue between Ukraine and Russia and also address war crimes in his meeting with Putin. Austria is a member of the European Union and has backed the 27-nation blocs sanctions against Russia, though it so far has opposed cutting off deliveries of Russian gas. The country is militarily neutral and is not a member of NATO. Nehammer said he was taking the trip on his own initiative, and that he had consulted with the European Unions top officials. He said that he also informed Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. BERLIN -- The U.N. nuclear watchdog said Ukraine said the staff at the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear plant has been rotated for the first time in three weeks after Russian troops left the area. The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency has expressed concern about the well-being of the workers since the Russian military took control of the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster at the beginning of the war. The agency said Ukraine informed it on Sunday that it has now rotated the staff, but the situation remains far from normal. They had to be transported to and from the site by water, with the Pripyat River being the only way for people living in the city of Slavutych to currently reach the plant. The IAEA said Ukraine has informed it that analytical laboratories for radiation monitoring at the site were destroyed, with analytical instruments stolen, broken or otherwise disabled. The automated transmission of radiation monitoring data has been disabled. KYIV, Ukraine The governor of the region that includes Ukraines fourth-largest city, Dnipro, says the airport was hit twice by missile attacks on Sunday. The Ukrainian military command said Russian forces also keep shelling Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv, and have kept up their siege of Mariupol, the key southern port city that has been under attack for nearly six weeks. The Russian Defense Ministry says its air-launched missiles hit Ukraines S-300 air defense missile systems in two locations, while sea-launched cruise missiles destroyed a Ukrainian units headquarters in the Dnipro region. Neither sides military claims could be independently verified. The Pentagon said Russia has a clear advantage in armored forces for its next phase in its war on Ukraine. Press secretary John Kirby said Friday that the Russians spread themselves too thin to take the capital, but now theyre more focused on a smaller region, and still have the vast majority of their combat power. A major effort by Ukrainian defenses and more Western assistance will be needed to push them back. WASHINGTON A senior U.S. official said Russia has appointed a new commander to oversee its war on Ukraine. The official speaking on condition of anonymity said Russia has turned to one of its most experienced military officers, Gen. Alexander Dvornikov. U.S. officials say the 60-year-old general has a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and other theaters of war. The White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told CNN on Sunday that this general will just be another author of crimes and brutality against Ukrainian civilians. And he said no appointment of any general can erase the fact that Russia has already faced a strategic failure in Ukraine. The new battlefield leadership comes as Russia gears up for what is expected to be a large and more focused push to expand Russian control in the Donbas after failing to conquer the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Sullivan reiterated support for the Ukrainian government, saying the United States is determined to do all it can to help Ukrainians resist this general and the forces he commands. Robert Burns and Hope Yen KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines border guard agency says that about 2,200 Ukrainian men of fighting age have been detained so far while trying to leave the country in violation of martial law. The agency said Sunday that some of them have used forged documents and others tried to bribe border guards to get out of the country. It said some have been found dead while trying to cross the Carpathian mountains in adverse weather, without specifying the number. Under martial law, Ukrainian men between 18 and 60 are barred from leaving the country so that they can be called up to fight. WARSAW, Poland Sirens have sounded in some Polish cities to mark the anniversary of a 2010 plane crash that killed the countrys president, despite protests that their sound would be unnecessarily traumatic for refugees from the war in Ukraine. The sirens early Sunday were intended to add to the significance and the plaintive character of observances honoring the late President Lech Kaczynski, the first lady and 94 other prominent Poles killed 12 years ago in the crash of the presidential plane in Russia. Kaczynski was the twin of Jaroslaw Kaczynski the leader of the main governing Law and Justice party. Provincial governors ignored calls not to use the sirens out of concern for refugees from neighboring Ukraine, traumatized by air raid alarms. Authorities sent text messages to refugees phones that the sirens would mean no danger. KYIV, Ukraine The Ukrainian military says Russia has been beefing up its forces and trying to probe Ukrainian defenses. The Ukrainian military command said Sunday that the Russian troops have continued attempts to break Ukrainian defenses near Izyum, southeast of Kharkiv. It reported that Russia was sending reinforcements to Izyum while continuing the shelling of Kharkiv. The military added that the Russians also continued their attempts to take control of Mariupol, the Sea of Azov port that has been besieged by Russian forces for nearly 1 months. After Russias attempt to capture Kyiv and other big cities in northeastern Ukraine quickly failed, Ukrainian and Western officials expect Moscow to launch a new offensive in eastern Ukraine, where Russia-backed separatists have fought Ukrainian forces for eight years. KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he focused on the need to track down perpetrators of war crimes in a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Zelenskyy said on Twitter that in Sundays call we emphasized that all perpetrators of war crimes must be identified and punished. Ukraine has accused Russia of atrocities against civilians in Bucha and other places near Kyiv, where hundreds of slaughtered civilians, many with their hands bound and signs of torture, were found after Russian troops retreated. Zelenskyy also said he and Scholz discussed anti-Russian sanctions, defense and financial support for Ukraine. VATICAN CITY Pope Francis has opened Holy Week with a call for an Easter truce in Ukraine to make room for a negotiated peace, highlighting the need for leaders to make some sacrifices for the good of the people. Celebrating Palm Sunday Mass before crowds in St. Peters Square for the first time since the pandemic, Pope Francis called for weapons to be laid down to begin an Easter truce, not to reload weapons and resume fighting, no! A truce to reach peace through real negotiations. Francis did not refer directly to Russias invasion of Ukraine, but the reference was clear. He has repeatedly denounced the war and the suffering brought to innocent civilians. HELSINKI Finland says that a shipment of art works from Russian museums has been returned to Russia after it was seized under European Union sanctions against Moscow. Finlands customs service said late Saturday that the Foreign Ministry granted a special permit to return the consignment with a total insured value of around 42 million euros ($46 million). It said that trucks carrying the art works from the Hermitage Museum and the Pavlovsk State Museum in St. Petersburg, among others, left Finnish territory on Saturday afternoon. The shipment was seized at the Vaalimaa border crossing at the beginning of April. The works were en route to Russia after loan to museums in Europe and Japan. Experts say that art works loaned from Russia typically travel overland via Finland. Russia has demanded the return of all works on loan to unfriendly nations that imposed sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine. KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said more civilians were expected to leave Mariupol Sunday in their personal vehicles. Evacuations were also planned from Berdyansk, Tokmak and Enerhodar in the south and Sieverierodonetsk, Lysychansk, Popasna and Rubizhne in the east. Mariupol, a strategic port city on the Sea of Azov, has been besieged by Russian forces for nearly 1 months, cut from food, water and power supplies and pummeled by relentless bombardment that has killed at least 5,000, according to local officials. Ukrainian authorities have urged civilians in the east to evacuate in the face of an imminent Russian offensive. They accused Russia of killing 52 people on Friday at the train station in the eastern city of Kramatorsk as they were preparing to evacuate. GENEVA -- The U.N. refugee agency says the number of people who have left Ukraine since the beginning of the war has reached 4.5 million. A regular update Sunday of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees online portal on numbers of refugees fleeing Ukraine since Feb. 24 brought the total to some 4.504 million. About 2.6 million of those fled at least initially to Poland and more than 686,000 to Romania. However, UNHCR notes that there are very few border controls within the European Union and it believes a large number of people have moved on from the first country they arrived in. LONDON -- Britains Ministry of Defense said Russias armed forces are seeking to respond to mounting losses by boosting troop numbers with personnel who had been discharged from military service since 2012. In an intelligence update on Twitter, the ministry also said Sunday that the Russian militarys efforts to generate more fighting power also include trying to recruit from Trans-Dniester, a breakaway region in Moldova that borders Ukraine. Russia maintains some 1,500 troops in the region, which is not internationally recognized. KYIV, Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told The Associated Press on Saturday that he is committed to seeking peace despite Russian attacks on civilians that have stunned the world. He said no one wants to negotiate with people who tortured their nation as a man, as a father, I understand this very well. But he said we dont want to lose opportunities, if we have them, for a diplomatic solution. Zelenskyy said hes confident Ukrainians would accept peace despite the horrors they have witnessed in the war. But meanwhile, Russian troops are regrouping for an expected surge in fighting in eastern Ukraine, including the besieged port city of Mariupol that Ukrainian defenders are battling to retain. So Zelenskyy renewed his plea for countries to send more weapons. He says they have to fight for life -- not for dust when there is nothing and no people. Thats why it is important to stop this war. NEW YORK (AP) New York City Mayor Eric Adams tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, his 100th day in office, according to a spokesperson. The first-term Democrat woke up with a raspy voice Sunday and took a PCR test that came back positive, spokesperson Fabien Levy said in a statement. Earlier Sunday, Levy had tweeted that Adams had taken a rapid test that came back negative but took the additional test out of an abundance of caution. Adams has no other symptoms but has canceled all public events for the week and will be taking antiviral medications and working remotely, Levy said. New York City has been experiencing a steady resurgence in virus cases over the past month. Its now averaging around 1,800 new cases per day not counting the many home tests that go unreported to health officials. Thats triple the number in early March, when the city began relaxing masking and vaccination rules. Adams' past week was busy: The mayor attended the annual Gridiron Club dinner in Washington last Saturday, after which dozens of attendees tested positive. He also delivered remarks at the National Action Network convention on Wednesday and attended that night's gala, appeared in-studio on MSNBC's Morning Joe on Thursday before joining Robert De Niro at the ReelAbilities Film Festival, went to the New York Yankees' opening day Friday and was in Albany on Saturday. You make our work happen. The article youre about to read is from our reporters doing their important work investigating, researching, and writing their stories. We want to provide informative and inspirational stories that connect you to the people, issues and opportunities within our community. Journalism takes a lot of resources. Today, our business model has been interrupted by the pandemic; the vast majority of our advertisers businesses have been impacted. Thats why the Weekly is now turning to you for financial support. Learn more about our new Insiders program here. Thank you. JOIN NOW April 10, 2022 The MoA Week In Review - NOT Ukraine OT 2022-43 Last week's posts at Moon of Alabama: Interesting summery ... ... and a few corrections to it by Agitpapa: 1-This Swiss ex-gen staff colonel's Ukraine analysis has a lot of inaccuracies and speculation, as well as some interesting points. In 2014-17, the CIA/nazi Maidan coup regime's 1st attempt to exterminate Russian speakers in Donbass ended in a crushing ... --- Other issues: Europe's demise: The JCPOA Nuclear Agreement is dead: Use as open NOT Ukraine thread ... Posted by b on April 10, 2022 at 13:25 UTC | Permalink Comments next page April 10, 2022 Ukraine Open Thread 2022-44 Only news & views related to the Ukraine conflict ... Posted by b on April 10, 2022 at 13:27 UTC | Permalink Comments next page next page Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - A total of 195 illegal migrants, including 23 women and two children, were freed by a detachment of the 444th Combat Brigade at dawn on Sunday in the town of Beni Walid (about 180 km southwest) A Texas district attorney said Sunday that he will ask a judge to dismiss a murder charge against a woman over a self-induced abortion. Lizelle Herrera was arrested Thursday in Rio Grande City, a community of about 14,000 people along the Mexico border, after a Starr County grand jury indicted her on March 30 for murder for allegedly causing the death of an individual ... by self-induced abortion." District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez said Sunday that his office would move to dismiss the charge on Monday. In reviewing this case, it is clear that Ms. Herrera cannot and should not be prosecuted for the allegation against her, Ramirez said in a statement. Ramirez went on to say, It is my hope that with the dismissal of this case it is made clear that Ms. Herrera did not commit a criminal act under the laws of the State of Texas." Authorities haven't released details about what Herrera allegedly did, and Ramirez didn't immediately respond to an email Sunday seeking further information about the case. From his statement Sunday and a previous statement put out by a Starr County Sheriff's Office official, it wasn't clear if Herrera was accused of giving herself an abortion or assisting in someone else's self-induced abortion. In a tweet Sunday, Planned Parenthood called the decision Such NEEDED news." While the charges against Lizelle have been dismissed, we know the fight against the criminalization of pregnancy outcomes has only just begun, said Alexis McGill Johnson, Planned Parenthood's president and CEO. A leading Texas anti-abortion group said it understood the decision, saying that state law provides only civil remedies, not criminal ones. The Texas Heartbeat Act and other Pro-Life policies in the state clearly prohibit criminal charges for pregnant women. Texas Right to Life opposes public prosecutors going outside of the bounds of Texas prudent and carefully crafted policies, said Texas Right to Life spokeswoman Kimberlyn Schwartz. Herrera was released Saturday from the Starr County jail after posting a $500,000 bond. The indictment alleged that Herrera, on Jan. 7, did then and there intentionally and knowingly cause the death of an individual ... by self-induced abortion. In confirming the indictment Saturday, sheriff's Maj. Carlos Delgado said no further information would be released until Monday because the case was still under investigation. Texas law would exempt Herrera from a criminal homicide charge for aborting her own pregnancy, University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck said. (Homicide) doesnt apply to the murder of an unborn child if the conduct charged is conduct committed by the mother of the unborn child, Vladeck said. A 2021 state law that bans abortions in Texas for women who are as early as six weeks pregnant has sharply curtailed the number of abortions in the state. The law leaves enforcement to private citizens who can sue doctors or anyone who helps a woman get an abortion. The woman receiving the abortion is exempted from the law. Another Texas law prohibits doctors and clinics from prescribing abortion-inducing medications after the seventh week of pregnancy and prohibits the delivery of the pills by mail. Medication abortions are not considered self-induced under federal Food and Drug Administration regulations, Vladeck said. You can only receive the medication under medical supervision, according to Vladeck. I realize this sounds weird because you are taking the pill yourself, but it is under a providers at least theoretical care. ___ Associated Press writers Ken Miller in Oklahoma City and Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas, contributed to this report. SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. (AP) A 14-year-old Douglas boy has pleaded guilty to juvenile charges stemming from a March incident in which authorities said he backed up into a Border Patrol vehicle while driving two migrants who'd entered the country illegally. The boy, who previously was charged as an adult, pleaded guilty recently in juvenile court to felony fleeing and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, said Deputy County Attorney Doyle Johnstun. Amazon Labor Union organizer Christian Smalls reacts as ALU members celebrate official victory after hearing results regarding the vote to unionize, outside the NLRB offices in Brooklyn, New York City, April 1, 2022. Conakry, Guinea (PANA) - The G58, a platform composed of several political parties in Guinea, rejected on Saturday the inclusive consultation framework, created on Thursday, at the request of the political class, by the head of the junta, Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya The Marshall Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services, which is headquartered at Majuro hospital (pictured), has seen most of its mental health and substance abuse prevention U.S. grants locked due to unresolved audit issues between the Ministry of Finance and the U.S. government. Supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan chant slogans as they protest after he lost a confidence vote in the lower house of parliament, in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 10, 2022. BCs Tales of the Pacific | The future of shipping is here Let me tell you about a man whose face you know, but whose name youve probably never heard. We can all learn an important lesson from Meinhardt Raabe, someone who truly made the most of his one big moment in life. For nearly 83 years now, The Wizard of Oz has delighted viewers both young and old alike. CBS ran the movie every spring at Eastertime. Millions of Baby Boomers grew up eagerly watching it year after year. Many kids didnt enjoy the singing it got in the way of the action. Except for Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead. What a song! For a glorious 4 minutes and 15 seconds, the Munchkins let loose and gleefully romp around a freshly deceased corpse. Think how eerily ironic that is celebrating the very thing we fear above all others: Death. Oh, its deliciously morbid, happily chortling, Shes gone where the goblins go below, below, below (which was as close to saying hell as MGM dared go in 1939). And amid all the euphoric warbling and dancing, one character stands out from all others. Meinhardt Raabe steps forward, unrolls a scroll, and proclaims with bureaucratic efficiency: As coroner, I must aver, I thoroughly examined her. And shes not only merely dead; shes really, most sincerely dead! Yes, Meinhardt Raabe was that guy, the Munchkin coroner in the dark suit who steals the show in the Ding Dong sequence. Those 20 words, lasting just 10 seconds, made up Meinhardts entire Hollywood career. He never appeared in another movie. (Though in fairness to Hollywood, how many roles were there for an actor who stood 3 foot 3 inches tall?) But heres the thing: Meinhardt Raabe seized his 10-second window of opportunity and milked it for all it was worth. Life didnt start on a fair note for Meinhardt. As the only little person in his hometown of Watertown, Wisconsin, he thought no one else was like him. In fact, he didnt see another height-challenged person until age 17, when he visited the Midget Village at the 1933 Chicago Worlds Fair. But he was no dummy. He earned a bachelors degree, and later a masters, in accounting. Rejected for job after job because of his stature (and what the heck does height have to with accounting, anyway?), he finally found work in 1936 playing Little Oscar and driving around in Oscar Mayers first Weinermobile. Meinhardt took a break from his hot dog gig to play the Munchkin coroner. Those 10 seconds were his chance to step into motion picture immortality. Then it was back to the Weinermobile, followed by World War II service as a Civil Air Patrol pilot and finally work in his chosen profession as an accountant. But as The Wizard of Oz passed from movie to cinematic classic to beloved legend, Meinhardts popularity rose along with it. He became a featured guest at Oz fan conventions, appeared in multiple Oz documentaries, and was a guest on countless TV talk shows where he told about this brief time on the MGM movie set. He even published his autobiography, Memories of a Munchkin: An Illustrated Walk Down the Yellow Brick Road. When Meinhardt Raabe died April 9, 2010, at the ripe old age of 94, he was the last surviving person whod had a speaking role in The Wizard of Oz and had turned the experience into something of a second career. All that from just 10 seconds on camera. The moral of the story? Think big, even when the opportunity looks small. Something as minuscule as a 10-second role could turn out to be the chance of a lifetime. Think how different Meinhardts life would have been if he had said, Nah. Its just 20 words of dialogue. Id be on and off the screen in a heartbeat. Its not worth messing with. You never know when your 10-second window of opportunity will present itself. Be like Meinhardt and grab the brass ring before it passes by. You may not get a second chance. For more than two years, COVID-19's direct harm has been visible in overflowing intensive care wards and grim statistics. Now, some of its indirect effects are coming into focus. Studies are linking the pandemic to higher rates of fatal heart disease and stroke, deaths from addiction-related problems and more. The exact causes of these connections are still being determined, experts say, but the effects may be long-lasting. With heart health, part of the problem is that people often avoided or delayed treatment because of COVID-19 fears, said Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, a cardiologist, epidemiologist and chair of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. "People lost touch with their usual sources of health care," said Lloyd-Jones, president of the American Heart Association. "And we saw dramatic differences in blood pressure control rates, in diabetes control rates. People just weren't able to check in with their doctor and know their numbers and make sure that those things were under control." The harm from such delayed care is not just short-term, he said. "It's going to last and have ripple effects for years to come." Lloyd-Jones was co-author on a study published recently in JAMA Network Open that showed after years of trending down, the risk of dying from heart disease or stroke spiked in 2020 the first year of the pandemic. Even after adjusting for the aging population, the risk of dying from heart disease rose 4.3%, and 6.4% for stroke. The increases were highest among Black people, who had double the risk of dying from stroke and a fivefold higher risk of dying from heart disease than white people. The study said likely factors included hospital overcrowding, fewer visits for medical care, poorer medication adherence and increased barriers to healthy lifestyle behaviors. That finding was just one of several about increased death rates during the first year of the pandemic. A JAMA Neurology study of Medicare enrollees age 65 and older found an increase in the risk of death from dementia and Alzheimer's disease from March through December of 2020. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report found Black and Hispanic women died at a higher rate during or shortly after pregnancy in 2020 than in 2019. Deaths related to alcohol and drug overdoses also rose, research shows. Dr. Patricia Best, an interventional cardiologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, said the statistics reflect the overwhelming challenges hospitals faced from waves of COVID-19 patients. For example, "there were issues with transport, where people weren't able to be moved from an ambulance into a hospital because there were no beds," Best said. "And there were times where patients were waiting a long time to be transferred from one hospital to another where there was a bed for appropriate care." Routine care also decreased, she said, "because we had periods of time where patients were unable to get into their doctor's offices." Or those who lost a job with health insurance couldn't see a doctor or fill a prescription because of the cost. That made existing disparities in care worse, said Dr. Connie Tsao, a cardiologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. It's not enough for health care professionals, she said, to simply instruct the most disenfranchised individuals to pull themselves out of unhealthy situations such as poverty or a lack of access to healthy food. "I think it really boils down to what can other people do?" Government entities and health organizations need to create structural changes, Tsao said. Still, individuals can take steps to protect themselves: Get back on track with regular care now. "It is safe," Lloyd-Jones said. "It is important. Get with your doctor, know your numbers and make a plan for how we're going to get things back under control." Restart healthy routines that include physical activity, nutritious food and proper sleep, Tsao said. If you're dealing with addiction, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a national helpline at 800-662-4357 or by texting your ZIP code to 435748. If you or a loved one is having symptoms of a serious problem, don't ignore them. "During the pandemic, we saw a lot of people coming in very late with their heart attacks, where there's less we can do for it," Best said. "And that's one of the things that was increasing the mortality." People should quickly call 911 if they experience chest discomfort or other heart attack symptoms or if they or a loved one develops stroke symptoms such as face drooping or speech difficulty. Get vaccinated and boosted. "If you get your COVID vaccine, you're less likely to get COVID," Best said. "And you're less likely to be in the hospital with COVID. You're less likely to be one of the factors that's decreasing the resources for everyone else." De-stress. Stress takes a toll on many heart-related factors "on our sleep, on our blood pressure, on our ability to lose weight," Lloyd-Jones said. When you exercise, for example, "you're giving your body a pop-off valve for some of that stress." Many health insurance plans offer options for mental health services to manage stress, as do employee assistance programs. Reestablishing social connections also will lower stress, Lloyd-Jones said, and help people "get back to joyful living, which is good for your heart and good for the brain." News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate KYIV, Ukraine (AP) As Ukrainian forces dug in on Sunday, Russia lined up more firepower and tapped a decorated general to take centralized control of the war ahead of a potentially decisive showdown in eastern Ukraine that could start within days. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Sunday in his nightly address to the nation that the coming week would be as crucial as any in the war, saying Russian troops will move to even larger operations in the east of our state. He also accused Russia of trying to evade responsibility for war crimes in Ukraine. When people lack the courage to admit their mistakes, apologize, adapt to reality and learn, they turn into monsters. And when the world ignores it, the monsters decide that it is the world that has to adapt to them, Zelenskyy said. The day will come when they will have to admit everything. Accept the truth, he added. Experts have said that the next phase of the battle may begin with a full-scale offensive. The outcome could determine the course of the conflict, which has flattened cities, killed untold thousands and isolated Moscow economically and politically. In an interview that appeared on 60 Minutes Sunday night, Zelenskyy said Ukraines fate as the war shifts to the south and east depends on whether the United States will help match an expected surge in Russian weaponry in those regions. To be honest, whether we will be able to (survive) depends on this, said Zelenskyy, speaking through a translator. I have 100% confidence in our people and in our armed forces. But unfortunately, I dont have the confidence that we will be receiving everything we need. Zelenskyy thanked President Joe Biden for U.S. military aide to date but added that he long ago forwarded a list of specific items Ukraine desperately needed and that history would judge Bidens response. He has the list, Zelenskyy said. President Biden can enter history as the person who stood shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian people who won and chose the right to have their own country. (This) also depends on him. Questions remain about the ability of Russia's depleted and demoralized forces to conquer much ground after their advance on the capital, Kyiv, was repelled by determined Ukrainian defenders. Britains Defense Ministry reported Sunday that the Russian forces were trying to compensate for mounting casualties by recalling veterans discharged in the past decade. In Washington, a senior U.S. official said that Russia has appointed Gen. Alexander Dvornikov, one of its most seasoned military chiefs, to oversee the invasion. The official was not authorized to be identified and spoke on condition of anonymity. Until now, Russia has had no central war commander on the ground. The new battlefield leadership comes as the Russian military prepares for what is expected to be a large, focused push to expand control in Ukraine's east. Russia-backed separatists have fought Ukrainian forces in the eastern Donbas region since 2014 and declared some territory there as independent. Dvornikov, 60, gained prominence as head of the Russian forces deployed to Syria in 2015 to shore up President Bashar Assads government during the country's devastating civil war. U.S. officials say he has a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and other war theaters. Russian authorities do not generally confirm such appointments and have said nothing about a new role for Dvornikov, who received the Hero of Russia medal, one of the countrys highest awards, from President Vladimir Putin in 2016. U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan, speaking Sunday on CNN's State of the Union," played down the significance of the appointment. What we have learned in the first several weeks of this war is that Ukraine will never be subjected to Russia, Sullivan said. It doesnt matter which general President Putin tries to appoint. Western military analysts say Russia's assault has increasingly focused on a sickle-shaped arc of eastern Ukraine from Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, in the north to Kherson in the south. The narrower effort could help Russia's problem, earlier in the war, of spreading its offensive too widely over too great a geographic area. Just looking at it on a map, you can see that they will be able to bring to bear a lot more power in a lot more concentrated fashion, by focusing mainly on eastern Ukraine, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Friday. Newly released Maxar Technologies satellite imagery showed an 8-mile (13-kilometer) convoy of military vehicles headed south through Ukraine to Donbas, recalling images of a convoy that got stalled on roads to Kyiv for weeks before Russia gave up on trying to take the capital. On Sunday, Russian forces shelled government-controlled Kharkiv and sent reinforcements toward Izyum to the southeast in a bid to break Ukraine's defenses, the Ukrainian military command said. The Russians also kept up their siege of Mariupol, a key southern port that has been under attack and surrounded for nearly 1 months. A Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, said Russia's military used air-launched missiles to hit Ukraines S-300 air-defense missile systems in the southern Mykolaiv region and at an air base in Chuhuiv, a city not far from Kharkiv. Sea-launched Russian cruise missiles destroyed the headquarters of a Ukrainian military unit stationed farther west in the Dnipro region, Konashenkov said. Neither the Ukrainian nor the Russian military claims could be independently verified. The airport in Dnipro, Ukraines fourth-largest city, was also hit by missiles twice on Sunday, according to the regional governor. On Sunday night, Zelenskyy again called on Western countries to provide more assistance to Ukraine. During talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Zelenskyy said, he discussed how to strengthen sanctions against Russia and ... force Russia to seek peace. I am glad to note that the German position has recently changed in favor of Ukraine. I consider it absolutely logical, Zelenskyy said. The president of the European Commission said on CNNs State of the Union Sunday that Ukraine's response to a questionnaire she recently handed to Zelenskyy will enable her to decide whether to recommend the nation as a candidate to join the EU. The process normally takes years, but Ursula von der Leyen has said Ukraines application could take just weeks to consider. Yesterday, somebody told me: You know, when our soldiers are dying, I want them to know that their children will be free and be part of the European Union,' von der Leyen said. Ukrainian authorities have accused Russian forces of committing war crimes against civilians, including airstrikes on hospitals, a missile attack that killed at least 57 people at a train station and other violence discovered as Russian soldiers withdrew from the outskirts of Kyiv. A day after meeting with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced that he will meet Monday in Moscow with Putin. Austria, a member of the European Union, is militarily neutral and not a member of NATO. Ukraine has blamed Russia for killing civilians in Bucha and other towns outside the capital where hundreds of bodies, many with their hands bound and signs of torture, were found after Russian troops retreated. Russia has denied the allegations and falsely claimed that the scenes in Bucha were staged. Maria Vaselenko, 77, a resident of Borodyanka, said her daughter and son-in-law were killed, leaving her grandchildren orphaned. The Russians were shooting. And some people wanted to come and help, but they were shooting them. They were putting explosives under dead people," Vaselenko said. Thats why my children have been under the rubble for 36 days. It was not allowed to remove bodies. In Mariupol, Russia was deploying Chechen fighters, reputed to be particularly fierce. Capturing the city on the Sea of Azov would give Russia a land bridge to the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine eight years ago. Residents have lacked food, water and electricity since Russian forces surrounded the city and frustrated evacuation missions. Ukrainian authorities think an airstrike on a theater that was being used as a bomb shelter killed hundreds of civilians, and Zelenskyy has said he expects more evidence of atrocities to be found once Mariupol no longer is blockaded. The Institute for the Study of War, an American think tank, predicted that Russian forces will renew offensive operations in the coming days from Izyum, a town southeast of Kharkiv, in the campaign to conquer the Donbas, which comprises Ukraine's industrial heartland. But in the view of the think tank's analysts, The outcome of forthcoming Russian operations in eastern Ukraine remains very much in question. ___ Anna reported from Bucha, Ukraine. Yesica Fisch in Borodyanko, Robert Burns and Calvin Woodward in Washington, and Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report. ___ Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Winners of the 2022 Olivier Awards Winners of the 2022 Olivier Awards View Photo LONDON (AP) The winners of the 2022 Olivier Awards, handed out Sunday for achievement in London theater, opera and dance: New Play: Life of Pi New Musical: Back To The Future The Musical New Comedy: Pride and Prejudice(asterisk) ((asterisk)sort of) Family Show: Wolf Witch Giant Fairy Revival: Constellations Musical Revival: Cabaret Actress-Play: Sheila Atim, Constellations Actor-Play: Hiran Abeysekera, Life of Pi Actress-Musical: Jessie Buckley, Cabaret Actor-Musical: Eddie Redmayne, Cabaret Supporting Actor-Play: Fred Davis, Daisy Franks, Romina Hytten, Tom Larkin, Habib Nasib Nader, Tom Stacy and Scarlet Wilderink, Life of Pi Supporting Actress-Play: Liz Carr, The Normal Heart Supporting Actress-Musical: Liza Sadovy, Cabaret Supporting Actor-Musical: Elliot Levey, Cabaret Director: Rebecca Frecknall, Cabaret Original score or new orchestrations: Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical Theater Choreography: Kathleen Marshall, Anything Goes New Opera Production: Jenufa, Royal Opera Outstanding Achievement in Opera: Peter Whelan and the Irish Baroque Orchestra, Bajazet New Dance Production: Revisor Outstanding Achievement in Dance: Choreographer Arielle Smith for Jolly Folly Set Design: Life of Pi Lighting Design: Life of Pi Sound Design: Cabaret Costume Design: Moulin Rouge! The Musical Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theater: Old Bridge at the Bush Theatre By The Associated Press Jordan Palace says king to receive spine surgery in Germany View Photo AMMAN, Jordan (AP) Jordans monarch is traveling to Germany Sunday for a spine surgery, Jordans palace announced Saturday. King Abdullah II, 60, will undergo a surgery to treat a herniated disk in the thoracic spine at a hospital in Frankfurt next week, and will return home after a recovery period of one week. The statement from the Arab kingdoms Royal Hashemite Court said the king suffers from intermittent spine pain as a result of parachute jumping during his years of service in special operations, and doctors advised him to receive the surgery as the pain increased recently. King Abdullah ascended the throne in 1999 after the death of his father, King Hussein. The western-allied kingdom has been mostly stable in a turbulent Middle East and received hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing the civil war in neighboring Syria over the past decade. Last year, a rift within the royal family went public for the first time after the king put his half-brother under house arrest on charges of attempts to destabilize the country. In March, the palace said that Prince Hamzah has apologized for his role in the rare palace feud and is seeking the kings forgiveness. Live Updates | Zelenskyy: Next few days of war are crucial View Photo LVIV, Ukraine Ukraines president warned his nation Sunday night that the coming week would be as crucial as any in the war. Russian troops will move to even larger operations in the east of our state, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address. He accused Russia of trying to evade responsibility for war crimes. When people lack the courage to admit their mistakes, apologize, adapt to reality and learn, they turn into monsters. And when the world ignores it, the monsters decide that it is the world that has to adapt to them. Ukraine will stop all this, Zelenskyy said. The day will come when they will have to admit everything. Accept the truth, he said. He again called on Western countries, including Germany, to provide more assistance to Ukraine. During talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Zelenskyy said he discussed how to strengthen sanctions against Russia and how to force Russia to seek peace. I am glad to note that the German position has recently changed in favor of Ukraine. I consider it absolutely logical, Zelenskyy said. ___ KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: US: Russias new battlefield commander has history of brutality Ukraine digs in to fight Russias looming eastern offensive Ukraine churches display faith, hope and charity amid wreckage Analysis: War, economy could weaken Putins place as leader Biden, Modi to speak as India avoids hard line on Russia Zelenskyy, in AP interview, says he seeks peace despite atrocities Go to https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine for more coverage OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: The president of the European Commission said the questionnaire she handed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during her visit to Kyiv represents a very important step forward. Ursula von der Leyen said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union that Ukraines response will enable her to decide whether to recommend the nation as a candidate to join the European Union. The process normally takes years, but she has said Ukraines application could take just weeks to consider. She said Ukrainians belong to our European family, without any question. Yesterday, somebody told me: You know, when our soldiers are dying, I want them to know that their children will be free be and be part of the European Union, von der Leyen said. They are in an extraordinary situation, where we have to take unusual steps. One thing is clear for me: After this war, when Ukraine will be rebuilt, when we support Ukraine in reconstructing this country, this will be accompanied by reforms. So, it is an extraordinary way to shape the country and to go down the path towards the European Union. ___ Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government is providing investigative support to efforts to document war crimes in Ukraine, and he said Russian President Vladimir Putin is responsible. It is clear that Putin is systematically targeting civilians, whether its hospitals or train stations or maternity wards. This is one of the reasons why Canada was one of the first countries to call on the International Criminal Court to look into Putins war crimes, Trudeau said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union. Canadian investigators, Trudeau said, are building up the case for people to recognize that not only was this a terrible mistake to violate the sovereignty of another country and create massive global instability thats impacting energy and food prices around the world, but it is also a series of war crimes that Putin is deliberately committing that he needs to be held to account for. Asked if the crimes amount to genocide, Trudeau said it remains to be determined. The stories of what Russian soldiers are doing, not just the murder of civilians, but the systematic use of sexual violence and rape, to destabilize and have the greatest negative impact on Ukrainian people as possible is absolutely unforgivable and unacceptable, Trudeau said. And thats why the global community is going to and is responding so strongly. ___ Its almost Easter in Ukraine, where faith, hope and charity are on display at a trio of churches on the far edges of the capital. Sunday services were held in Bucha even as bodies were being removed from a mass grave in the churchyard. In Makarov, the faithful were moved to tears at the sight of crosses scattered in broken glass. And in Borodyanka, a church was untouched near where Russian attacks ripped open a high-rise. Thats where donations are bringing help to elderly people who stayed while others fled Russian occupation. Ukrainian authorities said weeks ago that at least 59 spiritual sites were damaged. On the day when Pope Francis called for an Easter truce in Ukraine to make way for a negotiated peace, church visitors invoked God in recalling their survival. Each person who was leaving, from any place, Makarov, Bucha, Hostomel or from Andriivka, the neighboring village which was destroyed to the ground; each one, even those who did not know the Lords Prayer, he was speaking to God with his own words, said Alona Parkhomenko in Makarov, where the church exterior was speckled with bullet holes and the priest warned of falling glass. ___ WASHINGTON Russias newly appointed battlefield commander in Ukraine made his reputation crushing resistance to Syrian President Bashar Assad during that countrys devastating civil war. Russian forces led by Gen. Alexander Dvornikov destroyed whole cities while dropping barrel bombs that targeted civilians. With Moscow supporting Assad, the war in Syria has killed more than 350,000 people. Lt. Col. Fares al-Bayoush, a Syrian army defector, said Sunday he expects a similar scorched-earth strategy under the commander in Ukraine. Speaking by telephone from Turkey, al-Bayoush said he believes the aim of naming Dvornikov as Ukraine war commander is to cause widespread destruction in many places at once. He has very good experience in this policy, al-Bayoush said. This commander is a war criminal. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The mayor of Kyiv and his brother said the visit of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to their capital shows who Ukraines real friends are at this critical time. But they understand if security concerns keep U.S. President Joe Biden from visiting for now. Mayor Vitali Klitschko and his brother Wladimir have been professional boxers and now outspoken defenders of Ukraine. Interviewed Sunday on ABC News This Week with George Stephanopoulos, they said they expect Russias military to return and target Kyiv again. And when they do, they said they cant defend Ukraine with their fists they need weapons. Wladimir Klitschko also pleaded for the world to isolate Russia economically, saying every cent that Russia is getting, theyre using for weapons to kill us. Vitali Klitschko said everyone was shocked when the Russians who pushed on Kyiv retreated after killing hundreds of civilians during their occupation. He called it genocide to kill women, children, old people and teenagers for no reason. To defend Ukraine now, the mayor said, is to defend democracy and peace in Europe. ___ WILMINGTON, Del. The White House said President Joe Biden will press Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a hard line against Russias Ukraine invasion. Press Secretary Jen Psaki says the leaders plan a virtual meeting on Monday. Indias neutral stance in the war has raised concerns in Washington and earned praise from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who lauded India this month for judging the situation in its entirety, not just in a one-sided way. India abstained when the U.N. General Assembly voted Thursday to suspend Russia from its seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council over allegations of war crimes. India continues to purchase Russian energy despite Western pressure to avoid buying Russian oil and gas. And the U.S. has considered sanctions on India for its recent purchase of advanced Russian air defense systems. Psakis statement says Biden will discuss how Russias war against Ukraine is destabilizing the global food supply and commodity markets, and the need to strengthen the global economy while upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity. ___ BERLIN Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday. The Austria Press Agency reported that Nehammer told reporters in Vienna on Sunday that he plans to make the journey. It follows a trip on Saturday to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. APA reported that Nehammer aims to encourage dialogue between Ukraine and Russia and also address war crimes in his meeting with Putin. Austria is a member of the European Union and has backed the 27-nation blocs sanctions against Russia, though it so far has opposed cutting off deliveries of Russian gas. The country is militarily neutral and is not a member of NATO. Nehammer said he was taking the trip on his own initiative, and that he had consulted with the European Unions top officials. He said that he also informed Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. ___ BERLIN The U.N. nuclear watchdog said Ukraine said the staff at the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear plant has been rotated for the first time in three weeks after Russian troops left the area. The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency has expressed concern about the well-being of the workers since the Russian military took control of the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster at the beginning of the war. The agency said Ukraine informed it on Sunday that it has now rotated the staff, but the situation remains far from normal. They had to be transported to and from the site by water, with the Pripyat River being the only way for people living in the city of Slavutych to currently reach the plant. The IAEA said Ukraine has informed it that analytical laboratories for radiation monitoring at the site were destroyed, with analytical instruments stolen, broken or otherwise disabled. The automated transmission of radiation monitoring data has been disabled. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The governor of the region that includes Ukraines fourth-largest city, Dnipro, says the airport was hit twice by missile attacks on Sunday. The Ukrainian military command said Russian forces also keep shelling Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv, and have kept up their siege of Mariupol, the key southern port city that has been under attack for nearly six weeks. The Russian Defense Ministry says its air-launched missiles hit Ukraines S-300 air defense missile systems in two locations, while sea-launched cruise missiles destroyed a Ukrainian units headquarters in the Dnipro region. Neither sides military claims could be independently verified. The Pentagon said Russia has a clear advantage in armored forces for its next phase in its war on Ukraine. Press secretary John Kirby said Friday that the Russians spread themselves too thin to take the capital, but now theyre more focused on a smaller region, and still have the vast majority of their combat power. A major effort by Ukrainian defenses and more Western assistance will be needed to push them back. ___ WASHINGTON A senior U.S. official said Russia has appointed a new commander to oversee its war on Ukraine. The official speaking on condition of anonymity said Russia has turned to one of its most experienced military officers, Gen. Alexander Dvornikov. U.S. officials say the 60-year-old general has a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and other theaters of war. The White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told CNN on Sunday that this general will just be another author of crimes and brutality against Ukrainian civilians. And he said no appointment of any general can erase the fact that Russia has already faced a strategic failure in Ukraine. The new battlefield leadership comes as Russia gears up for what is expected to be a large and more focused push to expand Russian control in the Donbas after failing to conquer the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Sullivan reiterated support for the Ukrainian government, saying the United States is determined to do all it can to help Ukrainians resist this general and the forces he commands. Robert Burns and Hope Yen ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines border guard agency says that about 2,200 Ukrainian men of fighting age have been detained so far while trying to leave the country in violation of martial law. The agency said Sunday that some of them have used forged documents and others tried to bribe border guards to get out of the country. It said some have been found dead while trying to cross the Carpathian mountains in adverse weather, without specifying the number. Under martial law, Ukrainian men between 18 and 60 are barred from leaving the country so that they can be called up to fight. ___ WARSAW, Poland Sirens have sounded in some Polish cities to mark the anniversary of a 2010 plane crash that killed the countrys president, despite protests that their sound would be unnecessarily traumatic for refugees from the war in Ukraine. The sirens early Sunday were intended to add to the significance and the plaintive character of observances honoring the late President Lech Kaczynski, the first lady and 94 other prominent Poles killed 12 years ago in the crash of the presidential plane in Russia. Kaczynski was the twin of Jaroslaw Kaczynski the leader of the main governing Law and Justice party. Provincial governors ignored calls not to use the sirens out of concern for refugees from neighboring Ukraine, traumatized by air raid alarms. Authorities sent text messages to refugees phones that the sirens would mean no danger. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The Ukrainian military says Russia has been beefing up its forces and trying to probe Ukrainian defenses. The Ukrainian military command said Sunday that the Russian troops have continued attempts to break Ukrainian defenses near Izyum, southeast of Kharkiv. It reported that Russia was sending reinforcements to Izyum while continuing the shelling of Kharkiv. The military added that the Russians also continued their attempts to take control of Mariupol, the Sea of Azov port that has been besieged by Russian forces for nearly 1 months. After Russias attempt to capture Kyiv and other big cities in northeastern Ukraine quickly failed, Ukrainian and Western officials expect Moscow to launch a new offensive in eastern Ukraine, where Russia-backed separatists have fought Ukrainian forces for eight years. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he focused on the need to track down perpetrators of war crimes in a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Zelenskyy said on Twitter that in Sundays call we emphasized that all perpetrators of war crimes must be identified and punished. Ukraine has accused Russia of atrocities against civilians in Bucha and other places near Kyiv, where hundreds of slaughtered civilians, many with their hands bound and signs of torture, were found after Russian troops retreated. Zelenskyy also said he and Scholz discussed anti-Russian sanctions, defense and financial support for Ukraine. ___ VATICAN CITY Pope Francis has opened Holy Week with a call for an Easter truce in Ukraine to make room for a negotiated peace, highlighting the need for leaders to make some sacrifices for the good of the people. Celebrating Palm Sunday Mass before crowds in St. Peters Square for the first time since the pandemic, Pope Francis called for weapons to be laid down to begin an Easter truce, not to reload weapons and resume fighting, no! A truce to reach peace through real negotiations. Francis did not refer directly to Russias invasion of Ukraine, but the reference was clear. He has repeatedly denounced the war and the suffering brought to innocent civilians. ___ HELSINKI Finland says that a shipment of art works from Russian museums has been returned to Russia after it was seized under European Union sanctions against Moscow. Finlands customs service said late Saturday that the Foreign Ministry granted a special permit to return the consignment with a total insured value of around 42 million euros ($46 million). It said that trucks carrying the art works from the Hermitage Museum and the Pavlovsk State Museum in St. Petersburg, among others, left Finnish territory on Saturday afternoon. The shipment was seized at the Vaalimaa border crossing at the beginning of April. The works were en route to Russia after loan to museums in Europe and Japan. Experts say that art works loaned from Russia typically travel overland via Finland. Russia has demanded the return of all works on loan to unfriendly nations that imposed sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said more civilians were expected to leave Mariupol Sunday in their personal vehicles. Evacuations were also planned from Berdyansk, Tokmak and Enerhodar in the south and Sieverierodonetsk, Lysychansk, Popasna and Rubizhne in the east. Mariupol, a strategic port city on the Sea of Azov, has been besieged by Russian forces for nearly 1 months, cut from food, water and power supplies and pummeled by relentless bombardment that has killed at least 5,000, according to local officials. Ukrainian authorities have urged civilians in the east to evacuate in the face of an imminent Russian offensive. They accused Russia of killing 52 people on Friday at the train station in the eastern city of Kramatorsk as they were preparing to evacuate. ___ GENEVA The U.N. refugee agency says the number of people who have left Ukraine since the beginning of the war has reached 4.5 million. A regular update Sunday of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees online portal on numbers of refugees fleeing Ukraine since Feb. 24 brought the total to some 4.504 million. About 2.6 million of those fled at least initially to Poland and more than 686,000 to Romania. However, UNHCR notes that there are very few border controls within the European Union and it believes a large number of people have moved on from the first country they arrived in. ___ LONDON Britains Ministry of Defense said Russias armed forces are seeking to respond to mounting losses by boosting troop numbers with personnel who had been discharged from military service since 2012. In an intelligence update on Twitter, the ministry also said Sunday that the Russian militarys efforts to generate more fighting power also include trying to recruit from Trans-Dniester, a breakaway region in Moldova that borders Ukraine. Russia maintains some 1,500 troops in the region, which is not internationally recognized. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told The Associated Press on Saturday that he is committed to seeking peace despite Russian attacks on civilians that have stunned the world. He said no one wants to negotiate with people who tortured their nation as a man, as a father, I understand this very well. But he said we dont want to lose opportunities, if we have them, for a diplomatic solution. Zelenskyy said hes confident Ukrainians would accept peace despite the horrors they have witnessed in the war. But meanwhile, Russian troops are regrouping for an expected surge in fighting in eastern Ukraine, including the besieged port city of Mariupol that Ukrainian defenders are battling to retain. So Zelenskyy renewed his plea for countries to send more weapons. He says they have to fight for life not for dust when there is nothing and no people. Thats why it is important to stop this war. By The Associated Press MERIDEN Mirroring statewide trends, eviction rates in the city are on the rise after the statewide and federal moratoriums that had limited them lapsed during the fall of 2021. Those measures, enacted through executive order by Gov. Ned Lamont and federally, began in the spring of 2020, after COVID-19 cases were first detected in Connecticut and leaders took measures to slow the pandemics spread. In Meriden, 555 eviction cases were filed between Jan. 1, 2020 and March 31 of this year, according to eviction case data compiled and reported by the Connecticut Data Collaborative and the Connecticut Fair Housing Center. Most of those cases were filed during the last four months of 2021 and over the first few months of 2022. Between Jan. 1, 2020 and Jan. 4, 2021, 153 cases were filed in Meriden. During the span of a little more than seven months, from Aug. 30, 2021, to March 31, cases were already on the rise. During that time, 242 eviction cases were filed in Meriden. So far in 2022, 150 eviction cases have been filed, and another 381 Meriden residents faced eviction as of March 31. The statewide and local trends have housing advocates concerned. The figures reported by the Connecticut Data Collaborative and the Connecticut Fair Housing Center show that statewide more 75,429 eviction cases were filed by landlords during the period from 2017 to 2021. In a report released in February, the agencies found that the majority of those eviction cases had been filed before state and federal eviction moratoriums were put into place in the spring of 2020. In 2017, 20,594 cases were filed. A year later, 19,940 cases, and in 2019, 19,104 cases. In 2020, with the moratoria in place, 6,430 eviction cases were filed. In 2021, that number rose to 9,361, and it continues to increase, on pace to reach their levels before the COVID-19 pandemic, the report found. Monthly case reports are already showing eviction rates comparable to what they were prior to the declaration of a public health emergency. Across the state, landlords filed 1,232 cases last December. In December 2019, two years earlier, the number of cases filed that month was 1,498. Eviction cases will continue to rise in number The report stated the increase in cases since the moratoriums ended suggests that eviction filing rates will continue to rise after the expiration of other emergency eviction protections and after federally funded rental assistance programs run out of funds. The report found that four of Connecticuts cities are among the nations urban centers with the highest eviction rates. Cases appear to disproportionately impact female residents and residents of color. Erin Kemple, executive director of the Connecticut Fair Housing Center, said the eviction data the center gathers from the state judicial branch showed 357 eviction filings during the first four work days of the month of April. With more than 80 filings a day in the month of March, were probably going to exceed that, Kemple said. One of the things that landlords have said over and over again is there wasnt going to be an eviction tsunami, Kemple said. But she and other advocates believe its already in motion. The Connecticut Fair Housing Center supports legislation meant to prevent what advocates call no-fault evictions, which occur when landlords serve eviction notices, including declining to renew a lease agreement, without citing tenant actions, like failure to pay rent, or other violating the terms of lease agreements, as the reasons for those notices. The number of filings for no cause, last quarter, had doubled, Kemple said. So they arent evicting tenants because theres a problem. Shutdown of rental assistance program Adding to that challenge was the shutdown of the statewide rental assistance program UniteCT in mid-February. The program was administered by the Connecticut Department of Housing through the U.S. Treasury. It had provided up to $15,000 in rental and utility payment assistance to individual households financially impacted by the pandemic, according to the Department of Housing. UniteCT is pretty much over at this point, Kemple said. They stopped taking applications on Feb. 15th. What they are telling us is that the rest of the money will be paid out by June. Kemple said the programs dashboard shows that funds have either been paid out or have been obligated. The program assisted 37,000 households across the state, and made payments to more than 8,000 landlords. Kemple noted the legislature did undertake another action last year passing a law providing tenants facing eviction the right to free legal counsel if they meet income restrictions. In Meriden, the agencies that work to address housing issues, including providing assistance for those in need, have reported increased requests for assistance. New Opportunities Inc., a community action agency with offices in Meriden and Waterbury, tries to prevent evictions through case management, agency President and CEO Bill Rybczyk. What weve always done is work with both the customer and the landlord, Rybczyk said. So the agency seeks to link tenants with financial assistance and to connect both parties with a mediator to navigate long-term issues, including helping establish a payment plan, particularly if multiple months of back-rent is owed. That comprehensive approach has helped us be more successful than, say, just providing financial resources, Rybczyk said. The past two months have been a challenge, Rybczyk said. During that time, his agency has seen 170 people come through seeking assistance. Housing assistance is not the only service provided by agencies like New Opportunities. The organization also connects clients to fuel and nutrition assistance along with other state benefit programs. The agency also runs a food pantry in Meriden. Rent assistance is one of the biggest challenges. Right now there are limited resources, Rybczyk said. Democratic State Rep. Michael Quinn, who represents the 82nd district, described the issue around evictions and stable housing as a delicate subject. On the one hand, you dont want to cause a massive rise in homelessness, with people evicted and having nowhere to go, Quinn said. At the same time, many landlords are just people who own second buildings, or are living in a building and renting out part of it. Those landlords are not generally well-positioned to absorb a sustained loss of rental income. Quinn noted that creates a potential secondary problem the possibility of foreclosure actions being taken against landlords. We have to keep their interest in mind, as well, and Im not sure what the best balance is, Quinn said. Reporter Michael Gagne can be reached at mgagne@record-journal.com. NEW YORK (AP) With the Russian military in retreat from around Kyiv and facing condemnation for brutal tactics, harsh political repression at home and the economy buffeted by Western sanctions, adversaries and allies alike are raising the same question about President Vladimir Putin: Can he hold onto power? The answer: For now, but maybe not forever. After 22 years in power, Putin has built a powerful phalanx of loyalists who surround him, both in the Russian military and the secret services. He also has significant support among the Russian people, who are steeped in pro-Putin propaganda through the Russian leaders almost total control of television and other mass communication. Even today, many Russians view his leadership as having delivered greater prestige, prosperity and stability for the country over two decades. This edifice of protection, the vast wealth Putin controls and the lack of any significant history of palace coups in Russia make either of the obvious means of removing Putin a military mutiny or a mass popular color revolution almost inconceivable right now. Yet all strongman states are inherently vulnerable to the unforeseen especially when they become deaf to the society around them. Just ask Hosni Mubarak. For Gods sake, this man cannot remain in power," declared President Joe Biden of Putin last month in Poland. It was an unscripted but heartfelt comment as the bloodletting in Ukraine has mounted. The 69-year-old Putin is up for re-election in 2024, and changes in the Russian constitution conceivably would allow him to remain president until 2036. But the imprisonment of Russias best-known opposition figure, Alexei Navalny, is just one sign that Putin is not confident enough of his popularity to submit to an actual democratic test. While there can be no credible polling in a country now effectively under martial law, the number of Russians informed and courageous enough to protest against the war in Ukraine so far has numbered in the thousands, not the hundreds of thousands. Tens of thousands of affluent citizens, intellectuals and political critics have abandoned Russia rather than remain under the tight controls Putin has imposed, finding escape in Istanbul, Tbilisi or cities in the West. This brain drain no doubt will hurt Russia in the future. But at the moment, their departure removes a possible nexus of opposition from the society. Of course, history is unpredictable. Few anticipated the rapid dissolution of the Soviet Union at the end of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s. If Russian casualties in Ukraine are as high as has been reported 15,000 or more dead and three times that wounded in the space of six weeks those results eventually will begin filtering through the society in spite of official censorship. Arguably, the USSRs fate was sealed in 1986 after its then-leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, loosened the Communist Partys iron grip on information and set sights on the restructuring of the Soviet Unions stagnating economy in order to better compete with the West. That was the year of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, when the Politburo after initially trying to cover up the disaster was forced to disclose it to the Soviet public. The Soviet war in Afghanistan, meanwhile, had turned into a quagmire, leading to withdrawal in 1988-89. In 1988, when Polish workers loyal to the independent Solidarity union movement launched a series of strikes in coal mines and shipyards, Gorbachev signaled that he would not intervene in one of the Soviet Unions key satellite states. Then-Polish leader Gen. Wojciech Jaruzelski, whose 1981 imposition of martial law had led that country nowhere, opted instead to open up talks with the strikers leader, Lech Walesa. The result: partly democratic elections. That in turn set in motion a series of dominoes within the Eastern European countries, with Hungary, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Bulgaria, Romania and Albania all seeking to escape Soviet dominance and Communist rule. Before long, the fever had spread to the Baltic countries that were part of the Soviet Union itself, and nationalist emotions flared across the union. Hardliners in Moscow who had seen enough attempted a coup against Gorbachev, but they were too late. That quickly was overturned by the popular outpouring of support led by Boris Yeltsin. On Dec. 31, 1991, both Gorbachev and the Soviet Union had been swept aside when the Soviet Union ended. Putin, at the time an intelligence agent in East Germany, lived through the events and has drawn appropriate conclusions to maintain control now. Even before the war in Ukraine, he worked to shape public opinion by portraying the Ukrainians as Nazis who threatened Russia. Then, he clamped down on independent media organizations and the few remaining civil society groups. More recently, he has imposed draconian anti-media laws that ban telling the Russia public anything about the war that conflicts with the Kremlins chosen narrative about the special military operation. Dissenters and doubters have been branded as scum and gnats, worthy only to be spat out. Aside from Gorbachev, the sole Soviet leader to be removed was Nikita Khrushchev, whose 11 years in power ended in 1964. He was forced out by his closest associates in the Communist Party. Disturbed by a series of disastrous economic decisions, a failed initiative to install nuclear weapons in Cuba and the signs that Khrushchev intended to build a cult of personality, fellow members of the Communist Presidium denounced him in a closed meeting while he was away. When he returned, realizing that he had lost all support, Khrushchev agreed to step aside on fictional grounds of ill health. He soon was rendered a nonperson within the Soviet Union, as his successor Leonid Brezhnev assumed the leadership. But again, Khrushchevs bloodless removal was unique. Could something like that happen to Putin as economic conditions worsen, or if the Ukrainian invasion is a disaster for Russia? Unlike the Soviet Union, there is little in the way of an institutional party structure that could intervene to topple him. Putin has cronies, yes men, and a coterie of siloviki people of power awash in hard-nosed nationalist thinking of the FSB and military none of whom so far dare to show the least independence from Putins Ukraine war "project." Yet losses on the battlefield have already led to an apparent paring-down of military goals, angering and disappointing some anti-Ukraine pundits on Russian TV. While Putins coterie has every incentive to stay close for the time being or risk losing privileges and wealth, if the war in Ukraine drags on for months or years, and Putins adventure becomes the mammoth disaster that it appears to be so far, it is almost certain that cracks will emerge. Absent Russia's total victory over Ukraine, it already is difficult to imagine the world going back to business as usual with Vladimir Putin. He could find himself boxed into a grinding, open-ended conflict on his border and facing a need to impose more and more repression at home to stifle dissent in a population paying the economic consequences of the invasion. Aging leaders rarely last forever or have the luxury to leave office on their own terms. Whether it is by elections, revolt or an internal mutiny, the long days of Putins rule may well be numbered. ___ John Daniszewski, former senior managing editor for international news at The Associated Press, first reported from Eastern Europe in 1987 and has been based in Warsaw, Johannesburg, Cairo, Moscow, Baghdad and London. He is currently AP's vice president for standards and editor at large. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jdaniszewski This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON (AP) Former Trump advisers Peter Navarro and Dan Scavino were held in contempt of Congress on Wednesday for their monthlong refusal to comply with subpoenas rendered by the House committees investigation into the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The two men became the latest members of former President Donald Trump's inner circle to face legal jeopardy as the select committee continues its more than nine-month-long probe into the worst attack on the Capitol in more than 200 years. The near-party-line 220-203 vote will send the criminal referrals for Navarro and Scavino to the Justice Department for possible prosecution. The contempt action followed hours of raw debate on the House floor as Republicans stood by Trump and charged that Democrats were trying to politicize the attack on the Capitol by his supporters. House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy accused the Jan. 6 committee of criminalizing dissent, defended Scavino as a good man and lobbed harsh criticism at members of the committee, some by name. Lets be honest, this is a political show trial, McCarthy said. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, among the nine members of the Jan. 6 panel, noted that the committee has two Republicans, including Liz Cheney of Wyoming. He added that the purpose of the floor vote was to make clear that open contempt and mockery for this process, and for the rule of law will not be allowed by the chamber. I mean, it is just amazing that they think they can get away with this, the three-term lawmaker told reporters about Scavino and Navarro as the debate raged on Wednesday. Cheney and Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who is also on the select committee, were the only Republicans who voted in favor of the contempt charges. While pursuing contempt charges may not yield any new information for the Jan. 6 committee any prosecutions could drag for months or years the vote Wednesday was the latest attempt to show that witnesses will suffer consequences if they dont cooperate or at least appear for questioning. Its all part of an effort to claw back legislative authority that eroded during the Trump era when congressional subpoenas were often flouted and ignored. This vote will reveal to us who is willing to show tolerance for the intolerable, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland said on the floor, directing his comments to Republicans across the aisle. Raskin and other Democrats made their case that Scavino and Navarro are among just a handful of individuals who have rebuffed the committee's requests and subpoenas for information. The panel has interviewed more than 800 witnesses so far. In the last week alone, the committee scored two of those interviews from Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner. Their virtual testimonies are the closest lawmakers have gotten to the former president. Members of the panel said Kushner's testimony last Thursday was helpful. Ivanka Trump, who was with her father in the White House on Jan. 6, was questioned for eight hours Tuesday as congressional investigators tried to piece together her fathers failed effort to delay the certification of the 2020 election results. The main focus of the committee's outreach to the former first daughter surrounds a telephone call they say she witnessed from her father to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence to reject Bidens 2020 election win as part of his ceremonial role overseeing the electoral count. Pence rejected those efforts. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., the chairman of the committee, highlighted Ivanka Trump's voluntary cooperation with the committee as opposed to Scavino and Navarro's defiance. Raskin said Scavino has "refused to testify before Congress about what he knows about the most dangerous and sweeping assault on the United States Congress since the War of 1812. The committee says Scavino helped promote Trump's false claims of a stolen election and was with him the day of the attack on the Capitol. As a result, he may have materials relevant to his videotaping and tweeting messages that day. A lawyer for Scavino did not return multiple messages from The Associated Press seeking comment. Navarro, 72, a former White House trade adviser, was subpoenaed in early February over his promotion of false claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election that the committee believes contributed to the attack. Navarro cited executive privilege when declining to testify, saying the committee should negotiate this matter with President Trump. He added, If he waived the privilege, I will be happy to comply. But the Biden administration has already waived executive privilege for Navarro, Scavino and former national security adviser Michael Flynn, saying it was not justified or in the national interest for them to withhold their testimony. Executive privilege was developed to protect a presidents ability to obtain candid counsel from his advisers without fear of immediate public disclosure, but it has limits. Courts have traditionally left questions of whether to invoke executive privilege up to the current White House occupant. The Supreme Court earlier this year rejected a bid by Trump to withhold documents from the committee. The vote Wednesday will be the third time the panel has sent contempt charges to the House floor. The first two referrals, sent late last year, were for former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Trump ally Steve Bannon. The contempt referral against Bannon resulted in an indictment, with a trial set to start in July. The Justice Department has been slower to decide whether to prosecute Meadows, much to the frustration of the committee. Its the committees hope that they will present it to a grand jury, Thompson told reporters Tuesday. Obviously, the Meadows case is still outstanding. We dont really know where that is, other than weve done our work. He added, "The firewall goes up from our standpoint, and DOJ uses its systems to take it from there. Thompson suggested more witnesses could still be held in contempt in the weeks ahead even as the committee looks to wrap up the investigative portion of their work in the next two months. A conviction for contempt of Congress carries a fine of up to $100,000 and up to a year in prison. ___ Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report. Allison Dinner/AP WASHINGTON (AP) Proud Boys leader Henry Enrique Tarrio pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges that he remotely led a plot to stop Congress certification of Joe Bidens 2020 victory. Though he wasnt at the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot, prosecutors say Tarrio organized encrypted chats with Proud Boys members in the weeks before the attack, had a 42-second phone call with another member of the group in the building during the insurrection and took credit for the chaos at the Capitol. Native Texan Brene Brown recently released her latest series titled "Atlas of the Heart" and the show is now streaming on HBO MAX. The new series is based on Brown's latest book where she illustrates "mapping a meaningful connection and the language of the human experience," Brown states on her website in a post about her book. "If we want to find the back to ourselves and one another, we need language and the grounded confidence to both tell our stories and to be stewards of the stories that we hear," she said in a recent interview with Joshua Johnson on NBC News Now. "'In Atlas of the Heart,' we explore eighty-seven of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human and walk through a new framework for cultivating meaningful connection." Here's the HBO MAX trailer for the new show: Brown became a household name during the summer of 2010 when her TED talk "The Power of Vulnerability" went viral online. The video is one of the top five most-viewed TED talks in the world, with over 50 million views, according to Brown's website. The local Houstonian is a research professor at the University of Houston, where she holds the Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair at the Graduate College of Social Work, detailed in her TED talk. She is also a visiting professor in management at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business, her website notes. Brown is a best-selling author and lectures on her data of work on two decades of academic research on shame, courage, vulnerability and empathy, according to her website. Lambert and I, and many readers, agree that Ukraine has prompted the worst informational environment ever. We hope readers will collaborate in mitigating the fog of war both real fog and stage fog in comments. None of us need more cheerleading and link-free repetition of memes; there are platforms for that. Low-value, link-free pom pom-wavers will be summarily whacked. And for those who are new here, this is not a mere polite request. We have written site Policies and those who comment have accepted those terms. To prevent having to resort to the nuclear option of shutting comments down entirely until more sanity prevails, as we did during the 2015 Greek bailout negotiations and shortly after the 2020 election, we are going to be ruthless about moderating and blacklisting offenders. Yves P.S. Also, before further stressing our already stressed moderators, read our site policies: Please do not write us to ask why a comment has not appeared. We do not have the bandwidth to investigate and reply. Using the comments section to complain about moderation decisions/tripwires earns that commenter troll points. Please dont do it. Those comments will also be removed if we encounter them. * * * Humans bred dogs to have puppy-dog eyes CNN Okay, Caesar, Lets Go Home Werk-In-Progress The hidden world of octopus cities and culture shows why its wrong to farm them The Conversation Climate #COVID19 A paradigm shift to combat indoor respiratory infection (PDF) University of Leeds. From the Abstract: the rapid growth in our understanding of the mechanisms behind respiratory infection transmission should drive a paradigm shift in how we view and address the transmission of respiratory infections to protect against unnecessary suffering and economic losses. It starts with a recognition that preventing respiratory infection, like reducing waterborne or foodborne disease, is a tractable problem Multi-scale modelling reveals that early super-spreader events are a likely contributor to novel variant predominance Journal of the Royal Society. From the Abstract: We find stochasticity remains a powerful determinant of predominance. Variants that predominate are more likely to be associated with higher infectiousness, an [Super-spreading event] SSE early after variant emergence and ongoing decline of the current dominant variant. Additionally, our simulations reveal that most new highly infectious variants that infect one or a few individuals do not achieve permanence in the population. Consequently, interventions that reduce super-spreading may delay or mitigate emergence of VOCs. And importantly: From a public health perspective, our results provide yet another reason to intensely focus NPIs on preventing large SSEs. This policy prescription includes the prohibition of large indoor gatherings among unvaccinated people, a focus on adequate ventilation in indoor work environments and schools, and enforcement of highest quality masks (K95 or N95) in circumstances where high-risk group exposures cannot be avoided. Prevention of SSEs will limit number of infections, lower the introduction of new variants and decrease the probability that a single large SSE will initiate a more rapid local epidemic as has already been documented in Boston, South Korea and multiple other locations during the pandemic COVID-19 cases rise rapidly in New York City, DC The Hill and My Burnank. Is this a movie we have seen before? In the Rush to Return to Normal, What Happens to the Vulnerable? NYT China? Pakistans Imran Khan removed as prime minister after no-confidence vote Axios US asked Pakistan not to proceed with Prime Minister Imran Khans visit to Russia: Qureshi The Print Pakistans prime minister accuses US diplomat of conspiracy to overthrow his elected government Multipolarista Thousands in Sri Lanka insist Rajapaksa family quit politics Al Jazeera India In Africa, U.S.-Trained Militaries Are Ousting Civilian Governments in Coups WSJ South African court halts Amazon HQ project Times of Africa UK/EU French polling: Final numbers from the major French pollsters, on the eve of the presidential election's first round (Ipsos, Harris, Elabe, OW, Ifop, BVA): Macron: 26-27% in all Le Pen: 22-24% in all Melenchon: 16.5%-18% in all other right/far-right: 20% other left/far-left: 11-12% Taniel (@Taniel) April 9, 2022 New Not-So-Cold War The Caribbean Navigating Alternate Realities Venezuelanalysis American Think Tanks Are Fueling the Mexican Right Jacobin Biden Administration Supply Chain Trade Data Shows the Negative Impact of Russias Invasion of Ukraine Maritime Executive History Nook April 9, 1865: 150 years ago today at Appomattox, Robert E. Lee unveiled the Confederate flag's final design. pic.twitter.com/47NbFlxN3Z Matt Ford (@fordm) April 9, 2015 Zeitgeist Watch Supersize me (1): With their greater size and power, several new battery-powered SUVs and trucks are heightening pedestrian and traffic safety concerns https://t.co/GepjbwR9BP Bloomberg CityLab (@CityLab) April 10, 2022 Supersize me (2): This photo frequently does the rounds to troll air travellers. It's fake. 1: It was staged. 2: The 747 didn't start commercial flights until the 1970s. But look how thin everybody was back then. pic.twitter.com/ITNEeG5U0i Thos Major (@ThosMajor) April 10, 2022 Class Warfare Body Parts Arent Gendered. So Why Are Sex Toys? Wired The Internet Is Not What You Think It Is: A History, A Philosophy, A Warning LA Review of Books Antidote du Jour (via): Bonus Antidote: See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. By Ben McWilliams, a Research Analyst in the field of climate and energy policy, and Georg Zachman, a Senior Fellow at Bruegel, where he has worked since 2009 on energy and climate policy. Originally published at Bruegel. European gas markets are in turmoil. Supplies from Russia in the first quarter of 2022 (289 terawatt hours) were 30% lower than the same period of 2021 (408 TWh). Policymakers in both Russia and the European Union are discussing the possibility of a complete stop to Russian gas flows to the EU. Markets are extremely nervous, resulting in a six-fold gas price increase in the first quarter of 2022 compared to one year earlier (Figure 1). High EU gas prices (and benign global market conditions) saw the EU import 305 TWh of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to 170 TWh a year previously (see tracker). But high prices have not only lured new gas supply into Europe. They have also encouraged consumers to reduce gas demand significantly. We estimate a 7% drop in Q1 2022 compared to Q1 2021 (1402 TWh versus 1507 TWh; see Annex 1). This can only partly be explained by milder weather. Anecdotal evidence suggests high prices have led industrial companies to reduce natural gas consumption, but it is not clear by how much. National and sectoral natural gas demand data is not made available in a timely manner, and we can offer only partial evidence (see below) suggesting EU industrial gas demand has fallen by around a fifth. Gas-to-coal switching in the EU power sector has not contributed to reduced demand as gas-fired generation was actually up by 4TWh in Q1 2022 compared to 2021, because of lower nuclear and hydro production (Figure 2). This implies that household and other gas demand (including services and non-individual household heat generation) in Q1 2022 was about 5% lower than one year previously (Figure 3). If the goal is to replace Russian gas entirely, this is a promising start, as Russia invaded Ukraine near the end of the first quarter of 2022 and so far, the EU and its members have not introduced strong energy-saving policies. On the contrary, national policies in response to rising energy prices have focussed on cutting taxes, boosting demand. We showed previously that with stronger policies, savings of roughly 20% of total demand could be achieved. Industrial Demand Estimate Our industrial reduction estimate is based on data from the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG) (Figure 4, Annex 2). This shows in Q1 2022, weekly industrial demand for natural gas in Italy was 0.25TWh/week below 2021 levels; in Belgium, it was 0.3 TWh/week lower; in Luxembourg 0.1 TWh/week lower; and in the Netherlands 1.3 TWh/week lower. In total, these demand reductions suggest a 20% drop compared to 2021 levels. As industrial demand comprises 25% of EU total demand, a 20% annual reduction in industry demand across all countries would result in a 5% reduction in total gas demand. Data available for the UK show a weekly drop of 0.35 TWh/week. A shift in trade flows further highlights declining demand from EU industry for natural gas over the past few months. One of the factors in decreasing EU industrial gas consumption is that energy-intensive products are exported less and/or imported more when natural gas and electricity prices are high (Figure 5). Natural gas is the key input for production of chemicals and ammonia. In December 2021, EU ammonia imports amounted to 250 million compared to 96 million in June 2021 (Figure 3). Some of this effect is driven by prices but not all. We estimate a 27% increase in ammonia imports in December compared to June. The production of each tonne of ammonia requires 10 MWh of natural gas, and therefore the increased ammonia imports amount, in effect, to an increase in embedded natural gas imports of 0.5 TWh/month (Table 1). Imports of chemicals excluding ammonia increased by about 400 million from June to December 2021, implying further embedded natural gas imports. Imports of aluminium, for which electricity is a key input to production, have also responded to high power prices. In December 2021, EU aluminium imports were worth 2 billion, while in December 2020 they were 1.2 billion. Accounting for price effects, we estimate a 35% increase in physical imports. For each tonne of aluminium, the electricity input is 15.5 MWh, implying indirect imports of 3.6 TWh/month of electricity. If produced using only gas, this would represent 7 TWh/month of natural gas. Iron and steel imports grew throughout the second half of 2021, and were approximately 2 billion higher in October compared to June, but in November they dropped off. As a side note but importantly our triangulation of data sources and sectoral gas consumption has underlined a significant data problem. If complex demand-reduction policies must be organised almost in real-time during a crisis, more disaggregated and timely gas consumption data is needed, especially on households and industry. Recommended citation: McWilliams, B. and G. Zachmann (2022) The European Union demand response to high natural gas prices, Bruegel Blog, 8 April Annex 1 To calculate implied demand, we compared the change in storage on the first of each month, accounting for imports provided by the Bruegel import tracker and assuming that production volumes were the same as they were in 2021. Applying the methodology retrospectively shows that it is a reliable predictor of what Eurostat demand reports are likely to be. Annex 2 ENTSOG provides data on gas flows to industrial consumers for some countries: Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The flows are described as Italian Industrial Consumers, Belgian Industrial Clients, Industrial Clients (LU), Dutch Industrial Consumers and UK Industrial Offtakes. Excluding the UK, industrial demand in the four EU countries in 2020 added up to 400 TWh. Eurostat reports final consumption (energy and non-energy) from these four countries of 270 TWh in 2020, implying that some extra demand is included in the ENTSOG data beyond a typical description of industry, eg gas flowing to large combined heat and power plants. We are not able to access precise descriptions of what the data includes. (Natural News) Following a brief delay, Joe Bidens Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine mandate for federal workers has been given the green light by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. In a 2-1 ruling, according to reports, the appeals court reversed a lower court ruling and ordered a dismissal of a lawsuit challenging China Joes mandate. The ruling, which is a rare win for the New Orleans-based appellate court, declares that the federal judge did not have jurisdiction in the case, and that those challenging the jab requirement could have pursued administrative remedies under Civil Service law. Back in January, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown, who was appointed by Donald Trump to the District Court for the Southern District of Texas, issued a nationwide injunction against Bidens mandate. That injunction is now dead in the water. Last month when the case was argued before the 5th Circuit, administration lawyers noted that district judges in about a dozen different jurisdictions had rejected a challenge to the vaccine requirement for federal workers before Brown issued his injunction ruling. The administration argued that the Constitution gives the president, as the head of the federal workforce, the same authority as the CEO of a private corporation to require that employees be vaccinated, Fox News reported. In their arguments, lawyers challenging the mandate pointed to a recent opinion from the Supreme Court about how the government cannot legally and constitutionally force private employers to require that their employees get injected as a condition of employment. Fifth Circuit is mostly Republican and includes many Trump appointees, so what happened? Some readers might be thinking: Well, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals must be liberal, right? Wrong. Twelve of the courts 17 active judges were nominated by Republicans, and six of these were appointed directly by Trump. Why, then, did they side with Biden and against the American people? A different panel had previously refused to block Browns ruling pending the appeal. That panels vote was 2-1. Reasons for this were not given by the majority, which included Judge Jerry Smith, a nominee of Ronald Reagan, and Don Willett, another Trump nominee. Judge Stephen Higginson, a Barack Hussein Obama nominee, did provide a lengthy dissent in which he said that a single district judge lacking public health expertise and made unaccountable through life tenure should not be allowed to block Biden from ordering that all employees take covid injections on command. They need to stop arguing if they have the power to force a worker to take a jab and argue the efficacy of what scientists say is an inoculation not a vaccine and the fact employees have no recourse for any problems arising from injecting the juice into their body, wrote someone at Fox about the matter. I cant wait to see how this all plays out in the courts especially once it reaches the Supreme Court because its simply unconstitutional, responded another. Isnt this all coming from the same party who wants women to have the right to control their body for abortions? Someone else brought up the Nuremberg Trials and the precedent that was set forbidding the mandate of any drug or vaccine without informed consent, period. Anything less than this standard is medical tyranny and fascism, and has no place in a supposedly free country like the United States. We are living in the most bizarre time in the United States history, said another. Supreme Court justices are appointed based on their skin and gender. We dont have enough gas and oil and weve been ordered by the president not to produce more. Government employees are being forced to get vaccines for an illness with symptoms less than a common cold. Were inviting people to invade our country and supporting them financially as they drag our economy down, flood us with opioids and drive up crime. And the most bizarre thing of it all is there are so many people that think its okay and support it. The latest news about the Biden regime can be found at Fascism.news. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com FoxNews.com (Natural News) A biotech company with deep ties to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is about to release mosquitoes with synthetic DNA into California, supposedly to control the states mosquito population. Oxitec, a British biotechnology company specializing in the development of genetically engineered insects, recently said it has created one of its first genetically modified organisms by changing the DNA of the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito. In California, since first being detected in 2013, this mosquito has rapidly spread to more than 20 counties throughout the state, increasing the risk of transmission of dengue, chikungunya, Zika, yellow fever and other diseases, said Oxitec. According to the biotech company, the female offspring produced by the genetically modified mosquitoes will die, causing the population of the insect in the United States to plummet. On Oxitecs website, it claims that its trademarked friendly modified mosquitoes offer a precise, environmentally sustainable and non-toxic way of controlling mosquito populations. (Related: Halt this nightmare: Alarm as Florida set to begin release of genetically engineered mosquitoes.) Nathan Rose, Oxitecs head of regulatory affairs, said testing of its genetically modified insects against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in a Brazilian neighborhood resulted in a 95 percent reduction of the mosquito population in just 13 weeks. Oxitec granted permit to release genetically modified mosquitoes On March 7, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted Oxitecs permit to release its genetically modified mosquitoes. According to the permit, Oxitec can release as many as two million genetically modified mosquitoes in California by 2024 if the state approves. These mosquitoes can be released in a 29,400-acre area within the counties of Fresno, San Bernardino, Stanislaus and Tulare. Oxitec is not allowed to release any mosquitoes less than 500 meters from the outer perimeter of wastewater treatment facilities, commercial citrus, apple, pear, nectarine and peach farms and commercial cattle, poultry and pig livestock facilities. The biotech company plans to start its release program in northern Tulare County in Californias Central Valley region. It has received the support of the Delta Mosquito and Vector Control District, the local government agency tasked with controlling the mosquito population, centered in the city of Visalia. But before it can begin, Oxitec needs to get the approval of the California state government. On March 10, it sent its application to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). As of press time, the application is still being processed by DPR scientists. According to the department, its scientists are still checking whether the genetically modified mosquitoes can cause hazards to handlers, field workers, public health or the environment. The DPR is also in the process of consulting with several state and local government agencies, including the California Department of Public Health and the County Agricultural Commissioners Office. The DPR is also soliciting the public for comments until April 19. According to the DPR, Oxitec proposes to release between 5,000 to 30,000 mosquitoes per week at each of its federally-approved sites. The locations and the number of mosquitoes to be released are also subject to state approval. The DPR said its review of Oxitecs proposal will take several months. Learn more about genetically modified organisms by reading the latest articles at GMO.news. Watch this clip as political commentator Jim Crenshaw talks about Bill Gates, his connection to Oxitec and his role in the plan to release genetically engineered mosquitoes. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: An accident waiting to happen: Tech company to release 750 MILLION GMO mosquitoes in Florida to fight dengue fever. Scientists tampering with nature have unleashed a new breed of genetically-modified SUPER mosquito with deadly hybrid vigor abilities. What could go wrong? Genetically modified mosquitoes to swarm Houston in latest Zika hoax lunacy. UK company Oxitec plans to release GM mosquitoes in Panama without required risk assessment. GMO mosquito company being investigated over alleged violations of U.S. securities law. Sources include: BlacklistedNews.com LATimes.com KTLA.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) Unprecedented chaos is coming to Texas once the Biden administration stops enforcing a public health law that has been one of the factors limiting the flood of immigrants stampeding across the border, according to one Texas mayor. (Article by Jack Davis republished from WesternJournal.com) Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin Jr. gave a preview of his fears during an appearance on Fox News Fox & Friends on Friday. The Biden administration has said that as of May 23, it will no longer enforce Title 42, a rule imposed during the coronavirus pandemic that allowed officials at the border to turn away illegal immigrants on the grounds that they could be bringing the coronavirus into the country. McLaughlin said Friday that he expects when Title 42 goes away, his community will face an increase of between 75 percent and 100 percent in the number of illegal immigrants with which it must deal. Weve been dealing with this crisis for the last year, he said, referring to the massive numbers of illegal immigrants who have come into the U.S. since President Joe Biden took office. McLaughlin said he has no words to picture the next level of Americas illegal immigration crisis. Whats coming on the 23rd of May wont even be describable, the mayor said. I mean, youre talking about thousands of people that are going to hit that border, that are just waiting to cross the border. And theres nobody prepared down here for it. The federal governments not prepared for it. Thank God Governor Abbott is trying to get prepared for it, but its going to be just the wild, wild west and crazy down here, he said. On Wednesday, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott announced a series of measures to help his state deal with the flood of migrants, including using charter buses and flights to transport migrants who have been processed and released from federal custody to Washington, D.C. McLaughlin noted that even though Uvalde is not right on the border, it will be drowned in the wave to come, based on what he has seen the federal government do before. Theyll get so overwhelmed at the border, theyll pull all their Border Patrol agents out of the field. Theyll make them processors. Theyll be doing paperwork, and theyll say, Oh were over capacity, and theyll start shipping them to towns like Uvalde, he said. The federal government will dump them and then we have to deal with them, the mayor said. McLaughlin said the Biden administration has caused the problem and federal officials compound it by denying communities the ability to deal with what the feds have created. The federal government ties your hands at every turn, he said. Last year, the mayor denounced the Biden administrations immigration policy as pretty much a clown show, according to Fox News. Its just it is just getting crazier and crazier and crazier and these these peaceful immigrants, illegal immigrants, they keep talking about, are getting more and more aggressive with landowners. Theyre doing more destruction of property. Theyre tearing things up. Trashing ranch houses, trashing vehicles, McLaughlin told host Tucker Carlson in September. And, you know, you can complain all you want, but this is this administration turns a blind eye to it. This is such a failed administration and a failed president, its terrible, he said then. Read more at: WesternJournal.com (Natural News) Former child actor Cole Sprouse confirmed in a recent interview that The Walt Disney Company is indeed sexualizing young actresses. The actor known for his roles in The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and Riverdale added that trauma is a regular part of what child actors have to endure. My brother and I used to get quite a bit of Oh, you made it out, youre unscathed. No, Sprouse said in an interview with the New York Times published on April 4. The young women on the channel we were on were so heavily sexualized from such an earlier age than my brother and I. Theres absolutely no way that we could compare our experiences. Im violently defensive against people who mock some of the young women who were on the channel when I was younger, because I dont feel like [they] adequately comprehend the humanity of that experience and what it takes to recover. Sprouse added that every single person going through trauma has a unique experience. When we talk about child stars going nuts, what were not actually talking about is how fame is a trauma. Cole and his twin Dylan first starred in The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, which aired on the Disney Channel from 2005 to 2008. The twins reprised their roles in the subsequent spinoff The Suite Life on Deck from 2008 to 2011. Cole later joined the cast of the Riverdale series, which is based on the Archie comics, as Jughead Jones in 2017. To be quite honest, as I have now gone through a second big round of this fame game as an adult Ive noticed the same psychological effects that fame yields upon a group of young adults as I did when I was a child, said Sprouse. I just think people have an easier time hiding it when theyre older. Disney opposing Florida bill that fights sexualization of children Sprouses remarks during the interview came amid the media conglomerates fight with the state of Florida over the latters Parental Rights in Education Bill. The proposal, wrongly dubbed the Dont Say Gay Bill, sought to prevent sexual topics like homosexuality and transgenderism from being taught to children in kindergarten up to the third grade. In a March 29 Fox News interview, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis denounced Disney and its efforts to oppose the proposal. He told the networks Tucker Carlson that the word gay does not even appear in the bills text, contrary to what mainstream media outlets claim. Its not even used in the bill. Its a fake narrative, its a lie. They have to lie because if they admitted to what they were really for sexualizing kindergarteners and first graders they know that would not fly with the public, said DeSantis. (Related: Video: DeSantis accuses Disney of sexualizing kindergarteners.) For a company like Disney to say this bill should have never passed? First of all, they werent saying anything when this was going through the [Florida House of Representatives]. They only started doing this because the woke mob came after them. True enough, the company which owns and operates Disney World in Florida was initially silent over the bill. Disney CEO Bob Chapek eventually yielded following pressure from the woke mob. He issued an apology toward the companys LGBT employees, claiming that he let them down as an ally in the fight for equal rights. You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights, and I let you down. I am sorry. I missed the mark in this case, but [I will remain] an ally you can count on. I will be an outspoken champion for the protections, visibility and opportunity you deserve. Brainwashed.news has more stories about Disney sexualizing its young actresses. Watch the Newsmax segment below about Disneys opposition to the Parental Rights in Education Bill. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Disney promises to make more gay content for kids. Disney doubles down on promoting pedophilia, wants all children GROOMED in public schools. Disney executives admit they are pushing gay agenda, deliberately creating propaganda to make kids transgender Walt Disney Company is infested with perverts is this why the company opposes Floridas anti-grooming legislation? Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com Summit.news Breitbart.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) Best-selling author Bruce Goodmansen thinks college is meaningless for the vast majority of the nations workforce. College is of no value to 85 percent of our nations workforce. In fact, out of 100 students who are accepted into college, 50 of them are going to drop out. And we now lead the world in college dropouts. And of the 50 students who do graduate, 30 of them will end up in jobs they could have gotten straight out of high school, Goodmansen told host Thomas Renz during the April 5 episode of Lawfare with Tom Renz on Brighteon.TV So you can see that basically college is roughly somewhat helpful to maybe 15 percent of our nations population. There are roughly 30,000 careers to choose from, but a typical university only offers roughly 85 majors. Thats it, just 85 careers to choose from out of the 30,000. And its no wonder why a majority of our kids when they get to college are undecided. They havent decided what to major because the selection is so small. They see nothing that touches their heart, that makes their passions grow wild. Goodmansen said that his best-selling book 100% Success Without College seeks to warn parents of the absolute nonsense that is happening in Americas colleges today. (Related: High price of admission for todays college students? Loss of constitutional freedoms.) The former deans graduate assistant in the College of Education at Brigham Young University cautioned parents about deciding to send their child to college since they will be financing the effort to destroy America. He said that this is not a hyperbole since todays college has gotten way out of hand. Career training and trading opportunities are offered outside college The author and business expert said his book provides compelling reasons why parents should keep their children out of college as there are many opportunities out there in the world for career training. He said that the book also serves as an encyclopedia of career trading opportunities that are offered outside the college arena. And Im telling you, kids who are taking these opportunities are earning fortunes. It isnt the world of deadbeats that weve been led to believe by the high school guidance counselor. These are not dead beats and as a matter of fact, I would say the opposite now, the deadbeats who are serving our nation or walking about our nation are the college graduates, Goodmansen stressed. Renz took note that todays colleges are really indoctrination centers that dont teach students anything and are absolutely against critical thinking. Goodmansen pointed out that 36 percent of American students do not demonstrate any significant improvement in learning skills over four years of college. He said that this means that a third of Americas college graduates will be no better off, better prepared or better skilled than the day when they stepped on campus as freshmen. The best-selling author added that people can easily understand this just by reviewing the unscholarly courses that are offered by professors in colleges and universities. And on that note, theres a state college that is offering a bachelors degree in anti-racist studies. This is unbelievable. And then over the last few decades, there has been a 50 percent decline in the time spent by students for research and study hours. So its getting way out of hand, Goodmansen said. In fact, theres this fascinating survey that I just came across showing that the United States is home to 115,000 janitors, 16,000 parking lot attendants, 83,000 bartenders and about 35,000 taxi drivers. And what do they all have in common? They all have a bachelors degree. Goodmansen also cited a Harvard Business Review, which reported that 53 percent of college graduates did not apply to an entry level job in their field of study because they felt unqualified, unprepared and unskilled. He said that this is happening because college students are taking woke classes that their professors have invented. So Im trying to tell parents that you got to understand that when your child goes to college, the college is going to give your child about four things back. They are going to have a loss of faith; they are going to have the loss of love for their country; they are going to have a mountain of debt; and they are going to have skills that corporate America just doesnt want because they are antiquated, Goodmansen said. Follow EducationSystem.news to know more about Americas college education system. Watch the full April 5 episode of Lawfare with Tom Renz below. Lawfare with Tom Renz airs every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. More related stories: The silencing of voices on college campuses. STUNNING: Only three percent of American colleges teach economics Students remain oblivious to the fundamentals of money, finance and debt. Supreme Court to hear case that could end racial preferences in college admissions. Sources include: Brighteon.com SuccessWithoutCollege.org (Natural News) European buyers are expanding shipments of coal from across the world amidst talks of European Union ban on Russian imports and the struggle to ease stiff gas supplies. The European Commission on Tuesday, April 5, suggested new sanctions against Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, along with a ban on buying Russian coal and on Russian ships entering EU ports. The latest restrictions come at a time of doubt about future gas deliveries from Russia to the EU after the Kremlins demand that buyers begin paying Russian gas giant Gazprom in rubles. Analysis by ship-broker Braemar ACM based on ship tracking data has found that European countries imported a total of 7.1 million tons of thermal coal in March, a 40.5 percent increase year-on-year and the highest level since March 2019. (Related: Massive energy and power crunch coming soon as U.S. coal producers have already sold their coal inventories for 2022.) Despite Russian coal shipments to Europe in March still continuing at pre-war levels, the expected alteration in coal flows into Europe has started to show. Shipments from Colombia and the United States have been strong in response to the conflict with Atlantic suppliers providing the most cost-efficient alternative for European end-users, Braemar dry bulk analyst Mark Nugent said. Nearly half of EUs oil and gas imports come from Russia According to the European Commission website, the EU relies on Russia for around 45 percent of its coal and gas imports and around 25 percent of its oil imports. Braemar data revealed 3.5 million tons of Russian thermal coal was imported into the EU in March, the largest monthly total since October 2020. On a weekly basis, March 28-April 1 saw the biggest levels of Russian thermal coal imports since the Feb. 24 invasion started, with 887,000 tons of Russian thermal coal imported into the EU as reported by Braemar. German coal importers group VDKi on Wednesday, April 6, said the nation should be able to seek alternatives to Russian hard coal imports by the high demand winter season, although there will be technical issues and added costs. The Braemar data showed thermal coal imports from Colombia reached 1.3 million tons in March, increasing by 47.3 percent year-on-year. Imports from the U.S. in March numbered 809,000 tons, increasing by 30.3 percent year-on-year and at their largest level since October 2019. Imports from South Africa also increased with 287,000 tons arriving in March against no shipments in March last year. Braemar said Australia has also found revived buying interest from Europe, with thermal coal imports counting 537,000 tons in the first quarter of this year against no shipments over the same period in 2021. Nevertheless, Indonesia and Australia, among the worlds top coal exporters, have reached their production limits and are uncertain to meet Europes demand for additional stocks if the EU bans Russian coal imports, mining executives stated. There is greater concern over the risks with trading Russian coal (due to broader sanctions), so that is already having an impact on shipments, a shipping source acquainted with the trade said. Despite the fact that it is still more expensive to burn gas to generate power than coal, the price of thermal, which is for heating and power generation, has attained record highs this year. According to Alex Stuart-Grumbar, dry bulk analyst with shipping consultancy MSI, Europes need to import more coal from sources further beyond would be positive for the bigger Panamax and Capesize shipping sections on long-haul coal trade routes. The initial disruption to trade patterns will be positive for dry bulk markets, though ultimately, this will push global coal prices higher, incentivizing China and India to produce more coal domestically, Stuart-Grumbar said. UE also seeks metallurgical coal Europe is also searching for stocks of metallurgical coal, which is used for steelmaking. Australias Coronado Global Resources, which has metallurgical coal operations in Australia and the U.S., has received queries in the last several weeks from Europe for metallurgical coal to replace Russian metallurgical coal supplies, a spokesperson said. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said this week that Greece will build up coal mining in the next two years as a temporary procedure to help decrease reliance on gas that has risen since last year and after Russias invasion. In Asia, at least utilities in Japan and South Korea have stopped Russian coal imports. Others may have to do the same if sanctions are intensified. Japan, the worlds third-largest coal importer, plans to decrease Russian coal imports gradually while looking for alternative suppliers due to the sanctions against Moscow, the countrys industry minister said on Friday, April 8. He recognized, however, that it would be hard to find alternative suppliers right away. Follow Collapse.news for more news about Russian economic sanctions. Watch the video below to know about clean coal technology. This video is from the Snow Mountain channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Massive energy and power crunch coming soon as U.S. coal producers have already sold their coal inventories for 2022. Indian official warns of rolling power cuts amid coal shortage. Simultaneous shortages of coal, oil, propane and natural gas hint at impending US economic meltdown. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com Reuters.com Business-Standard.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) Melinda Gates appeared on CBS This Morning with Gayle King to discuss her divorce from her Microsoft founder and billionaire husband, Bill Gates. During her interview, she told King, I did not like that hed had meetings with Jeffrey Epstein. She explained how she met Epstein one time because she wanted to see who this man was. I regretted it from the second I stepped in the door. He was abhorrent. He was evil personified. After meeting him, Melinda told King that she made it very clear to her husband how I felt about him [Epstein]. (Article by Patty McMurray republished from 100PercentFedUp.com) Gates told Kint that there wasnt only one but several factors that led to her decision to divorce one of the wealthiest men in the world after 27 years of marriage. I did not like that he had meetings with Jeffrey Epstein, no. I made that clear to him, Gates told King. In a statement to CBS, Bill said that Meeting with Epstein was a mistake that I regret deeply. It was a substantial error in judgment. Melinda Gates says Bills relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was one of the many reasons they got divorced pic.twitter.com/gUGwjdaBuq GlockTopickz (@Glock_Topickz) March 3, 2022 Vanity Fair reports Melinda also spoke openly about her ex-husbands affair with a staffer 20 years ago, which a spokesperson for the Microsoft co-founder confirmed in May 2021. I certainly believe in forgiveness, so I thought we had worked through some of that, she confessed. It wasnt one moment or one specific thing that happened. There just came a point in time where there was enough there where I realized it just wasnt healthy, and I couldnt trust what we had. When asked by King if there were other affairs over the course of their marriage, the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation replied, Those are questions Bill needs to answer. She went on to say that she never thought she would get divorced, but their relationship devolved to a point where she felt she could no longer carry on. Unfortunately, I felt like I needed to take a different path, she said. We knew that when the divorce was going to be a surprise people, and I felt bad about that. I dont question myself now. Not at all. I gave every single piece of myself to this marriage. I was committed to this marriage from the day we got engaged and until the day I got out of it. Read more at: 100PercentFedUp.com (Natural News) Larry C Johnson; veteran of the CIA and the State Departments Office of Counter Terrorism, claims the Ukrainian Army has been defeated up and all thats left is mop-up. The veteran who provided training to the US Militarys Special Operations community for 24 years sat down with Mike Whitney to explain why. (Article republished from DailyExpose.uk) Interview conducted by Mike Whitney Question 1 Can you explain to me why you think Russia is winning the war in Ukraine? Larry C. Johnson Within the first 24 hours of the Russian military operation in Ukraine, all Ukrainian Ground Radar Intercept capabilities were wiped out. Without those radars, the Ukrainian Air Force lost its ability to do air to air intercept. In the intervening three weeks, Russia has established a de facto No Fly Zone over Ukraine. While still vulnerable to shoulder fired Surface to Air Missiles supplied by the U.S. and NATO to the Ukrainians, there is no evidence that Russia has had to curtail Combat Air Operations. Russias arrival in Kiev within three days of the invasion also caught my attention. I recalled that the Nazis in Operation Barbarossa took seven weeks to reach Kiev and the required 7 more weeks to subdue the city. The Nazis had the advantage of not pulling punches to avoid civilian casualties and were eager to destroy critical infrastructure. Yet many so-called American military experts claimed that Russia was bogged down. When a 24 mile (or 40 mile, depends on the news source) was positioned north of Kiev for more than a week, it was clear that Ukraines ability to launch significant military operations had been eliminated. If their artillery was intact, then that column was easy pickings for massive destruction. That did not happen. Alternatively, if the Ukrainians had a viable fixed wing or rotary wing capability they should have destroyed that column from the air. That did not happen. Or, if they had a viable cruise missile capability they should have rained down hell on the supposedly stalled Russian column. That did not happen. The Ukrainians did not even mount a significant infantry ambush of the column with their newly supplied U.S. Javelins. The scale and scope of the Russian attack is remarkable. They captured territory in three weeks that is larger than the land mass of the United Kingdom. They then proceeded to carry out targeted attacks on key cities and military installations. We have not seen a single instance of a Ukrainian regiment or brigade size unit attacking and defeating a comparable Russian unit. Instead, the Russians have split the Ukrainian Army into fragments and cut their lines of communication. The Russians are consolidating their control of Mariupol and have secured all approaches on the Black Sea. Ukraine is now cut off in the South and the North. I would note that the U.S. had a tougher time capturing this much territory in Iraq in 2003 while fighting against a far inferior, less capable military force. If anything, this Russian operation should scare the hell out of U.S. military and political leaders. The really big news came this week with the Russian missile strikes on what are de facto NATO bases in Yavoriv and Zhytomyr. NATO conducted cyber security training at Zhytomyr in September 2018 and described Ukraine as a NATO partner. Zhytomyr was destroyed with hypersonic missiles on Saturday. Yavoriv suffered a similar fate last Sunday. It was the primary training and logistics center that NATO and EUCOM used to supply fighters and weapons to Ukraine. A large number of the military and civilian personnel at that base became casualties. Not only is Russia striking and destroying bases used by NATO regularly since 2015, but there was no air raid warning and there was no shutdown of the attacking missiles. Question 2 Why is the media trying to convince the Ukrainian people that they can prevail in their war against Russia? If what you say is correct, then all the civilians that are being sent to fight the Russian army, are dying in a war they cant win. I dont understand why the media would want to mislead people on something so serious. What are your thoughts on the matter? Larry C. Johnson This is a combination of ignorance and laziness. Rather than do real reporting, the vast majority of the media (print and electronic) as well as Big Tech are supporting a massive propaganda campaign. I remember when George W. Bush was Hitler. I remember when Donald Trump was Hitler. And now we have a new Hitler, Vladimir Putin. This is a tired, failed playbook. Anyone who dares to raise legitimate questions about is immediately tarred as a Putin puppet or a Russia stooge. When you cannot argue facts the only recourse is name calling. Question 3 Last week, Colonel Douglas MacGregor was a guest on the Tucker Carlson Show. His views on the war are strikingly similar to your own. Heres what he said in the interview: The war is really over for the Ukrainians. They have been ground into bits, there is no question about that despite what we hear from our mainstream media. So, the real question for us at this stage is, Tucker, are we going to live with the Russian people and their government or we going to continue to pursue this sort of regime change dressed up as a Ukrainian war? Are we going to stop using Ukraine as a battering ram against Moscow, which is effectively what weve done. (Tucker Carlson MacGregor Interview) Do you agree with MacGregor that the real purpose of goading Russia into a war in Ukraine was regime change? Second, do you agree that Ukraine is being used as a staging ground for the US to carry out a proxy-war on Russia? Larry C. Johnson Doug is great analyst but I disagree with himI dont think there is anyone in the Biden Administration that is smart enough to think and plan in those strategic terms. In my view the last 7 years have been the inertia of the NATO status quo. What I mean by that is that NATO and Washington, believed they could continue to creep east on Russias borders without provoking a reaction. NATO and EUCOM regularly carried out exercisesincluding providing offensive trainingand supplied equipment. I believe reports in the United States that the CIA was providing paramilitary training to Ukrainian units operating in the Donbass are credible. But I have trouble believing that after our debacles in Iraq and Afghanistan, we suddenly have Sun Tzu level strategists pulling the strings in Washington. There is an air of desperation in Washington. Besides trying ban all things Russian, the Biden Administration is trying to bully China, India and Saudi Arabia. I do not see any of those countries falling into line. I believe the Biden crew made a fatal mistake by trying to demonize all things and all people Russian. If anything, this is uniting the Russian people behind Putin and they are ready to dig in for a long struggle. I am shocked at the miscalculation in thinking economic sanctions on Russia would bring them to their knees. The opposite is true. Russia is self-sufficient and is not dependent on imports. Its exports are critical to the economic well-being of the West. If they withhold wheat, potash, gas, oil, palladium, finished nickel and other key minerals from the West, the European and U.S. economies will be savaged. And this attempt to coerce Russia with sanctions has now made it very likely that the U.S. dollars role as the international reserve currency will show up in the dustbin of history. Question 4 Ever since he delivered his famous speech in Munich in 2007, Putin has been complaining about the architecture of global security. In Ukraine we can see how these nagging security issues can evolve into a full-blown war. As you know, in December Putin made a number of demands related to Russian security, but the Biden administration shrugged them off and never responded. Putin wanted written assurances that NATO expansion would not include Ukraine (membership) and that nuclear missile systems would not be deployed to Romania or Poland. Do you think Putins demands are unreasonable? Larry C. Johnson I think Putins demands are quite reasonable. The problem is that 99% of Americans have no idea of the kind of military provocation that NATO and the U.S. have carried out over the last 7 years. The public was always told the military exercises were defensive. That simply is not true. Now we have news that DTRA was funding biolabs in Ukraine. I guess Putin could agree to allow U.S. nuclear missile systems in Poland and Romania if Biden agrees to allow comparable Russian systems to be deployed in Cuba, Venezuela and Mexico. When we look at it in those terms we can begin to understand that Putins demands are not crazy nor unreasonable. Question 5 Russian media reports that Russian high precision, air-launched missiles struck a facility in west Ukraine killing more than 100 local troops and foreign mercenaries. Apparently, the Special Operations training center was located near the town of Ovruch which is just 15 miles from the Polish border. What can you tell us about this incident? Was Russia trying to send a message to NATO? Larry C. Johnson Short answerYES! Russian military strikes in Western Ukraine during the past week have shocked and alarmed NATO officials. The first blow came on Sunday, March 13 at Yavoriv, Ukraine. Russia hit the base with several missiles, some reportedly hypersonic. Over 200 personnel were killed, which included American and British military and intelligence personnel, and hundreds more wounded. Many suffered catastrophic wounds, such as amputations, and are in hospital. Yet, NATO and the western media have shown little interest in reporting on this disaster. Yavoriv was an important forward base for NATO (see here). Until February (prior to Russias invasion of Ukraine), the U.S. 7th Army Training Command was operating from Yavoriv as late as mid-February. Russia has not stopped there. ASB Military news reports Russia hit another site, Delyatyn, which is 60 miles southeast of Yavoriv (on Thursday I believe). Yesterday, Russia hit Zytomyr, another site where NATO previously had a presence. Putin has sent a very clear messageNATO forces in Ukraine will be viewed and treated as combatants. Period. Question 6 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been lionized in the western media as a wartime leader and a modern-day Winston Churchill. What the media fails to tell its readers is that Zelensky has taken a number of steps to strengthen his grip on power while damaging fragile democratic institutions in Ukraine. For example, Zelensky has banned eleven opposition-owned news organizations and tried to bar the head of Ukraines largest opposition party, Viktor Medvedchuk, from running for office on a bogus terrorist financing charge. This is not the behavior of a leader that is seriously committed to democracy. Whats your take on Zelensky? Is he really the patriotic leader the media makes him out to be? Larry C. Johnson Zelensky is a comedian and an actor. Not a very good one at that in my view. The West is cynically using the fact he is Jewish as a diversion from the size-able contingent of Neo-Nazis (and I mean genuine Nazis who still celebrate the Ukrainian Waffen SS units accomplishments while fighting with the Nazis in WW II). The facts are clearhe is banning opposition political parties and shutting down opposition media. I guess that is the new definition of democracy. Question 7 How does this end? Theres an excellent post at the Moon of Alabama site titled What Will Be The Geographic End State Of The War In Ukraine. The author of the post, Bernard, seems to think that Ukraine will eventually be partitioned along the Dnieper River and south along the coast that holds a majority ethnic Russian population. He also says this: This would eliminate Ukrainian access to the Black Sea and create a land bridge towards the Moldavian breakaway Transnistria which is under Russian protection. The rest of the Ukraine would be a land confined, mostly agricultural state, disarmed and too poor to be build up to a new threat to Russia anytime soon. Politically it would be dominated by fascists from Galicia which would then become a major problem for the European Union. What do you think? Will Putin impose his own territorial settlement on Ukraine in order to reinforce Russian security and bring the hostilities to an end or is a different scenario more likely? Larry C. Johnson I agree with Moon. Putins primary objective is to secure Russia from foreign threats and effect a divorce with the West. Russia has the physical resources to be an independent sovereign and is in the process of making that vision come true. Bio Larry C Johnson is a veteran of the CIA and the State Departments Office of Counter Terrorism. He is the founder and managing partner of BERG Associates, which was established in 1998. Larry provided training to the US Militarys Special Operations community for 24 years. Read more at: DailyExpose.uk If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here (Natural News) Back in March 2017, President Trump tweeted about Barack Obamas illegal spying on his presidential campaign in 2016. POTUS Trump tweeted this in March 2017. How low has President Obama gone to tapp my phones during the very sacred election process. This is Nixon/Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 4, 2017 (Article by Jim Hoft republished from TheGatewayPundit.com) The tweet sent shockwaves across the fake news media. Hack reporters screeched in horror. They were outraged that President Trump would dare make such an accusation. At this same time, corrupt leaders in the DOJ and criminals in the FBI were already spying on Trump at the time. The Gateway Pundit at the time was already reporting on early proof of the regimes spying on Trump. Back in July 2017, we knew that the FBI was investigating the Trump Tower servers during the election. They were spying on Trump. The liberal media refused to report on these facts back in the summer of 2017. But less than a year-and-a-half ago, in October 2020, just weeks before the 2020 presidential election, Lesley Stahl held an interview with President Donald Trump on 60 Minutes in a last-ditch attempt to swing the election to basement Biden. During the interview, Lesley Stahl stopped the interview to lash out at President Trump, something the far left hacks NEVER do to Democrats. They dont hide their visceral hatred for Trump and his voters and never have. Stahl sneered at President Trump that there was no spying on his campaign or his administration. She did not even try to hide her disdain for the sitting President. Now we know for certain that President Trump was telling the truth. Trump told the truth in 2017. Trump told the truth in 2020. And this weekend we found out that Hillary and the Democrats were spying on the Trump Tower servers and later on the Trump White House servers. So will vicious leftist Lesley Stahl apologize? Or will 60 Minutes continue to lie to their audience? Read more at: TheGatewayPundit.com (Natural News) We are watching a slow-motion horror show unfold right in front of our eyes, and nobody seems to have a way to stop it. The vast majority of the global population did not want World War III to happen, but it has started anyway. For years I have been warning that such a conflict would erupt if we did not change course, and now here we are. I am very angry at Vladimir Putin for launching a full-blown invasion of Ukraine, because he didnt need to do that. And I am also very angry at the Biden administration, European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for endless provoking the Russians and for refusing to negotiate an agreement which could have settled all of this peacefully. I blame both sides for the war, because in my opinion it could have been avoided so easily. But now that World War III has begun, there will be no going back. (Article by Michael Snyder republished from EndOfTheAmericanDream.com) On Thursday, the head of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service made a statement that should be a major league wake up call for all of us. According to Sergei Naryshkin, Russia is now engaged in a hot war with western powers Also on Thursday the head of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), Sergei Naryshkin, issued a series of bombshell statements which may reveal Moscows broader aims in the war concerning how Russias sees its ultimate security aims. Naryshkin said that for us this is no longer a Cold War with the West but a hot war, according to Interfax. He said in the rare statement that Russia now has a real chance to put an end to the war that has been waged in the Post-Soviet space for the past 30 years as also quoted in TASS. If that is how the Russians really view things, that is extremely sobering. Because a hot war between two sides armed with nuclear weapons has the potential to spiral out of control very easily. In fact, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov just brought up the specter of nuclear war during a rant in which he directly compared the United States to Nazi Germany It is clear that World War Three can only be nuclear. So does the Biden administration actually want to fight a nuclear war with Russia? If it does, I hope that the Biden administration will be honest about this so that millions of us can get out of the way before it happens. If it doesnt, then we should try to find a peaceful way out of this mess. Unfortunately, it appears that a peaceful solution isnt going to happen any time soon. After talking with Vladimir Putin for about 90 minutes on Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the worst is yet to come French President Emmanuel Macron thinks the worst is yet to come in Ukraine after talking with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, according to multiple reports. A senior French official said Macrons warning came after the two leaders spoke for 90 minutes, which did not yield any diplomatic progress, The Washington Post reported. The official said Putin was determined to carry out the ongoing war in Ukraine until the end, the paper reported. We are being told that the Ukrainian people are fighting for democracy, but that isnt exactly accurate. Yes, the Russians are authoritarians, but so are the Ukrainians. Before the war, there were three television stations that were saying things that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his minions didnt like, and so Zelensky shut them down. And Zelensky and his minions also rounded up and arrested the leadership of the main opposition political party in Ukraine. Just imagine how we would feel if the Democrats rounded up all of the leaders of the Republican Party and put them in prison. The Zelensky regime is an authoritarian regime, and we should never forget that. And as I detailed yesterday, Nazis and neo-Nazis are running around all over the place in Ukraine. But in that article I did not intend to suggest that most ordinary Ukrainians are evil. In fact, in an article that I posted earlier today I tried to make it very clear that most Ukrainians are just like you and I. They just want to be left alone so that they can live their lives in peace and quiet. Unfortunately, that is no longer possible. Here in the western world, rapidly rising oil prices are going to make life more difficult for all of us. On Thursday, U.S. crude actually reached 116 dollars a barrel at one point US oil prices briefly spiked on Thursday to their highest level in nearly 14 years, as concerns about disruptions to Russias supplies continue. US crude jumped as much as 5.4% to $116.57 a barrel early Thursday the highest trade since September 22, 2008. A week earlier Lehman Brothers collapsed. Needless to say, a higher price for oil is going to mean that all Americans will soon be feeling a lot more pain at the pump. According to USA Today, the average price of a gallon of gasoline has now hit five dollars in San Francisco Get ready to pay even more at the pump perhaps as much as $5 per gallon or more. Some consumers are already paying more than that: The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in San Francisco hit the $5 mark Thursday. Thats the first time a U.S. city has hit an average that high, said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at fuel-savings app GasBuddy. One California resident that was interviewed by a news crew admitted that it hurts a lot to fill up his vehicle now. But this is just the beginning. In fact, JPMorgan is projecting that the price of oil could eventually go as high as 185 dollars a barrel Brent crude could end the year at $185 a barrel if Russian supply continues to be disrupted, JPMorgan Chase & Co. wrote in a note Thursday. Can you imagine what our economy will look like when people have to pay seven or eight dollars (or more) for a gallon of gasoline? Things are really starting to get crazy out there. But of course we certainly have it much easier than the people of Ukraine. As Russian forces encircle the major cities, supplies of food and energy will become increasingly tight. Millions of Ukrainians will soon be extremely cold and extremely hungry as they slowly go mad from all of the Russian shelling that is constantly happening all around them. For the citizens of Ukraine, World War III has already arrived. For those of us in the western world, the conflict on the other side of the globe will cause inconveniences for now, but it is only a matter of time before we experience severe pain too. Read more at: EndOfTheAmericanDream.com Many investigations conducted over 40 years reveal that humans and big apes are distinguishable from other nonhuman primates by their ability to recognize themselves. Scientists examine some recent advances in the discipline, paying special attention to claims that monkeys exhibit self-recognition. Chimpanzees recognize their own species Chimpanzees have been observed interacting with deceased members of their species, revisiting bodies, and even displaying mourning-like behavior, as per Phys.org. Elephants are known to do the same thing, and will even engage with elephant skeletons. But do chimps recognize and prefer conspecific bones belonging to their species? Previously, the scientific community paid little attention to this, maybe presuming that chimps know little or nothing about chimp bone structure. This type of subject has recently been investigated in the realm of comparative thanatology. Since the initial demonstration of mirror self-recognition in chimps and the failure of macaques to demonstrate self-recognition, much study has been undertaken on mirror-image reactions in monkeys and apes. This research leads to the following general conclusion on how nonhuman primates interpret their reflections in mirrors individuals of most great ape species have demonstrated persuasive evidence that they identify themselves, but no monkey has done so. The apparent separation within the order Primates, on the other hand, continues to provoke criticism and significant disagreement, despite repeated efforts to obtain data that would bridge the gap. In this section, we analyze recent advancements in the discipline and focus on critical methodological difficulties. A team led by Andre Goncalves from Kyoto University has recently tested chimps' visual attention to a sequence of photographs of conspecific and non-conspecific skulls. "We utilized photos of faces, skulls, and skull-shaped stones to symbolize four distinct species," Goncalves explains. According to the researchers, chimp skulls include face-like clues, basic shapes, and an overall eye-nose-teeth configuration that likely triggers a network of brain areas that evolved to identify and analyze faces. Put bluntly, chimps appear to distinguish whether a skull resembles a chimp's skull, which is connected to the phenomenon of pareidolia, which is linked to the brain's ability to sense faces. Read more: Monkeys can Do Math, Study Finds Response of monkeys to mirrors A claim of mirror self-recognition in rhesus monkeys was one recent challenge to what is known as the cognitive division theory of self-recognition, as per PLOS. Individually housed monkeys occasionally moved an acrylic block screwed into their skull for neurophysiological investigations, and some of these manipulations happened as the monkeys stared in a mirror at their reflection. The same monkeys, however, exhibited no indications of self-recognition in a typical mark test. Furthermore, no baseline information was provided, and no quantitative data on block alteration were reported while searching elsewhere. The mark test demands that the mark be applied in such a way that the subject is unaware of its presence until it is seen in a mirror. One especially remarkable element of how monkeys respond to mirrors is that, although showing no symptoms of self-recognition, they can learn to discover otherwise concealed items through mirrored signals. In one research, macaques that saw their reflection in the mirror of an item dangling above them lunged for it. It is hardly strange, then, that things affixed to a monkey's head would draw exploration. To see if implanted rhesus monkeys know themselves, remove the implants and allow the incision to heal completely. The monkeys will next be subjected to a standard mark test. If they fail, any claim that the monkeys had learned to recognize themselves would be ruled out. Related article: Monkeys Can Decide When to Speak Up or Stay Silent, Researchers Say Following the reddening of the water in the Averno Crater Lake last week due to an extremely severe algal bloom, portions of the sea in the Gulf of Pozzuoli have lately turned red, apparently due to the same phenomena. Algae blooms at Averno Lake are most common in the winter, when deep water is warmer than at the surface and rises, bringing with it algae that can spread explosively. However, this year's algal bloom, particularly its spread into the neighboring open sea, appears to be considerably stronger than inhabitants can recall in recent memory. Many people are concerned about whether there is a link between the increasing seismic and degassing activity of the caldera volcano. Italy's 'supervolcano' The Campi Flegrei volcanic area, which is located on the western outskirts of Naples, Italy, and spreads out into the Mediterranean Sea, is dotted with overlapping craters of various sizes. More than 500,000 people have moved around the dormant volcano, whose rumblings and effusive fumes reveal the fire that still lurks underneath, as per National Geographic. Large blasts of volcanic ash and rock have blanketed the region twice in the previous 60,000 years, and a sprinkling of smaller bursts have occurred before and after each great eruption, including the most recent occurrence in 1538. A team of experts has now investigated the chemistry of volcanic rocks and glass from previous eruptions for hints on what's occurring in the magma chamber below, using that data to develop a computer model to mimic the conditions leading to an eruption. Their findings, which were published today in the journal Science Advances, might help scientists better understand the waking and sleeping cycles of these cataclysmic volcanoes. "We can guess that may happen, but we don't know when," explains lead author Francesca Forni of the Swiss ETH Zurich. She emphasizes that the study focuses on chemical cycles, not "when or if Campi Flegrei is likely to erupt soon." Furthermore, many scholars who were not involved in the study voiced worry about applying the findings to present settings. Read more: Scientists Observing Threat of Developing Supervolcano Beneath US The residents are quite concerned about the matter. To be clear, the volcano is not immediately on the verge of erupting. Researchers are continually monitoring the system and learning about the indicators that might indicate an impending eruption. Any imagined enormous detonation would most likely occur thousands of years or more in the future. Many locals are concerned about a possible link because the state of the Campi Flegrei has been in the first stage of rising discontent for some time. One theory is that the algal bloom in the water is caused by increased heat flow at the seafloor as a result of greater volcanic degassing. There is no apparent link between the algal bloom and volcanic activity. There has been no scientific evaluation from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), which monitors the volcano's activity, but if the two are genuinely related, scientists will certainly find out. Earthquakes in the Campi Flegrei region continue to be above background levels. More than 175 quakes have occurred in the area in the last 30 days, including two quakes with magnitudes of 3.5 and 3.6 under the Solfatara crater on March 16 and 29, respectively, which were felt by numerous inhabitants. Related article: Researchers Baffled by the Discovery of Enormous 'Supervolcano' Beneath Alaska A fungus that causes the disease called white-nose syndrome (WNS) among bats was found in Louisiana, making it the 41st state in the US where the pathogen has been discovered. The disease is responsible for killing millions of bats across the country, raising concerns among conservationists. Pathogenic Fungus in Louisiana The deadly fungus has been found among Brazilian free-tailed bats in Louisiana. There were no reported WNS-related sicknesses and fatalities among the bats since they are asymptomatic when contracting the disease. However, other bat species were also discovered to be carrying the pathogen, but none of them have exhibited symptoms yet, including the tri-colored bats, which are prone to the syndrome of the WNS disease, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries via NBC News. The discovery of the pathogenic fungus is "not surprising but is discouraging" since bats, especially the tri-colored species, have suffered from a major population decline due to WNS in the Southeast US, according to Winifred F. Frick of the Bat Conservation International, as cited by NBC News. Also Read: White-Nose Syndrome: Devastating Disease Found in Chinese Bats Fatal Bat Disease The fatal bat disease WNS is called such since it causes the formation of silky white-colored patches of fungus in the small-winged mammals' noses. According to the National Park Service (NPS) of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the fungus (Pseudogymnoascus destructans) started in New York back in 2006. Since then, it has spread to more than 50% of the country and in five provinces in Canada by August 2016. The NPS also cited concerns of scientists that the fungus is responsible for the major population decline of different bat species such as the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), and long-eared bat (Myotis spetentronalis). The fungus is reportedly exotic and likely arrived in the US after being accidentally introduced from Europe. Disrupting Hibernation Over the years, scientists have predicted the regional extinction of bat species due to WNS. The disease kills the bats indirectly since it awakens the bats first during hibernation in the winter season. During hibernation, bats and other mammals reduce their metabolic rate and body temperatures to limit energy consumption only to important body functions, including breathing. This serves as a means to save energy for the upcoming spring season. However, the fungus' disruption leaves the bats without their food, including flying insects, due to their scarcity during the winter. This unprecedented disruption yields in the usage of unnecessary energy from the bats, leading to starvation and eventual death. Ecology: Bats and Their Role The loss of the bat population is not only important to the ecology in North America, but it also highlights economic risk, especially in the agriculture sector of the US. Aside from their role as insect hunters, bats are also great pollinators. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, almost 70% of bat species eat nocturnal insects, including pests. As a result, bats account for saving more than $1 billion worth of crop damage and pesticide control among producers. There is known cure yet for WNS, but scientists and bat conservationists are implementing measures such as wildlife relocation and other forms of supplemental treatment in the meantime. Related Article: White Nose Syndrome May Be Unstoppable: Deadly Bat Disease Can Thrive in Caves Without Bats A basin of holy water is adorned with an angel sculpture, as seen during a morning Palm Sunday service at St. Aloysius that coincided with Gonzaga's Sweet Sixteen NCAA basketball game versus Creighton University on March 28, 2021. The dual-Jesuit school duel resulted in an 83-65 win for the Zags and actually a higher-than-predicted crowd volume for the 11 a.m. Mass, with 172 people who signed up to attend the socially-distanced service, plus walk-in attendees. NEW CANAAN Donning a facial mask to go to the grocery store is a new experience for people as they try to tamp the spread of the coronavirus. Several mask wearers recently spoke about their adjustments, sharing how the new fashion accessory has it drawbacks, while often emphasizing the overarching need to wear one to keep other people safe. The new habit is in keeping with Gov. Ned Lamonts executive order, effective April 20, that states people in public places in Connecticut, when not maintaining a social distance of nearly six feet from others, shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face covering. Nancy OSullivan said she was accustomed to wearing masks since she is a retired nurse. On the scale of what we are facing ... my biggest concern is why more people arent wearing them, she said. More and more I think we are going to get used to it, Sarah Routhier of New Canaan said. 1. A fogging spectacle The most common observation was the fogging up the wearers glasses from the warm air as people breathe. Individuals offered a few suggestions to avoid the problem, including squeezing the cloth closer to the nose when there is a metal rim; washing the glasses with soap and water; or simply spitting on them. My glasses fog up, Pam Miller of New Canaan said. It is a issue for some of us who wear glasses. But I do like to think that were safer, she added. At this point, Ill do anything to stay safe. 2. Is that you? Eric Deda of Norwalk said he was surprised that he does not always know his regulars when they are wearing a mask. I work for a restaurant and.I wouldnt be able to recognize customers covered by a masks people I usually know, he said. 3. Muffles When Norwalk resident Jackie Anhrens wears a mask, People are constantly saying: What are you saying. They cant understand me I have to take it off, and that defeats the purpose. 4. Hold the garlic Several people acknowledged they can smell their breath when wearing a mask. If you dont brush your teeth, you are doomed for the whole day. I have heard a lot of people comment on that, Anna Camp of Darien, said. 5. The phone forgets A phones face detection stops working when half of the face is covered. Kendall Boege explained that when she tries to pay for groceries, since her features are not detected by her phone, it does not work, and as a result the she cannot use Apple Pay. I need to take out my credit card. Its frustrating. I dont want to touch anything, the Bedford resident said. 6. Are you smiling at me? A common complaint is that people cannot tell if you are smiling at them. You think about it from a childs point of view because they wont even see an expression on your face, Maggie Juarez, of New Canaan said. 7. Coming on to you If a smile cannot be seen, It is hard to flirt when you have a mask on because the person cant see your expressions, Andrea Fondulas, the daughter of a New Canaan resident, said. 8. Half a tan Wearing a mask has the potential to leave white skin where it covers, similar to the lines made by sunglasses. Asked if he is concerned about having only the top half of his face get tanned, Rick Routheir said: Often when we are out, we are walking, and there is no one close by, so we dont wear masks. One of the nice things about New Canaan is we feel like we have a lot of space. 9. Turning a page The mask gets in the way if one wants to quickly lick a finger to move to the next page this can be a surprise when the wearer is not aware of the habit. 10. Its not about you A change for some is acting in a way, perhaps slightly uncomfortable to oneself, to the benefit of strangers. I think safety is number one. It takes precedence, Mario Ganovsky said. Its not just to keep yourself safe, but everybody else. Help support your local hometown newspaper/website. Independent local news reporting matters. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription, for as little as $3, so we can continue to provide independent local reporting on our communities. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: A quick roundup of the week in meetings, including police promotions in Champaign, a new chief for Parkland, a new role for Urbana Middle School's principal, plus news from Arcola, Arthur, Bement, Cerro Gordo, Danville, Farmer City, Fisher, Mahomet, Paxton, Tolono, Westville and elsewhere. Reporter Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). AP Ukrainian forces dug in while Russias military lined up more firepower and tapped an experienced general to take centralized control of the war Don Follis counsels pastors and consults with a wide array of churches. He blogs at donfollis.com, where you can subscribe to his posts. He can be reached at donscolumn@gmail.com. One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 Jim Nowlan is a former Illinois legislator, aide to three unindicted governors, professor and author of a 2019 essay on the future of Illinois for the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University. He invites you to visit his new website at jimnowlan.net. Brett Kepley is a lawyer with Land of Lincoln Legal Aid Inc. Send questions to The Law Q&A, 302 N. First St., Champaign, IL 61820. Longview, TX (75601) Today Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 88F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low 71F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk announced that a third prisoner exchange took place between her country and Russia amidst the ongoing war. In a Facebook post, Vereshchuk said the exchange took place on Saturday on the order of President Volodymyr Zelensky, reports Ukrayinska Pravda. She said in the latest exchange, 26 Ukrainians have returned home, of which 12 are military personnel and 14 civilians. The Deputy Prime Minister added that Ukraine has released 14 Russians, including nine women. On April 1, Ukrainian authorities conducted an "86 for 86" prisoner exchange. Prior to that on March 24, they exchanged 10 for 10. What happens below the cellular level when the heart contracts and relaxes has long been unexplored. Thanks to new ultra-high-resolution electron microscopy techniques, scientists can now watch the heart beating almost at a molecular level. Researchers at the Medical Faculty of the University of Freiburg summarize the most important developments in cardiac electron microscopy and their significance for research in a recent publication, published in Nature Reviews Cardiology. Insight at the nanometer scale is of great importance for the development of new therapies, for example for heart attacks or cardiac arrhythmias. With the high-resolution microscopy techniques developed by us and others worldwide, we gain fascinating insights into the dynamic ultrastructure of the heart. We can use this insight to analyze the three-dimensional structure of heart cells with unprecedented precision. Our images are made up of cubes so-called voxels with an edge length of one nanometre or less. For illustration: one nanometre is the distance a fingernail grows in one second." Dr Eva Rog-Zielinska, study's lead author Dr Eva Rog-Zielinska heads the 4D Imaging Section at the Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine (IEKM) of the University Heart Centre at the University Medical Centre Freiburg Watching the heart beat in super slow motion A challenge is to link ultra-high resolution mapping of the heart to a moving target. "Thanks to recent advances in imaging, we now have a much better understanding of how muscle and connective tissue cells behave in the beating heart," says co-author Prof Peter Kohl, Director of the IEKM, who is also the spokesperson of the German Collaborative Research Centre 1425 dedicated to exploring cardiac scarring. Electron microscopy itself, but crucially also newly developed methods for the preparation and post-processing of corresponding samples, play a central role in the generation of molecular insight. "It is particularly exciting that we can record muscle cells like individual frames in a film thanks to millisecond-precise high-pressure freezing. This allows us to watch the heart's molecular structures beating in super slow motion, as it were," says Kohl. Experiments, simulations and artificial intelligence intertwine The microscopic images are evaluated at IEKM with the help of artificial intelligence, assisted by computer simulations to depict heart function and pathological changes as realistically as possible. "Newly gained insight allows us to gain a completely new understanding of cardiac activity and, based on this, to develop new therapeutic concepts. We are looking forward to a very exciting time in heart research," says Kohl. Research in recent years has demonstrated the diverse roles that gut bacteria can play in health and disease, but what about contributions from viruses, which, like bacteria, perpetually reside within the human intestine? New research published in Science Immunology and led by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) indicates that imbalances in the intestine's viral community-;called the virome-;may promote inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation and is thought to be caused by a combination of genetics, an overactive immune system response, and environmental triggers. The fecal virome is altered in IBD, suggesting a role for viruses in the onset of these conditions. However, we were stalled at correlations." Kate. L. Jeffrey, PhD, senior author, investigator, Department of Gastroenterology at MGH and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School When Jeffrey and her colleagues isolated viruses from patient colon surgical tissue, they found that viruses in a normal intestine had anti-inflammatory effects and contributed to a healthy gut. Conversely, viruses isolated from the inflamed intestines of patients with IBD provoked inflammation. The team categorized the viruses unique to patients with IBD so that their findings might be used in future research and clinical studies. In additional experiments, mice whose normal intestinal viruses were replaced with viruses from healthy human colons were protected from intestinal inflammation; however, mice whose intestinal viruses were replaced with viruses associated with IBD exhibited exacerbated inflammation. "The intestinal virome is established from birth, shaped through life and includes vast numbers of known viruses and copious 'dark matter' we cannot yet identify," says Jeffrey. "Our work provides a missing functional link that our collective virome is an important contributor to human health, but when perturbed does provoke inflammation in IBD and conceivably many other diseases." Jeffrey notes that patients with IBD might benefit from therapies that harness the virome, either through targeted elimination-;with vaccines or antiviral medications-;or replacement of disease-driving intestinal viruses with health-promoting viruses-;such as with virome transfers, akin to fecal transfers. Radiation to the heart during treatment for locally advanced lung cancer is associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiac events within the first two years following treatment. The higher the cardiac dose exposure, the higher the risk of a cardiac event. A team at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center, in partnership with the statewide Michigan Radiation Oncology Quality Consortium (MROQC) lung cancer collaborative, co-led by Shruti Jolly, M.D., and Peter Paximadis, M.D., of Spectrum Health Lakeland in St. Joseph, Michigan, found that raising awareness about the risk of radiation exposure to the heart and standardizing cardiac exposure limits reduced the average dose to the heart by 15% and reduced the number of patients receiving the highest heart doses by half without minimizing tumor treatment or increasing dosage to other at-risk organs in the chest. The study, featured in Practical Radiation Oncology, assessed the effectiveness of this education across MROQC. The statewide consortium is a comprehensive clinical and physics database to support quality improvement throughout Michigan, funded through support from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network as part of the BCBSM Value Partnerships Program. The educational program involved spreading awareness of new data coming out about cardiac radiation exposure in NSCLC patients and adjusting cardiac goals within MROQC accordingly. Daniel Herr, M.D., Ph.D., radiation oncology resident and first author of this study, says that increased education and awareness regarding the implication of radiation to the heart had a meaningful impact on clinical practice. This study is evidence that relatively simple interventions, when properly targeted, can be effective at improving patient care. It's more evidence that having a large quality consortium like MROQC is a real advantage in terms of improving the quality of care that patients throughout the state of Michigan receive." Daniel Herr, M.D., Ph.D., radiation oncology resident and first author of this study UNSW researchers have used CRISPR gene editing a type of 'molecular scissors' to understand how deletions in one area of the genome can affect the expression of nearby genes. The work, led by UNSW Associate Professor Kate Quinlan and Professor Merlin Crossley, together with collaborators from the US, will help researchers investigate new therapeutic approaches for one of the world's most devastating genetic blood disorders sickle cell disease. The team's findings are published today in academic journal Blood. Just last week, A/Prof. Quinlan and Prof. Crossley received a $412,919 ARC linkage grant to fund a collaboration between UNSW Sydney and CSL that follows on from the work described in this paper. Sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia, a closely related disease, are inherited genetic conditions that affect red blood cells. They are fairly common worldwide over 318,000 infants with these conditions are born every year, and hemoglobin disorders cause 3 per cent of deaths in children aged under five years worldwide." A/Prof. Quinlan, co-lead author Genetic mutations specifically, a defect in the adult globin gene are responsible for the disorders. The mutant genes affect the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around our bodies. "Interestingly, when children are born, they don't show disease symptoms at first, even if they have the mutations, because at that stage, they're still expressing fetal globin and not yet adult globin. That's because we have different hemoglobin genes that we express at different stages of development," says A/Prof. Quinlan. "As the fetal globin gets turned off, and adult globin gets turned on which happens within about the first year of life the symptoms start to manifest." When that happens, the red blood cells take on unusual, sickled shapes and block small blood vessels, causing pain, organ damage, and premature death. The disease is particularly common in tropical countries, and in people from places where malaria is endemic. "The goal of our research is finding out how we can reverse the fetal to adult globin switch, so that patients continue to express fetal globin throughout life, rather than the mutant adult globin genes that cause blood cells to become stiff and block vessels," says A/Prof. Quinlan. Interestingly, this already happens in some people with sickle cell disease: thanks to another, beneficial genetic mutation, a rare subset of patients keeps the fetal globin gene 'on' throughout their life and are protected from sickle cell symptoms. "In these patients, the persistent expression of fetal globin effectively compensates for the defective adult globin but up until this piece of research, we didn't really understand the process that led to this incredible advantage," A/Prof. Quinlan says. 'Deleting' genes with CRISPR To get to the bottom of what's going on in these lucky people's genome, UNSW PhD student Sarah Topfer compiled data on the rare families that express fetal globin throughout life. "As a first step, Sarah compared deletions in lots of different patients' genomes essentially, she looked to see if any shared element was missing in all of them. What do these patients have in common? She found one very small region was deleted in all these patients' genomes." Sarah then used CRISPR gene editing to replicate some of these big patient deletions and the small deleted bit they all had in common in cell lines in the lab. "CRISPR allows us to 'cut' bits of DNA out of cells grown in the lab, to modify genes and see what happens as a result it's essentially a tool to figure out what genes do inside living cells," A/Prof. Quinlan says. "We found that deleting just that one little bit was sufficient to make fetal globin go up and adult globin down which suggests that we have found the key mechanism that can explain why fetal globin levels remains high in these asymptomatic patients," A/Prof. Quinlan says. "Effectively, by deleting the adult globin 'on switch', we made the fetal globin 'on switch' active." Prof. Quinlan says the results were unexpected. "It was surprising to see the findings many people have studied these mutations for many years, so the idea that there'd be one unifying hypothesis that could explain them rather than them all working through different mechanisms will be surprising for the field. "While we went in with the hypothesis that there might be one mechanism, we didn't expect it to come out so cleanly we thought that perhaps it would be more complicated than what we'd initially thought." The CRISPR revolution and potential therapies Co-lead author Prof. Crossley, who is also UNSW's Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic & Student Life, says it was impossible to test this model prior to the advent of CRISPR gene editing. "Our group has specialized in using this new technology to understand globin gene switching," Prof. Crossley says. "Australia now has a significant number of people with either sickle cell disease or thalassemia. "The work, supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council, is an important example of how the CRISPR gene editing revolution is accelerating scientific understanding and will deliver new therapies to the clinic." The scientists say the work revealed today is improving our fundamental understanding of the mechanism behind sickle cell disease. "What this really helps us to do is understand this process of turning off fetal globin and turning on adult globin and how we could reverse that, so that we can use this understanding of the mechanism to help us look for new therapeutic approaches it's a key piece of the puzzle," A/Prof. Quinlan says. Some of Prof. Crossley's team's previous discoveries in the field are informing clinical trials already by using beneficial mutations they've discovered in the past that could lead to therapies for these disorders. At the 2020 NSW Premier's Prizes for Science and Engineering, Prof. Crossley won the award for Excellence in Medical Biological Sciences (cell and molecular, medical, veterinary and genetics) for his work in the field. On her first visit to Malawi since her appointment as Minister for Africa, Vicky Ford visited UK Aid-funded projects which support women and girls access health services, education and private sector development in the country. She visited Mchedwa Primary School to learn how FCDO Education Programme was supporting girls by providing bursaries as well as psychosocial interventions and life skills training through Campaign for Female Education (Camfed). The UK is directly investing 36m into girls' education to help ensure all girls can receive 12 years of education. The UK is also supporting the National Numeracy programme early grade learners build strong foundations in mathematics and sciences. During the visit Minister Ford also: Visited Kanengo Industrial area in Lilongwe to see UK-Malawi partnership in promoting environmentally responsible investment in sustainable construction materials by British International Investment (formerly CDC group) and 14 Trees. BII's $5m investment should unlock jobs, protect the environment and boost Malawi's economic development. Visited a family planning clinic to see how the UK is supporting to strengthen the health system and help young women access family planning services even in hard-to-reach areas. With a fertility rate of 4.4, rapid population growth poses a major challenge to Malawi's prosperity. The UK has played a leading role in tackling this through making family planning services available and accessible, with real success: total fertility has dropped from 5.7 in 2010. Met representatives from the business community, heads of Anti-Corruption Bureau and Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo, as well as the President of the Republic of Malawi, HE Dr Lazarus Chakwera where she commended Malawi's strong ethical stance on Ukraine and Malawi's commendable support of human rights in international fora. During her meeting with President Chakwera, Vicky Ford underscored UK's support for anti-corruption drive and the brave stance that the president has taken again the vice, a move which will free up resources for key services for all Malawians and unlock jobs. Reflecting on her visit to Malawi, Minister Ford said: I have been impressed by the strides that Malawi is making to turn around her economic fortunes through instituting wide-ranging public sector and economic reforms. Of course corruption continues to disrupt this process, but I commend the substantial strides taken to fight the issue through increased action, coordination and a whole-of-government approach. The Malawi Government has effectively dealt with the severe impacts of Covid and the Tropical storms. Malawi is a strong democracy, and the UK remains a steadfast partner that will work together with Malawi to achieve growth, jobs and freedom, and in defending human rights at home and abroad." The visit to Malawi was part of a regional visit by Minister Ford and includes visits to Zambia and Tanzania. (Newser) For an egregious example of environmental injustice, look no farther than Gordon Plaza, a housing development in NOLA's Upper Ninth Ward. As Darryl Fears writes for the Washington Post, the neighborhood's story begins in the late 1970s. "Racist housing covenants, redlining, and legal racial separation" had kept Black families out of the city's best neighborhoods; this middle-class development for Black residents was a bid to start to reverse that. It was no secret that the neighborhood was built on the site of the old Agriculture Street Landfill; in the late 1960s, the dump's contents had been "burned, covered with a layer of the citys incinerator ash and grinded into the earth." But everyone from the city housing authority to the EPA promised the land was safe, and 57 families moved in. In 1986, an elementary school was added. The EPA tested the land that year and didn't disclose the results; it retested in 1993 and identified 149 known contaminants. The area was declared a Superfund site in 1994, by which time cancer had become "a fact of life" for people there. Most residents asked to be relocated, which would have cost an estimated $12 million. Instead, "the EPA spent $20 million to remediate the soil, swapping a three-foot layer of contaminated dirt for clean dirt in just 10% of the development," writes Fears. The saga has dragged on through the courts (city officials have refused to pay a $75 million judgment), Hurricane Katrina, and multiple administrations. Current EPA Administrator Michael Regan visited last year and promised to reconsider residents' relocation demands; "they reminded him that his agency was a major part of the problem." (Read more here.) (Newser) To appreciate this issue, it helps to put Dixie Valley, Nevada, into geographical perspective: the area encompasses about one square mile amid 200,000 square miles of the arid Great Basin. The place is only remarkable because of its hot springs, which feed a patch of sweltering wetlands and the only place on earth where Dixie Valley toads exist. The springs are also the site of a new geothermal project by Reno-based Ormat Technologies, but construction might be halted due to a rare emergency move by US Fish and Wildlife on April 4, which declared that the toad "will be listed as endangered [and] provided immediate federal protections for 240 days. Per the New York Times, Dixie Valley is already the subject in a lawsuit by the local Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribefor whom the springs are sacredand conservationists with the Center for Biological Diversity. As center director Patrick Donnelly explains, In the Great Basin, hot springs and thermal water features are oases of biodiversity, providing water in the driest place in North America and thermal refuge in the coldest desert in North America. If the geothermal project moves forward, conservationists say, the toads are staring down the barrel of extinction. Also per the Times, geothermal plants have a minimal carbon footprint, release little to no greenhouse gas emissions, and are considered a renewable resource. According to the EIA, the US has vast, largely untapped geothermal resources, mostly in the West; geothermal now accounts for just 2% of US energy production, a small but important sliver in a broader shift toward renewables. Ormat Technologies says it cares and will coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure that any additional required process is met while we continue our work. Fallon tribal chairwoman Cathy Tuni says, Our Creator made the springs with the toad, as a connected whole. (Read more endangered species stories.) (Newser) Update: This story has been updated with the district attorney's announcement. A Texas district attorney said Sunday he will ask a judge to dismiss a murder charge against a woman over a self-induced abortion. Lizelle Herrera, 26, was indicted March 30 by a grand jury, accused of causing the death of a fetus or embryo, the AP reports. District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez announced that his office will try to have the charge thrown out on Monday. "In reviewing this case, it is clear that Ms. Herrera cannot and should not be prosecuted for the allegation against her," Ramirez said in a statement. Herrera was arrested Thursday and remained jailed as of Saturday on a $500,000 bond in the Starr County jail in Rio Grande City, on the US-Mexico border, said sheriff's Maj. Carlos Delgado. He said no other information will be released until at least Monday because the case remains under investigation, per the AP. Texas has the most restrictive abortion laws in the US. But state law exempts Herrera from a criminal homicide charge for aborting her own pregnancy, University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck told the AP. (Homicide) doesnt apply to the murder of an unborn child if the conduct charged is conduct committed by the mother of the unborn child, Vladeck said. A 2021 state law that bans abortions in Texas for women who are as early as six weeks pregnant has sharply curtailed the number of abortions in the state. The law leaves enforcement to private citizens who can sue doctors or anyone who helps a woman get an abortion. The woman receiving the abortion is exempted from the law. However, some states still have laws that criminalize self-induced abortions, "and there have been a handful of prosecutions here and there over the years," Vladeck said. It is murder in Texas to take steps that terminate a fetus, but when a medical provider does it, it cant be prosecuted" due to Supreme Court rulings upholding the constitutionality of abortion, Vladeck said. Lynn Paltrow, executive director of National Advocates for Pregnant Women, also noted the state law exemption. Whats a little mysterious in this case is, what crime has this woman been charged with?" Paltrow said. There is no statute in Texas that, even on its face, authorizes the arrest of a woman for a self-managed abortion. (Read more abortion stories.) (Newser) Thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles are on the rise across the US as criminals attempt to cash in on the precious metals they contain. Near Los Angeles, the trend just resulted in a pair of unusual arrests. The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriffs Station says deputies were chasing a van with stolen catalytic converters, but they called it off because the driver was so erratic, per the Los Angeles Times. Shortly after, deputies were responding to an unrelated report of a stolen vehicle when, lo and behold, the van being chased earlier arrived on the scene and crashed into a police vehicle. Its like those guys were destined to go to jail, says Lt. Brandon Barclay. Both suspects were hospitalized from injuries in the crash, and a deputy was treated and released. Deputies found six to eight catalytic converters in the van. Last month, something similar happened in Norwalk, Connecticut, reports NBC News. Officers were investigating a call about suspicious activity when a BMW slammed into their police car. Police found 13 catalytic converters in the car and arrested its driver and passenger. (Read more police chase stories.) (Newser) In his war against Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin isn't neglecting the homefront. Russians have begun to report each other for being critical of the war, encouraged by leaders, as the government rekindles the fear of the Soviet era. Teachers are being reported by students and parents, and neighbors are informing on each other, the New York Times reports. "It's as though they've all plunged into some kind of madness," said Marina Dubrova, a teacher fired for telling her class Ukraine is a sovereign nation. Putin set the tone last month when he praised his people's ability to separate "patriots from scum and traitors." In one region, people have received texts from officials asking them to send email addresses and phone numbers of "provocateurs and scammers" hurting the Ukraine mission, per the Washington Post. A special account has been set up for the communications on the Telegram messaging app. A website asks Russians to turn in the names of "pests" among in the elite. "Traitor" has been painted on the front doors of the homes of opposition politicians, activists, and journalists. "After a rather significant period of freedom ... fear has returned to Russian society," said Nikita Petrov, a historian at the human rights group Memorial that was outlawed by a court in December. Dubrova's offense was showing her eighth-grade students a YouTube video showing children singing about a "world without war" in Russian and Ukrainian. One of the students apparently recorded the classroom discussion; police came to the school. A judge fined her $400, she said, and the school dismissed her for "amoral behavior." The member of Parliament behind the informant website, said, "We dont want anyone to be shot, and we dont even want people to go to prison." But he also said, "I am absolutely sure that a cleansing will begin." (Read more Russia-Ukraine conflict stories.) Summerset Group is pleased to report 279 sales for the quarter ending 31 March 2022, comprising 167 new sales and 112 resales. Summerset CEO Scott Scoullar said this was the companys second highest quarter on record and highest ever Q1. Despite the challenges the Omicron outbreak has posed right around New Zealand, sales continue to be extremely strong, with 2022 having our best ever Q1 for both new sales and total sales. We have good diversification of sales across the country with 55% of sales coming from outside the Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury regions, said Mr Scoullar. Uncontracted new stock remains low at 251 units across the country, including only 63 villas available nationwide. Summerset starts construction at three new sites in 2022, Blenheim (Marlborough), Cambridge (Waikato) and Waikanae (Kapiti Coast) and will continue construction at 13 other sites around New Zealand. Construction began last year at Summersets first Australian site, Cranbourne North in Melbourne. We continue to build on a large number of sites simultaneously and remain the largest New Zealand constructor in the New Zealand retirement village sector, said Mr Scoullar. Its really pleasing to see our plans in Australia taking shape. Cranbourne North is well underway, and we have land for four other proposed villages in Victoria. Were really excited to introduce older Australians to our high-quality integrated model of village living. ENDS Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: CHI - Indicative Interest Margin for Bond Offer ARG - FY22 Annual Result Announcement Date and webcast Marsden Maritime Holdings commences due diligence MCK appoints Stuart Harrison as Managing Director CDI appoints Jason Adams as Managing Director 6th May 2022 Morning Report KPG FY22 annual results announcement date BGP - 1st Quarter Sales to 1 May 2022 Air NZ completes shortfall bookbuild GEO - March 2022 Quarter Operating Update (Newser) The Ukrainian military says Russia has been beefing up its forces and trying to probe Ukrainian defenses, per the AP. The Ukrainian military command said Sunday that the Russian troops have continued attempts to break Ukrainian defenses near Izyum, southeast of Kharkiv. The military added that the Russians also continued their attempts to take control of Mariupol, the Sea of Azov port that has been besieged by Russian forces for nearly 1 months. After Russias attempt to capture Kyiv and other big cities in northeastern Ukraine failed, Ukrainian and Western officials expect Moscow to launch a new offensive in eastern Ukraine. Developments: New general: Vladimir Putin has put a new general in charge of the Ukraine war. Gen. Aleksandr V. Dvornikov has previously been accused of ordering strikes on civilian areas of Syria, when the Russian military intervened to support Bashar al-Assad, reports the New York Times. The Kremlin honored Dvornikov for his role in overseeing the Syrian campaign, one criticized for its brutality by international groups. Vladimir Putin has put a new general in charge of the Ukraine war. Gen. Aleksandr V. Dvornikov has previously been accused of ordering strikes on civilian areas of Syria, when the Russian military intervened to support Bashar al-Assad, reports the New York Times. The Kremlin honored Dvornikov for his role in overseeing the Syrian campaign, one criticized for its brutality by international groups. Zelensky: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is focused on the need to track down perpetrators of war crimes in a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Zelensky said that in Sundays call we emphasized that all perpetrators of war crimes must be identified and punished. Ukraine has accused Russia of atrocities against civilians in Bucha and other places near Kyiv, where hundreds of slaughtered civilians, many with their hands bound and signs of torture, were found after Russian troops retreated. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is focused on the need to track down perpetrators of war crimes in a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Zelensky said that in Sundays call we emphasized that all perpetrators of war crimes must be identified and punished. Ukraine has accused Russia of atrocities against civilians in Bucha and other places near Kyiv, where hundreds of slaughtered civilians, many with their hands bound and signs of torture, were found after Russian troops retreated. Big number: The UN refugee agency said the number of people who have left Ukraine since the beginning of the war has reached 4.5 million. A regular update Sunday of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees online portal on numbers of refugees fleeing Ukraine since Feb. 24 brought the total to some 4.504 million. The UN refugee agency said the number of people who have left Ukraine since the beginning of the war has reached 4.5 million. A regular update Sunday of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees online portal on numbers of refugees fleeing Ukraine since Feb. 24 brought the total to some 4.504 million. Evacuations: Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said more civilians are expected to leave Mariupol Sunday in their personal vehicles. Evacuations are also planned from Berdyansk, Tokmak, and Enerhodar in the south, and from Sieverierodonetsk, Lysychansk, Popasna, and Rubizhne in the east. (Read more Russia-Ukraine conflict stories.) Alaska_news Travel chaos from pilot shortage just part of Alaska Airlines' headaches Markus Mainka/TNS A pilot strike at Alaska Airlines is playing havoc with routes, causing canceled and delayed flights at the airline. Markus Mainka/TNS En route to the airport from their Bainbridge Island home early on April 1 for a long-planned trip to a wedding in Tampa, Florida, the Abarbanel family received a notification from Alaska Airlines: Their flight was canceled. That weekend and in the days after, a pilot shortage at Alaska caused hundreds of such last-minute flight cancellations that fueled anger among tens of thousands of passengers delayed or stranded. The chaos was the last straw for the Abarbanels, who said they had three previous Alaska flights this year either canceled or changed at short notice. Having abandoned all hope of reaching Alaska customer service with a hold time of 10 hours they finally got to Tampa on Monday via alternate flights they booked for themselves on Delta and JetBlue. They paid substantial additional hotel and rental car expenses and lost two nights already paid for in a beachfront condo. Our journey planned well ahead turned into the trip from hell, Mary Beth Abarbanel, a retiree who traveled with her husband and adult son, wrote in an email Longtime Alaska customer, with a bank of money and miles. Alaska is now losing our business. The airline may have a long climb to get above the clouds now shrouding its reputation for warm and reliable service. Constance von Muehlen, Alaskas executive vice president and chief operating officer, attributed the schedule meltdown to a series of one-off setbacks over several months. The surge of the omicron variant of the coronavirus and the snowstorm in December delayed the flow of pilots from the airlines training pipeline, she said, and created a unique confluence of events. We should have recognized this sooner and made the necessary schedule adjustments, she conceded in an email to employees on Tuesday. Yet the pilot union, the Air Line Pilots Association, had long warned management a staffing crisis was coming. We started late last fall, then going into the events in December with the snowstorm, saying, You are not properly staffed, Will McQuillen, ALPAs Alaska council chairperson, said in an interview. This airline should have the elasticity to be able to respond to these events. Its running too lean. Executives at Alaska dismiss this as labor posturing during the protracted and increasingly bitter pilot contract negotiations. Yet a video of an internal Alaska pilot meeting shows Alaska executives, two weeks before the meltdown on April 1, were keenly aware of the imminence of an acute pilot shortage and the threat of chaos. At that mid-March meeting, one employee asked: Reserve coverage for next month appears to be insufficient to staff the airline. Whats the plan? John Ladner, vice president of flight operations, responded that pilots resigning to join other airlines had reduced the number of reserve pilots on call to fill gaps in scheduling. We are seeing attrition. Youre definitely seeing the impact with the low number of reserves that we have periodically, Ladner told his pilots. April is looking like its going to be a difficult month. Still, no urgent action was taken to stanch the deluge of cancellations that hit April 1. In the aftermath of that disaster, Alaska said it will now proactively reduce its flying schedule by 2% through June to match our current pilot capacity of about 3,100 pilots. Thats about 24 flights per day, freeing up 24 flight crews for redeployment. With that, the airline hopes to avoid more day-of-flight cancellations. We will let you know in advance if your itinerary is impacted by these schedule adjustments, the airline promised travelers in a statement on its website Thursday. As for the distress caused to stranded passengers last weekend, von Muehlen said, were deeply sorry for the challenges that they might have had. Pilot disaffection Alaska is short not only of pilots but also of flight attendants and customer service reps. In a March 28 video staff meeting, an employee cited frustration among overworked reservation agents who because of the long wait times were taking verbal abuse not bad enough to hang up on a guest but enough to put agents in tears and even to the point of quitting at a high rate. Ironically, the staff shortages hit the carrier just over a week after management touted expansive growth plans at its annual Investor Day in New York. Managements growth story, claiming Alaska can emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever and capture bigger markets, is aimed at raising the stock price. In New York, the leadership projected Alaska will grow its seat capacity between 4% and 8% annually through 2025 and by the end of next year will be flying 24 more mainline jets than it had at the start of this year. Since Alaska must hire 12 pilots for every extra plane it adds to the fleet, thats close to 300 additional pilots needed for that expansion alone, not accounting for retirements and attrition. In an interview in early March, Nat Pieper, Alaskas senior vice president responsible for the jet fleet and finances, said the current industrywide pilot shortage is a concern given the airlines growth aspirations. Weve got the balance sheet to do it. Weve got airplanes coming, said Pieper. But youve obviously got to have crew to be able to do that. All U.S. airlines are facing challenging labor shortages as air travel recovers. All cut staff during the steep pandemic downturn and some employees did not return. Some pilots close to the retirement age of 65 chose to quit early during the pandemic. At Alaska, 137 of its most experienced veterans elected early retirement out of about 3,100 total pilots. Making the situation worse at Alaska, the shortage means pilots have lots of options and Alaska has seen significant attrition this year as pilots left to join other carriers. In the first three months of the year, 27 line pilots left for other airlines. In addition, 22 hired as pilots but who had not completed their training jumped ship to another carrier. Theres also a significant no-show factor for those pilot training classes, as candidates accept an offer when Alaska calls, then switch when a different airline makes an offer. A couple of weeks prior to class, pilots are backing out of offers, Scott Day, system chief pilot at Alaska, told the pilots in that mid-March pilot meeting with Ladner. Day added that Alaska is now overfilling the classes by about 10% to compensate for this attrition. ALPAs McQuillen said Friday five more pilots resigned in the past week to go elsewhere, bringing the total to 54 pilots who have moved to greener pastures so far this year. Last year, 43 Alaska pilots resigned in the entire 12 months and in pre-pandemic years, as pilots switched airlines for family reasons or geographic location, a figure of around 20 resignations was more typical, McQuillen said. The union says the level of attrition is evidence that Alaska has fallen behind the major airlines not only in pilot pay but in the crew scheduling rules that determine if a pilots work schedule is flexible or not. And they complain that management wont commit to limits on the percentage of flights flown by smaller regional jets flown by lower-paid pilots which they see as a long-term threat to career security. In the current deadlocked contract talks, both sides expect the pilot pay to be raised to the current market level at other airlines. Its the quality of life crew scheduling and career security issues that are blocking a deal. Pilots will gravitate towards the carrier that offers the greatest quality of life and career security, said McQuillen. Contract talks at an impasse Hundreds of pilots turned out to picket for a new contract at Alaskas Seattle base near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on April 1 and more than 1,000 took part across its network hubs. While many passengers assumed the flight cancellations were a result of this show of disaffection, thats not the case. Those were off-duty pilots. Theres no strike. The company clarified on its website that This informational picket was not the cause of our cancellations. Instead, von Muehlen and Jeff Severns, managing director of flight operations training, cited the big shortfall in the new-hire pilots who graduated from Alaskas training program for April 1 compared to the expected number. We started new hires in October, really filled the schoolhouse November, December, and then every month thereafter, Severns said. When Omicron hit in December ... we saw delays with students in the schoolhouse down sick with omicron, with instructors not being available. He added that the operational portion of the training for new-hire pilots, when they fly along with a very experienced pilot, was impacted by the December weather delays and cancellations. The result was Alaska had 63 fewer pilots ready to fly on April 1 than was planned for when the schedule was set in January. The union believes the problems run deeper. McQuillen said the no-show rates for training and the loss of pilots to other airlines has nothing to do with omicron or weather. When the pilot contract bargaining continued this week before a federal mediator, the talks went nowhere and broke off a day early on Thursday. The impasse seems worse than ever. Ladner in a message to the pilots that night complained of ALPAs unwillingness to find common ground. To be candid, we are unsure of our next steps and are waiting to hear from our mediator, Ladner wrote. The union sent out an even stronger message. Though federal labor law makes it extremely difficult for airline pilots to strike the government can impose a cooling off period and even force a settlement McQuillen hinted that might lie ahead. Its our strong recommendation that Alaska pilots prepare financially for a much bigger fight to achieve our collective goals, he wrote to his members. McQuillen on Saturday clarified that a strike might lie ahead if legally sanctioned. He said via email that if the federal mediator decides that the two parties are at an impasse, he can release us to a 30-day cooling off period. Following that... and only then... are we legally allowed to strike. Filling in the shortages The 2% reduction in flying over the next few months should see us back on track, said Alaska spokesperson Alexa Rudin. Were calibrating our capacity to match the number of pilots, she said. The next time you go to fly, you can expect us to be reliable and your flight will go on time. Acknowledging that the crew shortage should have been flagged earlier, von Muehlen said the pilot crew planning team must now report directly to her. And responding to the widespread anger over the customer service phone delays, she said that passengers affected by a cancellation should not call the regular support numbers. She said a phone number provided on the cancellation notification is a special line for which the hold times are minutes. Von Muehlen said Alaska has hired 388 pilots since October. These largely come from regional airlines flying smaller jets or turboprop planes and take several months to train. Alaska is training more pilot trainers for the new-hire classes and more check pilots for the operational training. Von Muehlen said she expects 30 new hires to graduate and become line pilots this month. A complication is that because Alaska is phasing out its Airbus A320 jets, it has about 350 A320 pilots who will have to be retrained in batches to fly Boeing 737s. This takes up scarce training resources. Alaska currently has just one 737 MAX full flight simulator. By the summer it expects to have three. At the March 28 employee meeting, von Muehlen said 360 newly hired and trained flight attendants would join the line on April 1. I certainly expect the flight attendants to be in a much better place by June, she said. Likewise, for our pilots, I expect that by the summer we will be in a better place. Rudin said Alaska will work with all passengers whose travel plans were ruined to sort out compensation for extra expenses and the trouble caused. Ive checked with our care team and they feel very confident that theyre working with all of our guests who are impacted, she said. I think were in good shape there. Yet Alaskas customer support remains glacially slow. The online chat function at the airline website on Friday cited a response time of one hour and hold time on the customer service phone line was 5 to 7 hours. As for the Abarbanels, after about two hours on the phone from Florida, mostly on hold, Alaska booked them on a flight home Sunday. They sent me a single coupon for a $100 discount, good for one year, Mary Beth Abarbanel said via email. Reservations said they could not tell us what was refunded and what was not. For that, she was told she needs to contact customer service. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Bahrain Parliament Speaker Fawzia bint Abdullah Zainal yesterday tabled a proposal for creating a legal framework for businesses related to virtual assets in the Kingdom. This would enhance the strategy of economic diversification and support the transformation of the Kingdom into a global investment centre in the digital economy and virtual assets, said the Speaker, adding that the proposed law aims at attracting more foreign investments and entrepreneurs to the Kingdom. Zainal said the law serves the idea of not relying on oil products as a primary source of public revenue. Dubai, last month, has adopted a law that regulates virtual assets, including cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and non-fungible tokens. The digital economy contributes about 4.3 per cent to the UAEs gross domestic product. The Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), which will be established under the new law, will regulate the sector throughout the emirate, including special development zones and free zones, but excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre. Zainal affirmed that the proposed law would uplift the Kingdoms aspirations of comprehensive development, which, in turn, calls for creating an appropriate legislative climate. National Economy, Speaker said, has its basis on social justice and fair cooperation between public and private activity for economic development and the prosperity of citizens, all within the limits of the law. The Speaker stressed the proposed law is consistent with the economic principles of the Kingdom and the National Action Charter. Foremost of which is the principle of economic freedom, and the economic system based on individual initiatives, the freedom of capital in investment and movement, as well as the principle of diversifying economic activity and sources of national income based on non-discrimination. The proposal comes also as the global adoption of cryptocurrencies has soared across low-, middle- and high-income countries in recent years. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Staff Reporter Victims of a nursing immigration fraud are now pleading to the authorities to impose a travel ban on the alleged fraudster to disallow him from leaving Bahrain. Speaking to The Daily Tribune, they claimed the wife of the accused is based in Ireland and any time he could leave the country for the European nation with an aim to paralyse the legal processes with his absence. The alleged fraudster, who runs a training institute in Bahrain, is accused of cheating several nurses with promises of obtaining a job in Germany. The victims, who are Bahrain residents, say he has fleeced them of thousands of Bahraini dinars and a complaint has been filed in this regard at Exhibition Road Police Station. Institute in wifes name The victims said that the institute has been registered in the name of the wife of the accused and she lives in Ireland. Since we are bringing this fraudulent activity before the authorities, he can flee from here anytime to Ireland. They also requested a probe by the German Embassy into the matter. Indian national Abhilash K S, 36, one of the complainants, said the accused misled him over German migration after taking BD2,200 from him. Germany is a federation of provinces and every province has different rules for nurses, who are interested in migrating there. He deliberately guided us into applying for immigration with a province, which has comparatively tougher norms. This invited a plethora of complications that were used as tools in defrauding us. Initially, we were promised that the residency permits could be obtained within six months of applying. Now it has been close to one-and-a-half years and nothing much has happened. We want our residency application processes to be taken forward or he should return the money, which is nothing but our blood, sweat and tears. Juby M Sebastin, another Indian national, is also a victim of alleged fraud. He told The Daily Tribune that the institute has been unwilling to share documents for which the victims have paid. Everything including the receipts we received were fake. When we contacted the German Nursing Council we came to know that the agency which translated our certificates was not a valid one and that was the main reason behind the rejection of our nursing licence applications. Out of the moderate salary I am drawing, I have invested over BD3,000 in this process. How could I let it go? I urge the authorities to take strict action against the accused. Two years, BD4,000 Reetha George, 50, a nursing professional in the Kingdom for over 22 years and a Germany immigration aspirant, said the accused made her deviate from the normal application process. Having over two decades of experience in the field, I could have easily obtained a German Nursing Council licence by pursuing an adaptation course. I was totally kept in the dark as I could not learn the processes by myself owing to lack of high-level knowledge in German language. Two years I have invested along with over BD4,000, chasing the German dream and all the efforts have ended in vain. Since the victims and the accused belong to the South Indian State of Kerala, complaints have been filed before Kerala Director General of Police, Law and Order and Kerala Chief Minister. Another complaint has also been filed with the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com A Bahraini company that failed to stop paying salaries to an ex-employee gained a court order in their favour to retrieve the money after the person concerned refused to return the money. Court files say the company paid its ex- manager for three months by mistake after the accounts department failed to update their records. This way, the ex-employee of the Bahraini company received BD10,000 as three months salary. By this time, the accounts department officials managed to recognise their blunder and made several unsuccessful attempts to get the money back. As a result, the company decided to move the Court. The company told the Court that the person concerned didnt respond to their calls to return the money. The companys lawyer also proved to the Court that they had compensated the defendant appropriately, and there are no pending payments. Considering the facts, the High Administrative Court ordered the ex- manager to pay back BD10,000 to the company, which he received by mistake. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The High Appeals Court will pass its verdict on Friday in an appeal by a man charged with forcing his wife to smuggle drugs. Court files say the man, aged 33, forced his wife to hide drugs under her clothes to smuggle them into Bahrain. However, the plan went haywire when police searched the woman, who was acting nervous during customs procedures at the King Fahd Causeway. The Causeway officers recovered 350 grams of hashish hidden from the woman when they searched her. Causeway police were also expecting a drug smuggling attempt based on a tip-off saying that a man was attempting to smuggle drugs into the Kingdom. However, the husband turned out clean when the officers searched him. During interrogation, the woman said she had no idea what was in the bag. "I didn't know what was inside the bag," she said, adding that her husband "forced me to hide it under my clothes." "When I refused, he shouted at me," the woman told prosecutors, and her husband admitted the same. The woman also told prosecutors that her husband has a drug addiction. "He always consumed drugs at our home in the presence of our children," the wife revealed. "He usually locks the door of one of the rooms, and he does it," she added. The husband, meanwhile, told prosecutors someone offered him BD1,000 to smuggle the drugs. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Health Ministry yesterday denied reports circulating online that it is moving ahead with the privatisation of health support services. The ministry said it is restructuring the health system to meet the requirements of the Health Insurance Law and provide autonomy to government hospitals and primary health centres. Further explaining, the ministry said the redeployment of employees between the Ministry of Health, hospitals and health centres is part of one of the plans to complete the health insurance project. The process was completed in advance in the Department of Human Resources and Financial and Information more than a year ago as part of administrative and organisational plans, the ministry said. The ministry also confirmed using a specialised company for developing and modernising the technical information system used in the management of central warehouses and support services. These are aimed at improving and raising the efficiency of the procedures following the latest standards in the management of stories and medical supplies. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BORODYANKA, Ukraine (AP) Its almost Easter in Ukraine, where a trio of churches on the far edges of the capital considered faith, hope and charity on Sunday. In Bucha, shocked into silence by atrocities that left bodies in the streets, about two dozen of the faithful gathered for the service while the exhumation of bodies continued from a mass grave in the churchyard. In Makarov, a handful of members visited a badly damaged riverside church, at times moved to tears. Small golden crosses for rosaries lay scattered on the floor with the shattered glass. And in Borodyanka, where Russian attacks ripped a blackened hole in a high-rise apartment building, volunteers and donations filled an almost untouched church a short walk away, while residents lined up at the door for food and other assistance. Many were elderly people who stayed behind while others fled. On the day when Pope Francis called for an Easter truce in Ukraine to make way for a negotiated peace, church visitors invoked God in recalling their survival. Each person who was leaving, from any place, Makarov, Bucha, Hostomel or from Andriivka, the neighboring village which was destroyed to the ground; each one, even those who did not know the Lords Prayer, he was speaking to God with his own words, said Alona Parkhomenko in Makarov, where the church exterior was speckled with bullet holes and the priest warned of falling glass. The Russian retreat from the region surrounding Kyiv has enabled some of the millions of Ukrainians who fled over the border or to other parts of the country to return home. Some are finding their places of worship damaged or destroyed. Ukrainian authorities in late March said at least 59 spiritual sites including churches, mosques and synagogues had been hit. In Makarov, the priest, Bogdan Lisechenko, said the church beside the river is in critical condition with spring rains looming. Now we are taking out the icons, saving them because the water is coming, he said. For now, we will close the windows to prevent looting. For Easter, which in the Orthodox world is two weeks away, the priest said the blessing will be given in a church in another village that so far has escaped damage in the war. ___ Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine EAST HAVEN The second year of the towns permitting process for resident beach parking has begun. The program aimed to balance the need to allow beach parking for all town residents while alleviating congestion and parking problems for residents of streets near the shore, officials said, as well as to reduce traffic hazards and illegal activities in and around the beach area, according to a document released by the Police Department. This will be our second season with our permitting system. We look forward to working with the residents, and making it even better this year, Mayor Joseph Carfora said. We have a beautiful beach area which we want everyone to enjoy, but we also must be fair to the residents who live near and around our shore. Those who registered last year for an online account and still have the same vehicles as last beach season had their permit and hang tag expiration dates automatically updated to last until the end of the 2022 beach season, police said. Please log in to your account at https://www.tocite.net/easthaven/portal if you have anything to update, police wrote on social media. This includes if you have sold your vehicle, purchased a new car, been issued a new work vehicle, or have moved to another residence in East Haven. Police are asking residents to make sure they have uploaded all required vehicle information to their account so active permits are assigned to the vehicles they will be using to park at the beach. Parking permits are only available to town residents and a proof of residency, such as a valid drivers license, vehicle registration, tax or utility bill, property deed, mortage mortgage bill or rental or lease agreement is required. The free permit is needed to park in the beach parking lots and the designated surrounding streets during the beach from May 15 to Oct. 15, 2022, between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., police said. Streets requiring a valid parking permit are: Atwater Street, Bradford Avenue, Cambridge Court, Center Avenue, Coe Avenue (south of the intersection of Soundview Avenue to Cosey Beach Avenue), Cold Spring Street, Cosey Beach Avenue, Cosey Beach Road (from Coe Avenue to Catherine Street), Dewey Avenue, First Avenue, George Street (south of Soundview Avenue), Henry Street (south of Soundview Avenue), Hobson Avenue, Jamaica Court, Palmetto Trail, Phillip Street, Seaview Avenue, Second Avenue, Stevens Street (south of Soundview Avenue) and Wilkenda Avenue. There are various types of permits available, including residents who live in the designated area, guest permits and residents who do not live in the designated area. Residents in the permit parking zone also will be given two guest passes that must be displayed on the rearview mirror or electronically registered in the towns online portal, according to police. Residents can also apply for guest passes through the portal or at Town Hall or the Police Department. Officers will be patrolling the area with a license plate scanner, and vehicles without a valid permit may be towed at the owners expense, police said. Out-of-town visitors can pay to park Grove Parking Lot on Coe/Cosey Beach Avenue for $35 per day, per vehicle, according to the mayors office. Permits can be obtained through the towns online portal at www.tocite.net/easthaven/portal. Those without internet access can visit Town Hall or the Police Department to receive a permit, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. christine.derosa@hearstmediact.com Law enforcement agencies across the state are boosting their enforcement of distracted driving laws this month, joining statewide and national efforts to reduce traffic crashes and deaths stemming from driving while using a device. The New Haven Police Department launched a U Drive. U Text. U Pay. campaign on Friday, joining law enforcement in multiple towns including Westport, Hamden and Wallingford in raising awareness around the dangers of distracted driving. The campaign is part of a broader statewide effort through the Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office, which is running the enforcement campaign for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Westport Police said in a release it would step up efforts to apprehend distracted drivers this month. Connecticut law states that drivers cannot use any hand-held mobile device while operating a vehicle. Fines range from $200 for the first offense, $375 for the second offense, and $625 for third and subsequent offenses. In Norwalk, police officers have cited at least 86 motorists for using a phone while driving since the start of the monthlong campaign, according to city records. Distracted driving caused nearly 5,000 crashes in 2020, according to statewide statistics. Between 2012 and 2019, 26,004 people died nationally in crashes involving a distracted driver. State officials say the rate of distracted driving in Connecticut has spiked last August saw the highest rate of drivers texting or talking on a hand-held cell phone since March 2015 It has become all too common to see people driving while looking at their phones, Joseph Giulietti, state DOT commissioner, said in a release. People know that texting and driving is extremely dangerous and illegal, but they continue to do it anyway. These habits are putting motorists and passengers, pedestrians, bikers, and all road users at risk. Every driver in Connecticut has a responsibility to drive safe. HAMDEN A former student is suing Quinnipiac University over what she alleges was the schools decision to expel her based on her need for disability accommodations,. Alexandra Faulkner alleges in a U.S. District Court lawsuit that when she was in the universitys physician assistant program, she was penalized for her Ukrainian culture, criticized for her need for disability accommodations, ignored when she attempted to complain about unfair and discriminatory treatment by her superiors during clinical rotations, subjected to retaliation and harassment before ultimately being dismissed from the program. A spokesperson for Quinnipiac University said the university does not comment on pending litigation. In the lawsuit, filed by Faulkners attorneys Felice Duffy of Duffy Law LLC in New Haven and Andrew Miltenberg of Nesenoff & Miltenberg in New York, Faulkner is described as a qualified individual with a disability according to federal and local laws. Miltenberg said in a statement that Faulkner has experienced significant damages and wants to prevent similar situations in the future. Since arriving in this country from Ukraine, Ms. Faulkner has worked hard to better herself, live the American Dream and dedicate herself to caring for others, Miltenberg said. With this lawsuit, Ms. Faulkner hopes to hold Quinnipiac University accountable and protect other students from experiencing this type of treatment. Faulkner had been clinically diagnosed with depression and anxiety before her family emigrated from Ukraine in 2004. Her anxiety and depression cause her to experience a variety of side effects, including rapid heart rate, muscle spasms, fatigue, headaches, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping and brain fog, resulting in a decreased ability to think clearly or concentrate, according to the lawsuit. She was enrolled in Quinnipiac University program for the 2016-17 academic year. In the fall of 2018 she began clinical rotations at the Hospital of Central Connecticut. These clinical rotations are subject to site visit and performance evaluation. Faulkner alleges in the suit that her perceptor made incorrect, misrepresentative, and extremely negative comments about her and her performance, including a comment that she said indicated her culture was part of the reason for his negative evaluation. The negative evaluation caused her to fail that round of clinical rotations. She was sent to the Academic Progression and Retention Committee for a disciplinary hearing where members voted to suspend her for five months, according to the lawsuit. She and her husband continued to unsuccessfully pursue her discrimination claim, reaching out to a number of Quinnipiac officials, including the schools chief diversity officer, then-dean of the school of health sciences, provost and president. She returned to the program in May 2019, but was required to attend psychotherapy sessions with her mental health provider due to the declining state of her mental health at this time. She sought and received disability accommodations from Quinnipiac, including being able to leave early for therapy appointments, having time and a half on exams, and being able to take exams in a separate location, according to the lawsuit. Faulkner claims in the lawsuit that the universitys associate director of the office of student accessibility told her the particular program she was in was notoriously difficult to work with when it came to accommodating students disabilities and accommodation requests. In September 2019, Faulkner began her clinical rotation at Mount Carmel Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. She claims in the lawsuit that she was assured the school had notified the necessary staff there of her disability accommodations, particularly her ability to leave at 4 p.m. twice a week to attend her psychotherapy appointments. The lawsuit alleges this was not the case, and when her preceptor at this facility did learn of her accommodations, she made snide and condescending statements about Faulkners need for mental health treatments. The suit alleges her preceptor also assigned her to clerical duties that were inconsistent with the lessons she was required to learn in the program. This all culminated with Faulkner failing her clinical rotation due to a scathing evaluation from her preceptor who seemingly went to great lengths to denigrate Ms. Faulkner not only as a clinician, but as a person. The lawsuit also claims the preceptor has a disdain for Faulkner as an individual with mental health disabilities. She was sent to another disciplinary hearing with the Academic Progression and Retention Committee. Fearing the committee would once again ignore her claims of discrimination, she requested an open hearing, which she claims should have been allowed according to the universitys graduate student handbook. The university denied this request, and claimed the handbook had recently been changed, according to the lawsuit. The student body was never made aware of any revision to the handbook, despite university policy mandating that the students would be notified of any changes to the handbook, the lawsuit states. The suit then says the university forced Faulkner to jump through hoops in order for her to take a leave of absence for her mental health disabilities, after they further deteriorated following her second disciplinary hearing. She was ultimately never able to rejoin the program. In June 2020, after paying her remaining tuition balance, Faulkner was informed of her dismissal from the program, according to the lawsuit. Faulkner is seeking to be reinstated in the program, as well as reimbursed for all expenses connected to the alledged discrimination. Shes also suing the school for emotional damages, the loss of educational and career opportunities and other damages. Raga Justin contibuted to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WARSAW, Poland (AP) Days before Polands Independence Day in November, vandals painted the blue-and-yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag on monuments in Krakow. The vandalism, which took place as Russia massed troops near Ukraines border, looked as if Ukrainians were defacing memorials to Polish national heroes. Yet some clues suggested otherwise. The flag's colors were reversed, with the yellow on top of the blue and one offensive message was in an unnatural mix of Russian and Ukrainian. Though prosecutors are still investigating, Polish and Ukrainian authorities believe it was most likely a Russian-inspired attempt to trigger ethnic hostility between Ukrainians and Poles. Polish and Ukrainian authorities have for years accused Russia of trying to provoke hostility between their neighboring nations as part of a broader effort to divide and destabilize the West and the concerns have gained greater urgency since Russia invaded Ukraine. Poland and Ukraine are neighbors and allies but they share a difficult history of oppression and bloodshed, and those historical traumas sometimes rise to the surface. Poland has also accepted large numbers of Ukrainian refugees, creating fears that could become another wedge issue that Russia could exploit. The Russian efforts to sow divisions between the Poles and Ukrainians, particularly by means of exploiting historical issues, are as old as time, said Stanislaw Zaryn, the spokesman for Polands security services. Russia has redoubled them since the war began, he said. And they are more dangerous now because the war is going on and it can affect more people than before." Reacting to the November incident, the Ukrainian Embassy in Warsaw immediately denounced it as shameful and a provocation aimed at harming the good neighborly relations between Ukraine and Poland. More than 2.5 million Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Poland since the war began, and while some move on to other countries more than half have remained. Poles have reacted with an outpouring of help and goodwill and the government has extended to the Ukrainians the same rights to education and health care that Poles have. Never Again, an anti-racism association in Poland, has documented several attempts to stoke aversion to the Ukrainian refugees and even to openly justify Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion. In some cases those behind the messages are far-right Polish activists or politicians with pro-Kremlin views, according to a report the organization published Thursday. These groups do not enjoy widespread public support, but they do their best to make Poles and Ukrainians quarrel, spread hateful content, conspiracy theories and false information, primarily in the internet space, it said. Larysa Lacko, an expert on countering disinformation at NATO, said Russia is known to exploit refugees as a wedge issue because it touches on the economy, race and other sensitive issues, and that she has also observed Russian disinformation talking about historical grievances. Western Ukraine was once under Polish rule, with Ukrainians largely subservient to a Polish landowning class. Resentments erupted in ethnic bloodshed during World War II, when the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, a nationalist military formation, slaughtered tens of thousands of Poles in the Nazi-occupied Polish regions of Volhynia and Eastern Galicia. Poland also has a difficult history with Moscow. Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union carved up Poland at the start of World War II in 1939, invading and occupying the country based on a secret clause in the notorious Molotov-Ribbentrop pact. Poles suffered atrocities inflicted by both occupying states. The Nazis set up death camps and concentration camps where they murdered Jews and they killed many other Polish citizens as well. Meanwhile, the Soviets sent some Poles to Siberia and murdered 22,000 Polish officers in the Katyn massacres of 1940. Even after the war, Poland was forced to live under Moscow's oppressive control for the decades of the Cold War. It still stings Poles to remember the Soviet Union denied the truth of the Katyn killings for decades, forbidding Poles from publicly commemorating the victims. When the Polish wartime government-in-exile asked the International Red Cross to investigate the Nazi disclosures of the Soviet crimes, Moscow smeared the Polish leaders as Fascist collaborators much as they have falsely accused Ukraine today of being a Nazi state. Some Poles, especially those who lived through the war, remember those times and carry a lingering hostility to both Russians and Ukrainians. One false claim Polish authorities say Russians are spreading is that Poland seeks to reclaim Lviv and other territory in western Ukraine that once was Polish. Those claims are untrue, the Polish Foreign Ministry said in a series of tweets seeking to debunk false claims. Poland will never accept the annexation of any territory belonging to an independent state. Another is that Poland, a NATO ally hosting thousands of U.S. troops, is working to set the West against Russia. That claim was made recently by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, the current deputy chairman of the Russian security council. Now the interests of the citizens of Poland have been sacrificed due to the Russophobia of mediocre politicians and their puppeteers from across the ocean with clear signs of senile insanity, Medvedev wrote recently on Telegram, a social media app popular in Russia and Ukraine. Zaryn, the Polish security services spokesman, also pointed to a Polish Facebook page called A Ukrainian is NOT my brother," whose posts call on followers not to forget the Ukrainian massacres of Poles in the 1940s. The page was created less than a month after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and has nearly 55,000 followers. In recent weeks posts have criticized Polish authorities for their strong support for Ukraine. Zaryn said evidence points to it being run by a woman with ties to a pro-Kremlin party, Zmiana, in Poland. The former leader of the party, Mateusz Piskorski, has worked for Russian news outlets RT and Sputnik and has been charged with espionage for Russia and China. Poland's government has been taking steps to protect itself, with public warnings about the disinformation attempts and expulsions of dozens of suspected Russian agents and one arrest. Days after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, Polish authorities arrested a man they accused of being an agent of the Russian military intelligence agency, GRU, in Przemysl, a key entry points for Ukrainian refugees, as he sought to cross into Ukraine. In late March, Poland ordered the expulsion of 45 suspected Russian intelligence officers they accused of using diplomatic status as a cover to operate in the country. The illegal activities of these diplomats can also pose a threat to those people who left their country to flee the war and found protection in our country, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lukasz Jasina said. At a moment of huge solidarity in Poland and elsewhere with Ukrainians, disinformation is limited in its impact, argued Lacko, the NATO expert working to counter disinformation. Given the atrocities on the ground, its harder to fall into these sorts of traps, she said. But officials in Poland say they have to remain on guard, especially if the number of refugees grows, creating the potential for more social anxieties that can be exploited. ___ Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed. When Pranav Somu first heard about the opportunity to volunteer for the North Alabama Foster Closet, he didnt know anything about the organization. He didnt even know much about foster care itself. But after doing some quick research, he learned that half of all foster parents quit within a year because of a lack of resources like the ones the foster closet provides, such as diapers, cribs, car seats, clothing, shoes, toys and more, free of charge. Now hes almost as passionate about foster care as he is about programming. Since the summer of 2020, Pranav has spent more than 300 hours creating a program the organization can use to keep track of the tangible items families receive. Kimberly DuVall, the founder and executive director of the nonprofit in Harvest, Alabama, describes the foster closet as being like a free thrift store for foster, adoptive and kinship families who often need, literally, everything for the children in their care. Its not unusual for a child to enter foster care with only the clothes on their back. The foster closet fills some 100 requests per month. I realized how important it is to provide a safe, stable environment for kids who cant live with their parents, Pranav says. I wanted to help with the cause, especially given that the pandemic posed even more challenges. The result of his volunteer work is a priceless gift that will help families throughout north Alabama. It felt like a really worthwhile way to use my skills, a way to give back to the community and connect to a real-world problem. Pranav, a junior at James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama, started the project after Emily Harris, a chemistry teacher at his school who volunteers for the foster closet, went to the computer science department for help. She hoped to find someone to create a database to replace the Google form volunteers and families had been using, and Pranav jumped at the chance to help. The Google form sufficed when the organization served a handful of families, he says. But now it contains thousands of entries and is slow to use. It takes time and manual labor. They needed a better data management and communication system. But for a nonprofit that relies on grants and volunteers, a subscription to such a system would be cost-prohibitive. The foster closet is a grassroots effort that grew and grew and grew after Kimberly started it five years ago, almost by happenstance. She and her husband had fostered, then adopted two children in Colorado before moving to Alabama. We found it hard to connect with foster and adoptive parents, she says. Soon after she started a Facebook page, she had strangers coming to my house, bringing bins of clothes and shoes. Before she knew it, she was overwhelmed with donations as she was leaving church, people would bring her bags and bins. Once, while she was in the grocery store, someone spotted her truck in the parking lot and left items in the bed. We live in a really generous community up here, she says. After a year and a half, Kimberly secured a warehouse with no heat, air-conditioning or restrooms to store all the donations. Parents could just walk into the warehouse, grab what they needed and leave. But as we grew, and businesses donated and people gave us money, we needed a system in place, she says. At first, their system consisted of a pink file box where families would fill out a form with the date and the items they took. When Covid hit and the foster closet moved into a new space with heat, air-conditioning and restrooms, a volunteer started the Google form. It has been so amazing, Kimberly says, because multiple volunteers could access it. But soon the form became too cumbersome. And thats where Pranav came in, investing the time to develop a data management application that can be adjusted to fit the needs of any charitable organization, he says. The system reduces redundancy by providing tracking for items requested by families, logging the services the nonprofit provides and making it easier to collect data. Its a more streamlined process that removes clutter and centralizes information, he explains. These organizations often fail to get grants because of a lack of data. This lets them increase their outreach. Kimberly explains that now the parents will just log into their account and enter information for each child. Its going to help us report better to donors and apply for grants, she says. Pranavs father is a chemist and his mother is working on her masters degree in computer science. He has one younger brother. I enjoy science, computer science and math, and my extracurriculars revolve around that, he says. He loves to compete on his schools math and computer science teams and volunteers through the Madison City Schools Beast Academy to teach younger children advanced math. He is the captain of the Science Olympiad team. Even in middle school, Pranav seemed destined to do great things for his community. His team won a national award in the eCybermission web competition in which students choose a real-world problem and work on a scientific way to solve it. Not surprisingly, he hopes to study computer science in college and work in a software-oriented field one day. The as-yet-unnamed application he developed for the North Alabama Foster Closet could be used by other similar organizations, Pranav says, which could tailor it to their own needs. Earlier this year, Pranav impressed the board of directors when he gave them an update on the program. He will still have access on the back end and can work on the system when necessary. Im done now, he says. Were just testing and making sure there are no bugs. So far, a few families have tried it and recommended tweaks. Apparently, I signed him up for a lifelong commitment, Kimberly says with a laugh. He is an amazing young person. To think he started this at 15! Hes such a sweet spirit with a kind, generous heart. Very inspiring. ___ To learn more about the North Alabama Foster Closet, go to northalabamafostercloset.com. View the organizations Amazon Wish List at https://a.co/9vk0wEA. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate PARIS (AP) French voters in Sundays presidential election will use the same system thats been used for generations: paper ballots that are cast in person and counted by hand. Despite periodic calls for more flexibility or modernization, France doesnt do mail-in voting, early voting or use voting machines en masse like the United States. President Emmanuel Macron is the front-runner, though he is facing a tough challenge from far-right leader Marine Le Pen and voter uncertainty: An unprecedented proportion of people told pollsters in recent days that they were unsure who they would vote for or whether they would vote at all. PAPER BALLOTS Voters must be at least 18 years old. About 48.7 million French are registered on the electoral rolls of the place where they live. Voters make their choices in a booth, with the curtains closed, then place their ballot in an envelope that is then put into a transparent ballot box. They must show photo identification and sign a document, next to their name, to complete the process. Volunteers count the ballots one by one. Officials will then use state-run software to register and report results. But legally only the paper counts. If a result is challenged, the paper ballots are recounted manually. PROXY VOTING People who cant go to the polls for various reasons can authorize someone else to vote for them. To do so, a voter must fill out a form ahead of time and bring it to a police station. A person can be the proxy of no more than one voter living in France and potentially one additional person living abroad. Up to 7% of people voted by proxy in the last presidential election five years ago. NO MAIL-IN VOTING, RARE MACHINE-VOTING Mail-in voting was banned in 1975 amid fears of potential fraud. Machine-voting was allowed as an experiment starting in 2002, but the purchase of new machines has been frozen since 2008 due to security concerns. Only a few dozen towns still use them. Last year, Macrons centrist government tried to pass an amendment to allow early voting by machine to encourage electoral participation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Senate, led by a conservative majority, rejected the measure, arguing it was announced with too little notice and was not solid enough legally. COVID-19 MEASURES Most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in the country. Though the number of cases is significantly lower than earlier this year, infections have been creeping up again for several weeks, reaching over 130,000 new confirmed cases each day. People who test positive for the virus can go to the polls. They are strongly advised to wear a mask and follow other health guidelines. Voters can wash their hands at polling stations, which will also have hand sanitizer available. Equipment will be frequently cleaned. Each voting station will let fresh air in for at least 10 minutes every hour. TWO-ROUND SYSTEM Frances presidential election is organized in two rounds. Twelve candidates met the conditions for Sundays vote. In theory, someone could win outright by garnering more than 50% of the vote in the first round, but that has never happened in France. In practice, the two top contenders qualify for a runoff, with the winner chosen on April 24. ___ Follow the APs coverage of the French election at https://apnews.com/hub/french-election-2022 Nancy Jean Kohler Fundinger, 82, formerly of North Tonawanda, NY, passed away April 30, 2022. More information at kygers.com. The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has advocated for an Igbo presidency ahead of the 2023 presidenti... The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has advocated for an Igbo presidency ahead of the 2023 presidential election. In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Sunday morning, Primate Ayodele asked that the next president of Nigeria should come from Igbo land for peace to reign in the country. He said if Igbo leaders allow the presidency to elude them now, they will not see it till the kingdom comes. The man of God warned them against betraying each other while calling on the South and North to step down for the Igbos in both political parties but relayed that he isnt sure anyone is ready to claim the position among the Igbos. Sincerely, without mincing words, the next president should come from Igbo; its just unfortunate that they are not that serious with their intentions because there is a political force struggling with it which they need to claim otherwise if it eludes them now, Igbo will never see presidency till kingdom comes. Igbo must wake up now; otherwise, they will betray themselves from producing the next president of Nigeria. The South and North should step down for Igbo, let them be used as consensus candidates. This can happen if the Igbo know what they want but do they really know what they want? Are they ready for it? I dont think so. Either they will perform or not, without any misconception, it is Igbos turn, but if they fail it, their present leaders will be cursed by their great-grandchildren. Primate Ayodele warned Igbo politicians not to allow cabals to choose Nigerias next president by uniting beyond party differences so they can produce a presidential candidate. Dont allow the cabals to choose for Nigeria; let them resist the cabal; Igbo should be the next president. It has gone round, their clamour must be taken seriously, and they must unite now to produce the next president; otherwise, their great-grandchildren will curse them. If Nigeria wants peace, thats how its supposed to be. Igbo deserve to produce the next president of Nigeria, but who is ready among them? If we want Nigeria to move forward, let us arrange it properly, they deserve the presidency. The federal government says the recent nationwide blackout was caused by the vandalisation of a transmission power in the south-south regi... The federal government says the recent nationwide blackout was caused by the vandalisation of a transmission power in the south-south region. The national grid had collapsed on Friday night the third incident in less than four weeks. Earlier, the ministry of power said a detailed investigation into the causes of the recurring grid collapse was ongoing. In another statement on Saturday, Isa Sanusi, media spokesperson of the ministry of power, said the latest incident had been traced to the Odukpani-Ikot Ekpene 330kV double circuit transmission line. Further to our earlier press release, we wish to apprise the general public that the immediate cause of national blackout (system collapse) was an act of vandalism on a transmission tower on the Odukpani-Ikot Ekpene 330kV double circuit transmission line thus resulting in a sudden loss of about 400 MW of generation, the statement reads. This consequently led to a cascade of plants shutdown across the country. We wish to notify the public that power on the grid is being restored sequentially by the system lperator as other on-grid power plants are being dispatched to cover the lost generation capacity from the Calabar power plant owned by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd. Armed robbers attacked Fresh FM owned by popular musician Yinka Ayefele in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State on Sunday. An official of th... Armed robbers attacked Fresh FM owned by popular musician Yinka Ayefele in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State on Sunday. An official of the station confirmed the attack. According to him, the three-man gang attacked the station during a live broadcast. He said that workers on duty were dispossessed of laptops, money and other valuables. No casualty. No one was injured, they just took away valuables, he said. Details later North Korea has slammed the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, for calling President Vladimir Putin of Russia a war cri... North Korea has slammed the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, for calling President Vladimir Putin of Russia a war criminal. North Korea described Biden as an old man in his senility insisting that Bidens claim about Putin and his call for the Russian leaders trial, can be made only by the descendants of Yankees. It described the West as the master hand at aggression and plot-breeding. The latest story is the US chief executive who spoke ill of the Russian president with groundless data, said a commentary carried by the official KCNA news agency on Saturday. North Korea further described the United States President as a president known for his repeated slip of tongue. The conclusion could be that there is a problem in his intellectual faculty and that his reckless remarks are just a show of imprudence of an old man in his senility. Gloomy, it seems, is the future of the U.S. with such a feeble man in power, it added. China and Russia are among North Koreas international allies and have previously come to the regimes aid. By Ahmed Ibrahim Goronyo On the 25th of March, the Minister of Transportation debunked an allegation labelled against him that he will run f... By Ahmed Ibrahim Goronyo On the 25th of March, the Minister of Transportation debunked an allegation labelled against him that he will run for Nigeria presidential seat telling his supporters to give him money rather than presidential ticket but like a drama of irony Rotimi Amaechi stood before his supporters and declared his interest to contest for the number one Nigerian seat 12 days away from a horrific train attacked under his ministry. One asked on social media when the news of Rotimi Ameachi's presidential bid was publicized that instead of Rotimi to resign from his ministerial appointment because of his inability to avert what had happened to Abuja-Kaduna train attack he even had the gut to declare his interest to rule Nigeria. The poster asked what confidence Ameachi has to protect Nigerians' lives and properties when he failed to protect his own domain within his responsibility? Up to this time many passengers of the Abuja-Kaduna train bomb attack are still with their captors and many are still bearing the agony losing their loved ones while Ameachi is declaring for Nigerian ruling but in the developed world things are never like this because their leaders value their subjects with high esteemed. On 7th Yul, 2021 Indian health minister resigned because of the continued surge effect of Covid 19 to allow a competent person to be appointed to proffer efficient solution to the Covid 19 effect. Also in 2021 Yoshihide Suga bowed out as prime minister of Japan due to Covid 19 high casualties. On May 2021 Iraq's health minister resigned following outcry over the deaths of about 130 people in a fire at a hospital in Baghdad. In 2021 New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo stepped down amidst sexual accusation. Egypt Tourism minister Hisham Zaazou forward resignation letter after Morsi administration appoints Islamist associated group that killed scores of tourists in 1997. The central bank governor of Somalia unexpectedly resigned after seven weeks in the job, citing corruption concerns as the main reason for her resignation. Many world leaders resigned for various reasons raging from corruption, office misconduct and terrorism but it is hardly to find such bravery in West Africa because of the money and power coming from such juicy positions. Ameachi who openly said money is more important to him than presidential seat at first but one can say a president can use his power to accumulate wealth but some other people can look at it in the angle of jokes but jokes have their times and their jurisdiction and what Ameachi said cannot be taken with a pinch of salt. When Ameachi debunked joining the presidential seat at first many will believed that he has no interest for the presidential seat though the governor of Kaduna state once said he would only run for the 2023 presidency or as Rotimi Amaechi's vice if President Muhammadu Buhari insisted. But for Amaechi to replied his supporters that he has no money to run for Nigerian presidency but needs money to survive and at this time for him to publicly declared to run for the presidential seat means some people are behind the sponsorship of the contest and it will be good for Ameachi to mention them to clear the air because he has initially explained he has no money to contest for the seat. But, what Ameachi has done as a minister to deemed it fit and capable to be the next Nigerian president? The Abuja-Kaduna train bomb attack has exposed the skeleton in the cupboard of Nigerian Railway Corporation as up to the time of this write up there is no authenticated figure of passengers on board despite hiring a firm to lock financial leakages of the corporation. On April 2021, the Minister of Transportation secured a private company to administer the issuance of tickets for a decade on N900 million payment and all the affairs of the transaction will be confidential. To understand that there is no accountability in the ticketing, the exact number of passengers onboard are yet to be identified. On February 2022 Some construction companies in Nigeria have instituted a suit against the Minister of Transportation Rotimi Ameachi for award of contract without due process. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2021 was filed at the Abuja Division of the federal high court. The plaintiffs instituted the suit praying the court to declare that the minister and his agents were biased in their assessment of the bidding in favour of the CCECC a Chines company. As the Minister of Transportation Ameachi explained the cause of the train attack that his request for the procurement of security equipment to avoid the possible attack was rejected. Those solace words didn't hold water and cannot exonerate the Honourable Minister because like what the governor of Kaduna state said through his Commissioner of Security and Internal Affairs, Samuel Aruwan said the Federal Ministry of Transportation didn't refused to operate the 6: 00 pm to 8: 00pm shuttle and the Minister did not heed to the Kaduna state government advice until the foreseen incident occurred. Ameachi presidential declaration shouldn't have come at this time of mourning and sober reflection and like what Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu did on quitting his birthday celebration Amaechi should continue to join other Nigerians and those who lost their loved ones and assist in kind and cash those whose relatives are with the kidnappers since the Abuja-Kaduna train attacked happened as not all the relatives of the abductees can raise N5 million to N100 million for their freedom. Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim Goronyo is a political analyst from Kaduna and can be reached via auwalgoronyo@gmail.com Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Sustained by Ukraine: Shapiro Award winner bolstered by her heritage WATERTOWN For at least half her life, when Irene C. Carman described herself as Ukrainian, the most common response had been, Whats that? WATERTOWN As a Shapiro Award winner, Irene C. Carman is not only familiar with how to make volunteer efforts work, but has thoughts about why they work so well locally. We have had some very good role models and philanthropic leaders in our community and genuinely kind-hearted, generous and compassionate people, she said. She also believes the Watertown area has unique aspects that also affect how a community responds to challenges, such as its size, allowing closer ties with individuals and businesses, and having Fort Drum as a neighbor. Soldiers rely on one another, spouses and families rely on one another, Mrs. Carman said. We have been fortunate enough to have that spirit of support strengthen our civilian community as well by our ties with the soldiers through the schools and health care that we share, as well as the other opportunities that we have to live and work together. In the past few weeks, Mrs. Carman has taken note of the overwhelming response from the north country medical community and the public collecting medical supplies destined for Ukraine. The medical community and the regional EMS community have been supplying in-kind donations of key medical supplies. These supplies for humanitarian aid, Mrs. Carman said, have been requested through the Syracuse branch president of the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America, Dr. Borys Buniak, and coordinated through Yuri Pashchuk, director of Medical/Surgical Critical Care and Progressive Care Unit Services at St. Josephs Hospital in Syracuse. Mr. Pashchuks experience includes time as a flight nurse on a local helicopter service. In the north country, the related collection effort is coordinated by Dr. Maja Lundborg-Gray, emergency room physician with North Country Emergency Medical Consultants at Samaritan Medical Center. Shes assisted by Mrs. Carman. Dr. Lundborg-Gray reached out to her colleagues in the greater north country medical community, including at Samaritan, LifeNet of New York, Jefferson Physician Organization, Lewis County General Hospital, Carthage Area Hospital, the North Country Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee and Guilfoyle Ambulance Service all have been assisting with reaching out to others or gathering outdated supplies themselves to send to Ukraine. As an example of supplies, Mrs. Carman said that Dr. Lundborg-Gray received emergency department and operating room supplies and medications for use in trauma cases, as well as general medications for refugees, personal protective equipment and samples of powdered baby formula, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and other items. There is so much gratitude for all in the medical community that stepped forward with these in-kind donations, Mrs. Carman said. A truck, Mrs. Carman said, was dispatched from Syracuse, arriving in Watertown in late March and loaded for transport back to a warehouse in Syracuse where everything was sorted and packed into five donated ambulances bound for Ukraine. If there are more donations, which I expect there will be, Im certain that a truck will come back up to pick up if quantity justifies it, or we will drive it down, Mrs. Carman said. There were pallets of items that were coordinated through Samaritan that were sent earlier. The supplies will be shipped to Poland and then released to Ukraine along with the ambulances, she said. Pitching in Community donations of over-the-counter medications, first aid items and toiletries are being coordinated by Mrs. Carman. Garlock Building Supplies and Design Center in Alexandria Bay, as well as Reinmans Department Store in Clayton have graciously taken on the task of being collection sites, she said. Samaritan Medical Center is a collection site for Samaritan staff donations They have very generously been donating at their workplace sites, Mrs. Carman said. She noted that Lewis County General Hospital staff members have made very generous donations of hygiene products. There have been many generous in-kind donations, as well as monetary donations to support the humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Mrs. Carman said. We are indeed a generous and gracious north country community, as was also noted by Dr. Maja Lundborg-Gray. Mrs. Carman plans to drive the collected items to the Syracuse collection point each time she has a carload. The medical supplies go from Syracuse to New Jersey via truck, then are loaded on a plane for Poland. They are accepted at the Ukrainian border and distributed throughout the country. The nonessential items in the collection will also be sent to New Jersey, but will be loaded on a ship with a six- to eight-week trip to a destination in Ukraine. Brenda H. Sipher and a team at the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors created a similar fundraiser to benefit the people of Ukraine, with locally donated items first shipped to St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Syracuse. While hers is through a different organizer in Syracuse, ultimately its all headed toward the same need, Mrs. Carman said. Scientists have simulated what the ozone hole would look like in 2065 had chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) never been regulated. Measurements shown are in Dobson units. One Dobson is equivalent to a layer of pure ozone 0.01 mm thick at standard temperature and pressure. NASA A man gestures at a mass grave in the town of Bucha, northwest of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on April 3. As they gather up the dead, officials and the military are also engaged in another task: clearing up the many mines, piles of unexploded ordnance and other battle detritus left behind in Bucha and other formerly occupied towns. Sergei Supinsky/AFP via Getty Images/TNS The $650 million Climeworks secured is the largest sum ever raised by a carbon-dioxide removal company. Climeworks will use the funds to build a 40,000-ton capture plant in the next three years, according to company CEO Christoph Gebald. Climeworks You have permission to edit this image. Edit Close This photograph taken on April 6, 2022, shows a toy and personal belongings amongst rumbles in front of a destroyed residential building, in the town of Borodianka, northwest of Kyiv. - The Russian retreat last week has left clues of the battle waged to keep a grip on Borodianka, just 50 kilometres (30 miles) north-west of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. (Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images/TNS) Gulf Insurance Group (GIG) leads the top M&A transactions led by Kuwaiti buyers during 2021 as per a report recently issued by the Investment Banking Department at Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz). The report highlights the multi-million-dollar transaction whereby GIG acquired 100% of AXA S.A.s operations throughout the GCC for a total consideration of $474.8 million. As a part of this transaction, GIG will acquire 100% of AXA Gulf, a 50% stake in AXA Cooperative Insurance Company and a 28% stake in AXA Green Crescent Insurance Company, from AXA S.A. and Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Group . Al Futtouh Holding Company led the second largest closed by a Kuwaiti buyer as it acquired a 45% stake in Al Ansar United Real Estate Company for a total consideration of $161.4 million. It is worth noting that the target is a subsidiary of Kuwait Projects Holding Company (the seller), who intends to divest an additional 10% stake in the company however it has yet to finalize the transaction. Moreover, Al Janah Holding Company acquired a 10% stake in Qurain Petrochemical Industries Company from Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) for $154.0 million. PIC divested all 110.0 million of its shares in the company through an auction that closed at $1.4 per share. The report also highlights the largest transactions taken on by Kuwaiti buyers throughout 2019 and 2020, starting with Boursa Kuwait Securities Company (Boursa Kuwait), who took on the largest transaction for 2020. Boursa Kuwait successfully acquired a 13% stake in Kuwait Clearing Company for a total consideration of $39.2 million. Alghanim Trading Company reigned the top transactions for 2019 by a landslide when it sealed a deal for a 16% stake in Gulf Bank for a total consideration of $501.0 million, at ~ $1.0 per share. Note, Alghanim Trading Company acquired the shares from Kuwait Investment Authority, and in doing so, raised its total stake in Gulf Bank to 33%. M&A Growth (by Kuwaiti buyers) According to Markazs report, Kuwaiti acquirers sealed a total of 33 transactions throughout 2021, which demonstrates a 38% growth year over year and a 13% decline in activity between 2019 and 2021. Kuwaiti acquirers primarily acquired local companies and acquired companies based in other parts of the GCC as well as countries cross-border, to a lesser extent. This is evident as 78% of the transactions that Kuwaiti buyers closed throughout 2019-2021 involved Kuwaiti companies, followed by GCC and cross-border targets, at 15% and 7%, respectively. GCC M&A deals (Kuwaiti buyers) Throughout 2019-2021, Kuwaiti acquirers sealed a total of 81 transactions involving GCC targets, demonstrating a 40% growth year over year between 2020 and 2021 and a 15% decline between 2019 and 2021. Investor confidence slowly grew as the uncertainty onset by the COVID-19 pandemic eased, as the total number of cases decreased, and as restrictions were uplifted. Although the market has not returned to historical M&A levels, it is evident a recovery is paving its way. Moreover, Kuwaiti acquirers primarily acquired local companies which is evident as 91% of the transactions closed involved Kuwaiti targets, whereas the remaining 9% involved companies in other GCC countries. With the exception of Qatar, Kuwaiti buyers closed at least one transaction involving companies based in the GCC. Overall, Kuwaiti acquirers primarily targeted companies within the Financials, Real Estate and Industrials sectors. Collectively, these transactions accounted for 66% of the total transactions closed by Kuwaiti buyers within the GCC. The sectors that attracted the least level of activity were the Insurance, Energy and Materials sectors, each of whom accounted for less than 2% of the total activity (closed) throughout 2019-2021. Cross-Border M&A deals (Kuwait buyers) Between 2019-2021, Kuwaiti acquirers sealed a total of 14 cross-border transactions. Kuwaiti acquirers demonstrated a specific interest in Egypt and the United Kingdom, in which they closed a total of 4 and 3 transactions, respectively. Aside from Egypt and the United Kingdom, Kuwaiti acquirers closed a total of one transaction each within various countries including but not limited to Belgium, India, Kenya, Spain among others. Petrochemical Industries Company reigned the largest transaction taken on by Kuwaiti acquirers throughout the past three years at $476.2 million, with its acquisition of a 49% stake in SKC Company Limited, a South Korean manufacturer and marketer of chemicals and films products. This was followed by Wafra who acquired a minority stake in Digital Colony Management, the digital investment management division of global investment firm Colony Capital, for $400.0 million. Moreover, Boubyan Bank successfully acquired a ~43% stake, or 73.0 million shares, of Bank of London and the Middle East Holdings (BLME) for a total consideration of $158.0 million. As such, Boubyan Bank raised its stake in BLME to +71%. Kuwaiti acquirers primarily targeted companies within the financials and real estate sectors. Collectively, these transactions accounted for 51% of the total transactions closed by Kuwaiti buyers that involved foreign companies. The sectors that attracted the least level of activity were the Industrials, Information Technology and Logistics sectors, which each accounted for 7% of the total activity (closed) throughout 2019-2021. M&A deals (Kuwaiti targets) Furthermore, there was a total of 104 closed transactions involving Kuwaiti targets. Kuwaiti and other buyers accounted for a majority of these transactions at 59% and 26%, followed by foreign and GCC buyers who made up 10% and 5%, respectively. 2021 witnessed the highest number of closed transactions at 39, while 23 and 37 transactions were recorded during 2020 and 2019, respectively. Between 2020 and 2021, Kuwaiti acquirers saw a year over year growth of 21% in comparison to a 28% decline in activity between 2019 and 2021. It is evident Covid significantly impacted the level of M&A activity, demonstrated by the significant drop in the year 2020. It is worth noting that 34% of the transactions that closed between 2019-2021 involved transactions in the financials sector. The real estate, industrials, and consumer discretionary sectors accounted for 15%, 12%, and 9% of all closed transactions involving Kuwaiti targets, respectively, whereas the insurance, materials, logistics, and construction sectors accounted for the least number of closed transactions, at 1% each. Deals in the pipeline By the end of 2021, there was a total of 13 announced transactions in the pipeline. The majority of these transactions involved Kuwaiti targets, at 85%, whereas the remaining transactions equally involved Bahraini and UAE targets. The largest of these transactions was taken on by Kuwait Telecom Company who penned a binding agreement to acquire 100% of E-Portal Holding Company and its local subsidiaries for a total consideration of $75.7 million. Closing is subject to obtaining necessary regulatory approvals. TradeArabia News Service The bell atop the door at Neebs Hardware in Gretna rang every few minutes Wednesday morning, each chime cheerfully announcing the arrival of another customer. Some were looking for a tool or fixture, others for advice on a repair project. But all were there to say goodbye. After 105 years in downtown Gretna, Neebs Hardware is closing its doors later this month. The store lasted through two world wars, a depression and several recessions. But it wasnt the coronavirus pandemic that finally closed the book on a local institution that opened in 1917. In the end, Ken Donewar just needed a little time off. It just comes to a point where you say to yourself, Im ready, said Donewar, who has owned Neebs since the 1978, but has worked there since his father bought it from the original owner in 1957. And for almost all of the last five decades, Donewar, 71, has run the store by himself, 10 hours a day, six days a week. If its open and it almost always is hes there. When Donewars father bought the store, the deal required them to keep the name for three years. When the time came, it was so firmly ensconsed in Gretnas history, they just kept it. But now? Hes Mr. Neeb. Nobody knows what our last name is, Kens wife, Debbie, said, exaggerating a bit. They call me Mrs. Neeb and I say, Hey, howya doin? Customers Wednesday all sounded a familiar refrain about Neebs. Its the personal attention, said Rich Robbins, whos been coming since he bought a house in Algiers a few years back. You go in there with a question and he knows exactly what you need. And if he doesnt have it, he knows where to go. Its a great place, and its real sad that it wont be here anymore. Business wise, it really stinks, said customer Donnie Pritt, who has known Donewar for years. I could come in here and get what I needed in five or 10 minutes. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up And as friends, Im gonna miss him, Pritt said, just moments after the two had just finished ribbing one another over some cast iron pans Pritt was coveting. But dont let him know that. One customer dropped in to ask what she could do about a small chip in the porcelain coating of an antique cast iron infants bathtub. The last place she brought offered to refinish it for $300. Donewar recommended a small tube of touch-up paint and suggested several coats. The price? Just $3.81, after the 30% discount. Donewar said he plans to hang onto the antique Burroughs adding machine and Fairbanks Morse scale that still passes state inspection every year and is used to weigh bulk nails. Then a customer inquires about a vintage board festooned with various Eagle brand screws, each labeled for customers to reference. I havent made up my mind about whether or not I want to keep that, he admitted. The inventory, on the other hand, "Im not too sentimental about, he said. Now its just like, I have to get rid of it. Staying in business hasnt always been easy. There have been some lean years, he said. Its been hard to compete with the big boys. It comes to a point where you learn that if youre gonna stay with the business, you just watch your prices and the type of product you have. With Debbie retiring from her job as an accountant at the end of the month, the Donewars are thinking theyll try to travel more in their free time. For decades, they would only get away for a few days over the Fourth of July weekend, and only in recent years starting closing the store for a week every now and then. Id like to visit the National Parks, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, those kinda places," Donewar said. Debbie notes there are grandchildren to see in Houma and Florida. The Donewars put the building on the market about five months ago. Real estate is booming in Old Gretna, and the only delay in selling Lafayette Street building, which sits just blocks from the Mississippi River levee, were the Donewars hopes someone would buy the business as well, and invigorate it with some fresh ideas. That leaves a twinge of disappointment in the decision to call it quits. There was a lot of interest in the property, but nobody really wanted the business, he said. I guess, financially, it wasnt what they felt it could be. The building's new owner, a wedding planning and event coordinator in Belle Chasse, plans to open a flower shop there called Stem Studio. I felt kinda bad about it, but then me and my wife talked about it and we decided, well, maybe its time for something different, Donewar said. Maybe its time for Neebs to cease and something else to carry on in its place. Jada Castille wanted to pursue a cosmetology degree from Delgado Community College last spring, but decided to wait because too many of the courses were being taught online. By the fall, the classes the McDonogh 35 graduate needed were largely back in the classroom, and she decided to take the leap. Personally, I like to be in class, the 21-year-old said Thursday, taking a break from the Student Government Associations annual crawfish boil at the Sidney Collier Campus in New Orleans East. Cosmetology students, she said, are visual learners. And with the pandemic, that put us to the side because we were like, Do we really want to do this? Are we really gonna get the grade that we need? Are we going to be able to work how were supposed to? For two years, the coronavirus pandemic has taken its toll on enrollment at community and technical colleges nationwide, and Delgado, the oldest and largest community college in the state, has been no exception. Fall enrollment fell 14% from 2019 to 2021, and overall enrollment hit its lowest point in a decade, at just under 19,000 students. But state and school officials say there are early indications that the trend is starting to turn around. Applications for the 2022 fall semester are up 17% from the same point last year, said Tamika Duplessis, associate vice chancellor of student affairs for the school, which has seven locations throughout the metro area. "Were optimistic that were going to see some rebounding of our numbers," she said. "We are excited. It's a trend that has been greatly aided by the return of classroom learning, which resumed partially last summer and has been increasing ever since. "Our students overwhelmingly told us that they want to be back in-person," Duplessis said. "The more classes we added back in-person, the higher we saw those numbers go. To Castille, who dreams of opening her own salon one day, the practical benefits of learning in person are self evident. With our major, we need the hands-on help from our teacher them actually placing your hands the right way, demonstrating right there in front of you," she said. "You need to be able to ask questions right then and there, instead of having to send out an email or send a chat through Zoom so you don't interrupt the others. Pandemic pain It's a welcome turnaround from the ordeal that began two years ago. Schools at all levels reacted quickly when the pandemic arrived in March 2020, moving the remainder of the spring semester to virtual learning. But as the year wore on, the closure of elementary, middle and high school campuses put increased demands on community college students with children. And even as K-12 schools opened back up and vaccines became available, a labor shortage boosted wages in a slew of retail and service industry jobs, and many students opted to work instead. These were key factors in why the pandemic affected community colleges more than four-year institutions. At Delgado, for example, the average age of students is 25, and many have children or other family members they care for, Duplessis said. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up During the pandemic, total enrollment at Delgado declined 6%, from 20,120 students in 2020 to 18,938 in 2021. That figure includes students getting vocational certifications and courses Graduate Equivalency Degrees. The drop off in the fall semester, which generally has more students enrolled than the spring, was more pronounced as the stresses caused by the pandemic worsened in 2020: That year, fall enrollment was 13,034, down 8 percent from the 14,140 students who attended in the fall of 2019. In the fall of 2021, 12,139 students enrolled. That represented a 14% decline from the pre-pandemic fall of 2019. Duplessis said enrollment among men declined more sharply than enrollment among women, which she attributed to a labor shortage generating better-paying jobs. Many local companies "have been recruiting students like we've never seen before," she said. Enrollment of students 19 and under also took a hit because in-person recruitment became impossible, driving home how important it is to connect with prospective students face-to-face. Student aid Federal aid helped ensure community colleges were able to weather the storm. Delgado, for example, received $47.6 million in federal grants to cover lost revenue, technology upgrades and other institutional needs, and $4.2 million in relief funding it applied to student accounts. Duplessis said the administration worked to blunt the pressures the pandemic put on students. Delgado started a laptop and Wi-Fi assistance program to help in households where there was only one laptop available. It also beefed up two major support programs for students, one that connects students with public assistance programs such as food stamps, childcare resources and Medicaid, and another that helps students connect with financial assistance, financial literacy and additional academic support. These factors, Duplessis said, are all the things we know hinder student success. Hurricane Ida has had its effect as well, hitting the suburban parishes to the west particularly hard. Duplessis noted that only about a third of Delgados students live in Orleans Parish. Duplessis said Delgado's workforce development curricula actually grew during the pandemic, both in the number of industry-based credentials granted and the number of businesses those programs serve. Delgado also has three grant-funded programs that will help it make up for ground lost during the pandemic, including one that focuses on retaining and better-serving students of color, another for adult students and a third for single mothers. Another source of optimism going forward is the MJ Foster Promise Program, a statewide scholarship initiative that will provide up to $3,200 per year for three years toward tuition and fees for full-time students. Tuition and fees top out at about $4,388 per year, though the scholarship would effectively cover all tuition and fees for many students. This program becomes available July 1. Closures, and new additions Delgado's enrollment peaked in 2012, when the school reached a high of 28,437 students. But it declined in the years that have followed, particularly after campuses in Slidell and Covington were closed in 2016 and 2017. In 2018, Delgado opened its $27 million Advanced Manufacturing Center in Westwego to focus on maritime industry training. Then last year, it opened a $13 million Advanced Technology Center in Algiers, which is expected to add another 1,500 students to the schools west bank campus. It's most recent expansion project is also among the most visible: the five-story Ochsner Center for Nursing and Allied Health at its main campus on City Park Avenue. Ochsner put in $10 million toward the $38.6 million building, which will consolidate Delgado's Allied Health Division and Charity School of Nursing programs, and committed another $10 million to cover tuition for full-time Ochsner employees. The 120,000-square-foot building will open at City Park and Orleans avenues early next year to educate future nurses and health care professionals, of which Delgado graduates roughly 1,200 per year. New Orleans Calvin Johnson has been named interim executive director for National Alliance on Mental Illness New Orleans. Johnson is a retired Orleans Parish Criminal District Court judge. He established Louisiana's first mental health treatment court in 2002. He also served several years as a volunteer member of the NAMI New Orleans board of directors. He earned his undergraduate degree from Southern University, served four years in the Air Force and then earned a law degree from Loyola Law School. --- Zehnder Communications, a full-service advertising agency, has made several personnel moves. Stephanie Funti has been promoted to director of human resources and administration. Funti joined Zehnder in 2016 as a human resources manager. Prior to joining the company, she spent more than 20 years in the hospitality industry, managing hotel and conference centers. Kevin Sylvera has been hired in the New Orleans office as a junior media buyer planner. Sylvera previously worked as an account executive with WGNO-TV. He earned a bachelors degree from LSU. Emma Giroir has been hired in New Orleans as a UI/UX designer. Giroir previously worked as a UX Designer for Amaly, developing screen designs and style guides for the companys mental health app. She earned a bachelors degree from Fordham University. Katlin Morris has been promoted to billing specialist in the Baton Rouge office. Morris joined Zehnder in 2019 as a billing coordinator. She earned a bachelors degree from Southeastern Louisiana University. --- The New Orleans Women & Childrens Shelter has elected its 2022 board officers. David Schlakman, vice president and executive director of Early Learning Focus, is serving as the president, while the director of the public information office of Jefferson Parish, Gretchen Hirt Gendron, will serve as vice president. Bonnie Dye, an attorney at McGlinchey Stafford and owner and proprietor of Cafe Bon Ami, will serve as treasurer, while the owner and proprietor of Twelve Mile Limit and The Domino, Cole Newton, will serve as secretary. Board members are: Dan Silverman, Sherolyn Brown, Amy Dye Domangue, Ann Duplessis, Derrick Freeman, Paulette Irons, Allen Kirkley, Cindy Landry, Viet Tran and Melissa Vandiver. --- Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Brett P. Fenasci is returning as a partner in Kean Miller's New Orleans office, practicing with the offshore energy and marine litigation group. Fenasci has extensive litigation and trial experience in matters involving admiralty and maritime law, Jones Act, energy law, personal injury, vessel collisions and allisions, marine insurance and commercial disputes. He earned his bachelor's degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Georgia and his law degree, magna cum laude, from Loyola University New Orleans, College of Law. Fenasci serves as an adjunct professor at Loyola University New Orleans, College of Law. --- Trahan Architects has promoted several staff members in its New Orleans studios. Sean David is now a senior project manager. Travis Lombardi is a senior project designer. Andrew Drew Hutcheson is a senior project designer. Kyle Culver is a senior project designer. Gabriela Calzada is a designer. Baton Rouge Dr. Casey Chapman has been named chief medical officer for GI Alliance, the nation's largest independent gastroenterology services organization. Chapman is a leader in GI clinical research, inflammatory bowel disease and physician quality improvement efforts. He has served as regional medical director of clinical research and education since July 2016. Chapman practiced at Gastroenterology Associates and Louisiana Endoscopy Center before joining GI Alliance. He has served as medical director at the Crohn's and Colitis Clinic at Baton Rouge General Health System. He earned a bachelor's degree in zoology and his doctorate in medicine from LSU. He completed his residency and fellowship in gastroenterology at LSU Health Science Center in Baton Rouge. -- Terrel A. Thomas has joined Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson's workers compensation group in its Baton Rouge office. Thomas is a former attorney with the Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corp., where she managed and maintained cases dealing with state workers' compensation defense, Second Injury Fund litigation, subrogation and Medicare submissions. She earned a bachelor's degree in international trade and finance from LSU and a law degree from Southern University Law Center. The rash of carjackings over the past year has left New Orleans residents grasping for some overarching explanation for the surge in a dangerous and occasionally fatal crime. In the popular imagination, the violent attacks are feeding chop shops a supply of parts, or serving rings of thieves that can fence luxury cars for cash. The truth, however, appears to be far more mundane, difficult to address and in many ways less rational. The overwhelming majority of the hundreds of cars, trucks and SUVs taken by force over the past two years simply turned up abandoned somewhere else in the city, often not long and not far from where they were snatched in the first place. The trend suggests that rather than serving a lucrative enterprise, the spate of carjackings is being driven by less material motives: thrill of a joyride, bragging rights or for transportation to commit another crime, according to experts, instead of the chance to sell off parts or other ways to turn a profit. Nearly 70% of the 487 vehicles taken in New Orleans carjackings in 2020 and 2021 when the attacks were at their highest level in at least a decade were later recovered by police within the city limits, according to a Times-Picayune analysis of NOPD records. Typically, vehicles were recovered within 4 miles of the scene of the crime. As carjackings have surged, so have the recoveries. Of the 470 cars taken from 2016 to 2019, only 57% ever made it back to their owners. The loss of a car is, of course, only one aspect of a carjacking. The now-routine recoveries are little consolation for attacks that have left victims dead including Linda Frickey, who was killed last month or severely injured, and which are often traumatic even for those who have escaped physically unscathed. Those who work with at-risk youth say societal factors poverty, lack of familial support and few options for a better life along with a lack of awareness of consequences all play a role in making carjackings seem like an acceptable game. At the same time, the randomness and lack of clear motive for the crimes leaves some victims frustrated. It just makes this seem more absurd because these folks are doing this for no purpose other than the satisfaction of getting away with it, apparently, said Chris Taravella, whose Jeep was taken in a carjacking early this year and found the same evening. New Orleans surge in carjackings the 288 successful or attempted carjackings in 2021 are nearly twice the average count from 2011 through 2019 comes as large cities across the country have seen a similar trend. And while there are few national statistics on carjackings, and essentially none on how often vehicles are recovered, University of Texas Dallas criminology professor Bruce Jacobs said New Orleans seem to conform with what is known about the current trends. Carjacking is not this homogeneous enterprise at all. There are different motives, different reasons, thats why its really hard to pin down this particular crime because of the different motivations you see, Jacobs said. My sense is that if youre finding that it's consistent with what we know about the last few years of disproportionate youthful involvement for joyriding purposes. Taravella had just gotten into his Jeep Grand Cherokee near City Park on January 2 when a black SUV slowly drove past. It stopped a dozen feet in front of him and a passenger jumped out, pointing a gun directly at him through the windshield. Taravella said he immediately realized he was being carjacked and scrambled out of his vehicle, running quickly into the park. Police soon arrived and he was later able to get Sirius to track his vehicle using its built-in satellite radio. Within three and a half hours, police found it abandoned on North Tonti Street in the Seventh Ward. The Jeep had $8,000 worth of damage from a crash and a heavy lingering smell of marijuana. Its license plate had been removed and thrown in the back seat. Police later told Taravella that his car had been used in another carjacking before it was found. Before the end of the month, the police made arrests in the case, and found his keys along with those of several other stolen vehicles during a raid on a house in Mid-City. Taravella said he wasnt sure if the carjackers had kept the keys as trophies. The fact that there are people who are willing to do these kinds of things to other human beings for the mere sake of being able to ride around in the car it would be equally senseless if they were trying to sell the car but at least they would be getting some kind of profit out of it but it seems particularly depraved that theyre doing it just for the thrill of it, he said. Cars used in other crimes, joyrides Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up NOPD acknowledged the high rate of recoveries and suggested this could, in part, be explained by vehicles taken to provide transportation to other crimes. Through investigation, NOPD detectives have found that many carjacked vehicles are being used in the commission of other crimes, including vehicle burglaries or thefts, the unsigned statement said. The perpetrators use the vehicles and then abandon them after a short time. There are no clear patterns in NOPDs data on car recoveries. While New Orleans East appears to be a popular place to ditch vehicles, many have been found across the city. Nor does there seem to be a particular effort to target luxury cars. The list of vehicles is dominated by popular brands like Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Chevrolet and Ford. In the few cases where thieves stole a luxury model -- like a Mercedes-Benz, a Lexus or an Audi -- the cars were recovered at roughly the same rate as economy brands. In one case, a 2012 Bentley that was carjacked on Abundance Street was later found in New Orleans East near Paris Road, with what NOPD described as significant damage. And NOPDs database only accounts for cars that were actually found and reported to police, so it excludes those that might have been ditched in a vacant lot or on the side of the road and not yet discovered. Because the carjackers may not be profiting from their crimes, it's not clear whether theres a short-term policy that can address the current surge. State Rep. Jason Hughes has proposed legislation, which passed the House unanimously this week, that would add new penalties for adults who recruit juveniles into carjacking rings, though theres little sign thats whats driving the increase. Instead, those that work with at-risk youth say that the problem will only abate with more significant and systemic changes: better schools, more activities for teenagers, better wages to give them hope and work healing broken communities. Teenagers often talk about carjacking as a "game" or a quick way to earn some prestige, said Rev. Pat Watson, who runs the city's Evening Reporting Center, a program for youths accused of crimes that serves as an alternative to jail. In one case, she was told of someone who carjacked one vehicle to take his girlfriend to the lake, then later ditched it and stole another to impress her with the idea that he had two cars. While Watson said teenagers often are keenly aware of how to avoid getting caught - and the limitations of NOPD - there's often little sense that the crimes could end tragically, as it did in the killing of Frickey last month. I do not think the intent is to harm anybody, Watson said. Our kids often tell us theres an adrenaline rush they cannot control." And behind that, Watson argued, was a sense of hopeless or despair at the cycle of poverty they find themselves in and a lack of services and resources. Because so much has been taken away from them, taking is a way of life for them, she said. The lack of a material benefit driving the carjackings or a single puppet master to arrest leaves a more complicated problem to solve. Antonio Travis, who works with at-risk youth in New Orleans East as the founder and executive director of Black Men Rising, said he blamed a lack of investment in poor communities that has kept kids from having opportunities both financial and recreational and prevented them from getting the support they need. First and foremost we need to understand - like the old saying goes - it takes a village, Travis said. If you look at more affluent communities, there are things in place, there are things and the community is engaged. In poorer communities you have to go outside that community. If you had rec centers that were open later, access to more mental health, you could help these kids develop emotionally and socially. Both Travis and Watson said theyve had success working with teenagers through efforts to deal with trauma, boost their self-esteem and give them things to do. And both were emphatically opposed to the idea that those they work with could be considered irredeemable. These kids are born into these situations and conditions, and I know for us that its easy to point fingers, Travis said. Its easy to say youre a bad parent, these kids are bad people. Its harder to try to understand why these things are happening. The Nature Conservancy has bought 3,700 acres of land in the Atchafalaya Basin, a huge expansion that increases its holdings in the largest U.S. river swamp by 70%. The land appraised for $6.8 million, but The Dow Chemical Co. sold it for $1 million. I think they're very interested in sponsoring conservation, and they support us as one of our partners. said Karen Gautreaux, The Nature Conservancy's Louisiana director. Dow, which operates five plants and employs or contracts more than 6,000 workers in Louisiana, had owned the land for 75 years. The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit focused on land and water, making the Atchafalaya Basin home to more than 300 species of wildlife and more than 100 species of fish and shellfish an attraction. It first acquired land in the basin with 5,300 acres in 2015 and now owns 9,000 there. We want to actively participate and demonstrate how other landowners might implement projects around restoring the basin ecosystem, develop some of the science and also engage the community, Gautreaux said. With its original acquisition, the nonprofit set up a conservation center with overnight accommodations in the basin to let scientists and students study the environment basin without interruption. Since then, theyve noticed a rising trend of hypoxia, or dead zones, in the water. A dead zone is an area where the water looks darker than its surroundings, because of a lack of oxygen. Dead zones can move across water or remain stationary, killing fish and shellfish. Water quality is the main part of the restoration, said Joseph Baustian, a wetlands ecologist for The Nature Conservancy. If you get the water flowing through there right and you get the oxygen conditions good, everything else falls into place. Environmental news in your inbox Stay up-to-date on the latest on Louisiana's coast and the environment. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Fishers in the basin have started venturing farther downstream to catch crawfish, presumably because of better water quality there. So the Nature Conservancy hosted students of astacology, the study of crawfish, from Nicholls State University to research water quality and crawfish populations. They can show quantitatively that when you have poor water quality, you have lower crawfish populations, Baustian said. Theyre smaller, less numerous, and theyre actually unhealthier. Plant life in the basin also is affected by poor water quality and the lack of water flow. Some of the basin's channels and bayous have dried up, leaving cypress trees on dry land. And inadequate nutrients make for vulnerable roots, threatening trees' prospects for weathering bad storms. These issues are caused in part by river dredging. The Atchafalaya River has been dredged to allow ships to sail through Port Allen. But this causes the water to flow faster and not deposit as much sediment in the basin. The Old River Control Structures also exacerbates the issue of water not flowing into the basin's floodplains. Because the structures divert 30% of the Mississippi river's flow into the Atchafalaya, sediment has rapidly deposited farther upstream than normal. This makes it harder for water to flow into the flood plains downstream. To fix this water quality issue, The Nature Conservancy is working with state government to dredge basin waterways that have dried up over time. Generally, we are putting drains so the water will come in where it used to and be able to get out and not pond, to try to restore that north-south hydrology, Gautreaux said. The Nature Conservancy has spent the past five years researching and understanding the science of the basin but has not completed its restoration plan. Were building the science," Gautreaux said. "Were going to monitor the system and hopefully demonstrate an option to improve the health of the system. Longtime state Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, who announced her resignation abruptly Friday and attributed it to depression and a chronic gambling addiction, is the subject of a federal investigation, according to sources with knowledge of the probe. The sources declined to outline the specifics of the investigation, but said that it was financial in nature and linked to Petersons gambling problem. Peterson, 52, a New Orleans Democrat, did not respond to interview requests. Her resignation Friday appeared to end a lengthy political career, capped by 22 years in the Legislature and two unsuccessful runs for Congress. The second congressional bid came last year, when she lost in a runoff to Troy Carter, who now represents the New Orleans area and parts of the river parishes and Baton Rouge in the U.S. House of Representatives. Peterson also chaired the Louisiana Democratic Party from 2012 until 2020. Katie Bernhardt, the current chair, was asked on Saturday whether the state party has received a federal subpoena or request for information about Peterson from federal authorities. I have no comment on that situation, Bernhardt said. In a statement explaining her departure, Peterson said on Friday: At this time, I must place all of my energy on my own mental health and personal well-being, and therefore have tendered my resignation effective immediately. She touched on similar themes a day earlier, when she gave the morning prayer before the days legislative session. In those remarks, she said she had participated in and successfully received inpatient and outpatient treatment for depression and addiction, and that she had avoided gambling for a long time. She added: I want you to know that this addiction and this disease is insidious. Many people suffer from it. Its the highest rate of suicide of all addictions. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Her remarks prompted an outpouring of sympathy on social media from fellow legislators and friends, many of whom applauded her courage. Had she not resigned, Peterson would have had to leave the Senate next year because of term limits. Her district includes the Central Business District, Central City, Uptown and Broadmoor. Petersons gambling problem burst into public view three years ago, when WWL-TV reported that she had received a misdemeanor summons for violating a self-imposed ban on entering casinos. Under Louisiana law, a person with a gambling addiction can put themselves on a list kept by State Police that is circulated to casinos around the state. A person on the list who enters a casino receives a summons. Shortly after WWL posted its 2019 story, Peterson went public with her addiction, and said she occasionally relapsed. Thats what happened when she visited the LAuberge casino in Baton Rouge in February of that year, she said. In addition to spending more than two decades in the Legislature, Peterson played a central role in state politics when she chaired the Louisiana Democratic Party, a sometimes-stormy tenure that ended when she stepped down in 2020. That job, which paid $24,000, according to disclosures filed by Peterson, was one of several sources of income for Peterson. In 2020, she also listed income of $22,000 for her part-time work as a senator, and she said she earned $109,000 as a lawyer for the corporate firm Dentons. When she ran for Congress last year, she said she left the law firm to focus on her congressional bid. Its not clear whether she rejoined the firm. Peterson has not filed her personal financial disclosure for 2021; it is due in May. Peterson also served as a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2017 until 2021. Senate President Page Cortez, R-Lafayette, said on Saturday the Senate has not received a subpoena or any other request for information from federal authorities. Disgust, a sickening feeling of revulsion, thinking that yet again I have been scammed. At that same moment, an overwhelming sense of hopefulness hit me, that the gift I am offering might in some small or huge way lead to change and recovery. Wind-whipped flames are marching across more of New Mexicos tinder-dry mountainsides, forcing the evacuation of area residents and dozens of patients from the state's psychiatric hospital as firefighters scramble to keep new wildfires from growing. The big blaze burning near the community of Las Vegas has charred more than 217 square miles. Residents in neighborhoods on the edge of Las Vegas were told to be ready to leave their homes. It's the biggest wildfire in the U.S. and is moving quickly through groves of ponderosa pine because of hot, dry and windy conditions that make for extreme wildfire danger. Forecasters are warning of extreme fire danger across New Mexico and in western Texas. Submitted on April 5, 2022. I do not know about you, but I am always anxious to wipe the carbon smear off my forehead after Ash Wednesday. A black smudge on the forehead has yet to make a fashion statement; instead it marks you as a church goer or a religious nut. Although Ash Wednesday is over and its carbon imprint washed away, we still can not get away from it because Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday are uniquely linked together. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent for many Christians. On this day, we hear the words, From dust you come and to dust you return, as the pastor dips his or her fingers into ash and smudges bowed foreheads with the sign of the cross (See Genesis 3:19). With our foreheads smeared with ash, we are called upon to face our own mortality and failings. This is something most of us want to avoid thinking about. We like to pretend to be anything other than finite creatures of God whose days on earth are numbered. Palm Sunday marks the last day of Lent and the first day of Holy Week. This celebration commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, mentioned in each of the four Gospels. Jesus entered the city and was greeted by palm-waving worshipers. In this intentional journey to Jerusalem, he would be tried and crucified, but he welcomed his fate to rise from the grave and save us from sin! The palms raised in worship on Palm Sunday during the congregations songs of praise become the source for Ash Wednesdays ashes. In many churches, the palms that are not shaped into crosses or taken home and laid as remembrances are kept and burned for next years Ash Wednesday service. I asked several pastors this year who in their church took charge of the burning of the palms. Some burdened themselves with the job, while others gladly spoke of church members who loved to do it. Whoever does it, the burning of palms is an illustration of our Lenten journey. When palms come in contact with fire, a series of complex chemical reactions are set off. The combustion of wood results in the release of carbon dioxide, water vapor, and various gaseous products, as well as the formation of black solid residues like charcoal and ash. There is a dramatic change; you could never guess what a palm branch looked like by looking at the ashes. Likewise, our Lenten journey can be a time of purification, repentance, and renewal. During Lent we release the gases of our false selves and embrace our authentic selves in relation to Christ. On Palm Sunday, we end our Lenten journey, and we find hope in our mortality, that through the events of Holy Week, our sin and death are dealt with through Jesus sacrificial death. On Palm Sunday, we see ourselves again as imperfect beings who through the grace of God have been given this life and who only through the grace of God are given the gift of eternal life. On Easter Sunday, we rejoice in the resurrection, and we no longer hear the words from dust you came and to dust you return, but Death has been swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54 NIV). The carbon imprint has been taken away. The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed in this editorial do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of NorthcentralPa.com. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get Our Free Newsletters Never miss a headline with NorthcentralPa.com newsletters. Sign Up Today! Morning Headlines: Would you like to receive our daily morning newsletter? Afternoon Update: What's happening today? Here's your update! Daily Obits: Get a daily list straight to your email inbox. Mahi Two, a Torqeedo-powered uncrewed surface vessel (USV), has become what is believed to be the first to cross the Atlantic Ocean using only solar power. The autonomous robotic boat left the coast of Spain in September 2021 and made landfall in Martinique, in the French Lesser Antilles, six months later, after more than 4,300 nautical miles at sea. Project Mahi started as many success stories do -- in the founders garage. Pieter-Jan Note assembled six friends from a variety of engineering backgrounds. They spent the next few years building, designing, and writing software. Our first crossing attempt in 2019 capsized during an unusually heavy storm in the Bay of Biscay, said Note. We learned a lot from that short journey, however, and used that knowledge to build Mahi Two. The Cruise pod drive The four-metre Mahi Two has a composite hull for strength, efficiency and durability. It is driven by a Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 pod drive which the team modified to rotate. We learned from the previous attempts that we didnt want a rudder, said Note, So we modified the drive to rotate and steer the vessel. The Cruise pod drive is powered by two 24V Torqeedo lithium-ion batteries which are charged by Solbian solar panels. The system powers the drive, plus the steering actuator, electronics and bilge pumps. The steering, communication, hardware integration, navigation and energy management onboard are all managed by Mahis self-developed USV software. The boat communicates using an onboard satellite modem, GPS and automatic identification system. Spells of bad weather Mahi Twos oceangoing adventure started off well, despite spells of bad weather. The first few months were flawless. Other than adjusting speed to compensate for reduced solar power production, Mahi took on stormy, cloudy days at sea with no problem, recalls Note. In January, however, disaster struck. Mahi Two suddenly started using more power. The team began to fear that the little USV was taking on water and the bilge pumps were working hard to compensate. Just days later, the team lost communication with Mahi Two altogether, only 700 nm from her destination. Note recalls: We tried everything to save Mahi. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Martinique reached out to a sailing vessel that travelled near Mahis last known position. The competitors in a transatlantic rowing race searched as well, but it was all for nought. Mahi Two seemed lost. Looking for answers Note and the rest of the team -- Bertold Van den Bergh, Julien Meert, Andreas Belderbos, Quinten Lauwers and Koen Geurts -- scoured the gigabytes of data Mahi Two had sent home, looking for answers. Then, said Note, two months after we had lost communication, I received a surprise call from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Fort-de-France. Mahi had been found! She didnt sink after all. Instead, she had completed her mission, navigating her way to the coast of Martinique all by herself. What an extraordinary achievement by the team at Mahi, commented Maurice Bajohr, vice-president of quality for Torqeedo GmbH. The successful completion of this trans-Atlantic trek is a clear demonstration of the incredible durability and reliability of solar-electric technology for autonomous long-range missions. Switching to solar-electric drive Bajohr observed that USV builders and customers are increasingly switching to solar-electric drives instead of traditional internal combustion engines to eliminate emissions and noise during data collection and navigation, and to reduce operating costs for fuel and maintenance. Torqeedo-powered electric drives are currently used on many hundreds of USVs around the world. These highly specialised boats are used by government and commercial operators for a wide range of missions such as seafloor mapping, oceanographic survey, harvesting data from underwater sensors and surveillance operations. Part of the Project Mahi team recently started a company, MAHI (www.mahi.be), to bring maritime autonomy solutions to the market. They are developing software and hardware products that enable USVs to detect obstacles and other vessels accurately and avoid collisions according to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.-- TradeArabia News Service As the world first buckled under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, school systems across the U.S. were faced, quite suddenly, with a situation they had neither anticipated nor were, in most cases, prepared forhaving to take a curriculum designed for in-classroom instruction and adapt it to a fully remote learning environment. There were varying levels of success. More affluent communities of course adapted more readily; they were able to distribute the necessary technology to their students in the form of Chromebooks and tablets, and they had already invested in such in-classroom technology as to make the transition to the virtual classroom manageable. School districts in less affluent areas, however, reeled under the burden, as did the families within those districts, many of whom struggled to find dependable internet access and the means to assist younger students, many of whom could not handle e-learning alone, but required parental assistance. Parents themselves bore an inordinate level of burden, many having to choose between doing their jobs and becoming ad-hoc teachers for their children. One of the major outcomes of this period only now being realized is the significant decline in K-12 school enrollment. There were many facets at play resulting in this drop, among them the aforementioned difficulties with providing technology to enable students to engage and the stark decisions many parents had to make in order to maintain their own employment. But there was also the fact that some school districts were simply not equipped to keep track of all their vulnerable students. And then there was the deep psychological toll the conflation of the pandemic and remote learning had on the kids themselves, which in many cases became the deciding factor in opting out of remote learning altogether. In order to understand some of the key aspects behind the decline in our nations 51-million-plus student body, Stacker compiled insights from the National Center for Education Statistics Common Core of Data to illustrate how much K-12 enrollment declined during the 20202021 school year. CCD statistics are collected annually from state education agencies. This data is preliminary. Illinois was unable to submit data before the deadline and is not included in these figures, nor is the District of Columbia. You may also like: Best public high school in every state National K-12 student enrollment dropped by 3% across the US The National Center for Education Statistics found while there was indeed a 3% decline in national public school enrollment during the 20202021 school yeara drop equal to roughly 1.5 million pupilsthere was a disequilibrium in that decline among the various grade levels. The sharpest declines were seen in the preschool and kindergarten levels22% and 9% respectivelywhile grades 912 saw a less than 1% drop. This difference may be attributed to fewer parents entering their children into early education amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the effect on enrollment is the largest decline in over two decades, which means it is also the largest since the start of this century. Various reasons have been cited for this decline, among them an increase in home-schooling, a shift from public schools to charter schools and private schools, and parents waiting another year to enroll children in pre-K or kindergarten. The most pronounced declines were in Mississippi and Vermont While Vermont school enrollments were in a state of measured decline already, the pandemic accelerated that rate of decline, resulting in a 5% drop (approx. 4,400 students) as of fall 2021, according to data from the Vermont Agency of Education. School districts in the state generally offered two options: an all-virtual option or full-time in-person. Some parents didnt want their children in school with COVID-19 protocols in place; others didnt want to take the risk of in-person school at all. Consequently, homeschooling numbers more than doubled. Mississippi also saw a 5% enrollment drop. The states Department of Education found homeschool enrollment increased from 18,758 to 25,489, removing 6,731 students from public schools. Sadly, Mississippi had begun to develop an upward trend in the value of its educational system, pre-COVID-19. But with more and more parents having kept their children home for the fall 2021 semester, or trimester, the state became simply one of many hit hardest by the continued uncertainty of the pandemic. Elsewhere in the nation, Washington, New Mexico, Kentucky, New Hampshire, and Maine all decreased by 4% or more. The earliest levels of education saw the steepest declines - Preschool and Kindergarten: 13% decrease - Grades 1 to 8: 3% decrease - Grades 9 to 12: 0.4% increase Given the importance of early learning experiences for children in pre-K and kindergarten, early-grade enrollment drops were particularly troubling. Pre-K and kindergarten rolls fell 13%, a massive leap over the drop in primary and middle school rolls (3%). Education nonprofit RoadMap found, for example, that rural Kansas school districtswhere access to the internet and physical technology to enable remote learning was hamperedsuffered a marked decrease in reading ability in grammar school-aged students during the first year of the pandemic. Rural schools account for nearly half of all districts in the state, but make up two-thirds of all districts that experienced a 10-point or higher drop in Level 1 reading, and 82% of the districts that saw a 20-point or greater decline in the same. Reading instruction has been linked to reductions in grade retention (i.e., students held back) and special education referrals, but online learning has proven particularly challenging or impractical for very young children, and parents found themselves cobbling together a pale imitation of what students would have experienced in the classroom. Between scrambling to keep up with closures and adapting to new policies, many parents opted for private in-person learning or, in the case of parents able to work from home, homeschooling. Older studentsthose in grades 9 to 12have seen the least opt-out levels (0.4%), which reflects their relative ability to adapt to virtual learning. However, one study suggests the relatively minuscule drop in upper-grade enrollment does not reflect a thriving gap among students, who are dealing with heightened social, emotional, and academic well-being issues. You may also like: Highest-paying jobs with no formal education requirements This article has been re-published from Stacker.com, pursuant to a CC BY-NC 4.0 License. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get Our Free Newsletters Never miss a headline with NorthcentralPa.com newsletters. Sign Up Today! Morning Headlines: Would you like to receive our daily morning newsletter? Afternoon Update: What's happening today? Here's your update! Daily Obits: Get a daily list straight to your email inbox. A new scholarship program will soon be available to Pennsylvania college students. Through a $200 million Nellie Bly proposal, the state will provide the scholarship opportunity to students who attend either a community college or PA State System of Higher Education institution. The Nellie Bly Scholarship Program proposed to be funded by both the federal American Rescue Plan Act and the Race Horse Development Trust Fund would support student tuition and relevant costs of attendance. The scholarship focuses on students pursuing programs with high-workforce needs following the pandemic, such as healthcare, education, and public service. Students in the program must stay in Pennsylvania to live and work for the same amount of time that they received the scholarship benefit. In announcing the program, Gov. Wolf was joined by some of Pennsylvanias leaders in higher education today, including Millersville University President Dr. Daniel A. Wubah. The past few years have financially challenged our students and their families, and we have responded by taking actions to control costs, Dr. Wubah said. At Millersville, we have decreased the total cost of attendance over the past three years, which is bucking the trend in higher education. The Nellie Bly proposal will help meet our commitment to providing students an exceptional and affordable education. On Wednesday, State Rep. Jordan Harris introduced legislation to create the Nellie Bly Scholarship Program, which will be supported by PASSHE efforts. This proposal to provide direct aid to students combined with PASSHEs efforts to freeze tuition and transform the system will help more students afford to pursue their dream of a higher education," said PASSHE Chancellor Daniel Greenstein. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get Our Free Newsletters Never miss a headline with NorthcentralPa.com newsletters. Sign Up Today! Morning Headlines: Would you like to receive our daily morning newsletter? Afternoon Update: What's happening today? Here's your update! Daily Obits: Get a daily list straight to your email inbox. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. In Pennsylvania prisons, thousands of people are aging behind bars, suffering from chronic health conditions, and requiring regular medical care that costs taxpayers millions of dollars annually. Republican and Democratic lawmakers agree the state needs a more effective way to release ailing people from prison, but have not come to a consensus. Spotlight PA talked to 28 people serving life in prison to understand what it looks like to wait for change while growing older. Lawmakers agree the states current compassionate release law, which is written so narrowly few people qualify, needs an overhaul. But the next steps on two proposals one permanent, one a pilot program are uncertain. Here are some of the most important numbers from our reporting. Whos behind bars There are more than 1,900 people in Pennsylvania state prisons who are 55 or older and have served at least 25 years, one of the qualifications to apply for parole under legislation proposed by state Sen. Sharif Street (D., Philadelphia). Of those, 80% are serving life sentences with no parole opportunities under current state law. Of the people currently in state prison who would be eligible for geriatric release under Streets proposed legislation, 968 are Black. Thats nearly double the number of white prisoners. The average age of a person serving life in Pennsylvania prison is about 50. The cost of keeping them there People in prison are not eligible for federal health insurance programs, meaning Pennsylvania taxpayers bear the full cost of caring for incarcerated people with medical needs. The Department of Corrections spent $2.3 billion last fiscal year to feed, house, and provide medical care for people living in Pennsylvania prisons. $204 million, or roughly 9%, of that went to Laurel Highlands and Waymart, the states two prisons for people with long-term physical and mental health needs. People with serious or chronic conditions cost more to care for on average. The Department of Corrections spent an average of $59,598 per person last fiscal year. But that number nearly doubled to $112,625 per person at Laurel Highlands, which houses 843 people with serious health needs. The current system Pennsylvanias current compassionate release program has been on the books for 13 years. In that time, only 31 people have successfully petitioned to leave prison because of serious illness. Since 2016, eight people have died while waiting for a judge to hear their petition to leave prison for better medical care. Commutation For the 5,049 people serving life in prison, commutation is one of the only options for release. Commutations must be recommended by the five-person Board of Pardons and ultimately approved by the governor, conditions that make them rare. The first step in the commutation process is a public hearing in front of the Board of Pardons. Only 90 people have made it to this phase during Gov. Tom Wolfs eight years in office, and 52 have been recommended for commutation. Wolf signed about 87% of those recommendations. Releasing juvenile lifers In 2017, Pennsylvania began to release juvenile lifers, people sentenced to life for crimes they committed when they were 17 or younger after the U.S. Supreme Court found the punishment cruel and unusual. There were more than 500 juvenile lifers in Pennsylvania prisons at the time, the most of any jurisdiction in the nation. Pennsylvania has resentenced and released 277 juvenile lifers over the past five years. A Montclair State University study of 174 juvenile lifers released from Philadelphia prisons found only two people were convicted of new crimes after their release one for contempt for violating a court order and the other for third-degree robbery. WHILE YOURE HERE... If you learned something from this story, pay it forward and become a member of Spotlight PA so someone else can in the future at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get Our Free Newsletters Never miss a headline with NorthcentralPa.com newsletters. Sign Up Today! Morning Headlines: Would you like to receive our daily morning newsletter? Afternoon Update: What's happening today? Here's your update! Daily Obits: Get a daily list straight to your email inbox. Excerpted from an Accuweather publication. AccuWeather forecasters say that warmer days lie ahead for communities in the eastern half of the nation. As the jet stream transitions northward and pushes into southeastern Canada, mild conditions will surge across the region. Early Sunday morning, unseasonably chilly air held firm across parts of the eastern United States. Residents in the Northeast recorded temperatures ranging in the 30s and 40s. Across the higher elevations of western New York, western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, even a few snowflakes were reported overnight Saturday. Some might be eager to get outdoors and participate in popular springtime activities such as walking, hiking, bird-watching, picnicking, or biking. Tuesday will be the prime opportunity to do so for people located along the Southeastern coast and interior Northeast. By Wednesday, outdoor plans may be limited with rain and thunderstorms forecast to develop in the Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley, and interior Northeast. From Tuesday to Thursday, daytime temperatures from the Tennessee Valley to the Northeast will range between 10-15 degrees above average. Experts say that this spring warmup can help provide nature the boost it needs for flowers and greenery to flourish. By Tuesday, widespread 70s will shift as far north as Kentucky, southeastern Pennsylvania, and northern New Jersey. Temperatures in the low 80s will be possible throughout much of the Southeastern states. The Steel City of Pittsburgh is expected to reach a high of 73 F on Wednesday, roughly 11 degrees above normal. By Thursday, places in central New Jersey such as Princeton will have a chance at getting into the low 80s, almost a whopping 20 degrees above average. Temperatures this weekend will trend back down to near normal or slightly below normal. Most residents throughout the Northeast will see daytime highs ranging from the 50s to 60s, while Southeastern cities are forecast to be in the 70s and 80s. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get Our Free Newsletters Never miss a headline with NorthcentralPa.com newsletters. Sign Up Today! Morning Headlines: Would you like to receive our daily morning newsletter? Afternoon Update: What's happening today? Here's your update! Daily Obits: Get a daily list straight to your email inbox. Shamokin, Pa. A Shamokin man has confessed to a "gruesome" murder of a woman whose dead body he kept in an upstairs bedroom for four days, police say. After police were asked to do a welfare check at a home near the 400 block of South Vine Street, they discovered the body of a 43-year-old woman. The woman, who authorities identified as Rhonda Pearce, was stabbed with a sword, according to Officer Wesley Fleming. After clearing the residence on the afternoon of April 8, Fleming said he spoke with Corey Quincy, who answered the door when officers arrived. Fleming said the 21-year-old admitted to stabbing Pearce with the weapon after they argued over drugs. The two did drugs together, but had run out, Quincy told police. When Pearce demanded he go out and get more heroin, he reportedly "snapped" and attacked her. Quincy then stated that Pearce tried to fight back and that is when he pinned her down, grabbed a large sword he had in his room and stabbed her in the middle of the chest, Fleming wrote in the affidavit. Quincy allegedly told police he had done something terrible and felt horrible for what he did. According to the report, Quincy said it happened on April 4 and he used drugs over the ensuing days in an attempt to figure out what to do. Quincy allegedly stabbed Pearce in the second-floor room after he punched her in the face several times. Fleming said Quincy dragged the body to another room before he went downstairs and told his father, Ronald Quincy, he had killed her. His father never went upstairs to see the body, but told his son he would have to "come forward" about the death, Quincy said. Shamokin Police Chief Ray Siko said he was contacted by Ronald Quincy on the morning of April 8. Siko said Ronald Quincy was concerned for his son and wanted to speak in person. During an interview at the Shamokin Hospital, Ronald Quincy allegedly told Siko I think something is wrong at the house, please go and check on him in reference to Corey Quincy. I think he lost it, I dont know what happened, I dont know if it was the drugs or if he lost it, please check on him for me, Ronald Quincy told Siko. A probation officer and members of the Shamokin Police Department arrived at the residence on South Vine Street at approximately 3:31 p.m. Siko said he spoke with Quincy, who was standing on the front porch dressed in dark clothing as officers approached. Siko and a member of the Probation Office entered the home and discovered Pearce, who was pronounced dead at approximately 4:05 p.m., in a second-floor bedroom on the floor. According to the affidavit, authorities saw a large blood stain on the hallway floor leading to the room. As officers worked to clear the crime scene, Fleming said Quincy waived his rights and was interviewed in the back of a cruiser at the scene. Quincy allegedly told Fleming he argued with Pearce before striking her several times and holding her down. Quincy stated that is all happened so quickly and he freaked out and began to have a panic attack immediately after, Fleming wrote. Fleming transported Quincy back to the Shamokin Police Department and interviewed him for a second time in the evening. Quincy allegedly gave a similar account of the events that led to the death of Pearce. Quincy stated the sword was large enough to go through Rhonda (Pearce) and that it was terrible, Fleming wrote. Quincy also told investigators the killing was a "horrible gruesome thing" and the person who did it was evil and should suffer, arrest papers say. Quincy was charged with criminal homicide along with felony aggravated assault and multiple misdemeanors that include possession of an instrument of crime and recklessly endangering another person. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get Our Free Newsletters Never miss a headline with NorthcentralPa.com newsletters. Sign Up Today! Morning Headlines: Would you like to receive our daily morning newsletter? Afternoon Update: What's happening today? Here's your update! Daily Obits: Get a daily list straight to your email inbox. Advocacy groups in Pennsylvania are calling on lawmakers to redistribute billions of dollars in federal coronavirus relief aid to Commonwealth residents. Pennsylvania received more than $7 billion through the American Rescue Plan, and $2.2 billion has not yet been allocated. Nick Pressley, director of campaigns for the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, said investing federal aid directly with working families would help the state's economy continue to recover from the pandemic. "The best way to help Pennsylvania families and small businesses," he said, "is to send them direct checks to help offset the costs that are coming as a result of an economic recovery that was faster than expected." Pressley said one approach supported by some lawmakers calls for one-time rebate checks to low-income renters and homeowners, low-to-moderate-income families, and individuals or small businesses that own vehicles below a certain size. They also want to see grants to small businesses affected by the pandemic. Republicans have advised saving the relief aid, pointing to future operating deficits outlined in a report by the nonpartisan Independent Fiscal Office. Most of the proposals are included in Gov. Tom Wolf's "Brighter Pennsylvania" plan. GOP lawmakers have suggested the federal relief be used for a gas-tax holiday, which would cut the state's gas tax by one-third through the end of this year. Pressley argued that kind of tax cut would mostly benefit large corporations, who use the roads for shipping. "The record is very clear," he said. "When gas taxes go down, wealthy oil companies do not reduce prices at the pump at the same rate, if at all. " All told, Pressley said, the proposed rebate checks and small-business grants would cost more than $3 billion, which is more than the state technically has left in federal funds. But Pressley said lawmakers placed most of the Rescue Plan dollars in the state's general fund, which is on track to have a roughly $4.7 billion surplus at the end of the fiscal year. Some advocates and lawmakers believe Pennsylvania should pull from that fund to support the stimulus programs. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get Our Free Newsletters Never miss a headline with NorthcentralPa.com newsletters. Sign Up Today! Morning Headlines: Would you like to receive our daily morning newsletter? Afternoon Update: What's happening today? Here's your update! Daily Obits: Get a daily list straight to your email inbox. Mohsin Haider Darwish (MHD), a leading business house in Oman, has signed an agreement with Ali Moosa Al Bulushi, National Bank of Oman (NBO) and Sohar Freezone to set up a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. Under the agreement, Penicillin General Integrated Industrial Company (Pen-G) will be jointly owned by MHD and Ali Moosa Al Bulushi and will establish a state-of-the-art fermentation plant for the manufacture of key pharmaceutical start-up material at the Sohar Freezone. NBO will be participating as the primary bank through which the project is being financed. The signing ceremony took place at the Pen-G Head Office in Ghala. Present at the signing ceremony were Ali Moosa Al Bulushi; Mohammed Abdullah Al Kharusi - Chief Executive Officer, MHD; Abdullah Zahran Al Hinai, Chief Executive Officer, National Bank of Oman; and Omar bin Mahmood Al Mahrizi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar Freezone and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Sohar Port. Commenting on the project, Mohammed Al Kharusi said: As of 2020, the global pharmaceutical industry generated revenues of $1.27 trillion, representing significant growth over the past two decades. Our objective with Pen-G is twofold. First, we would like to officially put Oman on the world map for raw materials for start-up medicine and enter this lucrative industry, and second, we would like to further our goal of establishing ourselves as a key contributor to Oman Vision 2040 and, by extension, to the governments national diversification efforts. Furthermore, our location at the Sohar Freezone, right next to the largest industrial port in the country, provides us with ready access to global trade routes between Asia and Europe for both acquisition of raw materials as well as export of our product. The Pen-G fermentation plant will be the first of its kind in the region and has been initially designed to have two blocks for the manufacture of Penicillin-G and 6-APA (Amino Penicillanic Acid) respectively. These are key start-up materials for the most widely used group of antibiotics, penicillin, and cephalosporins. There are also plans to eventually add a further block for the manufacture of key start-up materials for Erythromycin. Furthermore, the plant has been designed from the ground up to comply wholly with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) regulations, ensuring all products manufactured are to global standards. The project was the brainchild of Ali Moosa Al Bulushi, a proven, dynamic, multi-disciplined project director and program manager. He has been a banker for close to two decades before he plunged into the pharmaceutical business, implementing, and providing complete project life-cycle management services for various pharma projects in India and Oman. Commenting on the Pen-G project, he said: This project is a core part of my constantly evolving dream to build value in Oman in the Pharma sector. Penicillin G represents value addition at the raw material stage of antibiotic medicine manufacturing an area currently dominated by China. Once completely operational, this plant will cater to the demand for Penicillin GK raw material amounting to nearly 10% of the world's consumption. Omar bin Mahmood Al Mahrizi said: The growth of the Sohar pharma cluster is an important step forward in the development of the Port and Freezone with far-reaching benefits to the local community, both in terms of investment and access to the finished product. This pharma project, the second project after our animal vaccination facility, will add significant value to all three of our objectives. We are confident that the plant operated by Penicillin General Integrated Industrial Company will provide the impetus for further investment in the pharmaceutical industry and the potential for Sohar to become the main hub for the industry in the region. Abdullah Zahran Al Hinai said: The pharmaceutical industry has endless potential to transform Omans national economy and we welcome the first major project at Sohar. It is a proud moment for the bank to be able to support the development of a new high-growth sector and enable Penicillin General Integrated Industrial Company to move forwards with their pioneering plans. NBO is a firm believer in the power of technology and innovation, and a regular investor in projects which leave a lasting legacy and more importantly impact on the country, its economy, and its people. With MHD one of the foremost business houses in Oman, Sohar Freezone the largest and most prominent free zone in the country, and NBO a market-leading bank, I could not ask for better, more experienced partners to bring this dream to life. My sincere thanks to each of them and I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership for the foreseeable future, concluded Ali Moosa Al Bulushi. TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Attorneys for an Arizona man who was sentenced to life in federal prison for crimes he committed as a juvenile are pushing for his time to be cut short Civilian evacuations are moving forward in patches of battle-scarred eastern Ukraine a day after a missile strike killed at least 52 people at a train station where thousands were waiting to leave before an expected Russian onslaught You help them to save some money, which helps them put food on the table, keep a roof over their head and allows them to remain independent. What better thing can you do with your time? Mike Otto Pull quote In 1914, Marian Graves and her twin brother, James, are among the last to be saved when the Josephina Eterna sinks in the North Atlantic. With their father in prison and their mother gone, the two babies are bundled off to live with their Uncle Wallace, an artist in Missoula, Montana. Wallace, preoccupied with his painting, lets the kids run wild, and while James is a sweet-natured child, Marian is a daredevil who revels in the freedom to do what she wants. That helps explain her attraction to the lifestyle of barnstorming aviators and her decision at 14 to drop out of school to learn to fly. Fast forward a century. Actress Hadley Baxter, whose Hollywood stardom is somewhat diminished, is starring in a movie about the disappearance of Marian Graves in Antarctica. The story of these two women takes us back and forth from past to present and around the globe in Maggie Shipsteads Great Circle (Vintage Books 2021; $24). The disappearance of a woman aviator is familiar. After all, movies and articles are still being written about Amelia Earhart, whose plane vanished in the Pacific Ocean in 1937. But there are many other female pilots from the early and mid-1900s, though theyre exploits are mostly forgotten now. Writing Great Circle required Shipstead to research and travel to give the book its authenticity. She visited the Arctic five times and Antarctica twice. Why so many times, I asked Shipstead. Im drawn to those regions by some weird instinct, she said. I think a lot of people are. But Ive also been lucky to keep getting opportunities to go. Polar travel has become a bit of my specialty, so Ive been sent on assignment to Alaska, the New Zealand subantarctic, Antarctica, the Canadian high Arctic twice, Greenland twice. I did an artist residency on a ship in Svalbard. In a way, one thing kept leading to another, and I have no complaints. The inspiration for Great Circle came to her in New Zealand. She was between books and a story line for her next novel that she had thought looked promising, wasnt. In the airport, she saw the statue of early aviator Jean Batton, its base inscribed with her quote I was destined to be a wanderer. She knew she had her book. Given how much she has traveled, I wondered if Shipstead was destined to be a wanderer. Destined is probably strong, she said. Ive always been interested in travel, but my life could have taken lots of twists and turns that would have precluded traveling as much as I have. Really, this book turbocharged my traveling because, A, I was motivated to get to more and farther flung places in the name of research, and B, it took so long to write the book that I had the chance to start writing for travel magazines. I next asked if she ever considered becoming a pilot given her interest in the subject. Never, was her response. My brother used to fly C-130s in the Air Force and wanted to be a pilot from childhood, so that was always his territory. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The motion picture academy on Friday banned Will Smith from attending the Oscars or any other academy event for 10 years following his slap of Chris Rock at the Academy Awards. The move comes after a meeting of the academy's Board of Governors to discuss a response to Smith's actions. The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage, the academy said in a statement. I accept and respect the Academys decision, Smith said in response. He pre-emptively resigned from the academy last week during the run-up to the meeting, calling his actions "shocking, painful, and inexcusable. Smith will keep the Oscar he won after the slap, and he will remain eligible to be nominated for and to win more of them in the 10-year period, though he can't show up to accept them. The academy also apologized for its handling of the situation and allowing Smith to stay and accept his best actor award for King Richard. During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry, the academy said. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short unprepared for the unprecedented. In a statement in the days following the Oscars, the academy said Smith was asked to leave the ceremony but refused. But it's not clear how the message was delivered to Smith or what form it took, and several media outlets reported that he was never formally told to leave the Dolby Theatre. The Los Angeles Times reported in a story Thursday that Oscars producer Will Packer told Smith: Officially, we dont want you to leave. We want you to stay. The ban means Smith will not be presenting one of the major awards at next year's Oscars, as is tradition for the best actor winner. The academy in its Friday statement also expressed deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. The academy has not revoked Oscars from expelled members Harvey Weinstein or Roman Polanski. With his resignation last week, Smith lost the ability to vote for nominees and winners. Smith has been nominated for four Oscars, winning once. At the March 27 Academy Awards, Rock came out to present the best documentary award and made jokes about several attendees, including Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2, cant wait to see it, Rock said. Pinkett Smith, who has spoken publicly about her hair loss condition, alopecia, had a closely shaved head similar to that of Demi Moore in the 1997 movie. Smith strode from his front-row seat on to the stage and smacked Rock, stunning the comedian, the theater crowd and viewers at home. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Kuwait Finance House Bahrain (KFH-Bahrain) has announced the launch of this years auto finance campaign, which will continue through the holy month of Ramadan. Launched following the success of the previous years campaign, the offer includes Sharia compliant auto financing at competitively reduced annual profit rates, a flexible repayment period of up to seven years, without an advance payment or salary transfer. Customers who are interested can apply at the Auto Finance Division in Sitra Mall. Commenting, Hamed Mashal, Head of Retail Banking at KFHBahrain, said: This reiterates our commitment to supporting and giving back to the community and meeting their financial needs. The auto finance campaign provides our valued customers with a number of exclusive features, including a reduction in the financing profit rates. We would like to take this opportunity to invite everyone to apply for auto financing at our newly set up auto finance specialised division in Sitra Mall before the end of the holy month to take advantage of this remarkable offer. KFHBahrain offers competitive profit rates on all new applications for personal, auto and real estate finance, including financing for the Mazaya social housing program. The campaign offers are available to all citizens and residents who are employees within the public and private sectors.-- TradeArabia News Service Boston has suspended the liquor license of the bar where a Marine from Northwest Indiana was fatally stabbed. The Boston Licensing Board indefinitely suspended the liquor license of the Sons of Boston bar after Daniel Martinez, a Merrillville High School graduate who grew up in Crown Point, was fatally stabbed there while visiting a fellow Marine for St. Patrick's Day. He was 23 years old and lived in Palos Hills with his father, who owns a funeral home in Chicago. Alvaro Larrama, a 38-year-old bouncer, was arrested on a charge of murder after chasing Martinez and his friend down on the street, where they were leaving after waiting in line to get in. His family, including his mother who lives in Crown Point, hired the law firm Altman Nussbaum & Shunnarah Trial Attorneys to file a civil lawsuit against the Sons of Boston at 17 Union Street in downtown Boston. The bar has not returned messages. The licensing board determined the Sons of Boston violated several municipal rules, including "assault and battery employee on patron with a deadly weapon," "armed security without prior board approval," "failure to supervise the conduct of a licensed establishment," "permitting a disturbance resulting in the licensed premise becoming a focal point for police attention," "failure to call the police" and allowing an "employee to make bodily contact with a patron." Martinez, who also attended Hammond Baptist Schools, was looking to attend college to study photography or film, buy a house most likely in Cicero and travel the world, his parents said. They are looking to start a foundation in his honor to carry on the legacy of his good deeds, including volunteering at senior homes and feeding the homeless in Chicago. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 1 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. HAMMOND Historians from across Indiana gathered at Purdue University Northwest on Saturday to discuss issues like the Calumet Heritage Area, the power of the book, racial violence, activism in the urban Midwest and the Hoosier State's past. Purdue Northwest's Hammond campus hosted the Indiana Association of Historians Conference for the first time. Historians gave presentations like The Poor People of the Dump: Terre Haute's Forgotten Neighbor," "No-Go's: Rethinking the Indiana National Guards Role in Vietnam and Beyond and Standing Still: Discovering and Mapping Womens History in Muncie, Indiana. "I've had a growing concern as an academic over the past few several years," Provost Kenneth (Chris) Holford said while introducing keynote speaker Emily Prifogle, an assistant professor of law and history at the University of Michigan. "I'm a biologist by training. In my area, it's things like climate change. Under the best circumstances, it might be called public confusion. Under the worst cases, it might be called anti-intellectualism. Certainly, if I look to the news media at night, I can see pundits willing to say just about anything and willing to support any decision without considering the intellectual part of the conversation. I know the same is true for history. There is revisionist history without appropriate peer review and taking things out of context. When we look at our country and what's going on, academics and other professionals in this area must do things like produce good scholarly work, distribute that widely and contextualize it so it's accessible for the public. That's a burden we all have." He welcomed the historians to "the most diverse campus in the state among the four-year comprehensives." "We're immensely proud of that and we're immensely proud of the students that we serve," he said. Prifogle, who graduated from a high school in rural Shelby County before earning degrees from Indiana University, the University of Oxford, the University of California, Berkeley and Princeton University delivered the Robert M. Taylor Jr. Memorial Lecture entitled "Rethinking the History of Rural Education" "The goal of universal education early on could only be met by thousands and thousands of one-room schools that were meted out a walker's distance," she said. "There was a school every mile or so, so students could walk there and walk home. There was an explosion of schools across the rural Midwest, providing a near-total education. Thousands of schools served as hubs for local civic activities, including church services, voting, town meetings, fundraisers, dances, picnics, holiday pageants, sporting events, theater. You name it, it happened at the schools. Rural schools had been the largest public institution for most of the 20th century in rural America." School buildings served as community-defining infrastructure that literally defined the scope of social communities, she said. Well into the 20th century there were more than 7,000 school districts in Minnesota alone, many just elementary schools where a young woman would teach about 20 students. But that started to change when many schools were consolidated and closed. "At the beginning of the 20th century, most schools meant greater access to education and facilitated greater civic participation," she said. "But by the time you get to the 1920s, education professionals start to see the problem as too many schools. Education professionals in the Progressive Era start to worry about the quality of education and worked with state governments to intervene, such as through state-mandated minimum standards." Rural residents feared school closures and became political activists, but their rhetoric often mirrored that of those who opposed school integration. Outside intervention reshaped rural communities that resisted modernization and worried about losing their cultural identities. "Through state consolidation legislation, federal intervention, integration or even education policies, rural communities have been reshaped for the last 100 years," she said. "Rural education is certainly better than it was in the era of one-room schools. Still, outcomes in rural communities remain below average across the board." Prifogle also addressed her efforts to confront gender bias in academia by co-founding the Women Also Know History initiative. In the 21st century, women have attained 42% of history Ph.D.s and attained near parity in academic hiring, but more work needs to be done, she said. "Women historians still experience persistent and well-documented biases in our profession, including underrepresentation in citation counts, publishing, peer review, grant awards, syllabi and conferences," she said. "The American Historical Association reports that even though women have achieved near parity in hiring, there remain gender biases in compensation, tenure positions, sexual harassment, maternal leave policies and other more subtle forms of discrimination. Essentially, every measure of an academic historian's professional life is affected by gender bias." Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. HOBART The city is focused on plans for this year, but officials took time to reflect on what was completed in 2021. We are excited as to what was accomplished in 2021 and what is now occurring in 2022, Mayor Brian Snedecor said in a video State of the City address presented during Wednesdays City Council meeting. He said collaboration is key to making progress in city endeavors. This doesnt happen without a unified front of the council, Board of Works and department leaders and their staffs with vision and execution of plans to move our city forward in positive ways for our community to be a place where residents can live, work and play, Snedecor said. Director of Development Beth Jacobson said that a 308,000-square-foot light manufacturing facility and a 280,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution building being constructed on 69th Avenue have a combined investment of $91 million and that they can create about 155 full-time jobs. The projects can elevate the citys assessed value, which can help keep taxes lower for residents, she said. She said a new roundabout was completed at 69th Avenue and Colorado Street. The citys Redevelopment Commission pursued the project with a grant from the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and contributions from the Merrillville Conservancy District. Building Code Official Karen Hansen said 2021 was a record year for construction. The city issued 2,651 building permits for projects. The total construction value was around $81 million, she said. Hobart is continuing to experience growth both in residential and commercial sectors, Hansen said. That includes the Eagle Creek subdivision and the latest Albanese expansion, she said. City Engineer Phil Gralik said there are several projects planned for this year. A federal road project will reconstruct Colorado Street at U.S. 30 to correct sight distance issues and alter commercial drives and signals to enhance safety. Delaware and Third streets will both be reconstructed through the states Community Crossings Matching Grant program. The first phase of the Duck Creek restoration project near County Line Road will start this year. Design work continues for the Stinky Creek/Cressmoor storm sewer initiative. Gralik said major projects are expected to start in 2023. That includes a roundabout at Marcella Boulevard and 61st Avenue. The Indiana Department of Transportation also is expected to install a roundabout next year at Ind. 130 and Ind. 51, Gralik said. Hobart Police Chief Garrett Ciszewski said the Police Department had a great year in 2021. Our partnership with the community and our officers hard work shows with a 5% increase in calls for service, Ciszewski said. Crime was down in almost all areas. He said the citys reserve officers log about 6,000 hours of free work each year, and that service helps free up officers to do more work. Fire Chief Randy Smith said firefighters responded to 5,136 emergency calls last year. He said 3,530 of those were EMS-related. He said firefighters also completed 6,045 man-hours of training. Smith said that 2021 was a challenge because of COVID and an increasing call volume and that the city started peer support and employee assistance programs to help employees. Aimee Schallenkamp, executive director of Hobarts Maria Reiner Center, (MRC)said the senior center closed the first few months of 2021 because of COVID. It reopened in March last year, and several events took place with precautions. Overall, 2021 was a great year to open back up at the MRC, Schallenkamp said. The members enjoyed the companionship and friendship they had lost in the previous year. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Lakes of the Four Seasons Volunteer Fire Force officials are fired up about the future growth of the area they serve and protect. Officials, including Fire Chief Jeremy Campbell and Deputy Chief Kevin Heerema, are in the midst of immediate and long-term plans to address it. "The area (we protect) will stay the same but the population is rising," Heerema said. One of the most immediate projects the fire force has been working on is adding a sleeping room and living quarters at Fire Station One, located south of Lakes of the Four Seasons. Plans by fire officials are to be able to have two fully staffed ambulances available on a 24-hour basis, including one at Fire Station One and one at the Winfield Fire Station. "Now we just have one fully staffed ambulance, and our plan is to have a second staffed station at the south fire department," Campbell said. The proposed growth of the town of Winfield especially, just part of the fire force's 32-square mile coverage area, is making the department look ahead to being able to handle its future challenges, Campbell said. Those challenges include a number of new residential subdivisions recently approved by Winfield town officials and the construction of a new middle school on 117th Avenue in Winfield. "The growth is blowing up around us, and we're trying to be proactive to get ourselves ready. The growth isn't just potential; it's happening," Campbell said. Winfield's population in the 2020 census was 7,181, and Winfield Clerk-Treasurer Richard Anderson anticipates that number has most likely climbed to about 8,000 this year. The fire force's jurisdiction also covers both the Porter and Lake county sides of the Lakes of the Four Seasons community with an estimated population of 10,000 as well as Winfield and West Porter townships. The fire force last month penned a new contract with the Winfield Township Advisory Board for a total of $339,200, which includes four quarterly payments of $57,500. Last year the quarterly payments were $43,099, Winfield Township Trustee Paulette Skinner said. "It's a generous contract," Skinner said. That amount doesn't include $50,000 for miscellaneous expenses; $7,200 for a snowplow, $34,000 for a fire truck and $18,000 for an ambulance. The Town of Winfield last year also penned with fire officials a 2022 contract for a total of $172,000 with monthly payments of $14,333, compared to $12,291 in 2021, Town Administrator Nick Bellar said. Bellar said fire officials were expected to be at the Winfield Town Council meeting Tuesday seeking funding for a fire truck. The majority of the calls received by the fire force is for its advanced life support services, Heerema said. "EMS calls is about 70% of what we do," Heerema said. Total fire service calls in 1999 were 500 and averaged 800 in 2011. The number of calls has nearly doubled since then. "In 2021, we answered some 1,500 calls, and with the growth (in our area), that number is going to be higher," Heerema said. Funding hasn't doubled in that time period, with operational funding at $402,00 in 2011 from the force's three funding entities, compared to $450,000 in 2021, Heerema said. Both Campbell and Heerema aren't ruling out the possibility of having a full-time fire department within the next five to 10 years, given the growth. "We're ramping up for the future. We're trying to get ahead of the curve. The population will overcome our resources. We'd like to offer full-time positions and have a full-time department," Campbell said. When the force was incorporated in 1969, it was a bucket brigade made up of volunteers who responded to fires originally in their own vehicles without official firefighting equipment. Those days are long gone, but the force still relies on volunteers. "We are always struggling to get volunteers, and we're always looking for volunteers," Campbell said. Right now the department has 20 and should have 40, Campbell said. The fire force has about 20 part-time personnel, including both Campbell and Heerema as well as paramedics and EMTs who are cross-trained. "It's a long road, and it all comes down to staffing," Campbell said. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. SCHERERVILLE A house fire left a home in Schererville uninhabitable, displacing a family. The fire took place at about 10:48 a.m. Saturday at the 2500 block of Springhill Drive in Schererville, Fire Chief Robert Patterson said. No one was injured in the blaze. No one was home at the time. A neighbor called 911 to report flames coming out of the back windows of the home. "Crews got there fast and did a good job in knocking it down," Patterson said. The fire, however, had already spread from the first to the second floor, causing extensive fire and smoke damage to the home. "It's uninhabitable," Patterson said. "The family is staying with family in the area and of course working with the insurance company." There was no danger of the fire spreading from the single-family home to neighboring properties. "The houses were spaced out enough," he said. "The fire stayed to the backside of the building." Five engines and a fire truck were dispatched to the scene. The Schererville Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Lake Hills, St. John, Dyer, Lake Ridge, Griffith and Munster fire departments. Superior Ambulance had an ambulance ready, and the Highland Fire Department covered down on the Schererville fire stations while its firefighters were out fighting the fire. "It was a good response," Patterson said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation but arson is not suspected, Patterson said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. CALUMET CITY The Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association (TLMODA) is once again renewing its partnership with The Salvation Army to address the increasing food insecurity challenges families face across the country during spring break. Twenty-six dealerships across the nation will distribute more than 5,200 food boxes during the spring break period at participating dealerships in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Ohio, Oregon, North Carolina, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. The 2022 food box distribution benefitting residents of Northwest Indiana and Chicago Area will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Advantage Toyota River Oaks, 1970 River Oaks Drive, Calumet City. This will be a drive-thru distribution. Those receiving food will be asked to remain in their vehicles. Staff from Advantage Toyota and The Salvation Army of Lake County will be on hand to greet those receiving food boxes and to load the food boxes into their cars. Community is one of TLMODAs strategic areas of focus, said Carlos Liriano, president, TLMODA. Hosting a third Day of Servicethis time to provide food for children and their families during their spring break from school -- is another way for TLMODA to give back to and support our communities. During TLMODAs 3rd Annual Day of Service, each participating Toyota dealership will select a date in their local market for the Day of Service campaign. Toyota dealership staff will distribute grocery boxes of non-perishable items like boxes of cereal and canned goods to help feed a family of four, for a week. The Salvation Army is helping identify families in need of food and instructing them to visit one of the participating Toyota dealerships to pick up their grocery box. To maintain proper social distance protocols, boxes will be placed in the trunk of each familys vehicle on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies are exhausted. "Many families depend on school lunches to help feed their children on a daily basis, so when schools close, food insecurity can be a grueling reality. Through our partnership with TLMODA, those essential needs are met for thousands of families in our communities," said The Salvation Army National Commander, Commissioner Kenneth Hodder. As a company committed to investing in the communities where we live and work, Toyota provided funding to TLMODA in 2020 and 2021 to partner with The Salvation Army to address food insecurities in our communities, giving out hundreds of boxes of food during our Day of Service events, said Alva Adams-Mason, executive group manager, multicultural business and strategy, Toyota Motor North America. We are pleased to continue this partnership in 2022 with TLMODAs third Day of Servicethis time to ensure our youngest citizens dont go hungry during the Spring Break vacation. TLMODAs goal is to represent the needs of minority dealers within Toyota and Lexus. Any dealership which represents a minority group, based on 51 percent or more ownership, is invited to join as a dealer member. Some of the benefits available to dealer members include networking opportunities, mentoring support, collective representation within Toyota and Lexus, community involvement support, and development opportunities, among others. Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association (TLMODA) is a diverse dealer association focused on the growth and sustainability of Toyota and Lexus minority customers, and ethnic minority dealers. For more information, go to www.tlmoda.org. For more information about the many services provided by The Salvation Army of Lake County and how to support its work, please visit www.SalArmyLakeCounty.org Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Ntozake Shanges For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf defied Broadway conventions when it opened at the Booth Theater on Sept. 15, 1976. An experimental choreopoem focusing on the lives of seven women of color, who are each named after colors of the rainbow, was revelatory and not something you might expect to find on a mainstream Broadway stage. At the time, Black actresses were still coming out of the stereotype framework of people looking at us and judging us, Trezana Beverley, who won a Tony for her portrayal of Lady in Red, said during a recent Zoom interview. Zake broke all those rules and we broke them with her. We were indeed the colors of the rainbow that was what was so exciting about it. Monologues detailing loss, betrayal, violence and love are told poetically and combined with movement and music. Through a gentle touch, a soft embrace or an impromptu dance, the women comfort one another as a supportive collective. Ntozake had an extraordinary way of blending prose with poetry the rhythms of her words and, of course, the incredible imagination, that she had in her storytelling, Beverley said. Mr. Macrons combination of neoliberalism and authoritarianism has deepened inequality, diminished the welfare state, weakened democracy and aggravated the mistrust of politics, resulting in unprecedented abstention rates in regional elections, especially among the youth. Under the Fifth Republic, in place since 1958, it is a unique record. There is one domain in which Mr. Macron had raised more optimistic expectations: climate change. In 2018, Minister of Environment Nicolas Hulot detailed an ambitious plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 in accordance with the 2015 Paris Agreement. A year later, as it became clear that the administration was not complying with its objectives, the popular Mr. Hulot resigned in protest. A year later, Mr. Macron convened The Citizens Convention for the Climate to provide proposals to mitigate global warming, which he promised to follow. But his government abandoned some of the most significant ones and watered down others. Yet the most revealing sign of Mr. Macrons political drift to the right has been his placing the control of immigration, implicitly from the South, and the regulation of religion, tacitly Islam, at the center of his politics. On immigration, Mr. Macron has become ever more hard-line. In the past five years, the unprecedented repression of migrants and refugees at the border with Italy, in informal camps around Paris and above all in the so-called jungles of Calais, from where exiles try to reach Britain, has been denounced by human rights organizations. As incoming president of the European Union, he announced that after the drowning of 27 people in the English Channel in November, border policing by the European agency Frontex should be reinforced, disregarding the higher risk for migrants. Earlier in 2021, Mr. Macron had a bill voted on by his parliamentary majority against the alleged separatism of Muslims, who have been deemed a threat to republican values. Criticized by religious groups and advocacy groups as an attack of civil liberties, this law has already allowed the government to dissolve several nongovernmental organizations. The xenophobic and Islamophobic notes in Mr. Macrons policies may come as a surprise from a candidate whose constituency is mostly composed of middle- and upper-class voters as well as retirees for whom immigration and secularism rank far lower as priorities than purchasing power, the health system and the environment. But with the left candidate of La France Insoumise, Jean-Luc Melenchon, polling third in the first round, Mr. Macron appears to have assumed that he would win the presidential election on his right, against Republicains Valerie Pecresse, Reconquetes Eric Zemmour, and above all, Rassemblement Nationals Marine Le Pen, in second place, with a constituency attuned to her nationalist program. Its been done before. In 2002, Jacques Chirac adopted a similar approach in a runoff against Jean-Marie Le Pen. Ahead of the vote, Le Pen warned that voters always prefer the original to the copy. He was wrong, and lost by about 60 percent. In mid-March, when his daughter Marine was polling between 16 and 22 percent behind Mr. Macron in the second round of the election, it seemed like his prediction would continue to fall short. But now, when the difference between the candidates has plummeted to as little as 2 percent, it looks close to coming true. In a more significant disruption, Ms. Pelosis spokesman, Drew Hammill, said a planned congressional delegation to Asia that she had been scheduled to lead had been postponed. That trip, officially focused on Japan, was also reported in Japanese and Taiwanese media to have included a visit to Taiwan on Sunday, drawing a warning from China, which considers Taiwan its territory. Sunday is the 43rd anniversary of President Jimmy Carters signing of the Taiwan Relations Act, which enabled the United States to maintain unofficial relations with democratically ruled Taiwan, while giving diplomatic recognition to China. The wave of cases has also hit Mr. Bidens communications staff hard. Ms. Psaki tested positive last month, a day before she was supposed to join President Biden on a trip to Brussels for a series of summits to rally support for Ukraine in its battle against the invasion by Russia. Instead, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House principal deputy press secretary, accompanied Mr. Biden and tested positive on her return. And just in the past few days, more cabinet members and senior aides to members of the administration have reported testing positive after attending an annual dinner last week in Washington for A-list politicians and journalists. Among those who have publicly announced being infected with the virus after attending the event are Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo; Attorney General Merrick B. Garland; Valerie Biden Owens, the presidents sister; and Jamal Simmons, the communications director for Vice President Kamala Harris. Mr. Biden did not attend. On Friday, at a celebration on the White House South Lawn of the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman to be named to the Supreme Court, Mr. Biden, Ms. Harris and Judge Jackson ended their speeches and returned to the White House without mingling with the crowd. A South Texas sheriffs official said on Saturday that a 26-year-old woman had been indicted on a murder charge in connection with the death of an individual through a self-induced abortion. The woman, Lizelle Herrera, was arrested on Friday and detained in Starr County, the official, Maj. Carlos Delgado, said in a statement reported Saturday by The Associated Press. Ms. Herrera was released on bail on Saturday, according to a statement from the Frontera Fund, an abortion rights organization. Her bond was set at $500,000. While circumstances of the case remain unclear the statement did not say whether Ms. Herrera was accused of having the abortion or aiding one, or how far along the pregnancy had been the indictment comes months after the Texas Legislature passed several restrictions on abortion. The charge also comes amid expectations that the Supreme Court will soon overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that established a womans constitutional right to an abortion and that prohibited states from banning the procedure before a fetus is viable outside the womb, which is currently about 23 weeks of pregnancy. Air Arabia Egypt has announced the introduction of a new service to Dammam in Saudi Arabia with direct flights from Cairo International Airport to King Fahd International Airport, commencing on April 26, 2022. Dammam, the capital of Eastern Province, has several landmarks and a wonderful tourist infrastructure with an abundance of activities as well as cultural sites to visit. This beautiful coastal city is the home to a huge sea and known for its wonderful beaches with exceptional fishing spots and it is considered the eighth route that Air Arabia Egypt flies to after Riyadh, Jeddah, Tabuk, Taif, Al Jouf, Hail and Gassim in Saudi Arabia. Customers can now book their direct flights between Cairo and Dammam by visiting Air Arabias website, calling the call centre or through travel agencies. TradeArabia News Service Life expectancy in the United States continued to drop in 2021, while rebounding from the pandemic in many other high-income countries, according to a new preliminary analysis that found the U.S. decline was driven largely by deaths among white Americans. Life expectancy is the age to which newborns could expect to live if every year of life were identical to their birth year. In 2020, that expectation dropped sharply in the United States, as it did across many nations rocked by the pandemic. In 2021, as more and more people became vaccinated, many peer nations began to see life expectancies rebound, according to the new study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed. The researchers public health experts in Colorado, Virginia and Washington, D.C. thought they would find a similar trajectory underway in the United States. But that wasnt so. The study estimated that U.S. life expectancy continued to drop in 2021, by a total of 2.26 years from 2019. The studys findings about life expectancy reflect the toll of the pandemic. Out of 3,383,729 total U.S. deaths reported by federal authorities in 2020, the first year of the pandemic, the leading causes of death remained heart disease and cancer. Covid came third, accounting for roughly 350,000 deaths, or about 10 percent. In 2021, the Covid toll was 478,286, according to data from The New York Times, a 38 percent increase. The actor Johnny Depp could not convince a judge in London that he was innocent of allegations that he had abused his former wife, the actress Amber Heard, but in a trial starting Monday, the actor will take his defamation complaint to a jury in Virginia. The U.S. trial centers on a lawsuit Mr. Depp filed against Ms. Heard, who wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post in 2018, after the couple divorced, saying she had become a public figure representing domestic abuse. The piece did not mention Mr. Depp by name, but the actor has asserted in court papers that it clearly referred to their relationship, and that his reputation and career were devastated as a result. During three years of legal sparring in Virginia, Mr. Depp, 58, and Ms. Heard, 35, have shared pages of lurid details from their varying accounts of their marriage. Ms. Heards descriptions of volatile and violent episodes with Mr. Depp throughout their relationship included his slapping her, head-butting her, throwing her to the ground, and pulling out clumps of her hair, according to court papers. Never say never. It hasnt been discussed, but all I do know is that his body wasnt found. So where is he? Like D.B. Cooper, right? And now youve been handed your first lead in several years with FBI: Most Wanted. Is there any fear in taking on a role like this at this stage, or is it more a challenge? Theyre frankly not giving many shows to a 60-year-old guy. So I was like, This is a good exercise for me to see if I can do it. I think a lot of times actors, myself included, walk on a set, and youve got new actors and a new director, and youre trying to prove yourself and youre a bit scared. What happened was I started doing character work, which Im much happier doing than leading man. Even when I am doing the leading-man role, Ive tried to make it quirky so I dont have that onus to be that guy. And once I started doing that, thats when [the fear] started going away. You said you knew who Wheatley was when you first read him on the page. How so? I think it was an amalgamation of all these different people in my life. My mothers boyfriend was a bank robber. Growing up with him, and then coming to New York and waiting on gangsters as a young man, I think that really influenced me. Id seen the Italian social clubs hanging out and the Irish social clubs after work when I was a kid. One of the things I did was to watch people and study them, and I was able to implement that into my own psyche somewhere. So by the time I read Richard Wheatley, I was like: I know what he wears. I know what he eats. I know what hes thinking. It just came to me. When that happens, its miraculous, because you dont have to search for it. HELLO, MOLLY! A Memoir By Molly Shannon with Sean Wilsey 291 pages. Ecco/HarperCollins Publishers. $27.99. Some people break into show business; others burst. Like her famous character on Saturday Night Live, the nervous Catholic schoolgirl Mary Katherine Gallagher, Molly Shannon was more of a battering ram, laying siege to the false-fronted structures of Hollywood with blunt, repetitive force. When you reach the part in her new memoir, Hello, Molly!, where the fortresses finally crumble for her, you want to get out the pom-poms and cheer. Along with her genius for physical comedy and deadpan inflection dont get me started, shed intone, as the mediocre stand-up Jeannie Darcy Shannon has an uncanny knack for transgression in pursuit of higher truth. Early in her career, she and a friend from drama school came up with something they called the Mamet Scam. They pretended to be assistants in the office of David Mamet, the notoriously Hollywood-averse playwright: arranging each other appointments with agents, casting directors and producers, drawing on their experience selling health-club memberships. (Always be closing, as Mamet wrote in Glengarry Glen Ross.) They ran this racket with energy for six months Shannon getting a small part on Twin Peaks out of it and were only busted once, by a talent manager for the Brat Pack. Later, Shannon and another friend from an improv group called the Lumber Company created their own stage show, hiring musicians with money Shannon was making as a hostess at Cravings, a restaurant on Sunset Boulevard. They kept the show under an hour, with drinks, to tempt busy industry types. Shannon also invited restaurant diners, homeless people, her dentist. There was nothing more important than packing the house, she writes. Pack it, pack it, pack it, pack it! In front of those crowds, she developed another brilliant character, Sally OMalley. In her stretchy red pantsuit, OMalley is the patron saint of all 50-year-old women who refuse to roll over and become Norma Desmond but instead want to kick, stretch and KICK! (If you havent yet made OMalleys acquaintance, go watch the S.N.L. sketch in which she tries out for the Rockettes.) I have yet to dance Serenade, but I felt the spirit of the movements through Bentleys descriptive prose. She weaves in impressive detail about the actual technique of ballet, articulating the dancers physical experience for the reader. Turnout, she writes the rotation of both legs from the hip sockets in opposite, outward directions, simultaneously is both the core and the central contradiction of classical ballet. But in the beginning of Serenade, Balanchine calls for the 17 dancers on the stage to turn their feet parallel, like ordinary mortals. Given their training, this position feels so awkward and off-balance that when, a minute and a half into the piece, they suddenly rotate their feet outward, the physical relief coincides with a profound sense of opening. Turnout offers all directions, any direction, every direction, Bentley writes. When parallel splits open, the world splits too. Bentley traces the history of ballet from its origins in the court of King Louis XIV who tried via royal decree to regulate dancers techniques and to clean up the rampant practice of jumping about any old which way to contemporary works of today. And within this long arc she places Balanchines own evolution from Georgi Balanchivadze, a son of Russian imperial heritage, to an egalitarian visionary in the West. Serenade, she says, showcased his notion that the female dancer reigned supreme, as she had not before. In a close reading of a particular movement within this abstract ballet, Bentley makes a convincing case that through the push and pull between a solo dancer and the ensemble she longs to join, Balanchine equalized all his performers, releasing soloists from their rigid pedestals and the corps de ballet from its decorative function, thus freeing both. The ramifications for the form were significant: Balanchine did not so much change an aspect of the art as push it, in its lush entirety, onto entirely new ground. Flipping classical tradition on its head, he brought democracy to ballet. Its not legally allowed, said Oren Saar, a founder and the chief executive of WoodSpoon, which facilitated the interviews with Ms. Achan and other cooks. If someone is on our platform and theyre selling food they cooked in their own kitchens, thats against our platform policy. But, to be completely honest, we think that those rules are outdated. Ms. Achan said she had become aware from her own research that cooks were not allowed to sell foods cooked in their homes, but said she continued to do so. The food needs to be prepared in a clean kitchen, and it needs to be done correctly, she said. Ive been cooking for my family for years, and thats how I prepare meals for my customers. WoodSpoon is part of a shift occurring in the food industry. Driven by the pandemic, companies and investors are throwing tens of billions of dollars into bets on what, where and how consumers will eat in the coming years. In a wager that people will eat less meat, enormous investments are being made in plant-based food start-ups. Fast-food giants are spending tens of millions of dollars adding drive-through lanes to serve an increasingly grab-and-go nation. More than 1,500 ghost kitchens have popped up across the country, and Wendys has jumped on the bandwagon with plans to open 700 delivery-only restaurants. Millions of dollars are being pumped into snack bars, chips and drink companies in the belief that consumers want extra nutrients or health benefits from their afternoon grazing. And start-ups like WoodSpoon and Shef have emerged, pushing what has been an underground industry of selling food to friends and family into the mainstream through apps. They are aiming to reach those who have developed meal fatigue during the pandemic, weary of trying to find a new, inventive way to cook a chicken or hitting redial for their favorite takeout joint. Most of these apps say they expect the chefs to follow all state and local laws or risk removal from the platform. On April 4, a dollar-denominated Russian government bond matured and another coupon payment came due. That same day, the U.S. Treasury Department tightened its restrictions on Russian transactions in an effort to force Russia to choose between draining the dollar reserves it has on hand or using new revenue to avoid defaulting on its debt. The department blocked Russia from using dollars held in American banks for its bond payments, and the transactions werent completed by JPMorgan. Subsequently, the Russian finance ministry said it paid the debt in rubles. While the finance ministry said it considered its debt obligations to have been fulfilled in full, the rating agencies have said that payment in a currency different from the one that was agreed upon would be a default. Neither of the bonds with payments due on April 4 had a provision for payment in a currency other than dollars. Sanctions, including freezing the central banks reserves held overseas, were imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine in late February. The ratings agencies then cut Russian debt to junk status and investors bet on a default. But for weeks, Russia continued to make debt payments. U.S. authorities permitted the transactions and said American bondholders would be allowed to receive debt payments, despite the sanctions, until May 25. If Russia doesnt repay the debt in dollars, its unclear how the issue will be resolved. By the time the 30-day grace period on the April 4 bond payments expires, credit rating agencies will be barred by European Union sanctions from providing any ratings to Russian entities and wont be able to make a judgment on whether a default has occurred. The companies are withdrawing all their ratings ahead of the E.U.s April 15 deadline. Last month, Russias finance minister, Anton Siluanov, accused the countries that have frozen Russias internationally held currency reserves of trying to create an artificial default. Last week, the finance ministry said if the reserves were unfrozen, then the ruble payments could be converted to dollars. In the meantime, Dr. Fauci encouraged all eligible Americans to get vaccinated and boosted and expressed hope that Congress would soon pass a $10 billion Covid relief bill. Congress adjourned for a two-week recess last week without voting on the package, which would provide more funding for treatments, testing and vaccines. We need this Covid funding, Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said on Fox News Sunday. And its really a huge disappointment to us that the Congress has left for two weeks without passing this into law. A small surge of coronavirus infections has swept through the halls of Washington over the last week. Dozens tested positive, including several administration officials and members of Congress, after attending the Gridiron Club and Foundations annual dinner on April 2. President Biden did not attend the dinner, but his sister, who did, tested positive; Mr. Biden appeared, maskless, at several public events last week, raising concerns about whether he might have contracted the virus. On Sunday, Dr. Fauci defended the procedures that are in place to protect the president. Hes fully vaccinated, Dr. Fauci said. Hes doubly boosted, and most of the time, people who get anywhere near him need to be tested. So we feel the protocol is a reasonable protocol. Dr. Fauci stressed that the seriousness of coronavirus infections should not be discounted and could still result in significant illness and long Covid, even if they dont lead to hospitalization. But, he said, people need to make their own decisions about the risks theyre willing to take. This is not going to be eradicated, and its not going to be eliminated, he said. And whats going to happen is that were going to see that each individual is going to have to make their calculation of the amount of risk that they want to take in going to indoor dinners and in going to functions. Jordan Mooney, better known as simply Jordan, a glowering, beehived Valkyrie in rubber and spiked heels who became an avatar of punk style when she presided over the transgressive London boutique that hatched the Sex Pistols and other provocations, died on April 3 in Seaford, East Sussex. She was 66. Her brother, Roger Rooke, said the cause was bile duct cancer. Ms. Mooney was just 19 in 1974 and working as a shop girl at Harrods, but she was already a presence when she walked into the store Sex, at 430 Kings Road, with a peroxide bouffant, green makeup and belted Mackintosh. You were like a little icon, her new boss, the designer Vivienne Westwood, told her years later, adding, Id never seen anything like you before. With its puffy pink vinyl sign out front, seditionary manifestoes, rubber and leather fetish wear and T-shirts emblazoned with fragments of text from S&M novels, among other slogans, the store was also something not seen before. It was a laboratory for its proprietors: Malcolm McLaren, an art school dropout and music impresario, and his girlfriend, Ms. Westwood, who made the clothes to her own skewed, wildly original and sometimes problematic vision they might include swastikas, or photographs from pornographic journals. So, it appears that Putin is gearing up for a two-pronged strategy. First, hes regrouping his ravaged forces and concentrating them on fully seizing and holding this smaller military prize. Second, hes doubling down on systematic cruelty the continued pummeling of Ukrainian towns with rockets and artillery to keep creating as many casualties and refugees and as much economic ruin as he can. He clearly hopes that the former will fracture the Ukrainian Army, at least in the east, and the latter will fracture NATO, as its member states get overwhelmed by so many refugees and pressure Kyiv to give Putin whatever he wants to get him to stop. Ukraine and NATO, therefore, need an effective counterstrategy. It should have three pillars. The first is to support the Ukrainians with diplomacy if they want to negotiate with Putin its their call but also to support them with the best weaponry and training if they want to drive the Russian Army off every inch of their territory. The second is to broadcast daily and loudly in every way we can that the world is at war with Putin and not with the Russian people just the opposite of what Putin is telling them. And the third is for us to double down on ending our addiction to oil, Putins main source of income. The hope is that the three together would set in motion forces inside Russia that topple Putin from power. Yes, that is a high-risk-high-reward proposition. Putins downfall could lead to someone worse at the helm in the Kremlin. It could also lead to prolonged chaos and disintegration. But if it leads to someone better, someone with just minimal decency and an ambition to rebuild Russias dignity and spheres of influence based on a new generation of Tchaikovskys, Rachmaninoffs, Sakharovs, Dostoyevskys and Sergey Brins not yacht-owning oligarchs, cyberhackers and polonium-armed assassins the whole world gets better. So many possibilities for healthy collaborations would be resurrected or forged. Only the Russian people have the right and ability to change their leader. But it will not be easy because Putin, an ex-K.G.B. officer surrounded by many other former intelligence officers who are beholden to him is nearly impossible to dislodge. But here is one possible scenario: The Russian Army is a prideful institution, and if it continues to suffer catastrophic defeats in Ukraine, I can imagine a situation where either Putin wants to decapitate his armys leadership to make them the scapegoats for his failure in Ukraine or the army, knowing this is coming, tries to oust Putin first. There never has been any love lost between the Russian military and the K.G.B./S.V.R./F.S.B. security types surrounding Putin. Photo taken on March 23, 2022 shows students and their teachers posing for a photo with bikes donated by Hello Inc. at the Chok Primary School in Takeo province, Cambodia. (Photo by Van Pov/Xinhua) TAKEO, Cambodia, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Chhum Seavling, aged 12, is quite used to walking a few kilometers to school each day. Her family can not afford a bicycle for her, so when Hello Inc. donated some of the company's previously shared bikes to rural kids in Cambodia, it was a life changing event. Chok Primary School in Bati disrrict, roughly 50 km south of capital Phnom Penh, is one of the 67 rural schools that have been given bikes. "My parents are poor farmers. They can't buy a bicycle for me, so it takes me about half an hour to walk to school," Chhum told Xinhua. She now has no reason to drop out of school. "It takes me only five to 10 minutes to cycle to school now. I'm very happy and I don't want to quit anymore." Another sixth grader, Leang Sreynet, said the bikes had brought new hope and she promised to study hard to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. Vong Sovanminea washes his bike every day. "It is really useful. Besides riding to school, my parents ride it to market," he said. Khuon Chhorn, principal of the school, said it is normal to see students walking long distances to school. Some students walk seven km there and seven km back. "The bikes make it easier for them to come to school and relieve their family's worries," he told Xinhua. On behalf of his students, the principal thanked the donation. "I believe the bikes will change their lives," he said. Comparable bikes in Cambodia cost about 250,000 riel (60 U.S. dollars). Poor families don't earn that much in two months and Chhum made sure that all 35 bikes the school received went to the students in greatest need. The bikes were given out during the Chinese New Year and Hello has since received countless letters of gratitude, accompanied by videos and photographs of the bikes being used. Zhou Jinxiu, vice president of Hello, said with the help from China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation and COSCO Charity Foundation, the Hello Inc. had donated 1,000 bikes to students in rural Cambodia. "Although (the bikes) come from cities all over China and are still in good condition. We refurbished and cleaned them before shipping," she told Xinhua. The bikes went to Takeo, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, and Battambang provinces. "Most of the students are from low-income families, and we hope they will be useful, in both studies and daily lives," she said. "We're so happy for the beneficiaries, who we hope become ambassadors of China-Cambodia friendship when they finally leave school." Primary school students ride bikes donated by Hello Inc. to school in Takeo province, Cambodia, on March 23, 2022. (Photo by Van Pov/Xinhua) A primary school student washes her bike donated by Hello Inc. in Takeo province, Cambodia on March 23, 2022. (Photo by Van Pov/Xinhua) Like many people around the world, I viewed the images that have emerged in the last few days from Bucha, Ukraine, with horror and fury. I know that all wars cause ruin and destruction, that all wars destroy and shatter innocent lives. But, although I understand this intellectually and although I saw my fair share of human suffering as a soldier in Iraq, the seemingly endless mass graves and the bound and desecrated corpses left behind in Bucha by the fleeing Russian military felt to me some new circle of hell. I looked away from the images at some point. We all have our limits. Then I couldnt stop picturing the faces of other Ukrainians on those fallen bodies faces of people I know in the country who are still alive. I recently returned home from Lviv, Ukraine, where Id spent a few weeks with friends and fellow combat veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan training Ukrainian civilians in basic urban-combat and survival tactics. We flew there on our own dime and volition because we saw a sovereign democracy under assault and believe that is wrong. Lviv is 300-plus miles to the west of Bucha, but the difference between those civilians we trained and those who were massacred is just a matter of geography. During our many hours together, I got to know our trainees on a personal level: There was the idealistic law student, the gruff middle-aged geography teacher, the cheerful I.T. worker. Theyre parents, neighbors, churchgoers and businessmen. Regular people with regular lives who never thought theyd be put in a situation where they might have to pick up a gun to defend themselves and their families. Yet here they were, preparing for that very possibility. For more than two decades, Belarus existed in an equilibrium of quiet authoritarianism. If the governments repressions didnt directly touch them, most Belarusians tolerated them. But over the course of 2020, the countrys history and identity, which never much interested a majority of people who lived there, became something they would sacrifice their lives for. Sarah A. Topol explores the battle over a political mural in a public park in Minsk and considers the future of Belarus. As a remarkable campaign of defiance against an increasingly totalitarian regime, the mural is an emblem of strength and a call for change but to what end? LONDON A revival of Cabaret that has been the talk of Londons theater world since opening in December, on Sunday swept the Olivier Awards, Britains equivalent of the Tonys. Starring Eddie Redmayne in his first London role in a decade, Cabaret collected seven awards during a ceremony at Londons Royal Albert Hall. Its haul included best musical revival, best actor in a musical (Redmayne), best actress in a musical for Jessie Buckley as Sally Bowles, and best director for Rebecca Frecknall. Britains newspaper reviewers sometimes struggled for superlatives to describe Cabaret. Nick Curtis, writing in The Evening Standard, summed it up with a simple: Wow. Just wow. Matt Wolf, reviewing the show for The New York Times, said that Frecknall had made a remarkable entry into musical theater after several lauded stage productions here, including of Chekhovs Three Sisters and Tennessee Williamss Summer and Smoke. Frecknall pulls us into a hedonistic milieu, only to send us out nearly three hours later reminded of lifes horrors, he added. The case comes as the bald eagle, the nations symbol whose resurgence is considered one of the greatest conservation stories of the 21st century, faces a new threat: lead poisoning. All but a few hundred bald eagles were presumed dead by the mid-20th century, killed off largely by the widespread use of the synthetic insecticide DDT. A ban on DDT in 1972 and conservation efforts helped the population to rebound. The bald eagle was removed from Endangered Species Act protection in 2007 and its estimated population grew to 316,700 by 2019. But researchers found this year that of the 1,200 eagles they tested, nearly half had been exposed repeatedly to lead, which can lead to death and slow population growth. Scientists believe that the primary source of the lead is ammunition used by hunters, who shoot animals that the eagles then scavenge. Protecting the eagles has become a challenging situation, especially when it comes to wind turbines, said Julia Ponder, a professor and associate dean at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota, whose research focuses on raptor medicine and surgery. Id love it if it were black and white, but its not, she said. While wind turbines can harm eagles and other birds, they are also an alternative form of energy that is cleaner than fossil fuels, which are contributing to a warming of the planet, she said. The tips of a wind turbines blades can spin at about 200 miles per hour, fast enough to immediately kill any bird, Professor Ponder said. A 2013 study found that between 140,000 and 328,000 birds are killed each year in the United States at monopole turbines. With only 1,500 students on a small-town campus in southern Michigan, Hillsdale College is far from the power corridors of government and top-ranked universities. But it has outsize influence in the conservative world, with strong ties to the Washington elite. Republican leaders frequently visit, and Justice Clarence Thomas delivered the 2016 commencement address, calling Hillsdale a shining city on a hill for its devotion to liberty as an antecedent of government, not a benefit from government. Now the college is making new efforts to reach beyond its campus, this time with an even younger audience. The college is fighting what it calls progressive and leftist academics by expanding its footprint in the charter school world, pushing the boundaries on the use of taxpayer money for politically tinged education. Hillsdale has ambitious plans to add to its network of classical public charter schools, which focus on the centrality of the Western tradition. And Gov. Bill Lee of Tennessee recently invited the college to start 50 schools using public funds, including $32 million set aside for charter facilities. Hillsdales network currently includes 24 schools in 13 states. Maryland is joining 14 other states in allowing trained medical professionals other than physicians to perform abortions. That change is part of a bill expanding abortion rights that was passed Saturday by state lawmakers, overriding the veto of Gov. Larry Hogan. Under the new law, which will take effect July 1, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and trained physician assistants will be able to perform abortions. The law will also require most insurance providers in the state to cover the cost of an abortion, at no cost to the resident, and directs the state to invest $3.5 million a year into abortion-care training. They stood up for health care, they stood up for access to abortion care which we believe is health care, and health care is a human right so they did what was right for the women in the state of Maryland, said Karen J. Nelson, the president and chief executive of Planned Parenthood of Maryland, referring to Maryland legislators. Laura Bogley, the director of legislation for Maryland Right to Life, an anti-abortion organization, said, This is an example of what happens when you have a partisan monopoly in a state legislature. She added, The monopoly breeds extremism. The effort is part of an emerging national strategy by the crypto industry, in the absence so far of comprehensive federal regulatory demands, to work state by state to engineer a more friendly legal system. Lobbyists are aiming to clear the way for the continued explosive growth of cryptocurrency companies, which are trying to revolutionize banking, e-commerce and even art and music. Many states are racing to satisfy the wish lists from crypto companies and their lobbyists, betting that the industry can generate new jobs. But some consumer advocates worry that this aim-to-please effort could leave investors and businesses more vulnerable to the scams and risky practices that have plagued cryptos early growth. In Florida, the new money-transmission legislation emerged from a monthslong collaboration between Representative Vance Aloupis Jr., a Republican of South Miami, and Samuel Armes, who is starting a cryptocurrency investment firm, Tortuga Venture Fund. Vance has been an incredible asset to the blockchain and crypto community, Mr. Armes said. Similar teamwork has been on display in Wyoming, North Carolina, Illinois, Mississippi, Kentucky and other states, according to a New York Times review of state legislative proposals and interviews with legislators and their industry allies. At least 153 pieces of cryptocurrency-related legislation were pending this year in 40 states and Puerto Rico, according to an analysis by the National Conference of State Legislatures. While it was unclear how many were influenced by the crypto industry, some bills have used industry-proposed language almost word for word. One bill pending in Illinois lifted entire sentences from a draft provided by a lobbyist. I would say that I dont agree with what some of my colleagues have said about this, Ms. Luria said on MSNBC this month. I think its a lot more important to do whats right than it is to worry about the political ramifications. This committee, our purpose is legislative and oversight, but if in the course of our investigation we find that criminal activity has occurred, I think its our responsibility to refer that to the Department of Justice. Ms. Cheney portrayed any divisions as minor and said the panel would work collaboratively and reach a consensus agreement. Im confident we will work to come to agreement, she said. Although staff members have been in discussions about a referral, and some have debated the matter publicly, the committee members have not sat down together to discuss whether to proceed with a referral, several lawmakers said. Representative Pete Aguilar, Democrat of California, said the committee was likely to hold off on making a final determination until investigators finished their work. He said the panel was finishing up its investigative phase and shifting to a more public facing one in which the panel will present its findings. The members havent had those conversations, Mr. Aguilar said of a meeting to discuss a potential referral. Right now, were gathering the material that we need. As the investigative phase winds down, well have more conversations about what the report looks like. But were not presupposing where thats going to go before we get a little further with the interviews. Although the committee has the ability to subpoena testimony and documents and make referrals to the Justice Department for prosecutions, it has no criminal prosecution powers. Mr. Ramirez and Ms. Herreras lawyer, Calixtro Villarreal, did not respond to requests for comment. It was not immediately known what statute Ms. Herrera was being indicted under. An abortion ban that took effect in Texas in September, known as S.B. 8, prohibits abortion after six weeks but leaves enforcement to civilians, offering them rewards of at least $10,000 for successful lawsuits against anyone who aids or abets an abortion. The Texas Legislature then enacted another law, S.B. 4, which establishes a criminal violation a state felony punishable by a $10,000 fine and up to two years in prison for providing medical abortion pills after 49 days of pregnancy, or for providers who fail to comply with a series of new regulations and procedures. That law also exempts pregnant women from prosecution. One section of the Texas penal code exempts expectant mothers from being charged with murder in connection with the death of an unborn child. Most states instead target abortion providers when an abortion is deemed illegal. In most of the country, abortion is prohibited after fetal viability, generally at 22 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Several states, however, are moving to ban abortions at much earlier stages in anticipation that the U.S. Supreme Court will soon overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that established a womans constitutional right to an abortion and that prohibited states from banning the procedure before a fetus is viable. The anti-abortion group Texas Right to Life supported Mr. Ramirezs decision to drop the charge. S.B. 8 and other anti-abortion policies in the state clearly prohibit criminal charges for pregnant women, the organization said in a statement. Texas Right to Life opposes public prosecutors going outside of the bounds of Texas prudent and carefully crafted policies. Stephen Vladeck, a law professor at the University of Texas at Austin, said that the district attorneys reversal reflected what Mr. Vladeck said was a misreading of the law. I think what this really suggests is that this was a rash decision, by a local prosecutor who might not have fully appreciated what the law does and does not prohibit, as opposed to a piece of a broader campaign of hostility to abortion, Mr. Vladeck said. But he added it is only a matter of time before more cases like this occur. I think this case is also a sobering reminder of how much discretion prosecutors have even when theyre wrong on the law, he said. And how difficult it is, especially for those less familiar with the system, those with fewer resources, for them to push back against prosecutorial mistakes, or overreach. And thats a phenomenon that goes far beyond abortion. Kate Zernike contributed reporting. Jack Begg contributed research. Ms. Lepina said she and Mr. Klever had been friends for years. She even went to his wedding. But as the war drew near, she said, Mr. Klever became intensely patriotic and anti-Russian, and said rude things to her husband, who is Russian. When she found out he had avoided service, she was so outraged that she posted on Instagram the comments Mr. Klever made insulting her husband, and said he had spent $5,000 to be smuggled out of Ukraine. For me, it was a hypocrisy to leave the country and pay money for this, she explained, adding, He needs to be responsible for his words. Mr. Klever, who is in his 20s, fell deeper into an online spat with Ms. Lepina. She and others said he had made insensitive comments about the town of Bucha, the site of major violence and the town she was from. (The comments were made before the atrocities in Bucha were revealed). Mr. Klever was then bombarded with death threats. Some Ukrainians also resented that he used his wealth to get out and called it cheating. Responding to emailed questions, Mr. Klever did not deny skipping out on his service and said that he had poor eyesight and had been through a lot lately." You cant even imagine the hatred, he said. Mr. Klever gave conflicting accounts of how exactly he exited the country and declined to provide details. But for many other Ukrainian men, Moldova has become the favorite trap door. Moldova shares a nearly 800-mile border with western Ukraine. And unlike Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, Moldova is not part of the European Union, which means it has significantly fewer resources to control its frontiers. It is one of Europes poorest countries and has been a hub of human trafficking and organized crime. A medical worker takes a swab sample from a resident for nucleic acid test at a community in Liwan District of Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 9, 2022. (Xinhua/Deng Hua) GUANGZHOU, April 10 (Xinhua) -- The southern Chinese metropolis of Guangzhou Sunday announced the suspension of in-person classes at local primary and middle schools starting April 11 for COVID-19 control. From 8 a.m. Saturday to 2 p.m. Sunday, the city has registered 22 local infections amid its latest COVID-19 outbreak starting from Friday, said local authorities during a press conference held Sunday. Starting from April 11, students in the city's primary and middle schools will switch to online classes. The exception will be third-graders in senior high schools whose schools have accommodation and closed-off management conditions, said Chen Xueming, deputy director of the city's education bureau, during the conference. Kindergartens in Guangzhou will suspend admitting new children. The local off-campus training institutions will cancel offline teaching, and after-school care institutions will suspend services. Institutions of higher learning are expected to be put under closed-off management. The physical education examination of the city's senior high school entrance examination, previously scheduled for April 11, will also be temporarily suspended. Most of the local infections registered over the days were detected from screening of the city's key groups, close contacts and secondary close contacts of previously reported confirmed cases and asymptomatic ones. However, there might be possible transmission chains in the communities in the fresh outbreak, according to Chen Bin, deputy director of the municipal health commission. Guangzhou has also tightened its virus control measures and encouraged its citizens not to leave the city unless necessary. From April 11, people leaving the city will have to show a negative nucleic acid test result within 48 hours. Eleven districts of the city have launched all-inclusive nucleic acid testing campaigns. As of Sunday noon, a total of over 19 million people had been sampled, according to Chen Bin. Starting from Sunday afternoon, some districts have carried out another round of massive screening, which is believed to be a major approach to curb the virus spread in a timely manner. Currently, Guangzhou is building a makeshift hospital in its Pazhou exhibition center, said Wu Linbo, deputy secretary-general of the municipal government, at the press conference. Tetiana, who declined to provide her last name, was sure that more death was on the way. We are being encircled. We understand that, added Tetiana, who has lived for 10 years in Kramatorsk, a city with a prewar population of around 150,000 people and once one of the industrial hearts of the Donbas. She said she would not leave because she must look after her 82-year-old mother, who is ailing. But she knows more than ever the danger that brings. We think we will be swept off the face of the earth, she said. She recalled ducking inside a nearby market on Friday to take cover when the missile struck the train station, with what she estimated was 2,000 people inside. A family that took shelter with her at the market was almost crushed by a piece of a falling roof that was sheared off in the blast. There were screams everywhere, she said. Nobody could understand anything, cars were burning and people were running. With Moscows decision to shift the focus of its war to eastern Ukraine, the people who remain in Kramatorsk fear that they will soon be shelled into oblivion, like the residents of Kharkiv and Mariupol, two other cities that have been ruthlessly assaulted by Russian forces. It feels like an assault here is inevitable: Cutting off Kramatorsk would partly cut off Ukrainian forces fighting in the eastern breakaway regions where Russia is consolidating. LONDON Just two months ago, Rishi Sunak, a popular, fast-rising British politician who serves as chancellor of the Exchequer, looked like a good bet to replace the countrys scandal-scarred prime minister, Boris Johnson. Now, Mr. Sunaks future is suddenly clouded by a swirl of revelations about his wealthy wifes tax status, as well as by the fact that he held a green card, allowing him to live and work in the United States, for 19 months after he became chancellor, the top finance post and second most powerful job in Britains government. Even for a country accustomed to political turmoil, Mr. Sunaks fall has been vertiginous. Mr. Johnson, who himself fended off calls to resign over parties held at 10 Downing Street in breach of coronavirus restrictions, was forced to defend Mr. Sunak and deny suggestions that his aides had been planting negative stories about him. Its difficult to imagine him making a successful bid for the leadership anytime soon, or possibly ever, said Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary, University of London. It perhaps also speaks to the invulnerability and entitlement that affects someone who is so wealthy. This model has largely held ever since. When Rwandas civil war toppled its government, widely accused of genocide, it may have been the United Nations that set up a tribunal, but it was the new Rwandan government that decided who was handed over. It was mostly the defeated who stood trial. Slobodan Milosevic, Serbias wartime leader, faced trial in The Hague only after opposition leaders deposed and extradited him. Milosevic, off Serbian soil, would be out of the picture. And outsourcing his punishment would keep the oppositions hands clean. The International Criminal Court, or I.C.C., the pre-eminent body for prosecuting war crimes, has indicted about 40 people. All are from Africa. Many are leaders or rebels who lost a war or power struggle. Many, like Milosevic, were shipped over by those whod deposed them. While the courts rulings are considered credible, it is perceived at times as rubber-stamp for the outcome of a civil war or power struggle by helping the victors banish their opponents to a faraway prison. The reach of such courts and tribunals is often restricted by the countries in which they were called to investigate. The courts had access to Rwanda, Bosnia and Cambodia because those countries governments wanted them to. In 2010, the I.C.C. opened an investigation into election violence that had killed over 1,000 people in Kenya, later naming the politician Uhuru Kenyatta and others as suspected instigators. But it dropped the case after Mr. Kenyatta became the countrys president, saying it had no way to proceed. Mr. Kenyatta, before his case was dropped, even traveled to The Hague to sit before the court investigating him, dismissing the I.C.C. as a toy of declining imperial powers. The farmer was working in his field on a recent morning when a neighbor called to tell him that his warehouses had been shelled. He rushed back and found them on fire and one of his workers lying on the ground with shrapnel lodged in his head. In one word, it was destruction, said the farmer, Yuriy Gumanenko, 48. Everything was destroyed into pieces. The farmworker, 62, was hospitalized and had little chance of surviving, Mr. Gumanenko said. Three of Mr. Gumanenkos four tractors were destroyed, and so were the roofs of his warehouses. The wheat he was hoping to sell and many of his seeds were lost. All my life went to growing my farm, he said, adding, Now its all gone. In the past six weeks, Russian shells have destroyed Ukrainian cities, homes, hospitals and schools. But the war has also reached deep into the fertile plains of a region known as Europes breadbasket, paralyzing harvests, destroying granaries and crops, and bringing potentially devastating consequences to a country that produces a large share of the worlds grain. Two days after a Russian missile strike hit a train station in eastern Ukraines city of Kramatorsk, killing more than 50 people, volunteer drivers across the Donetsk region are coming forward to help residents still looking to flee before an anticipated onslaught from Russian forces. We dont have much time, said Yuroslav Boyko, who is from Kramatorsk. He heads Everything Will Be Fine, a Ukrainian aid organization that has been working to evacuate people from Donetsk since the start of Russias invasion. As Russia continued to amass forces near eastern Ukraine over the weekend and struck residential areas there on Sunday, thousands of civilians fled eastern and southern Ukraine at the urging of local officials, who have warned people to escape while there is still time. In my estimation, the Donetsk region could be encircled in three to four days, Mr. Boyko said. We need to make sure everyone who is looking to leave can get out. JERUSALEM When Avigdor Liberman, Israels Soviet-born finance minister, condemned the apparent atrocities in Bucha, Ukraine, this past week, he was careful not to blame Russia. Russia is accusing Ukraine and Ukraine is accusing Russia, and Israel should avoid adjudicating one way or the other, Mr. Liberman told a radio station last Monday. We here need to maintain Israels moral stand on the one hand, he added, and Israels interests on the other. It was a comment that underscored two aspects of todays Israel: the Israeli governments cautious approach to the war in Ukraine and the political and social role played by Russian-speaking Israelis from post-Soviet countries, particularly Kremlin-connected Russian-Israeli businessmen. Israel has expressed repeated support for Ukraine, whose president, Volodymyr Zelensky, is Jewish. It has sent humanitarian aid, set up a field hospital in western Ukraine and voted on Thursday to suspend Russia from the United Nations Human Rights Council. But it has not sent military equipment or enforced formal sanctions on Russian oligarchs. WALAJA, West Bank On a gray metal gate that Israel built in the Palestinian village of Walaja hangs a biting sign: Living behind this damned door and this spiteful wall is your brother and your son Omar Essa Hajajlah. The wall in question is part of the 440-mile-long barrier that Israel erected as a security measure years ago, largely separating its territory from the occupied West Bank. When it was built, it cut across Mr. Hajajlahs long driveway, isolating him from his neighbors. The gate allows him and his family to cross from their home on one side of the wall into the rest of their village, though few are permitted to freely cross in the other direction. Many of the major events that have shaped this corner of the Middle East have left their mark on Walaja once a swath of terraced farmland with an ancient olive tree. Today, it serves as a pointed example of how decades of war, diplomatic agreements, Israeli settlement building, laws and regulations have carved up the West Bank and whittled away at territory under Palestinian control. The 3,000 Palestinian residents of Walaja now live partly in the occupied West Bank and partly in Jerusalem, divided into several different zones governed by different laws and regulations. Palestinian leaders and rights groups say that this type of fragmentation undermines the possibility of ever building a Palestinian state on a contiguous piece of land. A man charged with claiming over 6,000 from social welfare has been fined a total of 200 with six months to pay. Viktor Mshar of 7 Beechwood Park, Granard, Co Longford, appeared before last weeks sitting of Longford District Court charged with theft and fraud offences. His solicitor, Brid Mimnagh, informed Judge Bernadette Owens that, when her client came to the attention of Gardai, he admitted everything. He has been getting his wife and daughter, who have been living in Ukraine, to send him money and has paid off 1,500 so far, said Ms Mimnagh. Now, obviously things have changed. His wife and daughter have just arrived from Ukraine yesterday and got PPS numbers. He couldnt work until he got a PPS number, which he got last week. To add to his misfortune, he got a letter recently that he was going to be deported to Ukraine. His taxes were all paid at all times, albeit under a false name, and he has received no money from the state since. Mr Mshar was charged with stealing 1,207.70 from the Minister of the Department of Social Protection in July 2007, contrary to section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. He was further charged with stealing 1,591.30 in February 2008, a total of 376 in April 2015, a number of sums amounting to 1,9,39.60 in 2017, and a total of 1,116.50 in 2020. I spoke to Garda Donaldson and he was impressed with how he tried to pay it back, said Ms Mimnagh. He even helped him as much as possible to get a PPS number. The court heard that the balance Mr Mshar has yet to pay amounts to 4,900 but that he was getting absolutely nothing from the state. Most people would borrow from Peter to pay Paul, Ms Mimnagh noted. Judge Owens, having heard the facts, noted that Mr Mshar had paid back 1,500 to the state, which in relative terms is a significant amount for him in his personal circumstances. But its a serious charge to impersonate someone else for such a long time, she said. Judge Owens proceeded to fine Mr Mshar 100 on two of the charges, with six months to pay, taking all other charges into consideration. On a separate note, I am pleased for him that his family has arrived safely in Ireland, she said. Im sure it was a huge concern for him, as it is for anyone in Ireland who has family in Ukraine. Grafton Group PLC is seeking a judicial review following a decision by An Bord Pleanala to grant permission for a biogas facility in Tullamore. Grafton Group owns Chadwicks which borders the location of the proposed anaerobic digester at Ballyduff, Tullamore. The company filed the application on March 31 2022. No date has been set for the review. On July 23, 2020 Strategic Power Limited applied to Offaly County Council to construct the renewable biogas facility at Ballyduff, Tullamore. The plant will receive organic matter such as animal manure and food wastes and in the absence of oxygen break it down into biogas and organic fertiliser. In January 2021, Offaly County Council refused to grant permission for the facility. This was subsequently appealed to An Bord Pleanala by Strategic Power who gave it the green light in February of this year. The decision sparked the ire of local residents who lodged objections to the facility. ''We will not stand for this apparent blatant disregard for the opinions of the common man over big business,'' said Paschal Fox, the Chair of Rahan Road Residents Association. In a statement, Mr Fox stressed that the people have ''no option but to fight this decision in any way we can. We are thus reviewing our options currently and taking various advices not just on our behalf but on behalf of the town of Tullamore as a whole.'' The planned facility includes a feedstock reception hall, a laboratory, two primary digester tanks, one secondary digester tank, liquid digestate storage tanks, water storage tank, manure reception tanks and stores, the application states. Outlining the reasons for granting permission An Bord Pleanala said it took into consideration the requirement for an Anaerobic Digester Plant to be subject to and regulated under an industrial emissions licence to be issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. It said it also noted the pattern of existing and permitted development in the vicinity of the site, the location of the proposed development on lands on the outskirts of Tullamore and its close proximity to the source of agricultural feedstock material. It said it took account of the proximity of the site to the gas networks Ireland gas network for export of gas. The Board Inspector proposed that subject to compliance with a number of conditions the development would comprise an acceptable form of energy recovery from primarily agricultural waste. It would also not be prejudicial to public health and would not give rise to a risk of serious pollution or major accident risk. Under the conditions laid out the developer will be required to submit an annual report on the operation of the facility to the local planning authority. JUST when I thought I'd finished reviewing Galway Bay beers I now find myself reviewing a fourth one. It is testament to breweries in the craft beer world, the sheer volume and variety of beers that are brewed, and this is something that sets micro brewers apart from their larger macro counterparts. Galway Bay have probably made 100-plus different beers in the last few years alone, which is something to applaud and encourage also. This week's beer for review came to me by chance via the owner of the Carryout off licence in Tullamore who was passed a sample of a beer from Galway Bay that will be stocked there from next week onwards. Slow Lives is a Helles style German lager, Helles referring to the bright colour of the beer, and it sits at a sensible 5% abv. I refrigerate most light colour beers but if they're likely to be very hoppy I will take them out 15 minutes before opening the can to allow some of the hop oils to release their aromas. However, this beer style doesn't require me to do the same and so I opened it straight from chilled. Pouring crystal clear and dark golden colour, there's a decent head of foam on this one and that stays around. Also on the nose there's a decent amount of bittering hops that present as both herbal, floral and a touch aromatic. The first sip of a well chilled lager style beer is always a pleasure to behold and this one doesn't disappoint. It's a nicely bittered lager which ensures it finishes somewhat dry although the base beer is medium bodied and not fully attenuated which I really like. Balance is key in a lager and it's showing here with a classic lager yeast character to match perfectly. This is the sort of pleasant easy drinking beer you can have in a sessionable way. Thoroughly enjoyable and satiating. Craft beer reviewer Brendan Sewell is a Tullamore-based chef, award winning brewer, founder member of the Midlands Beer Club and creator of the Views on Brews YouTube channel. DAR ES SALAAM, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Saturday joined fellow citizens in commemorating 100 years of the birth of founding leader Julius Nyerere. Speaking in a debate to mark the occasion, President Hassan urged Tanzanians to continue honoring what Nyerere stood for during his lifetime. "In order to honor him, we should continue nurturing peace, unity and solidarity that the founding leader stood for," she told her audience at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School in Kibaha district in Coast region. President Hassan also urged Tanzanians to continue nurturing Nyerere's philosophy which entailed self-dependence. "We have to work hard in using our resources in order to become economically independent," said the head of state. On February 3, the government of Tanzania launched a program dedicated to marking 100 years of Nyerere. The program called "Mwalimu Nyerere@100" is being coordinated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and will climax on April 13, the birthday of Nyerere, in his native village of Butiama in Mara region. The program is aimed at identifying new strategies to commemorate the work, life and philosophies of Julius Nyerere in the next ten years. Nyerere, who ruled Tanzania from 1964 to 1985, was one of Africa's leading independence heroes. He was born on April 13, 1922, in Butiama on the eastern shores of Lake Victoria in northwest Tanzania. What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 716-372-3121 or email nfinnerty@oleantimesherald.com. The opulent rooms of Chateau Purcari in Moldova are now hosting Ukrainians fleeing the war in their country. For the owner of the hotel, accommodating refugees is as much about politics as it is about compassion. British military intelligence said there was evidence of "disproportionate" attacks on civilians after Russia pulled out of parts of northern Ukraine. DW has the latest. Boris Johnson made an unannounced visit to the Ukrainian capital. US and UK officials have warned of increased Russian attacks in the east after a deadly train station strike. 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. HNGN 11 Apr 2022 The alleged Bucha Massacre claimed by Zelensky has been questioned by the existence of a Ukraine police force video showing clear.. China said it is "dissatisfied" with the US after Washington raised concerns over Beijing's pandemic control protocols. Meanwhile, India is extending boosters to all adults. DW has the latest. Some e-commerce storehouses and supermarkets in Shanghai have resumed business to meet residents' demands for daily necessities amid the COVID-19 resurgence. The megacity is under temporary closed-off management to battle the Omicron variant. It is establishing a white-list to restore the operation of the wholesale markets, distribution centers, e-commerce warehouses and other outlets that strictly implement epidemic prevention and control measures. Couriers from non-epidemic-hit communities have been allowed to return to work. On Saturday, Shanghai reported more than 1,000 new locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases and nearly 23,940 local asymptomatic cases. Produced by Xinhua Global Service French President Emmanuel Macron is set to face off against far-right challenger Marine Le Pen in the second round of the French presidential election, exit polls show. DW has the latest. Manchester City and Liverpool played a thrilling, high-intensity draw but no-one on Twitter could agree on whether this is the best.. BBC Sport 11 Apr 2022 French voters head to the polls on Sunday to choose the next President of France, in one of the momentous elections in the country's history. Congestion chaos at the Dover port crossing is reportedly costing transport companies 800 per lorry - as British hauliers of perishable goods complain the long waiting times are causing products to go bad. Hundreds have gathered outside Downing Street to protest against the government's decision to exclude transgender people from a ban on conversion therapy. Extinction Rebellion climate activists have staged a sit-down protest in Oxford Street and Regent Street, blocking traffic in the heart of Londons shopping district to call for no new investment in fossil fuels. Ukraine is bracing itself for a "hard battle" to come as Russian forces continue amassing in the east of the country, with officials urging civilians to flee. Jerusalem Post 17 Apr 2022 The summons, to a meeting to take place on Monday, came days after Moscow criticized Jerusalem for its vote to support removing.. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison arrived at Government House in Canberra this morning to meet with the Governor-General and will call an election for May 21.Ending the guessing game after weeks of speculation, Morrison will... Ukraine has banned all imports from Russia, one of its key trading partners before the war with annual imports valued at about $6 billion, and called on other countries to follow and impose harsher economic sanctions on Moscow. "Today we officially announced a complete termination of trade in goods with the aggressor state," economy minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote on her Facebook page on Saturday. Photo taken on April 10, 2022 shows drinking water to be transported to Jilin at a freight station in Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Tibet sends living materials including drinking water and yak meat to east China's Shanghai and drinking water to northeast China's Jilin Province Sunday, to help the fight against the recent resurgence of COVID-19 pandemic in these areas. (Xinhua/Zhang Rufeng) LHASA, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Trains carrying the first batch of anti-epidemic supplies donated by southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region left the city of Xigaze and the regional capital of Lhasa on Sunday for Shanghai and Jilin Province, local authorities said. To show its support to Shanghai and Jilin, currently battling a resurgence of COVID-19 cases, Tibet will donate 100 tonnes of yak meat, a local specialty of Tibet, and 3,000 tonnes of drinking water to Shanghai, as well as 5,000 tonnes of drinking water to Jilin, according to Su Bin, the deputy director of the regional commerce department. The first batch of yak meat supplies will reach Shanghai on April 12. The drinking water will arrive in Shanghai and Jilin in five to seven days, Su said. Shanghai and Jilin have been offering pairing assistance to Tibet over the years. "The supplies contain love and care from all ethnic groups in Tibet. We hope the materials can help Shanghai and Jilin people overcome the difficulties as soon as possible," he added. A staff member transports drinking water at a freight station in Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 10, 2022. Tibet sends living materials including drinking water and yak meat to east China's Shanghai and drinking water to northeast China's Jilin Province Sunday, to help the fight against the recent resurgence of COVID-19 pandemic in these areas. (Xinhua/Zhang Rufeng) A freight train loaded with anti-epidemic supplies for Shanghai pulls out of a freight station in Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 10, 2022. Tibet sends living materials including drinking water and yak meat to east China's Shanghai and drinking water to northeast China's Jilin Province Sunday, to help the fight against the recent resurgence of COVID-19 pandemic in these areas. (Xinhua/Zhang Rufeng) A staff member coordinates with his colleague about the departure of a freight train at a freight station in Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 10, 2022. Tibet sends living materials including drinking water and yak meat to east China's Shanghai and drinking water to northeast China's Jilin Province Sunday, to help the fight against the recent resurgence of COVID-19 pandemic in these areas. (Xinhua/Zhang Rufeng) A staff member transports drinking water onto a freight train in Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 10, 2022. Tibet sends living materials including drinking water and yak meat to east China's Shanghai and drinking water to northeast China's Jilin Province Sunday, to help the fight against the recent resurgence of COVID-19 pandemic in these areas. (Xinhua/Zhang Rufeng) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his evening address that Russia is targeting all of Europe with its aggression, and defending Ukraine is essential for the security of all democracies. Imran Khan called on his supporters to take to the streets in protest while the political opposition prepare to install his replacement. Newsy 26 Apr 2022 Watch VideoRussia pounded eastern Ukraine on Tuesday as the U.S. defense secretary promised to "keep moving heaven and earth" to.. Shanghai has discharged over 11,000 recovered COVID-19 patients and health authorities emphasize that they must be allowed to return home despite the lockdown that has severely restricted movement in Chinas largest city This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MEXICO CITY (AP) Fewer than two of every 10 eligible Mexican voters bothered to cast ballots Sunday on whether their popular president should end his six-year term barely midway through or continue to the end, according to the National Electoral Institute's initial statistical estimate. Participation in the referendum was estimated to be between 17% and 18% of eligible voters, less than half the participation required for the result to be binding. Early returns, as expected, showed an overwhelming tendency toward having President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador finish out his term, with nearly all ballots backing the leader. Lorenzo Cordova, president of the National Electoral Institute, stressed that it was a statistical estimate based on a sampling of ballots, but with 95% reliability. He said the estimate indicated that better than 90% of those who did vote were in favor of Lopez Obrador remaining in office. It was Lopez Obrador who pushed for the first-ever referendum of its kind in Mexico. It was considered a safe bet. The referendum is only binding if at least 40% of the countrys electorate votes something experts believed unlikely and Lopez Obrador has maintained approval ratings around 60%. With that in mind critics decried the exercise as a waste of money almost $80 million and just a way for Lopez Obrador to rally his base midway through his time in office. For someone known as an eternal campaigner the expected reaffirmation of support makes sense, but for a president outspoken about austerity it raised questions. Lopez Obrador voted early Sunday in downtown Mexico City, urging others to vote. There always has to be democracy in the family, in school, in work, in the unions, of course in public life and you have to participate, the president said. Some in the opposition had called for voters to boycott. Lopez Obradors Morena party was active in encouraging the presidents base to vote. The president has faced criticism that government officials and resources have promoted the referendum. How many voters would turn out was the overriding question. Patricio Morales, an analyst at Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, said the lack of awareness about the referendum and potential disinterest among voters could weigh on turnout. He noted that only 7% of voters participated in another referendum last year asking whether former presidents should be prosecuted. The referendum fueled a feud between Lopez Obrador and Mexicos respected elections authority. Lawmakers from his party cut the National Electoral Institutes budget and the institute said it didnt have the money to pull off the referendum originally estimated to cost estimate more than $191 million. It refused to move ahead until the Supreme Court ruled that it must. Adjustments lowered expected the cost to $78.2 million. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The state of Michigan is reacting to a national conversation around Roe v. Wade. Michigan is one of 26 states that could move to eliminate abortion access if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. That decision ruled that the U.S. Constitution protects a pregnant woman's liberty to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction, and struck down many U.S. federal and state abortion laws. With a national conversation taking place around this subject, some government leaders aren't waiting to take action. However, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who said she campaigned for her position knowing the Supreme Court ruling was "at stake," issued the following statement Thursday in response to two lawsuits filed challenging Michigans 1931 abortion statute: Let me be very clear, I will not use the resources of my office to defend Michigans 1931 statute criminalizing abortion," Nessel's Thursday statement reads. "As elected prosecutors and law enforcement officials, we have the opportunity to lead and to offer peace of mind to women and health-care professionals who might otherwise be placed in the untenable position of choosing between the exercise of personal health-care choices and the threat of criminal prosecution. "Abortion care is an essential component of womens health care," she continued. "As this states top law enforcement officer, I have never wavered in my stance on this issue, and I will not prosecute women or their doctors for a personal medical decision. Planned Parenthood of Michigan and Dr. Sarah Wallet are challenging Michigans 1931 criminal abortion law on multiple grounds, including that the law violates Michigans due process clause because it is unconstitutionally vague and because it violates principles of bodily integrity also protected by the due process clause. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also sued to protect abortion rights, asking a court to recognize a right to abortion under the state constitution. Her lawsuit was filed almost in tandem with the similar suit by Planned Parenthood of Michigan. Both Whitmer's lawsuit and Planned Parenthood's lawsuit would challenge a 1997 State Court of Appeals decision in which a three-judge panel found it could not conclude there was a right to have an abortion under the Michigan Constitution. The Democratic governor also is seeking to overturn a 176-year-old ban in Michigan that may take effect if the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling is vacated. Whitmer's preemptive lawsuit, filed Thursday against prosecutors in 13 counties with abortion clinics, comes as the U.S. Supreme Courts conservative majority considers allowing states to ban abortion much earlier in pregnancy and potentially overturning the right to have an abortion. The governor, who is up for reelection this year, requested that the Michigan Supreme Court quickly take the case. A favorable decision could enable abortions to continue in Michigan even if the Supreme Court overrules Roe v. Wade. The suits contain similar arguments but differ in that Planned Parenthood's litigation was filed in the Michigan Court of Claims, while Whitmer filed in Oakland County Circuit Court and is using her executive authority to seek immediate intervention from the Michigan Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Genevieve Marnon, legislative director for Right to Life of Michigan, said the group would be exploring what role it would take in defending the 1931 law. Marnon noted that a petition currently in circulation called the Reproductive Freedom for All petition already is seeking to enshrine a woman's right to abortion in the state constitution, contradicting the governor's argument that the right already exists in the Michigan Constitution. "Why would they be doing a petition initiative to put it in our Constitution if it already exists? Marnon asked. The Michigan Catholic Conference on Thursday criticized Whitmer's filing. "While the legality of abortion is contingent upon democratic structures, it is unfortunate that the judicial branch is being used to try to invalidate a longstanding policy approved by elected representatives and left untouched by the Legislature for nearly a century since," said Rebecca Mastee, policy advocate for the Michigan Catholic Conference. On Friday, Nessel joined a group of attorneys general in filing a brief in support of administration rule restoring access to Title X funding. I have been and will always be committed to ensuring that the women of Michigan receive the healthcare services they need, Nessel said in a Friday press release. The U.S. District Court was right to reject the plaintiff states request for a preliminary injunction. Any state that opposes the new Title X rule does not have the best interests of the people of that state in mind. Im proud to join my colleagues in supporting the current administrations efforts to restore funding to family planning providers. Title X is a federal grant program that funds family planning and counseling programs to help patients access contraception, as well as breast and cervical cancer screenings, screenings and treatments for sexually transmitted infections, and other related health services. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Brides are saying weddings are back, after many had to delay their dreams during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some brides in the Great Lakes Bay Region are looking forward to a "typical" wedding season as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are down from previous years of the pandemic, when many plans were put on hold due to restrictions on large gatherings and concerns over spreading the virus. Event organizers of the Wedding Expo estimated around 75 brides would attend the Sunday event at the Midland Center for the Arts. Michelle Murray, of Beaverton, is early in the planning stages before the wedding day, but so far she said she hasn't felt the impact of the pandemic. In fact, she said it appears that the industry is ready for a big return of weddings. "I feel like you can go see a lot more stuff now," she said of her experience while booking appointments to pick her dress and meeting with potential vendors. Just the day before, Murray said she picked out her wedding dress in person. Saginaw resident Tarah Lapine became engaged in November 2020, with an original plan for her and her fiance to be married last fall. Now, the wedding is going to be held outdoors this June. Lapine noted the gathering will be held outdoors to mitigate health risks because her father is going through cancer treatments. Another bride, Julia Madigan, of Bay City, said she's aware of the potential pandemic impact, but doesn't believe she's facing a similar climate to brides from the past two years. "I feel like I have less to worry about," she said, while noting that the planning process overall can bring high stress. Most brides seem to lean on their support systems when facing stressful planning. Madigan attended the Midland event with her future sister-in-law, who she said was providing both emotional and planning support. And, Lapine said family members and friends helped her hand-dye flower petals for the reception tables and for the flower girl to sprinkle down the aisle. According to The Wedding Report, there was nearly 51,000 weddings in Michigan last year. Nationwide, The Wedding Report is predicting nearly 2.5 million couples are expected to tie the knot this year, which is about 15% higher than normal years. Photo: (Photo : Megan Varner/Getty Images) A mother used the Find My app on an iPhone to help police track her nine-year-old son, who had been taken during a carjacking, according to the Atlanta Police Department. They issued a statement about the dramatic rescue on their Facebook page on Wednesday, April 6. The police department said that Jerrica Moore had pulled into a parking lot on Monday morning and gotten out of the car, but she left her vehicle running with the keys in the ignition and her child still inside. A man saw this as an opportunity for a carjacking, jumping into the vehicle, and driving off with Moore's son still in the car. Fortunately for Moore, technology was there to help her on that day, as she used the Find My iPhone to get the GPS coordinates on her son's iPhone, which he had with him in the car, according to the Atlanta police. Atlanta Police credit Moore for getting GPS information The Atlanta Police Department paid tribute to the Atlanta mom for her quick thinking. "Ms. Moore was able to track her son's iPhone using 'my location' and relay real-time tracking information to officers." Atlanta Police got some help from the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Fulton County PD, and the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, with the law enforcement officers responding and using the tracking information Moore provided to locate the stolen vehicle. Atlanta Police said that with the GPS information, they were able to locate the car, the suspect, and Moore's son all within an hour of the vehicle being stolen, based on bodycam footage that the department released. The Atlanta Police Department added that they are happy to report the child and his mother have been reunited. ABC News reported that the police took the latest incident as an opportunity to remind the community once again to lock their vehicles and remove all valuables, including their children, when exiting their cars. Read Also: Sister of Cassie Carli Says Murdered Mom Terrified of Abusive Ex-Boyfriend Marcus Spanevelo Carjackings with kids still inside the vehicle on the rise That reminder is timely, with experts saying that carjackings involving children have been on the rise lately. Callahan Walsh, a child advocate at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, said that they had seen carjackings with children in the back increasing, whether the carjacker knew the child was in there or not. He added that 34 Amber Alerts were issued last year on carjackings involving a child. Walsh said technology like the Find My app on iPhones is a vital tool in solving such carjackings, saying that feature is one of several ways to help locate a missing child. Walsh said that what parents should be aware of at this time is that if they have an old cellphone, they can give that to their child. He explained that even if the phone does not have a data plan anymore, it can still dial 911. Apple said that the Find My app is also available on iPads, and Mac computers, and the feature could help users locate iPads, iPhones, iPod touches, Macs, Apple Watches, AirPods, and AirTags. Related Article: Covid-19 Pandemic Worsens Mental Health Crisis For High School Students in the United States Photo: (Photo : Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) A Brooklyn father and his two children miraculously survived after being struck by a vehicle while walking on a Crown Heights sidewalk on Wednesday, April 6. The family barely escaped with their lives, with the lucky dad saying he and his two kids relied on their animal instinct to escape serious injury. Marco Diaz told the New York Post that he and his two sons, August and Alex, were heading to the No. 2 subway in Crown Heights just before 8 a.m. when the vehicle suddenly plowed into them. Diaz said he saw this car careening towards them out of his peripheral vision. Diaz said he just had enough time to leap out of the way of the vehicle, which had been traveling on Nostrand Avenue when the driver lost control of it. According to the 48-year-old Diaz, the car suddenly veered left at St. John Place. No screeching brakes heard from vehicle Diaz said that there was no squeal and no screeching brakes coming from the vehicle. According to Diaz, the only true telltale sound that the car produced was when its tires hit the curb, and the driver popped up over the curb. That was when Diaz looked to his right and realized that this vehicle was literally coming at them. As soon as Diaz saw this image of this car heading towards them, he quickly scooped up his son Alex, whose face was at grill height, to get him out of the way of the vehicle. His other son, August, also dove out of the way, according to World Newz Info. Diaz said he picked Alex up, resulting in him taking the brunt of the car hit. The impact caused Alex to come out of his father's hands with the young child ending up on the car's hood. The car bumped Diaz forward into the closed gate of the Two Saints bar on the corner. Diaz said that he was fortunate that the driver hit the side of the gate. Because of that, there was just enough space between his now indented gate and the front of the car so that he did not get hit again. Diaz said that his little guy rolled off the hood onto the ground with the car bouncing backward about four feet. Read Also: What Is CMV? Facts About the Silent Virus and the Danger It Poses to Pregnant Women, Babies Driver released after police found his blood-alcohol level to be zero Diaz said he was able to crawl out at that point and get away from the vehicle. Diaz gave credit to the strangers in the area who helped the family without hesitation, saying, "Like a million people swarmed around us immediately and started helping us get situated and making sure no one got up." A police spokeswoman said that the driver was taken into custody but later released after his blood alcohol turned out to be zero. The video showed the driver switching lanes to avoid an accident, resulting in him losing control of the vehicle. According to a study published by Transportation Alternatives, 273 people died in car crashes in New York City last year, the highest number since 2013. Related Article: Miracle Baby Jagger Scalzo Celebrates 1st Birthday After Removal of Large Facial Tumor BAGHDAD, April 9 (Xinhua) -- A member of the paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces and a villager were killed, and four villagers wounded Saturday in an attack by militants of the extremist Islamic State (IS) group in Iraqi northern province of Kirkuk, a local police source said. The attack took place in the evening when the IS militants opened fire on a village near the town of al-Rashad, some 250 km north of Baghdad, Major Abbas al-Obaidi from the Kirkuk police told Xinhua. Paramilitary Hashd Shaabi members in the village teamed up with armed villagers to fight the attackers, who fled the scene after reinforcement troops arrived, al-Obaidi said. There are no immediate reports about the casualties among the attackers, he added. Over the past few months, Iraqi security forces have carried out deadly attacks against IS militants to crack down on their intensified activities. The security situation in Iraq has improved after Iraqi forces defeated the IS in 2017. Yet the IS remnants have since melted into urban centers, deserts, and rugged areas, carrying out frequent guerilla attacks against security forces and civilians. Photo: (Photo : Mario Villafuerte/Getty Images) Three parents of the preschool children in Camden, New Jersey, who accidentally drank contaminated milk with a sanitizer, have launched a class-action lawsuit against Guida's Dairy, the milk manufacturer and supplier. In the document filed with the U.S. District Attorney of New Jersey, the parents claimed that their children had not recovered from the incident during a morning snack break at their school on Wednesday, March 30. Aside from their physical ailments, the parents said that children have also been impacted emotionally. Mom Dominique Wilson told 3 CBS Philly that her daughter has since developed issues with eating or drinking. The kids, who are mostly 4 and 5 years old, were examined and treated at hospitals right after the accidental ingestion, but the parents said no one is certain of the long-term effects of the contaminated milk on their health. Read Also: Ferrero Recalls Kinder Surprise Chocolate Eggs Due to Salmonella Outbreak "It Shouldn't Have Happened" The parents recalled the chaos after learning that dozens of kids from at least two preschools were brought by 911 first responders to different local hospitals. Mom Tiffanee Gould said that, in the chaos, her son had to have a label of a "big black C" on his hand to indicate Cooper Medical Center. She believes that this incident should not have happened had Guida's Dairy taken measures to prevent a foreign substance from tainting the children's milk. The hospital workers determined that the contaminated milk had Vortex, a cleaning agent. A spokesperson for Guida's Dairy said they immediately took action when they were informed of the incident. They believed that the sanitizer meant to clean the milk cartons was not properly washed off before the milk was added and sealed. The company tested the contaminated products and verified that there were no serious risks. They also said they would be pulling out and disposing of the rest of the milk cartons with an April 11 sell-by date. Guida's Dairy, a Connecticut-based company, does not sell the milk commercially but only supplies schools and other facilities. According to WFSB, the incident was not just distressing to the kids. One parent lost her job since she had to take care of her child at home during the recovery. Thus, the class-action lawsuit asks for monetary compensation and an apology from the milk manufacturer. Contaminated Milk with Sanitizer Found in Boston Schools Meanwhile, Boston Public Schools had to pull out batches of contaminated milk with sanitizers at school cafeterias due to a mixup with the supplier. Garelick Farms issued an apology and promised "corrective actions" after receiving a complaint from one of the schools on Friday, April 1. Fortunately, none of the kids were able to drink the tainted milk, but Boston Public Schools dropped their milk supplier. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said this mistake was unacceptable and added that none of the bad batches of milk should have left the supplier's site, as per Boston 25 News. As with the incident in New Jersey, the contaminated milk had an odd odor and a different taste because it was mixed with food-grade sanitizer during the production. Garelick Farms, however, said that isolated incident does not reflect the company's standards or quality. Related Article: New Jersey Issues Camden Milk Contamination Recall After 40 Preschool Kids Drank Sanitizer Photo: (Photo : ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images) A family in Georgia is still living a nightmare as the murdered body of their loved one remains "lost in the mail" after three years. Jeffrey Merriweather, the father of Jeffrey Merriweather, Jr., who was killed in 2019, said that he and his wife and two children had been stuck in a scene out of a horror movie after his son's death. What made it worse was that Jeffrey Jr.'s body should have been shipped to the medical examiner a few weeks after it was discovered, but the FedEx cargo never arrived. In an interview with People, the father said he wants someone to be accountable for Jeffrey Jr.'s missing body. The family said that they couldn't find any closure and could not understand how laws could protect some people in this situation. Jeffrey said that "a lot of negligence" hinges on FedEx because it could keep track of the cargo, which should not have been "lost in the mail." Suddenly, however, the shipping company could no longer locate the body and still had no explanation as to what happened. Read Also: Student Walkout Staged After Oklahoma School Rejects Mom's Request to Memorialize Dead Son at Graduation Funeral Without Jeffrey Jr.'s Remains In August 2019, the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office shipped out Jeffery Jr.'s remains to St. Louis for further probing. Jeffrey Jr. was shot in his car months earlier, and his decomposing body was found in June that year. Fulton County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jan Gorniak told WSB-TV Atlanta that they had to enlist the help of the medical examiner in St. Louis to determine how the son died. His body was "partially skeletonized," and they did not have the laboratory to conduct further examinations. "From the tracking number, the last known location was Austell, Georgia," Gorniak said, but he was later made aware that the cargo never made it to St. Louis. At that time, FedEx said they had been coordinating with the medical examiner's office to resolve the issue. The Merriweather family held a funeral for Jeffrey Jr. without his remains. However, three years later, Jeffrey said that FedEx never reached out to them. The family has been advocating for laws that would penalize the loss of human remains so that no other family could experience their nightmare. More Families Sue FedEx Meanwhile, five families in Indianapolis plan to file a lawsuit against FedEx following the mass shooting in April 2021, killing eight workers. According to WRTV, the families intend to hold a press conference on Monday, April 11. It comes after FedEx worker Cameroan Olson sued the company for post-traumatic stress disorder due to the mass shooting. Olson said that the company never showed any concern for his well-being after trying to save some of his co-workers and confronting the mass shooter. He also indicated his worries that FedEx might fire him from his job. FedEx has not issued any comments on these latest legal issues as of press time. Related Article: Gun Violence: Missouri 2nd Grader Brings Gun to School, South Carolina Teen Arrested for School Photo: (Photo : ANDRI TAMBUNAN/AFP via Getty Images) Authorities said that a California mother accused of drowning her 2-year-old and 5-month-old sons in the bathtub had been arrested. According to records, 26-year-old Courtney Williams was booked into Yuba County Jail on a murder charge on Thursday, April 7. The Yuba County Sheriff's Office issued a press release regarding Williams' arrest. In the statement, the agency said that Yuba County Sheriff Detectives arrested Williams at their Linda home before noon on Thursday. According to the press release, the Yuba County Sheriff dispatch center received a 911 call at approximately 11:45 a.m. from the father of the two children. He reported that there were possible drownings at their home, located in the 6100 block of Sunshine Avenue in Linda. Linda is a small unincorporated community located about 40 miles north of Sacramento. Courtney Williams told her husband she hurt their two children The call was transferred from Beale Air Force Base due to cell tower routing but did not involve USAF personnel or the base. Deputies rushed to the scene and found the unresponsive toddler and infant in the bathroom of Williams' home. Deputies immediately started doing CPR on the two young kids. However, those life-saving measures failed to save the two young boys, with both of the kids declared dead at the scene. According to investigators, the children's father returned home from work just before noon to have lunch when his wife allegedly told him that she had hurt their two children. NBC News reported that when the father of the two young boys searched the home, he found his children unresponsive in the bathtub full of water. Based on their preliminary investigation, detectives believe the apparent drowning of the two children was intentional. They said that the investigation is still in the very early stages and continues to be ongoing and active at this time. Read Also: No More Child Care Deserts in New York? $70 Million in Grants Available for NY Child Care Programs Yuba County Sheriff mourns the tragic death of young kids Ronin and Holden Yuba County Sheriff Wendell Anderson issued a statement regarding the deaths of the young boys, saying, "The tragic loss of five-month-old Holden and his two-and-a-half-year old brother Ronin reverberates throughout our department and into the community. There are no words to adequately describe the sadness we feel for the family at this time." A video that KXTV in Sacramento obtained shows a barefoot Williams in pink sweatpants being arrested and handcuffed. Neighbor Charlene Smith told the station that Williams had no expression whatsoever, with the suspect showing no tears. Neighbor Krista Taraha was shocked by the boys' deaths as her son is only a day younger than Ronin, and the children used to play together. Taraha said that her son will probably ride his bike over there and sit by his yard every morning, yelling for Ronin like he does every day. Related Article: Education Cannot Wait For Millions of Ukrainian Children Who Are Still in School Despite Russian Invasion Photo: (Photo : Getty images ) Doctors congratulated a woman for finally giving birth after 13 miscarriages and a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 2017. The doctors had advised her to stop trying to have a child, but she defied them, continued getting pregnant, and finally successfully gave birth to her baby. The Mirror reports that the determined woman gave birth via caesarian section to a premature baby and was released from the hospital on March 25, three days after delivery. Defying SLE odds The woman, identified by her surname Liu, is 32 years old from Xinzhou, in Wuhan, China. She got married in 2010 and became pregnant each year. However, she always had miscarriages in the early stages of her pregnancy. In 2017, doctors diagnosed her with SLE and told her that it probably was the reason for her miscarriages. Despite the doctor's advice to stop trying to get pregnant, she pursued her pregnancy plans. After 12 years of getting pregnant and 13 miscarriages, the doctors noticed that she started to develop hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid could not produce its hormones. In August 2021, she learned she was on her 14th pregnancy and gave birth seven months later. She suffered bleeding and abdominal pain in her fifth month of pregnancy, prompting her to go to the hospital. The doctors provided her with medications to prevent miscarriage and infection. They also prepared a fetal protection treatment plan for her. She finally gave birth to a premature baby on March 21. Read Also: Eight-Year-Old Hero Brother Saves Baby Sister From Choking, Claims He Learned It From Nickelodeon SLE and pregnancy According to Mayo Clinic, SLE is a chronic disease that happens when the body's immune system attacks tissues and organs. A person with lupus can have inflammation in different body systems such as joints, kidneys, skin, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. It is one of the most common autoimmune disorders in women during childbearing age. Women with SLE are at high risk of spontaneous abortion, intrauterine fetal death, intrauterine growth retardation, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Its signs and symptoms can be challenging to diagnose as they often mimic other ailments. One of its tell-tale signs is a facial rash that resembles butterfly wings across both cheeks happens in many cases. However, not all instances of rash development are lupus. Although pregnant women with SLE are considered "high-risk pregnancies," the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said they could safely get pregnant. However, doctors recommend that pregnancy for women with lupus requires careful planning. SLE should be under remission for six months before getting pregnant. Getting pregnant when lupus is active increases the possibility of miscarriage, stillbirth, and other health risks. Pregnancy is also particularly risky for women with SLE and who has underlying conditions like heart failure, lung disease, chronic kidney failure, kidney disease, or women with preeclampsia. CDC also says that babies born to mothers with SLE are healthy. In rare cases, infants are born with neonatal lupus. It is a condition in which an infant may have a skin rash, liver problems, and low levels of blood cells. However, there are available treatments for neonatal lupus, even during pregnancy. Related Article: Parents with Disabilities: Debunking Stereotypes and Stigmas Photo: (Photo : Getty images ) More than 1,000 people have claimed stomach illnesses after eating the Lucky Charms cereal. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is already looking into it but has not issued a formal alert yet despite the growing number of complaints, according to NBC News. Gastrointestinal symptoms linked to Lucky Charms Cereal Racquel Ashman, a resident of Georgia, said she and her 7-year-old daughter, Olivia, recently got sick after consuming Lucky Charms. Olivia developed a headache and stomach pain and vomited on March 29, one day after eating the cereal. At first, Ashman didn't connect her daughter's illness to the cereal, but then she ate Lucky Charms from the same box on Saturday, and she also felt terrible. She complained of having abdominal cramps worse than her labor pains. Like her daughter, she was also vomiting. According to Patrick Quade, iwaspoisoned.com's founder and CEO, more than 1,000 people across the U.S. have posted about gastrointestinal symptoms that they believed are linked to Lucky Charms on their website since April 1. Quade described it as the biggest surge of reports related to any single product reported on their website. The symptoms repeatedly mentioned by consumers in the report included vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and green stools. He said that the FDA is now aware of the reports and is investigating the matter. An FDA official said that their agency takes any reports of possible adulterating a food that may cause illnesses or injury. Quade said it was in July 2021 when he first noticed an unusual uptick in reports about Lucky Charms, and since then, the number of reports has stayed above average. According to Martin Bucknavage, a senior food safety extension associate at Penn State University, the incident warrants further investigation as "something is certainly not right." However, General Mills, the maker of Lucky Charms, said it discounts the claims against the cereal being the cause of the stomach problems. It said that food is its top priority, and they take consumer concerns reported via a third-party website very seriously. The company also said they had not found evidence that the complaints were attributed to the product. The company encouraged the consumers to share concerns with General Mills directly so they could address them appropriately. Read: Wedding Disaster: Bride and 28 Guests Get Food Poisoning After the Reception Ongoing FDA investigation According to Yahoo! News, the FDA has yet to confirm that Lucky Charms caused any foodborne illness. The FDA has its reporting systems for food safety issues, but the agency said it had tallied only 41 reports related to Lucky Charms since 2004 and only three in 2021. The FDA declined to give further details about its investigation after reporting that its Food and Cosmetic Information Center, responsible for answering questions about food safety, has not received any calls related to Lucky Charms. Bucknavage asserted that it's unusual for cereal to be associated with so many reports of stomach problems. Although an entire FDA or CDC investigation would be needed to determine the root cause, he speculated that chemical contamination could also be possible. He added that some accounts on iwaspoisoned.com say symptoms came on within a few hours of eating Lucky Charms, and bacteria like salmonella or E. coli generally don't result in illness for 24 to 48 hours after entering the body. Related Article: Mom Used to Let Autistic Son Eat Snacks while shopping Gets Told Off, Supermarket Says It has New Policy The Havasu Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has named three students as Good Citizens for 2021. The students included (from left) Dylan Caton, Jacob Bennett and Mackenzie Zemojtel. On the right is Havasu Chapter NSDAR Regent Debbie Stetner. Theres no getting around it: we live in a depressing and worrisome world. If look Tall, dark and handsome may be the classic description of the perfect man - but a new online trend is seeing women buck the trend in favour of shorter guys. Social media users on TikTok and Twitter have been using the hashtag #ShortKingSpring online to share their love of men measuring up to 5'8' or less. While the term 'short king' has been used online since 2018, it has grown increasingly popular on TikTok this year - with the hashtag #shortking reaching over 340m views on TikTok. Many influencers have even been calling 2022, 'the year of the short king', while others have been celebrating a host of celebrity couples who embody the trend. In recent weeks, stars like Tom Holland, who is 5ft8in, Joe Jonas, 5ft 7in, and Keith Urban, 5ft 8in, have all walked the red carpet alongside their significantly taller partners. It is believed the trend began in 2018, when comedian Jaboukie Young-White tweeted: 'I'm f******* tired of 'short' used as an insult. ''Short' gave you Donald Glover. 'Short' gave you Tom Holland. 'Short' gave you Daniel Kaluuya. ''Short' gave you Bruno f******g Mars. 'Short kings are the enemy of body negativity, and I'll be forever proud to defend them.' However, it is only in recent weeks that the term has picked up traction on social media, with term term 'Short Kings' quickly going viral on TikTok and Twitter. Among those who are pioneering the movement are Abbie Herbert on TikTok, and her smaller musician husband, Josh. She often shares videos about the pair's height difference, including 'how to pose with a short king', and 'why height doesn't matter'. Speaking in a clip, she said: 'Tall queens and short kings, it's all about the illusions and the angles.' Commenting on one popular video, TikTok user Jaida Boodram received 244k likes when she declared: 'It's short king spring.' Meanwhile on Twitter, users have taken to sharing their all-time favourite 'short kings', including Daniel Radcliffe, 5ft 5in, and Bruno Mars, 5ft 5in. Other smaller A-listers who have sent hearts fluttering online include Daniel Kaluuya, who is 5ft 6in. Holland has addressed his height difference with his girlfriend Zendaya on a number of occasions. Last December, he liked an Instagram post shared by meme account LadBible, which was captioned: 'Shorter men are more sexually active than taller men who would have thought ay.' And the trend is not just limited to Hollywood actors, with unlikely shorter pin-ups attracting attention online including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who measures up to just 5'7. Meanwhile Chancellor Rishi Sunak, 5ft 6in, has also attracted attention amid the trend. One social media user excited about the trend commented: 'I know nothing about his politics, but he's very handsome, so shout out to short king Rishi Sunak.' Another wrote: 'Changing my hinge to hunder 6 foot #ShortKingSpring.' A third commented: 'We all need to stop collectively perpetrating the lie that tall men are hotter.' '5'4 is the new 6'4, rt if you agree,' another Twitter user commented. Source: Dailymail Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in the Central region has said the menace of illegal mining (galamsey) continues to militate ruthlessly against its operations in the region, particularly at their intake points. Mr Kwasi Abrebrese, the Regional Chief Manager of the Company, claimed that galamsey was now more rampant than it was in the past and the company struggled to extract water for treatment at some production plants due to the extremely muddy state of the water source. He was addressing the media in Cape Coast after a closed-door stakeholder meeting with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) following a similar meeting between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Commission. The meetings were part of the Commissions stakeholders engagement with utility providers and consumers in the region to assess their performance and identify and improve areas of challenge. In a dire situation, you may not get enough water to even extract before you start the production process. So, for some of our production centres, there is no water to produce. For some, we even must do desilting at the edges of the intake to create more room for the volumes to build up, Mr Abrebrese said. He explained that GWCL was forced by the situation to introduce more chemicals in the water, albeit cautiously, to keep water flowing to its customers, adding to its production cost. According to the GWCL Regional Chief Manager, production was always interrupted for maintenance works due to the filth in the water that clocked their machines, citing Sekyereheman as the most affected. So, we must break production and clean our filters before we restart production. When you should have done 24 hours of continuous pumping, you may have to do 12 hours or less, he noted. The acute water shortage in some parts of the Central Region and the brownish water that flows through peoples pipes in some communities have been an issue of major concern to many. Mr Abrebrese, therefore, called for a concerted effort by citizens and government to combat the canker to forestall a looming water crisis in the country. We will be glad if we see all of ourselves as stakeholders in ensuring that a day will not come that Ghana will import water. We are praying that citizens should promptly report so that we fight some of these things which may, eventually, affect the whole country, he appealed. Dr Ishmael Ackah, Executive Secretary, PURC addressing the challenges raised by GWCL, advised the company to engage the public on galamsey to develop localized strategies to get quality water. For areas without water at all, he encouraged GWCL to expedite its provision and installation of reservoirs in such areas for them to get reliable supply of water. To deal with overbilling and its attendant drama with consumers, Dr Ackah urged the water providers to meter all customers to resolve the situation. On the operation of ECG, Dr Ackah observed that aside from illegal connections, burnt poles due to agricultural activities was a key problem sending the investment of ECG in the region down the drain. He observed that the burning of poles affected electricity services to many communities and implored citizens to desist from the act, adding that it was their collective responsibility to protect the poles and the metres. When ECG does the wrong thing, report to us and we are going to engage them and make sure they deliver the service. He urged consumers to be alive to their civic responsibility of protecting government property for their own good. 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. Featured Video Regardless of the widely held notion of decreasing life expectancy among Ghanaians, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), said its statistics indicated a reverse of the situation. It observed a steady rise in life expectancy of contributors aged 72 which was eight percent in 2002, 18 percent in 2010 and 25 percent in 2020. Likewise, the percentage of contributors aged 80, had risen from one percent in 2002 to two percent in 2010 and seven per cent in 2020. Mr Joseph Poku, Chief Actuary with SSNIT who revealed this at a stakeholders' engagement in Cape Coast on Friday, attributed the phenomenon to among others, better health care and hygiene, healthier lifestyles, sufficient food and improved medical care. The forum followed similar engagements in the Western, Bono, Greater Accra, Upper East, Upper West and Northern Regions held to enable stakeholders buy in and support the extension of coverage of the SSNIT Scheme to the self-employed and workers in the informal sector. It was on the theme: Expanding pension coverage to the self-employed and informal sector worker. Mr Poku noted that reduced child mortality meant people were expected to live much longer than our ancestors just a few generations ago. It is the assumption of the Scheme that its contributors will live up to 15 years after retirement, but some pensioners live well above the assumption age putting some stress on the fund, but SSNIT is equal to the task, he said. As an employee, one contributes 5.5percent of ones basic salary whilst the employer adds up 13 percent of the same amount as payment to the fund. Towards expanding the scheme, Mr Poku observed that the country's social protection system supported only 14,314 self-employed workers who contributed to the Scheme, representing some 0.8 percent of the 1.7 million contributors of the scheme. In all, there were about 11.5 million people in the informal sector in the country. He said it had become necessary to extend coverage to the informal sector worker, not only to increase active membership and contributors to the scheme but also ensure that every worker in the country enjoyed social protection. This would increase the number of insured persons to provide income replacement for every worker in the country, therefore, reducing poverty and over-dependency on family, relations and friends for support during old age. That is why we are now paying more attention to our friends who are self-employed. The feedback we receive clearly shows very little understanding among players in the informal sector of how the SSNIT scheme operates, he said. Mr Poku also described as erroneous the perception that people lost the value of their money when they insured their future incomes with SSNIT. He said it was for that reason, among others, that SSNIT had decided to reach out and educate the people, through various channels, on the benefits of the scheme to encourage them to come on board to secure their future incomes. SSNIT is a statutory public institution charged under the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766 as amended by Act 883) with the administration of Ghanas Basic National Social Security Scheme. Its mandate is to cater for the First Tier of the Three-Tier Pension Scheme. The SSNIT scheme replaces part of the lost income of members due to old age, invalidity or upon the death of a member, where nominated dependant(s) receive a lump sum payment. During the open forum, the Chief Fisherman of Egyaa, Nana Kwame Ababio and Madam Doris Abaidoo, a representative from Ghana National Dressmakers and Tailors Association described the engagement as fruitful and pleaded with SSNIT to extend its services to the doorsteps of workers in the informal sector. 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. Featured Video RTHK: Australian prime minister calls May 21 election Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called federal elections for May 21 on Sunday, launching a fight to stay in power after three years rocked by floods, bushfires and the Covid-19 pandemic. Morrison's conservative government is struggling to woo Australia's 17 million voters, lagging behind the opposition Labour party in a string of opinion polls despite presiding over a rebounding economy with a 13-year-low jobless rate of four percent. "This election is about you. No one else. It's about our country, and it's about its future," Morrison said. "I know Australians have been through a very tough time. I also know that Australia continues to face very tough challenges in the years ahead," he told a news conference. The Labour party, led by political veteran Anthony Albanese, will be fighting to end nearly a decade of Liberal-National Party rule in Australia. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2022-04-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. An employee prepares online orders for delivery at a Burger King store in east China's Shanghai, April 10, 2022. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli) SHANGHAI, April 10 (Xinhua) -- An increasing number of e-commerce giants and food delivery platforms have joined in the battle against the resurgence of the Omicron variant in Shanghai to secure the megacity's daily supplies. Local authorities confirmed Sunday that e-commerce giants such as JD.com, online food delivery platforms Meituan and Eleme, and courier services companies have cooperated with the city to provide daily necessities for the residents. With a population of 25 million, Shanghai has now become a primary battleground against the virus. It reported over 20,000 new domestic infections on Saturday. The city has employed a temporary closed-off management strategy with citywide nucleic acid testing rounds. "I haven't slept a wink for days," said Cai Xiaobing, head of a branch of YTO Express, a major express delivery firm in China. Cai has become a community volunteer since April 4, providing food for residents in the neighborhood of his community. Cai's wife organizes online group buying every morning, and Cai contacts sellers and arranges the company's drivers to distribute the goods to residents door-to-door. Cai said he needs to cope with goods for several thousands of residents every day. "I even drove to a community to deliver 150 kg of rice at around 2 a.m. And just now, 500 bags of flour sold out in merely two minutes," he said, adding a volunteer team consisting of deliverymen has grown from six to 40, and they need to work more than 10 hours per day. Wang Wenbo, vice president of JD, said that JD is sourcing goods from nationwide to meet Shanghai citizens' needs. The first batch of goods, including infant milk formula, diapers, medicines, epidemic prevention materials and mutton, have arrived. The company has dispatched more than 2,000 anti-epidemic workers including delivery people to provide services in Shanghai. More workers are expected to be deployed there, Wang noted, adding unmanned intelligent delivery vehicles will carry out contactless delivery in Shanghai's closed-off areas. Online food delivery platform Eleme, superstore chain RT-Mart, and Cainiao Network, Alibaba's logistics arm, also said they are organizing more local employees to return to work. An employee prepares medicine for an online order at a drugstore in east China's Shanghai, April 10, 2022. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli) A delivery man takes an online medicine order from a drugstore in east China's Shanghai, April 10, 2022. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli) Employees prepare food for online orders at a food store in east China's Shanghai, April 10, 2022. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli) Employees pack food for online orders at a food store in east China's Shanghai, April 10, 2022. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli) An employee packs vegetables for online orders at a supermarket in east China's Shanghai, April 10, 2022. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli) An employee packs food for an online order at a Burger King store in east China's Shanghai, April 10, 2022. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli) An employee packs vegetables for online orders at a supermarket in east China's Shanghai, April 10, 2022. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli) The Majority Leader of Parliament, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu is in India to chair the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) mid-year executive committee meeting. The meeting which will be attended by regional representatives from 53 Commonwealth countries and nine(9) regions will be held in Guwahati the capital of Assam Province. The Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is expected to officially open the event tomorrow, April 9, 2022. The delegation from Ghanas Parliament are the first deputy Speaker, Mr. Joseph Osei-Owusu, who is representing the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin at the meeting and Member of Parliament for Akatsi South Constituency, Bernard Ahiafor. Minority Leader, Haruna Iddirisu is expected to be part of the meeting. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu who is also the vice chairman of the CPA International is expected to chair the committee of the Association- the planing and constitutional review committee. It is the reason why I had to leave parliament on the 5th of April, the very day Parliament adjourned sine die. So I am here for the Association in the name of the Africa Region, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu told AGN. According to him, the ongoing executive meeting in India is to outline preparations towards the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Canada. This meeting is preparatory to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference which well be holding in Nova Scotia in Canada that will be in August. So the executive committee is to review the programs slated for Canada, he added. He revealed that arrangements had also been made for Ghana to host the next Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Accra in August 2023. Ghana will be hosting the CPC in Accra. Possibly, it is going to be in August of next year but we have to think through the exact date for it, he told AGNs Princess Arita Anim. The CPA Executive Meeting usually meets twice a year and is made up of CPA Officers and Regional representatives from all nine CPA regions. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Mrs. Sika Ramatu Lawson, a Project Electrical/Instrumentation Engineer at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), has encouraged girls and young ladies not to fear to venture into the study of science and technology and its related field of work. She said it is not impossible for the girl-child or a woman to venture into science or technology, what they had to do was to put aside fear over the perception that some classified fields or professions were only for males. She said society needed to support females in such fields at all levels by providing them with equal opportunities to propel them to reach the top. Mrs. Lawson stated this at the eleventh monthly stakeholder engagement seminar organized by the Ghana News Agencys Tema Regional Office, which is a platform rolled out for state and non-state actors to address national issues. The stakeholder engagement was also used to climax the GNA Tema Regional Offices month-long activities to mark the 2022 International Womens Day celebration. Speaking on the topic: Prospects of women in the oil refinery sector: Womens contribution to the success story of the Tema Oil Refinery, Mrs Lawson observed that most of the females often tilt toward administration and related fields deemed as soft due to lack of support and encouragement from families, friends, peers and the society. She said it was about time that women working in technical outfit and holding bigger positions come together to work towards propelling the younger ones into such fields. The TORs Electrical/Instrumentation Engineer encouraged girls not to give up on their dreams, saying, anything you are good at, pursue it, it only takes a little effort to reach your dreams. She said women engineers like herself had broken the boundary and proved themselves in the oil refinery sector even though it was a predominately male-oriented field of work. Mrs. Matilda Adane Okrah, TOR Maintenance Planner, contributing to the discussion said the female population ratio of TOR in the past compared to the current, was encouraging, revealing that at a point in time there was only one female engineer amongst the host of men. She said it was worthy that TOR now had several gallant ladies who were applying modern technology in various positions as technicians and engineers, chemists, and laboratory technicians, among others for the successful running of the only refinery in Ghana. Touching on breaking the bias, which was the theme for this years International Womens Day, Mrs. Okrah said the COVID-19 pandemic made the world to have a feel and hear the stories of how women had been taking care of the home and still took care of their work. I am sure the men with the little they experienced with the kids at home during the pandemic may have changed their mindset about women, she noted. 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. Featured Video A Member of the Finance Committee of Parliament, Isaac Adongo, has described the economic lectures presented by the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as one bordering on intellectual dishonesty. According to him, the vice president, whom he christened "Walewale Adam Smith", has refused to take "wise counsel" on how he can be assisted to revive the country's ailing economy, and is rather embarking on a lying-spree masked as an economic lecture. Dr Bawumia, on Thursday, delivered a speech on the economy at National Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) Training and Orientation Conference, and highlighted some digitization interventions by the incumbent government that, to him, is saving the country huge sum of monies and quickly transforming the economy. In a brutally-frank lecture on Ghanas economy from 1990 till date, he reminded Ghanaians that although times may be hard now, the Akufo-Addo administration inherited an even more dire situation and successfully moved the country onto a path of growth until the whole world was blindsided by the Covid 19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and locally, the banking sector clean up. Not long ago, we had felt similar despair. The fear of losing our lives to a pandemic and the near halt to our economy as we battled to survive each day. Some years ago also we had been confronted by very dire economic circumstances. The joblessness of our youth, years of lights out that impacted adversely on businesses and jobs, the disappointment of dealing with a collapsed national health insurance system and inability to access health care, the bane of the cash and carry system, a nearly collapsed national ambulance system, freeze on public sector employment, an almost collapsed banking sector and so on . . . . . The government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo put in much effort to turn things around and elevate the standards of living of the Ghanaian people above what the situation used to be at the time this government was formed in 2017 . . . Together as a country, we proceeded to fix the economy. We made great gains and the records attest to this. Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic which has impacted all economies in the world, we stabilized the economy, and achieved great strides. The relatively strong performance of the economy, among other things, led to Ghana becoming the destination of choice for Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in West Africa according to the 2019 World Investment Report by UNCTAD. In the midst of the current economic challenges we face, we are putting in place the key pillars for the economic transformation of Ghana. We may not yet be where we want to be, and we may be buffeted by the winds of the pandemic and the war for yet a little while, but we have made a great start and, together, we shall finish what we started, he stated. But speaking on Okay FM's 'Ade Akye Abia' programme, Hon Adongo, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, was emphatic that the lecture was just another avenue to lie to Ghanaians and slammed Dr Bawumia for attributing the country's economic woes to the conflict in Eastern Europe. To him, the ineptness of the NPP to tackle the economy is "legendary". "This government has just emboldened their incompetence with this lecture which did not provide any pragmatic solutions to the current challenges the country is facing. "Why do they continue to blame their inefficiencies on something else? For example, why do you blame the escalation of food prices on the Russia-Ukraine war? How often do Ghanaians add wheat to their staple food? Is this not the same government that said they had abundance of food to feed the whole country through their planting for food and jobs programme? You see, when you lie about things you have not done your own failed policies will expose you. "The inept administration of the NPP government is legendary. What Bawumia did at the economic lectures is nothing new but another avenue to lie to Ghanaians," he added. Watch video below Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Sammy Gyamfi, the Communications Director of the National Democratic Congress, is up in the trends on social media following a verbal exchange with the Dean of the Graduate School of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor. Sammy Gyamfi on TV3s Key Points program tackled the Professor Mawutor over some defence he mounted for Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumias speech at the National Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) National Conference on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Sammy Gyamfi contested claims by the lecturer and questioned the veracity of some of the things he said on the show. Sammy Gyamfi described some of the claims by Dr Bawumia as The Vice President who is not willing to accept responsibility for his own economic mismanagement and the failings of this government. That 129-page speech is full of blatant falsehoods and a litany of excuses that do not hold water. The use of cooked figures and false statistical data to create an impression this government has done better when the true facts rather show that this country has had its economy deteriorated in the last five years. Gyamfis performance on the show appears to have excited some viewers who have taken to social media to praise him. Sammy Gyamfi is very smart and intelligent,he chooses Npps argument and rubbishes it and then quote law to finalize it#TheKeyPoints pic.twitter.com/ygqrO68nrQ With All Due Respect (@cdzas) April 9, 2022 I watched him, he was on top of issues Prince (@princeaneze1) April 9, 2022 Lucid thinker, super smart I like his ending submission Mrmohammed Salihu (@mrmoh_salihu) April 9, 2022 Is Sammy Gyamfi a god? The guy is smart, intelligent and on top of issues. Great gift to Ghana #thekeypoints Makafui Theodore (@MakafuiTheodore) April 9, 2022 Please Mr. Sammy Gyamfi don't worry yourself to be explaining or giving any sources when you know that you are speaking with someone who's government is deeply buried in pure mismanagement of state funds. Npp has nothing to offer us. #TheKeyPoints Camara Ibrahim (@CamaraI94183962) April 9, 2022 King Sammy Gyamfi silencing the co-panelists with facts and documents. You can only hate Sammy Gyamfi for debating if you have NPP DNA . #TheKeyPoints ENAM (@EnamKem) April 9, 2022 Source: twitter/ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Quebec Conservative Leader Eric Duhaime speaks to supporters at a rally where he announced he will run in the Chauveau riding in the next provincial election in October, in Quebec City, Tuesday, April 5, 2022. In a province where opposition parties have generally supported COVID-19 restrictions introduced by the government, Duhaime has built support through his opposition to those health measures. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot An actor believed to be Ryan Reynolds is dressed as Deadpool on a movie set in downtown Vancouver, B.C. Monday, April 13, 2015. What constitutes a Canadian film, TV program or "content" is at the heart of new legislation before Parliament that would require streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ to feature a certain amount of Canadian content, similar to the obligations long placed on traditional broadcasters. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward Thank you for reading the Philadelphia Tribune. You have exhausted your free article views for this month. Please press the "subscribe" button below and see our introductory price of $0.10 per week for 10 weeks. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you next month. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivers a speech online while attending the opening ceremony of a special ministerial conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (PSCs), also known as Forum Macao, in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang called for strengthening cooperation with Portuguese-speaking countries on Sunday. Li made the remarks online while attending the opening ceremony of a special ministerial conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (PSCs), also known as Forum Macao. Trade between China and the PSCs has exceeded 100 billion U.S. dollars for five consecutive years and reached 200 billion U.S. dollars last year, which fully demonstrated the resilience and potential of cooperation, Li noted. Li said that China would make more contributions to safeguarding world peace and promoting mutual development and prosperity of all countries together with the PSCs and the international society. China is willing to increase cooperation with the PSCs in vaccines, medication, and health and set up a communication center on epidemic prevention in China's Macao Special Administrative Region, said the premier. Calling for further enhancing trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, Li said China is willing to improve collaboration in advancing infrastructure connectivity, industrial capacity, energy conservation, and environmental protection with the PSCs. Government delegates from China and eight PSCs, including Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe, and Timor-Leste, attended the meeting. Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News N Augusta Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. The hiring process has never been easy for service industry employers looking for hourly help. The COVID-19 pandemic compounded the hiring challenges, as Charleston technology CEO AJ Richichi saw close up over the past two-plus years. "So you had a labor shortage. You had most of the workforces go to remote. And you just had a lot of hysteria and hesitation from people to go back to their shifts, particularly if they were in-person, like in quick-service restaurants, retail, health care, etcetera," he said. The sudden shift in the hiring market created a sweet spot on the demand side for Sprockets, Richichi's locally based software business that combines data and artificial intelligence to help employers identify their top hourly job applicants. The 50-worker company said in a recent post on its website that its growth accelerated "10x" during the peak of the COVID labor shortage. Richichi said he now often tells the venture capitalists he talks with that "we had the right technology at the right time with the right team." Sprockets recently closed its biggest financing round to date, securing $10 million from some of those early-stage investors. The latest backers were led by Forte Ventures. Others include Healthy Ventures, Thayer Ventures, Lytical Ventures, Blu Ventures and VentureSouth. Sprockets said in a statement that the infusion will help it to keep growing the business and "accelerate the transformation of a hiring process that's fundamentally failing the nation's hourly workforce." "The $10 million is truly rocket fuel to do what we want to do ..." Richichi said March 31. His company calls its automated human-resource platform an "applicant matching system." Its customers have their hiring candidates and their top-performing workers fill out a questionnaire. The answers are compared using data science, and job seekers are assigned a numerical score based on their attributes and their likelihood of success. The process places less emphasis on the traditional interview and is designed to take much of the guesswork and biases out of recruiting. It also saves time and leads to higher retention rates, Richichi said. The monthly subscription fee ranges from $89 to $129 per location, depending on how many sites the employer operates. Forte Ventures founder Tom Hawkins said the screening platform "is invaluable" to human resource managers in industries that have "historically been ignored by most of the HR tech players." "There's no shortage of problems in the hourly workforce right now," Richichi added. "I've never talked with a company that's hiring at less than $15 an hour that's satisfied totally with the current process." One key difference is that the rules of engagement have changed over the past two years, he added. "Today, because of the labor shortage and because everyone is trying to recruit every candidate and wages are higher, you're starting to see the power ... fall back on the candidate for the first time in a very long time," Richichi said. In response, employers are having to step their game by offering benefits, better starting pay and other incentives, such as sign-on bonuses, retention rewards and college tuition perks. "It's a great time to find work right now," Richichi said He launched Sprockets in April 2017, around the time the New York native and his wife decided to move to Charleston, partly for quality of life reasons and partly dawn by the blossoming local technology industry. Originally called Sentio, its hiring platform grew out of a confidential social network that Richichi created while attending Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. One of his first financial backers was brewing magnate Pete Coors, according to an article posted on the prep school's website. Coors, who also went to Phillips Exeter, remains an investor, Richichi said. The company, which went remote during the pandemic lockdown, was renamed Sprockets more than a year ago. One of the company's first South Carolina backers was VentureSouth, a Greenville firm that targets startups in the Southeast. A subsequent $3.4 million financing deal and the recent round brought in money from New York, Atlanta and Silicon Valley. "I think for us a big part of the growth is going to be hiring people here in Charleston, everything from entry-level cold callers all the way up to multifaceted enterprise in-person sales agents," Richichi said. Sprocket also plans to return to an office environment this year. Right now, few of the company's customers are from South Carolina, which Richichi hopes will change. The reason, he said, is that "the biggest gap between us and major cities" for up-and-coming technology firms isn't necessarily access to capital but "user adoption in your back yard." COLUMBIA Leaders across South Carolina's capital city say they still are hoping to find a deal to expand the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, despite the frustration expressed by a developer backing the move. Richland County Council Chairman Overture Walker said government officials still are considering the proposal from developer Ben Arnold and also would consider alternatives. Reports on March 25 that Arnold was walking away from the idea came as a surprise to Walker. "There is broad support for expansion of the convention center," Walker said. "Many of us were taken aback" when Arnold's company issued a statement saying he had abandoned the idea, he said. A letter was sent to Arnold by County Administrator Leonardo Brown with concerns about the funding of the new parking garage to be built at the heart of the project. After receiving the letter, Arnold said it was clear that public officials would not support the plan. The letter was not meant to signal that the county had decided against a deal, Walker said. "Perhaps our deliberative approach is being misinterpreted just as the administrator's letter may have been misinterpreted in good faith," he said. Arnold, a Columbia native who lives in California, had proposed using 12 acres of land he owns that runs along Gervais Street and is connected to the convention center for a redevelopment project that would build three hotels. The deal had been contingent on public funding to expand the current convention center. It also depended on public funding for a parking garage that would serve the convention center and nearby hotels. The funding burden for the project would fall both on the city and county. Walker said County Council had been studying the math on the cost of the parking garage, including its obligations to pay for the garage if revenues did not cover costs. "We have not shot down any plan or proposal," Walker told The Post and Courier on April 8. Councilman Paul Livingston also said there was support on the council for the idea and that the Arnold plan had not been ruled out. Other ways to expand the convention center that did not include Arnold's plan also would be considered, he said. Columbia City Council strongly supports finding a way forward on the project, Councilman Howard Duvall said. The plan might have to be different than what Arnold had proposed, perhaps with the city and not the county operating parking, Duvall said. Experience Columbia, which operates the convention center, should put together a revised plan for local leaders to consider, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann said April 8. Rickenmann reiterated that he sees many needs facing the city, such as 600 job openings on its staff including 100 police positions, and that he is not convinced that the convention center project makes sense now. "At the end of the day, we have got to fund the projects that benefit the entire community," Rickenmann said. Any alternative to Arnold's plan would face a challenge in the geography of the convention center: It is mostly landlocked, with Colonial Life Arena on one side, an existing parking garage across the street and Arnold's property, Vista restaurants and Adluh Flour on the side closest to Gervais Street. The convention center was designed to permit a future expansion into its current parking lot, but that would require that more parking be found elsewhere. In a March 25 statement, Arnold cited the lack of political will to push forward with the public-private project for pulling the plug on his plans. "Despite every effort, we were still not able to come to an agreement," Arnold said. Arnold said he would bring forward a less ambitious plan for the site that was not contingent on the convention center being expanded, and has declined to comment publicly since. Advocates for the expansion argue that Columbia's convention center misses out on events that go to larger facilities in other cities. Columbia probably will never know how many people planning events look at the convention center's capacity and rule it out, City Center Partnership CEO Matt Kennell said. In the midst of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, new COVID strains and obscene housing prices, allow me to interrupt the cray-cray* to replay the slap heard round the world. In case you've been in church all week, you may not have seen Will Smith slap fellow actor Chris Rock on the Oscar stage over a perceived slight of Smith's wife. While the whack wasn't nearly as hard as Smiths alien smackdown in the 1996 movie, Independence Day, the Academy did consider asking Smith to leave the event. Instead, they invited him back on stage to accept his Oscar. Why rehash this in a spiritual column? Especially on Palm Sunday. Because it's hard not to admire how Rock may have followed the biblical teaching to turn the other cheek. In case its been a month of Sundays since youve darkened the church doors, you may need to be reminded that turning the other cheek is something Jesus suggested his followers do if they were to be slapped silly by anyone. Context here Jesus is preaching the Sermon on the Mount, when he decries the ancient credo of revenge, Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth (Matthew 5:38). But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. Jesus says. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also (v. 39). Sadly, the passage is often used to encourage Christians to accept their predicament. Dont fight back! the teaching goes. Be a pacifist. However, Rocks response was much better than just not striking back. He may well have been reminded of the wisdom of his late grandfather, Allan Rock. The elder Rock, a Brooklyn, N.Y., storefront church pastor, would have likely preached the nonviolent resistance promoted by Martin Luther King Jr. King would say that when the Galilean carpenter said turn the other cheek, he wasnt advising the slave to beg, Please, sir. May I have another? Sign up for our new opinion newsletter Get a weekly recap of South Carolina opinion and analysis from The Post and Courier in your inbox on Monday evenings. Email Sign Up! Jesus was promoting a nonviolent, defensive stance. To imagine this next paragraph, picture a slave receiving a backhanded assault. If the victim then turns his other cheek toward the abuser, he limits the next hit to an openhanded slap. This is important because Biblical scholars identify the openhanded slap as something exchanged only among equals. The slave who turns the other cheek, forcing an openhand slap, obliges his attacker to see him as an equal. Rocks response to the attack may be seen as a figurative turning of the cheek. The emcee kept a smile on his face and his hands at his side. The stance forced his attacker to see Rock as a man equal to himself, equal to all humankind. However, Chris, in case youre reading this, theres a second teaching that surpasses the overtaught cheek reversing. Its one I hope youll consider as you develop your public reply to the incident. This higher principle is found in the next chapter, verse 12, where the Lords prayer says that God will forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Forgive, Chris. Be the better man. Take the higher road and publicly forgive Will. Only by forgiving those who trespass against you will you be able to avoid the ominous postscript to this prayer, seen three verses later. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. We now return you to the cray-cray of your regular programming. Reader note: Cray-cray" is slang for crazy. In a USA Today piece, Erika Rawes says its one of five phrases that dont belong in the workplace. However, she admits it became so popular that "cray" is now in the Oxford Dictionary. USA Today Dec 13. 2014. I promise, Erika, Ill never use it again in my column. As the temperatures get warmer in the Lowcountry and April turns into May, many homeowners turn their attention to lawn care. The temptation to use a fertilizer or a weed-and-seed product in early- to mid-April can be overwhelming, but the best time to fertilize your lawn is actually in May, according to experts. "One of the biggest mistakes people make is fertilizing their lawns too early in the year," said Christopher Burtt, a horticulture agent for Clemson Universitys Cooperative Extension. "The general rule for grass is to fertilize it around May 1. You want to fertilize your lawn when its growing, and the main growing period for most grass in the area is from May to August." Most grass in the Lowcountry is considered warm season turf grass. Turf grass is defined by its growing season, and for the Lowcountry, warm season grasses are the predominant type. There are four main types of warm season turf grasses in the Lowcountry: centipede (Eremochloa ophiuroides), St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), Bermuda grass (Cynodon species) and zoysiagrass (Zoysia species). Centipede grass is considered a low-maintenance turf grass while the other three are considered high maintenance. While there are alternatives to these four, these are the most widely used for lawns in the Lowcountry. "The turf grasses that are common to the Lowcountry are most active when the weather becomes warmer, Burtt said. Fertilizing the yard before the active growing season can be a waste of money, time and effort. And rarely, if ever, use a weed-and-seed product on your lawn. "Anyone who does use a weed-and-seed product is just throwing their money away and polluting the environment," said Amanda McNaulty, a horticulture agent for Clemsons Sumter County Cooperative Extension Office. "Its like a frat boy drinking beer, it goes in and goes out and doesnt do a whole lot of good." The sentiment is shared by Burtt. "Those weed-and-seed products are right by the register when you check out, so its very easy to be tempted to use them," Burtt said. "Fertilizers and herbicides generally dont work well together. Sometimes you are just fertilizing the weeds that you are trying to kill, so its counterproductive. And you are not saving any money by combining the products together." For certain grasses like Bermuda and zoysia, fertilizer is necessary but in limited amounts. Bermuda is a grass known for its ability to handle traffic, and therefore needs little input to keep it healthy. Zoysia is a much finer grass that also needs little input to keep it healthy. For other grasses like centipede, fertilizer is generally not needed at all. St. Augustine is in the middle, depending on its location. Outside of lime or sulfur, any type of soil amendment should wait until the following growing season. The best way to figure out exactly what fertilizer will work for your yard and keep it healthy and green is to get a soil test. Burtt recommends getting two cups of dry soil from four different areas of your lawn. For a $6 fee, the Clemson Extension offices, which are located in each county in the state, can analyze the soil and give you the best recommendations for lawn care. It takes about 10 to 14 business days to get results. Soil tests are so important, and a good soil test will address your fertilizer needs, and in the end, save you money, Burtt said. The more surprising issue a lot of people run into is watering their lawn too much. Regular water too often can run the risk of fungus and causes shallow rooting. Grasses like Bermuda are exceptionally drought-tolerant and should not require irrigation once established. Other types of grasses go through periods of dormancy during drought but tend to recover with adequate rainfall. "You want to water the lawn 1 to 1 inches a week and never more than twice a week, even in the heat of the summer," Burtt said. "You want the grass to dry so it will push its roots deeper." Another suggestion for thicker, richer grass is to leave the clippings on the lawn after mowing. "Leave the clippings on the ground so the grass can soak up those nutrients," said Adam Gore, a horticulture agent for Clemson Universitys Cooperative Extension. "By keeping the clippings in the yard, you wont have to fertilize as much, and that should save you money." After South Carolina's public health agency closed all of its mass COVID-19 testing locations early this month, health experts have been left wondering how the state will track another wave of the virus, should it arrive. The state health agency attributed the test site closings to an increased use in rapid at-home antigen tests and decreased demand for in-person COVID-19 testing. On average, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control distributed over 1,400 rapid antigen test kits per week in March. Richland, Horry and Aiken counties distributed the highest number of kits during this period. The agency did recognize inaccuracies in earlier versions of rapid at-home antigen test kits, but noted that current versions of the tests are more accurate now than ever. "The case numbers now are quite low, so there's not a whole lot of transmission and infections happening," said Michael Sweat, director of the Center for Global Health at the Medical University of South Carolina. "To open these testing sites up and keep them going ... the cost effectiveness for that is not great." But Sweat added, "If (cases) pick up again and we get another wave, which I do think is likely, then, it would be nice to have them back." Now, DHEC is leaning on other methods of information gathering. One will be wastewater surveillance to determine COVID levels in the state's sewage treatment systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people infected with COVID-19 can shed the virus through their bowels, even if they are asymptomatic. So untreated sewage can be tested to get an idea of the total viral load in a community. Officials from DHEC also said that hospitalizations and deaths remain the biggest indicators of virus spread. "We really are looking less at cases and more at severe cases, the ones that require hospitalizations and, unfortunately, deaths," said Dr. Brannon Traxler, director of public health for DHEC. "Those severity markers are the most important things to be looking at going forward." At-home testing Data on hospitalizations and deaths can sometimes lag a few weeks behind. Some are questioning whether following this metric will prevent residents from being notified about virus spread before it's too late. Charleen Smith, retired resident of Columbia, said she worries about the possibility of another variant emerging without ample warning. Smiths daughter has survived two bouts of the virus since the beginning of the pandemic and is still feeling long-lasting effects. She said her daughter recently had her gallbladder removed and has had complications with her liver as a result of having COVID-19. "We really dont know what COVID is going to do, Smith said. "I think they need to stay on top of it." According to Traxler, the agency will notify residents when trends in hospitalizations and deaths are on the rise. "If we see trends starting to go up, we're going to sound the alarm and make sure people are aware before (the virus) reaches its peak," Traxler said. Even with at-home testing on the rise, much is still unknown about whether residents will be diligent when finding out their status, especially if they are asymptomatic. In fact, an epidemiologist from the University of South Carolina, Melissa Nolan, and director of DHEC's bureau of chronic disease and injury prevention, Dr. Virginie Daguise, are currently leading a study to determine the accuracy and popularity of at-home tests. The study, All in SC, encompasses statewide focus groups where residents can participate in a survey and agree to undergo different COVID-19 testing methods. According to Nolan, the focus groups are meant to "elevate the voices of people that have been hit the hardest" by COVID-19. Participants have three different testing options: a self-administered at-home rapid antigen test, a rapid antigen test with the help of a telehealth professional, or producing a urine sample to send to a public health lab. According to Sweat, both at-home tests and mass public testing cannot account for those who dont seek testing, mainly because theyre asymptomatic or have mild infections. "There has always been more people infected than test rates show," Sweat said. However, Sweat said monitoring the number of new cases is still valuable because it shows public health officials how fast cases are rising at any given time. "It's one of our early indicators," he said. Sounding the alarm While state health officials have rendered case numbers obsolete in determining levels of virus transmission, some experts remain hopeful that the state health agency will reopen mass testing sites should another virus surge occur. DHEC officials told The Post and Courier they would lean on their supply of free rapid at-home antigen tests instead of reopening its testing operations. "Home tests are accurate and more efficient because they allow residents to get results in 15 minutes instead of two or more days," a DHEC spokesman wrote in a recent statement. "That time difference allows people to make faster, informed decisions by knowing their COVID-19 status quicker, which can lead to less spread and potentially save lives." State public health officials also told the newspaper that the agency is working to build a bigger wastewater monitoring operation in lieu of testing site closures. The agency first began its surveillance program in spring 2020, when the agency's Bureau of Water partnered with the University of South Carolina's Arnold School of Public Health to begin monitoring the state's sewage systems for the virus. A spokesman for DHEC pointed to a CDC website with this wastewater data, but the site showed that there was no recent data from South Carolina for the most recent 15-day period of results. In response to a follow-up question, the spokesman said DHEC is currently building the capacity for wastewater testing within the agency, which will allow wastewater test results to be posted in a more timely manner. Additional wastewater test results will be provided as they're available. Esa Mohammad and Sakina Ahmadi arrived in Charleston on Jan. 20. It was no easy journey. They left their hometown in the south of Afghanistan on Aug. 23 and made their way, separately, to Kabul. They had been betrothed a year and half, and this disruption was a distressing turn of events. Mohammad, 23, had worked for an officer of the Afghan military, and he became a target of the Taliban after the withdrawal of U.S. troops was completed last fall. Ahmadis father had worked on a U.S. base. A man with links to the Taliban once threatened the family: If he was permitted to marry Ahmadis 15-year-old sister, then he would give up the search for their father. In Kabul, arrangements were made to evacuate Ahmadi, 21, and her family. Mohammad would be left behind. Ahmadi would tolerate no such thing, so they married. They were transported by the U.S., first to Qatar, then to a military base in Virginia. They arrived in Charleston with few possessions other than some clothing and a handful of necessities and mementos. They are very happy, they said. They feel safe. They are receiving lots of help. They are looking ahead with anticipation even as they look back with fear for their loved ones left behind. The logistical challenges are immense. The newcomers dont speak much English. They adhere to religious practices and cultural customs unlike those familiar to most Americans. Mohammad and Ahmadi are among 91 Afghan refugees who are settling in the Charleston area. All now have been placed in housing, and many have been provided jobs. The children are enrolled in schools. Language instructors are offering English lessons. Refrigerators are filled up with food. Within a years time, they will be mostly on their own. The refugee resettlement operation is a project of the U.S. government, which collaborates with nine faith-based and other private-sector agencies, including Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. LIRC has a local partner, Lutheran Services Carolinas, which set up an office in Charleston, near Hampton Park. The Charleston operation is new. The office opened officially on Jan. 15, and its staff scrambled to meet a Feb. 15 deadline set by the government. Since President Joe Biden announced last year that all troops would withdraw from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, thus ending America's direct involvement in the 20-year-old conflict, more than 75,000 people have been evacuated by the U.S. from their war-torn country. They were Afghans who in some way had assisted the U.S., and they were temporarily housed on military bases. Now they are settling into various communities across the U.S. The number of Afghan refugees in the U.S. is just a tiny fraction of the whole: 85 percent of refugees who have left Afghanistan 2.2 million now live in Iran and Pakistan. Julia Poppell, Charleston area manager for Lutheran Services Carolinas, said she and her small staff have been scrambling since the start of the year to prepare for an influx of refugees, then to get them settled. Its been challenging. Charleston is a new refugee site with little infrastructure in place, or preparation, Poppell said. Its hard to receive that many refugees in a short amount of time. But the process has been rewarding. The best part of all that is seeing how many different people, from different walks of life, could come together in response to a crisis, she said. Its wonderful to see how welcoming Charleston has been. Circles of Welcome The resettlement process depends on Circles of Welcome groups of around 20 volunteers, often assembled by churches or community groups, who are assigned to Afghan families and individuals. They greet newcomers at the airport. They furnish hot meals and clean clothing. They provide transportation. They explain how things work here. Lutheran Services Carolinas assigns a case manager to each Afghan family, then secures housing (usually rental apartments), jobs for those in need of employment, and school placement for the children. The goal is to get everyone situated within 90 days, and the focus is on immediate needs, Poppell said. After this stabilization phase, comes the long welcome, which involves several months of continued assistance that includes language lessons, job placement and training, school enrollment, assistance with securing federal benefits, and lots of friendly advice and guidance. The Circle of Welcome teams more than 20 of them have been assembled locally remain engaged for up to a year, Poppell said. Each Circle of Welcome consists of about 20 volunteers, but some are larger. Like the one formed by Circular Congregational Church. Close to 100 of the churchs members have been involved, according to co-leader Conway Saylor. They are assisting a family of 11 people, two of whom live independently in town. Circulars members have helped the family settle into apartments, travel around town, apply for jobs, and prepare to pass a drivers test, Saylor said. When they first came, the priority was furnishing a home and making sure they had clothing, she said. As they become more independent, its about showing them around. Saylor, who helped get the children in school, now is doing all the things parents have to do: remembering when its a half-day, going to parent-teacher meetings multiplied by five. There is so much to do, and its not always easy, but the process has worked well, she said. The schools have been welcoming and employers appreciative. Its an interaction between the generosity of the community and the so-inspirational motivation and hard work of these families, Saylor said. Theyve been through unimaginable hardship, walking out the door and leaving their whole world behind. And now they are motivated to learn quickly, become productive members of the community, and ensure their families flourish. These are very resilient young people, Saylor said. They are so committed. They are tenacious. They are not going to stop until they know everyone in the family is safe. Becoming independent Circles of Welcome were formed by a variety of churches, by the College of Charleston and by Jewish Family Services, among others. The effort has attracted some individual volunteers, too, including Daud Nawabi, a medical doctor and longtime Lowcountry resident of Afghan decent. Nawabi remembers the big exodus from Afghanistan in the 1980s, after Russia invaded. His own family hosted many relatives as they adjusted to life in the U.S. Back then, the refugees generally were educated people of means who had held government posts. Regime change was hard on the ruling class. This time its different, Nawabi said. The people coming now are a diverse group that dont always share the same language or customs. They come from all over Afghanistan, and bring with them a variety of skillsets. Most are practicing Muslims who have found refuge at the Central Mosque of Charleston. What they share in common, beside their religion, is experience assisting military forces and administrators during the U.S. presence in Afghanistan. Nawabi attached himself to one of the families, co-signed a lease, took them shopping, served as a translator. He encourages the newcomers to become independent as quickly as possible. I see myself as a safety net, he said. I help put out fires. The anxiety among the refugees is tangible, he said. Many are worried about what comes next. The Kabul family Nawabi is helping was often harassed by the Taliban after the U.S. withdrawal. The Taliban checked on them regularly, tracking their movements and associations, he said. Those who secure permanent U.S. residency might not choose to remain in Charleston long-term, Nawabi said. Other places, such as Freemont, Calif., Orange County, Calif., New York City, and Northern Virginia already have significant Afghan communities that inevitably will appeal to newcomers. 'Consistent with the need' Poppell works under Bedrija Jazic, who is based in Columbia and oversees resettlement efforts statewide. Jazic said the entire operation depends on community support and networking, especially among faith communities. You cant just dump Afghan families into a new environment and expect them to succeed. The refugees arrived in batches dozens one day, 55 another day and were all greeted at the airport by volunteers, she said. Much the same scene unfolded in Columbia, Greenville, Raleigh, and Asheville. Lutheran Services Carolinas is an affiliate of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, based in Baltimore. CEO Krish OMara Vignarajah said the biggest challenges are finding affordable housing and transportation. But thats just the tip of the iceberg. Afghan refugees have no financial nest egg, no fixed income, no credit history, no references. And they are wholly unfamiliar with the American way of life. Yet refugees generally are entrepreneurial and contribute $63 billion to the economy, she said. The Afghans resettled in the U.S. are considered humanitarian parolees, which allows them to live and work in the U.S. for two years, but does not provide a pathway to permanent residence, Vignarajah said. Matt Hembree, executive director for Lutheran Services Carolinas, said his organization is ready to help refugees should they apply for permanent residence status or citizenship by providing necessary paperwork and other support. The hope is that Congress will fast-track the process so they can acquire green cards quickly, said Abdul Fahim, an Afghan-American studying at The Citadel and volunteering with Lutheran Services Carolinas. Permanent resident status enables refugees to bring members of their immediate family to the U.S. Without a green card, those family members remain at the whim of the Taliban, Fahim said. We have no idea whats going to happen, he said. If the green card process is not expedited and newcomers must apply normally, they could need help from immigration lawyers and that costs around $10,000 per person, Fahim said. Vignarajah said many friends of the U.S. who remain in Afghanistan, at least another 100,000 by some estimates, are in harms way. The mission didnt end with the evacuation (of troops), she said. The response should be consistent with the need. A new life Leah Norton, an ESL teacher and member of Charleston Bible Church, is a lead volunteer based on James Island. She also serves on Centerpoint Churchs team. Norton has done a lot of explaining and she has encouraged the families she assists to think about the immediate future. This idea of planning ahead is very challenging when you dont even know what to expect for your life, she said. Sometimes logistical challenges arise. Not every volunteer lives near the Afghan families they are helping. So the Circle of Welcome teams often assist one another, often with transportation needs, Norton said. Since self-sufficiency in 12 months is the goal, she tries to imagine what that entails, then works to fill in all the gaps. The interaction is constant. Mohammad and Ahmadi are doing well. They live on James Island. He rides his bike to work at a fast-food restaurant. She navigates her new surroundings. They visit family members who relocated to Mount Pleasant. Norton remains ready to help. They are worried about their official status and hope they can secure green cards soon. They recall the threats of violence they experienced back home and think about family members still in danger. Ahmadi is pregnant with their first child. Mohammads mother in Afghanistan will choose a name. A new life, full of uncertainty and hope, now is under way. DHAKA, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh reported its sixth straight day without any COVID-19 deaths on Sunday, the longest stretch without any fatalities from the virus in about a month, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said. The country reported 42 cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours by 8:00 a.m. local time (0200 GMT) Sunday, up from 28 on Saturday, and no deaths for six consecutive days. The latest addition took the country's case tally to 1,952,065 while the death toll remained unchanged at 29,123. Also, 707 COVID-19 patients were cured during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of recoveries to 1,888,640, the DGHS data showed. Bangladesh reported its first three COVID-19 cases on March 8, 2020, and the first death on March 18 the same year. According to official data, the COVID-19 fatality rate in Bangladesh is now 1.49 percent and the current recovery rate 96.75 percent. The country's latest COVID-19 situations cemented optimism that Bangladesh has contained a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections since earlier this year by strengthening its vaccination drive. Bangladesh launched its COVID-19 vaccination program in January last year to contain the pandemic that has spread across the South Asian country. Subsequently, the government halted administering the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine after India suddenly banned vaccine exports. Later in June 2021, the vaccination drive resumed in parts of the country with the China-donated Sinopharm vaccines. A 30-year-old woman has signed a plea deal in the child sex trafficking case involving a Mount Pleasant businessman and a 17-year-old girl. Jessica Michelle Mills admitted in a plea agreement filed April 8 in U.S. District Court that she conspired to traffic a minor for sex, a federal offense that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. A plea hearing is scheduled for April 26 in Charleston's federal courthouse, according to court records. Mills' defense attorney could not be reached for comment April 9. Mills was arrested last fall on charges of trafficking a minor for sex and conspiracy to traffic a minor for sex on allegations she recruited and advertised a 17-year-old girl for prostitution, according to authorities. Mills allegedly introduced the girl in 2020 to Earl Dawson Caldwell IV, the president and CEO at the time of a Mount Pleasant auditing firm. The 52-year-old businessman allegedly showered the girl with drugs, clothing and money in exchange for sex at locations across South Carolina, including a $1.2 million residence in Beaufort County, authorities say. Caldwell is also accused of videotaping several sexual encounters he and others had with the girl. The girl was rescued in April 2021 from a hotel in Yemassee a few days after she told staff at a Georgia hospital that she was forced to have sex with multiple men a day, authorities say. Ken Hawsey, a special agent for Homeland Security Investigations, testified at a bond hearing for Caldwell in October the girl was "emaciated, lethargic and not real coherent" when authorities found her. Cederick Riley, a third defendant, allegedly served as the girl's handler for a period. Riley, 34, is scheduled for a plea hearing on the same day as Mills, though no plea agreement has been filed in his case, records state. Caldwell is charged with sexual exploitation of children, two counts of child sex trafficking and conspiracy to sex traffic a child. Riley is charged with child sex trafficking, conspiracy to sex traffic a child and several firearm offenses. All three defendants are being held at Charleston County jail. Mills' plea agreement does not contain an agreed sentence. The man who helped wrangle seven cows off East Martintown (including one angry mama), who captured a runaway emu and helped put an end to $5 photo ops with a baboon has left after 27 years with the North Augusta Department of Public Safety. Animal control officer Michael Strauss retired from NADPS March 24 to step into the role of chief operations officer at the South Carolina American Legion headquarters in Columbia. He starts there full time after Memorial Day. Strauss left the military in 1994, and the damn Yankee found his way from upstate New York to North Augusta the next year. Strauss started with the department by filling in on nights and weekends as an on-call animal control officer to help give the officer at the time a bit of a break. He then got involved in training one animal control officer after another. It wasnt then the most rewarding type of police work, he said, and it saw a lot of turnover. Strauss ended that pattern when he took on the role in 1997 and stayed with it for 25 years. He did a lot of things that people didnt understand or know about, said NADPS Chief John Thomas. Thomas said that Strauss was well-versed in animal control and helped to organize and improve the citys shelter. The numbers showed us that Mike was doing a great job of trying to adopt dogs out. Strauss had started his role researching the laws around animal control and the fee schedule. At the time there was no database to keep track of repeat offenders and so no way to keep tabs on the fees owed to the city by these offenders, he said. He also worked to improve the animal shelter, making it more dog - and people - friendly, especially through noise reduction. Dogs feel stress with excessive noise, said Strauss, and by addressing that problem it meant the shelter could hold the dogs longer and give them a better chance for getting a new home. Not that it was always dogs. Weve had some really unusual things happen, said Strauss. A cattle truck got into an accident on East Martintown once in the early 2000s. Its doors opened and out spilled seven or eight cows. It was a couple of days before officers were able to round them all up, he said. Another time it was an emu. And theyre taller than me! And they can run faster than us, said Strauss. Eventually, he nabbed the bird with a lariat and learned in the process about the stress system of emu you need to cover their eyes to calm them down. Yet another time it was someones pet baboon and a makeshift photo booth with it. A lot of people, sometimes they get these pets and they dont have any idea what their capabilities are, they havent really thought it out, he said. I mean, a baboon, theyre pretty cute as a baby but they grow up and they can grab your hair and probably have no problems pulling it out by the root in a large chunk. Hes helped us in so many ways, just being in the right place at the right time, said Chief Thomas. On a table in Thomas office is a book containing more than a century of history about North Augustas public safety department. Its chief author? Michael Strauss. Strauss compiled the photographs brought in by residents at the citys 2006 centennial celebration and then spent four years tracking down those who could help him identify the people in them. He also gave over hours of his time in going through the minutes of council meetings from those first turn-of-the-century years, uncovering all kinds of trivia. He would keep the riff raff on the Augusta side because he lived right there on the bridge, Strauss said of a former police chief who lived in the Highlander building (now relocated to the side of its former site, which was in the middle of what is now Georgia Avenue). The neer-do-wells? They got promptly sent back to Augusta, he laughed. Strauss also came across a couple of duels and a 1929 incident when a former police chief was fined for riding drunk on horse. Just to see the different cars and the different gun belts and the technology, how it changed," said Strauss. Now, the damn Yankee (Strauss laughed, recalling the name he was given at first), is headed to Columbia and the headquarters of the South Carolina American Legion. North Augusta formally recognized Strauss just before his final day at NADPS when Mayor Briton Williams called for the man of the hour at the March 23 council meeting: Come on down, sir! We had the best man for the job he cares about animals, he has a way with people and we have big shoes to fill. Were going to miss him, said Williams. He then turned to Strauss, You have been committed to this city, you have been committed to these citizens and youve done it honorably. Last Decembers officer-involved shooting on Georgia Avenue that injured a North Augusta police officer has led the city to invest $30,000 in upgrading its fleet of patrol vehicles with equipment that leadership says will shave precious seconds off the time it takes for an officer to gain control in an active shooter situation. New rifle racks are being installed in all 66 of North Augusta Department of Public Safety vehicles now that council gave its sanction to the purchase April 4. NADPS officer Lt. Aaron Fittery was injured in the leg outside Garys Hamburgers Dec. 9 after pursuing for 1.6 miles a man who, at the time, was believed to be a burglary suspect. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division later charged 46-year-old Thomas Michael Airington of Clarks Hill with four counts of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and possession of a firearm by a felon. NADPS also charged Airington with three counts of hit and run and failure to stop for blue lights. A debrief of what happened during the incident and what measures could be taken to improve officer safety took place shortly after between those in administration, including NADPS Chief John Thomas and city administrator Jim Clifford. Analyzing the events of that afternoon, Thomas said that Fittery had lost needed seconds in having to go around to the back of his vehicle where his own weapon was stored in a lock box. Having his rifle accessible inside the vehicle could have allowed Fittery to maintain the control he had previously had of the situation, said Thomas. Any time you have an active shooter, you want to have access to your weapons and try to gain control of that situation as quickly as possible, said Thomas. To have those things at your fingertips is obviously well better off than having to go to the back of the car to get them. The department had previously moved away from shotgun racks, the fire power of those weapons almost obsolete when held up against a long gunwhich, said Thomas, is only becoming more and more common in cases like these. A lot of people have a lot more fire power now than just a shotgun. The rifle racks had been on the departments radar prior to the shooting on Georgia Avenue, but that incident did expedite their purchase, said Thomas. Its a lot better system than we have, something that weve needed for some time, he said. I hate to say it, but its gotten to the point where we need these types of things. Its an officer safety issue, and thats paramount to us is making sure our people have access to gain control over these situations. 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. Ellen Weaver, president of the Palmetto Promise Institute, talks Thursday, March 31, 2022, about why she's running for state superintendent. She was among six candidates at a forum at the S.C. Public Charter School District headquarters in Columbia. Behind her (from left) are Cindy Bohn Coats, Rep. Jerry Govan, Kathy Maness, Lynda Leventis-Wells and Kizzi Gibson. Seanna Adcox/Staff There have been contradictions about our local government's strategy on COVID-19 testing and limitations for those who have come in close cont Read more A citizen casts his vote at a polling station in Clichy near Paris, France, April 10, 2022. The first round of the 2022 French presidential elections was held on Sunday. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) PARIS, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. Some 48.8 million eligible voters will choose their new president for the next five years among 12 candidates, including current French President Emmanuel Macron. Most polling stations in Metropolitan France close at 7 p.m. local time (1700 GMT) or one hour later in larger cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Bordeaux. As for French overseas territories, voters have already cast their ballots on Saturday. Amid another surge of COVID-19 cases, the French Interior Ministry has announced a health protocol for polling stations. A vaccine pass or a negative COVID-19 test result will not be required for those entering the stations. Masks and social distancing rules will not be mandatory, but mask-wearing is recommended for the elderly, the vulnerable and coronavirus positive individuals. According to a survey on voting intentions published on Wednesday by market research firm Ipsos, Macron should lead the first round, followed by Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally party and Jean-Luc Melenchon, who leads the left-wing La France Insoumise (Unsubmissive France) party. Purchasing power is a top concern given the increase in the Consumer Price Index by 4.5 percent in March 2022, after a 3.6 percent hike in the previous month. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the environment, the health care system, immigration and social inequalities are also among the topics that most interest French voters, Ipsos said. Raphaelle Mourey, who lives in Arbigny, east France, and works as a technical officer for city hall and at a local school canteen, said retirement reform is on her mind. Asked about her vote, Sylvie Dujardin, from another town of 854 inhabitants, said, "for me, it is crucial the president has importance on an international scale." In France, it is not allowed to publish exit polls before voting ends. Official preliminary results will be announced on Sunday night or Monday morning after verification by the interior ministry. If no candidate gains an absolute majority of votes in the first round, a run-off will take place on April 24 between the top two candidates. No candidate has won the French presidency in the first round of voting since the Fifth French Republic switched to universal suffrage for presidential elections. Jean-Luc Melenchon, the left-wing La France Insoumise (Unsubmissive France) party candidate, arrives to vote at a polling station in Marseille, southern France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Clement Mahoudeau/Xinhua) Jean-Luc Melenchon, the left-wing La France Insoumise (Unsubmissive France) party candidate, arrives to vote at a polling station in Marseille, southern France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Clement Mahoudeau/Xinhua) French Socialist Party (PS) presidential candidate Anne Hidalgo casts her vote at a polling station in Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Xose Bouzas/Xinhua) Valerie Pecresse, candidate of Les Republicains party, casts her ballot at a polling station in Versailles, near Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Xinhua) France's far-right party 'Reconquete' candidate to the 2022 presidential election Eric Zemmour arrives to cast his ballot at a polling station in Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Julien Mattia/Xinhua) Marine Le Pen, the candidate from the far-right National Rally party, casts her ballot at a polling station in Henin-Beaumont, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Rit Heize/Xinhua) French Socialist Party (PS) presidential candidate Anne Hidalgo casts her ballot at a polling station in Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Xose Bouzas/Xinhua) Valerie Pecresse, French "Les Republicans" party candidate, casts her ballot at a polling station in Versailles, near Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Xinhua) Marine Le Pen, the candidate from the far-right National Rally party, casts her ballot at a polling station in Henin-Beaumont, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Rit Heize/Xinhua) French President Emmanuel Macron(C) talks with residents after casting his ballot at a polling station in Le Touquet, northern France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Xinhua) French President Emmanuel Macron(C) talks with residents after casting his ballot at a polling station in Le Touquet, northern France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Xinhua) A citizen casts her vote at a polling station in Clichy near Paris, France, April 10, 2022. The first round of the 2022 French presidential elections was held on Sunday. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) A citizen arrives to vote at a polling station in Clichy near Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) An election identity card is pictured at a polling station in Clichy near Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) An election identity card is seen at a polling station in Clichy near Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) A citizen prepares to cast his ballot at a polling station in Clichy near Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) Citizens wait to cast their ballots at a polling station in Clichy near Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) A citizen arrives to vote at a polling station in Clichy near Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) Citizens wait to cast their ballots at a polling station in Clichy near Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) A citizen casts his ballot at a polling station in Clichy near Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) A citizen casts his ballot at a polling station in Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Julien Mattia/Xinhua) Citizens cast their ballots at a polling station in Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Julien Mattia/Xinhua) (220410) -- MARSEILLE, April 10, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A citizen casts his ballot at a polling station in Marseille, southern France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Clement Mahoudeau/Xinhua) (220410) -- MARSEILLE, April 10, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A citizen casts his ballot at a polling station in Marseille, southern France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Clement Mahoudeau/Xinhua) (220410) -- HENIN-BEAUMONT, April 10, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A citizen casts the ballot at a polling station in Henin-Beaumont, northern France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua) (220410) -- NICE, April 10, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Citizens cast their ballots at a polling station in Nice, southern France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Serge Haouzi/Xinhua) (220410) -- HENIN-BEAUMONT, April 10, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A citizen casts her ballot at a polling station in Henin-Beaumont, northern France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua) (220410) -- NICE, April 10, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Citizens cast their ballots at a polling station in Nice, southern France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Serge Haouzi/Xinhua) A staff member works at a polling station in Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Julien Mattia/Xinhua) French President Emmanuel Macron (front) and his wife Brigitte Macron (2nd L, back) walk out of a polling station after casting their ballots in Le Touquet, northern France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. Some 48.8 million eligible voters will choose their new president for the next five years among 12 candidates, including current French President Emmanuel Macron. (Xinhua) French President Emmanuel Macron (C) and his wife Brigitte Macron (L) walk out of a polling station after casting their ballots in Le Touquet, northern France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. Some 48.8 million eligible voters will choose their new president for the next five years among 12 candidates, including current French President Emmanuel Macron. (Xinhua) (220410) -- PARIS, April 10, 2022 (Xinhua) -- France's far-right party 'Reconquete' candidate to the 2022 presidential election Eric Zemmour casts his vote at a polling station in Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Julien Mattia/Xinhua) Marine Le Pen, the candidate from the far-right National Rally party, casts her vote at a polling station in Henin-Beaumont, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Rit Heize/Xinhua) Jean-Luc Melenchon, the left-wing La France Insoumise (Unsubmissive France) party candidate, casts his vote at a polling station in Marseille, southern France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Clement Mahoudeau/Xinhua) Marine Le Pen, the candidate from the far-right National Rally party, casts her vote at a polling station in Henin-Beaumont, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Rit Heize/Xinhua) France's far-right party 'Reconquete' candidate to the 2022 presidential election Eric Zemmour (R, front) casts his vote at a polling station in Paris, France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Julien Mattia/Xinhua) Jean-Luc Melenchon, the left-wing La France Insoumise (Unsubmissive France) party candidate, casts his vote at a polling station in Marseille, southern France, April 10, 2022. Voting for the 2022 French presidential election began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Sunday in Metropolitan France. (Photo by Clement Mahoudeau/Xinhua) I am warming up for our annual Bobfest in honor of Dylans birthday next month. As long as its not dark yet, we will continue to celebrate him. These notes on David Bromberg are something of a placeholder in advance of May 24. There is of course a Dylan connection with Bromberg. Dylan is one of the many great artists with whom Bromberg has played and recorded over the years. He (Bromberg) is 76 years old and remains a master of the blues (and more, as I mention below). When my friend Tom Edelstein invited me to see him perform at the Dakota back in 2019, I only vaguely remembered Bromberg as the blues virtuoso I used to hear on the cool old KQRS back in the day. As I recall, the cool old KQ had Brombergs I Like to Sleep Late in the Morning (below) in regular rotation. I couldnt believe how good the 2019 show was. When he was scheduled to return for two shows that were postponed to this past Tuesday and Wednesday, I bought tickets for the first nights show. He opened with Blind Willie Johnsons Nobodys Fault But Mine. It turned out to be an emotional evening as Bromberg announced after the opening number that his friend Paul Siebel had died that morning. Starting with the second number, Bromberg played four songs written by Siebel that he cant have had in mind to perform before he heard the news that morning. The packed house was both appreciative and, as the show proceeded, rowdy. Long Afternoons was one of the four Siebel songs he played. On Wednesday night he said this was his favorite Siebel song. I think he performs it affectionately in the recording below. One of the highlights of Tuesdays show was First Time She Quit Me (This Month). Is this a Bromberg original? The lyrics humorously exaggerate a classic blues theme. I was impressed and moved by the show. The place was packed with rabid fans. We were excited by the opportunity to see him live again in a first-class venue. In 2019, the gentleman sitting next to Tom and me had seen David in years past at a small town in rural Wisconsin and at the ramshackle Cedar Cultural Center on the so-called West Bank in Minneapolis. When I caught up with him in 2019 I wondered what had happened to him. I had completely lost track. Trying to retrace the steps of his career, I discovered that he took a long-term break from his performing career starting in 1980. Mark Demings Allmusic profile notes that in 1980 Bromberg decided he was tired of the rigors of touring and took a sabbatical from the road, occasionally playing sessions for friends and staging occasional live shows but devoting most of his time to studying at the Kenneth Warren School of Violin Making in Chicago. According to the bio he has posted, his sabbatical amounted to a period of self-imposed exile from his passion (1980-2002)[.] Some time in that period he opened David Brombergs Fine Violins in Wilmington, Delaware. He has retired from that business and handed the shop over to Teal Wintsch. He unsuccessfully sought to sell his lovingly acquired collection of more than 250 violins to the Library of Congress in 2016. Jon Kalish told the story for NPRs All Things Considered here. What else? He has put together a fabulous band. The extended versions of the songs he plays live show off their talents. He opened the the 2019 show with Robert Johnsons Walkin Blues. The live version below derives from a 2014 eTown episode. I thought the highlight of that 2019 show was Ill Take You Back. The relatively condensed version below also derives from the 2014 eTown episode. He really kept it going that night, both vocally and instrumentally. You can tell he loves singing this song. As I listened to it in 2019, I was drafting additional verses in my head. Bromberg has kept the band on display in the eTown episode together for an unusually long time. It was the same one he had with him back in 2019 and again last week. The encore for his Tuesday evening show was something special. The band came back out with Bromberg as they all took positions at the front of the stage with the microphones behind or beside them. Performing a capella without amplification that was one way to quiet the crowd they sang Roll on John (not the Dylan number), a song I had never even heard of. It was stunning. In the video below they play it live in the studio with acoustic instruments for the DVD accompanying Big Road, his most recent recording. I enjoyed Tuesdays show so much that I returned by myself for Wednesdays. I snapped the photo at the right from my table Wednesday night. When I saw guitarist Mark Cosgrove setting up onstage, I went up and introduced myself. I told him I had attended the show on Tuesday (sitting right in front of him) and wondered if they had just rehearsed the Paul Siebel songs after hearing the news of his death that morning. Smiling, he asked, Did it sound like it? No, it didnt, but he confirmed that was the case. They worked them up that day. It was an emotional day, he added. I told him we could see and hear the emotion. He could not have been friendlier. Bromberg played those four songs again on Wednesday. He said that Siebel was several years older than he was, but they shared a birthday. They celebrated birthdays together for more than 50 years closer to 60 than 50 years, he said. He added that the songs were easier to do tonight than they had been the night before. Apart from the four Siebel songs, I dont think Bromberg repeated a song from Tuesdays show. And whereas Tuesdays show accented his blues repertoire, Wednesdays accented his folk, country, bluegrass, and gospel repertoire. The crowd was nevertheless just as rowdy as the evening before. On Wednesday I took notes on the setlist and on the quoted comments. My notes reflect that he opened with Sharon, which he said a rogue Columbia promoter had turned into a number 1 hit on AM radio in Minneapolis in 1972. He followed up the four Siebel songs with Dark Hollow. Its a song I know only from the Grateful Deads covers of it. Bromberg turned it into a showcase to display the instrumental prowess of his band. In the video below hes sitting in with friends, but it went like this. He closed the set with the medley that begins with an old English drinking song he wrote. Bromberg plays every form of blues music and makes each one beautiful in its own way. Yet he also adds folk, bluegrass, country, rock, and gospel to the mix. His shows provide a living lesson in the Cosmic American Music. Hes on tour with the band. I wanted to document this years shows because I thought they were noteworthy and I cant find anything about them online. Lets bring him back for an encore or two. I believe I Will Not Be Your Fool is his own composition. This is his take on Jerry Jeff Walkers Mr. Bojangles. Bromberg had also backed Jerry Jeff Walker on the album version released by Atco in 1968. Michael Abiodun is a visually impaired author, an attorney and a federal prosecutor, demonstrating both prosecutorial and academic excellence in international law and counterterrorism matters. An author of 21 books, he has a Masters Degree in International Commercial Law obtained from the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom. He has equally undertaken PhD studies in Human Rights, Security, and UK Antiterrorism laws from the same institution. His recent book, The Plight of The Black Man, traces the origins of the black man and the possible liberation of the black man by the black man. In this interview with PREMIUM TIMES, he speaks about his career, personal life and how he managed to write 21 books in a short time. PT: Why did you return to Nigeria after your PhD? Michael: Before I left Aberdeen in 2013, one of my friends and schoolmate at the University of Lagos never wanted me to come back to Nigeria. Another fellow lawyer asked, why are you leaving the UK to a land that eats up its inhabitants. They werent wrong about my decision because I had lived in the UK for eight years and obtained a masters in international commercial law and a PhD. However, after spending that much time there, I wanted to return. Surprisingly, everything was the same when I returned to Nigeria. However, it was still a tough place and a rough ride for the physically challenged. Personally, the worst kind of disability is visual impairment. Dont get me wrong, being physically challenged in general is difficult, but things are more difficult for visually impaired people. So, coming back into the country and noticing that there werent effective measures to make things point makes things more challenging. PT: Were you born blind? Michael: I was not born blind. I lost my sight at about age six when the son of my fathers next-door neighbour threw a stone into my eyes. When this happened, my parents, to the best of their knowledge, used herbs for both the affected and unaffected eyes, and then inflammation happened. PT: Are there memories of your sight? Michael: Yeah. An example would be if you were to tell me someone is putting on a blue top, I have a mental picture of what it should look like. I also remember my mother being pregnant with her last child. I recollect that her stomach was fair in complexion. In addition to colours, I can describe what an old television looks like. PT: How did it change your family dynamics? Michael: I would be lying if I said the situation had no impact on my family, especially finances. PT: What happened to the boy that caused your blindness? Michael: My father didnt take it lightly, considering Im dear to his heart. I come from a family of 12, and I am the tenth child. My father gave birth to me when he was about 75-years old. So it shattered him when his dearest child lost his physical vision, causing him to be unhappy about it till his death. PT: Tell us about your mums reaction? Michael: The incident also affected her and happened when she was 69. Having given birth to me at 63 years old, it was hard to deal with my vision being gone. PT: How many siblings do you have? Michael: My Dad had three wives and 12 children. I am the first son of my mum, and there are two boys after me. My mum is the third wife, and I have two surviving brothers. PT: Where are they? Michael: Somewhere in Ogun State. However, two of my senior sisters are late; the last one died in 2019 at 54. PT: Are you in touch? Michael: No PT: Why? Michael: No comment PT: Obviously, they had to move you out of a regular school? Michael: Yes. Someone helped us discover a blind school in Lagos called Pacellii school, located somewhere in Surulere. I enrolled there on October 2, 1984, for my primary education. I left Pacelli on Friday, 24 November 1990, as the best graduating student of the school. I moved to Federal Government College Lekki, graduating as the best art student. After gaining a law degree at the University of Lagos to read Law in 2002, I proceeded to the Nigerian law school in 2003. I finished as the special academic prize winner 2003/2004 Nigerian Law School. Before law school, I worked briefly with an NGO, Human Development Initiative. Afterwards, I proceeded to the NYSC and finished the NYSC in 2005. While the NYSC was on, I was busy seeking admission into higher studies. Advertisements I remember my boss, the legal lead then was very keen on giving me a job, but I wasnt interested, I wanted to pursue higher education and one day wanted to become a lecturer. Fortunately, admission came through to the University of Aberdeen. PT: How did you finance your studies abroad? Was it a scholarship? Michael: Yes, it was a full scholarship. Great thanks to Mr Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun State, whom I told I wanted to be an icon in the teaching profession, and he offered his assistance. Even when I ran short of money, he came through again. The man was a charming and generous person. PT: How did you get in touch with him? Was it through his aide? Michael: Yeah, I contacted the ex-governor through my boss in the legal department where I served. His older brother was Gbenga Daniels special adviser on media. So, he connected me to Gbenga Daniel, and the day Gbenga Daniel met me, he approved. PT: How did you cope with studying abroad? Michael: I was like a fish in the pool who eventually got a hand and was thrown into the sea. It was absolutely a new experience because it was an advanced world. Braille was made by machines, not by my efforts in punching, and then my notes were ready in minutes. I also didnt have to use typewriters to type answer scripts, and I had the computers soft touch. I trained myself in the use of computers. It was a different world; food was easily accessible. May I say that white people are more compassionate than blacks? I had support everywhere I turned. All assistance was given to me by the university. There was a time a scholarship from the university was during my PhD. I got that scholarship from different sides. The last scholarship I got for my PhD was from Lagos State, under the extreme kindness of His Excellency, Babatunde Fashola SAN. He never met me, my letter only reached him, and he approved immediately. He never met me to date, but he has been of great assistance. So, he approved the scholarship, but it was on a bond agreement that I would return to serve Lagos in whatever capacity to complete my PhD programs. So having returned, I informed them I was back, and I served in the Ministry of Justice for a year; after that, I was given a permanent job, but it was not easy for eight years in England and now in Lagos. I know I had divine instructions to go to Abuja, so I applied for the civil service in March 2013, and the same day I applied the same day I was given a job. So, I am not the special one, but I am a fortunate one. I wanted to lecture, but offers werent forthcoming, so what I did to keep my dreams alive I started writing. I have written over 21 books. The 20th one I forwarded is but no one understood it, but there is another titled another mystery of life. PT: What are your books predominately about? Michael: I am an all-rounder. I have written more on international law and a book titled answering the questions and contentions in international law. I have another one, security writing the wake of terrorism, and the resonance of international law, but I also write novels. I have one titled no one saw it coming, a nation without tomorrow. Its about Nigeria and Africa. PT: Typically, how long does a book take to be ready? Michael: Well, the longest it has taken me to write a book is five years. It is titled the millionaire mindset. PT: Are your books sold in Nigeria? Michael: Yes, but they are on three international platforms, Amazon, Kubo, and Payhip. I just started marketing them on Facebook. So lets hope they do well. PT: It takes a lot to write a book. How do you market 21 books at a time? Michael: I had not opened my books to the Nigerian market because of the fear of piracy, and the reading culture in Nigeria is not at its best, but people are reading. In the next two weeks, I intend to go into an arrangement with cassava republic and Karamus price; I would be happy to know more publishing outlets with more marketing spectrum. For example, Gershon and Limited publish my books. I publish as often as money comes into my pocket. II have published six books; the remaining are still in the manuscript stage. PT: I recall you speaking about your wife before our interview. How did you meet her? Michael: It started when I returned to Nigeria on Friday, 1 November 2013. Within three weeks, I met my backbone, and we connected, and then I came to Nigeria on a visit, so we kept talking. So, we had our courtship over the phone. We drew closer when I finally returned to Nigeria. Since we were deep into the relationship, we decided to make it official. PT: Is she visually impaired? Michael: No, she is physically complete and hails from Ilesha in Osun State. She is a graduate. We got married when I finished my PhD. I married her in November 2013, and we have a son. PT: So, how has the journey been for you two? Michael: Many physically challenged persons may not like this comment I am about to make, but thats the truth. It takes a lot of courage, grace, sacrifice, and forfeiture of good deeds of life to settle with a physically disabled person and talk less with a visually impaired. PT: How do you balance your marriage with your being an author and your career? Michael: I have a talking software. It speaks what I type. A computer is like a second wife for a married person, even inside the toilet. Ideas fly everywhere, and if you dont catch them when it is raw, you may never get them fresh. Most of the time, the idea comes in when I am bathing. PT: Do you receive complaints from your wife? Michael: My wife complains that you are not coming to play with us. You have been on your laptop for hours, and sometimes I go to play with them, and then an idea comes into my head, and I go to my system. PT: Would you be returning to Europe with your wife? Michael: Yes, this would be her first time. PT: What drives you? Michael: Several things drive me, and that there is brevity to life, you can do yourself by doing what you can with the 24 hours you have in a day, so I want to live my recordable impact on humanity within the short time I have. What drives me again is people who believe in me. PT: what happened to your dream of becoming a teacher? Michael: Something happened last year, I felt I was not doing enough with my job as a legal practitioner, so I turned in my CV to the University of London. I decided to chase my dream always to be a teacher. The University accepted me, but they would want me to do another masters in International Diplomacy, which will cost about 15 Million. I was supposed to resume in September last year, but I couldnt gather enough money, so I deferred, which they approved to September 2022, and I am still sourcing funds to fulfil my dreams to become a lecturer. PT: What does your wife do? Michael: She is into music. She plays the saxophones. She is also into IT and research. TEHRAN, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Sunday that nuclear negotiations in Vienna must lead to guaranteed economic benefits for Iran, according to a statement posted on the parliament's website. Iran's nuclear progress is a strong support for the Iranian people's economic benefits, and nuclear negotiations should lead to "guaranteed, sustainable and tangible economic benefits" for Iranian people, the statement quoted Qalibaf as saying during the parliament's open session. Qalibaf made the remarks to commemorate Saturday's National Nuclear Technology Day. According to him, the "localization of the nuclear industry" has improved the Iranian diplomats' negotiating power in the Vienna talks. "We now hope that the valuable asset of advanced nuclear knowledge and technology, combined with good negotiation, will lead to a good deal for the economic benefits of the Iranian people," he noted. A day earlier, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said the country's progress in peaceful nuclear science and technology is irreversible. Since April 2021, eight rounds of talks have been held in the Austrian capital between Iran and the remaining parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, namely China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany, to revive the deal. In May 2018, the U.S. government under former President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the deal and unilaterally re-imposed sanctions on Iran. In response, Iran gradually dropped parts of its commitments under the agreement from May 2019. Iran has demanded that the United States guarantee not to abandon the agreement again and lift sanctions in a verifiable manner. A review of the law prohibiting female genital mutilation (FGM) in Ekiti State has provided punitive measures for medical doctors and nurses who engage in the illicit practice. Such practitioners will lose their operational licenses and risk two years in jail. Local and unorthodox practitioners of the harmful practice would also face two years in prison with an option of a N200,000 fine if found guilty. The law, tagged Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Provision Law, was first enacted in 2019 as a drastic measure to deal with ancient practice. Despite the law and enlightenment campaigns, the state government is still grappling with defiance from adherents of the tradition. Olukemi Akinleye, the Coordinator of Ekiti State programme on the Eradication of FGM, said on Saturday that the state government is now going hard on those involved. She spoke at a workshop organised by Hacey Health Initiative, held in Iyin-Ekiti, Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State. Mrs Akinleye appealed to Ekiti residents to collaborate with the government for increased awareness to stamp out FGM that had brought shame to the state. The Anti-FGM Law had been in existence since 2002, but was in 2019 integrated into the GBV Prohibition Law, she said. The government is now more severe about the implementation and those still practising the harmful custom will be punished . In the law, any medical staff found culpable of cutting female genitalia, is to forfeit his license and go to two years imprisonment with an option of N200,000 fine. Why should any doctor or nurse lose his license because of FGM that cant fetch him more than N3,000? The law is in place and now being forcefully implemented to punish those disobeying governments order that FGM must stop in Ekiti. Ekiti is topping the chart of states still practising FGM in the South-west, with an index of 57.9 per cent, according to the World Health Organisation. Ekiti State is a honourable state, land of honour and cant be found to be leading in FGM and having the highest teenage pregnancy indices in the Southwest said Ms Akinleye. This is largely due to lack of sex education and this is what we are trying to correct. A lot of homes had been disorganised as a result of long-term infections from FGM causing barrenness, marital crisis and increased domestic violence. Our people must stop this at all cost. She described as unfounded; the myths being peddled around that female gender, whose genitals were not cut, would be promiscuous and suffer stillbirths, saying the reverse was the case. A representative of Hacey Health Initiative, Bamidele Oyewumi, said the organisation is determined to partner the state government in sensitising the locals on the evils inherent in FGM to safeguard the life of the citizens. In 2013, Ekiti had a prevalence rate of 72 per cent, but dropped to 57.9 per cent in 2019. The figure, however, has not improved its standing as it has already overtaken Osun State, which hitherto occupied the number one spot. According to UNICEF, five states in Nigeria: Ebonyi, Ekiti, Imo, Osun and Oyo, are leading in female genital mutilation. UNICEF, in a report, said nearly three million girls and women would have undergone female genital mutilation in the last five states. UNICEF said the prevalence of FGM is highest in the South-east with 35 per cent, followed by South-west with 30 per cent and lowest in the North-east with 6 per cent. The Fund submits that female genital mutilation remains widespread in Nigeria, with about 19.9 million survivors. Advertisements Nigeria accounts for the third highest number of women and girls who have undergone female genital mutilation. While the national prevalence of female genital mutilation among women in Nigeria aged 15 49 dropped from 25 per cent in 2013 to 20 per cent in 2018, prevalence among girls increased from 16.9 per cent to 19.2 per cent within the same period. Popular Pentecostal pastor, Tunde Bakare, has declared interest in the 2023 presidential race. The founder of Citadel Global Community Church (formerly known as Latter Rain Assembly), said he would contest under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He declared his interest at the Unveiling Project 16 to Nigerians in diaspora event tagged The portrait is a new Nigeria held virtually on Saturday. He described the past administrations as cake eaters adding that it is time to have the 16th administration of cake bakers. The Ogun State indigene was President Muhammadu Buharis running mate in 2011 when the latter ran unsuccessfully in that years presidential poll. Mr Bakares declaration came on the same day the former governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, formally declared his intention to join the race to Aso Rock. The clerics declaration also pits him against APC bigwigs, including the former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu; former Abia State governor, Orji Kalu; former Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, and Governors Yahaya Bello and Dave Umahi of Kogi and Ebonyi states respectively. He warned that ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Christians [are] against Muslims, the north against the south, the south-west against the south-east and the southeast against the north. This situation calls for a certain kind of leader, he said He said ethnic conflicts and religion have continued to hinder the unity of Nigerians. A mission of a new Nigeria and honest aspiration to serve as a 16th president of my beloved nation, Nigeria, Mr Bakare said. I understand that part of Gods purpose for Nigeria is the actualisation of the idea that Muslims and Christians, the north and the south can come together as one great nation. As a young boy, I had a vision of Nigeria. I grew up in my fathers house in Abeokuta, a storey building with 16 steps which today is the first family heritage museum in Abeokuta. The cleric who said he had once hawked to support his mother said his poor family background pushed him to develop the required capacity to lead Nigeria. Referring to a biblical passage, he said that he believes that the new Nigeria is a mission of the 16th administration. He promised that Nigerians would have access to good quality healthcare, where no youth is unemployed and our young men and women, are job creators, where businesses thrive, and any Nigerian can compete anywhere in the global market. He said project 16 is anchored on four pivotal mandates peace, progress, prosperity, and possibilities. Four presidential aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the South-east region of Nigeria met in Abuja Saturday and resolved to ensure their party zones its presidential ticket to the region. Ex-Anambra governor Peter Obi, ex-Senate President Pius Anyim, Sam Ohuabunwa, and Nwachukwu Anakwenze are among the 14 aspirants who have purchased the forms for the PDP presidential ticket. The four men at their meeting agreed to work together to ensure that a South Easterner emerges as PDP flag bearer. Details and pictures of the meeting were published on Facebook by Mr Anyim. The PDP has not zoned its presidency to any region despite calls for it to do so. The calls have been very loud from the South-east, a region that has not produced any democratically elected executive president since Nigerias independence. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the partys zoning committee submitted its report on the zoning of the presidential ticket to the executive of the party. Although details have not been made public, the committee is believed to have recommended that the presidential ticket be made open to all aspirants to compete for. Apart from the four South-east aspirants who met on Saturday, other aspirants include ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Governor Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto and Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers. The PDP is expected to be the main challenger to the ruling APC in next years presidential election. Read the full post by Mr Anyim on Facebook below. Today, Mr. Peter Obi, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, and myself, all of us from the South East, who have declared intention to run for the office of president of Nigeria and have obtained the normination form of our great party the PDP, met in Abuja. The main purpose of our meeting was for us to resolve to work together to promote understanding, unity and collaboration among the four of us and any other person from the South East zone who may later join in the race. We had a very fruitful meeting in an atmosphere of friendliness and respect for one another. At the end of our meeting, we addressed the media on our resolutions as follows: 1) That we have agreed to work together as a Team. 2) That we will work together to ensure that a South Eastern emerges as PDP flag bearer; 3) That we intend to consult with other zones on this issue and it is based on fairness and equity; 4) That in doing so it is important to note that we have always supported other zones and we now expect them to reciprocate. We are committed to working with our party leadership and party members from across the country to ensure that the founding principles and ideals of our great party are upheld to reassure Nigerians that PDP is ready to rebuild and reunite our dear country. We ask Nigerians to give us the chance to fix this country. Together we will get Nigeria to work again. At least 25 people were killed last week (April 3-9) by non-state actors in different parts of Nigeria. The victims include 11 soldiers who were killed by bandits in Kaduna State and two officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The remaining 12 were civilians, including three members of a vigilante group. Only the North-west and South-east recorded at least one incident. There was no incident recorded in the other four geopolitical zones. The figure for last week indicates a drastic decline when compared to the previous week when about 100 people were killed. PREMIUM TIMES compiled the incidents from media reports. Thus, unreported cases are not included. Below are the recorded incidents: North-west The son of the Zamfara State Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs was shot dead alongside three persons. They were killed when bandits invaded Tsafe town, headquarters of Tsafe Local Government Area of the state, on Sunday night. In Kaduna, gunmen killed 11 soldiers and three vigilante members in an attack on a military base in Polwire, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area. The Nigerian Army confirmed the attack and the casualty figure in an internal memo. In Katsina, gunmen on Tuesday killed Sale Auta, a popular businessman in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State during a night attack on Gidan Daudu village. During the attack, the gunmen, who are commonly referred to as bandits, also kidnapped Mr Autas teenage daughter, Aisha, and several others, local sources told PREMIUM TIMES. South-east A patrol team of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) comprising of an officer, a driver, and two other officials was attacked by gunmen in Anambra State. During the attack which occurred on Sunday along the Igbo-Uku-Uga route in the state, the assailants killed two personnel with one sustaining severe injuries. Also in Anambra, two security guards were killed on Monday when gunmen attacked a Catholic Church in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area. The attack happened at St. Josephs Cathedral Church Ekwulobia. Still in Anambra, two persons were feared dead when gunmen attacked the headquarters of Aguata Local Government Area and set it ablaze. The attack came barely one week after the headquarters of Nnewi South Local Government Area was similarly set ablaze. The attacks in Anambra and other parts of the South-east are believed to be carried out by the proscribed separatist group, IPOB. The group seeks an independent country of Biafra to be carved out of the South-east and South-south regions of the country. Since he became Anambra governor last month, Chukwuma Soludo has extended an olive branch to the gunmen, asking them to drop their guns and join him in the development of the state. On Friday, Mr Soludo said the gunmen still operating in the region, including those who attacked Aguata, are criminals that should be dealt with by security agencies. We have extended the olive branch to all genuine agitators and made extensive calls for those in the bush to come out and shun criminality. Advertisements How do you explain to any sane mind that responsible citizens have elected to pursue a supposed legitimate course adopting criminal strategies of kidnapping, arson and murder? This is despicable, not permissible and against any known law of humanity, he said. The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, is set to declare his interest in the 2023 presidential election tomorrow, Monday, capping months of behind-the-scene yet apparent mobilisations that have fuelled speculations and pitted the No 2 against his erstwhile boss Bola Tinubu. According to sources with knowledge of the plans, except there is a change, Mr Osinbajos declaration will not involve any formal event or public gathering. Rather, he will release a recorded video of about seven to 10 minutes, addressing the public and declaring his 2023 ambition to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari. The video will be distributed across his social media handles and the sources said the campaign team will get to working immediately afterwards. This style is different from how others had previously gone about declarations. Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha addressed a public gathering sharing a pattern with former Rivers State Governor and transportation minister Rotimi Amaechi, who announced his intention before a filled stadium in Port Harcourt on Thursday. Mr Tinubu, former Lagos Governor, and Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi spoke to the press directly after having, separately, met with Mr Buhari at the State House. However, Mr Osinbajos announcement video will be preceded by a ceremonial iftar the Muslim break of Ramadan with APC governors at his official residence tonight, sources said. At the gathering, he is going to inform the governors of his intention to contest; though, he had previously told each of them individually. Meanwhile, in preparation for the battle to pick the APC ticket, the Osinbajo camp has already opened a campaign office at 15B Buchanan Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja. In addition to travelling across states for support, Mr Osinabjos team had organised opinion polls to guide his decision on the 2023 election. In one such poll, participants were asked to choose their preferred president between Rabiu Kwakwanso, former Kano State Governor, Mr Tinubu, and Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President. In another poll, participants were asked to indicate if they would vote for Mr Osinbajo and this particular poll yielded 63 per cent yes votes, sources said. Mr Osinbajo is believed to enjoy a wide appeal among the population but how he is going to mobilise the political capital to defeat Mr Tinubu or Mr Amaechi two of his main challengers remains to be seen. A group, Emefiele Mobilization Team (EMT), says the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, represents a unique opportunity to achieve peace, unity and development in the country if he runs for president. The EMT says it is a group under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The Team Leader and National Coordinator of EMT, Jacob Attah, spoke at a news conference on Saturday in Lokoja on behalf of the National Executive Committee of the group. According to him, the EMT is made up of patriots who have come together to showcase the leadership qualities of the CBN governor. For a man who was born in the South-West, schooled in the South-East and from the South-South, Dr. Emefiele represents a unique opportunity for peace, unity and development not just in Southern Nigeria but across Nigeria. We call on all patriots to stand up and be counted in the all-important task of who becomes the next president of Nigeria and support the call for Dr. Godwin Ifeanyinchukwu Emefiele to run for the highest office in our nation. At a time when Nigeria is passing through a lot of economic and security challenges, we must bring in experience, dynamism, energy, equity and fairness in the choice of who becomes the next President of Nigeria. Over the past eight years at the helm of the affairs of the Nigeran apex bank, Emefiele has shown capacity, focus, courage and worked tirelessly with the economic team of President Mohammadu Buhari to keep the economy of our great country afloat above recession and outright collapse. His policies in the area of education, health, agriculture, industry and social credits have brought about positive transformation in these sectors and strengthened the Nigerian economy, he said. The coordinator stressed that Mr Emefiele had done well as CBN governor, saying his policies have reflected in the growth of the countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and created lots of employment in all states of the federation. The Anchor Borrowers Scheme is one of Dr Emefieles many achievements that benefitted over 4.8 million Nigerians spread across the country. Under the scheme, the CBN launched the brown revolution, an intervention aimed at boosting wheat value chain. Wheat is the most widely consumed commodity, after rice, and only one per cent of it is produced in Nigeria with about $2 billion spent annually on its importation. With this brown revolution, the CBN cut about 60 per cent of this importation cost and brought about 22.35 per cent and 23.78 per cent growth in GDP in the first and second quarters of 2021 alone, Attah said. He added that 150,000 farmers were beneficiaries cultivating 100,000 hectares, saying this had improved local production of wheat in line with the mandate of the government to produce what we eat and eat what we produce. He explained that the production of onions was another area where the people have benefitted immensely from the CBNs policies under Emefiele. According to him, Nigeria needs 2.5 million tonnes of onions yearly to meet national demand, but only 1.4 million tonnes are produced. ALSO READ: Emefiele speaks amid calls to resign over rumoured presidential ambition Mr Attah said that the provision of loans under the scheme had assisted onion farmers in the North-central to make up for the 1.1million tonnes shortage. Cotton is the third commodity to join the Anchor Borrowers Scheme after rice and maize, with 15,000 cotton farmers securing loans to mention a few. This has significantly improved cotton production in Nigeria. Rice farming has been supported and boosted by the ABP as well; over 1.8 million farmers in Nigeria received seedling, fertiliser, herbicides, pesticides, water pumps and more with beneficiaries from across the country. For now, Emefiele is focused on his assignment as the governor of the CBN. We use this opportunity to caution those who may wish to carry out actions or make statements capable of distracting him from delivering on his national assignment as the head of Nigerias apex bank. Advertisements He called on all patriots to stand up and be counted in the all-important task of who becomes the next President of Nigeria and support the call for Emefiele to run for the highest office in our nation. The national coordinator said that the youth population would be adequately carried along in the process. (NAN) Labaran Maku, a former minister of information, has declared his intention to contest the governorship seat of Nasarawa State in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Mr Maku, a one-time deputy governor and ex-commissioner in Nasarawa State, made the declaration on Saturday in Lafia when he led his supporters to inform the State Working Committee (SWC) of the PDP of his return to the party. Mr Maku, who until his recent return to PDP, was the National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), apologised to party members for leaving them since 2015. He said that he had been a committed member and had served in various capacities at the state and federal levels before he left following dissatisfaction with the outcome of the 2015 governorship primary of the party. The former minister said though he could not justify his departure from the party, he asked for forgiveness from party members, adding that he had forgiven all that betrayed him in the past. Mr Maku said he would contest the governorship seat and promised to accept the outcome of the partys primary, adding that he would work with whoever picked the ticket to deliver the state to the party in 2023. He said the state had suffered a lot from bad governance, poor performance by government officials and total neglect of the people in the last 12 years. We are on a rescue mission under PDP, he said and appealed to the people to vote out APC in 2023. Responding, Francis Orogu, PDP chairman in the state, expressed joy at Mr Makus return, adding that the leadership of the party had been working since 2019 to reabsorb him. He described Mr Makus return as homecoming and said that the development would add value to the PDP ahead of the forthcoming primary. Mr Orogu assured Mr Maku that the leadership of the party would provide a level playing ground for all aspirants to realise their ambitions. The chairman also commended Mr Maku for regularly speaking truth to power and called on other stakeholders in the party to always speak for the suffering masses. (NAN) The State Executive Committee (SEC) of the Plateau chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has zoned the governorship seat to the central senatorial district of the state. A communique signed by PDP State Publicity Secretary, John Akans, said that the decision was taken at the 85th SEC meeting of Plateau PDP held on Saturday in Jos. The communique stated that the SEC deliberated on issues of urgent importance within the party, the state as well as preparations toward winning the elections in 2023. As regards the preparation for the forthcoming general elections in 2023, SEC unanimously approves the zoning of governorship seat to Plateau Central Senatorial District. SEC commends the efforts of the state leadership of the party and other various organs of our great party; the Caucus, National Assembly members, elders forum, and the structure of the party at the ward, local government, and zonal levels. It commends the commitment of the State Working Committee (SWC), under the chairmanship of Mr Christopher Hassan, for uniting and repositioning the PDP ahead of the 2023 general elections. SEC also commends members of the party for the victory recorded at the last by-election in Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency and Pankshin South State Constituency. Consequently, SEC charges all party members across the state to work hard to ensure victory in 2023 general elections, it said. According to the communique, Plateau people and indeed Nigerians were looking up to the PDP with the hope that the party would provide solutions to the challenges confronting the nation. It urged all members of the party to be peaceful and remain resolute in the vision and mission of the party to win elections and enthrone good governance in the state and beyond. (NAN) The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned four persons accused of fraud perpetrated by impersonating a former Primate of the Anglican Communion, Nicholas Okoh. Jehu Kwasu, 40, and three others allegedly defrauded many prominent and influential Nigerians of about N30,450,000 by impersonating Mr Okoh, a statement by ICPCs spokesperson, Azuka Ogugwa, said on Sunday. The statement said the commission arraigned Mr Kwasu along with three other alleged conspirators on various charges at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Apo, Abuja. It did not indicate the particular day the defendants were arraigned. The three other co-defendants are Etubi Aliyu, Abdulrahman Muazu, and Usman Abdulaziz. ICPC accused the four defendants of impersonating Mr Okoh, a most reverend, by creating a fake Facebook account with his picture and name. The defendants allegedly used the fraudulent Facebook accounts to defraud unsuspecting members of the public in the name of raising funds to bring the body of Mr Okohs deceased brother home from abroad. The prosecution also accused them of using their bank accounts as well as those of some of their acquaintances to commit the fraud. The defendants allegedly used some of their collaborators as fronts to withdraw some of the N30.4 million received into their accounts and move some of it to other accounts set up specifically for the illegal transactions, the prosecution also said. The defendants were also accused of using falsified national identity cards to open numerous fraudulent bank accounts with fake names of individuals to carry out their criminal acts. ICPC said the defendants action of obtaining by false pretence was contrary to section 1(1) and punishable under section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2010. All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read before them. Defence lawyers Sadiq Lawal, who represents the 1st defendant, and Abdulrazak Jibril, who represents the 2nd to the 4th defendants prayed the court to grant their clients bail. ICPCs prosecuting counsel, Sulaiman Abdulkareem, opposed the application. But the judge, C.O Oba, overruled the prosecutions objection to granting bail to the defendants. He granted bail to each of them in the sum of N20 million with two sureties each in like sum. The sureties must also have fully developed properties in the FCT, according to the judge. The judge ordered them to be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja pending when they would meet the bail conditions. The court adjourned the case until May 18 and 19 for trial. Militia groups in Ekiti State have volunteered to provide security for the campaign of the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Segun Oni. The offer was in response to an attack carried out by political thugs on his campaign rally last Wednesday in Efon Alaaye, in Efon Local Government Area. The attackers injured several persons and damaged vehicles belonging to SDP supporters during the incident. Although Mr Oni was not at the venue of the rally when the hoodlums unleashed mayhem, he had since petitioned the security apparatus on the country, alleging an attempt on his life. The militia groups who are willing to provide men and equipment to protect the SDP candidate include the Oodua Peoples Congress(OPC), Agbekoya, and the Vigilance Group of Nigeria. The groups warned those planning further violence to desist or face the consequences. Leading the coalition, a former Ekiti State Chairman of OPC, Femi Bade-Gboyega, said on Sunday in Ado Ekiti that the coalition had resolved to protect Mr Oni and SDP members throughout the campaign, to complement what the states security actors would provide. According to him, the coalition, with membership drawn from OPC, VGN, Agbekoya, and many other organisations, was saddened by the attack on the campaign convoy of Mr Oni last Wednesday. He condemned what he called an assassination attempt on Mr Onis life, saying, Ekiti people are behind Oni and it is he they want as their governor. Oni is God sent to free Ekiti people from the dungeon of slavery, abject poverty, and backwardness, which the present and immediate past administrations had put them into. We condemn the attack in totality. It was uncalled for. It was one of Nigerias bad political cultures and every reasonable Nigerian is agitating for its abrogation. It is a political setback to still witness such things in this modern age. It is an act capable of causing a breach of the peace in Ekiti. I am likening it to drawing a battle line of the war in a democratic setting. The culprits should understand that no one is having a monopoly on violence, also no man is an island. The parties and everybody should realise that there is no army larger than the peoples army, and when they resolve to change a bad government, nobody or military equipment can stand in their way. The Segun Oni Campaign Organisation, has, however, said the idea did not emanate from the organisation but was an offer made by the groups. The Director of Publicity of the organisation, Jackson Adebayo, told PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday that despite the situation, they welcomed the offer, provided it was for the good of the campaign and the people of Ekiti State. We will accept any offer that is for the good of the state and the people, said Mr Adebayo. We accept every idea from the people so long as it will help the project. They are providing the security free of charge and they have said they are part of the Ekiti Project. That is something we encourage. The Aare Ona Kakanfo, Gani Adams, who also is the leader of the OPC, had last year declared that the leaders of the South-West had commissioned the OPC, Agbekoya, and Hunters to secure the south-west region. The regional governors have established the Security Network known as Amotekun, which is already at work in the respective states. NANJING, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai's neighboring province of Jiangsu had received 5,504 people transferred from Shanghai for quarantine by 6 p.m. Friday. Jiangsu will prepare a total of 30,000 quarantine rooms to aid the metropolis in its fight against its COVID-19 resurgence, according to the Jiangsu provincial COVID-19 prevention and control office. One or two designated professionals are stationed at each quarantine site to provide mental health services, and free psychological assistance services hotlines remain open 24 hours a day. Zhejiang, another province neighboring Shanghai, will also provide 30,000 rooms for people transferred from Shanghai. Shanghai reported 1,015 new locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases and 22,609 local asymptomatic cases on Friday. Three months to the governorship election in Osun, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed new persons to lead it into the election. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has approved the composition of a Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the Osun chapter of the party. Its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated in Abuja on Saturday that the decision followed the expiration of the tenure of the State Executive Committee. He added that the committee would manage the affairs of the party from Friday, April 8, for a period not exceeding 90 days or till the time that a new State Executive Committee would be elected. The committee has Adekunle Akindele as chairman and Femi Carena as Secretary. Members are Niyi Owolade, Ayo Awolowo, B.T. Salami, Adetoye Ogunboyega and Razaq Oyelani. The committee is expected to lead the opposition party into the July 16 governorship election in the state. The PDP is expected to be the major challenger to the ruling APC in the Osun governorship election. The opposition party has already elected Ademola Adeleke as its flag bearer in the election. Mr Adeleke was also the PDP candidate when the party narrowly but controversially lost to Gboyega Oyetola of the APC in the last election in 2018. Ibrahim Almustapha (APC-Sokoto) says Nigerias current challenges are signs of greatness, saying the country has the capacity to surmount them. Mr Almustapha who represents Wurno/Rabah Federal Constituency of Sokoto State at the National Assembly, said this when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto on Sunday. To me, I see most of these challenges, especially the security challenges facing the country as a sign of greatness, many great nations passed through lots of challenges on their way to greatness. I believe the same situation is applicable to Nigeria and once we are able to overcome them, Nigeria will certainly become great in every aspect of human endeavours, in terms of economy, infrastructure, power and all others. What we need is to come together as a nation with sincerity, towards tackling the challenges. Nigerians who are fond of celebrating bad news and negativity should stop. Those supplying information and logistics to bandits and armed robbers should stop and those entrusted with the task of fighting them should be more sincere, he said. Mr Almustapha said although Nigeria has recorded some achievements in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east, much needed to be done. I think the North-east has witnessed relative peace for some time now, certainly, the situation is not the way it was in 2015 when the All Progressives Congress (APC) came into power, he said. He expressed optimism that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government would succeed in its bid to tackle the security challenges bevelling the country. Mr Almustapha said that the new leadership of the APC would reposition the party ahead of the 2023 general elections. When you talk about discipline, determination and uprightness, I think you are talking about the new APC executives led by Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, he said. Mr Almustapha said the APC would win the 2023 general elections without much challenge. Nigerians love APC, they love Buhari and am sure you must have seen the tremendous progress made in terms of infrastructure since the regime came in 2015. If I should ask you which other political party exists in the country with that kind of credential certainly, you will reply that theres none. In terms of development, no party can match the APC, even with the numerous economic, social, security and even COVID-19 challenges, the APC administration has done well. Just take a look around Nigeria, you will see massive infrastructure development everywhere, there is also massive agricultural intervention everywhere, he said. Mr Almustapha added: I think the APC has performed very well, especially when compared with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) years. I can comfortably tell you that the APC will win the 2023 general elections with landslide victory. He expressed optimism that the party would remain united ahead of the general elections. Are you not surprised that we conducted our National Convention successfully in spite of all odds. We had about eight chairmanship aspirants and all of them came together and agreed to step down for Adamu, the same scenario would repeat itself during the primary election and it will be hitch-free. We in APC are out for the goodness of Nigeria, we are not out to pursue individual interest, ours is collective interest of Nigeria, we have to agree and disagree on issues. Our election at the convention was mostly based on consensus, this is exactly what will be repeated at the primaries and we will forge ahead as a party, the lawmaker said. (NAN) BRM/ABI Christians say we love the Lord, but the truth is we do not like him. The Bible is a book of prophecies. God says in the scriptures: Dont forget the many times I clearly told you what was going to happen in the future. For I am God I only and there is no other like me who can tell you what is going to happen. All I say will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. (Isaiah 46:9-10). Even some of the historical situations presented in the scriptures are prophetic. Therefore, they are fulfilled again and again. For example, the persecution of Isaac by his brother Ishmael is re-enacted in the persecution of Joseph by his brothers and repeated in the persecution of David by his brothers, and again replicated in the persecution of Jesus by his brothers. Furthermore, the process continues today in the persecution of true believers by pretender Christians. Prophetic Christians Since the true believer is created in the image and likeness of Christ, our identity is in the word of God. All we need to do is search the scriptures to determine what manner of men we are and what the future holds. This is because the Bible does not merely predict the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also foretells the birth, growth, and development of believers and the church of Christ. It is the prophetic revelation about Christians that is of particular interest here. The scriptures indicate that Christians will not like Christ. The church in the wilderness rejected Moses. The Israelites rejected the prophets. The Jews rejected Jesus. Christians will reject the word of God. God says to Ezekiel: I am sending you to the people of Israel with My messages. I am not sending you to some far-off foreign land where you cant understand the language no, not to tribes with strange, difficult tongues. (If I did, they would listen!). I am sending you to the people of Israel, and they wont listen to you any more than they listen to Me! For the whole lot of them are hard, impudent, and stubborn. (Ezekiel 3:4-7). Indeed, the scriptures detail not so much how Jesus is hated by men, as how He is hated by His own people. John says: He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. (John 1:11). That statement is prophetic. Today, Christians are supposedly the people of God; so, the scripture now applies to us. It means Christians will not receive Christ. Jesus Himself observes that: A prophet is not without honour except in his own country and in his own house. (Matthew 13:57). Christian animosity Most Christians do not like the Jesus of the Bible. We may say we love the Lord because He is our Saviour, but the truth is we do not like Him. Why dont you like Me? asks God? What did I do to drive you away? What iniquity did you find in Me that turned you against Me? (Jeremiah 2:5). Hear, O you mountains, the LORDS complaint, and you strong foundations of the earth; for the LORD has a complaint against His people, and He will contend with Israel. O My people, what have I done to you? And how have I wearied you? Testify against Me. (Micah 6:2-3). Moses says God created man in His own image. However, George Bernard Shaw was right when he said: We have decided to return the favor. We have created God in our own image. God says again prophetically: These things you have done, and I kept silent; you thought that I was altogether like you. (Psalm 50:21). Christians do not really like the God that is revealed in Jesus Christ. Therefore, we contradict Him at every turn. We do not want the God who insists we should love our enemies. (Matthew 5:44-45). We prefer a God who sends the fire of the Holy Ghost to destroy our enemies. We do not want the God who says those who use the sword will be killed by the sword. (Matthew 26:52). We prefer a God who will be on our side when we go to war. We do not like the God who says we should turn the other cheek. (Luke 6:29). We prefer the God who gives an eye for an eye. We do not want the God who desires mercy. (Matthew 9:13). We prefer a God who exacts eternal punishment on sinners. The God revealed in Christ is far too demanding for us. He wants everything we have. (Luke 14:33). But Christians prefer a God that only requires a tithe. We do not like the God in Christ who regards men and women as equals. We prefer the God who legislates that women must not wear trousers. We do not like the God in Christ who says we should bless those who curse us. (Matthew 5:44). We prefer the God who allows us to abuse our opponents. Christians do not like the Jesus who was born in poor and humble circumstances. We prefer the Jesus of our mega-pastors who fly around in jet planes and even establish their own airlines. We do not like the Jesus who did not go to school and get a formal education. (John 7:15-16). We prefer would prefer the Jesus who boasts of his PhD. We prefer the God who establishes church universities where money is made by collecting high school fees. New improved Jesus Indeed, the real Jesus of Nazareth has become so offensive to Christians that we have created a new improved Jesus more to our liking. This new Jesus is no longer poor, meek, and lowly. But according to some, He is a rich man who wears designer clothes. Some Christians even claim the donkey that Jesus rode in humility into Jerusalem was a brand-new Continental Donkey; thereby ascribing to it the same status as todays Cadillac. Christians have given Jesus a spiritual makeover. He is no longer physically ugly, according to prophecy: He has no form or comeliness; and when we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. (Isaiah 53:2). The modern-day Jesus preferred by Christians is very handsome. He is not even Middle Eastern any longer: he is European and blue-eyed. In effect, we have fulfilled the prophecy which says of the true Jesus: He is despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. (Isaiah 53:3). But even more than the fact that we do not like Jesus personally, we certainly do not like His doctrine. We do not like His insistence that we must deny ourselves and take up our cross in order to follow Him. (Matthew 16:24). We dont like His requirement that we have to lose our life in order to save it. (Mark 8:35). We do not heed His warning that we should not be worldly but should be hated by the world. (John 15:18-20). We do not obey His injunction not to have any other father but God. (Matthew 23:9). We do not agree with Him that it is impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. (Matthew 19:24). Faribisala@yahoo.com; www.femiaribisala.com Advertisements This is a cunning that the conspiracy theory alleges that the North is flaunting against the South in the months leading to the 2023 elections. According to the theorists, by the time the South wakes up, it will be morning yet on creation day. By then, the only alternative left for the progenies of Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Eyo Ita will be barren gripes against another Northern iyanje obinde By then, the small god of Dino Melaye would have become our God. A single thread links the duo of Dino Melaye, the former senator representing Kogi West in the federal parliament and the Shakespearean tragic character, Cinna the Poet their individual resort to metaphysics to explain their predicaments and where they stood. While Cinna never lived to tell the story, Melaye, dubbed an infantile-mind-trapped-in-an-adult-body by several apologies to Farooq Kperogi may by now have gone into the studio to wax yet another of his sickening paediatric comic skits. Rome had been enveloped in violent disorder and utter chaos in the thick of the assassination of Julius Caesar, its fallen emperor. It was also a time in which nobody was safe. It was then that Cinna the Poet chose to pay his final obeisance to Caesar by attending his funeral. On his way to the venue, a riotous audience of Roman plebeians had accosted him, demanding to know what he was about and why he dared to go out at such a time of national emergency. Last week, like Cinna the Poet, Melaye also chose to pay his own obeisance to the serial presidential contestant, Atiku Abubakar. Similar to Rome after the murder of Caesar, Melayes Nigeria has fallen into political disorder, uncertainty and utter chaos. According to Melaye at a press conference last week, he and his God-knows-who god were engaged in a rapturous telephone exchange on the presidential candidacy of Abubakar. Amidst banters between him and his god, he said, this god revealed to him that Abubakar would be Nigerias next president. I want to state unequivocally that many of us, when we call on God, God doesnt give us missed calls. When we call Him, He picks up our call. And He called me and he said, Dino, I said, yes my Lord. He called the second time again, I said, yes my Lord. He called the third time, and he said: Atiku would be the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, said the ex-senator known more for his fawning infantilism on social media than any serious mental rigour. Like Melaye, upon being accosted by the blood-lusting crowd, Cinna fled into the inaccessible world of metaphysics to explain his predicament: I dreamt tonight that I did feast with Caesar, And things unluckily charge my fantasy. I have no will to wander forth of doors, Yet something leads me forth, he had said. Then the angry plebeians asked for his name. Truly, my name is Cinna, he said, to which one of them, taking the poet to be one of the similarly named conspirators who killed Caesar, and like one who had just discovered an odd object fallen from Uranus, charged at the others, Tear him to pieces! Hes a conspirator! Even when Cinna sought to make a clarification by feebly shouting, I am Cinna the poet! I am Cinna the poet!, it was futile to rescue him from hot death as the mob shouted, Tear him for his bad verses! It is no matter. His name is Cinna. Pluck but his name out of his heart, and turn him going. By the way, give it to him, Melayes reply to Ayo Fayoses vacuous claim that by knowing the geography of amala joints in Nigeria, he is fit to be Nigerias president, is so very apt. How can a man be as empty as to reduce Nigerias leadership, the burdens of security and the economy that assail the country, to the understanding of the contours of the stomach? The conspiracy theory then continues. Who is the Northerner who has some appeal to the Southern electorate today, whose political charisma can confer legitimacy on the massive votes that the North would cast at the 2023 polls? Atiku Abubakar fits the bill. His huge baggage of corruption notwithstanding, Abubakar has a pan-Nigerian appeal and doesnt look like one who would enfold Nigeria into the North, as Muhammadu Buhari has done. Conspiracy theories surrounding the 2023 elections are becoming as luscious as the tree planted by the rivers of water. They are complex and complicated. When broken to their granular form, however, the theories suggest that Melayes god is supervising a clandestine machination, to wit, involving the collapsing of political party affiliations for a larger regional interest, all in the bid to foist an Atiku Abubakar presidency on the rest of Nigeria. A caveat, though: Conspiracy theories are allegations of conspiracy that may or may not be true. Today, what remains of Northern Nigeria is a mere shell, sucked of its oyster. Yesterday, it was reported that the United Nations said that people now eat grass to survive in the North-East. In a 2020 event marking the 60th birthday of Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, former Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, had said that nine states in the North were responsible for 50 per cent of the entire malnutrition burden in Nigeria. This is outside the burdens of drugs, the Almajiri and Boko Haram afflictions that have become an albatross in the region. Eighty seven per cent of Nigerias total poverty index, said the former CBN governor, is in the North, while millions of northern children are out of school. The distressing statistics must have since skyrocketed as the putrid sore of Buhari reaches for the tip of its decadence. Apart from building a billionaire cabal, members of which daily survive by sucking the nectar of national contracts and insider trading of forex, with Godwin Emefiele providing a convenient abetment for them, Buharis presidency has rendered the North a hopelessly defoliated territory, deforested of any human habitational excitement. Today, many of those Northern big-men with flowing babanriga are totally empty and lean on inner joy as they cannot go to their home states or towns. Indiscriminate violence, banditry and kidnapping have taken the shine off the once flourishing North, making it one of the most volatile regions of the world to inhabit. Kaduna, a once flourishing city, has lost its innocence as well. Today, it is home to unconscionable bloodshed by terrorists. All these leave the Federal Capital City, Abuja, as well as its succulence and sweet juice as the only goldmine left for the North. It is also the only geographical environment left where an average Northerner can strut in, with a potentate-like, territorial air of ownership. All these will, however, be threatened by a Southern presidency, according to a conspiracy theory bandied by some Northern elements. More importantly, the injustice and gross nepotism that Muhammadu Buhari has inflicted on Nigeria in his seven years of macabre rule is such that a North out of power, post-2023, is one akin to a man with a suicide rope fastened to his neck. With a Southern president, will Abuja now become an ngbati ngbati or yanminrin enclave? So where does the Northerner lay claim to? If you go to virtually all government offices in Abuja today, you would think you were in a Hausa Republic, or right inside a market in Tsafe, Zamfara State. The cacophonic speaking of Hausa as the lingua franca of officialdom in those offices will make you sniff the reek of Northern dominance of Nigerian federal offices. Buhari has filled virtually all federal offices with Northern Nigerians, so much that all other regions have become bystanders in their own country. Bearing in mind the above equation, consenting to be out of power post-2023 will appear like self-immolation to the North. Buharis bigotry and nepotism having totally and successfully destroyed the fabric of Nigerias pretence to federal character, and no Southern successor of his can ever administer Nigeria as a Nigerian president any longer. In the worst case, such a president would clean the Augean stable and return Nigeria to its tabula rasa state. Head or tail, a Northern Nigeria that has become a frightening spectacle of gross underdevelopment can never compete in a reset mode Nigeria. The North thus needs a Northern Nigerian continuation in power to detoxify the toxins and pollutants that Buhari is leaving in the national space. The conspiracy theory then continues. Who is the Northerner who has some appeal to the Southern electorate today, whose political charisma can confer legitimacy on the massive votes that the North would cast at the 2023 polls? Atiku Abubakar fits the bill. His huge baggage of corruption notwithstanding, Abubakar has a pan-Nigerian appeal and doesnt look like one who would enfold Nigeria into the North, as Muhammadu Buhari has done. In the bid to perpetuate the North in power for another eight years, Buhari, with a robust pedigree of ethnic bigotry, would only be too glad to walk his renowned route. His only allotted role in this drama is simple: Frustrate worthy APC Southern candidates from the political fray and emboss presidential imprimatur on a Southern lackey as the partys flag-bearer, so goes the conspiracy theory. A Yemi Osinbajo or Bola Tinubu on the ballot will upset the Northern apple cart, thereby disassembling a carefully arranged, seemingly foolproof Northern political chicanery. Already, Tinubu must have realised that with Buhari, the waters of bigotry run deeper than any allegiance or fidelity to gratitude of how he helped him become president. No one should need to tell Tinubu that Buharis train of bigotry has taken the wind off the sail of his presidential ambition in the APC. Now, there are rumours that the Landlord of Lagos is pitching his tent with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the old, abandoned warhorse. Adamu Abdullahi, a known Northern irredentist in possession of a more incendiary bigotry than Buhari, was carefully recruited as a worthy undertaker for this Northern cause, so says this conspiracy theory. What the South does not know is that, when it comes to power, the North coalesces its fractious contours within the twinkle of an eye. When it does this, immediately, ancient internal recriminations and earlier political disaffections no longer matter. Religion is the only index it cannot compromise. The North did this in 2015 by massively queuing behind a Buhari it had hitherto serially rejected at the polls. Iyorchia Ayu, PDPs National Chairman, disdaining the temerity of Nyesom Wike to seek to be Nigerian president, will deliver a man to whom he is a dotting sidekick, Atiku Abubakar, as PDPs flag-bearer, without batting an eyelid. With either of two renowned Northern lickspittles, Godwin Emefiele and Rotimi Amaechi, who just declared for the presidency yesterday both with arguable Igbo ancestry on the ballot, the South would be too cross and indescribably riled at the Buhari insolence that its excessively miffed electorates would think they were shooting Buhari in the foot by casting their votes for Abubakar. What can cause a deviation from this conspiracy theory permutation will be a Buharis support for a stronger Southerner, a Kayode Fayemi, for instance. A Fayemi, with no baggage or national scandal, can rearrange the equation. When the Osinbajo group fools fellow travelers in their doomed presidential boat that Buhari has picked him as successor, they evoke a guffaw from pundits. The only analogy that can defeat this robust lie is that of a houseboy who, for seven years, the master had denied the opportunity of sleeping in the main house. Once when the master travelled and handed the home key to him, on his return the master complained bitterly that the houseboy had soiled his bedspread, and since then he cast him further away from his vicinity. Now, the master is leaving for another home and the houseboy grandstands that the master has promised to hand over the house key to him! Osinbajo, perhaps the most brilliant person in the Buhari government and a natural successor to him in a clime where excellence is wired into the architecture and requirements of leadership, has been a stranger in the Buhari government. He has also been uncannily profiled within the Villa by Buharists, as possessing an insatiable appetite. His dirt-embossed dossier is alleged to have been kept jealously in the cabals closet as an arsenal, even as the cabal withdrew from him the juice accruable to his presidential portfolio. It is thus laughable when Osinbajo apologists spin the incorrigible yarn that a vindictive Buhari, with active connivance of his Fulani advisors, would willingly incense the god of power by handing over power to an Osinbajo who still nurses the aching sore emanating from his Buhari stab. In 2014, ex-Osun State governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, made an allegorical construct descriptive of the colour of injustice and cheating. He called it iyanje obinde the injustice against Obinde. While explaining the Osun People Democratic Party (PDP)s injustice of allotting political positions only to alumni of the Bola Ige murder school, chief of whom was Iyiola Omisore, Oyinlola had propounded this Obinde injustice thesis. It runs thus: Mrs Obindes husband had died suddenly and his family decided to pawn her, to be able to generate enough money for his burial. What ultimate marginalisation and cheating could rival this! What the South does not know is that, when it comes to power, the North coalesces its fractious contours within the twinkle of an eye. When it does this, immediately, ancient internal recriminations and earlier political disaffections no longer matter. Religion is the only index it cannot compromise. The North did this in 2015 by massively queuing behind a Buhari it had hitherto serially rejected at the polls. Apart from Obinde, another allegory which synchronises with the fate of the South, according to that conspiracy theory, is the societal injustice meted on the African pied hornbill bird called atiala or atioro. In the words of a Yoruba aphorism, which frowns at systemic cheating, it wonders why elders of a village would shave the head of the vulture (igun), and that of the ground horn bill bird which Yoruba call akalamagbo, but when it comes to the turn of the atiala/atioro to be shaved, the same elders will now claim that the razor with which it was to weed off the bushy scalp had lost its grits. This is a cunning that the conspiracy theory alleges that the North is flaunting against the South in the months leading to the 2023 elections. According to the theorists, by the time the South wakes up, it will be morning yet on creation day. By then, the only alternative left for the progenies of Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Eyo Ita will be barren gripes against another Northern iyanje obinde. By then, the small god of Dino Melaye would have become our God. Festus Adedayo is an Ibadan-based journalist. In the midst of various challenges buffeting universities in Nigeria, there is good reason to raise the elbow in celebration of this new continental recognition of OAU. The hope of Africas development hinges on realising the aspirations of AfCFTA through training and capacity building that seek to nurture a critical mass of scholars and practitioners to defend the continents interests in global economic relations. Mercifully, theres some good news from Obafemi Awolowo University after the de-marketing efforts of land speculators in the guise of equity-seekers. No matter how optimistic one is, one cannot gloss over the fact that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and some other trade unions in our universities have been on strike for a while. The prayer on the lips of parents and all men and women of goodwill is that the Federal Government will consider the future of our students and indeed the future of the nation by quickly resolving the present impasse. Meanwhile, the warts in the system have not stopped Obafemi Awolowo University from putting a smile on the faces of Nigerians, courtesy of its partnership with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). A brief background is in order here. The African Union (AU), in May 2013, rolled out what it termed Agenda 2063 as a framework for the socioeconomic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years. The Agenda builds on, and seeks to accelerate the implementation of continental initiatives for growth and sustainable development around 15 flagship projects aimed at accelerating Africas economic growth and development, as well as promoting her common identity, history and vibrant culture. The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on March 21, 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda, is one of the 15 pivotal project envisioned by the AU, and it revealed the strong commitment of African leaders to re-energise regional integration efforts, with the aim of creating one of the largest free trade areas in the world. AfCFTA aims to significantly accelerate intra-Africa trade as an engine of growth and sustainable development. It is also envisaged that by integrating the continent through trade, it would be possible to also African Union (AU) an authentic, visible and common African voice in global trade relations. There is a lot of enthusiasm that AfCFTA has the potential to make a concrete and sustainable impact on the lives of ordinary citizens across the continent by facilitating job creation and greater competitiveness of African micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), thereby lifting people out of poverty and invigorating Africas growth trajectory. Over the last few months, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), led by its vice chancellor, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have been working on the concept note to inform the development and implementation of the continental Centre for AfCFTA Studies. The Centre for AfCFTA Studies is planned as a continental project and will have affiliates in other regions, including Central, Eastern, Northern and Southern Africa. Being one of the largest and top-rated universities on the continent, with 13 faculties and 107 departments, OAU enjoys a long-standing collaboration with several universities within the continent and around the world. The university is also host to national, regional and international research centres, including the Centre for Energy Research and Development (CERD), National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Surveys (RECTAS), and African Regional Centre for Space Science and Education English (ARCSSTEE). Several steps had been taken by the leadership of OAU to facilitate the establishment of the centre, including the acquisition of a building and mobilisation of key stakeholders within the country. The mission will provide the opportunity for the Bank and OAU to finalise the scope of the project and develop a framework to connect the Centre to other academic institutions across the continent. The project to establish the Centre for AfCFTA Studies is a follow-up to the mission undertaken by Professor Benedict Oramah, the president of the African Export-Import Bank last year. It provides the opportunity to build a solid body of research and knowledge to support implementation of the AfCFTA, which has been touted as a game changer with the potential of accelerating the growth of intra-African trade and deepening regional integration. Several steps had been taken by the leadership of OAU to facilitate the establishment of the centre, including the acquisition of a building and mobilisation of key stakeholders within the country. The mission will provide the opportunity for the Bank and OAU to finalise the scope of the project and develop a framework to connect the Centre to other academic institutions across the continent. It will also provide the opportunity to develop a roadmap to mobilise the resources (both human and financial) necessary for a successful implementation and official inauguration of the Centre later this year. The establishment of the OAU/Afreximbank African Continental Free Trade Area Centre (OAAC) derives its core mandates, mission, vision and values from the ideals enshrined in the AfCFTA Treaty recently adopted by the African Union. The Centre will benefit the entire Africa and the world at large by advancing innovations in training and research by drawing a wide spectrum of people such as academics, government officials, representatives of development partners and international and local NGOs with interests around AfCFTA. I am told that the main objective of the Centre is to anchor and coordinate research and training capabilities for the sustainability of the AfCFTA goals, in line with the aspirations of the founding fathers of the Bank to support the expansion of extra- and intra-African trade. The proposed Centre for AfCFTA Studies is planned as a multidisciplinary research and training institution and will focus on the following: Trade and Sustainable Development Research Agricultural Trade Research and Information Legal and Political Research Technology and Innovation Research Trade and Public Health Research Trade and Humanity Research Macroeconomic modelling and CGE modelling and forecasting Training A visiting team comprising four senior members of Afreximbank and six members from Obafemi Awolowo University recently visited Abuja to interact with stakeholders and the authorities. The OAU-Afreximbank delegation was led by Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, vice chancellor, and Dr Hippolyte Fofack, the chief economist of the Bank, respectively. The joint team met with major stakeholders and discussed the initiative seeking their cooperation and support. These include Professor Abubakar Rasheed (executive secretary), with the team from the National Universities Commission; The managing director and chief executive officer of the Bank of Industry, Dr Leke Pitan, and his team; the minister for Trade, Industries and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and some officials of the National AfCFTA Committee; the minister for Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and others. If everything goes according to schedule, the Centre will commence operations in December 2022. The executive secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, has expressed the commitment of the Commission to work closely with cognate government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as with the private sector and scholars drawn from Nigerian universities, to fully support the execution of this initiative. The team received the blessing of the stakeholders towards the establishment of the proposed Centre for African Continental Free Trade Area Studies (CAS) to be domiciled at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The Centre will, among other mandates, serve as the hub for intellectual and policy innovations aimed at identifying and addressing the complexity of issues relevant to the successful implementation of the AfCFTA, which was adopted by 54 African leaders in March 2018, with its implementation ongoing. AfCFTA is widely touted as a game-changer in the continents quest for economic integration, competitiveness, development, and accelerated transformation of its economies, in line with African Union Agenda 2063 towards a prosperous continent. The world-class pan-African Centre will attract leading scholars, policymakers, practitioners, opinion shapers from around the continent and beyond, and provide a platform for conversations that bridge the gap between knowledge and practice on trade, integration and development. All the stakeholders expressed delight that Obafemi Awolowo University, one of the foremost citadels of higher education in Africa, was selected to host the Centre. The choice, according to them, is a tribute to the University, which is famous for its African credentials and traditions of excellence. When it is fully established, the Centre will engage in a range of bespoke and high-impact executive and mainstream policy-oriented programmes, to train a new crop of practitioners with the requisite skills, competences and orientations to contribute to meet the ever-changing needs of practitioners involved in trade facilitation and negotiations. It will also serve as the leading hub for innovative and policy-driven research by resident and visiting scholars. In addition, it will provide a major platform for conversations among leaders from diverse fields germane to issues of trade, regionalism and development. If everything goes according to schedule, the Centre will commence operations in December 2022. The executive secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, has expressed the commitment of the Commission to work closely with cognate government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as with the private sector and scholars drawn from Nigerian universities, to fully support the execution of this initiative. In the midst of various challenges buffeting universities in Nigeria, there is good reason to raise the elbow in celebration of this new continental recognition of OAU. The hope of Africas development hinges on realising the aspirations of AfCFTA through training and capacity building that seek to nurture a critical mass of scholars and practitioners to defend the continents interests in global economic relations. An African proverb is instructive here: When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion. The future of Africa lies in initiatives such as this one championed by Afreximbank. And what better partner than Obafemi Awolowo University. Congratulations, OAU! Advertisements Wole Olaoye is a public relations consultant and veteran journalist. He can be reached on wole.olaoye@gmail.com, Twitter: @wole_olaoye; Instagram: woleola2021. After the initial experience of concern and shock at the fairly elaborate attempt to tar one of the heroines of public service in Nigeria, and the painstaking effort in seeking the truth and deconstructing much of these spurious allegations, I came to the hard realisation of how corruption has become a fairly formidable institution in Nigeria. Yet, we can ill afford the business of the country to continue as usual, as determined by different cabals, who have garnered humungous resources to destroy reform endeavours. Corruption has been one of the biggest banes of progress in Nigeria, leading many through the decades to privatise public assets to the detriment of the welfare of larger sections of the populace. This phenomenon that has afflicted many actors across the private and governmental sectors of the country, has more so gathered huge traction in the dawn of the Fourth Republic, since 1999. The cost of corruption through earlier periods till the present has seen to the massive deterioration of public services and infrastructure, large-scale immiseration and lack, taking many down the Hobbesian lane in which life has been short, nasty and brutish. If according to informed estimates over $400 billion has been lost to corruption in the oil and gas sector alone since Independence, then it is easy to extrapolate that cumulatively, this must have risen to the loss of a few trillions of dollars in the federal civil service through the years as a result of the pernicious activities of all sorts of public officials. Naturally, since corruption has evolved an alternative wealth and power structure, it has equally acquired the capacity to fight back those seeking to tame or control it. Yet, with the present fiscal out-turn of the country, in which governments at all levels, and especially at the federal level, are struggling to meet their obligations to citizens, it is more than high time that we kill corruption in Nigeria, or corruption will completely kill our country. Hence, the need for purposeful reforms across governments and its key institutions. At that, those finding themselves at the drivers seat of reforms are unique targets of the various cabals that have taken over the public system in expansive endeavours to privatise public resources and income. These cabals and the actors who run them take on reformers and wage war against them in highly attritive manners that seek to destroy their integrity and pooh-pooh their characters, while drawing huge question marks over their senses of honour and uprightness. Awareness of such antics makes one quite unusually sensitive to the situation of Mrs Moremi Onijala, whose unusual forthrightness one has had the good fortune of observing and admiring from a distance over the past decade, and who has recently become subject to a very vicious and apparently coordinated attack in her present station. This made me seek out a private understanding of some of the allegations being levelled to render what is most certainly her good work in the Ministry of Interior, where she is currently serving, to nought. From the poisonous brew that has been concocted by a group naming its cohort as Femi Adewale, Jimoh Abdukarim Sule, and Ikenna Maurice surely pseudonyms raised to mask their cowardice and real intentions it addressed a petition to the Honourable Minister of Federal Ministry of Finance on some contrived infractions that can barely stand the torch of scrutiny. This malicious assemblage strung together and staged a series of convoluting allegations, having suspect truth-value, as would be subsequently deconstructed. The claims range from the attribution of a single-handed creation of a department within the Ministry of Interior, which was re-designed in the image of the accused Mrs Onijala, and staffed with a deputy director of her choosing and rogue consultants, in order to perpetrate fraud. Also, that the operations of the Department of Citizenship and Business that she heads in the Interior Ministry have been wilfully subjected to endless delays in the effort to stake for illicit pecuniary gains, and that the meddling of the department in the monitoring and approval of Expatriate Quota Positions (EQPs) once made the former Comptroller General of Immigrations to petition such incursions into his exclusive powers. Moreover, that the delays in the approvals of EQPs and business permits equally made Dr Jumoke Oduwole, a Special Adviser in the office the Vice President and Secretary of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), to query the Interior Ministry, Mrs Onijala, and her department. First, as I perceive and understand it, in order to create a clear context for much of what would follow, it is worthy to note that the Department of Citizenship and Business (DCB) is possibly the main cash cow of the Interior Ministry, and in the past three years, since the start of the reform efforts that brought in Mrs Onijala, as set against 2018, the revenue profile of the Department has grown in significant leaps. Now comprising a three-tier structure, in the Citizenship Division of the DCB, as against the measly close to N120 million that was earned in 2018, there was a major upsurge to almost N493 million in 2019, to over N477 million in 2020, and to about N667 million in 2021. In like manner, as against the N125 million made in 2018 in the Business Division of the Department, N643 million was made in 2019, N406 million in 2020, and almost N337 million in 2021. And from January to April alone this year, the newer Inspection division that has just started operations has made almost N43 million. These are colossal amounts of money that have never come into the government treasury not because there were never such major revenue inflows, but due to the fact that these sums were made to rather flow into the private pockets of officials. Systems have now been put in place to block the illicit direction of these flows into the rightful place, permanently; hence the angry attacks of the reform efforts and actors that are now being witnessed which would escalate, if not quickly contained. Cutting to the chase of the wicked allegations that have currently been spun, it could be considered as quite cruel to claim that a Director in a Ministry could singularly create and staff what is construed as a self-serving a division the Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection Unit within the federal civil service. Such is an impossibility, which is only and strictly within the remit of those who are statutorily empowered to do such. The fact is that the Unit was established by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), in acting upon the request of the Ministry of Interior in 2021. This was in order to implement reforms in the administration of EQPs and business permits and the licensing of places of worship, etc., which had been subject to abuse and racketeering. Prior to then, there had been many petitions of the untoward activities going on around these approvals from such bodies as the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the National Assembly. That stated, nevertheless, much of the present complaints about the Unit and the DCB can be seen as due to the fact that many prefer the old ways of conducting government business, which enable officials to assist in facilitating fake approvals for clients and thereby profiting hugely from these at the expense of government and its revenue accruals. And, more so, the Inspection Unit was created, endorsed and supported by stakeholders during the National Stakeholders Conferences on EQPs in April 2021 and the Conference of the Conduct of Statutory Marriage in May 2021. It is well known that a dangerous cabal exists around the Ministry of Interior comprising of some members who were identified and removed from the Ministry, working together with some still serving and retired personnel of the Immigration service who have benefitted tremendously from fraudulent activities involving EQPs, business permits, etc. With the implementation of reforms around these business and fiscal instruments of government, this cabal has been relentless in sponsoring attacks on Mrs Onijala the driver of reforms as pushback to the regime of accountability instituted by the Unit, making things no longer business as usual, and diverting the huge funds that the country had been haemorrhaging back into legitimate coffers of government. An associated allegation to the foregoing has been the claim that there has been a deliberate refusal to process and forward applications for business permits and EQPs until there is robust gratification made to facilitate things by frustrated and embittered applicants. Actually, it is the other way round as the accuser is now being accused. Its is a known fact in the Department of Citizenship and Business/Ministry of Interior that the refusal of Mrs Onijala to be bribed in order to overlook the unrelenting cache of fake documentation being brought forward in order to secure business permits and EQPs, is what has led to the distortive petition and its array of dubious allegations. Hence, corruption is fighting back, since it is no longer business as usual, and illicit income streams are being drained out. In relation to the issuance of business permits and EQPs, as observed, there is no doubt that much of the delays encountered in the system are due to inexorable activities of crooks and corrupt people, who habitually seek to game the system through the submission of fake documentation. This couples with the untimely submission of required supportive documents and the lack of timely responses to queries to applications. One could however admit that a few technical glitches in the automated processing system, which the partner in charge, Messrs. Anchor Dataware Solutions (ADS), tries to respond to as quickly as possible is another source of delay, even if not a core issue. In addition, submitted documents for the processing of business permits and expatriate quotas are not able to be immediately authenticated because the eCitiBiz platform used does not have document-readable software for this. I agree that this is a concern that the Unit would have to look into and quickly resolve. There is the allegation that Mrs Onijala as the Director of Citizenship and Business re-designed the Department in her own image for pecuniary gains, that she put herself in competition with the Ministry of Interior as such, and selected her own staff with stealth, whilst employing some rogue consultants. These as one found out are quite absurd allegations, as there has never been any external consultant hired to select staff for the department or to carry out the duties of civil servants in the department. Hence, the burden then becomes that of those making the allegations to supply the proof to back up their claims in this regard. It has also been revealed that the Deputy Director of the Department, Mr Adesina, said to have been brought in by Mrs Onijala from the Finance Ministry in 2021, was actually deployed to the Ministry of Interior from the Ministry of Police Affairs in 2021, and not the Ministry of Finance, where he had served much earlier until 2009. In terms of the complaint of the former Comptroller-General of the National Immigration Service, as laid out in the petition, that the Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection Unit was eroding his exclusive powers of control over Expatriate Quota Positions, the erstwhile CG had sought anchors for this in legislation, including the Immigration Act, 2015 and the Immigration Regulations, 2017. However, it is equally evident from the legislation appealed to, in Section 3 of the Immigration Act, and Section 12 of the Immigration Regulations, and the Ministers Statutory Powers and Duties (Miscellaneous Act of 1958), that citizenship integrity and internal security in the country are vested in the Minister of Interior, who is responsible for policy formulation and execution with relation to the granting of expatriate quotas in the country. The Minister is also vested with the powers to review, amend or cancel any EQP. More so, the CG of Immigrations and his office derive their authority from powers delegated to them by the Minister, hence the Minister can also order similarly the NIS to liaise with the Unit in carrying out his directives. That stated, nevertheless, much of the present complaints about the Unit and the DCB can be seen as due to the fact that many prefer the old ways of conducting government business, which enable officials to assist in facilitating fake approvals for clients and thereby profiting hugely from these at the expense of government and its revenue accruals. In reiterating an earlier point, as observed, a number of the delays experienced in the processing of EQPs, business permits and cognate licences could be associated with pressing tasks as the development of new policies and the implementation of projects, such as the National Action Plan on Statelessness. This could slow down the requirement of appending the physical signature of the DCB to each page of manually typed approval letters. In view of this, the automatic download of approval letters and business permits are close to conclusion, and this will go live this April 2022. Moreover, it has been noted that the delays in responses from the Department has also been due to the insufficiency of power supply, which is more of a general challenge affecting the entire country. This is in addition to the shortage of staff, which became more pronounced during the high point of the COVID-19 pandemic (which fortunately has been addressed by the HCSF through the posting of staff who are currently undergoing training to carry out technical functions). Advertisements It is claimed by the naysayers that the so-called delays caused by the DCB has impacted the flow of foreign direct investments into the country negatively. However, the truth of the matter is that since resuming at the post, it has been found out that the DCB introduced some innovations with the permission of the Minister of Interior and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry to enhance the workflow in the department, such as trainings on the laws undergirding the administration of expatriate quotas, business permit requirements, alongside those related to statutory marriages. Also the organogram of the department was re-designed, including the process workflow, to reduce the interface with clients, while a revised handbook on Expatriate Quota Administration in Nigeria was finalised, in addition to bringing the Guidelines on Citizenship and Statutory Marriage up to date with international best practices. It has been emphasised that the DCB has nothing to do with the preparation of documents of applicants, even as a strict guideline has been put in place to ensure that complete and proper documentation that are genuine are the only ones accepted. And, that the technical partners to the Unit would update the software on the platform utilised in accepting applications to ensure that timelines only apply when applications are complete. It is on record that Mrs Onijala worked with the Attorney General Federation on the Amended Legal Notices on Statutory Marriages, awaiting the approval of the president, which have conferred local governments with the authority to conduct statutory marriages, following compliance with the requirements of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. She also identified new revenue streams, including an upward review of fees on Business and Citizenship services, in line with current realities. While it is unfortunate that a lot of the delays are attributed to the DCB, the facts remain that all applications are processed from the Briefing officers to the DCB, the PS and the HMI. Delays could possibly arise from any point in the chain. Consequently, the technology involved in processing applications is now being reviewed so that any point where fake documentation is seen and a query is raised about this to the organisation involved, the clock on that application will be paused till the appropriate document is uploaded on the platform. There is equally the malicious claim that the DCB had deliberately refused to forward the application of M.D & Co Mega Business Limited to the Honourable Minister of Interior for approval, which had led to a petition by the firm. And that the sum of N150,000 was collected by the DCB from the company, through Doychris, for the preparation of a feasibility report. As clarified, the facts involved in this matter have been that the said companys application was actually withheld due to the submission of a fake Certificate of Capital Importation, and the non-submission of a feasibility report, among other problems. Hence, the company was advised to seek experts to help it draft its feasibility report and the completion of its documentation. As such, on the request of its lawyer for assistance with references, he had been given a list of briefing officers versed in helping with these documents. While the lawyer of the applicant contacted and got a consultant to help it on its own, none of the process or payment went through the Ministry, any of its staff, nor the Director of Citizenship and Business, and its acceptable feasibility report was approved by the Minister on December 14, 2021. Thereafter, the representative of the company, one Barrister Peter Oluwashola had retracted the petition and written a letter of unreserved apology to the Ministry on March 3. It has been emphasised that the DCB has nothing to do with the preparation of documents of applicants, even as a strict guideline has been put in place to ensure that complete and proper documentation that are genuine are the only ones accepted. And, that the technical partners to the Unit would update the software on the platform utilised in accepting applications to ensure that timelines only apply when applications are complete. Saliently, the truth involved in the purported query of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to the Interior Ministry has been established. In as much as the said delays from the Department of Citizenship and Business is claimed to have had converse effects on the ease of doing business in the country, the allegations involved have been taken apart and proven to be false. The Ministry of Interior has also forwarded written responses on the issue to the Presidency. Issuing from the foregoing, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had set up a meeting between the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry and his team, and Dr Jumoke Oduwole of the PEBEC and her team. There were also a slew of meetings held between the Ministry of Interiors Reform Champion Team and the Ease of Business Environment Secretariat (EBES), and the technical teams of the Ministry and PEPBEC/EBES. The outcomes of all the meetings have been deemed as satisfactory to all the parties involved and have led to the establishment of a joint audit team to continue the work on enhancing the efficiency in the delivery of services. These outcomes have equally led to the positive review and correction of erstwhile records on performance of the Ministry, which is revealed in the 7th National Action Plan (NAP 7.0) Mid Term Report for Business Permit and Expatriate Quota. After the initial experience of concern and shock at the fairly elaborate attempt to tar one of the heroines of public service in Nigeria, and the painstaking effort in seeking the truth and deconstructing much of these spurious allegations, I came to the hard realisation of how corruption has become a fairly formidable institution in Nigeria. Yet, we can ill afford the business of the country to continue as usual, as determined by different cabals, who have garnered humungous resources to destroy reform endeavours. Hence, more hands need to come on deck, very urgently, to become champions of the anti-corruption struggle, if Nigeria will ever survive its on-going fiscal crisis, and would not experience untimely demise in the vice-grip of the menace of corruption. Adaeze Nwolise wrote from Abuja. With all of Nigerias rulers so committed to denuding it of legitimacy, is it little wonder that the curse of state incapacity in Nigeria is delivering that which communism failed to deliver a proletarian Nirvana in which all are joined by the assurance of painful death in mass atrocity or decapitation following mass abduction? 2023 will be interesting. Nigerias response to the onset of murderous mass violence has evolved through phases of co-optation, brutal reprisal, appeasement, and state incapacity. The two options that have never quite been attempted with conviction are effective accountability and civic inclusion. Through phases of anti-terrorism, counter-terrorism and, now, interminable and metastasising counter-insurgencies, the country has found itself mired in chronic mass violence as the only language of political dialogue. With many reluctant to acknowledge how the country quite ended up in this denouement, it is important to look back briefly in order to look forward. Outlawry in post-colonial Nigeria has a long and tawdry history. Stephen Ellis, who spent a lifetime researching and analysing this in some detail, recounted in his final book, This Present Darkness: A History of Organised Crime in Nigeria, when the spike started: shortly before the civil war, when government broke down in some parts of the Western Region and there was a blurred line between political violence, crime, and organized insurgency. Many would argue that Nigeria has been one long insurgency since then, in what has been on close inspection a long war against the logical consequences of chronic leadership failure. The post-war continuation of the error that we can shoot our way out of this failure of both leadership and national inclusion, can be traced back to the public executions by firing squad of armed robbers, which began at the former Bar Beach in Lagos on April 26, 1971. The spike in armed robbery in Nigeria coincided with the mismanagement, by the Yakubu Gowon regime, of demobilisation in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War. With neither preparation for post-military life nor skills to survive in the rough and tumble of civilian existence after the war, the tens of thousands of hurriedly demobilised men found alternative uses for their arms and skills, often not in the most civil way possible. Public execution did not end armed robbery. If anything, violent robbery escalated in both frequency and brutality. The onset of presidential politics in 1979 did not just make civilians of soldiers, it also made civilians of armed robbers, who provided the violent brawn to complement the political brains of politicians in savage electoral brigandage. The numbers confectioned by this criminal tag-team, as acknowledged by the Bolarinwa Babalakin Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO), often received judicial benediction from election tribunals. Senior Police officers, including former Inspector-General of Police Sunday Adewusi and former Police commissioner in the old Anambra State, Bishop Eyitene, both now sadly late, compiled infamous records of electoral joint enterprise with these merchants of violence. With the return of the military to government in 1983, we had a gradual escalation of violence to the point where, by the mid-1990s, the regime of General Abacha fully deployed criminal gangs and networks against peaceful civic advocacy in the Niger Delta. In institutions of tertiary education, vice chancellors in various universities and rectors of polytechnics did the same. By the time the country returned to civil rule in 1999, the politicians were happy to resume their marriage with violence and its unlicensed suppliers. This time, as former senator, Shehu Sani, recalls in the title of his book, in addition to using them to rig elections, they were also freely deployed as tools of political assassination. Three years later, in 2015, the crisis in North-East Nigeria had become a source of earnings, not merely for elements in the security services but also for mercenaries imported by government and paid with public funds. This, notwithstanding that Nigeria was one of the prime movers behind the Convention for the Elimination of Mercenarism in Africa adopted in 1977, which criminalises mercenarism and renders liable to punishment all persons involved in it. When the Police liquidated a little known Islamic Cleric, Mohammed Yusuf, and hundreds of his followers in Maiduguri, North-East Nigeria, in July 2009, they did not realise how swiftly or steeply the violence would switch gears. Law enforcement, hitherto used to deniable means of committing such atrocities, had become fully converted to the methods of outlawry. The blowback ended any pretence to a law enforcement response to Nigerias violence and launched the country into an interminable season of mass atrocities. In 2011, President Goodluck Jonathan, embattled in the North-East, invited a blue-ribbon panel to help the country understand the issues and think through its options. To lead this task, he tapped Gaji Galtimari, a former public administrator and diplomat and leader of the Borno Elders Forum, who died in 2019. When it reported at the end of 2011, the Galtimari Committee traced the origins of private militias in Borno State, of which Boko Haram in particular is an offshoot, to politicians who set them up in the run up to the 2003 general elections. The militias were armed and used extensively as political thugs. After the elections and having achieved their primary purpose, the politicians left the militias to their fate since they could not continue keeping them employed. With no visible means of sustenance, some of the militias gravitated towards religious extremism, the type offered by Mohammed Yusuf. The Galtimari Report recommended that the government should beam their searchlight on some politicians who sponsored, funded and used the militia groups that later metamorphosed into Boko Haram and bring them to justice. In its White Paper issued in May 2012 on the report, the Federal Government accepted this recommendation and directed the National Security Adviser to co-ordinate compliance. One decade later, nothing has come of this recommendation. Instead, what followed has been a descent into sovereign abdication followed by capitulation. Three years later, in 2015, the crisis in North-East Nigeria had become a source of earnings, not merely for elements in the security services but also for mercenaries imported by government and paid with public funds. This, notwithstanding that Nigeria was one of the prime movers behind the Convention for the Elimination of Mercenarism in Africa adopted in 1977, which criminalises mercenarism and renders liable to punishment all persons involved in it. As candidate in 2015, Muhammadu Buhari cashed in on this and promised to provide the kind of leadership to end it. Far from keeping his word, Buhari doubled down on the abdication, and scaled it up to capitulation before replacing it with the bare-faced coddling of terror and insurgents. This appears to have led the rest of the country to the conclusion that insurgency was the only path to dialogue. So, from the North-East, mass violence has been replaced by an epidemic of mass atrocity and from the North-East, the sites of these atrocities under him have spread to all of the country. As The New Humanitarian memorably reported around the time of the Galtimari Whitepaper, the conclusion was inescapable that Nigerias criminal justice system has failed under the strain, with security force abuses not being investigated and those responsible for Boko Haram attacks not being prosecuted. One decade later, the situation is inestimably worse, not better. As The New Humanitarian memorably reported around the time of the Galtimari Whitepaper, the conclusion was inescapable that Nigerias criminal justice system has failed under the strain, with security force abuses not being investigated and those responsible for Boko Haram attacks not being prosecuted. One decade later, the situation is inestimably worse, not better. In what looks like an ultimately doomed effort to divert attention from capitulation to mass atrocity this past week, the Chief Judge of Nigerias Federal High Court issued new rules directing that all terrorism trials shall be held in camera. This is a breathtaking assertion by one judicial officer of power to re-write with administrative ink the clear provisions of the Constitution and of international treaties on human rights to which Nigeria is party. Section 36(4) of that Constitution requires that every accused person is entitled to a fair hearing in public and the only person or authority who can order trials in camera is the trial judge before whom the person is charged under section 36(4)(a) or the court or tribunal before whom the accused is charged. Indeed, in its 2017 Report, the Justice Biobele Georgewill Presidential Investigation Panel on the Compliance with Human Rights Obligations and Rules of Engagement by the Nigerian Armed Forces, insisted, in a recommendation accepted by the Federal Government, that an arrest under the Terrorism Prevention Act 2015 as amended or any other Acts of Parliament, must be followed by expeditious prosecution within a reasonable time before a court of competent jurisdiction as prescribed by the provisions of Chapter IV of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 as amended. As important as his office is, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court lacks powers to blithely amend the Constitution or so cavalierly expropriate rights granted by it. This mis-step by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court is the latest in a series of symbolic acknowledgements of the far-reaching collapse of state capacity to guarantee that most basic affirmation in section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution that, the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. By the beginning of this century, the police and security agencies in Nigeria had come to adopt the methods of the people whom they were supposed to hold accountable. Two decades later, the courts appear keen converts to outlawry in a pretence to fight outlaws. The politicians and their families had for long lived by the mantra that all is fair in the rat race to power. With all of Nigerias rulers so committed to denuding it of legitimacy, is it little wonder that the curse of state incapacity in Nigeria is delivering that which communism failed to deliver a proletarian Nirvana in which all are joined by the assurance of painful death in mass atrocity or decapitation following mass abduction? 2023 will be interesting. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a lawyer and teacher, can be reached at chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu. One of the major caterpillars of prayer altars is sin. You cant be sinning and be praying, and you cant be praying and be sinning. Sin is the number one killer of prayer altars. Satan knows this very well. So, he constantly pollutes the hearts of men with the passion for sin. He knows his target. Its your prayer life. Under the old Covenant, priests and prophets were appointed by God to mediate between God and man. You cannot break that order. A priest cannot serve as a prophet and a prophet must not serve the role of a priest. Likewise, a king cannot serve as a prophet or as a priest. Disobedience to that arrangement was in some cases punished by death. That was what finished Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6-6 who touched the ark of the covenant when it stumbled on a donkey. That was only the exclusive preserve of the levites, whom God appointed as the only custodians of the ark. Same as Saul, who lost his throne because he violated Gods order by offering a sacrifice that only Prophet Samuel was supposed to handle (1 Samuel 13: 8-10). But when Jesus came, he abolished that order and enacted a new order of relationship between God and man. And now according to 1 Timothy 2-5, there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. We need to understand this theological foundation prior to understanding why prayer is an extremely critical component of the Christian faith. It was this new spiritual order that Jesus instituted that makes you and I who have received Jesuss free grace to have unfettered access to God through the name of Jesus. The entire Bible is a book of prayers, the prayers God heard and the prayers he didnt hear. Now, under the Old Testament, people still prayed to God. But the difference between that time and now is that their prayers at that time were not built on father to son relationship Relationship based prayer is at another level. Oftentimes, God responded to their prayers based on their personal righteousness and good works. But in this dispensation, God responds to our prayers based on what Jesus has done. No matter what you have done, once you repent in the name of Jesus, God forgives and forgets and your prayers will still be answered, if it is based on Gods word. Also, Jesus is now our intercessor. He makes intercessions for us before the father. When you pray as a child of God, Jesus is the password to the heart of the father. That didnt exist in the old testament. It is either you are good before God and your prayers are answered or you are evil and you are judged. Reasons for Prayerlessness in the Church Now, we have reached a generation that is increasingly becoming annoyed with prayer. Its either they are not praying at all or they are praying foolish and unbiblical prayers. So, many factors are responsible for the weakness in the prayer lives of so many Christians. Lets look at some of those factors responsible for prayerlessness in the church Pride: That is the probably the greatest factor. Proud people are self-reliant and self-sufficient. They dont pray because they think they can live without any supernatural backing; Increased appetite for sin and iniquity. One of the signs of the last days is that iniquity shall increase (Matthew 24). Someone has said, When you are sinning, you wont be praying, and when you are praying, you wont be sinning. It is impossible to maintain an active and effective prayer life when sin is increasing its hold on your life. That was why Elijah had to repair the altar before calling down fire during the contest with Ahab and his people in 1 Kings 18; The love of money. You cant combine the love for prayers with the love of money. Money takes away the heart of men from God (Deuteronomy 17:17-18). Kings must not accumulate riches because when they do, they will steal their heart away from God. And in 1 Kings 10-25, Solomon did exactly the same thing which led to him being derailed from God, as mentioned in 1 Kings 11-1. Note, you and I have now been made kings and priests before God (Revelations 1-6). THE LOVE OF MONEY DELETES THE PASSION FOR PRAYER because in effect, money promises you everything in life for which you think you would have needed prayers to get; Lack of results to many prayers. When men dont see results in the place of prayer, weariness sets in and the prayer altar begins to collapse until it dies completely; Increased demonic activities. Satan and his agents hate prayerful Christians with passion. So, they always target the prayer altar to kill it completely. One of the major caterpillars of prayer altars is sin. You cant be sinning and be praying, and you cant be praying and be sinning. Sin is the number one killer of prayer altars. Satan knows this very well. So, he constantly pollutes the hearts of men with the passion for sin. He knows his target. Its your prayer life. Ayo Akerele, a leadership and system development strategist, and minister of the word, writes from Canada and can be reached through ayoakerele2012@gmail.com. A Fulani headers association, Kullen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), has commended the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for providing water points for livestock farmers in tough terrains across the region. In a statement, KACRANs president, Mohammed Khalil, said he was delighted at the commissions concern for the welfare of livestock in the northeast. NEDC had built several boreholes along the grazing routes in the region to ease the plight of herders and their animals. As a Herder Association that is keenly interested in daily happenings in the country more especially the one that directly affects livestock sector, and severally commend or oppose what will not augur well to the nations animal husbandry, wishes to extremely thank and highly appreciate the North East Development Commission for its much-applauded decision in providing water points to the North East livestock Farmers. The statement also called on the Nigerian government to increase the funding of the commission to enable it to execute more laudable projects for the common people. The statement reads in part thus: We of KACRAN as the direct beneficiaries of the aforementioned water projects, are on the strong view that, water scarcity is the major problem of animal production in most of the Northern States of the country, which means that the provision of several water points by the Commission will end the unnecessary sufferings our people face for over a hundred years due to either scarcity or lack of portable drinking water, which in some cases force our people to migrate from one place to another in search of it. A solution to Herders water problem is a solution to most of their problems because no matter how we are in the lean dry period if there is the availability of water for our consumption and that of our animals, our problem is over as per as our pastoral occupation s a concern. The Commissions determination to end the lingering water problem makes us, the Herders and our host communities consider NEDC as a blessing to us because apart from providing water to our people, the Commission is also working assiduously to bring several important social services to our doorsteps. Similarly, we want to thank the Federal Government under the able Leadership of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Honourable members of our National Assemblies for creating the Commission to steadily develop the highly devastated Region and passionately appeal to our able and esteemed members to thoroughly assess and fully consider the multiple important responsibilities the Commission is shouldering on its neck, and as a matter of utmost importance fund, it adequately and release the money on time to enable it to perform excellently. Our appeal is necessitated because we fully observed that NEDC is playing a vital role towards reducing the problem of insurgency and other social vices by providing timely, much desired necessary assistance to the victims of insurgency as well as empowering and supporting them which are so helpful in building new hope in the minds of the affected victims of the insurgency. Thi, therefore,e means that, given the Commission,n all administrative and enough cash backing will enable it to continue moving in the right direction that will drastically reduce the tension in the entire North East sub-region and its neighbours. At this juncture, we want to thank Dr Muhammad Alkali the Managing Director of the Commission and Alh Muhammad Jawa Gashua, the Executive Director Admin and Finance and all the workaholic staff of the Commission for their total Commitment and sacrifices toward embarking on various Developmental projects to promote the living standard of the good people of the region and Nigerians by extension. In conclusion, on behalf of the Pastoralists of North East Sub-region and that of the entire country, I want to call on the NEDC management to continue with their good work, as we the beneficiaries of the beautiful policies and programs are ready to give them all the support and cooperation desired to enable them to achieve their targets, the statement reads. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on Saturday, brought a 48-hour gridlock at Obajana, Kogi, to an end. The gridlock was caused by multiple breakdown of obsolete trucks along the Kabba-Lokoja-Abuja Road. The Obajana portion of the road which hosts the Dangote Cement factory is notorious for perennial gridlock in the area. Assistant Corps Commander of the FRSC at the Zariagi, Kogi Unit, Moses Odogiyon, lamented perennial gridlock in the area when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). You wont believe that for two days now we have been battling with serious gridlock at this Obajana Junction on Kabba-Lokoja-Abuja Road because of ceaseless breakdown of articulated vehicles. As a result, slow movement of traffic is being experienced along Zariagi Axis of the corridor to the chagrin of commuters. The slow movement is caused by the multiple breakdowns of trucks along the stretch narrowing the single carriageway thereby compounding traffic alternations at Obajana Junction. Some of the broken-down trucks are loaded and so cannot be towed off immediately to pave way for easy flow of traffic, he said. He said strenuous efforts by FRSC officials brought the 48-hour gridlock to an end only on Saturday evening. As its now, we have successfully surmounted the challenge and there is complete free flow of traffic, Mr Odogiyon added. He advised motorists, especially the articulated vehicles, tankers, trucks and trailers to always comply with FRSC directives and control whenever the gridlock occurs. (NAN) Students attend a livestreamed popular-science lecture given by Chinese astronauts from China's space station Tiangong, at the China Science and Technology Museum in Beijing, capital of China, March 23, 2022. (Xinhua/Guo Zhongzheng) BEIJING, April 9 (Xinhua) -- The China Science and Technology Museum said it has launched a series of space-science popularization activities ahead of China's Space Day, which falls on April 24. The event, which will last throughout April, aims to provide the public with an all-round and multi-sensory experience of space science, including exhibitions, science lectures, science courses and special-effect movies. The Shenzhou-1 return capsule will be exhibited at the event, said the museum. Experts and scholars will be invited to give lectures on popular science, interpreting aerospace research and various applications of aerospace sciences. The public can also learn about China's achievements in space exploration through online astronomy classes. A meeting of Ndieze Igbo in Diaspora and Igbo Delegate Assembly (IDA) comprising Igbos living in the 19 states of Northern Nigeria rose on Saturday in Abuja, with a unanimous resolution to support the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, for the 2023 presidential race, his spokesperson has said. They said Ngige should henceforth stop his consultations and join the race for the countrys topmost political office, spokesperson Nwachukwu Ngige said in a statement Saturday night. The President-General of IDA, Chief Chi Nwogu who announced the resolution, said Ngige by his antecedents had proved his mettle in leadership and if Nigerians decide to seek for an Igboman to lead the country, he should be the one. Mr Nwogu reportedly said Igbos were tired of playing a second fiddle in Nigerian politics and wished to produce the successor to President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr Nwogu was further quoted to have said, We want to produce the President of Nigeria in 2023. We dont want Vice President. Please Ngige, you have done enough consultations. Dont consult again. Join the presidential race. We know your antecedents the periods you served as governor of Anambra State and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. You have been in the labour room in the past seven years as the Minister of Labour and Employment, attending to all the labour disputes brought to your table. Please, join the presidential race. We will support you. We will follow you to Aso Rock. Speaking in a similar vein, according to Mr Ngiges spokesperson, the Eze-Ndigbo Bauchi, Jude Umezika, described the minister as a unifier and bridge-builder who would unify Nigeria and safeguard the lives and property of the Igbos and other Nigerians wherever they live in the country. The roads he built in Anambra 16 years ago are still intact. There is no Igbo man who is his match. He is one of the Igbo leaders that will call us whenever there is a problem in the North. He has the fear of God. Also speaking at the event, the Ezeudo of Abuja, Uche Egenti, reportedly described Mr Ngige as a bold, courageous and brave man, expressing confidence that if given the opportunity to serve as President, he would replicate his excellent performance in Anambra State in Nigeria. ASTRONMY.COM/PHOTOTown of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael is hoping the town can cash in on celestial tourism when the region will be in the direct path of a total solar eclipse expected to occur in the skies on April 8, 2024. STOCKHOLM, April 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Danish biotech company, Enduro Genetics, announces the closure of its first funding round, led by NOON Ventures. Enduro Genetics is a spinout from the Technical University of Denmark enabling large-scale fermentation. Founded by Peter Rugbjerg and Christian Munck, the company is one of the latest biotech successes evolving from the European life science incubator BioInnovation Institute in Copenhagen. Relying on living organisms, green biological production can be difficult to scale to large markets. This broad challenge constrains the global transition to more bioproduction of animal-free foods, materials and more. Enduro `stabilizes' biological production by adding production dependence to cells using synthetic biology. Through this disruptive technology for stabilizing productive cells, Enduro Genetics has shown it can increase the competitiveness of green bioproduction. In connection with the investment Enduro Genetics strengthens the board of directors. Former Novozymes EVP Thomas Videbk and former Novozymes VP Ejner Bech Jensen join the board. Former deputy CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Niels Peder Nielsen becomes chairman. "We are really excited about this key step towards our dream for Enduro Genetics - contributing to the green transition by making large-scale biomanufacturing competitive. The engaged partnership with NOON Ventures, combined with the strong competences on the board of directors, strengthens our ability to develop and commercialize the technology towards significantly reducing biotech production costs" says Peter Rugbjerg, CEO and co-founder of Enduro Genetics. Enduro works with bioproduction companies to allow them to scale up bioproduction better. A growing palette of everyday items from foods to materials can now be made by biology and new animal-free food ingredients are around the corner. However, central to biological mass manufacturing is the challenge of biological production stability, which until now has been limited by necessary extensive case-by-case research. "At this important moment, Enduro Genetics addresses a central problem for the fermentation industry and has the potential to become a key enabler of the global fermentation revolution vital to many industries such as alternative proteins, pharma, and bio-materials" says Thomas Videbk, new board member. "We are very impressed with the team and the potential the technology holds," says Theis Malmborg, Founding partner at NOON Ventures. "Enduro Genetics is a prime example of the world-class technology coming out of Danish research institutions these years, addressing climate challenges". "The investment by NOON Ventures and the new board provides a strong basis for fulfilling the exciting potential of Enduro Genetics. The board and I very much look forward to support Peter and the team in the development and commercialization journey ahead. We have already started recruiting both technical and commercial profiles eager to take part in the exciting journey ahead of us", adds Niels Peder Nielsen, chairman. About Enduro Genetics Enduro Genetics a technology provider committed to enabling large-scale fermentations. The company increases the competitiveness of current and future green bioproduction using its proprietary synthetic-biology technology Enduro Sense that self-selects the best cell variants. Spun out from the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Enduro has incubated at the BioInnovation Institute in Copenhagen and received funding from the Innovation Fund Denmark. About NOON Ventures NOON Ventures is a Copenhagen-based VC fund established in late 2020 investing in proven transformative technologies with the potential to impact environmental or climate challenges. The fund invests fewer companies and work closely with each of them - a fundamentally different approach than traditional early-stage investors. The aspiration is to be true co-developers of businesses alongside the entrepreneurs, and therefore dedicate the time required to build lasting businesses. Contact information For any inquiries, please contact Peter Rugbjerg at pr@enduro.bio or +45 9393 5580. For more information, please visit Enduro's website: www.enduro.bio This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/enduro-genetics-aps/r/enduro-genetics-closes-first-funding-round-and-strengthens-team-to-broadly-enable-large-scale-biolog,c3542263 The following files are available for download: SOURCE Enduro Genetics ApS GUANGZHOU, China, April 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 131st Canton Fair will be held online from April 15-24. Now, through various social media channels, the Fair has promoted various exhibits including cases and bags. With the rapid development of the global society and economy and the improvement of people's living standards, luggage has become a necessity in people's lives as travel, business trips and other activities becoming more frequent. The 130th Canton Fair has displayed a wide range of new commodities, including an anti-theft backpack, a dual-use carbon fiber case, school backpack bags adapted for ergonomics. Many buyers were surprised after watching livestreams, and left comments in social media accounts of Canton Fair. Hakim Jarrar from Spain was one of them, and he said the Cases & Bags section looked like a sci-fi world with everything one expected to find. Many commented in Canton Fair social media accounts, expressing the expectation of more hi-tech luggage at the 131st session. With over 20,000 enterprises, China is a large luggage producer, occupying more than 70% of the global share. Manufacturers are mainly located in coastal provinces and cities such as Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, Shandong, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and inland provinces including Hebei and Hunan. The huge international luggage demand and the competitive pressure brought about by the high concentration of the industry chain have pushed more and more luggage business owners to focus on improving product quality. Beyond pursuit of beauty, many business owners have explored quality, practicality, and personalization. Some enterprises, taking "human+bag+technology" approaches, have collected numerous independent R&D patents, and their masterpieces have won awards in famous design contests at home and abroad. An example is the sustainable solar energy backpack, which won the Goldreed Industrial Design Awards for its innovative use of flexible solar panels to realize the transformation from light energy into electric energy and energy storage. According to Alan Liu, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Canton Fair, the USB interface design on luggage has become the standard at the Canton Fair. Gyroscopes are installed in backpacks to send alarms when the elderly fall. The 131st Canton Fair will continue to display a number of intelligent and fashionable new products through its "Cloud Platform", aiming to help China's intelligent manufacturing better go global and benefit the world. Visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/register/index#/foreign-email for more opportunities. SOURCE Canton Fair GUANGZHOU, China, April 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 131st Canton Fair will be held online from April 15-24. According to Maggie Pu, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Canton Fair, a slew of highly-expected new products will be released in the machinery exhibition section this year. As one of the most-visited exhibition sections at the Canton Fair, Machinery at the Canton Fair boasts big numbers in exhibits and turnover. Once incompetent, China's machinery industry has drastically developed under the "innovation-driven" strategy. China's machinery industry is well-diversified. Fierce competition in the international market stimulates enterprises to take more seriously the product quality and costs and the capability to develop new products. Responding to the demands, enterprises have invested manpower and resources in strengthening the R&D of core technologies, which directly accelerated the transformation and upgrading of China's machinery manufacturing industry. In recent years, high-end equipment, including ultra-high voltage power transmission and distribution equipment, ten-million tonnage level oil refining equipment, and one-million tonnage level large ethylene equipment were developed, breaking the foreign company dominance. Emerging industries, such as robotics, have seen breakthroughs in motion control and high-performance servo drives. General machinery, agriculture machinery, small processing machinery and industrial parts have also formed a complete industrial chain. According to the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association(VDMA), in 2020, China overtook Germany in the world rankings of machinery and equipment export with the lion's share of 15.8% at 165 billion. The Canton Fair brings together competent machinery manufacturing enterprises. Each session, leading exhibitors such as Guangzhou Tech-Long Packaging Machinery Co., Ltd., Hubei Tri-Ring Metal-Forming Equipment Import & Export Co., Ltd., and Hualian Machinery Group Co., Ltd. exhibited their new products at the Fair. New products include various intelligent equipment of different sizes, such as photoelectric complementary generator sets, new intelligent agricultural machinery, and digital silent inverter generator. With the implementation of the "14th Five-Year Plan" for the Machinery Industry Development, China's pertinent sectors will embrace much progress. The infrastructure boom in "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI) countries, together with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP) taking effect, renders a broad stage for China's machinery industry to quickly become internationally advanced. As a bond of friendship and a bridge for trade, the Canton Fair is witnessing the evolution of China's manufacturing and machinery industries. Visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/register/index#/foreign-email for more opportunities. SOURCE Canton Fair Get a free sample of this data, download our sample report: https://spendedge.com/procurement-report/waste-management-sourcing-and-procurement-intelligence-report Who are the Top Suppliers in the Waste Management Market? The report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several top suppliers. Some of the leading Waste Management suppliers profiled extensively in this report include: Veolia Environnement SA Waste Management Inc Republic Services Inc These are a few of the key suppliers in Waste Management market. Discover more about these vendors, including the detailed analysis of procurement strategies deployed by major category end-users across several industries while sourcing for Waste Management requirements. Download a free sample of this report: https://spendedge.com/procurement-report/waste-management-sourcing-and-procurement-intelligence-report What are the Most Adopted Procurement Strategies for the Waste Management Market? The research includes a complete analysis of the most commonly used procurement strategies by buyers across sectors, as well as an insight into these strategies' innovation, regulatory compliance, quality, supply, and cost. Adopting these procurement tactics would enable buyers to minimize category TCO and achieve cost savings while sourcing Waste Management. What Are the Most Effective Price Strategy That a Vendor Can Adopt and What is The Forecasted Incremental Spend? It is critical to monitor current and future pricing changes in order to maximize the value of the purchase. Price forecasts can assist in purchase planning, especially when combined with constant monitoring of price-influencing factors. The market expects an incremental spend of USD 136.57 billion over the forecast period as a result of several market drivers prevalent across multiple geographies. In addition, the sourcing and procurement report discusses different cost-cutting factors by analyzing the following criteria: Identify favorable opportunities in Waste Management TCO (total cost of ownership) Expected changes in price forecast and factors driving the current and future price changes Identify pricing models that offer the most rewarding opportunities Download the free sample report to get detailed insights into few more pricing strategies. Which are the Key Regions for Waste Management Market? The Waste Management market will register an incremental spend of about USD 136.57 billion during the forecast period. However, only a few regions will drive the majority of this growth. Moreover, on the supply side, North America, Europe, and APAC will have the maximum influence owing to the supplier base. The growth is expected to be primarily driven by increasing demand and adoption of the category across those few regions. To get more information on the volume drivers that are driving the adoption of the category across regions, download our free sample report. Smart Procurement Starts Here: SpendEdge's procurement intelligence platform is the go-to tool for companies looking to access latest procurement research insights and supplier data on an easy to use platform: Subscribe now for free, to get instant access to over 1000 market-ready procurement intelligence reports without any additional costs or commitment. 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 About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. Contacts SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager Ph No: +1 (872) 206-9340 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us SOURCE SpendEdge "The kidney health landscape is broken and lacks needed innovation," said Kevin Longino, Chief Executive Officer of NKF and a kidney transplant patient. "Dialysis has been the go-to treatment for more than half a century. Fifty years without major progress is unacceptable. About 37 million Americans have kidney disease and many crash into kidney failure and require dialysis before ever being diagnosed. We need a fundamental change in how we deal with kidney disease. Our Innovation Fund will provide donors with a unique opportunity to see their dollars support companies pursuing the most promising therapies, treatments and prevention methods that offer the potential to transform kidney care." The NKF Innovation Fund's goal is to accelerate funding, development, and commercialization of therapies that kidney patients need and deserve. The fund will primarily invest in early to mid-stage companies that are developing innovative, patient-centric kidney therapies. The NKF Fund is modeled after similar vehicles used by other leading patient organizations to spur industry to develop transformative treatments with other diseases. NKF believes kidney patients deserve no less. NKF's Innovation Fund is already attracting interest from major donors and innovator companies. In March, the Fund made one of its first investments. Kuleana Technology, located in Seattle, Washington, is a spinoff from the University of Washington and closely aligned with both the Center for Dialysis Innovation at the University of Washington, and with the Northwest Kidney Centers. The company is developing a groundbreaking portable hemodialysis device that will not require connection to an external water source. The new technology will be more effective than current dialysis since it will allow patients to dialyze on the go, enabling whenever, wherever dialysis for millions of patients around the world living with kidney failure. "Our vision is very straightforward," added Longino. "We are going after the full spectrum of kidney disease. With the NKF Innovation Fund we want to prevent kidney disease, eliminate the transplant wait list, and provide better, safer treatments for dialysis patients so they can live fuller and more productive lives. That's the prism we're looking through for every investment we make, and I think our first investment into this space shows just how serious we are." "We are excited and enthusiastic to be partnering with the National Kidney Foundation in this pioneering effort to impact the lives of people living with advanced kidney disease. Like NKF, we recognize the large unmet need to create transformative dialysis therapies that are safer, more effective, give patients freedom and mobility, in order to significantly improve their quality of life", said Dr. Jonathan Himmelfarb, President and CEO of Kuleana Technology. For more information about the NKF Innovation Fund visit kidney.org/innovationfund. To learn more about kidney disease and how to maintain optimal kidney health visit www.kidney.org/. About Kidney Disease In the United States, 37 million adults are estimated to have kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney diseaseand approximately 90 percent don't know they have it. 1 in 3 American adults are at risk for chronic kidney disease. Risk factors for kidney disease include: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family history. People of African American, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian, or Pacific Islander descent are at increased risk for developing the disease. African Americans are almost 4 times more likely than White Americans to have kidney failure. Hispanics are 1.3 times more likely than non-Hispanics to have kidney failure. About National Kidney Foundation The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the largest, most comprehensive, and longstanding patient-centric organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of kidney disease in the U.S. For more information about NKF, visit www.kidney.org. SOURCE The National Kidney Foundation Riyadh, April 10 : Saudi Arabia will allow 1 million domestic and foreign pilgrims to join the Mecca Hajj pilgrimage in the upcoming Hajj season this year, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on Saturday. The decision aims to enable the largest number of Muslims worldwide to perform the pilgrimage rituals, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the ministry. The pilgrims coming to perform Hajj should be less than 65 years old and are fully vaccinated with the Covid-19 vaccine, noted the ministry. Foreign pilgrims must submit a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before their departure to Saudi Arabia, it added. The upcoming season is expected to be the first to allow foreign pilgrims to perform Hajj, as the last two seasons were limited only to domestic pilgrims to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, the holy city of Mecca received around 60,000 pilgrims, while the number in 2019 was 2.5 million, according to the ministry. Read the original article on Business Insider. An elite Ukrainian drone unit founded by volunteer IT experts is becoming a crucial part of the resistance against invading Russian forces. Aerorozvidka custom-builds or modifies off-the-shelf consumer drones to work in a military context and drop bombs on Russian vehicles under the cover of night. "Now, we are all soldiers, but our roots are very different," Mykhailo, a board member and head of communications for Aerorozvidka, told Insider. "Some of us have PhDs. Some have masters. Some are from the IT industry and many other industries. The main thing which unites us is a desire to win this war." The unit was founded in 2014 in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea and Russian-backed groups launching a separatist insurgency in the Donbas region. Tech-savvy volunteers came together to design machines for drone-based aerial reconnaissance to support the Ukrainian army. Aerorozvidka's founder, an investment banker, and father of four, Volodymyr Kochetkov-Sukach, was killed in action in Donbas in 2015. "The invasion began not months ago. It began in 2014," Mykhailo said. Aerorozvidka now operates as a non-governmental organization that closely supports Ukraine's military. The unit uses a range of drones, many of which are commonly available store-bought drones that they modify and militarize, including Chinese DJI drones and Autel drones, French Parrot drones, and more. Its most prized drone is the octocopter R-18, which they built from scratch. It has a range of 2.5 miles, a 40-minute flight time, and can drop 11-pound bombs. Each R-18 costs $20,000 to build, making them much cheaper than anti-tank missiles such as NLAWs, or New generation Light Anti-tank Weapons, costing $40,000 per unit. Unlike NLAWs, which are single-use, the R-18s can also be used repeatedly unless they suffer damage by Russian fire. The team has drones flying 20 hours of the day on reconnaissance or combat missions, Mykhailo said. Soldiers walk amid destroyed Russian tanks in Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, April 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) Aerorozvidka is divided into the drone team, the Delta team, and a cybersecurity team. Delta is a NATO-supported web-based situation awareness system that creates a map of Russian targets using information from various sources, including agents on land and reconnaissance data from the drone team. The unit also uses Elon Musk's Starlink satellite system, which helps ensure connectivity even if there are internet or power outages. The unit carries out around 300 reconnaissance missions daily and has destroyed "dozens, possibly hundreds" of Russian vehicles, Mykhailo said. Aerorozvidka typically carries out missions under cover of night because their drones' thermal imaging cameras give them an advantage. Equipped with night-vision goggles and sniper rifles, the drone soldiers would use quad bikes to move stealthily through the forests and get in position to attack the Russian forces. Its most significant victory was helping to halt the 40-mile Russian convoy heading to attack the capital Kyiv. The unit typically targets the most valuable vehicle in a convoy to make the most effective use of their limited bombs. In this case, the team targeted vehicles at the head of the convoy, which succeeded in blocking the convoy and demoralizing Russian forces. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives to deliver his speech at the concert marking the eighth anniversary of the referendum on the state status of Crimea and Sevastopol and its reunification with Russia, in Moscow, Russia, Friday, March 18, 2022. (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Currently, Aerorozvidka primarily operates in the Kyiv region but is expanding operations across Ukraine, with an anticipated renewed Russian offensive in the east and south of the country. Mykhailo said that he could not disclose exactly how many people are part of the organization, but that there are "dozens." The unit often shares videos of their missions on social media, occasionally set to the backdrop of music by Ukrainian rap artist Skofka. A significant challenge facing Aerorozvidka is funding and supply issues. It relies upon crowdfunding and donations to get hold of much-needed components such as advanced modems and thermal imaging cameras. Many U.S. and Canada-made parts are subject to export controls prohibiting them from being sent to Ukraine. Russian forces are slowly adapting and working out how to shoot down Aerorozvidka's drones, making the need for extra parts and funding crucial. Despite the increase in counter-attacks, Aerorozvidka is confident that the unit will have continued success tormenting the Russian invaders. "I think it's logical to say they are adapting. But they are still Russians," Mykhailo said. Baghdad, April 10 : A member of the paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces and a villager were killed, and four villagers wounded Saturday in an attack by militants of the extremist Islamic State (IS) group in Iraqi northern province of Kirkuk, a local police source said. The attack took place in the evening when the IS militants opened fire on a village near the town of al-Rashad, some 250 km north of Baghdad, Major Abbas al-Obaidi from the Kirkuk police was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. Paramilitary Hashd Shaabi members in the village teamed up with armed villagers to fight the attackers, who fled the scene after reinforcement troops arrived, al-Obaidi said. There are no immediate reports about the casualties among the attackers, he added. Over the past few months, Iraqi security forces have carried out deadly attacks against IS militants to crack down on their intensified activities. The security situation in Iraq has improved after Iraqi forces defeated the IS in 2017. Yet the IS remnants have since melted into urban centers, deserts, and rugged areas, carrying out frequent guerilla attacks against security forces and civilians. New Delhi, April 10 : The IMD has issued an Orange alert for Sunday as the severe heatwave conditions are expected to continue to prevail over the national capital. According to the IMD, Delhi sizzled to 42.4 degree Celsius on Saturday, which has been hottest day in five years. Previously, the national capital had recorded a maximum temperature of 43.2 degree Celsius on April 21, 2017. The highest maximum temperature for the month was recorded on April 29, 1941 at 45.6 degree Celsius. The IMD in its warning said this is for the first time in 72 years that Delhi has recorded such a high temperature in the first half of April. On Friday, the maximum temperature of 41.6 degree Celsius was recorded at the Safdarjung monitoring station. Similarly, neighbouring Gurugram witnessed the maximum temperature of 44.5 degree Celsius, which was 10 degrees above than average. The all-time high maximum temperature of 44.8 degrees Celsius was recorded on April 28, 1979 in Gurugram. The maximum temperature in Haryana's Faridabad was at 45.2 degrees Celsius. New Delhi, April 10 : A multi-pronged strategy involving security measures, development interventions and ensuring the rights and entitlements of local communities has led to the shrinking of the Maoist influence in the country. Union Home Ministry officials said that the steadfast implementation of the 'National Policy & Action Plan to address Left Wing Extremism (LWE) - 2015' has resulted in a consistent decline in violence especially in the so called 'Red Corridor' region in the eastern, central and the southern parts of India where the insurgency had the strongest presence. The officials said that incidents of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) violence have reduced by 77 percent from the all time high of 2258 in 2009 to 509 in 2021. Similarly, the deaths of civilians and security forces have reduced by 85 percent from 1005 in 2010 to 147 in 2021. According to the MHA data of the last three years on the security personnel deaths in 2019, one death was reported in Bihar, 22 in Chhattisgarh, 12 in Jharkhand, 16 in Maharashtra and one in Odisha while in 2020, 36 casualties were reported in Chhattisgarh, one in Jharkhand, three in Maharashtra, two in Odisha and one in Telanagana. Similarly, in 2021, 45 security personnel were killed, five in Jharkhand while no casualty was reported in Bihar, Maharashtra, Odisha and Telangana. The geographical spread of the violence has also reduced and only 46 districts reported LWE related violence in 2021 as compared to 96 districts in 2010, the Ministry said in a report. The shrinking footprint of the Maoists is also reflected in the reduced number districts covered under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme. Under this scheme, the Centre bears 100 percent expenditure on security related issues such as creating infrastructure, setting up police stations and buying arms and ammunition and police vehicles. A senior official in the security set up said that the number of SRE districts was reduced from 126 to 90 in April 2018 and further to 70 in July 2021. According to the MHA data, as of now 70 SRE districts are located in 10 states -- five in Andhra Pradesh, 10 in Bihar, 14 in Chhattisgarh, 16 in Jharkhand, three in Madhya Pradesh, two in Maharashtra, 10 in Odisha, six in Telangana, one in West Bengal and three in Kerala. Similarly, the number of districts accounting for approximately 90 percent of the LWE violence, categorised as Most LWE Affected Districts, came down to 30 from 35 in 2018 and further to 25 in 2021. The Union Home Ministry has also reiterated that as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, the subjects of 'Police and Public Order' are with the state governments. However, to address the LWE menace holistically, a National Policy and Action Plan was launched in 2015 to address LWE which envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions and ensuring the rights and entitlements of local communities. On the security front, the MHA has supported the LWE affected state governments by providing Central Armed Police Forces battalions, helicopters, training, funds for modernisation of state police forces, arms and equipment, sharing of intelligence, construction of 'Fortified Police Stations' etc. It has also provided funds for capacity building of the LWE affected states under various schemes, like SRE Scheme and Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) which was approved in 2017 to fight the LWE menace effectively. Under SIS, projects worth Rs 371 crores have been sanctioned for strengthening the Special Forces (SF) and the Special Intelligence Branches (SIB) for LWE operations and 250 Fortified Police Stations costing Rs 620 crore in the vulnerable LWE affected areas. Under the SRE scheme, Rs 2259 crore have been released to the states since 2014-15 while on the development front, the central government has taken several specific initiatives in the LWE affected states. A special thrust has been given to the expansion of the road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, skill development and financial inclusion. Under the Road Requirement Plan-I and Road Connectivity Project, more than 10,300 km roads have already been constructed in LWE affected areas under the specific schemes. A total of 2343 mobile towers were installed under Phase-I and work order has been issued for 2542 towers under Phase-II of the Mobile Connectivity Project for the LWE affected areas. Similarly, Rs 3078 crore has been released to the Most LWE Affected Districts under the scheme 'Special Central Assistance (SCA)' to fill the critical gaps in public infrastructure and services. Special focus has been placed on Skill Development and Entrepreneurship of the youth in these areas. "Under this scheme, 47 ITIs and 68 Skill Development Centres (SDC) have been approved under 'Skill Development Scheme in 47 Districts affected by LWE," said officials in the Home Ministry. The Central government has launched many initiatives for the financial inclusion of the local populace in these areas -- 1236 nationalised bank branches were opened and 1077 ATMs were installed while 14,230 'Banking Correspondents' were made functional in the 'Most LWE Affected Districts' in the last six years, the officials said. They added that as many as 4903 Post Offices have been approved for the LWE affected areas in the last five years, of which, 3053 have been made functional. Apart from the specific schemes for the LWE affected areas, the MHA works in close coordination with the other Ministries for optimum implementation of the flagship schemes of those Ministries in LWE affected areas, the officials added. San Francisco, April 10 : Tech giant Apple is likely working on a dual-port USB-C wall charger and it may see a release in the near future as an analyst has claimed it will soon be entering mass production. On Friday, a support document briefly posted then removed from Apple's website described the unreleased Apple 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter, reports AppleInsider. While the leak did not indicate when it will launch, it seems that it could be a matter of a few months before it sees the light of day. In a Saturday tweet, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo picked up on the leak by claiming components for the item "are nearing mass production". While an item entering production is a positive sign for a product, there's no definitive timeframe for its release, but it could easily surface within a few months. Kuo is bullish on the prospects of the adapter, adding that estimates for its shipments in 2022 are in the range of 2 million to 3 million. Apple has been thought to be working on GaN chargers for a while, with a release sometime in 2022 speculated. GaN (Gallium Nitride) power adapters are typically smaller and more power-efficient than silicon-based versions, though it is unknown if the leaked charger is a GaN model. In March, Kuo offered a prediction that Apple's first GaN-based charger would be "about 30W," a claim he also reiterated in the tweet. Lucknow, April 10 : It is almost a month since the Congress faced its worst-ever drubbing in the assembly elections and the party is now imploding with party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra staying away. The party hit rock bottom by winning just two of the 403 seats and merely 2.3 per cent votes. Nearly 387 party candidates forfeited their deposits. In ten seats, the party candidates got less votes than NOTA. Displeasure against the team that handled the elections is growing by the day and party leaders are either being expelled or are walking out at an alarming rate. "Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is not even willing to listen to what party workers have to say. She has not come to Lucknow after the election results were announced and her coterie is happily taking action against anyone who speaks up. I am an AICC member but was expelled by her team even though it is against the rules. If they feel that by expelling dissenters, they will save the Congress, they are mistaken," said Zeeshan Haider, a senior party leader who was recently expelled. He said that ever since Priyanka Gandhi was appointed general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh, around 9,000 party leaders and workers have either left or have been pushed out. "The Gandhis, it seems, are not willing to address the issues and problems. For them it does not matter that the party is almost over. The Congress president neither replies to our letters and nor does she agree to meet us," he added. Another former Congress MP, who spoke to IANS on condition of anonymity, said, "Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should have called meetings of candidates and senior leaders to discuss the reasons for the debacle. We are exactly two years away from the Lok Sabha elections and if this head-in-the-sand attitude continues, the Congress will be relegated to the dustbin of history." Surprisingly, Priyanka who based her poll campaign on 'Ladki hoon, lad sakti hoon', has not even looked back at the party in the post poll situation. The state unit is also in a state of limbo after Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Kumar Lallu was asked to resign last month. "It is a free-for-all situation here. None of the party leaders visit the party office and there is no political activity happening after the polls," said an employee at the UPCC office. New Delhi, April 10 : Cranes are famous for living in pairs, with partnerships forming for life. In India, Sarus cranes have a reputation for taking it a step further -- if one of a pair dies the second crane is said to die pining in grief for the partner, say researchers at the Nature Conservation Foundation who watched stork nests for over two decades. Breeding crane pairs raise their chicks in territories that they fiercely defend from other cranes. This defence is commonly in the form of a loud unison call, or duet, where both cranes call together that, to an untrained ear, sounds like one bird is calling. This duet call warns other cranes not to come too close. Real estate, it seems, is very serious in the crane world, and being a pair for long periods allows the cranes to synchronize their calls and produce perfect duets, they say. A long-term study conducted across Nepal and India now shows the Sarus crane pairs altering their behaviour. When conditions deteriorated, the pairs allowed a third crane into their territory to help raise chicks. These trios, the study found, behave as a cogent social unit and like pairs, give a unison call with all three cranes calling in synchrony. This behaviour of cranes is completely new, and researchers had to think of a new name for the unison calls of trios. They have named these calls triets. Explaining the behaviour, K.S. Gopi Sundar, the lead scientist of the study and the global Co-chair of the IUCN Stork, Ibis and Spoonbill Specialist Group, told IANS they have discovered many unknown facts about this species, among them being their behaviour of being aggressively territorial. He has been monitoring over 1,000 Sarus crane pairs since 1998 when he began his studies of the bird in Uttar Pradesh. In places like Uttar Pradesh where irrigation canals and the monsoon help provide water throughout the year, the breeding Sarus cranes maintain territories throughout the year. In other areas like Rajasthan and some parts of Gujarat, where water dries up during the severely hot summers, territorial pairs are forced to join other cranes in the few existing water bodies on the landscape. In the recent study, Sundar, also a scientist with the Nature Conservation Foundation, along with his colleague Swati Kittur and student Suhridam Roy, showed how cranes, once thought to be inflexible in their behaviour of defending territories as pairs, appear to be getting help raising their chicks. Their scientific paper recording trios as a distinct and novel social unit of cranes was published in the journal "Ecology", a publication of the Ecological Society of America. The team found trios everywhere they looked, across Nepal and India. The trios they found were both polygynous -- one male with two females -- and polyandrous -- one female and two males. This was greatly unusual since in other bird species trios tend to largely be polyandrous with males being related to each other, Sundar told IANS. One trio that Sundar has been monitoring since 1999 in Uttar Pradesh provided some fascinating insights into how the crane pairs appear to be trading off their strong instinct to defend territories. The third crane vanished from the territory when the breeding season started and appeared again only when the chicks were over a month old. This trio, despite being in a territory that had very little wetlands and was therefore of very poor quality, had a very high breeding success. The third crane was clearly helping find food for the chicks and benefiting the territorial pair by improving their ability to raise chicks successfully each year. Roy, who is studying the structure and functions of Sarus crane calls with Sundar, was able to record the triets even managing to film one unison call of trios. Trios unison called in the exact same pattern as normal pairs, with triets having the same kind of synchrony between the calls of the three cranes like duets do. Triets were of a lower frequency compared to duets, but the reason for this difference could not be determined in this study. Lower frequency calls travel much further, and Sundar is guessing that trios may want to communicate their ownership of land to a longer distance. During the study, the scientists found that areas with many Sarus crane pairs, which is possible only when the area is high quality, had fewer trios. As the number of pairs declined on the landscape, or as habitat quality declined, the trios increased. Swati Kittur, who managed the long-term data set and mapped out the distribution of the trios for the study, suggests that this pattern connecting trios and habitat quality may mean that Sarus cranes changed their behaviour over time as conditions to raise chicks declined. Her database has over 11,500 records of Sarus crane groups, and trios were quite rare being only 1.6 per cent of all observations. Such major changes in behaviour are being noticed in other bird species too, such as albatrosses, who were thought to be entirely monogamous, not mating with birds outside of the pair. Scientists who documented the albatross behavioural change showed that climate change was likely responsible for this major alteration of behaviour. Many aspects of Sarus crane trios remain to be studied, but the researchers of this new study suspect that trios are not restricted to Sarus cranes alone but are very likely existing in other crane species too. Studies of crane social units are very few. It may also be that researchers assume that crane behaviour is inflexible and are not looking carefully. Sundar and his team suspect that trios will be reported in many other crane species especially since habitat deterioration, especially declines of wetlands, is going on around the world. Watching species like cranes remains greatly popular for tourism and photography across the world, but Sundar bemoans the absence of careful observations and studies for most of the crane species, and especially the species like Sarus cranes that are found in tropical and sub-tropical areas. Local scientists who live alongside the cranes have great opportunities to conduct long-term and careful observations with relatively little investment. Together, he says, these scientists can raise the alarm if conditions decline too much causing major changes in behaviour. Given the alarming and rapid changes that are ongoing as part of global climate change, the scientists owe the cranes a careful look. The good news is that the study adds to the mythology of Sarus cranes. So far, Indian farmers considered cranes to be faithful to each other. The new study shows that they are also super committed parents willing to take on behaviours that deviate entirely from long-standing habits for the benefit of their chicks. This combination of faithfulness and great parenting means that Sarus cranes will continue to weather at least some of the changing conditions humans are creating for them. Sundar believes that retaining traditional farming and helping farmers raise suitable crops is the key to conservation of species like Sarus cranes that largely live on farmlands. "The cranes have begun signalling that conditions are changing for them. We have realised that they are changing their behaviour. We now need to change ours for the betterment of farmlands and wetlands, that they need so urgently," added Sundar. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) Kiev, April 10 : In the wake of Moscow's ongoing war against Kiev, Ukraine has imposed a full trade embargo with Russia, a government official annouced. "A trade embargo has been imposed against the Russian Federation. The import of goods from the Russian Federation into the customs territory of Ukraine is prohibited," Ukrayinska Pravda quoted Taras Melnychuk, representative of the Cabinet of Ministers in Parliament, as saying on Saturday. On February 23, just a day before the invasion, Ukraine had extended a ban on trade on a number of goods with Russia for a year. This ban has been active in Ukraine since 2015. Import of the following goods is banned: meat, fish, some dairy products and coffee, tea, sweets, alcohol and cigarettes, medicines, fertilisers, industrial goods, vehicles and paper products. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Chennai, April 10 : The economic crisis in Sri Lanka may benefit the Indian apparel industry in a small way but it will be the removal of import duty on cotton that may change the industry fortunes, said a Tamil Nadu exporters group official. The Tiruppur Exporters Association (TEA) President Raja A. Shanmugham also said that Sri Lankan garment companies having production bases in India may execute their orders out of their Indian units. Production in Sri Lanka of hosiery items for exports has been affected due to several hours of power cut, diesel shortage and people suffering from high prices of essential commodities. Will there be a positive rub off effect for the Indian units? "There may not be a major inflow of orders for units in Tiruppur owing to high cotton and yarn prices. The international brands may shift their sourcing to countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam," Shanmugham told IANS. Hoping that the Central government would scrap the 11 per cent import duty on cotton, he added that some spill over orders may come to Indian garment makers as other countries may have production constraints. He said the cotton traders are increasing their rates, owing to the 11 per cent import duty which, in turn, makes the domestic garment units uncompetitive in the international markets. Shanmugham said some Sri Lankan garment units have their production subsidiaries in India, and such Sri Lankan companies may execute their orders out of their Indian units. Queried on the outsourcing opportunity for units in Tiruppur (including the 100 per cent export oriented units), like executing orders bagged by Sri Lankan companies, Shanmugham said it is early to comment on that. Tiruppur, termed as the hosiery capital of India, ships out about Rs 32,000 crore worth of garments and about Rs 30,000 crore of goods for the Indian market. While some diversion of Sril Lankan garment orders is expected to India, a small group of people from the island nation have sought refuge in Tamil Nadu. According to the Tamil Nadu government, 16 Lankans (three male, five women, seven children and one four-month-old baby) landed in Tamil Nadu owing to the economic crisis in the island nation. The Sri Lankans told the authorities that they were not able to afford the essential items as their prices zoomed up and beyond their reach. They have been lodged at the transit camp in Mandapam near Rameswaram in Ramanathapuram district. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to permit the state government to provide essential commodities and life-saving medicines to the Sri Lankan Tamils. This is the second time the DMK government is trying to get into the sphere of Central government activity. Earlier, the DMK government had announced four DMK leaders and four bureaucrats would go to Ukraine's neighbouring countries to coordinate and bring back Indian students from the war-torn country. (Venkatachari Jagannathan can be reached at v.jagannathan@ians.in) Kabul, April 10 : A survey by Gallup in Afghanistan shows the highest level of suffering measured for any country since 2005. The survey conducted by the Gallup Management consulting company indicates that "nearly all Afghans (94 per cent) rated their lives poorly enough to be considered suffering" since the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate came to power in the country of around 40 million in August last year, TOLO News reported. Based on Gallup's findings, suffering among women has increased, as 96 per cent women rated their lives poorly enough to be considered suffering. The survey says that the drop in daily income of the Afghans and poverty forced the people to leave the country. According to Gallup, 96 per cent of Afghan women and 92 per cent men are suffering, while 82 per cent suffer from lack of access to shelter and food. As many as 75 per cent women are suffering from being deprived of their rights, while 56 per cent people are seeking to leave the country. The survey put the rate of poverty at more than 95 per cent in the country since the fall of the former government. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Afghanistan has expressed concern over the poor economic situation of the Afghan people, saying that millions of people in the country are facing economic challenges. According to UN figures, 23 million people in Afghanistan are currently starving and 95 per cent of Afghans do not have enough food to eat three times in 24 hours, TOLO News reported. Afghanistan is rapidly descending into one of the worst humanitarian crises in living memory amid rampant starvation, a healthcare crisis marked by child malnutrition, and the collapse of essential services since the Taliban took over the country last year, RFE/RL reported. The situation initially prompted generous donor pledges from the international community in an effort to fend off large-scale death and destruction. But the escalating war in Ukraine -- which has prompted the exodus of more than 1 million civilians into neighbouring European countries -- is now diverting international attention from the equally dire situation in Afghanistan, the report said. Afghanistan, one of the most aid-dependent countries in the world, rapidly slid into a desperate humanitarian crisis after losing most international funding and humanitarian assistance after the Taliban seized power in August last year. A marked decrease in trade and an enduring drought magnified the losses, even as countries pledged renewed funding and aid and looked for ways to deliver them without propping up the Taliban, the report said. But that aid has been slow to arrive, and the US and UN sanctions against senior Taliban leaders have complicated the country's economic situation. Individuals and organisations are encountering difficulties in wiring money into Afghanistan, where banks are teetering on the brink of collapse. New Delhi, April 10 : India on Sunday reported a marginal decline at 1,054 Covid cases against 1,150 reported the previous day. In the same period, 29 deaths occurred taking the total number of fatalities to 5,21,685, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Affairs. Following the continuous downward trend, India's active caseload has declined to 11,132. Active cases now constitute 0.03 per cent of the country's total positive cases. A total of 1,258 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients since the beginning of the pandemic is now at 4,25,02,454. Consequently, India's recovery rate stands at 98.76 per cent. Also in the same period, a total of 4,18,345 tests were conducted across the country. India has so far conducted over 79.38 crore cumulative tests. There has been a sustained fall in the weekly and daily positivity rates too. The weekly positivity rate in the country currently stands at 0.23 per cent, however the daily positivity rate is also reported to be 0.25 per cent. On the vaccination front, India's Covid-19 inoculation coverage has exceeded 185.70 crore as per the provisional reports till 7 a.m. on Sunday morning. This has been achieved through 2,24,70,964 sessions. Over 2.21 crore adolescents have been administered with the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine since the beginning of the drive for this age bracket. More than 17.47crore balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and union territories to be administered, according to the health ministry as of Sunday morning. Amaravati, April 10 : Homes in darkness, patients suffering in government hospitals and industries coming to a grinding halt in Andhra Pradesh show the severity of the power crisis gripping the state. An incident in which a woman delivered a baby under a cellphone light at a government hospital in Narsipatnam and the visuals of patients having a harrowing time at many other state-run hospitals due to power outages amid the sweltering heat highlight the grim situation. From domestic to agriculture and industry, every sector is suffering due to a huge gap between demand and supply. With power deficit hovering around 40-50 Million Units (MU) per day, the power distribution companies (DISCOMs) have resorted to Emergency Load Relief (ELR). While officially the power cuts are for one hour for the domestic sector in villages and half an hour in cities and towns, people have been complaining of outages for several hours every day. The state government suddenly declared a power holiday bringing major and minor industries to a grinding halt. Industries functioning round-the-clock have been asked to slash their power demand by 50 per cent while others have been directed to declare a power holiday once a week, in addition to their normal weekly off. The power utilities also told the industries to have only one shift during daytime. The power holiday would adversely impact 253 industries that are working round the clock and 1,696 non-continuous industries under the AP Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) purview. The government, private companies and shopping malls have been advised to use only 50 per cent of air-conditioners and not to use power for publicity hoardings and signboards between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. This is the first time since the bifurcation of united Andhra Pradesh that the state has been forced to declare a power holiday. Against the daily demand of 220-230 MU, the power utilities are able to supply only 180 MU. According to the Energy Department, the crisis is due to the increased demand and this is in line with the national trend. The increase in demand is attributed to the resumption of economic activities after the Covid-19 situation came under control, agriculture activity and the summer conditions peaking early this year. The officials pointed out that states like Gujarat have also been forced to declare a power holiday. However, Andhra Pradesh is the only state in south India which is unable to meet the growing demand. The remaining four states and one Union Territory are supplying uninterrupted power to the domestic and industrial sectors. Andhra Pradesh's neighbour Telangana has been successfully meeting the demand which reached the highest since 2014. Telangana's daily power demand in recent days surged to 265 MU. Andhra Pradesh had no power cuts after October 2014 but now it has become the only state in the region unable to meet the increased demand. The power demand in entire South India on April 7 was 1,221 MU. The total deficit was 28.71 MU of which Andhra Pradesh alone accounted for 23.53 MU deficit. Though Andhra Pradesh has more resources than other states, it is finding itself in a crisis. The experts attribute this to lack of advance planning on the part of the power utilities to meet the growing demand. While other states were able to anticipate the demand and took quick measures to purchase power from power exchanges, the authorities in Andhra Pradesh apparently failed to act quickly. With the increased demand, the cost of power went up in the open market and the state is now struggling to purchase it due to lack of financial resources. Andhra Pradesh is generating 130 MU from all resources and it gets 40-50 MU from central utilities. Among the southern states, Andhra Pradesh is considered to have the highest thermal power generation at 89.83 MU. The state also produces 7.78 MU hydel power, 3.61 MU from other resources, and 27 MU renewable energy. Unable to bridge the deficit, the DISCOMS had no option but to impose cuts. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu blamed the Jagan Mohan Reddy government for the power crunch. According to him, people are reeling under long hours of unscheduled power cuts and it is the state government which is solely responsible for it. "The situation is pathetic. The government is unable to come to the rescue of pregnant women suffering in hospitals due to untimely power cuts," he said. "A state which was once illuminated with abundant power has now been pushed into darkness and blackouts. Who is responsible for the state slipping from surplus power status into unprecedented deficit now," he asked. Chandrababu Naidu demanded that the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government explain to the people why the state was facing frequent and long power cuts. Bharatiya Janata Party national general secretary Daggubati Purandeswari has blamed the faulty policies of the YSRCP government for the present crisis. She alleged that industrial and economic progress has come to a standstill in the state due to wrong policies adopted by the government. "After coming to power, the YSRCP government cancelled Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) which created a mess. The state lost investment opportunities in the power projects," the former union minister said. She believes that the announcement of the power holiday will spell doom for the industrial sector. However, energy secretary B. Sridhar believes that the electricity shortage is temporary. According to him, the coal shortage, huge increase in power consumption, and growing demand for power purchase in the open market in the country created the situation. He is confident that the state will overcome the shortage by the month-end. Due to the coal shortage, power generation at the Krishnapatnam thermal station has come to a halt. With the power demand going up across the country, there is stiff competition for power purchase in the open market. Officials point out that earlier 14,000 MW power was available in the power exchanges but now it has come down to 2,000 MW. The per unit cost has gone up to Rs 12 from Rs 4 earlier. The state still bought 1,551 million units during March by spending Rs 1,258 crore. As the demand from the agriculture sector is likely to go down by the month-end with more wind energy likely to be available, officials expect normalcy to be restored soon. They also hope that the power cost in the open market will come down, making it easy for the power utilities to bridge the deficit, if any. Thiruvananthapuram, April 10 : In a shocking incident, a 30-year-old man hacked to death his parents at Thrissur in Kerala on Sunday morning. Police sources told IANS that the incident occurred at 9 a.m. Kuttan (60) and Chandrika (55) were cleaning their courtyard when their son, Aneesh, hacked them with a sickle. Police said that Kuttan was attacked first and then Chandrika was also hacked several times. Aneesh called the local police station, but later fled on a two-wheeler. Police said that they were in search of the culprit. The neighbours told IANS that the man had regular fights. The deceased couple has a daughter, who is married and living at her husband's place. Aneesh was staying with his parents. London, April 10 : Chelsea recovered from painful home defeats against Brentford and Real Madrid with a 6-0 win away to Southampton. Thomas Tuchel's men looked like a team with something to prove and led 2-0 after the 16th minute with goals from Marcos Alonso and Mason Mount late on Saturday. Timo Werner made it 3-0 in the 21st minute and Kai Havertz all but ended the match when he added a fourth just after the half hour, Xinhua reports. Both Werner and Mount scored again in the 49th and 54th minutes before Chelsea took the foot off the gas to save their legs for next Tuesday's Champions League quarterfinal in Madrid and after this display they will believe they have a chance of overturning their 3-1 first leg defeat. Anthony Gordon's deflected first half strike gave Everton three vital points in their battle against relegation against a hapless Manchester United, who produced another chaotic display that puts their hopes of playing in Europe next season in severe doubt. Arsenal's hopes of a top-four finish also suffered a big setback as they suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton -- a team with six defeats and a draw from their last seven matches. Leandro Trossard on 28 minutes and Enock Mwepu's 67th minute half-volley put Brighton 2-0 up before Martin Odegaard's late consolation for Mikel Arteta's side. Tottenham took full advantage of Arsenal's slip up with a 4-0 win away to Aston Villa. The win had two heroes, Heung Min Son, who scored a hat-trick, with the first goal coming in the third minute. Hugo Lloris made a series of first half saves as Villa peppered the Spurs goal after Son's opener, but after Dejan Kulusevski doubled the lead five minutes into the second half, Son netted twice more to seal the win. Leeds United look safe from relegation after Raphinha, Rodrigo and Jack Harrison gave Jesse Marsch's men a 3-0 away win to condemn Watford to their eighth successive home league defeat, while lifting Leeds 9-points clear of the bottom three. Newcastle United also look safe as Chris Wood's second half penalty gave them a 1-0 win at home to Wolverhampton. New Delhi, April 10 : China has used the newly established Strategic Support Force (SSF) to build advanced space and offensive cyber capabilities. The SSF's Space Systems Department has consolidated military space functions, including rocket launches, telemetry, tracking, control, satellite communications, space intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The Network Systems Department has integrated and strengthened signals intelligence, cyber espionage, computer attack, electromagnetic warfare, and psychological operations, making the SSF a formidable offensive force. According to the US intelligence community, China's cyber espionage operations have included compromising telecommunications firms such as Huawei and ZTE, which have provided opportunities for intelligence collection abroad. For instance, in April 2019, the telecommunications company Vodafone Group revealed that it had found security vulnerabilities with Huawei equipment deployed for its fixed-line phone network in Italy. These vulnerabilities potentially gave Huawei unauthorised access to the carrier's internet traffic and call data. Likewise, in August 2020, a report from the Australian government and Papua New Guinea's National Cyber Security Centre noted that the latter's National Data Centre, built by Huawei in 2018, was marred by weak cybersecurity, which exposed confidential government data for stealing. Drones and unmanned aerial and underwater capabilities China has pursued R&D of drones and unmanned aerial and underwater capabilities with an eye on its benefits during combat and reconnaissance. It has had some notable successes: the PLAAF recently unveiled its largest drone, the WZ-7 "Soaring Dragon" high-altitude, long-range drone. It has also developed and deployed a fleet of underwater Sea Wing drones in the Indian Ocean for naval intelligence purposes. Currently, China is developing a supersonic drone WZ-8 as well as swarming drone capability. Research initiatives like these funded by China's tech ecosystem, which is blended with the military system, ensure that the PLA has the edge over the other militaries in the region and beyond. Software-first dual-use technologies In a similar vein, through fair means and subterfuge, China has made great strides in software-first dual-use technologies such as artificial intelligence, deep learning, and facial recognition. Besides its own laboratories, the PLA has also utilised its domestic technology giants such as Alibaba, SenseTime and Megvii for developing the needed algorithms. The CCP has deployed these technologies for external defence as well as internal security purposes. For instance, many of these companies have been used for targeted facial recognition, artificial intelligence, big data, and genetic testing against its Uighur population in Xinjiang. Implications of China's military modernisation for the region Ever since the CCP undertook military reforms, Chinese foreign policy has increasingly taken an assertive tone vis-a-vis its neighbours -- India, Taiwan, Japan -- and the southeast Asian neighbours such as Vietnam. The military reforms and modernisation of the PLA strengthen China's coercive capabilities. The reforms give the PLA the ability to fight decisive wars, and in some cases as cyber, cripple the enemy without firing a shot. This adds to the already large power differential between the Chinese military and other regional militaries, including India. US strategic analysts Joel Wuthnow and Phillip Saunders speculate that the transformation set off by the military reforms might prove "sufficiently disruptive" to reduce the PLA's ability to launch and sustain major combat operations. But India's experience with China in the last five years has proved otherwise. Since the ascent of President Xi Jinping, India has seen PLA's increased assertiveness beginning with the 2013 Depsang Valley incursion in Ladakh, which peaked with the ongoing border stand-off in Ladakh. During this ongoing stand-off, PLA's enhanced effectiveness in executing joint combat operations and moving logistics is evident by the rapid deployment of upgraded versions of armoured vehicles, self-propelled howitzers, and heavy rocket launchers, along with a host of radar systems through the combined air defence system. Similar Chinese aggression is also evident in the case of other neighbours of China -- Taiwan; the southeast Asian neighbours with whom China has a maritime dispute in the South China Sea; and Japan, over the Senkaku islands. In response to China's military reforms as well as the global trend of militaries moving towards jointness and information-based operations, India has commenced its own set of military reforms. These include the setting up of the tri-service Defence Cyber Agency and Defence Space Agency in 2019, appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff in 2020, and the proposed move towards theatre commands. These reforms have a longer gestation period. They will also necessarily have to tackle the protracted rivalry among the three services and the inherent resistance such jointness evokes from the services. Maritime contestation China's military modernisation has created an enhanced PLA Navy presence in the Indian Ocean, as seen by the regular reports of repeated docking of PLAN nuclear submarines at the Colombo port in Sri Lanka and the Gwadar and Karachi ports in Pakistan. China has also augmented its presence in the Indian Ocean by participating in anti-piracy operations. Between 2008 and 2018, China dispatched 30 anti-piracy task forces in the Indian Ocean, established an overseas military base in Djibouti in 2016, and enhanced its blue-water naval capabilities. With these, the PLA can project its power far beyond the Chinese mainland. China has utilised these to protect its investment under the Belt and Road Initiative and citizens overseas as acknowledged by the 2019 white paper. According to the US Department of Defence, China may be considering opening additional overseas bases that will enable the PLA to project and sustain power at greater distances. In response to China's growing submarine operations in the Indian Ocean, the Indian Navy has substantially augmented its anti-submarine warfare capabilities -- beginning 2013, it acquired the P8i maritime reconnaissance aircraft and in 2021, the MH-60 anti-submarine helicopters from the US. Enhanced malicious cyber activities China's augmented cyber capabilities through the SSF is its increased offensive cyber operations, which has amplified in recent years. India and other neighbours of China have been at the receiving end of the expanded Chinese malicious cyber activities, mainly directed against its critical infrastructure. The only way for India to protect itself is to enhance capabilities through investments in cyber security and emerging technologies. India has made cyber security a policy priority and is raising necessary safeguards to better protect itself. But the persistence of Chinese malicious cyber activities requires an even greater effort and enlisting like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific. Conclusion: The Road Ahead for India India's first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, had remarked that China is the "biggest security threat" facing India. India will have to take a long view of China's transformed military power and expedite and adjust its defence reforms to achieve the same results. Implementing such reforms requires a greater political management of the forces and lesser interference of the civilian bureaucracy. Moreover, optimising the limited budgetary resources, India must intensify its ongoing force restructuring initiatives, including integrating the three services and adding to its power projection capabilities. Keeping in view China's focus on reducing the role of the ground forces, India too must invest more in aviation and naval assets because they will afford India enhanced power projection capability. At the heart of China's military reforms and modernisation is its robust defence-industrial base in the aerospace, missiles and shipbuilding sectors. Domestic defence-industrialisation, therefore, has a critical role in India's own military advancement. The government has been encouraging a greater involvement of the private sector in defence manufacturing. To encourage them more, India will have to expedite its defence procurement process and expand support innovation in emerging technologies. (Concluded) New Delhi, April 10 : The most important initiative as part of these reforms was the reorganisation of China's seven-member Central Military Commission (CMC), which is responsible for the overall management of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The CMC is both a state institution and a CPC organ. But the CPC holds de facto control over it, as the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is also the Chairman of the CMC, i.e., President Xi Jinping. Currently, other six members of the CMC are Vice Chairmen General Xu Qiliang (from PLA Air Force [PLAAF]) and General Zhang Youxia (PLA), General Wei Fenghe (Defence Minister), General Li Zuocheng (Chief of the Joint Staff Department), Admiral Miao Hua (PLAN) and General Zhang Shengmin (PLA Rocket Force). In January 2016, the CMC's four general departments -- staff, politics, logistics, and armaments -- were reorganised into 15 "functional segments, including seven departments, three commissions, and five directly affiliated bodies". The CCP deemed the earlier four general departments as representing the Soviet-style top-down chain of command and highly bureaucratic decision-making. In its place, the reorganised CMC streamlined the command by giving it to the respective agencies, while retaining the final decision-making authority with Chairman, CMC. The new agencies included the general office, joint staff, political work, logistical support, equipment development, training and administration, and national defence mobilisation. Chinese sources describe the reorganised CMC as doing overall decision-making and management, while theatre commands focus on operations, and the forces (existing and newly created). Moving towards jointness with the theatre commands According to the 'Science of Military Strategy' (2013), before introducing jointness, the PLA operated in silos and was attuned to the previous-generation mechanised warfare age. The document therefore recommended the re-orientation of the PLA towards "integrated joint operations under informatised conditions". Indian and Western strategic experts argue that the PLA has studied the US military campaigns in Kosovo (1999), Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2002), learned from them, and absorbed it into their own system. For instance, the demonstration of the American military in joint fighting, new technologies, rapid troop deployment capability across theatres and out-of-area operations convinced the CPC and the PLA to put in place its plans for joint war-fighting -- the PLA generals use the term 'integrated joint command' -- in case hostilities break out against the US and neighbours such as Japan, Taiwan and India. In February 2016, the PLA introduced five theatre commands responsible for the territorial defence of the North, South, East, West, and Central regions. These commands differ from the US military, whose combatant commands span the globe. The new PLA commands replaced the seven military regions -- a concept dating back to the 1950s (though their numbers changed throughout history, as per the reorganisation of the regions), in which they had become too ground force-focused. The difference between the military regions and the theatre commands is that the former were more administrative, while the latter focused on combat operations. The theatre commands report directly to the CMC and combined command of various forces, including the PLA ground force, PLAN and PLAAF. The theatre commands fight together under informationised conditions to achieve a specific objective or "strategic direction", for instance, the reunification of Taiwan. The new theatre commands represent external orientation as these commands are primarily structured based on threat perceptions facing the specific Chinese border. For instance, the Western Theatre Command -- the largest command, directly faces India, focusing on the contentious Line of Actual Control (LAC). It also oversees Xinjiang and Tibet autonomous regions. Similarly, the Southern Theatre Command is focused on the South China Sea, where China has an ongoing maritime dispute with Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Pertinently, these theatre commands aimed to integrate the command of various forces, reduce the elite stature of the PLA ground forces officers, and strengthen the PLAN and PLAAF. But Indian strategic analysts note that the PLA's predominance persists. PLA ground force officers still dominate leadership of the new commands especially the eastern, western, and southern. And they get the majority of the promotions: since the beginning of the reforms, Xi has promoted 20 officers from the ground force, ten from the PLAAF, and four from the PLAN to positions of generals. Their continued dominance suggests the promotions have been used to placate the officers, who may have resisted the PLA's joint command as it threatened vested interests, including the anti-corruption drive. So, it appears that Xi may have diluted the intensity of reforms in some places to ensure that overall the train of PLA reforms is not derailed. Upending the dominance of ground forces through demobilisation After its debacle in the 1979 Vietnam war, Deng criticised the PLA as bloated and needing disciplinary measures. He therefore ordered one of the largest demobilisations in PLA's history, with active personnel cut from over 6 million (1975) to over 4 million (1982). In the current reforms, the PLA has cut more than 300,000 personnel. Overall, since the 1970s, China has cut over 4 million personnel, mainly within the Ground Force, while enhancing the size of the PLAN and the PLAAF. This demobilisation of troops, especially of the infantry, reflected the fundamental revision of the earlier military doctrine that China no longer required substantial ground forces to defend its territory. In other words, the reduced quantity of the PLA troops was to be "compensated by increased quality" of soldiers and equipment. This was particularly evident in the case of the PLAN, where evolving threat perceptions from the US led the PLA to opt for long-range naval aviation and offensive submarine capability. Establishing new forces for better "integration" and "informatisation" Also, as part of the reforms, two new services were created: Strategic Support Force (SSF, 2015) and the Joint Logistics Support Force (JLSF, 2016). SSF: It is the PLA's cyber, space, and electronic warfare service branch. Its focus on emerging technologies points to China's recognition of the global trend that "informatisation" or information-based/data-driven combat operations are at the core of contemporary military advancement. The SSF reports directly to the CMC and not to any of the theatre commands, enabling joint operations for all the theatre commands through the CMC, acting like their "information umbrella". Its creation has improved the PLA's ability to fight information wars vis-a-vis its adversaries. The SSF administers two deputy theatre command-level departments: the Space Systems Department, responsible for military space operations and the Network Systems Department, responsible for information operations such as cyber attacks and cyber espionage campaigns, for which China has gained notoriety in recent years. JLSF: It was created to manage the implementation of a joint logistics support system. It comprises the support forces for inventory and warehousing, medical services, and transport. In addition, it works closely with the theatre commands to provide the appropriate general logistics support as required. The outbreak of Covid-19 proved to be the first test for the JLSF's logistical capabilities. The force is headquartered in Wuhan (at Wuhan Joint Logistic Support Base) -- the epicentre of the initial outbreak of Covid-19 in 2019-20. It had therefore an important role to play in transporting medical personnel, equipment and other supplies, and working with the civilian companies to provide logistical support. Besides, it also delivered Chinese Covid-19 vaccines to China's allies such as Pakistan and Cambodia. Western analysts like Meia Nouwens have assessed JLSF's performance in executing logistical operations during the pandemic as "reasonably effective". (To be continued) New Delhi, April 10 : In 2015, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) announced the most extensive set of reforms for the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) in its history. These reforms sought to consolidate President Xi Jinping's hold over the Army and bring about jointness in the forces by replacing military regions with theatre commands. They also focused on moving the PLA from legacy military capabilities by creating two new services -- Joint Logistics Support Force (JLSF) and Strategic Support Force (SSF). These reforms come on the back of China's military spending, which has surpassed the annual GDP growth, reflecting Beijing's priority to military modernisation and the growing role of the military in its global ambitions. These reforms have far-reaching implications for India and the region because they are turning the PLA from a bloated and corrupt military to a capable force. They herald a significant expansion of Beijing's conventional military power and space and offensive cyber capabilities. With these reforms, China is amplifying its focus on maritime, cyber and tech-based threat perceptions. China's increasingly assertive posture vis-a-vis its neighbours and the United States in recent years demonstrates confidence in its military capabilities. From Ladakh to Taiwan Strait, the world has witnessed a belligerent Chinese behaviour. Therefore, understanding China's assertiveness necessitates understanding the nature of these reforms and the structural changes initiated within the PLA. Methodology For research on this subject, official sources (PLA and Chinese Ministry of National Defence documents) in English and Mandarin have been used. Translation of the PLA's flagship doctrinal document, 'Science of Military Strategy' (2013), has been made publicly available by the Air University of the US. Commentary by Chinese analysts available on the China National Knowledge Infrastructure portal was translated and used for this research. In addition, this paper also cites American strategic analysts' works on the PLA. The author also spoke to multiple Indian strategic experts who study the PLA's military capabilities and the Party-Army ties. Background The birth of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949 was the result of a political revolution achieved by the PLA. The military's significance for the CCP's consolidation is often underlined by PRC founder Mao Zedong's slogan given in 1927, "Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun." Moreover, the CCP has often claimed that it represents Chinese people's interests. Therefore, the party has contended that having the PLA serving the party is "tantamount to serving the state and the Chinese people". A formal arrangement consolidated this symbiotic Party-Army relationship after the establishment of the PRC. Under this arrangement, Chairman, CCP, was also made Chairman, Central Military Commission (CMC) -- the highest decision-making body on military affairs. Seven decades since the PRC's establishment, the CCP has relied on the PLA for unifying and governing the country, demonstrating the criticality of the PLA. Its significant role in ensuring order was evident during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and the Tiananmen Square Crisis of 1989. Conceived mainly as a ground force, the PLA has expanded and modernised significantly over the years. Under the chairmanship of Xi Jinping, the PLA is aspiring to become a "world-class" military by 2049 and emerge as a force steeped in the CCP ideology. As the 18th Party Congress Work Report of November 2012 noted: "To modernise national defence and the armed forces, we must follow the guidance of Mao Zedong's military thinking, Deng Xiaoping's thinking on enhancing our military capabilities in the new historical period, Jiang Zemin's thinking on strengthening our national defence and armed forces, and the Party's thinking on strengthening our national defence and armed forces under new conditions." As part of this, the CCP undertook a series of detailed reforms of the PLA starting 2015. The aim in PLA's own words was to break down "systematic, structural, and policy barriers", modernise "the organisation of the military", and improve "combat capacity". Rationale for PLA's extensive reforms The PLA -- the world's largest military force with more than 2 million active personnel -- is often described as "party-army with professional characteristics". Mao's successor, Deng Xiaoping, made a concerted effort to put the PLA under the command of the state instead of the CCP -- an initiative carried forward by his successors, albeit with varying degrees of emphasis. The ascent of Xi Jinping in 2013 marked a new chapter as he sought to inject a renewed sense of party ideology into the PLA and modernise it. Taking forward Xi's initiative, in November 2015, the party announced a series of detailed reforms for the PLA. According to the CMC, the objective was to "consolidate and improve the fundamental principles and systems of the party's absolute leadership" over the PLA, and reinforcing their symbiotic relationship. As noted earlier, these reforms had been on the CCP agenda since the 18th National Congress. While the PLA had implemented reforms earlier too, the current reforms are far more sweeping than the previous ones, given the dismantling of the existing structures and the creation of new forces. This was the first time that the CMC identified definite time-frames for these reforms: "integrated" by 2020, "informationised" by 2035, and "world-class" by 2049. Though "world-class" is not explicitly defined, a rough survey of 'PLA Daily' suggests that world-class forces are roughly similar to major military powers, including the US, France, UK, and to a certain extent in some elements, India. This points towards the ability to deploy (including airlift) troops with agility and flexibility anywhere, including abroad, to protect Chinese interests. These reforms align with China's expanding overseas footprint -- investments under the Belt and Road Initiative, growing profile of the PLA Navy (PLAN) in anti-piracy operations and its first overseas military base in Djibouti, on the Horn of Africa. Besides, these reforms bring the PLA on a par with the major militaries in the world in terms of force posture and joint capabilities. The Science of Military Strategy of 2013 had articulated the underlying thought behind these reforms. According to it, China's strategic 'tixi' (system of systems) should be constituted from the three levels and five types of strategy: national strategy, military strategy, the services' strategy, the theatre of war strategy, and the strategies for the major security domains (nuclear, outer space, and cyber spaces). The Chinese scholar, Yan Hui, notes that reforming the PLA is necessary as the PLA faced several problems such as "excessive scale, single arms, unsound institutions, inconsistent organisation, and irregular military management". Consequently, according to him, China lagged behind other militaries in terms of modernisation. One analyst, Dang Yifei, has described these reforms as a combination of "political sobriety" and "strategic determination" to achieve combat effectiveness. Another analyst, Dai Kun, has noted that these reforms have a "high degree of responsibility," "a scientific reform strategy", and "a strong appeal to the times" to ensure PLA's transformation into a world class military. Xi has often cited the PLA reforms as a means to crack down on corruption within the military, similar to the initiative that he had launched for the CPC. According to Xinhua, since the 18th National Congress in 2012, more than 100 PLA officers at or above the corps level, including two former CMC vice chairmen -- General Guo Boxiong and General Xu Caihou -- have been punished during the anti-corruption drive by being handed out life sentences, dismissal from service and expulsion from the CCP. Outside China, Indian and Western experts have largely perceived this crackdown as also being aimed at purging the political opponents of Xi and thereby helping him to strengthen his grip over the party and the army. The restructuring of the PLA comes on the back of an exponential increase in China's defence budget since the late 1990s. For the past decade, its military spending has surpassed the annual GDP growth, reflecting Beijing's priority to military modernisation and its global ambitions. In 2020, its spending was $209.16 billion (1.268 trillion yuan). According to Chinese Ministry of Finance figures, this year, the spending is expected to be close to $208 billion (1.35 trillion yuan). There's little transparency on China's actual defence expenditure, but one trend that has become clear since 2010 is that China's internal security spending has exceeded the external defence spending, and the gap between the two is expanding with increased security expenditures to maintain stability and order in Tibet and Xinjiang provinces. In 2017, China's internal security spending was equivalent to about $349 billion -- compared to the official external defence spending of $150 billion. (To be continued) New Delhi, April 10 : After an alleged video released by Al Qaeda Chief Ayman Al Zawahiri praising college student Muskaan Zainab Khan, who raised 'Allahu Akbar' slogans in response to 'Jai Shri Ram' during the hijab controversy in Karnataka, Muslim organisations and religious leaders across the country have slammed Al Qaeda. "It is an internal matter of India, we do not need any advice from such an organisation," they said. Muskan, a college student from Mandya district of Karnataka, had emerged as a prominent face during the hijab controversy. Commenting on Zawahiri and Al Qaeda, one of the world's largest terrorist organisations, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief of the All India Imam Organisation, said, "We distance ourselves from the statement of Al Qaeda, hijab is our internal matter. We will sort the matter amicably among ourselves. These are all external forces who want to spread communal hatred within the country. It wants to create a conflict in the country so we don't need Al Qaeda's advice. "This is our country and external forces like (Al Qaeda) is showing sympathy for us, this is not sympathy at all but is harmful for the Muslim community. Such an organisation is the enemy of humanity and is hatching conspiracies to break up the country," he added. Ilyasi also said, "I want to appeal to everyone from the Muslim society that these organisations are coming out from their rat holes and praising us. They only want to harm the Muslim community. Do not fall under the instigation of such external organisations, we must stand united with the country." Ayman Al Zawahiri has been considered close to deceased terrorist leader Osama bin Laden. Zawahiri took over the reins of Al Qaeda after Laden was killed in a US drone attack in 2011. Earlier, in 2020, several news reports had spread about Zawahiri that he had died or had fallen severly ill. The Al Qaeda Chief had recently released a nine-minute video in praise of Muskaan. Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has now ordered an inquiry regarding the video released by Zawahiri. Although Muskaan's father Mohammad Hussain Khan, had distanced himself from the alleged video of Zawahiri even before Muslim organisations condemned the Al Qaeda's statement. Khan had said in one of his statements that: "He had nothing to do with Al Qaeda. He does not even know who Zawahiri is. Muslims don't need his praise. We are happy living in India." Mohammad Salim Engineer, Vice-President of Muslim organisation Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, commented on Al Qaeda, saying, "The hijab issue is a sensitive one and is related to us. Muskaan is being praised for whatever happened in Karnataka. If such an organisation has commented on our country, it must be dealt with sensitivity. Anyone can appreciate us but it is an internal matter of our country and there is no need for any foreign organisation to interfere in it." "Those who want to take political advantage by raising such issues, only want it to remain festering as long as possible. The issue of hijab has not been raised for the first time, children have been wearing it since the beginning." Navaid Hamid, President of All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM), said, "How much the Al Qaeda and Al Zawahiri have to do with Islam can be seen from the fact that they have killed Muslims in the Middle East and Afghanistan. It is a political stunt and after a long time there has been a statement released from their side." "It is not even known whether Zawahiri is alive or not because it is reported that he has been allegedly killed. Even if he is alive, Muslims like us want to say that the Indian Muslims have the ability to resolve their issues and we don't need nor endorse the interference of any terrorist." "Muslims of India consider Al Qaeda a terrorist organisation. As far as their sympathising with India is concerned, it is not sympathy at all. But the forces which follow their ideology residing in India are creating Islamophobia." Apart from several Muslim organisations, Mufti Mukarram Ahmed, Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri Masjid, Delhi, said, "We did not tell him (Zawahiri) to praise us, we have nothing to do with him. Everyone is praising Muskaan as everyone appreciates good work. We are not doing anything illegal." The Karnataka High Court has already given its verdict on the hijab row which has been challenged before the Supreme Court. The full bench of the HC in a 129-page judgment cited verses from the Quran and several Islamic texts and based on these quotes, the court had said that hijab was not a mandatory practice in Islam. New Delhi, April 10 : A symbol of knowledge, education and culture, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has established itself as a global education hub on the lines of Nalanda and Taxila. Located in the ancient city of Varanasi, the BHU is known worldwide as an institution of distinction. Around 431 foreign students (261 boys and 170 girls) from around 40 countries, including the US, Brazil, Russia, France, Ireland, Australia, Yemen and Iran, are studying in the 'Insititution of Eminence'. Talking to IANS, University vice-chancellor Prof. Sudheer Jain said that a lot of hard work needs to be done for taking BHU to the next level. A scholarship of Rs 6,000 per month for foreign students is being introduced to attract more and more students from abroad, he said. Another provision for attracting foreign students is increasing the scholarship amount if their performance is satisfactory, he said. The scholarship scheme was approved in a meeting of the governing body of the varsity. For the effective and efficient implementation of the scheme, the varsity has formed a three-member committee. Applications for this scheme will be received in the Institution of Eminence Cell. The main reason why BHU attracts foreign students is that it is an institution of eminence. The vice chancellor told the IANS that the university provides education in various streams including Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine, Technology, Science, Arts and Performing Arts, which truly signify BHU as the capital of omniscience. Every year, thousands of foreign students take admission in graduate, postgraduate, PhD and diploma courses. Currently, 15 per cent of the seats are reserved for foreign students which is supernumerary for them. The scholarship scheme also gives thrust to national education policy 2020's sentiment of internationalisation of India's education system. Itanagar, April 10 : In response to the Arunachal Pradesh government's appeal, over 2,200 airguns and a few rifles were voluntarily surrendered in the past one year by people who vowed not to hunt birds and animals. After Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh launched a campaign last year in an effort to persuade people to provide protection and sanctuary to the birds and wild animals although they have been hunted for centuries now. The announcement of the voluntary surrender was made by the state's Environment and Forests Minister Mama Natung on Saturday. Natung, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and top officials of Environment, Forests and Wildlife Departments have been holding numerous events regularly in the state's far flung areas to motivate the people to protect the wild species. "We did not enact a law and force our people. Instead, we created awareness and asked them to surrender their guns and airguns voluntarily. Surrendered guns are a big success of our campaign. The campaign should not be limited to Arunachal Pradesh alone, the entire country should follow this model for a better future," Natung told IANS over the phone. He said that 80 airguns were surrendered on Saturday in presence of Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, his deputy Ashwini Kumar Choubey and Chief Minister Khandu. Yadav also chaired the 20th Meeting of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in the state's Pakke tiger reserve. Highly appreciating Arunachal Pradesh's efforts, the Union Environment Minister said that within a year of this community and compassion driven programme, the state witnessed a surrender of over 2,200 airguns. "I urge all state governments to take up the 'Airgun Surrender Abiyan'. Arunachal offers a model to emulate with programmes like Hornbill Nest Adoption and Airgun Surrender Abhiyan," Yadav said. The Union Minister said that rampant use of airguns was a problem in northeastern states and Arunachal Pradesh in March last year had started the campaign which has so far yielded great results. Forest and wildlife officials said that those who have surrendered their airguns and rifles, the state government has presented them certificates. "The state government is considering framing suitable policies to give some support to those people who would be affected after depositing airguns and rifles to the government," an official told IANS over phone. He said that the tribal people's lives have long been dependent on wildlife and forests and without realising the impact of climate change and global warming, the continued to hunt and cut trees. "Now is the time for us to protect wildlife and stop unabated felling of forest trees, as it has greatly impacted on global warming." Airguns do not require any license and a huge number of people hunt birds and small animals using them across Arunachal Pradesh, unaware of the biodiversity loss. All the surrendered air guns are being held in custody of the forest department for now. Part of eastern Himalayan ranges, Arunachal Pradesh occupies the largest area, 83.743 sq.km, in the northeastern region and about 82 per cent of total geographical area occupied by various types of forests. Earlier, Nagaland had started a massive campaign to provide sanctuary to the birds especially the Amur falcons, known to be one of the world's longest-distance migratory birds as they travel up to a staggering 22,000 km a year. Tribals of all communities have positively responded to the Nagaland government and environmentalists' appeal and now the killing of birds in the state has become a history. Official notifications of the Nagaland government said that Amur Falcons are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. As such, hunting, trapping, killing or selling of Amur Falcons could lead to three years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs 25,000 or both under Section 51 of the said Act. (Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujit.c@ians.in) Paris, April 10 : People across France went to the polls on Sunday to elect a new President in the first round of the election. Voting began at 8 a.m. (local time) in Metropolitan France, Xinhua news agency reported. As for French overseas territories, voters already cast their ballots on Saturday. If none of the 12 eligible candidates, including President Emmanuel Macron who is seeking a second term receive an absolute majority of votes on Sunday, a run-off will be held on April 24 between the top two contenders. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), 48.8 million French citizens are registered to vote in this year's elections. Of them, 47.05 million have registered on municipal lists and 1.43 million registered overseas on consular lists. According to a survey on voting intentions published on April 6 by market research firm Ipsos, Macron should be leading the first round, followed by Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally party and Jean-Luc Melenchon, who leads the left-wing La France Insoumise (Unsubmissive France) party. An opinion poll published by BFM TV on April 7, quoted by Reuters, gave Macron 26 per cent support to Le Pen's 25 per cent in the first round. It's Macron's hope and expectation that most of the other votes will transfer to him in the decisive phase. On April 8, the President, no-holds-barred, said: "She (Le Pen) lies to the people." He added the far-right was about "rejection of the (French) Republic", "anti-Semitism" and "xenophobia". The other candidates in the election include Eric Zemmour, a former journalist, TV commentator and best-selling author with hard anti-Islam and anti-immigration views; Valerie Pecresse of the right-of-centre Republicans, known as Gaullists after its founder Charles de Gaulle; and Anne Hidalgo, a former mayor of Paris, of the Socialist Party, which is a shadow of its erstwhile self. As France is witnessing another surge in Covid-19 cases, the Interior Ministry has announced a health protocol for the polling stations. According to the Ministry, a vaccine pass or a negative Covid-19 test result will not be required for those entering the polling stations. The wearing of face masks and social distancing will not be mandatory, but will be recommended for the elderly, the vulnerable and coronavirus positive individuals. The official preliminary results from the first round will be announced on Sunday night or Monday morning after verification by the Interior Ministry. No candidate has won the French presidency in the first round since the Fifth French Republic switched to universal suffrage for presidential elections. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Lucknow, April 10 : Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati, on Sunday, slammed Congress MP, Rahul Gandhi, a day after he said that the BSP chief "did not respond" to the party's alliance offer in Uttar Pradesh during elections. "The Congress needs to worry about itself first," she said at a press conference and added that the remarks were an attempt to "malign" her party. "The Congress should set its own house in order instead of taking potshots at BSP," she pointed out. Insisting what Gandhi said is 'absolutely false', Mayawati said the loss of Uttar Pardesh elections should be the focus now rather than 'these petty things'. "The Congress must think 100 times before making such comments. They have been unable to win from the BJP but just keep taking targeting BSP because of its casteist mentality. Congress has done nothing even in power and even out of power," she added. Mayawati said that even Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister and the late father of Rahul Gandhi, had tried to defame her Bahujan Samaj Party. On Saturday, Rahul Gandhi had said that the Congress had offered alliance to Mayawati and even offered to make her the chief ministerial candidate, but 'she did not even talk to us'. Lashing out at the BSP chief, Rahul alleged that Mayawati gave a clear passage to the ruling BJP in the state because of 'the CBI, the ED and Pegasus'. She further said, "Now even Priyanka Gandhi is doing the same by saying that I am afraid of ED and other probe agencies. All of this are not true. They should know that we have fought and won all these issues in the Supreme Court." The Congress and the BSP were among the parties that fared the worst in the Uttar Pradesh polls. While Mayawati's party managed to win just one seat, the Congress -- despite Priyanka Gandhi Vadra leading the campaign -- got just two of 403 seats in the crucial state. The remarks -- signifying a rift between the two leaders -- can also be worrying amid the opposition's attempts to unify against the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. New Delhi, April 10 : Alleging that Centre's paddy procurement is "discriminatory", TRS leader K Kavitha on Sunday said that the Union government's policies are threat to national food security system. Ahead of the Telangana Rastra Samiti protest against the Centre's paddy procurement policy in the national capital on April 11, the leader inspected the protest site at Ashoka road earlier in the morning. Speaking to media persons, she said the schemes and policies of Central Government are a threat to national food security system and that the TRS party will fight for the interest of the farmers. Kavitha, who is daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, said: "No Government has prospered ever at the cost of farmers in India and warned the BJP Government of the far-reaching consequences of ignoring farmers." While applauding the efforts and vision of Rao, the former MP said that it was the sheer grit of honourable Chief Minister that turned "barren Telangana into a prosperous and productive land" that is ready to serve the rest of the country. She said the TRS party under the leadership of KCR will stand and fight for the interest of every farmer. All TRS MPs, MLAs and ministers will participate in the protest. The Telangana government has been demanding procurement of entire paddy produced in the state, but the Centre has said that it will purchase only raw rice and not para boiled rice. New Delhi, April 10 : Jammu and Kashmir's State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Sunday carried out searches at multiple locations in the national capital in connection with a terror funding case, sources said. The SIA was constituted in November last year to investigate cases connected with militancy and secession and to act as the nodal agency for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other central agencies. According to the sources, the agency was following a trail of some Overground Workers (OGWs) in a terror funding related case and chasing them the sleuths of SIA conducted multiple searches in at least five locations in Delhi. Apart from Delhi, the raids are also being conducted in neighbouring Faridabad and Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir. Sources in the Delhi Police said that SIA has not officially informed the Special Cell, the anti-terror unit of the Delhi Police. Earlier, two months back in February, in a major crackdown against the militant supporters in Kashmir, the newly-formed investigating agency SIA had arrested 10 OGWs for their alleged affiliation with Jaish-e-Mohammad. Hyderabad, April 10 : The producers of Pawan Kalyan's next movie 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu', on Saturday released a video, which features the actor. The video shows off Pawan Kalyan's pre-shoot practice, as he is being trained by professionals in martial arts. The video had become viral in no time, as Pawan Kalyan is seen practicing intense action sequences, as he plays a warrior in the much-hyped mythological drama. Pawan can be seen practicing stick-fighting along with some trained professionals. "The skill and prowess of the heroic outlaw #HariHaraVeeraMallu @pawankalyan sir at his Pre-shoot session!The Warrior's Way", director Krish wrote, as he shared the video. Pawan, who was last seen in 'Bheemla Nayak' opposite Rana Daggubati, will be seen in a titular role in 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu', which is helmed by 'Kanche' fame Krish. The producers, hereby, assure an intense action drama, amplifying the hype with the practice video. Actress Niddhi Aggerwal will be seen as the female lead opposite Pawan, while the makers boast of an ensemble of stars in the movie. New Delhi, April 10 : A fire broke out at a tin shed godown on Sunday morning in the national capital, the police said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) (north) Sagar Singh Kalsi said they received a PCR call around 9.45 a.m. at the Kashmere Gate police station about the fire incident in House no. 3505 first floor, Nicholson Road, in north Delhi after which the local police rushed to the spot and called the Fire Department. The fire tenders were then immediately pressed into service and they started extinguishing the blaze and carried out a rescue operation. "The fire had broken out in a tin shed godown of approximately 15'-20' in which some rubber material was stored," Kalsi said, adding that no injury or casualty was reported from the incident. As per latest report, the situation is now under control. The incident comes a day after 14 people, including six firefighters, were injured in two separate incidents in Delhi. Jaipur, April 10 : Call it an inspiration drawn from the pandemic like Covid or an urge to help the needy that the realtors in Jaipur have conceived the concept of developing agro township, a first of its kind in India, under which the Hindu migrants from Pakistan will be hired as farmers. They will work on the farmlands, which are being sold to middle class families to promote the concept of cooperating farming. This kind of innovative cooperative farming is being promoted in areas surrounding canals and water bodies in regions like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, etc., where the Hindu migrants, who have been reeling under pathetic conditions, will be hired as farmers. "Those who have migrated from Pakistan will be hired on these farms so that they can sustain their livelihoods. We have seen pathetic conditions of these people who left their houses across the borders to return to their motherland," says Rajendra Pachar, managing director of Pachar Group, while speaking on the sidelines of CREDAI Expo being held in Jaipur. "After returning to India, these migrants have no job and identity and now we have decided to provide work to them so that they can sustain a decent livelihood," says Pachar, adding, "This is first of its kind organised cooperative farming concept in India which has been launched in cities like Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sanchore Sirohi, Alwar, Sawai Madhopur, Banswara, etc." The builders and developers of real estate in Rajasthan are organising the 'Real Estate Expo' in Jaipur after a gap of two years due to Covid-19 under the aegis of CREDAI (Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India) Rajasthan from April 8 to 11 at Rajmahal Palace in Jaipur. President of CREDAI Rajasthan Dhirendra Madan said that this exhibition was being organised after two years of Covid hiatus to instill confidence amongst the industry as well as the buyers. "It will have stalls of builders, real estate developers and vendor associations associated with the builder industry. Due to the increase in the price of building materials at present, it is possible to increase the selling rates of flats and villas. But keeping in mind the expectations of the common consumers, the members of CREDAI will conduct booking at the old rates during the builder expo," he said. Pachar, Secretary CREDAI Rajasthan, said that the objective of the expo is not to earn profits. In fact 25 per cent of the profits from this expo will be given to 'Apna Ghar Sanstha' at Jamdoli under CREDAI's CSR and it will be managed by the women wing of CREDAI, Rajasthan. He further said that for the first time in India, farms are also being sold through this expo which is being attended by real estate professionals from various cities including Jodhpur, Alwar, Ajmer, and Udaipur. Meanwhile, state industries minister, Shakuntala Rawat assured to consider CREDAI's request for grant of industry status to the real estate sector. She further said that she would also invite the representatives of CREDAI to work closely with the Devasthan Department. RERA Chairman N.C. Goyal said that the real estate sector and builders have suffered a lot due to Covid pandemic. Such expositions will give a boost to this sector. "Corona has taught that everyone must have their own house," said Goyal. Madan informed that the cost of construction has increased by up to 45 per cent due to the increase in the cost of raw material. In view of this, leading developers have decided to increase the sale price of properties after the expo. However, the developers participating in this expo have decided to make their properties available at the old prices till April 11. New Delhi, April 10 : Administration of Covid precaution dose for all adults at private hospitals across the country got underway on Sunday. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is taking various steps to defeat Covid. Taking one more step, administration of Covid precaution dose has started," Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya posted on twitter in Hindi. Those above the age of 18 years and who have completed nine months of their second dose of vaccine are eligible for the third dose. A day before the commencement of precaution dose for all, India's two major vaccine manufacturers - Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech announced major slashed vaccine prices for private hospitals. India's two major Covid vaccines of national vaccination programme - Covishield and Covaxin- have been made available for Rs 225 per dose at private hospitals. The private Covid Vaccination Centres can charge only up to a maximum of INR 150 as service charge for precaution dose over and above the cost of vaccine. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in guidelines to states on Saturday that the private centres should declare the price per dose that they would charge on Co-WIN, in accordance to the prices declared by the manufacturers. The Co-WIN system would send SMS alerts to all citizens who would be eligible for their third shots based on the earlier vaccination details in their digital records. As per the guidelines, the booster shots will be given at private hospitals against payment, while the priority groups of healthcare workers, frontline workers, and individuals above the age of 60 will get their third dose for free at the government vaccination centres. Chennai, April 10 : Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian on Sunday urged the people to inoculate themselves against Covid-19, adding that 49 lakh people in the state are yet to receive the first dose of vaccine. He said 1.37 crore people are yet to receive the second dose of the vaccine and urged the people to immediately take the vaccine. The Health Minister told IANS, "With the Covid-19 cases on the decline, people are taking the disease lightly and are not taking the vaccine. They should not lower their guard and have to take all the necessary precautions, including vaccination. There must not be any lethargy in vaccinating themselves." He added that the state Health department had handled the third wave of Covid-19 effectively and the number of deaths was contained as people had vaccinated themselves in large numbers. The Minister said he wanted the people to take the vaccine jab at the earliest and not lower their guard. Ma Subramanian also urged the people to always wear masks, maintain social distancing and sanitise themselves regularly. Thiruvananthapuram, April 10 : CPI-M central committee member and senior leader of the party, M.C. Josephine (73) passed away at Kannur on Sunday. Josephine, who was participating in the 23rd party Congress of the party at Kannur, fainted during the party programme on Saturday and was rushed to the AKG Cooperative hospital in Kannur where she was placed on ventilator. Josephine was the Kerala State Women's Commission Chairperson for a period of four and half years during the period of the first Pinarayi Vijayan government. Her period was mired with controversies and she had to resign following the party directive. She was also the former Chairman of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA). The senior woman leader, hailing from Ernakulam district, was one of the few Christian women faces of the CPI-M. She was one of the three central committee members from Kerala who was removed from the party central committee on Sunday along with P. Karunakaran and Vaikom Viswan. Josephine was a close associate of former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan when the group rivalry in the party was at its zenith with Achuthanandan on the one side and Pinarayi Vijayan on the other side. CPI-M Ernakulam district secretary and senior leader C.N. Mohanan while speaking to IANS said, "The mortal remains will be kept at AKG Hospital in Kannur for the public to pay their last respects. Her body will be taken to Angamaly in Ernakulam district and the funeral will take place on Monday at Angamaly." New Delhi, April 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared a clip from his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' in which he elaborated on Madhavpur Mela as a unique celebration of India's cultural diversity and vibrancy. The Prime Minister tweeted: "As the Madhavpur Mela commences, sharing what I said during last month's #MannKiBaat about this unique celebration of India's cultural diversity and vibrancy." The Prime Minister also shared a tweet of Gujarat tourism emphasising the theme and joyful spirit of the mela. "The milieu of the cultures of the west and northeast is celebrated with the divine marriage of Shri Krishna & Rukmini Devi. Be there to experience the joyful spirit, the grandeur, and the spirituality manifested through the majestic Madhavpur Mela," Gujarat tourism tweeted. During his 'Mann Ki Baat' last month, Prime Minister Modi mentioned that 'Madhavpur Mela' is held in the village of Madhavpur near the sea at Porbandar in Gujarat. "It is said that thousands of years ago Lord Krishna was married to Rukmani, a princess from the North East. This marriage took place in Madhavpur, Porbandar and as a symbol of that marriage, even today, Madhavpur fair is held there. This deep relationship between the East and West is our heritage. With the passage of time with the efforts of the people, new aspects too are now being added to the Madhavpur fair," the Prime Minister had said. He had noted that artists from all the states of the North East reach the Madhavpur Fair, which lasts for a week, when artisans associated with handicrafts arrive and the beauty of the fair is enhanced manifold. "For a week, this amalgamation of cultures of the East and West of India, the Madhavpur fair creates a very beautiful example of Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat. I request you to read and know more about this fair as well," he had added. Islamabad, April 10 : The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistan military's media wing, on Sunday rejected a media report over alleged events that took place at the Prime Minister's House the previous night, saying it was "totally baseless and a pack of lies". The BBC Urdu report alleged that "two uninvited guests" reached the Prime Minister's House, with an extraordinary security detail, via helicopter and held a 45-minute private meeting with ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan, Dawn news reported. The biggest claim in the report, made by citing government sources, was that the meeting was less than pleasant. "Just an hour ago, former Prime Minister Imran Khan had given orders to remove one of the senior officials present for the meeting," the report said. It went on to say that the sudden arrival of the guests was "unexpected" for the former premier, adding that Khan was instead expecting the arrival of his "newly appointed officials". The report further alleged that the necessary notifications for the removal and the new appointment were not issued by the Ministry of Defence. "Even if the removal was carried out on the prime minister's orders, preparations had been made to declare it null and void." The report also talked about how the doors of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) were open late at night to take up a petition asking the court to restrain Khan from possibly de-notifying Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. The urgent petition, which was filed but never fixed for hearing, said that Khan, for political and personal purposes, had misused his powers and recommended the removal of the Chief of Army Staff, urging the court to quash the order in public interest, the report said. "It is important to mention that while the petition was prepared, the space for the number of the notification regarding the army chief's dismissal was left blank. The reason for this was that despite the Prime Minister's request, the notification could not be issued and there was no need for a hearing," the report concluded. Reacting to the BBC Urdu report, the ISPR branded the story "typical propaganda" lacking "any credible, authentic and relevant source" and claiming that it "violates basic journalistic ethos", Dawn news reported. "There is no truth in the fake story whatsoever and clearly seems part of an organised disinformation campaign. The matter is being taken up with BBC authorities," it added. New Delhi, April 10 : Following intelligence inputs that a large number of terrorists have assembled in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir's Abbaspur and Daukhan, the intelligence agencies have sounded an alert to keep a strict vigil on the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Sources in the security setup deployed in the J&K, quoting intelligence inputs said that after melting of snow, these terrorists have planned to sneak into the Union Territory of J&K and they will attempt to cross the International Border (IB) or the LoC through the unconventional routes crossing through the mountain terrains and riverine belts. The security officials also said that after melting of the snow, the border guarding forces are monitoring the IB closely round the clock to avert any misdeed at the borders. "To keep eye on the mountain terrains and riverine belt, the forces have been using drones for surveillance at the borders while patrolling on those patches has been increased," the officials further said. Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF) has already stepped up the security arrangements along the borders in close coordination with the Indian Army after March onwards under the standard operative procedure, a senior official in the BSF said. Sources also said that the Pakistani handlers are under tremendous pressure by the Pakistan's ISI for executing a bigger terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir, therefore, they are putting all efforts to destabilise the peace and the process of development there. The intelligence inputs also warned that the ISI is also trying to recruit new Over Ground Workers in J&K and they have directed their men to influence the youths to join them secretly and to work as 'lone wolf'. In October last year, these lone wolf attackers had executed the targetted killings in Srinagar and Pulwama, but most of them were neutralised in consecutive operations conducted by the security forces. Chennai, April 10 : Actress Elli Avrram, who plays the female lead opposite Dhanush in director Selvaraghavan's upcoming film, 'Naane Varuven', has completed shooting for her portions of the film. Taking to Twitter on Sunday, the Swedish actress, who plays one of the two female leads in the film, said, "Feeling so blessed and excited to finally share this with you all. Yesterday was a wrap for me, completing my part in 'Naane Varuven' with my wonderful co-actor Dhanush K Raja, brilliant director Selvaraghavan sir and outstanding DoP Om Prakash. Thank you for having me onboard." The film has triggered huge expectations as every film that Dhanush and Selvaraghavan have worked together so far have gone on to either become superhits or critically acclaimed classics. Dhanush plays double action in the film, which has been by and large shot in Ooty. Sources close to the actor say that the film is about a deja vu feeling experienced by two similar looking individuals. Chennai, April 10 : Well-known cinematographer and actor Natraj Subramani better known as Natty will join the cast of director Mohan G Kshatriyan's upcoming film that is yet to be titled. Making the announcement on Sunday on Twitter, director Mohan said, "Happy to inform you all that Natty sir is on board for my next movie. Shoot starts this month. More updates soon." The film, which is being produced by G M Film Corporation and which has tentatively been titled #ProductionNumber3, features director Selvaraghavan, who is also the brother of actor Dhanush, as the lead. Earlier, while announcing that Selvaraghavan would be playing the lead in his film, director Mohan had said that he was "Feeling blessed and proud to work with Selvaraghavan sir." The last two films of director Mohan -- 'Draupadi' and 'Rudra Thandavam' -- went on to emerge as superhits but not before they kicked up controversies. Therefore, industry experts and film buffs are eager to know what issue director Mohan will look to highlight in this film featuring Selvaraghavan and Natty. Srinagar, April 10 : Two terrorists were killed in a gunfight with the security forces in Central Kashmir's Srinagar district, officials said on Sunday. Both have been identified as Pakistani nationals and were involved in an attack on CRPF personnel. "Two Pakistani terrorists who were involved in recent terror attack on CRPF Personnel, neutralised in Srinagar Encounter. Arms and ammunition, other incriminating materials recovered," Jammu and Kashmir Police quoting Inspector General Police Kashmir zone Vijay Kumar, tweeted. "Today's encounter in Srinagar is one of the best example of how an investigation of terror-crime, in which we lost one CRPF personnel on 4/4/22, led to anti-terror encounter. A big success to Srinagar Police." The gunfight took place after a joint team of the police and the security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation on the basis of specific information about the presence of terrorists. As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where the terrorists were hiding they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter. Islamabad, April 10 : Anticipating a change of government, the chief Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) Lahore unit, who is probing into the money laundering cases against the joint oppositions nominees for the slots of the Prime Minister and Punjab Chief Minister, Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz, respectively, has gone on leave for indefinite period. According to a notification, FIA Lahore Director Mohammad Rizwan has gone on leave on full pay with effect from April 11, onward. A source in the FIA told Dawn news on Saturday that Rizwan had gone on leave anticipating his "certain transfer" if there is a change in the federal government. "The first order the new government may pass will be the transfer of Rizwan with whom Shehbaz Sharif was not happy for, what he )(Shehbaz) called, taking dictations from (former accountability adviser to the premier) Shehzad Akbar in the cases instituted against him and his family members at the behest of Prime Minister Imran Khan," the source said. A special court (Central-I) of FIA is likely to indict Shehbaz and Hamza in 14 billion PKR money laundering case on Monday. Last year, giving in to the demand of the lawmakers belonging to Jahangir Tareen group, the PTI government had removed Rizwan from heading the investigation against Tareen and his son Ali Tareen in the sugar scam. However, the government later restored the officer. Srinagar, April 10 : Northern Army Commander Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi is on a three days visit to Kashmir from Sunday to April 12 to review the security scenario, the Army said on Sunday. "Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi was briefed by Lt Gen D.P. Pandey, GOC Chinar Corps on the prevalent security situation and measures instituted to counter adversaries' design," the Army said. The Army Commander also interacted with the senior officers of Chinar Corps. "He lauded the strong counter infiltration grid along the Line of Control. He also appreciated the strict control exercised by the formation to abide by the Ceasefire understanding between the DGMOs of both India and Pakistan," the Army said. The Army Commander visited two formation headquarters engaged in counter terrorist operations in the hinterland. On being briefed on operational aspects, he complimented them for the conduct of operations with precision while ensuring zero collateral damage. "He reiterated the credo of use of minimum force and just conduct by the soldiers involved in Counter Terrorist operations. He appreciated the efforts at breaking the cycle of violence for sustainable peace and stability in Kashmir. The Army Commander was also appreciative of the excellent Soldier - Citizen connect activities, which have resulted in overall reduction in the terrorist recruitments. "During the day, the Army Cdr visited 92 Base Hospital at BB Cantonment and asked about well-being of patients admitted there. He also interacted with the jawans of CRPF, who have been admitted to the hospital, owing to various operational injuries." The Army Commander will be visiting forward areas on Monday and would interact with the troops deployed on the Line of Control. Bengaluru, April 10 : A long forgotten debate on which of the two cities - Bengaluru or Hyderabad - is the IT sector's best bet, has re-ignited over the past week. Overnight, the southern powerhouse states of Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu are vying to extol the merits of their respective State capital cities. The current developments began to unfold when, exasperated at the dismal state of the city's roads and other infrastructure, the head of a Bengaluru-based startup let off steam on social media. Picking up the tweet, neighbouring Telangana's IT minister KT Rama Rao promptly extended an invitation to "pack your bags and move to Hyderabad". While a city like Bengaluru has an unassailable lead in terms of attracting IT businesses, observers feel that infrastructure quality can play a role in business decisions at the end of the day. "Bengaluru is infrastructure-faulted. People wake up and say if your infrastructure is so bad, my infrastructure is better. When you compare the physical infrastructure of a city, the infrastructure of Hyderabad is definitely better than that of Bengaluru. And Chennai is as good as Hyderabad. So, if you look at it, the competition is between these three cities. God's own country will also wake up and say Thiruvananthapuram is the best. But that's a distant fourth," says leading brand consultant and expert, Harish Bijoor. For those who came in late, the 'rivalry' between the Bengaluru and Hyderabad dates two decades, harking back to Bill Gates' 2002 visit to India. Bengaluru by virtue of its position as India's Silicon Valley, should have been the natural destination on the Microsoft founder's itinerary. However, the then chief minister of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu aggressively pitched and managed to get Bill Gates to visit Hyderabad instead. At that point it was considered a major achievement for Naidu who was trying to position Hyderabad as a viable alternative for the booming IT sector. Thereafter, Hyderabad gained in strength and is today among India's leading IT and allied services centre. But even as the IT sector continued to grow and expand to other centres, Bengaluru has retained its pre-eminent status as a preferred destination for investments in the IT sector. But the recent overture by the Telangana minister has definitely put Karnataka on the defensive. The chief minister assured that city roads would be repaired on priority basis. To compound matters further for Karnataka, Tamil Nadu also stepped in to offer businesses a conducive environment. Predictably, the ruling BJP in Karnataka is not taking too kindly to the overtures from their neighbours. "Inviting investors after criticising another state is not necessary. I have never called investors from Tamil Nadu and Telangana states to come here. That is our strength. If they are desperately calling companies, it will only mean that no one is going to their states for investments and that is why they are calling out," CM Bommai stated. Meanwhile, observers point out that political posturing apart, competition is always good for business in general. "For me from a very civic sense point of view, this kind of competition is very good, and very healthy because cities wake up. Now see Bengaluru has woken up, Karnataka has woken up. The CM has said all the roads will be perfect by May-end. So let us see. This competition is very essential. I would not only encourage it but I would spur it further. Cities must compete with one another for the businesses that they can get. Because at the end of the day, money speaks," Bijoor explains. However, Karnataka's image faces a bigger threat in the form of communal polarisation taking a grip in the state. Pro-Hindu outfits and even BJP leaders have been advocating a boycott of Muslim traders and businesses. Bijoor emphasises that these kind of politics will surely have a negative impact on the state's fortunes as a business destination. Washington, April 10 : NASA has yet again delayed the final wet dress rehearsal of its Artemis 1 moon mission test to April 12, the US space agency officials said. Wet dress rehearsal is an opportunity to refine the countdown procedures and validate critical models and software interfaces. The test, earlier scheduled for April 1-3, was stopped prior to tanking, due to loss of ability to pressurise the mobile launcher using two fans. The agency, in a statement, said it is planning to proceed with a modified wet dress rehearsal that is "primarily focused on tanking the core stage, and minimal propellant operations on the interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) with the ground systems at Kennedy". "Due to the changes in loading procedures required for the modified test, wet dress rehearsal testing is slated to resume with calls to stations on Tuesday, April 12 and tanking on Thursday, April 14." Engineers have identified a helium check valve that is not functioning as expected, requiring these changes to ensure safety of the flight hardware. Helium is used for several different operations, including purging the engine, or clearing the lines, prior to loading propellants during tanking, as well as draining propellant. A check valve is a type of valve that allows liquid or gas to flow in a particular direction and prevents backflow. The helium check valve is about three inches long and prevents the helium from flowing back out of the rocket. The modified test will enable engineers to achieve the test objectives critical to launch success, the officials said. Following the modified test, the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft will return to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) where engineers will evaluate the valve and replace it if needed. Teams are confident in the ability to replace the valve once back in the VAB. Mumbai, April 10 : Popular actor and host Ravi Kishan opened up about the days of his struggle and how his father was not initially supportive of him taking up acting on 'Swarna Swar Bharat'. He went on to mention how his mother always supported him and helped him achieve his dreams. During the show, host Ravi Kishan got so impressed with the contestant Atharv's performance on the devotional track, 'Main Balak Tu Mata Sherawaliye' made Ravi Kishan nostalgic about his childhood and he recalled how his father never supported him to pursue his dreams of becoming an actor. He mentioned: "Not a lot of people know, but I have struggled for many years and played a lot of roles in my career before I achieved some level of success. While I come from a village which is located near Banaras, and my father was a priest, I always wanted to become an actor since my childhood. "In fact, I even took up the role of Sita in Ramlila to pursue my passion, however, my father did not like me acting. On the other hand, my mother always supported me. She wanted me to fulfill my dream and pursue my passion for acting." "That's why, one fine day, my mother handed me 500 rupees and with that money, I fled to Mumbai to follow my passion. Till date, even during the middle of elections when I am travelling, I call my mother to understand the situation on the ground. She's very smart and clever and has been my support system all my life. Whatever fame I have got till date, all the credit goes to my mother," added the host. 'Swarna Swar Bharat' airs on Zee TV. New Delhi/Hyderabad : The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has taken its fight over paddy procurement to the national capital as the entire state Cabinet is set to sit on a day-long dharna there on Monday. Demanding the Centre to procure the entire paddy from Telangana during ongoing Rabi season, state ministers, MPs, state legislators and other public representatives of TRS will stage the protest. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is likely to lead the sit-in, though the party is yet to announce this officially. KCR, as Rao is popularly known, is camping in the national capital for the last six days on personal work. Over 1,000 leaders from the TRS will participate in the protest, the first public protest by TRS in the national capital over the issue of paddy procurement. The party also expects Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait and leaders of other farmers' groups to participate and show their solidarity. The protest in Delhi is the final of the five-phase protest announced by the TRS early this month. During the last one week, the party staged protests across the state. Ministers, MPs, state legislators and other public representatives and leaders participated in the protests, which included 'rasta roko' on the Mumbai, Bengaluru, Vijayawada, and Nagpur national highways. The protest was launched after a ministerial delegation returned empty handed from Delhi after meeting with Union Food Minister Piyush Goyal. While the four-member delegation demanded that the Centre procure paddy from Telangana as procured by it from Punjab, the central minister said the Centre will procure only raw rice and not paddy. Since Telangana produces only parboiled rice during Rabi season, the state is insisting that the Centre procure paddy. The TRS government has accused Centre of adopting discriminatory attitude towards Telangana and is demanding a uniform procurement policy for the entire country. As part of the protest in Delhi, hoardings with the state's demands and KCR's photographs have come up in the national capital. KCR's daughter and member of Telangana Legislative Council K. Kavitha is overseeing the arrangements at the protest site in Delhi. She said that policies of the Central government are a threat to the national food security system and that the TRS party will fight for the interest of the farmers. In November last year, KCR along with his Cabinet colleagues had staged 'dharna' in Hyderabad, demanding an assurance from the Centre to procure paddy. Last month, KCR had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct the Ministry of Food to procure entire paddy from the state during the current Rabi season. He also demanded a meeting of agriculture experts and Chief Ministers to formulate a suitable national procurement policy. KCR wrote that there should be a national food grains procurement policy, which should be uniform throughout the country and cover all food grains. Meanwhile, TRS leaders have launched a campaign to expose state BJP leaders who had assured farmers that they will make the Centre procure paddy. The TRS leaders recalled that when the state government was appealing to farmers not to go for paddy cultivation in view of the Centre's refusal to buy parboiled rice, BJP leaders had instigated farmers to grow paddy. TRS Working President K. T. Rama Rao and other party leaders have posted on Twitter several videos of BJP's state President Bandi Sanjay and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, who had assured farmers that the Centre will buy every grain from them. The TRS leaders are questioning the silence of state BJP leaders now when the Centre is refusing to procure paddy. --IANS ms/vd A A Mumbai, April 10 : Fifties from openers Prithvi Shaw (51 off 29 balls) and David Warner (61 off 45 balls) followed by a late onslaught from Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur took Delhi Capitals to a gigantic 215/5 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Brabourne Stadium on Sunday. Shaw and Warner, along with Rishabh Pant's burst of 27 set the stage for Delhi to amass a massive total. But Sunil Narine, with his 2/21, staged a mini-fightback for Kolkata as 200 looked difficult for Delhi to achieve. It took a whirlwind stand of 49 off just 20 balls from Patel (22 not out) and Thakur (29 not out) to set a 216-run target for Kolkata. Shaw began the innings by punching Umesh Yadav through extra cover for a boundary on the first ball of the innings. Three balls later, Yadav strayed in line and Shaw whipped through fine leg to collect his second boundary in the opening over. In the next over, Shaw danced down the pitch and slapped Rasikh Salam through covers for four. Warner then joined the party with a pulled four through mid-wicket. With pacers finding no support from the pitch, Yadav had Shaw in a tangle with a sharp bouncer but the batter hooked well for four. Yadav bowled short again and hit Shaw's helmet as ball flew over short third man for four leg-byes. After the conclusion of the concussion test, Shaw flicked Yadav through mid-wicket to complete an eventful over. Warner welcomed Pat Cummins for back-to-back fours through cover before Shaw hammered a pull over deep mid-wicket to bring up Delhi's fifty in just four overs. Captain Shreyas Iyer introduced spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. But they weren't able to stop Warner and Shaw as boundaries continued to flow. Shaw then slammed Venkatesh Iyer's part-time pace for a four and six on both sides of the wicket followed by reaching his fifty in 27 balls. Chakravarthy broke the 93-run opening stand by castling Shaw through the gate with a googly. Rishabh Pant's promotion to three worked well as he swept Narine through fine leg as Delhi reached century-mark at halfway stage. Chakravarthy came under attack from Pant, who slog-swept for a six followed by reverse-sweeping for four more. After two no-balls and byes, Warner crunched Chakravarthy for a boundary through cover to take 24 runs off the 11th over. Warner then got his fifty by smacking Andre Russell over long-on but Pant fell as he sliced uppishly to deep backward point. Narine brought Kolkata back in the match as he took out Lalit Yadav and Rovman Powell in quick succession. It was followed by Yadav removing Warner as the left-hander mistimed pull to deep mid-wicket. Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur smashed boundaries off Yadav and Cummins to take 39 runs off the last two overs, providing Delhi with the perfect finish to go past 210-mark. Brief Scores: Delhi Capitals 215/5 in 20 overs (David Warner 61, Prithvi Shaw 51; Sunil Narine 2/21, Andre Russell 1/16) against Kolkata Knight Riders Chennai, April 10 : 'Murasoli', the organ of Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK, on Sunday come out strongly against the recent statement of Union Home Minister Amit Shah that Hindi should be accepted as an alternative to English and not to local languages. In an article, it recalled how party patriarch and former Chief Minister, late M. Karunanidhi had, as a 14-year-old student, marched across the streets of Tiruvattur against the then Central government's move to impose Hindi on the people of the state. The people of Tamil Nadu still have not forgotten the rally taken out by Karunanidhi against Hindi, it said, adding: "Do not forget it". In a direct call to the people of Tamil Nadu to strongly oppose the imposition of Hindi, the article asserted that there was no coward in the state and that Hindi cannot be imposed on them. Karunanidhi's son and present Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin has strongly come out against the Union Home Minister's statement, saying that it would destroy national integration. Several state parties, including the opposition AIADMK, have also come out against the statement of Amit Shah and the VCK and the DK have announced that they would conduct protest marches across the state against the statement of the Union Home Minister. MDMK leader Vaiko has also said that the imposition of Hindi on the people of Tamil Nadu will never be accepted and reminded the power centres in New Delhi to remember the anti-Hindi agitations that had taken place in Tamil Nadu in earlier days. Islamabad, April 10 : A money laundering network in Pakistan transferred a "colossal amount" of allegedly illicit funds to Iran, with a representative of the Iranian supreme leader among the recipients, court documents recently submitted by Pakistani investigators show, media reports said. Investigation reports and WhatsApp chat logs show that members of the network operated between Pakistan, Iran and Iraq over the past seven years, Arab News reported. "On scrutiny it has come on record that a colossal amount of foreign currency has been remitted in/out of Pakistan vide illegal transactions of hundi/hawala," a charge sheet dated February 10, 2022, submitted by the Federal Investigation Agency to a court in Karachi, said. Hawala and hundi are informal ways of transferring cash across borders - both are illegal in Pakistan. FIA documents say that the group also used pilgrims travelling to the cities of Najaf in Iraq and Qom in Iran to smuggle money, Arab News reported. One of the recipients of the transfers, according to the charge sheet, was Abolfazl Bahauddini, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's former representative to Pakistan, Arab News reported. The supreme leader appoints representatives to all provinces of Iran, universities, certain government agencies, and also countries, such as Pakistan, where Shia communities are present. Representatives are expected to promote Khamenei's value system and theocratic principles through their sermons and public speeches, and also pressure local authorities to accommodate his policies. Their appointment in foreign countries is not officially announced. According to FIA records, Bahauddini received money from the main suspect in the case, identified as Ali Raza. Raza was among 13 people arrested during raids in Karachi in January this year, on charges of money laundering and being "associated with a foreign intelligence agency", Arab News reported. Islamabad, April 10 : Both sides deny it, but it's widely acknowledged that Imran Khan came to power with the help of Pakistan's powerful army and intelligence services - and now he has fallen out with them, reports said. The Pakistan Army began to grow increasingly frustrated with Khan's failure to deliver good governance, particularly in Punjab, and perhaps at how they were being publicly blamed for bringing him into power by the opposition, the BBC reported. Most crucially, a rift began to appear between Army chief, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and former ISI chief and current Peshawar Corps Commander, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, who was widely seen as hoping to become the next Army chief. Lt Gen Hameed was apparently so confident of his prospects that he had even previously told officials in neighbouring Afghanistan he would be the next man in charge of the army, BBC reported. However, one source close to the military said that while Lt Gen Hameed was seen as someone who could handle "dirty jobs" effectively, a reference to manipulating politicians or silencing critics, he was not seen as someone fit "to lead the institution". The tension between the two powerful figures was noticed during a private interaction with influential commentators last summer. One journalist asked a question, only to be told by Hameed, then head of the ISI, that time had run out. "I'm the chief," interjected Gen Bajwa curtly, "and I'll decide when we're done," before proceeding to take the question and answer it at leisure, BBC reported. In October, the dispute escalated and enveloped Imran Khan. Gen Bajwa was understood to want a new man in charge of the intelligence services, and the army announced a change in roles. Khan, however, who had developed a close relationship with Lt Gen Hameed, resisted, apparently wanting him to stay on until elections had taken place - the assumption being that Lt Gen Hameed could once again help ensure Khan's victory. The Prime Minister held off issuing a formal notification approving the change of posting for nearly three weeks before eventually relenting. The now visible cracks between the military and Imran Khan's government emboldened the opposition. Imran Khan had also earlier "scuttled" an attempt championed by Gen Bajwa to partially restore trade with regional rival India, "because of the political cost". Ironically, previous civilian governments have fallen foul of the Pakistani military because they have been in favour of improving ties with India - but at that stage, the military wasn't. Journalist Kamran Yousaf told the BBC that the military had been involved in "managing" Imran Khan's allies and slim majority in government. "Once that support was missing, his downfall was inevitable," he said, BBC reported. Shimla, April 10 : Setting aside speculations of the change in leadership just ahead of the assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh, BJP president JP Nadda on Sunday said Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur would continue his full term, and the next election would be contested under his leadership. Ruling out the possibility of change in guard in the state, Nadda's assertions set aside claims of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia that Union minister Anurag Thakur would be replacing Thakur. Nadda, who belongs to this state, told the media here that "there is no possibility of replacing Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur. The BJP would go to the polls under the leadership of Jai Ram Thakur, the government is functioning well and in future too he will lead the government". Also, there is a possibility that tickets might be denied to some of the legislators due to anti-incumbency. The 68-member assembly is likely to go the polls by year-end along with another BJP-ruled state Gujarat. Patting the back of the Chief Minister, he was categorically clear in saying that the state government is performing well and there is no possibility of leadership change. However, when asked if ticket could be denied to sitting MLAs, without mincing words Nadda said there was always a possibility and it would be determined by changing circumstances. "In any election, we do change 10-15 per cent of the total ticket." He said that tickets have been changed in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur assembly elections and in Himachal Pradesh too it can be done. "I am fully satisfied and happy with the coordination between the party and the government," said Nadda, ruling out the possibility of a Cabinet reshuffle. The BJP national president said on the completion of four years tenure of the state government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid foundation stones and dedicated projects worth Rs 11,500 crore for the state. Nadda, who reached the state capital on Saturday, conducted a roadshow here along with along Anurag Thakur and Jai Ram Thakur and to prepare the roadmap for the Shimla Municipal Corporation and Assembly elections. The BJP had won a majority in the 2017 Assembly polls with 44 seats in the 68-member state Assembly. Jai Ram Thakur is the first Chief Minister from Mandi, the second biggest district of Himachal after Kangra. Earlier, Chief Ministers hailed from Shimla, Kangra and Sirmaur districts. For Thakur, who believes development work and no witch hunting is the mantra for success, unprecedented development will remain the party's main poll plank for this year's polls to the 68-member Legislative Assembly. In an interview with IANS on Saturday, Thakur despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the state borrowed less than the previous Congress government. Also the global investor summit of 2019 has started yielding results. Besides, the state and the people are fortunate to have benevolence and affection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added. "As far as the impact of Covid-19 on the economy is concerned, you know it was a global pandemic. Despite this, we have made a rapid recovery. Himachal's economic growth rate for fiscal 2022-23 is estimated at 8.3 per cent," Thakur said. On the major challenges before him in the first year of rule, Thakur candidly replied: "My government inherited a loan burden of over Rs 48,000 crore from the previous government due to unmindful expenditure and fiscal mismanagement. "The first and the foremost task before our government after coming to power was to bring on track the derailed economy of the state. The previous government, in a desperate bid to woo the voters in its fag end of tenure, opened several colleges and institutions without making any budgetary provisions. The foremost task before my government was to make provision of budget for them. "Also emotional integration was a major issue which needed to be redressed as the state was sharply divided on line of upper and lower Himachal and even on the colour of the caps. "It is for the people to assess the success and results of the government and I am sure that the people of the state are wise enough to make their decision in the larger interest of the state." Kolkata, April 10 : With various controversies like West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) scam or Bogtui massacre bedevilling the Mamata Banerjee government, more so after involvement of party leaders comes to light, the infighting within the party is becoming more acute and becoming public too. The infighting is not now just restricted among the lower layer of party leaders but also in the higher level, as top leaders have started directing salvos against each other over the share of responsibilities for such irregularities. How will this infighting impact Trinamool in the coming days, was a question IANS posed to a number of political analysts and observers. Almost all of them agreed that control of the top party leadership, including the party supremo and Chief Minister Banerjee, iover actions and statements of the party structure at all levels is slowly eroding. From the recent sequence of events, it is clear that infighting in the Trinamool has reached an alarming stage. It seems clear that the gruesome carnage at Bogtui village in Birbhum district that left nine persons dead on March 21, 2022 was a clear fallout of infighting since both the accused and victims were close associates of the ruling party. Soon after that carnage, Trinamool Congress's district President, Anubrata Mondal and local MLA, Asish Banerjee, entered into war of words over who provided patronage to Anarul Hossain, a prime accused arrested in this connection. Again, during the last couple of days, there were ripples in the state's political circles over the heated exchanges in the recent WBSSC recruitment irregularities scam involving state Commerce and Industries Minister and erstwhile Education Minister and party Secretary General, Partha Chatterjee, state General Secretary and party spokesman, Kunal Ghosh, and Transport Minister and Kolkata Mayor, Firhad Hakim. Senior political commentator and analyst, Subhasish Moitra told IANS that quite some time, a cold war had been going on between two groups, the first constituted by old guards of the party, like Partha Chatterjee and Hakim, who are apparently two closest confidants of Mamata Banerjee. The second group is the relatively younger section, who are reportedly close to national General Secretary and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee. The media is describing this as a cold war between the old and new generation of leadership. But when this cold war at the upper leadership level percolates to the lower levels, this infighting is often taking a violent shape, he added. "Such developments are not good for the image of the party and is a clear indication of the loosening grip of the party's top leadership on party structure," Moitra said. Political analyst and Calcutta University's former Registrar, Raja Gopal Dhar Chakraborty said that the matter is simple. "Call it a violent infighting at the lower level or a cold war, the root of everything is the share of money collected illegally at the lower level. A major percentage of the money collected illegally by the lower levels gets passed to the higher level. This happens in all political parties... there is a system of distribution through well-defined channels. "But in Trinamool, there are several factions at all levels. So naturally the factional leaders receiving lesser share become frustrated about rival factions receiving higher share. That is where the infighting becomes blatant and public - in bloody form at lower levels as it happened in Bogtui and in the form of war of words concerning Kunal Ghosh, Partha Chatterjee and Hakim," Dhar Chakraborty told IANS. Senior political journalist and the writer of "The Buddha and the Borders", Nirmalya Banerjee told IANS that what is happening now is nothing unnatural for a political outfit like the Trinamool. "In my opinion, Trinamool is more an assembly of a number of influential persons than a real political party, where starting from party constitution to policies depends on the whims and wishes of one leader. So, a difference of opinion becoming blatant and public on a regular basis is quite natural. In the CPI-M too, there were severe differences of opinion on the policy issues among leaders. But those differences were issue-based and it became public only after several rounds of internal meetings. "Secondly, Trinamool was formed because of the association of several disgruntled Congress leaders, whom Mamata Banerjee was able to bring under the party umbrella, using the anti-CPI-M sentiment. Remember infighting within Congress over leadership issue was equally blatant in West Bengal before the formation of the Trinamool. The same culture is continuing....," Banerjee said. Bhopal, April 10 : Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia's convoy was stopped by a group of protesting former soldiers at his hometown in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior district, and he came out to give them a patient hearing. The former Army personnel on Saturday staged a protest against the Madhya Pradesh government's decision to abolish 10 per cent reservation in police for former army personnel. "Recently, the state government has announced plans to recruit police constables wherein it has not mentioned to provide 10 per cent reservation for ex-armymen. We have been getting the benefit of 10 per cent reservation since 1999, but the state government has stopped it," said Sunil Singh, a retired soldier, who lives in Gwalior. The former Army personnel blocked the road and protested before Scindia's convoy raising slogans such as 'Go back Scindia'. The police personnel deployed for his security tried to clear the way but a large gathering did not pay any heed and continued their protest. Later, the Union Minister came out of his car and heard their grievances. Scindia spoke with protesting former Army personnel for nearly 30 minutes and assured them that he will speak to the state government on the matter. After getting assurance from the Union Minister, the former Army personnel cleared the way for his convoy. "He has assured us that our demands will be fulfilled. He said he will talk to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on this matter," Singh told IANS. Scindia, who visits his hometown Gwalior on a regular basis, had arrived this time to meet the farmers whose wheat crop burnt in a fire incident a few days back. Kolkata, April 10 : Tension prevailed at Hanskhali in Nadia district of West Bengal over the arrest of the son of an influential Trinamool Congress leader for allegedly raping a minor girl who died later. The accused, Brajagopal Goyala, son of a local panchayat member of Trinamool Congress, Samar Goyala has been charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Police sources said that on Saturday, the parents of the victim filed a complaint at Hanskhali police station against the accused. The girl's parents alleged that the accused invited the victim to his residence on April 4 to celebrate his birthday. It has been alleged that she was made to consume alcohol, and then was raped. Later, the victim was dropped back at her residence by a woman said to be a close associate of the accused. On the night of April 4, the girl experienced severe pain on lower abdomen and eventually died within a few hours, the same night. The victim's family took the assistance of the Child Line and finally was able to file an FIR on Saturday. On Sunday, the police arrested Brajagopal Goyala. The family members of the accused including the father and local Trinamool Congress panchayat member, Samar Goyal are absconding since Saturday night. New Delhi, April 10 : Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Sunday slammed the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government for allowing fees hike in private schools. "Many states have went through elections recently and two parties have formed government in those states. Within 10 days of government formation by the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann issued an order saying private schools cannot increase their fees," said Sisodia in a virtual press briefing here. He alleged that on the other hand, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed the government in Uttar Pradesh, it passed an order saying private schools have the freedom to increase the fees. Sisodia further said: "Earlier, private schools could arbitrarily increase their fees in Delhi, but we stopped it in 2015. In the last seven years, we have stopped the private schools from increasing the fees and then we introduced a system where if they need to hike the fees, they will have to seek permission from the Delhi government." He said that their accounts are analysed by the government to figure out whether they actually need to increase the fees. Delhi Education Minister Sisodia said that BJP should consider the condition of the parents. He said many people have lost their livelihood during the Covid-19 pandemic and the fee hike will hurt them. Chandigarh, April 10 : Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Sunday said that the Food and Drug Administration Department has busted a factory in Faridabad that was manufacturing counterfeit products of multinational companies and arrested two people. Poor quality illegal products of Hindustan Unilever Ltd, namely brands like Lakme and Fitme, were seized. Vij said that based on the information received about a factory manufacturing cosmetics without a license, the Commissioner of the Department, Bazir Singh Goyat, constituted a team, which raided the factory and recovered many counterfeit products. According to Vij, representative of the company confirmed that the items being manufactured were fake and illegal. Products valued at Rs 20 lakh were recovered by the team. The fake factory was being run by two brothers, Amit Mittal and Vipul Mittal. New Delhi, April 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden on April 11 (Monday) to review the ongoing bilateral cooperation, and exchange views on recent developments in South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region, and global issues of mutual interest. The White House said the leaders will also discuss ongoing Russia and Ukraine War. The virtual meeting will enable both sides to continue their regular and high-level engagement aimed at further strengthening the bilateral Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. The two leaders' virtual interaction will precede the fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue which will be led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar on the Indian side, and their US counterparts, Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The White House in a statement said Biden and Modi will discuss cooperation on a range of issues including ending the Covid-19 pandemic, countering the climate crisis, strengthening the global economy, and upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Biden will continue "close consultations on the consequences of Russia's brutal war against Ukraine and mitigating its destabilizing impact on global food supply and commodity markets". The leaders will advance the ongoing conversations about the development of an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and delivering high-quality infrastructure. Biden last spoke to Prime Minister Modi and with other Quad Leaders in March. Earlier on Sunday, Singh said that he would be leaving New Delhi on Sunday night for a visit to the US from April 10 to April 15. "I look forward to attend the Fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington DC. Also, I shall be visiting INDOPACOM headquarters in Hawai, during this visit," he said. Singh further stated the visit to the US will give him an opportunity to hold talks with his counterparts to deepen the India-US strategic partnership. He had stated that he is looking forward to fruitful interactions during the visit. Islamabad, April 10 : The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to withdraw its lawmakers from the National Assembly and launch a movement against the upcoming government, which is likely to be headed by PML-N's Shehbaz Sharif. In a news briefing after the party meeting, former minister Fawad Chaudhry said that party MNAs will submit en masse resignations and the party will launch a movement against the upcoming government, Samaa TV reported. "The core committee has recommended to Imran Khan that we should resign from the Assemblies. We are starting from the National Assembly. If our objections against Shehbaz Sharif's nomination papers are not (entertained), we will submit the resignations tomorrow (on Monday). Tonight (Sunday night), the parliamentary committee meeting has been called at Banigala. Most of parliamentary party members have already handed over their resignations to the Prime Minister. In the next, phase we will ask them to submit more resignations," he added. PTI's Babar Awan has raised objections over Shehbaz Sharif's nomination papers. On the other hand, the PTI has nominated Shah Mahmood Qureshi as its candidate for the Prime Minister's slot, Chaudhry told reporters at the briefing. He said that the PTI rejects the "illegal" government to be formed after Imran Khan's removal. He said that the party would announce a "comprehensive" agitation plan and within a few weeks, the country will be led to fresh general elections. There is no other solution to this crisis but to hold fresh elections, he said. Imran Khan will launch a protest movement from Peshawar in a few days. New Delhi, April 10 : A Kenyan national was arrested at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here on Sunday for smuggling 18 kg heroin valued at Rs 27 crore, Customs officials said. The accused had arrived from Nairobi via Doha this morning. "The Kenyan national was intercepted on suspicion. We recovered 18 kg approx of white powder which tested positive for heroin. It was detected concealed in two pieces of his checked baggage," said the official, adding that he was charged under various sections of the NDPS Act and arrested, while the drug was seized. The Kenyan national was sent to Tihar jail after customs official produced him before a court and sought that he be sent to judicial custody, as he was not required for further interrogation. Kabul, April 10 : The intricate politics in Afghanistan often has several imponderables and surprises which tend to change the political course unannounced. The growing differences within the Taliban and also between the Pushtuns and the non- Pushtuns has been a cause of serious concern, especially following reports of Uzbek and Tajik leaders of the Taliban being harassed by their Pushtun colleagues. There have also been instances of detention of non-Pushtun Taliban cadres by the Pushtun cadres on some pretext or the other. Infighting between these cadres has been a regular phenomenon leading to speculation about the level and degree of bitter feelings among them. Against the backdrop of these developments, the Russian daily "Nezavisimaya Gazeta" recently mentioned of likely plans by the Taliban to attempt an assassination on the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (FNSA) leader Ahmad Massoud. The paper claims that this was reported to them by a source in the FNSA from among former officers of the Afghan special forces, who have joined the Front to counter the Taliban. According to the Russian daily, the source indicated that the threat to Ahmad Massoud was of serious nature and that it was necessary to seek help from the Russian special services to ensure the safety of Ahmad Massoud. "Nezavisimaya Gazeta" goes on to mention in the article, quoting few FNSA sources, that for several months now, Taliban intelligence has been trying to infiltrate their agents-saboteurs into Ahmad Massoud's inner circle. Once again, quoting the Afghan special forces source, "Nezavisimaya Gazeta" mentions that the Taliban's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), with the participation of Pakistani special services, is infiltrating its own agents into the ranks of the anti-Taliban resistance forces, tasked with the physical destruction of the FNSA leadership. The "Nezavisimaya Gazeta" source, while expressing pessimism about the Taliban's capability to undertake such penetrative operations, mentions that the support that the Taliban receives from the Pakistani counterparts, would certainly enable them to be more effective. The paper further mentions, referring to the source, that a combined effort by the Taliban's intelligence and sabotage unit alongwith their Pakistani counterparts could achieve success in their objectives. The source referred to the manner in which the Lion of Panjshir and father of Ahmad Massoud, the famous Ahmad Shah Massoud was killed on September 9, 2001 by the Al Qaeda. The Taliban had then announced in a message to the Northern Front that - "your leader is dead", as if to declare their success. Ahmad Shah Massoud had fought the Taliban and the Al Qaeda valiantly just as his son has been doing now. Since the end of March this year, the forces of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan have noticeably intensified military operations against the Taliban. By early April, the FNSA and its allies from other anti-Taliban groups (Afghan Freedom Front, National Liberation Front, National Resistance Council, etc.) carried out numerous attacks on Taliban militants in more than 10 provinces of the country. Although every anti-Taliban faction has its leaders, Ahmad Massoud remains today the main symbol of resistance to what the National Resistance refers to as "violent mullahs" and themost popular leader of the armed opposition in Afghanistan. Therefore, the FNSA fears that the Taliban would undoubtedly try to neutralise Ahmad Massoud in order to make a dent in the anti-Taliban resistance force. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War New York, April 10 : US President Joe Biden will discuss with Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Russian invasion of Ukraine when they hold a virtual summit just before the diplomatic and defence leaders of the two countries meet for their 2+2 meeting, the White House announced on Sunday. While the relations between the two largest democracies have been growing at an unprecedented pace, they have been at odds over the Russian invasion of Ukraine with India trying to stay neutral to the consternation of the US. The US has been trying to persuade India to join it in taking a harder line against Russia. Biden's Spokesperson Jen Psaki said: "President Biden will continue our close consultations on the consequences of Russia's brutal war against Ukraine and mitigating its destabilizing impact on global food supply and commodity markets." External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are to hold the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to discuss a range of issues, bilateral and global, on Monday. Amid the differences between the two countries on Ukraine, the mention of "mitigating" the invasion's impact on global food supply could open the way for cooperation between India and the US to help countries facing a crisis from the rising prices and shortages of wheat. India has a huge stockpile of wheat -- estimated at 100 million tonnes, far beyond its immediate safety net requirements -- that could be deployed to help countries facing a food crisis. Psaki said that further deepening ties "between our governments, economies, and our people", will be on the summit agenda. She indicated that the Indo-Pacific will feature prominently in their conversation. They will discuss "upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific", she said. They "will advance ongoing conversations about the development of an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and delivering high-quality infrastructure", she added. They will also discuss "cooperation on a range of issues including ending the Covid-19 pandemic, countering the climate crisis, strengthening the global economy", she added. "President Biden believes our partnership with India is one of the most important relationships we have in the world," she said on Friday at her briefing in Washington. The Pentagon announced that Singh and Austin will meet on Monday morning before the 2+2 meeting. Defence Department Spokesperson John Kirby said that at the 2+2 meeting, the four leaders will discuss "defence, science, technology, cooperation, climate, public health, and people-to-people ties". "Since its inception in 2018, the 2+2 Ministerial has allowed the US and India to continue to work towards building an advanced comprehensive defence partnership that we think is poised very well to meet the challenges of the 21st century," he added. The virtual meeting will enable both sides to continue their regular and high-level engagement aimed at further strengthening the bilateral Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Earlier on Sunday, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that he would be leaving New Delhi on Sunday night for a visit to the US from April 10 to April 15. "I look forward to attend the Fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington DC. Also, I shall be visiting INDOPACOM headquarters in Hawai, during this visit," he said. Singh further stated the visit to the US will give him an opportunity to hold talks with his counterparts to deepen the India-US strategic partnership. He had stated that he is looking forward to fruitful interactions during the visit. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed @arulouis) Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War New Delhi, April 10 : A 47-year-old man, who is a member of the infamous "Thak-Thak" gang of Connaught Place, has been arrested, police said on Sunday. The accused has been identified as Ranganathan, a resident of Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu. According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police Amrutha Guguloth, a police constable during patrolling in Connaught Place on Saturday, came across a suspected person. "When the suspect was questioned about his identity, he was not able to give a satisfactory reply," he said. On cursory search, a switchblade knife was recovered from his possession. Accordingly, the police registered an FIR under section 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act and began their probe. During sustained interrogation, the accused disclosed that he is a member of the "Thak-Thak" gang and has been previously involved in 18 cases of theft. It was also revealed that he has been involved with the gang for over 25 years. "He used to commit crimes as part of a gang and robbed people of their bags etc by distracting them. The accused is a habitual criminal and used to return to Tamil Nadu after the commission of offences," the official said. Islamabad, April 10 : After the political chaos in the country and the days filled with uncertainty, confusion, and surprises, Imran Khan sees himself standing outside the Prime Minister's House again. Imran Khan is the first in Pakistan's history to have been removed from office through no-confidence vote in the parliament. His opposition, he claims, is part of a US-led international conspiracy, for which opposition became party to to oust his government in what is being said to be a deliberate foreign orchestrated regime change, a claim that the UA has categorically rejected and termed baseless. But it was the opposition's majority vote against Imran Khan in the parliament that pushed him off power, forcing him to address the road ahead and the narrative he would carry with him into the next general election. Imran Khan claims that he has stood against a corrupt team of leaders and parties, who are inclined towards keeping Pakistan in a dependent foreign policy and an even more dependent and compromised sovereignty to western powers, something that he refused to succumb to and opted to an independent foreign policy and standing against the western demands. His way forward is now clear. He is going to go back on the streets and reach out to the masses, who, he claims, are the rightful deciders of the country's future. Imran Khan plans to gear up into his anti-government protest mode as he announces a countrywide campaign of anti-government protests, focused on putting pressure on the new rulers including his arch-rivals, the Sharif family, the Zardari/Bhutto family and Fazl Ur Rehman, to be forced into calling for fresh elections countrywide. Imran Khan is considered to be an expert in protests and rallies as he attracts massive crowds and enjoys great support among the masses. He staged a 126 days long sit-in just outside the parliament in Islamabad, during the time of Nawaz Sharif's rule, creating immense pressure on the government. The difference this time will be the fact that there is an added narrative that Imran Khan can take to the masses other than corruption of his political leaders. He is geared up to carry the anti-United States, anti-West and pro-independent foreign policy narrative to the masses, showcasing it as the reason behind the alleged international conspiracy of a regime change. He will also be making life difficult for the ruling leadership in the parliament through a strong opposition and consistent demands of holding general elections. New Delhi, April 10 : The Indian Air Force, in its enquiry, has found more than one official guilty in the case of the "accidental" firing of an armed supersonic missile into Pakistani territory, sources said, adding that severe action would be taken against the persons found guilty. The enquiry is being conducted by Air Vice Marshal R.K. Sinha, who is probing how the missile got fired during routine maintenance work. An unarmed supersonic missile "accidently" took off from Sirsa and landed at a place 124 km within Pakistani territory on March 9 evening. The Indian Defence Ministry had "regretfully" explained it as "a technical malfunction". The ministry had said that on March 9, in the course of routine maintenance, a technical malfunction led to the accidental firing of a missile. The Indian government has taken a serious view and "ordered a high-level court of enquiry". "It is learnt that the missile landed in an area of Pakistan. While the incident is deeply regrettable, it is also a matter of relief that there has been no loss of life due to the accident," said the ministry. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry had warned New Delhi of "unpleasant consequences" over what it claims was an Indian originated, but unidentified high-altitude supersonic object that crashed in its territory. It had urged India to take effective measures to avoid such violations in the future. Pakistan claimed a supersonic missile took off from Sirsa and landed within Pakistani territory. Cruising at an altitude of 40,000 feet, the missile endangered passenger flights in both Indian and Pakistani airspace, and also civilians and property on the ground, it said. Pakistan had stated that at 6.43 p.m. on March 9, a high-speed flying object was picked up inside Indian flying territory by Air Defence Operations Centre of the Pakistani Air Force. From its initial course the object suddenly maneuvered towards Pakistani territory and violated Pakistan's airspace ultimately falling near Mia Channu. When it fell, it damaged some civilian property however there was no loss or injury to human life was caused. Major General Iftikhar said has "initiated requisite tactical actions in accordance" with the Standard Operating Procedures. Pakistan had picked up missile at a high-altitude of 40,000 feet and it was traveling at a speeding axis of Mach 2.5 and ultimately Mach 3. The total distance it travelled inside Pakistan was 124 km. From the total flight time of 6 minute 46 seconds till it hit the ground, it was in Pakistani territory for 3 minutes and 44 seconds. Srinagar, April 10 : India's Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the security situation in the Kashmir Valley on Sunday, a defence spokesman said. The army commander arrived in Srinagar on a 3-day visit to the Valley. "Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi was briefed by Lt Gen D.P. Pandey, GOC Chinar Corps, on the prevalent security situation and measures instituted to counter adversaries' design. "The Army Commander also interacted with senior officers of Chinar Corps," the spokesman said, adding that Lt Gen Dwivedi lauded the strong counter infiltration grid along the Line of Control, and also appreciated the strict control exercised by the formation to abide by the ceasefire understanding between the DGMOs of both India and Pakistan. "The Army Commander also visited two formation headquarters engaged in counter militancy operations in the hinterland. "On being briefed on operational aspects, he complimented them for the conduct of operations with precision while ensuring zero collateral damage," the spokesman said, adding that he reiterated the credo of use of minimum force and just conduct by the soldiers involved in counter-militancy operations. "He appreciated the efforts at breaking the 'cycle of violence' for sustainable peace and stability in Kashmir. "The Army Commander was also appreciative of the excellent soldier-citizen connect activities, which have resulted in overall reduction in the (militant) recruitments." Lt Gen Dwivedi, on Sunday, also visited 92 Base Hospital at BB Cantt and asked about wellbeing of patients admitted there. He also interacted with the jawans of CRPF, who have been admitted to the hospital, owing to various operational injuries. The Army Commander will be visiting forward areas on Monday and would interact with the troops deployed on the LoC, the spokesman said. Guwahati/Imphal, April 10 : Political parties and apolitical organisations in the northeast on Sunday expressed opposition to the move to make Hindi a compulsory subject up to Class 10 in the northeastern states. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday while chairing the 37th meeting of the Parliamentary Official Language Committee had said Hindi should be accepted as an alternative language to English but not to local languages. "The nine tribal communities of the northeast have converted their dialects' scripts to Devanagari while all the eight states of the northeast have agreed to make Hindi compulsory in schools up to Class 10. There is a need to give elementary knowledge of Hindi to students up to Class 9, and pay more attention to Hindi teaching examinations," the Home Minister had reportedly said in the meeting. Assam's influential apex literary body, Asom Sahitya Sabha (ASS) on Sunday has opposed the move to make Hindi a compulsory subject till Class 10 in the northeastern states. ASS Secretary General Jadav Chandra Sharma said making Hindi a mandatory language will endanger the indigenous language. However, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that there is no instruction from Centre to make Hindi learning compulsory. "Assamese is the mother tongue of the majority of Assam citizens. The Assam government in consultation with Asom Sahitya Sabha and tribal dominated organisations prepared a language policy where a student will learn Assamese and a tribal language besides English and Hindi. Bodo Sahitya Sabha has some opposition and that's why the state government has yet to announce the policy," the Chief Minister said. Sarma said that Shah had said one must know Hindi even though "we want students to learn English and Hindi". "Amit Shah has not said one must not stop learning Assamese and learn Hindi. He said that one must, after learning Assamese or their mother tongue, learn Hindi. We also want the same for by learning Hindi a student from this region would be able to apply for government and non-government jobs in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra," he said. Assam's Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia on Sunday said that Shah's announcement is in contradiction to the New Education Policy introduced by the BJP-led Central government which seeks to support primary education in the mother tongue. Manipur Pradesh Congress committee President Keisham Meghachandra on Sunday told the mediapersons in Imphal that the party strongly opposes Union Home Minister's statement "on imposition of Hindi language in Manipur and other northeast India states". In Meghalaya, former Congress leader and sitting MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh, who along with 4 party legislators recently announced to support the BJP-backed Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, also strongly opposed Shah's announcement. "The Central government is unilaterally trying to impose Hindi in the northeastern states," Lyngdoh told the media on Sunday in Shillong. New York, April 10 : Cooperation on the global food crisis sparked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine could open a new area of cooperation between the US and India, softening the fallout from the rift over dealing with the invasion. Hints of the possibility of such a joint effort have come from Washington: President Joe Biden's spokesperson Jen Psaki has said that during the virtual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Mod on Monday they will consult on "mitigating its destabilising impact on global food supply and commodity markets". And senior US official has spoken of "extensive discussions about ways to further our cooperation on global food security". A joint programme utilising India's wheat surplus to avert a global crisis of hunger could change the focus from the diplomatic differences over New Delhi's continuing ties to Moscow to cooperation between the US and India to protect vulnerable countries from the fallout of the invasion. Such an effort would also demonstrate the impressive progress achieved by India in the food sector. Moreover, it would build on India's role as a source of global humanitarian aid that came to the fore during the Covid-19 pandemic when it provided vaccines to countries around the world. Historically it would be a turnaround for India. In the 1960s, the US rushed shiploads of wheat to India to avert famine and allowed India to pay for them in rupees that were spent on projects in India. But now India is an exporter because of the phenomenal increase in agricultural production achieved through the Green Revolution launched with US help. The United Nations has warned of a food crisis arising from the Ukraine invasion hitting developing countries hard. Exports from the world's largest wheat exporter Russia and the fifth-largest exporter Ukraine have been disrupted by the invasion. The two countries account for about 30 per cent of the world's export of wheat, and according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development, about 15 African countries rely on them for more than half of their wheat imports. The problem is compounded by the zooming prices, with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reporting that its index of food prices is at an all-time high. FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu warned recently: "Prices for staple foodstuffs such as wheat and vegetable oils have been soaring lately, imposing extraordinary costs on global consumers, particularly the poorest." Meanwhile, India is sitting on a stockpile of wheat estimated at about 100 million tonnes, which is beyond the needs of a safety net. A model already exists for cooperation between the US and India for humanitarian relief. The Quad, which is made up of India, the US, Japan and Australia, has launched an ambitious programme to provide vaccines to developing countries. Under the programme, India is making 1 billion doses of the Covid-19 vaccines, the US and Japan are helping with the financing, and Australia is to handle the logistics of distribution. Washington and New Delhi, possibly along with other countries, could launch a similar programme to provide the stockpile's surplus wheat to countries facing a food crisis. India is the world's second-largest producer of wheat after China, but because of the high domestic needs and the stockpiling, it has been only a marginal player on the international market exporting only about 6 million tonnes last year. India is also working to increase commercial wheat exports, helped by the higher prices of wheat and the weaker Indian rupee, and overcoming one of the factors holding back wheat exports, the relatively higher cost of wheat in India in relation to the international market. A way of reducing the stockpile through internationally beneficial actions could also help India in other ways. India has also problems with storage and handling of the huge wheat output - and according to the Trade Promotion Council of India, about 10 per cent of it is lost due to poor storage conditions. The Indian government is forced to directly acquire wheat at guaranteed prices from farmers and its attempts to move to a market structure was thwarted by the farmers' protests resulting in a further build-up of the stockpile. On the humanitarian front, India recently began sending that country 50,000 tonnes of wheat through the World Food Programme to stave off an imminent famine. When it comes to diplomacy, the Biden administration has taken a more understanding view of India's ties to Russia, which led to eight abstentions on Ukraine-related matters at the UN and continued trade with Moscow. Amid criticism of India and media disinformation, Psaki has pointed out that oil imports from Russia "is only 1 to 2 per cent of their imports. About 10 per cent of their imports is from the United States" and clarified that energy imports are not under US sanctions. The Biden administration also understands that India's dependence on Russia for its defence needs has to continue if India is to defend itself against China, given that India has a key role in its Indo-Pacific strategy of meeting Beijing's challenge. In return for cooperation on wheat, India may receive help with its energy needs - for which, Psaki has said, Washington was ready. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed @arulouis) Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Thiruvananthapuram, April 10 : A Kerala law student has written a letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin raising objections against his sharing of a dais with his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan during a seminar on 'Centre-state relations' as part of the 23rd party Congress of the CPI-M. Ajmal Karunagapally, a final year student of the Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram, in his letter, said that Stalin would have attended the seminar out of the belief that Vijayan was strongly opposed to the Sangh Parivar "but in reality, he was not". He claimed that on several occasions after coming to power, the actions of the Kerala Chief Minister were more or less supportive of Sangh Parivar. He said that the Kerala government had charged those who agitated peacefully against CAA-NRC with non-bailable offenses and has also declared the RSS organisation, Seva Bharathi, as a relief agency. The student said that the left government of Kerala had included in the post-graduate syllabus of Kannur University the teachings of RSS ideologues M.S. Golwalkar, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, and V.D. Savarkar. He also noted that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had got an opportunity to hoist the national flag at a school in Kerala during the regime of Vijayan. The law student also came out heavily against the K-rail project and said that the state government was trying to take over the land of many poor people for the project which has no chance of success and will push Kerala into debt trap. He said that Stalin's attendance at the programme "has caused major concern among the believers of secularism in Kerala" and has "been construed by the people of Kerala as an endorsement of the heinous political position taken by Vijayan". London, April 10 : Notwithstanding a slightly low voter turnout, an opening estimate of the result of the first round of the French presidential election by pollsters Ipsos, gave the incumbent President Emmanuel Macron 28.1 per cent of votes, with Marie Le Pen of the far-right National Rally, better known as National Front, securing 23.3 per cent support. The two now go through to a decisive second round of voting on April 24 for a re-match. Supporters of the finalists were planning parties in celebration of qualifying into the ultimate stage, which were predicted to continue late into the night. Among the 12 candidates altogether, leftist JeanLuc Melenchon registered an impressive 20.1 per cent - which is likely to mostly transfer in favour of Macron in the second round. Eric Zemmour, an extreme rightist, posted 7.2 per cent - much of this will probably go to Le Pen in the second round. Valerie Pecresse of the traditional right-of-centre Republicans got only 7.2 per cent - she requested her voters to back Macron in the second round. Socialist Anne Hidalgo fared even worse with 2.1 per cent. Macron cast his vote in Le Touquet, a seaside town in Pas-de-Calais in northern France and urged voters to exercise their franchise. But he failed to sufficiently enthuse them. Turnout was down as compared to polling in the first round in 2017, but still around 75 per cent. French voters have not stayed away from casting their ballot in this manner, other than their apathy of 2002. The low turnout is interpreted by commentators as a reflection of defiance and dissatisfaction among French people in the politics of the country, looked upon as a worrying trend. Le Monde, the leading French daily, commented in an editorial piece: "Started in times of pandemic (Covid-19) and completed in times of war (in Ukraine), this presidential campaign suspended between two perils leads to a first round threatened by a double danger" - abstention and the rise in support for the far-right. Reporting on Paris, the paper wrote: "Many voters hesitated a lot before deciding, sometimes even in front of the voting booth." In what was described as "the chic districts of Marseille" - a port city, founded in 600 BC and France's oldest urban centre in the south-west of the country - some leaders of the Republicans reportedly led the way to vote for Macron of En Marche, a centrist formation established in 2016. "A conversion with a bitter taste for some voters," Le Monde's correspondent said. In sandy Reunion Island, a French prefecture in the Indian Ocean, where 25 per cent of its 900,000 odd population are of Indian origin, the percentage of polling was also down from five years ago. Standing in bright sunshine, one local resident was quoted as saying: "Life is more pleasant here (on the beach) than in a voting booth!" Behind her the waters were an exotic turquoise blue. In 2017, Macron won 24 per cent of the votes to Le Pen's 21.3 per cent in the first round. But he went on to capture 66.1 per cent in the second ballot to Le Pen's 33.9 per cent to be victorious quite comfortably. He is expecting this will be repeated two weeks from now to clinch for him a re-election. New Delhi, April 10 : President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday inaugurated five-day long Madhavpur Ghed Fair at Madhavpur Ghed, Porbandar in Gujarat on Sunday. Since 2018, the Gujarat government in association with the Ministry of Culture is organising this fair every year to celebrate the sacred union of Lord Krishna and Rukmini. Speaking on the occasion, the President extended his greetings to the fellow citizens on the occasion of Ram Navami. He said that Mahatma Gandhi had hoped for the establishment of Ram-Rajya in modern India on the ideals of Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram. Kovind said that it was his privilege to inaugurate the Madhavpur Ghed fair organised in the village associated with the life of Shri Krishna and near Porbandar, the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi. The President said that folk-story of marriage of Shri Krishna and Rukmini shows that how ancient is the cultural unity of India and how deep were the roots of our social harmony. According to folk belief, the land of Madhavpur Ghed village has been a witness to their union. The President said that fair of Madhavpur Gher as well as the various functions organised on the occasion in several temples in Gujarat, and in many places in north-east India is a celebration of India's cultural, spiritual and social unity. He expressed happiness that this festival of connecting the people of the entire country on an emotional level is being celebrated along with the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. He said that Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is basically being celebrated with the aim of strengthening the sense of national pride. Agartala, April 11 : Three Bangladeshi women, who were detained in March 2020 for illegal entry into Tripura, went missing from custody in the state's northern Unokoti district, police said on Sunday. A search has been launched to nab the fleeing foreign nationals. A police official said that Istamur Ali and three women - Lalmati Rani Sarkar, Janata Rani Sarkar, and Khela Rani Sarkar, all resident of Nabiganj under Habiganj district of Bangladesh, were arrested from Kailashahar in March 2020 when they, after entering Tripura without any passports, had tried to go to neighbouring Assam. The police official said that after completion of their jail term seven months ago all the four Bangladeshis were under the custody of Unokoti district administration and the concerned authority, in consultation with Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, was scheduled to repatriate them on Sunday. "Just before their deportation, the officials found that three women, lodged in a school hostel, were missing. Police launched a search operation on Sunday to locate the missing Bangladeshi nationals," the official told IANS. Ali was, however, repatriated to Bangladesh on Sunday. Bhopal, April 11 : A British-era bridge built on Nagpur-Bhopal highway collapsed on Sunday, leading to hours long traffic snarl on the busy road. No fatalities were reported in the incident. As per the official information, the bridge collapsed at the moment when a multi-axle lorry loaded with around 130 tonnes of weight (electric machines) was crossing over it. Before the lorry could be crossed, a portion of it collapsed leaving the lorry hanging and heavy machines fell on the dry Sukthwa river. Over 50 meters long bridge, built over Sukthwa river in Narmadapuram (Hoshangabad) district was constructed during the British-era (around 1865) at the height of 25 feet above from the river. It is believed that the bridge was constructed to provide connectivity from Nagpur to Bhopal. The incident took place when a 138-wheel lorry was crossing the narrow bridge, leading to the vehicle falling on the dry river bed, Additional Superintendent of Police Awadhesh Pratap Singh told the press. "The driver complained of some minor injury to the spleen but he left the spot soon after. Five more people who fell along with the vehicle are fine. The multi-axle lorry was bringing transformers from Hyderabad to Itarsi in Narmadapuram," Singh added. The multi-axle lorry that caused the collapse of the bridge heading coming from Hyderabad and was heading toward Itarsi to deliver heavy electrical machines. It said that the bridge collapsed due to heavy load on the vehicle, but it could have been a major fatality had it collapsed during the crossing of vehicles carrying passengers as nearly 1000 vehicles including buses travel daily between Bhopal to Nagpur. Over IANS' query regarding the permissible weight allowed on the bridge and if any inspection was carried out recently, an officer in the state government said he would be able to respond after getting reports from the concerned department. Tehran, April 11 : Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Sunday that the US is seeking to impose new conditions for lifting anti-Iran sanctions, official news agency IRNA reported. "In the past two or three weeks, the American side has made excessive demands that contradict some paragraphs of the text prepared for a possible agreement in the recent Vienna talks," Amir-Abdollahian said, adding the US wants to propose and impose new conditions outside the negotiating framework in exchange for the lifting of anti-Iran sanctions. "If the US government has good intentions, it should take practical and concrete steps in the negotiations, such as releasing some of Iran's frozen assets or lifting sanctions," the Iranian top diplomat was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. Iran will continue the path of diplomacy to reach a dignified, lasting and good agreement, he said, adding "Iran stands and will stand on its red lines." Iran signed a nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with the world powers in July 2015. However, former US President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the agreement in May 2018 and reimposed unilateral sanctions on Tehran, prompting Iran to drop some of its nuclear commitments under the agreement in retaliation. Since April 2021, several rounds of talks have been held in Vienna between Iran and the remaining JCPOA parties, namely China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany, to revive the 2015 deal. Iran insists on securing guarantees that the succeeding US governments would not abandon the deal again and having the sanctions lifted in a verifiable manner. Bhopal, April 11 : Communal violence erupted in at least two districts of Madhya Pradesh during the Ram Navami celebrations on Sunday. The first incident of violence was reported in Khargone district, where nearly half-a-dozen police personnel got injured while a similar incident occurred in Sendhwa town of Barwani district. In Khargone, stones were hurled at a Ram Navami procession, triggering incidents of arson wherein some vehicles were set on fire, prompting authorities to clamp curfew in three areas and section 144 of CrPC in the entire city. Police fired tear gas shells to control the situation. Some police personnel and people were injured during stone-pelting as per the preliminary information. The procession was attacked by people from a particular community, who objected to playing loud DJ music during the procession. This resulted into confrontation between two the communities (Hindu-Muslim), following which stone pelting was reported. Police had to face tough situations and tear gases were used to disperse the people creating ruckus. Additional forces from some other local police stations were alerted and deployed to the spot. Senior police officials and district administration jointly acted on it and the situation was brought under control, a police personnel told IANS. Khargone district administration late on Sunday appealed to the people to restrain from spreading rumours and do not pay attention to any kind of misleading information. "The situation in the city is under control now. Do not pay attention to any kind of rumour and misleading information," S.S. Mujalda, additional collector of Khargone, said in an appeal late on Sunday. Similar violence also reported from Sendhwa town of Barwani district during Ram Navami procession. At least five-six people, including a police inspector, got injured in the incident. A place of worship was also vandalized. The situation in the district was under control by late evening, a police officer said. Boku Airport, Boku, Papua New Guinea [ BOQ / ] If you are planning to travel to Boku or any other city in Papua New Guinea, this airport locator will be a very useful tool. This page gives complete information about the Boku Airport along with the airport location map, Time Zone, lattitude and longitude, Current time and date, hotels near the airport etc... Boku Airport Map showing the location of this airport in Papua New Guinea. Boku Airport IATA Code, ICAO Code, exchange rate etc... is also provided. Boku Airport Info: Boku Airport IATA Code: BOQ Boku Airport ICAO Code: Latitude : -6.26667 Longitude : 155.217 City : Boku Country : Papua New Guinea World Area Code : 804 Airport Type : Small Timezone : Pacific/Port_Moresby Boku Airport Timezone : GMT +10:00 hours Current time and date at Boku Airport is 15:40:04 PM (+10) on Saturday, May 7, 2022 Looking for information on Boku Airport, Boku, Papua New Guinea? Know about Boku Airport in detail. Find out the location of Boku Airport on Papua New Guinea map and also find out airports near to Boku. This airport locator is a very useful tool for travelers to know where is Boku Airport located and also provide information like hotels near Boku Airport, airlines operating to Boku Airport etc... IATA Code and ICAO Code of all airports in Papua New Guinea. Scroll down to know more about Boku Airport or Boku Airport, Papua New Guinea. Boku Airport Map - Location of Boku Airport Load Map Papua New Guinea - General Information Country Formal Name Independent State of Papua New Guinea Country Code PG Capital Port Moresby Currency Kina (PGK) 1 PGK = 0.285 USD 1 USD = 3.51 PGK 1 PGK = 0.27 EUR 1 EUR = 3.702 PGK More PGK convertion rates Tel Code +675 Top Level Domain .pg This page provides all the information you need to know about Boku Airport, Papua New Guinea. This page is created with the aim of helping travelers and tourists visiting Papua New Guinea or traveling to Boku Airport. Details about Boku Airport given here include Boku Airport Code - IATA Code (3 letter airport codes) and ICAO Code (4 letter airport codes) Coordinates of Boku Airport - Latitude and Longitude (Lat and Long) of Boku Airport Location of Boku Airport - City Name, Country, Country Codes etc... Boku Airport Time Zone and Current time at Boku Airport Address and contact details of Boku Airport along with website address of the airport Clickable Location Map of Boku Airport on Google Map. General information about Papua New Guinea where Boku Airport is located in the city of Boku. General information include capital of Papua New Guinea, currency and conversion rate of Papua New Guinea currency, Telephone Country code, exchange rate against US Dollar and Euro in case of major world currencies etc... BOQ - Boku Airport IATA Code The lineup of sponsors and exhibitors will serve the latest technology, new solutions, and dynamic services that can help these leading professionals stay competitive, grow their business, and prepare for the future. Inman Group announced 31 real estate exhibitors for Inman Connect in New York, April 19 21, 2022. Its the 25th anniversary of these events. Inman Connect will welcome upwards of 4,000 agents, brokers, and real estate professionals for an event specially curated to deliver content, education, and opportunities needed for the industry of today. The lineup of speakers, panels, and tracks at this event includes the well-known and well-respected, the up-and-coming, as well as new faces with transformative energy. In the Expo Hall, the lineup of sponsors and exhibitors will serve the latest real estate technology, new solutions, and dynamic services that can help these leading professionals stay competitive, grow their business, and prepare for the future. Exhibitors will include: Agent Image agentimage.com Agent Image is recognized as the #1 real estate website design and digital marketing company in the world. A leading innovator with 20 years of experience, constantly setting trends with one-of-a-kind custom designs, striking imagery, and intuitive user experience. Agent Images commitment to extraordinary design and personalized attention makes them the first choice for top-producing agents, franchises, and independent brokers looking to take their online presence to new heights. ArturIn arturin.com/en/ ArturIn provides Real Estate Professionals with a digital marketing solution to increase productivity, customer and agent retention, brand awareness, referral reach, and more. ArturIn offers a digital marketing solution that is 100% automated built to protect the connections agents have built, increase their spheres knowledge of their business, and strengthen awareness of their brand. BoomTown! boomtownroi.com BoomTown has all the tools, technology, and teams needed for real estate success. Its the only solution that generates and manages leads, backed by 300+ experts. Their lead generation, consumer websites, CRM, lead qualification services, and more, come in flexible packages that scale with success. Brokermint brokermint.com Brokermint is a complete back office solution built for the cloud and mobile friendly. Simplifies and automates back office work, improving speed and accuracy. Data moves seamlessly throughout the process with no need to manually re-enter anything. Integrates with MLS, CRMs, Realogy Dash, and other tools. Structured implementation and responsive customer service. Additional professional services available. CINC cincpro.com CINC (Commissions Inc) is the leading provider of web-based real estate marketing and CRM software for elite agents and teams across North America. The CINC solution includes: a consumer website that integrates with local MLS data; a complete CRM platform that allows real estate agents to nurture clients and monitor their business; and access to three mobile apps. CubiCasa cubi.casa CubiCasa is the market leader in mobile indoor scanning known for its fast and easy-to-use floor plan app. Their technology is used in 138 different countries and has helped create over 1 million floor plans to date. CubiCasa provides technology for the real estate, appraisal, and mortgage industries. Curbio curbio.com Curbio is the leading pay-at-closing home improvement company for Realtors and their pre-listing projects, getting homes ready for market, with no payment due until the home is sold. Staffed by former Realtors, designers, and project managers, they are experts in pre-listing home improvement, focused on speed, simplicity, and customer experience. From simple repairs to whole home makeovers, Curbio helps ensure every listing is a success. Finance of America Commercial foacommercial.com As part of the Finance of America family of companies, Finance of America Commercial provides rental term loans and fix-and-flip lines of credit to residential real estate investors across the country, helping borrowers overcome traditional financing hurdles and build long-term wealth through real estate investment. FindAMortgageBroker.com, Powered by UWM Real estate professionals can elevate business with FindAMortgageBroker.com. They can partner with a local independent mortgage broker to get buyers a cheaper, faster, easier mortgage experience. Mortgage brokers utilize their industry expertise and resources to guide buyers through the home loan process every step of the way, getting them to the closing table faster and themselves paid sooner. HomeLight homelight.com HomeLight is building the future of real estate today. The best real estate agents rely on HomeLights platform to deliver better outcomes to homebuyers and sellers during every step of the real estate journey, whether that's enabling an all-cash offer, unlocking liquidity of their existing home to buy a new one, or creating certainty through a modern closing process. Each year, HomeLight facilitates billions of dollars of residential real estate business on its platform for thousands of agents. Homes.com | Homesnap Homes.com is one of the nations top home search portals and Homesnap is the leading real estate productivity and marketing tool that hundreds of thousands of real estate professionals rely on to manage their businesses. Homes.com and Homesnap are sister companies under CoStar Groups family of real estate brands. Together Homes.com and Homesnap get accurate, real-time real estate information to the people who need it. Inside Real Estate insiderealestate.com Inside Real Estate is a fast growing, independently-owned real estate software firm that serves as a trusted technology partner to over 200,000 top brokerages, agents and teams. Their flagship product, kvCORE Platform, is the most modern and comprehensive solution in the industry known for delivering profitable growth at every level of a brokerage organization. kvCORE enables every brokerage to create their own unique technology ecosystem through custom branding, robust integrations and high-quality add-on solutions. Inspectify inspectify.com Inspectify is the world's first tech-forward home inspection platform, focused on enhancing the experience for home buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. Inspectify makes it easy to compare certified and highly reviewed inspectors availability and book instantly online. Included repair cost estimates help real estate professionals save hours on every transaction so they can stay focused on what really matters. IXACT Contact ixactcontact.com IXACT Contact is a next-generation real estate CRM that gives real estate professionals all the tools they need to manage contact information, keep in touch communications, active business, and online presence. All in a single, easy-to-use solution. Localize localize.city/agents Localize is a lead conversion solution that nurtures raw leads into qualified homebuyers so agents never lose another deal. They are not just lead generation or a CRM. Localize specializes in lead conversion. They qualify, nurture, and convert agents existing leads through high-tech engagement with Hunter by Localize, a virtual assistant powered by artificial and human intelligence. Luxury Presence luxurypresence.com Luxury Presence is the leading marketing platform powering the world's elite real estate agents and brokers. They give agents a powerful way to grow their business with award-winning websites, expert-guided marketing strategies, and access to an exclusive referral network. After working with 4,000+ agents, including 20+ of the top 100 WSJ Agents, Luxury Presence helps build brands and cut through the noise with one, easy to use platform. Market Buy marketbuy.com Market Buy is an online offer management service for Realtors, Brokers and Agents that uses its proprietary world leading tech to allow offers to be placed digitally, and for those offers to be communicated in real time to all stakeholders in the real estate transaction, saving listing agents on average 2 hours per buyer per sale, giving them more time to grow their business. Matterport matterport.com Matterport is the leading spatial data company focused on digitizing and indexing the built world. They enable real estate professionals to create and share digital twins of the built world, which can be used to design, build, operate, promote and understand any space. They offer the most powerful, immersive, accessible and east-to-use spatial data platform in the world. New American Funding newamericanpartner.com New American Funding is one of the top real estate mortgage lenders in the Country. Dedicated to educating and helping all people improve their quality of living through homeownership. They offer many loan products, including a Buyer Accepted program to help compete with cash buyers. When partnering with them, agents can count on resources, marketing, and support to remain top of mind. NewHomePage newhomepage.com NewHomePage has been in business since 1988 specializing in marketing and large data analytics in the Real Estate Industry. Featuring their GeoLiveFarm.com product which turns Data into Dollars. Find Likely movers, Life Events. Agents can keep prospecting area updated and get informed of changes instantly. White Label solutions available that can make the agent's company be the provider while NewHomePage does all the work and support. Nodalview nodalview.com Founded in 2016, Nodalview is a European Proptech that today empowers more than 10,000 real estate professionals worldwide to better attract, engage, and qualify candidates online, by leveraging high quality property visuals including photos, virtual tours, and videos. planetRE planetre.com planetRE is a leading enterprise platform for real estate offering marketing, transaction and financial solutions under one cloud. It is enhanced now with new cutting edge AI and patented blockchain technology for agents to be an active player in the new real estate metaverse. Agents should be able to stand out tall in the market with differentiated marketing with both buyers and sellers. RateMyAgent ratemyagent.com RateMyAgent is a digital marketing platform built for great real estate agents to harness the power of verified reviews to validate, differentiate and grow business. From the Basic profile that brings all agents existing and future reviews together to create a complete view, to the robust Digital Pro subscription that brings that well-earned reputation to life. Revaluate revaluate.com Revaluate segments lists and databases for marketers by propensity to move. Their award winning third party validated accuracy is the best in the real estate industry at identifying people who are likely to move in the next six months. Marketers use this refined and targeted data to greatly increase the efficiency of their campaigns. Revive iloverevive.com Revive is a real estate services company that focuses on maximizing value and profit for home sellers. They believe that innovation for the homeowner in the real estate industry is overdue. They are on a mission to empower seller's across the nation to sell their home at top dollar by leveraging their expertise, capital, and network. Said simply, they invest for the homeowner's profit. Rocket Mortgage rocketmortgage.com Detroit-based Rocket Mortgage, the nations largest home mortgage lender and a part of Rocket Companies, enables the American Dream of homeownership and financial freedom through its obsession with an industry-leading, digital-driven client experience. In 2020, Rocket Companies launched Rocket Pro Insight, a new technology platform providing real estate agents real-time updates on the status of their clients mortgages. It allows agents to adjust their clients approval letter within the clients approved range, an important tool when negotiating offers. Also, if a real estate professional sees a key document is needed, the agent can upload it for the client in the app. As of the end of Q1 2021, 45,000 agents were leveraging Rocket Pro Insight. ShowingTime showingtime.com ShowingTime is the leading showing management and market stats technology provider to the residential real estate industry, with more than 1.2 million active listings subscribed to its services. Its showing products take the inefficiencies out of the appointment scheduling process, while its market stats tools help subscribers generate interactive, easy-to-use local market reports, including recruiting software that equips brokers to identify top performers and measure their market share vs. competitors. SIMCA simcarealestate.com/realtors SIMCA has built real estate along the Yucatan peninsula to Playa del Carmen and Tulum for +16 years, and completed over 30 residential developments. From High performing Investment condos to Luxury, they are recognized as the #1 Developer in Mexicos Southeast. Their goal is to help Brokers & Agents provide the best Investment, Vacation Rental or Second home property in Mexico, to their buyers. They also offer a 6% referral program. Tavant tavant.com As a trusted digital partner for 20+ years, Tavant delivers growth for its customers across a multitude of industries, with an emphasis on Fintech and Proptech. Leading the implementation of next-gen technologies, their AI-powered, data-centric products and custom solutions enable businesses to improve operational efficiency, productivity, speed, accuracy and modernize the homebuying experience. The Neighborhood Connection theneighborhoodconnection.com TheNeighborhoodConnection.com provides agents with their very own professionally produced real estate magazine, mailed to their exclusive neighborhood on a regular basis. Personally branded, fully customizable and with a digital campaign targeting their farm and website. Agents can generate leads and close listing appointments with elevated branding and create a stronger relationship with their farming neighborhood, build credibility, and separate themselves from the competition. Very Social verysocialnyc.com Very Social is a creative agency specializing in building and amplifying the brands of real estate professionals through tailored social media strategies. Their network includes a full creative studio for all photo, video, and copywriting needs. Whether agents want to elevate their online presence or get started from scratch, Very Social helps build and grow brands. Inman Connect will take place live in New York and online April 19-21, 2022. The best and the brightest in real estate and technology are expected to attend. For information on how to receive a press pass, please contact rachel@inman.com. About Inman | Inman News is the leading real estate news source for real estate agents, Realtors, brokers, real estate executives, and real estate technology leaders who need the latest real estate news, insights and analysis to grow their business and stay ahead of the competition. For more information, visit http://www.inman.com. CRO:NYX Digital announced that it has reached the platinum tier of HubSpots Solutions Partner Program in the most recent Tier update.This achievement was reached in partnership with HubSpot, a leading CRM platform, who works hand-in-hand with partner experts to grow their clients' businesses through inbound software, services, and support. The Solutions Partner Program is an ecosystem of experts that offer marketing, sales, customer service, web design, CRM, and IT services. Its a global community that believes putting customers first is the key to growth, and enables its members to offer a wide breadth of more sophisticated solutions across the entire customer experience. To achieve status as a platinum tier solutions partner, partners must show that they are experts in the HubSpot ecosystem by meeting thresholds for number of clients served, client retention and the overall health of those client accounts. Over the past year, CRO:NYX Digital has grown its business by incorporating inbound strategies to attract, engage, and delight customers. After winning the HubSpot Impact Award for Website Design for Cayman Enterprise Citys new website in Q1 2021 they have worked with many other companies to launch award-worthy websites in the HubSpot CMS. One of the few agencies in the Caribbean with the expertise to implement custom integrations with HubSpot, CRO:NYX Digital has become the agency of choice for custom HubSpot CMS & CRM projects in the region. Their in-depth HubSpot experience has made them the HubSpot partner of choice for key regional and international clients. 2021 Notable milestones and achievements for CRO:NYX Digital include: HubSpot Impact Award Winner for Website Design Cayman Islands Marketing Agency of the Year Global Agency Awards Breakthrough Agency of the Year Runner Up "Reaching the Platinum Partner tier is a major accomplishment and speaks to the quality of work CRO:NYX Digital delivers consistently to their clients. We at HubSpot could not be more proud of the CRO:NYX Digital team in becoming a Platinum Partner," said HubSpot Channel Sales veteran, Jessie Gonzalez. "What makes Tanya and her team truly remarkable is their skill in identifying gaps and bottlenecks in their clients' marketing and sales operations that are often missed. I have seen time and again, how the CRO:NYX Digital team is able to turn problems into solutions that translate to their clients seeing quick success for their businesses. There are no limits for this incredible award-winning team, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for our partnership." From April 2124, Chacruna hosts the Religion and Psychedelics Forum, a four-day conference featuring some of the most exciting and diverse voices on aspects of this essential topic, from the neuroscience of visionary experiences to Indigenous traditions, interfaith dialogue, and ancient religious history. On April 21st, there will be an in-person Opening Event at the Brava Cabaret, in the Mission, in San Francisco, CA. The panels on April 22-24 will be entirely online. Conference passes ($129+ele) are on sale now. The psychedelic renaissance is at a pivotal moment. As the medico-pharmacological paradigm continues to gain ground and grab headlines, and commodification of psychedelics advances, recentering psychedelics spiritual-religious roots is more vital than ever. The significance of religion has been noticeably neglected amid the fanfare surrounding the new psychedelic era. The Religion and Psychedelics Forum will help rectify this oversight by illuminating the historical, social, and ethical dimensions of psychedelic spirituality. Through online panels and discussions with the worlds foremost leading thinkers, visionaries, and scholars on the topic, we will explore the role psychedelics have played in the history of religion, as well as religions role in the psychedelic renaissance, and well look at how emerging fields, such as psychedelic chaplaincy, position the spiritual psychedelic experience. Award-winning journalist and author Erik Davis, also a presenter and part of Chacrunas Advisory Board, notes that psychological healing is not the whole picture. Psychedelics trigger experiences and stimulate questions that take us beyond the familiar maps of modernity. From the problem of mystical experiences to the emergence of psychedelic chaplains, from existential challenges to the central importance of Indigenous cosmovisions, psychedelics are now forcing us to confront the elephant in the room: the dimension of the sacred and our relation to it. Chacrunas Religion and Psychedelics Forum will be one of the broadest gatherings of scholars, religious experts, and practitioners to explore these questions. Other presenters include Chacruna Executive Director Dr. Bia Labate, Indigenous leader Chief Niwana Huni Kui, psychiatry and neuroscience professor Dr. Rachel Yehuda, Rabbi Zac Kamenetz, poet and activist Anne Waldman, educator and mycologist Darren Springer, lawyer and Immortality Key author Brian C. Muraresku, comedian and writer Adam Strauss, cannabis and psychedelic journalist Madison Margolin, professor and psychedelic writer Dr. Nicholas Powers, physician-writer Dr. Mellody Hayes, molecular and cell biologist Dr. David Presti, MAPS Global Impact Officer Natalie Lyla Ginsberg, and more. The Religion and Psychedelics forum is made possible by the generous contribution of some of our long-standing allies and some of the most relevant organizations on the psychedelic landscape and, such as: Reconsider, Shift, Dr. Bronner's All-one, MAPS, Ligare, Synthesis, RiverStyx Foundation, Ajna Biosciences, Clark Howell and the Center for the Study of World Religions from Harvard's Divinity School. As with all Chacruna Institute programming, a focus on representation and justice will be central to our discussions. The conference highlights thought leaders from historically marginalized communities and recognizes those communities singular contributions to the topic. Programming includes conversations on the use of sacred plants in Indigenous Brazilian communities and Brazilian spiritual traditions, the connection between psychedelics and the world of the ancestors, and how psychedelics can support healing justice. Psychedelics in Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, and new Earth religions will be topics of other panels that bridge Antiquity and our contemporary moment. An Abrahamic interfaith dialogue, featuring leaders and practitioners from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions, will explore how psychedelic experiences can be understood within the context of these belief systems. While conference sessions will be fully online, attendees are invited to an in-person opening event at the Brava Theater Cabaret (2781 24th St.) in San Francisco, with Bia Labate, Erik Davis, Joe Tafur, Sean McAllister, Michael Ziegler, and Adam Strauss ($35). Psychologists may also sign up to receive continuing education credits through the APA-approved Spiritual Competency Resource Center. About Chacruna Institute The Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization co-founded by Brazilian anthropologist Dr. Bia Labate and American psychologist Dr. Clancy Cavnar, based in Northern California and with strong ties to Brazil and Mexico. We promote reciprocity in the psychedelic community, and support the protection of sacred plants and cultural traditions. We advance psychedelic justice through curating critical conversations and uplifting the voices of women, queer people, Indigenous peoples, people of color, and the Global South in the field of psychedelic science. Contact Information Francisco Rivarola Chacruna Institute francisco@chacruna.net tel:4153906157 [415-390-6157 __title__ null] Roswell Park's Dr. Grace Dy is presenting findings from the international CodeBreaK 100 study of sotorasib for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer today at the AACR annual meeting. The results weve seen at two years show a pronounced benefit, with more than 40% of patients on this study experiencing a partial or complete response to sotorasib. New data to be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2022 in New Orleans show that patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received the targeted therapy sotorasib experienced extended survival and good quality of life. Grace Dy, MD, who led the study at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, will present the longest-term data available from the multicenter CodeBreaK100 clinical trial in a plenary presentation today. Sotorasib, also known as Lumakras, is a targeted anticancer therapy granted accelerated Food and Drug Administration approval in May 2021 for treatment for adult patients with NSCLC whose tumors have a specific genetic alteration G12C mutation of the KRAS gene and whose tumors worsened and/or persisted despite earlier treatment. This orally administered drug is the first approved targeted therapy for any KRAS-mutated malignancy. KRAS G12C mutations represent about 13% of mutations in non-small cell lung cancers. The data to be reported at AACR 2022 are the most inclusive and long-term clinical results to date on sotorasib, providing both two-year survival analysis and biomarker analysis for 174 patients treated as part of phases 1 and 2 of CodeBreaK100. One- and 2-year overall survival for patients on the study, Dr. Dy and colleagues report, was 50.8% and 32.5%, respectively considerably extended over a comparison to historical survival for patients treated with standard therapies for NSCLC. The results weve seen at two years show a pronounced benefit, with more than 40% of patients on this study experiencing a partial or complete response to sotorasib, says Dr. Dy, who is Chief of Thoracic Oncology and Professor of Oncology at Roswell Park. While KRAS mutations are so common in lung cancer it has been notoriously hard to develop targeted therapy against these mutations. Were very grateful to have had early access to this first-in-class therapy for our patients at Roswell Park, and eagerly look forward to the results from the randomized phase 3 CodeBreaK 200 trial comparing sotorasib to standard chemotherapy. Long-term treatment with sotorasib was well tolerated among patients on this study, with only mild toxicities in majority of patients and no additional safety concerns noted in the second year of follow-up. Biomarker analyses of tumor and blood samples showed that long-term clinical benefit was seen regardless of the tumor mutation burden, PDL1 expression or STK11 co-mutation status. The study was sponsored by Amgen. Dr. Dy will highlight these findings Sunday, April 10, both in an afternoon oral presentation and in an AACR press conference at 11 a.m. CT onsite at the meeting. Her talk is CT008 - Long-term outcomes with sotorasib in pretreated KRASp.G12C-mutated NSCLC: 2-year analysis of CodeBreaK100, to be presented at 4:31 p.m. CT in Great Hall AD of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. ### Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancers grip on humanity by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. Learn more at http://www.roswellpark.org, or contact us at 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or ASKRoswell@RoswellPark.org. creates custom carbon offset plans tailored to both enterprise and family sustainability needs and impact goals, and wants to mitigate 50% of global CO2 emissions by 2040. Ecologi began as a non-profit, aiming to be the Spotify or Netflix of tailored carbon offsetting solutions and believing that the non-profit model aligned with their altruistic vision, but the founders soon realized they could do more as a business and so the platform recently closed a seed investment round of $5.7 million from blue chip venture capital fund General Catalyst alongside Entree Capital. General Catalyst has supported household names like AirBnB, Deliveroo, Snapchat, Stripe, Classpass, and Oscar Health, among many others. Ecologi later shunned venture capital money and raised another $4.6 million from innovative crowdfunding service Crowdcube. Half of the worlds emissions have happened within the lifetime of a 30-year old millennial, and Ecologis roadmap for the $8 million warchest to continue to build out its carbon offset and climate-positive projects. Ecologis monthly carbon offsetting subscription model allows both consumers and businesses to reduce their own environmental footprint by contributing to climate positive projects around the world. With the ability to customize a family or enterprise plan or select an individual plan which starts at $10.40 a month, Ecologi users are able to track exactly how their monthly subscription is counteracting flights, online purchases and other personal activities contributing to their footprint within their personalized dashboard. Customers can also choose to direct their monthly payment toward local or international carbon-reducing projects as well. Subscribers have access to Ecologi's finances and supply chains via their website, and can also see where their trees have been planted thanks to satellite footage and photos, and the company also puts all receipts, certificates, board minutes and financial statements all up on their public ledger, a transparent and free to view google doc. Ecologi user-base counts over 35,000 individuals and businesses and in total, the company has planted over 25 million trees and offset 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. The majority of these trees were planted across Madagascar, Mozambique, Nicaragua, the United States, Australia, the U.K. and Kenya. Projects the company has supported include protecting peatlands in Indonesia and producing energy from landfill gas in Turkey and from waste rice husks in India. In early 2022 Ecologi also plans to launch Ecologi Zero, an innovative real-time carbon footprinting software for businesses. Ecologi competes with other carbon footprinting SaaS startups such as Normative, Spherics, and Plan A. +++ This article originally appeared in the PSFK iQ report, Retailing For Profit & Purpose. If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here. Submit When: Friday, April 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Where: Room 3.1, Centre For Commercial Law Studies, 67-69 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A , Book now We are delighted that Sudhanshu Swaroop QC from Twenty Essex Chambers will give the first Friday Lecture of the year on 22nd April 12:30pm to 1:30pm. If you are unable to join in person you will be sent details to join on Zoom. About the speaker Sudhanshu practices arbitration, commercial and public international law. His public international practice has included some of the leading cases of recent times and covers immunities, investment treaties, law of the sea, international environmental law and human rights. Recent work includes: Re Al M (proceedings concerning the children of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Her Royal Highness Princess Haya bint Al Hussein); Reyes v Al-Malki (diplomatic immunity, Supreme Court); R v Reeves Taylor (the meaning of torture under international law, Supreme Court); Freedom and Justice Party v FCO (immunity and customary international law, Court of Appeal); The Enrica Lexie Incident, Italy v India (high-prole law of the sea dispute, Permanent Court of Arbitration, acting for Italy). His investment treaty work involves acting for states and investors, both in arbitration and in related court proceedings. Sudhanshus commercial practice encompasses shipping, international trade, energy, natural resources, banking and insurance. He acts regularly in challenges to the jurisdiction of the English courts, applications for freezing orders and other urgent relief and enforcement. He has particular experience of group and tort claims against multinational corporations, having acted in several of the important English cases. These include Chandler v Cape, on the duty of care owed by a parent company. Drawing on his background in public international and commercial law, Sudhanshu has developed expertise in climate change. He is currently acting for the United Kingdom in Duarte Agostinho v Portugal and others, the rst case on climate change in the European Court of Human Rights. He is also acting in the United Nations Human Rights Committee in Torres Strait Islanders v Australia, which concerns a complaint about Australias record on fossil fuel emissions and its failure to protect the islands from rising sea levels. Both cases have attracted worldwide media coverage. Sudhanshu has been recognised as one of The Lawyer magazines Hot 100 lawyers and is described as A superb strategist and technician, one to keep on speed-dial for important cases (The Legal 500 UK Bar 2020). Sudhanshu accepts appointments as an arbitrator. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 04/10/2022 ADVERTISEMENT [ Spoiler Warning: This report contains spoilers on the current status of Ella and Johnny's relationship and whether they are still a couple or have broken up]. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT So did Ella and Johnny call it quits on their relationship or is the : Before the 90 Days couple still together now? ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. : Before the 90 Days couple Ella Johnson and Johnny Chao had yet to meet each other in-person by the time the Tell-All event filmed, so did Ella give up on the relationship and have she and Johnny split, or do spoilers reveal that Ella and Johnny are still together now?Ella, a 29-year-old from Idaho Falls, ID, said she's always struggled with being overweight and desires attention from men, which has resulted in some unhealthy relationships in her past.Since she hadn't found much luck dating in Idaho, Ella decided to start looking for her fantasy on international dating apps and websites."I found a social media page called 'Asian men, white women," and that is where I found my Asian prince," Ella revealed. "Johnny is from China. He is 34 years old. He has an amazing smile and his eyes are just perfect."Ella said despite being from different countries, she and Johnny had a surprising amount in common."I am this western girl who has this Asian obsession and he's kind of like this Asian man who has a western-culture obsession, and we both love anime," Ella shared.The pair had officially become girlfriend and boyfriend about six months prior to the start of taping : Before the 90 Days. However, they had been talking for a year-and-a-half and had been communicating every single day.Ella wanted to spend her life with Johnny, who had told Ella that he'd like to buy a big house and welcome children together.But due to the coronavirus pandemic and government restrictions, Ella could not travel to China. Johnny therefore applied for a travel visa to visit Ella in Idaho, and she gushed about being "so friggin' excited" to be together in-person.Johnny seemed to really care about Ella, and he planned to help her lose weight by cooking her meals and being supportive in America.But Ella's mother Debbie feared Johnny was trying to take advantage of her daughter and may be after a green card.Debbie said it was hard to trust that this would be "the real thing" for Ella, who had apparently been hurt and played by a foreign love -- an Indian man she met online -- before.But Ella believed Johnny was The One and he wasn't after American citizenship, especially since he has a five-year-old son named Stony in China.Johnny is divorced and Stony apparently lives with his grandparents so that Johnny can travel for his job. Johnny, who has full custody, was seeing his child a couple times a month while Stony's mother had allegedly started a whole new family."I'm excited to be a mom, but we're going to focus on us for a while. And then once we establish a good foundation, then hopefully we'll get to bring Stony over [to the U.S.]," Ella explained to her girlfriends while out to lunch.Ella, however, struggled to trust Johnny because her ex had really devastated her, especially through his refusal to be intimate with her.She wasn't sure if Johnny would still be attracted to her in-person.Meanwhile, Johnny told the cameras that Ella "has a beautiful face" and "fantastic" personality, but he seemed to have an issue with her size and "belly."But Johnny said he's attracted to American women because they are "very sexy" and tend to be more independent than the women he was meeting in China."I hope I become a redneck cowboy. Like yee-haw!" Johnny exclaimed.Johnny said he'd be willing to quit his job as an electrical car manufacturer and stop renting his place in Shanghai because Ella had gotten him through his "darkest days."Johnny therefore wanted to apply for a Singapore visa, where he would quarantine for two weeks before entering the United States. He intended to propose marriage to Ella by the end of his trip.Johnny was scared, however, about leaving his son and potentially getting stuck in America for a long time due to the coronavirus pandemic. He was seemingly having doubts about his trip, and Ella feared Johnny would ultimately determine she's not worth the hassle.Johnny's Singapore visa was then denied, and so Ella decided she and Johnny should meet up in Dubai since he wouldn't need a visa to travel there.Johnny initially agreed to Dubai, but when the trip got closer, he had another change of heart. Ella thought Johnny was just coming up with "ridiculous" excuses, and it made her question everything.Ella was tired of having to wait for Johnny, especially since he was vaccinated and had bought an entire safety suit for his travels.Over FaceTime, Johnny pointed out to Ella how his medical bills would be very expensive if he needed to be hospitalized in the United States, but Ella said the situation wasn't risky enough for Johnny to cancel their plans and postpone their love.Johnny worried that if he got sick, he would be unable to provide for his family, but Johnny's hesitation and reservations were causing Ella "emotional trauma.""This is on you. I am not going to change my opinion. I want you here now. That is where I stand -- no exceptions," Ella told her boyfriend.Ella told the cameras that she felt "enraged and super devastated" and if Johnny wasn't willing to commit to her, she'd have to let him go and move on."Johnny means the absolute world to me. I need to touch him, I need to kiss him, I need to see for sure what's going to happen when we're together," Ella explained in a confessional.But Johnny ultimately decided he couldn't meet her in Dubai because if he got sick, he'd have to quarantine for five weeks before being able to return to China.Johnny asked Ella to wait until February, which was asking Ella to wait another seven months to meet him, which left her feeling shocked and uncertain about their future together."I hope she doesn't think I have less love for her because I am more cautious," Johnny shared with the cameras.Ella then admitted to Johnny that she had cuddled with a close guy friend one lonely evening and they ended up having sex. Ella said the event just happened because she was feeling "so distraught and so upset" about Johnny's "wishy-washy" behavior.Ella said some of her self-worth was tied up in receiving physical attention from men and it had been really hard to be alone for a year-and-a-half. She called it "a weak moment" but told the cameras how she'd rather be honest than be a liar.Johnny admitted it was really hard to hear this news, but Ella insisted, "I still love you."Johnny claimed he wasn't mad because their relationship was complicated and he hadn't fulfilled his end of things. Johnny therefore planned to meet her in February and fix their relationship."I just don't know where we should stand right now," Ella noted, before getting emotional. "I need you to see how much I am upset with you not being able to come now."Johnny promised he'd fly to see her in February even if the world was on fire or he'd have to fly through a tornado, but Ella didn't really believe him.Ella cried and said, "I want my person and I think he's my person, so I think I'm just going to have to wait. I don't think that my heart will let me rest if I don't give this last chance."On Part 1 of the Tell-All special for : Before the 90 Days' fifth season, Ella was the only cast member who hadn't actually met her significant other in-person yet, and that made her feel very sad and deflated.Ella also worried about her fellow co-stars attacking her for an "animalistic" moment of weakness when she had betrayed Johnny and slept with a male friend."Johnny is an amazing man, and I did him wrong," Ella admitted.But according to a preview for Part 2 of the Tell All, Ella wrong Johnny more than once and apparently slept with another guy while trying to make a long-distance romance with her Asian prince work.Johnny took to social media in mid-March and suggested he and Ella are still an item and going strong, even though they continue to date long distance.Johnny called himself "wrong" for pushing back all of his trips to meet Ella."I know I [left] her heartbroken. And she is very young, age 28, a girl's valuable age and... [it's] hard to fly in and out of China," Johnny wrote.Johnny suggested Ella's choice to sleep with another man was not a dealbreaker for him."I agreed to have open relationship. I told her if someone is better than me I will and must let her go. It is unfair to just let her waiting hopeless and also without clear timeline, it is a cruel thing i aware it," he concluded.And on March 14, Johnny wrote to Ella on Instagram, "I wanna say I still have confidence in you and love you."Johnny repeated how it was wrong of him to delay their meeting and he takes "90 percent responsibility for what happened.""I struggled [to] fly out, because China is still lockdown and travel ban means can fly out but barely with flights can come back to China," Johnny explained."Those are flights information from LA to Shanghai City in whole June and July without ticket until in August with 3 flights but each ticket price over 10000 bucks."It therefore appears Ella and Johnny are still waiting for their first in-person meeting.While Ella hasn't written anything about Johnny in the last month on her own Instagram account, Johnny has gushed about Ella on more than one occasion."I do not know much about western women but I believe most of people are good," Johnny said, defending his girlfriend against haters.Johnny said he had delayed Ella two years and so he does "not blame her too much" for being with another guy."I just wish pandemic never happened then things will not so hard," Johnny lamented.One of Johnny's followers, however, wrote how he deserves better than an unfaithful woman."I did not watch that part, that gonna be painful to watch it," Johnny wrote in his Instagram comments."Thanks for your encourage and support, I keep delayed many times did not dare to step forward we both must learn from our mistakes... I think both of us need to be brave and more grow up."And Ella and Johnny were definitely still a couple in February.Ella posted a photo of Johnny on Instagram on February 16 and captioned it, "Another man crush Monday I just couldn't resist he looks so handsome and I love it. #90dayfiancebeforethe90days #90dayfiance #manchrushmonday #loveislove #asianlover."Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage! By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 04/10/2022 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. alums Kaitlyn Bristowe and Jason Tartick are still in the early stages of their wedding planning, but the couple has revealed some must-haves and details they've already decided on for their big day."We're putting a lot of pressure on ourselves to make it perfect, which definitely has led to things being delayed a little bit more than we expected," Jason told People in a joint interview with his fiancee.Kaitlyn, who starred on 's eleventh season, and Jason, who competed on the show's fourteenth edition, got engaged in May 2021 after two years of dating, and Jason predicted last month their wedding is going to take place in early 2023 Kaitlyn, however, still has her sights set on a Fall 2022 wedding in Nashville, TN -- where the couple currently lives -- if she and Jason can get everything together by then."We haven't scratched the surface of what we would get into with wedding planning," Kaitlyn, 36, admitted to the magazine.Jason, 33, shared how the pair has already hired a wedding planner but they still need to book a venue for their nuptials."I want to go big on food, the venue, the whole experience," Kaitlyn shared. "I want people to walk in and be like, 'Oh my gosh, this is unlike any other wedding we've been to.' I want a champagne fountain."Kaitlyn said she'd like to serve her Spade & Sparrows wine at the wedding and invite some familiar faces from Bachelor Nation, namely Whitney Bischoff , whom Kaitlyn competed against on Chris Soules ' edition of The Bachelor and is still "so close" with.As for Jason, he told People that his fellow 14 alum Blake Horstmann "has got to be there" as well as Jared Haibon from Kaitlyn's season.Jason also remained friends with his season's star, Becca Kufrin , who will also receive an invitation to the lavish affair."I think there will be a good amount of Bachelor people," Jason said of the guest list."And then because Kaitlyn is literally tied at the hip with these pros from Dancing with the Stars, some of them will be invited. That'll be a wild dance floor."Kaitlyn -- who recently toured with the Dancing with the Stars cast after winning Season 29 with her pro partner Artem Chigvintsev -- even revealed how she'd like pro dancer Daniella Karagach, who won Season 30 of the show, "to choreograph our first dance."But Jason admitted he's going to be a little shy on the dance floor, knowing he can't keep up with the pros."I watch Kaitlyn, but I won't dance in front of her," Jason confessed. "There was one time I went to the bar with every Dancing with the Stars pros and Kaitlyn, and I've never in my life felt so intimidated. So I just watch."The pair also look forward to gathering both of their families in the same room given Jason's loved ones are from Buffalo, NY, and Kaitlyn's clan hails from Canada."Our families and friends are so spread apart between Western Canada and Eastern states, this will be the first and last time that all these people who made us are in one room," Jason said.In the meantime, Kaitlyn is excited about her upcoming bachelorette party that will be held in Miami, FL."I used to not like Miami," Kaitlyn noted. "I used to think it was just full of douche canoes. But I don't have to go to the club scene and get bottle service. There's a lot of good restaurants there and beaches."When Kaitlyn revealed her initial October 2022 wedding plans, she said she and Jason had decided on the guest count being "300 or less."Kaitlyn, who co-hosted 's seventeenth and eighteenth seasons with Tayshia Adams , disclosed in June 2021 how she had been picturing a Great Gatsby-like, black-tie event -- very glam, which is so opposite of what I thought I would want.""Because four years ago, I would have been like, 'I want bohemian. I want it farm-style.' I just keep changing my mind," she said.Kaitlyn had previously been engaged to her 11 winner Shawn Booth , but the pair never seemed to get deep into wedding planning and announced their split in November 2018 after three years of dating.Kaitlyn also added at the time how she and Jason envisioned their nuptials being "super-chic" with a reception that includes "a band, a deejay and a piano man," who will conduct a sing-a-long during the evening.Kaitlyn also previously wanted Artem to choreograph her first dance with Jason as man and wife, although those plans have apparently changed as of recently.Kaitlyn first met Jason while taping an episode of her "Off the Vine" podcast in October 2018, and he took her out on their first date in January 2019.Jason -- who finished Becca Kufrin 's season in third place in 2018 -- moved from his place in Seattle, WA, to live with Kaitlyn in Nashville in June 2019. The couple has since adopted two dogs together.Kaitlyn initially found fame when she appeared on The Bachelor's nineteenth season in 2015.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group About the author: Marta Turnbull is the co-founder of Up North Pride, owner of Up North and Away and a Traverse City West graduate. She lived and worked in Kyiv, Ukraine from 2018-2020. More information about her Ukrainian fundraising efforts and local events can be found at upnorthandaway.com/ukraine. At the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, Dodds graduating class is split in half. Then toward the end of the semester, each section is given one week for their work to be displayed in galleries across the art schools main building. Inside the data Out of 236 fatal non-suicide drug overdoses among Vermont residents in 2021, 210 89 percent involved opioids. The remainder were related to stimulants, alcohol, huffing or prescribed medications. Cocaine was involved in 48 percent of all opioid-related fatal overdoses. A combination of cocaine and fentanyl was involved in 46 percent of all opioid-related fatal overdoses. Males comprised 69 percent of 2021 accidental and undetermined opioid-related fatal overdoses. Women comprised 31 percent. The average age of death was 41 and the median age was 40. Fifty-six percent of opioid overdose deaths occurred among persons between the ages of 30 and 49. Among all accidental and undetermined opioid-related fatal overdoses, 94 percent were white non-Hispanic Vermont residents. Darren Lenois, of Bellows Falls, Vt., forges around the riverbank near the Connecticut River, in Walpole, N.H., for fiddleheads on Monday, May 2, 2022. Beckley, WV (25801) Today Occasional rain. High 56F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Showers in the evening, then cloudy overnight. Low 43F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Innovation is happening all around us. Every day, new buildings are proposed, science introduces new forms of technology and the past fades away. However, there are still some places in Connecticut where the past remains in physical form. There are abandoned castles, theme parks and power plants that tell the tales of times long ago and not so long ago. Theres something about these spaces that tells us mystery still exists in the world, and history really can be a tangible thing that points us to where were going by reminding us of where weve been. Read on for more about these currently or previously abandoned places in Connecticut. NOTE: Please keep in mind that these sites are not open to the public but can be viewed in some cases from public areas. Please respect warning signs and keep a safe distance. Pleasure Beach Bridgeport John Burgeson / John Burgeson Once a bustling seaside amusement park, this stretch of beach was abandoned after a fire in 1997 burned the only bridge leading to the beach between Bridgeport and Stratford. In 2009 and 2010, most of the carnival rides and beach cottages were fully demolished after the fire department declared them a fire hazard. The property was blocked off for a time, with some buildings remaining, like an octagon theater building and a pavilion that can be seen from the other side of the perimeter fence. In 2014, the beach reopened with a seasonal concession stand and ferry service to and from the beach. Fairfield Hills Hospital H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media Fairfield Hills Hospital, an old abandoned psychiatric hospital in Newtown, has had quite the history. It opened in the 1930s and ran for 60 years until it shut down in 1995. The following year, it was featured as a set piece in the movie Sleepers, which featured Brad Pitt, Robert DeNiro and Minnie Driver. Adding to the spook factor, the hospital featured a series of underground tunnels which have been filled in. The town has been in the process of repurposing the land, but some of it remains in its original state for now. Johnsonville Village Courtesy of JWeags Photography Johnsonville Village, an abandoned mill town, looks something like that scene out of Big Fish you know the one. Theres that little town with no roads and no one wears shoes and everything is grassy and picturesque. These abandoned buildings look more like the set for a Ghibli movie than anything else. The town has also passed through many hands over the years, with owners planning to turn the land into a tourist attraction and then a hotel, and then a residential area. All of those plans fell through and Johnsonville faced the elements it was even struck by lightning until it fell into disrepair and remained abandoned for 20 years. In 2017, it was purchased by religious group Iglesia Ni Christo, which has other Connecticut locations in Stamford and Bristol. The church does not allow anyone on the property. Hearthstone Castle H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media There are BIG Narnia vibes in Danbury where a crumbling castle sits in the woods. Is it enchanted? Cant say for sure, though my scientist friends all tell me a resounding no. The castle was originally built in 1896 by photographer E. Starr Sanford. It passed through the hands of several owners over the years until the City of Danbury purchased it in 1985. As of January 2021, the castle is blocked off the public as it undergoes construction to make it safe for visitors. English Station Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media This abandoned New Haven power plant is housed in an imposing brick building. It was constructed in 1924 as a plant for United Illuminating and closed 1991; the company sold the building nine years later. United Illuminating is responsible for cleaning up the site, which is considered dangerous to enter due to the hazardous materials like asbestos found inside. As of this month, the clean-up is still delayed and is three years behind schedule. Nike Missile Site Autumn Driscoll / Autumn Driscoll This missile site was built in 1956 during the Cold War and was just one of 12 such sites in the state of Connecticut. Its located in Meshomasic State Forest and can be accessed via Del Reeves Road, though the journey has to be made on foot. The control site has been demolished but the launch site remains, grown over by the forest. sarajane.sullivan@hearstmediact.com, @bysarajane on Twitter WARSAW, Poland (AP) Air travel authorities in Poland are warning travellers of possible flight delays and cancellations at Warsaws airport due to a protest and some flight controllers quitting their jobs. The protest is in reaction to changes made in January to the functioning of the flight regulatory body, the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency, as well as to allegations that it was not properly ensuring airspace security. The controllers have also criticized the new salary system, although it allows those most experienced to earn up to 45,000 zlotys ($10,500) a month. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate PARIS (AP) Beer flowed at incumbent Emmanuel Macrons celebration of his first-round victory in the French presidential election, while Champagne corks popped across town to mark far-right leader Marine Le Pens second-place showing. It was a night of effervescence for both contenders and their supporters ahead of a showdown in two weeks to see who will become Frances chief of state for the next five years. The two will be revisiting their 2017 match when centrist Macron, then an upstart never before elected to office, won by a landslide. Flags, the national anthem and cheers fueled with drinks as different as the programs of the two contenders marked the end of a campaign that left 10 other candidates on the sidelines. Macron was expected to capture a healthy first-round lead of around 28% support, ahead of Le Pens 23%-24%, according to projections. Final official results were not yet available. One, two, five more years, Marcon's supporters cried out. Marine president and We will win, the hundreds of guests at Le Pens electoral party chanted. Now, everything is possible, said Aurelien Lopez Liguori, a municipal councilor for Le Pens National Rally party, in the southern town of Sete. Macron will finally answer to the French people for his bad record. He credited Le Pens mostly quiet, close-to-the-people campaign, far from TV cameras, for her showing. The French thanked us tonight. It was anything but quiet at Le Pen's electoral venue in a park in eastern Paris. Cheers drowned out parts of her speech when poll projections were announced. Le Pen, 53, a solid nationalist, has revamped her program and her style, campaigning on buying power and going decidedly people-friendly, to further distance herself from the far-right image that has haunted her anti-immigration party, work she began when she took over a decade ago. She has campaigned since September, longer than any other candidate, and as the campaign wound down took off in opinion polls. In contrast, Macron, 44, came late to the campaign trail, occupied with affairs of state, including his active role in trying to stop the war in Ukraine. He has dominated polls from the start, but some in his entourage worried aloud about Le Pens steady advance. Supporter Julien Bon said he was joyful with Sunday nights results. Its better than what we had expected, he said, referring to recent opinion polls. We are well on track. Now we must fight. Le Pens supporters at her electoral party came from around France and beyond. I couldnt support Marine Le Pen with my vote, but I would if I were French, said Hungarian guest Agnes Zsofia Magyar, who met Le Pen during the French politicians visit to Budapest to support leader Victor Orban and his nationalist Fidesz party. She works in Brussels with the party-linked Foundation for a Civil Hungary. I am sure that the French have decided to change systems, Magyar said, anticipating a Le Pen victory in the April 24 runoff and alluding to the drastic differences that populist Le Pen and pro-European Union Macron represent. Macron asked his supporters to applaud all 10 candidates eliminated from Sunday's race, naming each, including far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon, who came in third. Melenchon gave his own orders at his electoral gathering: We must not give a single vote to Le Pen. I think Marine Le Pen has a big chance of winning, said Gilles Lebreton, a European Parliament lawmaker for the far-right party. Her party counts on winning over supporters of Eric Zemmour, a far-right pundit whose decision to enter the race divided Le Pen's support base. For Le Pens National Rally, the second round begins Monday when Lebreton said party officials would meet to plan strategy for the second round. ___ Associated Press writer Sylvie Corbet contributed to this report. COLUMBUS, Ga. (AP) A cancer survivorship training program that provides free personal training to support Columbus cancer survivors resumed April 4 after a two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is the result of a collaboration between the West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition and the YMCA of Metropolitan Columbus, Georgia. It is an eight-week program that provides one-on-one personal training for cancer survivors to help them build muscular and cardiovascular strength, flexibility and endurance. The program is free for participants, said Cheryl Johnson, president and CEO of the WCGCC. They dont have to pay for a thing because we have sponsors, Johnson said. We have collaborations. Were just that community organization. Most personal trainers in Muscogee County start at around $40 per hour, said Jeff Mobley, a personal trainer at YMCA. The cancer survivorship program participants will get three sessions per week, he said, saving them around $960. After surviving cancer, people need help to get back in shape and be motivated, said Diane Karnes, a survivor participating in the program. Since its a free program, you can come down here and workout, she said. Everybody down here is so helpful and just wonderful. The trainers in the program are certified fitness professionals, and have undergone specific training to know how to work with cancer patients, Johnson said. The workout will be built around each individual based on what their needs are, she said. There are many limitations after cancer treatments, and the program is a great way to help those survivors, said Andie Blanchard, the wellness coordinator at the YMCA. The trainers can help participants with mobility, flexibility, balance and strength training. And, more than anything, build those relationships to let them know that theres a place for them to be able to come into and make some friends and build a community, she said. Before the hiatus, Blanchard had a client in the program whose goal was to get off the floor without needing help. At the end of the program, which was 16 weeks long at the time, her client was able to exceed that goal working with Blanchard two to three times a week. Many of the survivors who participated before the pandemic also had positive experiences in the program, Johnson said. We had people come tell us what a big difference (the program) made in their lives and how theyre still being active, she said. Although the program is returning, the pandemic is not over, Johnson said. Social distancing and vaccinations will be required, she said, and masks will be optional. It is important for this group to stay safe from COVID because cancer patients have compromised immune systems, Johnson said. ITS VERY PERSONAL Karnes has been in cancer treatment for over four years and had several surgeries. She has one year of treatment left, she said. Throughout her treatment shes been unable to work and became depressed, Karnes said, and shes looking forward to getting her life back. By participating in the program, Karnes hopes to become stronger and get back to doing the activities she used to enjoy. Lets say if you used to walk five miles a day, she said. And now you can only walk two or two and a half or whatever the case may be because everything has taken its toll on your body. Another participant, Darla Spencer, said she hopes to get in shape and get rid of the fat around her abdomen. She also hopes to develop better eating habits over the course of the program. Im interested in becoming vegetarian-ish, should I say, Spencer said. So, Im hoping that this will give me a foot towards that door. Spencer is a survivor of breast cancer and was first diagnosed in 1998. During her journey as a survivor, she met Johnson through divine intervention, and became involved with the West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition. She now works for the coalition as the cancer care access navigator, a position that allows her to help others find the resources and services they need. Supporting others dealing with a cancer diagnosis is important for Spencer because she remembers the difficulties that she experienced. I wore scarves. I didnt wear a wig, she said. I was on the elevator, and I walked in. And people kind of started backing up as if I had something that they could catch. One of the best things people can do for those with cancer is to just give them a smile, Spencer said. The key to success in the program is to not overshoot goals, Blanchard said, and to focus on things one day at a time. The trainers will be there to support and encourage them through the journey. We call it personal training because its very personal, Blanchard said. We learn a lot about our clients inside and outside of their workouts. Adults have not been able to fully shield their children from the emotional suffering of ongoing atrocities. A girl writes, 'We, children of Turkestan, love our homeland' in the Uyghur language in a classroom at a kindergarten for Uyghur children in the Zeytinburnu district, which hosts most of the Uyghur exiles, in Istanbul, Turkey, Dec. 14, 2018. The 12-year old Uyghur girl, who now lives in the U.S. state of Virginia, was about seven years old and starting to absorb a bit more knowledge when she first learned about the repression of Uyghurs in their homeland northwestern Chinas Xinjiang region. As she got older, her mother would tell her more and more about the back story, bringing it up in the normal course of conversation or if they were in the car and the girl asked a question about her grandparents still in Xinjiang. I felt really sad, the girl said about when her parents starting telling her about the crackdown. The girl, who spoke on condition of anonymity and did not want to identify her parents to avoid endangering relatives in Xinjiang, said that the pain hit home with her when schoolmates would talk about where they were from originally. When the girl thought about her family coming from Xinjiang, other questions would arise, such as why her grandmother would never come to visit her family in the U.S. Her voice grows weaker and begins to trail off whenever she is asked about her hometown. It does affect my voice, the girl told RFA. Sometimes if people ask me where Im from, its going to be sometimes difficult because they dont know much about us [Uyghurs], and because they think that China is like a perfect place. They dont know about the government and everything. Theyre going to think youre crazy, she added. Its never easy for teenagers and children to discuss tragedies in their families, nor is it easy for parents to broach such topics with their offspring. Artwork submitted by students in Turkey to the Ministry of National Education for an 'East Turkestan in my Dreams' competition in May 2021 as part of a bid to highlight Chinas tactics of persecution in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. 'Mom, who are they? They are from the military.' Uyghurs, who are being persecuted as an ethnic and religious group by the Chinese government, face a common challenge of figuring out how best to talk with young people about the 21st-century atrocities occurring in Chinas northwestern Xinjiang region. Uyghur children, born and raised in the diaspora, are asking their parents why they cant see their grandparents, why Uyghurs in Xinjiang face genocide, and why they cant visit their homeland. Uyghur adults living abroad, frustrated by the inability to stop the atrocities despite widespread and credible reports about right abuses those living in Xinjiang face, say they are unsure about how to discuss the genocide with their children and sometimes falter when asked why it is happening. At least 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities are believed to have been held in a network of detention camps in Xinjiang since 2017, purportedly to prevent religious extremism and terrorist activities. Beijing has said that the camps are vocational training centers. The government has denied repeated allegations from multiple sources that it has tortured people in the camps or mistreated other Muslims living in Xinjiang. The United States and parliaments of several Western countries have declared that Chinas repression and maltreatment of the Uyghurs amount to genocide and crimes against humanity. What should they be told? Although childrens questions may seem simple to parents, what they are actually asking is about the history of Uyghurs, Chinese politics, and how to ensure the existence of Uyghurs abroad, said Suriyye Kashgary, co-founder of Ana Care, a Uyghur language school in northern Virginia with about 100 students ranging in age from five to 15 years old. Uyghur boys who have lost a parent in China's Xinjiang region raise their hands during a Qu'ran class in a madrasa, or religious school, in Kayseri, Turkey, Jan. 31, 2019. Credit: Reuters They always ask questions like Why isnt my grandma here? Why isnt my grandpa here? Where are my relatives? My grandpa isnt around. My grandma isnt around. Where are my relatives? she said What Ive been able to learn is that [many of] the children are a bit confused because some parents answer their kids questions, while some parents dont speak with them in much detail at all, she said. While some Uyghur parents do not disclose information to their children about the genocide, others do talk about it and take them to local demonstrations against Chinas repression of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. There are many disagreements over whether its OK to explain some things to the children or not, Kashgary said. Some people argue that we shouldnt let [the genocide] negatively impact their psyches, that children shouldnt be sad about these things, and that they shouldnt live under such stress from a young age. At her school, Kashgary expects teachers to be comprehensive, balanced, and vigilant as they work with the children, given the teachers need to be well-informed on a range of topics, she told RFA. Uyghurs in the diaspora, who are indirect victims of Chinas genocide, have been demanding justice by exposing the oppression of their families to others, including to the media. But as a collective group of genocide victims, they have not been able to fully shield their children from the emotional suffering and negative psychological influences of the ongoing atrocities targeting Uyghurs. Zubayra Shamseden, four of whose family members were killed or tortured by the Chinese government as part of the Ghulja Massacre in 1997, and who has relatives currently being held in internment camps in Xinjiang, works as Chinas outreach coordinator for the Washington-based Uyghur Human Rights Project and as a Uyghur human rights activist. When it comes to the Uyghur genocide, its a fact that it is tearing up and impacting the lives of Uyghurs on the outside in the diaspora as well, she said. Its not just adults the shadows of the Uyghur genocide are affecting children and teenagers. Shamseden says that Uyghurs in the diaspora are dealing with a kind of emotional genocide and that trying to hide the genocide from the children will not solve the issue. It is likely only those parents who are unable to accept [the genocide] psychologically or deal with it properly themselves who worry that letting their children know about it may place undue psychological pressure on them, she said. In fact, children can learn about [genocide] in many different ways. Shamsedens children, who were born and raised outside Xinjiang, also have become activists, participating in events protesting the Chinese governments crackdown on Uyghurs. Parents have a responsibility to show children the way, lead them down [the right] paths, take them to proper activities, she said. Qurbanjan Nourmuhammed looks on as his children play a game on a mobile phone at their home in Istanbul, Turkey, Dec. 12, 2018. Credit: Reuters Part of their identity Kashgary, who has been a Uyghur language instructor for nine years, believes that understanding the widespread atrocities and genocide is an important part of Uyghur children learning about their identity and the world. It is important for Uyghur children to learn about their history, culture, and the current situation in Xinjiang so they can understand the challenges facing their families and the ethnic group as a whole, she said. Kashgary said she takes extra care to ensure that classroom instructors avoid encouraging racism or hatred when discussing difficult and sensitive topics like genocide and to provide students with scholarly, fact-based materials. Uyghur language schools around the world all face the obstacle of how to educate children about the genocide with a lack of standardized materials and appropriate manuals for the students psychological well-being. Teaching Uyghur children about genocide is a difficult task for educators and parents alike. Nevertheless, it is important to raise Uyghur children in the diaspora so that they know about the genocide facing Uyghurs, they are taught to support Uyghur activism, and work in support of human, social, and political rights, Shamseden said. Testimonies by Uyghurs who have been detained in internment camps but later freed have been particularly influential in the global response to the crisis. Camp survivors have real-life experience in understanding the psychological impact of the genocide and its effect on victims families, including children. Gulbahar Haitiwaji, who was detained in one of the camps but now lives in Paris, said she has never hidden the brutal, abusive treatment she experiences from her daughters and that she takes every opportunity she can to tell her story. The Chinese [authorities] told me I couldnt speak about anything, that if I said anything my relatives in the homeland would end up threatened and in danger, that I needed to think about the people who were going to stay behind in the homeland, Haitiwaji said. But Haitiwaji noted the importance of speaking about the horrors of the camps as China wages a disinformation campaign to whitewash and justify the genocide, and said that Uyghur parents must protect their children from the propaganda by telling them the truth. Artwork submitted by students in Turkey to the Ministry of National Education for an 'East Turkestan in my Dreams' competition in May 2021 as part of a bid to highlight Chinas tactics of persecution in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. 'A Uyghur boy whose family was abducted by authorities in Xinjiang.' Even now more than two years since I came here whenever were eating or drinking tea, if some words or movements come up that remind me of the camp, I immediately, at the right moment, tell the story, she said. I talk about the situation. I havent hidden anything. Look at the slanderous things the Chinese government is writing about us, she said. Of course, if I dont explain things to my kids, I wonder whether theyre going to believe the slander. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokespeople have dismissed reports about the genocide of the Uyghurs as the lie of the century and denied all accusations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang. All Uyghur parents must tell their children about the genocide and rights abuses occurring in Xinjiang, Haitiwaji said. If we dont tell them, theyre going to know nothing about the oppression our people are facing, she said. They might even come to believe the brainwashing lies of the Chinese government. Upstanders, not bystanders Psychologist Nechama Liss-Levenson, who has a private practice in Washington, D.C., has published numerous scholarly articles on family relationships and how children deal with trauma and loss. She recently began taking part in the Uyghur Wellness Initiative, a collaborative program sponsored by groups including the Uyghur Human Rights Project and Uyghur American Association, to treat and prevent the effects of genocide on the mental health of diaspora Uyghurs. The Uyghur genocide affects every Uyghur, she said. We all know its not easy to teach kids about genocide and other terrible tragedies. Artwork submitted by students in Turkey to the Ministry of National Education for an 'East Turkestan in my Dreams' competition in May 2021 as part of a bid to highlight Chinas tactics of persecution in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. 'You are forbidden to read the Qur'an. You will be imprisoned.' Such discussions cannot be one-time events, but rather part of ongoing conversations along with teaching children about what they can do so they do not feel powerless, she said. One thing that I think is important is to teach children about resilience and activism without using these words so that they dont feel completely helpless, Liss-Levinson said. One of the things that you might teach them not all at once but over many conversations at different ages and stages is that in their lives here at school, they should be upstanders and not bystanders. Thomas Wenzel, an associate professor of psychiatry at the Medical University of Vienna in Austria who has conducted research on the effect of the Uyghur genocide in exile communities, said Uyghur parents in the diaspora struggle to deal with the genocide as well, wondering what has become of relatives in Xinjiang and despairing over shortcomings in efforts by the international community that have not yet ended the repression. When parents are distressed, it is more difficult for them to focus on the children. The children feel it, and they feel abandoned, he said. Wenzel suggests that Uyghur diaspora communities collectively tackle the issue. Its important that its a community process, he said. From psychology and psychiatry, we know now that if something very bad like genocide or war happens, its very important that the community starts the process to confront integrate what has happened, that there is a community project. Wenzel cited the example of communities in Myanmar where traditional storytellers with hand puppets acted out negative events, followed by group discussions. They brought it out into the open, and there was a space to work on it, he said. Its important that this is by the whole community so that everyone is supporting each other, and no one is left alone. Translated by RFAs Uyghur Service. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. A 25-year-old native of the southern Kyrgyz city of Osh, Sardarbek Mamatillaev received Russian citizenship just a few months ago. Mamatillaev says he recently received a summons from the local military office in Russia and suspects he may be sent to Ukraine to fight alongside Russian forces after receiving a not-so-vague threat. I was told I must report to the military office, otherwise my Russian citizenship could be canceled, Mamatillaev told Cabar.asia. According to Russian laws, conscript age men who become naturalized citizens must undergo the mandatory conscript service in most cases, even if they had already served in the army of their country of origin. Several other Kyrgyz natives in Russia and human rights activists confirmed to RFE/RL that many naturalized Russian citizens from Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries have received similar summonses or were already sent to Ukraine. Meanwhile, many Kyrgyz citizens -- in Russia as migrant workers -- have voluntarily joined the Russian military as contractors in return for money or fast-tracked Russian citizenship. Most of the contractors are motivated by money, and I heard that they get paid quite well, says a Russian-based Kyrgyz lawyer who defends migrant rights. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the lawyer says those who wanted to obtain citizenship got it immediately through special decrees and went to fight in Ukraine with Russian forces. Its not known how much money the contractors receive from Russia. But one Uzbek citizen told RFE/RL in the first days of the war that he had signed a three-month contract with a monthly salary of 50,000 rubles (about $650) and the prospect of Russian citizenship to drive an army truck in eastern Ukraine. The man said many Uzbeks and other Central Asians were taking part in the war in Ukraine. The number of Kyrgyz and other Central Asians fighting in Ukraine with Russian troops -- as soldiers or contractors -- is unknown. Mamatillaev had served in the Kyrgyz Army before becoming a Russian citizen. But it wont spare him from compulsory service in the Russian Army, the Kyrgyz lawyer says. According to Russian laws, conscript age men who become naturalized citizens must undergo the mandatory conscript service in most cases, even if they had already served in the army of their country of origin. Valentina Chupik, a prominent migrant rights defender in Russia, told RFE/RL that several Kyrgyz-born Russian nationals have approached her for advice after getting summonses from military offices. [Authorities] have demanded they sign an agreement to become a contractor in the army. If they refuse to sign, [authorities] threaten that their citizenship will be taken away, she told RFE/RL. Coffins From Ukraine Several coffins of Central Asians killed in Ukraine have already been sent to their hometowns for burial. On March 25, 20-year-old Egamberdi Dorboev was buried in his home village of Kara-Oi in Issyk-Kul Province in Kyrgyzstan. A naturalized Russian citizen, Dorboev was drafted into the military in the Russian city of Norilsk last autumn. He was killed in Ukraine on March 8, two weeks after Russia began its unprovoked invasion. According to Norilsk Mayor Dmitry Karasyov, Dorboev signed a contract and served in a special reconnaissance battalion in the Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine. Some naturalized Russians from Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries have left Russia simply out of fear that they will be sent to the army.Just two days after Dorboevs family buried him, another coffin arrived in neighboring Chuy Province. Rustam Zarifulin, a 26-year-old native of Kara-Balta, was killed in Ukraine on March 14. Citing his family, Kyrgyz media reported that Zarifulin had been a contractor in the Russian Army. Some naturalized Russians from Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries have left Russia simply out of fear that they will be sent to the army. According to his relatives, Zarifulin was killed in the eastern Ukrainian town of Izyum, which has been the scene of heavy fighting for weeks. In neighboring Tajikistan, the bodies of two men were returned from Ukraine. The families confirmed that both men had fought with Russian troops there. Hundreds of thousands of Central Asians have received Russian citizenship in recent years, meaning many men are eligible to be drafted into the military. The war in Ukraine and corresponding harsh and widespread Western sanctions against Russia have sent at least 100,000 Central Asian migrant workers back to their home countries as jobs dry up. But many stay in Russia because they dont see any better opportunities at home. Migrant rights activists in Russia fear that more migrants will be lured into the Russian Army with the promise of fast-tracked citizenship. But not everyone is willing to take part in Moscows bloody war. Some naturalized Russians from Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries have left Russia simply out of fear that they will be sent to the army. According to official figures, several hundred thousand Kyrgyz citizens work in Russia. Kyrgyz lawmaker Aibek Osmonov recently said that about 600,000 people from Kyrgyzstan have obtained Russian citizenship. Osmonov also told RFE/RL that about 5 percent of them, or about 30,000 men, are liable for military service. Written by Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by Eliza Kenenbaeva. As the Ukraine war shifts its focus to the countrys east and south, Kyiv is calling on NATO countries to provide all the weapons it says it needs to push back Russian forces. It was recently announced that the Czech Republic sent a dozen Soviet designed T-72 tanks as well as howitzer artillery pieces and armored vehicles to Ukraine, signaling a new level of support and that Kyivs requests are being heard. Other countries, such as Poland and the United Kingdom, are believed to also be stepping up shipments, and the United States continues to supply more equipment after recently announcing hundreds of millions of dollars in new spending for Ukraine. To give a little perspective, in 10 years of fighting in Afghanistan, the Soviet Union lost about 15,000 dead. Russia may have lost that in the first four weeks of this war." This comes as Ukrainian forces may need to change tactics as they focus their attention on Russian troops in the east and south that are better positioned than the armored columns that Ukrainian fighters were able to pick off with their light infantry using anti-tank missiles around Kyiv and the northeastern part of the country. Russia is currently repositioning and refitting its forces as it adapts its goals for its invasion of Ukraine following heavy losses, with Moscow hoping it can control Mariupol, capture all of the territory claimed by Russia-backed separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk, and encircle Ukrainian forces in the area. To better understand what lies ahead, RFE/RL spoke with Mark Cancian, a retired U.S. Marine colonel and senior adviser at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies. RFE/RL: Moscow is seeking to wage a more conventional military-on-military war in the Donbas and in the south of Ukraine. How do those coming fights measure up and how different will this be from what weve seen from around Kyiv, especially given that Ukraine now has to deal with Russian forces that have made more defensible gains and are better dug in? Mark Cancian: I think the Russians are doing what they should have done militarily three weeks ago, which is to focus their effort [and] mass their forces in the areas where they've had the most success. That would be in the south, around Mariupol, and they're also coming in from the north and from the Donbas region in the east. One of the objectives of the Russian offensive has been to increase their gains in the Donbas and to take over those areas. So, it's not surprising that they're mobilizing forces there. It's a bit dangerous for the Ukrainians because there's a possibility that the Russians could get behind them. The fact that the West has been supplying not just anti-tank weapons [and] anti-aircraft weapons, but also artillery shells and bullets, and just day-to-day supplies, its all terribly important." The Ukrainians have been very stubborn on the defense and while the Russians are gathering more forces [and] they pull some out [from other areas], they're still probably going to need to refit and redeploy them. Although it's going to take some time to refit those forces. Many of them -- especially the ones up by Kyiv -- were badly chewed up. It will take a while to get replacement equipment, reinforcements, rest them, and then bring them around. RFE/RL: Western intelligence officials believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin will want an announceable success for the countrys traditional Victory Day parade on May 9. Will this timeline affect how the next month of war will unfold and does it create pressure for Russia, Ukraine, and Western countries? Cancian: Its not clear how that date [could] affect military operations. I think the generals have made it clear what they're trying to do, [which is] move bit by bit in the east. They've stopped offensives in other areas. Its not clear to me that the Russians have another month of fighting left in them. They've taken a lot of casualties and morale is sinking. I think that they're on a timeline here and if they don't get success soon, they're just going to stalemate, and that would be very bad for the Russian military. RFE/RL: We are seeing a shift in terms of Western countries supplying more offensive weapons to Ukraine, something that they had previously resisted. Can Western-supplied equipment tilt the fight in Ukraines favor and should we expect Kyiv to get the types of weapons that it has been asking for? It's going to take [Russia] a lot of time to refresh the forces that have been in combat, and you have to keep in mind that they've lost a lot of people." Cancian: The West has been sending equipment that either Ukrainians already use or that they can easily train on, like Javelin [missiles] and various anti-tank missiles, and also Stingers and other anti-aircraft missiles. I think that will continue. Theyre clearly sending a few other major weapon systems, like tanks, that the Ukrainians already operate, so it's easy to incorporate them into their training and logistics base. [But] I think it's going to be hard to expand that too much. [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskiy talked about getting 1 percent of NATO's aircraft and tanks, but for equipment that they don't already operate, it takes months, if not years, to get the training programs, the maintenance programs, or the logistics pipelines set up to properly support them. So you're not going to see [U.S.-made] M-1 tanks show up in Ukraine. On the other hand, sending them T-72 [tanks] that they already operate makes a lot of sense. I think that those Polish MiG-29s are going to show up someday in Ukraine. The United States sort of signaled that they're not going to make the transfer with a press conference. They're going to do it very quietly as they did with the T-72s, where they didnt announce where they came from. They just showed up in Ukraine. RFE/RL: Is it correct to be focusing on the type of equipment that the Ukrainians could be receiving? Are new types of weapons the thing that's going to give Ukraine the advantage in the coming weeks? Cancian: The biggest thing is munitions because that's what keeps a military fighting. The fact that the West has been supplying not just anti-tank weapons [and] anti-aircraft weapons, but also artillery shells and bullets, and just day-to-day supplies, its all terribly important because it allows the Ukrainians to stay in the field. It [also] allows them to equip these militias that they recruited at the beginning of the war and that are now beginning to become effective. The larger equipment, like tanks and aircraft, gets a lot of attention and it's worthwhile sending those, but the most important thing is to keep this flow of supplies going. Keep in mind that the Russians aren't getting those supplies. They have to pull in munitions and supplies from other parts of the country and they're not producing them at a very high rate. So they're running their stockpiles down as the Ukrainians keep getting replenished. RFE/RL: Russian forces seek to capture Mariupol, create a land bridge to Crimea, expand the area of occupation in the self-proclaimed republics in Donetsk and Luhansk -- and also perhaps encircle Ukraines main fighting force in the area. How achievable are those as objectives for the Russian military? Cancian: Well, it's certainly a more realistic set of goals than what they had for the last couple of weeks when they were still trying to overrun the entire country. It's probably achievable, but I would say unlikely. The Russians have just not been able to make much progress in the last three or four weeks. Now, they have a few more forces that they can bring in, [but] it's going to take them a lot of time to refresh the forces that have been in combat, and you have to keep in mind that they've lost a lot of people. They've taken something between 7,000 to 15,000 deaths [according to some estimates], and thats probably more now. Considering that there are probably twice as many wounded as there are killed, that means they've lost maybe 40,000 or maybe even 50,000 troops by now [from the battlefield]. Their initial forces were only about 150,000 ground combat troops -- that excludes the militias and some of the support troops -- so they may have lost over a quarter of their initial combat strength. To give a little perspective, in 10 years of fighting in Afghanistan, the Soviet Union lost about 15,000 dead. Russia may have lost that in the first four weeks of this war. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Ukrainian forces dug in while Russia lined up more firepower and tapped a decorated general as war commander ahead of a potentially decisive showdown in eastern Ukraine that experts said could start within days with a full-scale offensive. Maxar Technologies on April 10 published satellite images showing a Russian military convoy stretching some 13 kilometers headed south in Ukraine toward the Donbas region as the Kremlin shifts its fighting strategy. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. The convoy may be headed toward Izyum, a town in Ukraines Kharkiv region that Russian forces control. Izyum is located near the border with the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Russia is refocusing its military attack on the Donbas, which encompasses Ukraines eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, after facing setbacks in other areas of the country, including Kyiv and Sumy. Ahead of the expected offensive, the Kremlin tapped Army General Aleksandr Dvornikov, who commands Russias forces in the southern military district, to lead the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said last week that Russia is preparing for a battle in the Donbas that will resemble fighting in World War II, with thousands of tanks, armored vehicles, planes, and artillery. Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions -- which he called historical Russian lands -- just days before he launched his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Putin initially sought to unseat the democratically elected government of Ukraine as part of a larger strategy to pull Ukraine back into Russias sphere of influence. However, the invasion faltered as Ukrainian forces, backed with Western military aid, put up tough resistance, beating back Russian attacks in some areas. Putin may now be trying to concentrate forces to take control of the Donbas by early May, ahead of a national holiday that celebrates the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, according to U.S. officials. His decision to appoint Dvornikov, 60, as the new commander of the Ukraine campaign may be a further indication that Russia plans a large-scale offensive in the east, analysts said. The general has a notorious reputation for his conduct of the war in Syria, where Russia bombed civilian districts. Putin awarded Dvornikov the Hero of Russia medal, one of the countrys highest awards, for his work in Syria. Dvornikov has been the kind of executioner that weve seen prosecute these kinds of campaigns [in Chechnya and Syria], where there is an awful lot of civilian attacks, civilian destruction, retired U.S. Lieutenant General Mark Hertling said in an interview with CNN. U.S. national-security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN in an interview on April 10 that the United States will continue to deliver weapons to Ukraine to help it beat back Russian forces. Ukrainian officials reiterated on April 10 that they are willing to negotiate a peace agreement with Russia. Ukraine and Russia have held a few rounds of talks since the invasion began but with little progress. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will fly to Moscow to meet Putin on April 11, the Russian leader's first face-to-face meeting with a European Union counterpart since the start of the invasion. Putin will meet with Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka on April 12. Lukashenka has allowed Putin to use Belarus as a launching pad for the invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy renewed his plea for more weapons ahead of the expected surge in fighting in the countrys east. Zelenskiy said on Twitter on April 10 that he had spoken on the phone with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to discuss fresh defense and financial support for his country, as well as the possibility of additional sanctions on Russia. But the president has also said that he is committed to pressing for peace despite Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians that sparked outrage in the world. We have to fight, but fight for life. You cant fight for dust when there is nothing and no people. Thats why it is important to stop this war, Zelenskiy said in an interview with the Associated Press on April 9, a day after at least 52 people were killed in a Russian rocket strike on a train station in the city of Kramatorsk, packed with civilians trying to flee. Russia has turned some Ukrainian cities, including Mariupol in Donetsk, largely into rubble, dropping bombs on civilian as well as military targets. No one wants to negotiate with a person or people who tortured this nation. Its all understandable. And as a man, as a father, I understand this very well, Zelenskiy said. But we dont want to lose opportunities, if we have them, for a diplomatic solution. Zelenskiy said he is confident that Ukrainians would accept peace despite the horrors they have witnessed in Russias unprovoked war in their country. Those included gruesome images of bodies of civilians found in yards and streets and buried in mass graves in the town of Bucha near Kyiv after Russian troops withdrew. Ukrainian and Western leaders have accused Moscow of war crimes. Russia has denied responsibility. A Ukrainian official said on April 10 that a mass grave containing dozens of bodies of civilians has been found in the village of Buzova near Kyiv. WATCH: A Current Time correspondent asked people on the streets of Moscow and Arkhangelsk what Russia had achieved after six weeks of war in Ukraine. Most repeated the Kremlin line, as they hear it on Russian media, but a few offered radically different answers. Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said on April 10 that Kyiv had agreed the use of nine humanitarian corridors to help people to escape heavy fighting in the east of the country. "All the routes for the humanitarian corridors in the Luhansk region will work as long as there is a cease-fire by the occupying Russian troops," Vereshchuk said in a statement on her Telegram channel. Residents of the besieged region of Luhansk would have nine trains on April 10 to use for evacuations, the region's governor, Serhiy Hayday, announced on Telegram. On April 9, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrived in Kyiv in a surprise visit to meet with Zelenskiy in what Downing Street called a show of solidarity as fears grow of a possible new Russian offensive in the east. Standing next to Zelenskiy at a joint news conference, Johnson said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had permanently polluted his reputation and that of Russia with Moscow's actions in Ukraine, including deadly attacks on civilians in what many people are calling war crimes. "What Putin has done in places like Bucha and Irpin is war crimes that have permanently polluted his reputation and the reputation of his government," Johnson said. During his meetings, Johnson pledged to provide an additional 120 armored vehicles and new anti-ship missiles for Ukraine as he praised the performance of Kyivs military and its civilian defenders. With reporting from AP, Reuters, and AFP Ukrainian military intelligence reported on March 24 that Russian occupying troops in the country were confiscating books and other materials that the Russian government has deemed extremist -- primarily books about Ukraines Maidan revolution, the war against Russia-backed separatists in parts of eastern Ukraine, and studies of Ukraines struggle for independence. The occupiers have a whole list of names that cannot be mentioned [in the titles of books], the service wrote, listing such figures as 17th-century Cossack leader Ivan Mazepa, Ukrainian interwar independence leader Symon Petliura, far-right Ukrainian nationalist leader and Nazi collaborator Stepan Bandera, and others. Perhaps like no war before, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has put history on the front line -- with Russian President Vladimir Putin personally lecturing the nation on how Ukraine was supposedly formed and why, in his opinion, it has no right to exist. In recent years, Russia has fiercely resisted efforts to shed light on Soviet-era repressions and to name the security agents who killed millions of Soviet citizens under dictator Josef Stalin and other Soviet leaders. At the same time, Ukraine since the 2013-14 Maidan protests drove Russia-backed President Viktor Yanukovych out of the country has been throwing open Soviet archives and releasing troves of detailed information about the past. The fact that Putin mentioned de-communization in his speech before the invasion confirms that Russia is very afraid and is trying to avoid reconsidering the Soviet path as Ukraine has, said Andriy Kohut, director of the historical archives of Ukraines SBU security agency. Until there is an adequate understanding of what Soviet power was throughout the former Soviet Union, we are constantly under threat of attack from those who want use historical myths to revive the empire. One of the books specifically mentioned in the military-intelligence report on the confiscation of books was a 2019 volume called The Case Of Vasyl Stus, about a Ukrainian dissident poet who was persecuted under the Soviet government and whose case files were recently declassified. Stus died in a Soviet prison camp in 1985. It is undeniable that Russia is trying to take away not only our lives, but also our historical memory. The book made headlines in Ukraine because pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk, whose daughters godfather is Putin and who was mooted as a possible leader of a Russia-installed puppet government in the wake of the invasion, sued the author, historian Vakhtang Kipian. The book argues that Medvedchuk, who served as Stuss lawyer, actually undermined the poets defense and facilitated his conviction. Medvedchuk initially won his case, but that ruling was overturned on appeal. Following the Russian invasion, Ukrainian authorities said Medvedchuk fled the country. By contrast, on February 24, Kipian enlisted in the 112th Territorial Defense Brigade and helped defend Kyiv from the onslaught. During the early days of the war, Kipian spent much of his spare time arranging for the safe storage of his personal archive of Ukrainian diaspora and samizdat publications, a collection more extensive than those of Ukraines state libraries. Kipian is far from the only Ukrainian historian who has put aside his studies to take up arms. Ivan Patryliak, dean of history at Kyiv National University; Maksym Ostapenko, general director of the Khortytsia national historical monument; Vyacheslav Zaitsev, an archaeologist at the Khortytsia reserve; and Volodymyr Birchak, a former deputy director of the SBU archives and a specialist in the history of the Soviet secret services, have all joined the countrys defense forces. Parliamentarian Volodymyr Vyatrovych, the former director of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance who was a key author of the countrys laws on de-communization and the opening of Soviet archives, divides his time between the legislature and his Territorial Defense unit. Birchak, who serves in the 105th Territorial Defense brigade in his native Ternopil, runs a Telegram channel that used to feature interesting findings from the declassified archives. Now, he runs news from the front and data on Russian military losses in the war. We are fighting for things that make Putin very angry, Birchak told RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service. The things I was involved with were reforms, including de-communization, open archives, toponyms that dont honor the names of bloodthirsty communist leaders. The true history of World War II. There is more to Russias assault on Ukrainian history than just Putins articles and speeches. While the governments discourse has been full of allusions to Ukraines glorification of Nazi collaborators and sympathizers, Moscow has taken action against figures who had no relation to the far right or the World War II period. On March 30, the head of Russias Investigative Committee, Aleksandr Bastrykin, opened an investigation into Ukrainian school textbooks to determine if they target children with hatred of Russia and the Russian language or distort history. He urged investigators to open criminal cases. In the southern Ukrainian town of Antonovka, in the Kherson region, Russian occupation forces destroyed a memorial to Vyacheslav Chornovil, a Soviet-era dissident who played a prominent role in Ukraines drive to separate from the Soviet Union. A monument to Ukrainian historian and lawmaker Mykhaylo Hrushevskiy in the Russian city of Kazan, where Hrushevskiy was exiled under the tsarist government during World War I, was recently dismantled. Russias media monitoring agency, Roskomnadzor, has banned as extremist a history of the anti-Soviet Ukrainian Rykh movement and has threatened to block the website of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine for refusing to remove an electronic version. According to Ukrainian officials, state archive buildings in Kharkiv, Mykolayiv, and Lysychansk have been targeted by Russian shelling since the war began. The SBU archive in Chernihiv burned down after being targeted, with the loss of some 12,000 folders of KGB documents about repressions in Ukraine, Anatoliy Khromov, Ukraines chief archivist, told Time magazine last month. The purpose of this war is to destroy Ukrainians and Ukrainian identity, Khromov wrote on Facebook on March 3. It is undeniable that Russia is trying to take away not only our lives, but also our historical memory. Before the war, historian Vladlen Marayev ran a popular Ukrainian YouTube channel called History Without Myths with more than 300,000 subscribers. The channel went dark for several weeks after the war began because almost its entire staff went off to fight. But since late March, Marayev has made one-person videos aimed at debunking Russian claims about the war and about Ukrainian history. Likewise, Kharkiv-based historian Vladislav Yatsenko runs a YouTube channel called Historical Webinar that publishes reports by historians from Ukraine, Poland, Belarus, and Lithuania. Asked why he continues working on the channel despite the war, Yatsenko said: Life goes on, and identity, including history, must be preserved. On March 7, Kyiv literary critic Yevhen Stasinevych wrote a Facebook post about 79-year-old Natalya Yakovenko, the head of the history department at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and author of the seminal Outline Of The History Of Ukraine. Since the war began, Yakovenko has been feverishly translating the History Of Rome by Roman historian Livy. Other projects require work in the archives, Stasinevych quoted her as saying. And my health isnt up to that. At a time like this, Stasinevych commented, this phenomenal historian is meticulously translating Livy. And thats as it should be. That is exactly what we are fighting for, he wrote. RFE/RL senior correspondent Robert Coalson contributed to this report. At least 50 Ukrainian civilians were evacuated from the besieged Azovstal steel plant amid the ruins of Mariupol, even as Russia continued to batter the strategic port city, Ukrainian officials said. "Today we were able to evacuate from Azovstal 50 women, children, and elderly people," Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said on May 6 on her Telegram channel. Vereshchuk added that, in the face of Russian attacks, the evacuation was extremely slowtomorrow morning we will continue the evacuation operation." Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the major developments on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. The United Nations has scrambled to broker a deal to help evacuate some of the 200 civilians who are holed up along with an estimated 2,000 Ukrainian fighters in the massive Azovstal steel plant, one of the largest in Europe. Ukrainian officials have accused Russian forces of disrupting an agreed evacuation process by firing on vehicles attempting to transport people out of the plant. Russia confirmed that some 50 people had been evacuated but did not comment on Ukrainian allegations of attacks on those leaving. Throughout the day, Russian forces continued their assault on the sprawling steel factory against the Ukrainian fighters holding out there. Ukraine's General Staff said in its daily assessment on May 6 that Russians were using aircraft as part of the renewed assault on the plant. "There are many wounded, but they are not surrendering," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on May 5 in his nightly video address. "They are holding their positions." Mariupol itself has been largely razed to the ground by weeks of street-to-street fighting and heavy bombardment. Azovstal has turned into a last stand for the Ukrainians troops struggling to prevent a complete Russian defeat of the city. Zelenskiy said that, if Russian forces killed civilians or troops who could otherwise be released, his government would no longer hold peace talks with Moscow. He said there was basically nothing left of the once-flourishing port city, only "this little turf, this little structure, the Azovstal steel mill, or what remains of it." The fight for Azovstal also comes amid speculation that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants a battlefield triumph that he can showcase on May 9 when Russia marks Victory Day -- the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. "The renewed effort by Russia to secure Azovstal and complete the capture of Mariupol is likely linked to the upcoming 9 May Victory Day commemorations and Putin's desire to have a symbolic success in Ukraine," the British Defense Ministry said in its May 6 daily assessment. "This effort has come at personnel, equipment, and munitions cost to Russia. Whilst Ukrainian resistance continues in Azovstal, Russian losses will continue to build and frustrate their operational plans in southern Donbas," the ministry said. Losing Mariupol would deprive Ukraine of a vital port on the Sea of Azov. It would also give Russia the ability to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula and free up troops to fight elsewhere in the Donbas. The Ukrainians holed up in Azovstal's labyrinthine tunnels and industrial infrastructure have been posting videos and photographs to social media, appealing to the international community. Soldiers are "dying in agony" due to the lack of proper treatment, Captain Svyatoslav Palamar, deputy commander of the Azov Battalion, said in a video address on May 5. He pleaded for international help to evacuate the civilians and wounded fighters there. Andriy Yermak, a top adviser to Zelenskiy, said on May 6 that nearly 500 civilians had been evacuated from the city and the Azovstal plant as part of a United Nations-led effort. "The next stage of rescuing our people from Azovstal is under way at the moment. Information about the results will be provided later," Yermak said in a post on Telegram on May 6. Kyiv will "do everything to save all its civilians and military." The fighting comes as Russia continues its offensive in the eastern Donbas, an offensive that has proceeded slowly and without major advances, as Ukrainian forces have blocked Russian movements and even regained territory. Ukrainian forces have been increasingly equipped with heavy artillery and powerful anti-tank and antiaircraft weaponry supplied from NATO members. Germany, which has come under pressure at home and abroad to step up its equipment supplies, said on May 6 that it would supply seven self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine after reversing its policy not to send heavy armaments to war zones. Earlier, Berlin announced it would also be sending "Gepard" antiaircraft systems. The Donbas offensive came after a thwarted campaign by Russian forces north of Kyiv in the early weeks of the war. The withdrawal of Russian troops from places like Bucha, near Kyiv, has led to a cascade of reports from witnesses who say Russian units committed atrocities that could amount to war crimes. Rights watchdog Amnesty International said on May 6 there was compelling evidence that Russian troops had committed war crimes, including extrajudicial executions of civilians, when they occupied an area outside Ukraine's capital in February and March. Civilians also suffered abuses such as "reckless shootings and torture, the group said. Russian troops had committed a "host of apparent war crimes" in Bucha, including "numerous unlawful killings," most of them near the intersection of Yablunska and Vodoprovidna streets, the report found. With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and AP Richmond, KY (40475) Today Showers early becoming less numerous later in the day. High 57F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later at night. Low around 45F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. News featured popular urgent Grady Jarrett among Rockdale County award recipients honored at State of the County breakfast Special Photo Grady Jarrett received an Unsung Hero Award. Special Photo Barkley J. Dowdy received an Unsung Hero Award. Special Photo Susan Paul Smith received the Charles P. Cole/Lou Belcher Award. Special Photo Fred Straub received the Dedicated Service Award. CONYERS Grady Jarrett, Barkley J. Dowdy, Susan Paul Smith, and Fred Straub were named the winners of the annual Rockdale County citizen awards presented during the State of the County breakfast, held this year on March 31 at the Costley Mill Event Center. Jarrett and Dowdy received the Unsung Hero Awards, Smith received the Charles P. Cole/Lou Belcher Award, and Straub received the Dedicated Service Award. Andrea Lee, executive assistant to Commission Chair Oz Nesbitt Sr., read the names and accomplishments of each of the recipients, and Nesbitt presented them with their awards. Unsung Hero Award The Unsung Hero Award was created by Nesbitt to honor dedicated, hard-working, and often unnoticed citizens of Rockdale County. Grady Jarrett Lee announced Jarrett as the first recipient. Jarrett was born in 1993 in Conyers, graduated from Rockdale County High School, played college football at Clemson University, and is currently a defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons. Last summer the Department of Parks and Recreation opened The ROC, or the Resource Opportunity Center, in Jarretts honor, said Lee. The center is currently used to educate high school students on post-secondary education choices so they can also achieve their dreams. Barkley J. Dowdy The second recipient of the Unsung Hero Award was Barkley J. Dowdy, a freshman at the Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology. Barkley has consistently made the Principals List for the last five years, said Lee. He is currently being considered to be one of 35 scholars to participate in Morehouse Colleges Smash Program. That is an intensive, three-year, STEM-focused college prep program that empowers students to deepen their talents and pursue STEM careers. Barkley plans to study computer science over the next three summers. Following his high school graduation, Barkley aspires to attend Morehouse College to pursue a bachelors degree in computer science and to eventually become a gaming developer. The Charles P. Cole/Lou Belcher Award The Charles P. Cole/Lou Belcher Award is granted to individuals for their dedication of time and energy serving the Rockdale community. Susan Paul Smith Lee announced this years recipient as Susan Paul Smith. Smith has served the Rockdale community for more than 30 years, said Lee. She has served as the director of student relations as well as the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) district coordinator for Rockdale County Public Schools, and has served as project director for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students initiative. Currently, Smith is the co-chair of the Kimberley Chance Atkins Foundation, chairwoman of the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families, and is a board member of the Rockdale County Public Schools Foundation. Dedicated Service Award The Dedicated Service Award is given to individuals who are relentless in their pursuit of serving their communities through outstanding leadership. Fred Straub Fred Straub was named this years recipient of the Dedicated Service Award by Lee. Straub has been a Rockdale County resident since 1968, she said. In the early years, he was employed in the trucking business before his career in commercial real estate. Straub came to be very well known in and around Rockdale County by residents, as well as city and county leaders. He began serving on the SPLOST Citizens Oversight Committee in 1988 when the library was built. Straub has been a member of the SPLOST committee and one of the programs biggest advocates since that time. He speaks at various organizations and groups to educate the public on what SPLOST provides for this county and its citizens. Straub has served as the chairperson of the SPLOST Finance Subcommittee, and currently serves as the chairperson of the SPLOST Transportation Subcommittee. Straub is perhaps most well-known by those in Olde Town Conyers as a member of the breakfast club that meets at Beasley Drug Company, Lee continued. Before the pandemic you could find him at the soda fountain on most mornings sharing stories with the regulars there. He is also known and well-respected by our staff, and not just for his amazing cheesecakes. In his free time, Straub is an avid hunter. He and his wife Kathy live in the Honey Creek area and have two daughters, Jennifer and Karen, one son, Gus, and six grandchildren that they adore. Dinesh Navadiya is a Diamond Baron from Surat. He is serving the industry for more than a decade in various positions and capacities. He is a Regional Chairman of The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, an apex body of the Indian gem and jewellery industry. He is an immediate past president of the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He has served Surat Diamond Association as President for various years. Navadiya is a philanthropist and continuously works towards the betterment of Artisans and their families. Under his leadership, GJEPC successfully established 4 Diamond CFCs in Gujarat and 1 Jewellery CFC at Rajkot. His vision empowered the Surat industry with the first-ever SNZ facility where foreign mining companies can come to showcase their goods in pre-auction events, on consignment bases. There are many such achievements in his name, which he carried out for the upliftment of the Diamond and Jewellery industry of Gujarat. Here, in an Interview with Rough&Polished, Dinesh Navadiya gives a positive picture of the Surat cutting and polishing sector as a strong, controlled and resilient manufacturing sector. Some excerpts: Can you explain the present situation in the cutting and polishing sector in Surat regarding the availability of rough diamonds? Is the manufacturing sector running as usual? As of now, the Surat manufacturing sector is working fine and in full swing as usual. Normal production is going on in the cutting & polishing factories, and there is no negative impact on diamond production because of rough diamond requirement. As regards rough diamond supply, the Surat manufacturing sector is receiving sufficient roughs. Production is going on as normal. All the Surat diamond manufacturing units are working in full capacity as in the past. Has the shortage experienced some time ago returned to normalcy after ALROSAs rough imports recently? As of now there is no shortage of rough diamonds. The manufacturing units are working in the usual manner in the Surat diamond manufacturing sector. How did your recent meeting with government officials go? And what help will the industry get to grow further during these challenging times? The talks with the Government have been initiated and we are hopeful that the Government will take action in case any problem arises like scarcity in supply of rough diamonds etc. What about financial help from Banks? Is the banks support adequate to help the rough buyers? What more help do the importers expect from the government, banks & financial institutions? Financial support is available from banks in a limited manner. As in the present scenario with various sanctions being imposed by the US and other NATO nations, direct payments in US dollars have been suspended. After discussions with ALROSA, they have agreed to accept payment in Euro. Based on this development, banks like SBI & IndusInd have agreed to and also remitted payments in Euro to ALROSA for the import of rough diamonds. We suggest that RBI and IBA should issue guidelines to banks stating that the payment if acceptable by the Russian counterpart in Euro should be made to support the trade. As the situation is far from over, we request the government to look into a long-term policy by which the payments made in Euro to Russian counterparts be acceptable universally by all, or if alternatively a mechanism to allow Rupee-Ruble trade arrangement with Russia which have been in the talks since 2018 to facilitate payments to Russia in rupee and ease trade disruption. And, if ALROSA is permitted to open a selling office in India then the rough availability can be made within India which will save time, money and help in increasing our exports as well. Presently employing more than 0.8 million employees and manufacturing 14 out of 15 diamonds in the world, the Surat sector may face problems if the current situation does not return to normal. Your thoughts? India, being the leader in manufacturing cut & polished diamonds, cut and polishes 94% of the worlds diamond by volume and have a built-in manufacturing infrastructure for that with millions of dollars of investment. About one million people, the majority of whom are from the agrarian and financially underprivileged section of the society is directly employed in the industry in India. If the situation doesnt improve, it may impact the industry in the coming days. However, we would like to inform all that the supply of rough shipments from ALROSA has resumed, and our cutting and manufacturing sector in Surat and elsewhere are working as usual. Do you see diamonds prices increasing shortly both rough and polished diamonds? How will it affect the Indian diamond industry on the whole? Prices of diamond depends on the equation of demand vs supply and as of now, there doesnt seem any other factor affecting the prices. Are attempts being made to import rough diamonds from other sources as well to keep the manufacturing units running smoothly? India has always been importing from various sources as per the data below: Source of rough Imported to India As of now, what steps have the leaders of the Surat diamonds sector taken to support the manufacturing units running continuously going forward? As mentioned above, the Indian diamond industry has various sources for rough diamonds, and therefore, there wont be any major issues in the manufacturing supply chain. Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough&Polished When Sophie Machado started traveling the world six years ago, she brought back one-of-a-kind jewelry, clothing and housewares to remind her of the people and places shed encountered. Now, people can buy a piece of Machados international scrapbook at Salt Collection, a globally inspired clothing and housewares boutique she opened March 4 on South Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas. The indoor/outdoor shop carries everything from bangle bracelets to dresses to succulent wall hangings, as well as few of her husbands custom-made surfboards. Machado is married to one of the worlds most famous surfers, Rob Machado, 43, who grew up in Encinitas. They met in 2010, married in 2013 and now live in Cardiff with their 3-year-old son and Robs two daughters from his first marriage. Sophie Machado inside her new Encinitas boutique, The Salt Collection. (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune) While theres an overall theme to the colors, textures, patterns and styles of the merchandise at Salt Collection, Sophie Machado said its meant to be an eclectic collection of handicrafts she has found around the world. There are items from Japan, Bali, South America, Uganda and Robs native Australia. Advertisement A macrame hanging chair on the patio was hand-woven by a woman she met on the beach in Nicaragua during one of her first trips abroad with Rob. There are also many items from Southern California artisans, including Naughty Knits, Jaye Swim and Lennon + Wolfe. Sophie, 27, grew up in Orange County, where her father was a commercial fisherman. Part Italian and part Cherokee Indian, she started working in high school as a makeup artist for MAC cosmetics and as a street marketer for Red Bull. After high school, she enrolled at an art college but the tuition was too expensive. Instead, she dropped out and used her savings to fly to Jamaica, where she volunteered for a nonprofit teaching computers skills to the poor. Eventually she returned to Orange County and Red Bull, and thats how she ran into quite literally her future husband. Red Bull was a sponsor for the 2010 U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, where Rob was one of the top competitors. I had told my friends I refused to date anyone until they stopped me dead in my tracks, she said. I think it was Gods way of playing a joke on me because I literally collided with him, head on, on my way to the restroom. The eclectic merchandise at The Salt Collection is hand-picked by owner Sophie Machado from all over the world. (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune) As their relationship grew, she transferred to Red Bulls San Diego division to be closer to Rob. Then he asked her to quit her job and travel the world with him full-time. They married in 2013 and welcomed their son Jaxton inspired by her time in Kingston, Jamaica in 2014. Now theres a new baby in the family, Salt Collection. At first the items Machado brought back from her trips were for her personal use. But soon her friends, family and retailers began asking her to bring back items for them as well. One of them was longtime friend Natalie Zlomek, who is now the store manager at Salt Collection. There are people with a natural eye for fashion and decor and Sophie is someone who always 100 percent knows style, said Zlomek, who previously ran the Encinitas clothing shop 22 Threads. Zlomek said that theres more to her friends business skill than just being a good collector. She said Machado is also a people person who understands customer service. She always leads with kindness, Zlomek said. She greets every person with they walk in. and shes warm to everybody, whether theyre 1 or 100. Machado said she got the idea to open her own store in 2014, but with a new baby, she couldnt focus on a business until recently. The shop is located in a renovated 1930s bungalow formerly used by the Rustic Rooster consignment shop. The name, Salt Collection, will soon undergo some alteration to make it more unique from competitors, but the word salt will remain in some form. Machado said its inspired by the element in ocean water and the desert flats she has visited, as well as the Bible verse You are the salt of the Earth. Business in the opening weeks has been strong, thanks to support from the local and surfing communities, but Machado said shes grateful that new customers from outside that circle are arriving each day thanks to word of mouth. She said there are no immediate plans to expand the business beyond her adopted hometown. This is home for us, she said. There was never any question where wed be. Salt Collection Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays Where: 930 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas Phone: (760) 487-5920 Online: salt-collection.com pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com According to the official website of the Syrian Democratic Council; Yesterday, Saturday, 9th of April, SDC and a spectrum of democratic forces and figures from the Syrian opposition in the second consultative held meeting in the Swedish capital, Stockholm, which paved the way for the Conference of Democratic Forces and Personalities to discuss a political vision that achieves the best and broadest representation of the Syrian opposition. With the participation of representatives from the Foreign Ministry. American, British and Swiss, in addition to thirty-nine representatives and delegates of the Syrian opposition forces and democratic figures, in addition to the sponsorship of the International Olive Palm Foundation. The two-day meeting, attended by a wide range of Syrians, aims, according to the website, to read the results, the state and the nation, and research the concept of the decentralized system as an entrance to a democratic national framework that preserves territorial integrity and national sovereignty and creates a balance between the comprehensive Syrian identity and local identities in a way that achieves a just solution to the issue. Kurdish and other ethnic minorities within a comprehensive national framework and what the desired modern state system is, in addition to the role of democrats and work to unify them and organize their differences within the framework of their unity. The first day carried three sessions; The first dealt with "the reality of the Syrian scene and the expected scenarios for the future of Syria as a state and homeland in light of the faltering political process and the possibility of protecting Syria's unity in light of the division and the current occupation and the foreign military presence in it, in addition to the role of democratic forces in finding a way out for Syria from its current reality." According to the website, which quoted the head of the Executive Body of the Syrian Democratic Council, Ilham Ahmed, explaining the state of division in the country, saying: "There are levels of democracy, there is dictatorship in one place, and in the last fascism, and in other regions there is a level of democracy (the regions of north and east Syria.) According to the official website of the Syrian Democratic Council, the second session was entitled The Form of Governance in Syria, and discussed the concept of decentralization and its political, economic, administrative and expanded forms. The interventions agreed that decentralization is the main entrance to the solution in Syria, with some examples of cases of recovery similar to the Syrian scene in Syria. I also discussed the impact of decentralization on women and their role in building peace. As for the third session, it was titled Practical Steps to Build a Common Space, and discussed obstacles to establishing a Syrian Democratic Front and ways to unify the democratic discourse in Syria, the role of democratic forces in the future of Syria, and the possibility of turning these steps into a practical reality, according to the website, which also said: Concluding the activities of the first day, giving way to the interventions that agreed on the principle of decentralization with the necessity of discussion to determine its form, maintain a united Syria and preserve the Autonomous Administration, especially since Syria has a pioneering experience in this, as it established the first decentralized constitution in 1920 (King Faisals constitution). It is noteworthy that this meeting is the second of its kind after the first meeting held in Stockholm on December 13-14, 2021, and the organizers of this track seek to "build a new horizon for the work and role of the democratic opposition and to reach a conference that unifies its political visions that contribute to advancing a real political process." ". According to the official website of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC). It is expected that the consultative meeting will continue its work today. T/S ANHA Twice in the last two months, Kendra Riley appeared before legislative committees to implore for the passage of a bill that she feels could ease the burden for parents who endure the heartbreaking ordeal that befell her family in March 2020. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate TAMPA, Fla. (AP) A lifelong Beatles fan, Mark Bentley thought he knew everything about the legendary rock pioneers. But then he learned the full story of the little-known Colin Hanton, whom he now refers to as the almost Beatle. Hanton was drummer for The Quarrymen. He quit that band before they changed their name to The Beatles. He was there when it all came together, said Bentley, a Tampa land use attorney with the law firm of Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel and Burns. And then he walked away from it. Everyone should know this story. Bentley brought his attorney skills to the world of documentary filmmaking to make a movie about Hanton. Titled Pre Fab!, it premieres at 7 p.m. Friday at Enzian Theater in Maitland as the opening night movie for the Florida Film Festival. Our selection committee just fell in love with this feel-good and enlightening film, catching Beatles fever much like the British youth in the 1950s, said Matthew Curtis, programming director for the festival. Bentley is executive producer, but he did more than cut a check. He conducted 90 percent of the interviews with Hanton, historians and the drummers friends and family. He also tracked down and purchased rare photographs and memorabilia, negotiated the rights to music and archival footage and gained access to the childhood homes of Paul McCartney, George Harrison and John Lennon plus Abbey Road Studios. Bentley even persuaded McCartney to be interviewed. The only other film crew to ever shoot inside McCartneys home is Carpool Karaoke, Bentley, 60, said. Im a Beatles fan, but thats not why I did this. I wanted to preserve a little piece of history. The Quarrymen were formed in Liverpool by Lennon in 1956 and consisted primarily of his school friends. A longtime basic narrative is that Hanton was only asked to join because he had a drum kit. But there had to be something special about him besides that, Bentley said. Other than John Lennon, no one was with The Quarrymen longer than Colin. He was with them for three years. Other members were replaced with McCartney and Harrison. They had plenty of opportunities to replace Colin, Bentley said. They never did. It was John, Paul, George and Colin. But Hanton did not see a future for the band. So, in 1959, after an argument over a gig that turned disastrous when the band got drunk between sets, Hanton quit to focus on his career as an upholsterer. In 1960, The Quarrymen became The Beatles with Pete Best on drums. Two years later, Best was replaced by Ringo Starr. I think everyone has heard of Pete Best and Ringo Starr, but almost no one has heard of Colin Hanton, Bentley said. Whats fascinating is that Colin has no regrets. He has a beautiful family and did really well in the upholstery business. He says it turned out really well for everybody. In 1997, original members of The Quarrymen, minus Lennon, reunited. Hanton released his memoir, also titled Pre Fab!, in May 2018. Bentley read it the following month, just as his son, Adam, was touring England as guitarist for the Nashville-based band Arch Echo. I figured Id go see my kid and then talk to Colin, Bentley said. Hanton agreed to meet at the Penny Lane Community Centre. He thought Bentley was either a fan seeking an autograph or a journalist writing an article. I told him I just wanted to hear his story, Bentley said. But when I got back to the U.S. I realized what a unique story this was about a man who is totally content with who he is. Hanton also had a firsthand look at history. He remembers everything, Bentley said. Where they played, when they played, what they played. I thought this would make a great documentary. Except, Bentley had no idea how to make one. So, he brought on his son to score the documentary, daughter Erin Bentley, a marketing executive at Warner Bros., as co-producer and Todd Thompson of Orlando-based Stars North as director. All I had in mind was I was going to start this thing with that famous G chord out of A Hard Days Night and Im going to end it that way, Bentley said. And I did it that way. This was not his last foray into filmmaking. Bentley is currently producing a documentary on musician Del Shannon, best known for his 1961 No. 1 Billboard hit Runaway. Ive already done 20 interviews on Del Shannon, Bentley said. As for Pre Fab!, there are no more screenings planned, but Bentley hopes to land a distribution deal soon. If I make some money off of it, thats great, but that wasnt my motivation, he said. Colins story is an important part of rock n roll history. I just wanted to share it. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The nearly two-decade slog toward electronic toll collection at the Bay Bridge and the Bay Areas six other state-owned spans abruptly stopped with the arrival of the pandemic and the removal of human toll collectors grabbing bills and coins from drivers without FasTrak. Now, with the cash and the humans gone for good and no stopping necessary the agency that runs the Bay Areas toll bridges is working on a plan to do away with the booths and plazas where frustrated commuters have spent countless hours sitting in traffic. Next year, the Bay Area Toll Authority, which operates the seven toll bridges owned by Caltrans, plans to start ripping out tollbooths and narrowing the multi-lane plazas where cars idle, waiting to pay tolls. Instead, theyll move to whats known as open-road tolling, an obstacle-free way to collect tolls at highway speeds not unlike the way freeway express lanes operate. Each bridge will get a gantry, a steel span above the highway, that collects tolls electronically from prepaid FasTrak accounts or photographs passing cars that will be mailed invoices. The demise of the tollbooths, initially approved in 2018, is expected to start late next year, but it will take until at least 2026 to complete the work on all seven state-owned bridges with the busy Bay Bridge coming last. The conversion at the seven spans will cost about $77 million, said John Goodwin, a spokesperson for the toll authority. The Golden Gate Bridge, owned and operated by an independent district, has plans to add a new overhead toll collection gantry after a public online survey in 2018 but wont get rid of its Art Deco tollbooths, which share the famed look and color of the landmark span and were installed in the 1980s. At the state-owned bridges, however, things could look a lot different. With no need for a long line of tollbooths, the multiple lanes that serve as an asphalt holding pen for cars waiting to pay their tolls will shrink to more closely approximate the number of traffic lanes crossing the bridge, or, at the Carquinez, where the booths come after the bridge, the number of highway lanes. Planners at the toll authority are analyzing traffic counts, considering the number of lanes flowing in and out of each plaza, working with a consultant and negotiating with Caltrans. As is often the case, the Bay Bridge will pose the biggest challenge. Everything is harder at the Bay Bridge, Goodwin said. Its far more complex than any other bridge. Tentative schedules set for tollbooth reconfiguration on bridges Here's when tollbooths are scheduled to be removed, and toll plazas reconfigured, at state-owned bridges around the Bay Area: Photo RC4MSHQ0 tollbooths0411 Bay Bridge 20 toll lanes 5 traffic lanes ( on the bridge) Average daily traffic (toll direction, through March): 121,000 Toll direction: westbound Open-road tolling (projected start): October 2026 Photo I94MRNJ8 tollbooths04xx.4 Antioch Bridge 3 toll lanes 1 traffic lane Traffic: 8,500 Toll direction: northbound Open-road tolling: August 2023 Photo I94MRNI2 tollbooths04xx.3 Benicia-Martinez Bridge 9 toll lanes, 3 open-road toll lanes 5 traffic lanes Traffic: 50,000 Toll direction: northbound Open-road tolling: October 2023 Photo I94MRNKS tollbooths04xx.5 Carquinez Bridge 12 toll lanes 4 traffic lanes (after bridge) Traffic: 57,000 Toll direction: northbound Open-road tolling: December 2023 Photo I94MRNLT tollbooths04xx.7 Richmond-San Rafael Bridge 7 toll lanes 2 traffic lanes Traffic: 37,000 Toll direction: westbound Open-road tolling: January 2024 Photo RC4MSIDD tollbooths0411.1 San Mateo Bridge 10 toll lanes 3 traffic lanes Traffic: 46,000 Toll direction: westbound Open-road tolling: March 2024 Photo I94MRNPA tollbooths04xx.8 Dumbarton Bridge 7 toll lanes 3 traffic lanes Traffic: 28,000 Toll direction: westbound Open-road tolling: May 2024 See More Collapse While many car commuters have longed for the demise of tollbooths, figuring it would hasten their commutes, the main reasons for ripping them out are to improve safety by eliminating obstacles in the middle of the roadway and reducing the number of merges drivers have to navigate, said Jeff Gerbracht, the project manager for the Bay Area Toll Authority. When tollbooths are gone, its a totally different dynamic, he said. Ridding the bridges of tollbooths should also speed traffic, bridge officials said, but mostly outside of the busiest times and on bridges that see less traffic. At most of the bridges most of the time, open-road tolling will eliminate that need to slow down to 25 (mph) to squeeze past the tollbooths, Goodwin said. That will improve speed and throughput and reduce tailpipe emissions, but there are times, like at Bay Bridge in the morning commute, where that advantage may not be so evident. The advantage may be more evident at 7 a.m. on a Sunday than at 7 a.m. on a Monday. The problem, particularly at the Bay Bridge, is controlling traffic flow and congestion. The bridge is by far the Bay Areas busiest, and one of the most traversed in the nation. A dozen lanes of traffic from three freeways flow into the bridges 18-lane waiting area with two more bypass lanes, pass through the tollbooths and 16 lanes of metering lights, then eventually funnel into five lanes across the bridge into San Francisco. Reducing the number of lanes at the Bay Bridge toll plaza will take at least a year to figure out, Gerbracht said, and planners are just getting started. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. We just dont know what the plan will be, he said, but we do know that if we dont have enough storage (at the toll plaza), traffic would back up through the interchanges and maybe even to the Caldecott Tunnel. The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge also presents challenges, he said, since the span has just two westbound lanes of traffic and a toll plaza squeezed between a steep hill and Chevrons Richmond refinery a combination that prevents expansion and guarantees a backup when traffic is heavy. Meanwhile, in the southern reaches of the bay, both the Dumbarton and San Mateo bridges have metering lights installed, Gerbracht said, but theyve never been used. Caltrans, he said, wants to switch on the lights. Because Caltrans owns the bridges, the toll authority needs its approval for any changes at the seven bridges, said Bart Ney, a Caltrans spokesperson. He said the agencies are working together to review designs and win required environmental approvals. The Benicia-Martinez Bridge on Interstate 680 already has open-road tolling with three lanes unencumbered by tollbooths on the left side of the plaza and nine with tollbooths on the right side. When the new northbound span of the bridge opened in 2007, the toll authority decided to test open-road tolling, which officials then called the wave of the future. Now the future is arriving on all of the Bay Areas bridges. The Bay Area move is in keeping with a national trend toward eliminating tollbooths, collectors and cash tolls, said Pat Jones, executive director and CEO of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, a tolling industry group. About six of every 10 bridges, tunnels and highways that collect tolls have gone cashless nationwide, according to the associations database, and since 2010, 97% of all new toll operations have been electronic. Overall, the trend towards all-electronic tolling started before the pandemic, he said, but the pandemic certainly accelerated it. Michael Cabanatuan (he/him) is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan Firefighters battled a blaze near the Amports docks in Benicia, where the piers underbelly was torched due to the chemical-soaked timber of the pier, authorities said. The four-alarm blaze sent black and gray smoke high into the air just off of Bayshore Road, Benicia Fire Department officials said on Twitter. The smoke could be seen by neighboring communities and the fire has the potential to continue burning for the next 24 to 48 hours because it is blazing underneath a hard-to-reach pier which has an underside made of timber pre-soaked in a flammable chemical at the Port of Benicia, Benicia Fire Chief Josh Chadwick said during a news conference Saturday afternoon. Benicia firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire at 2:20 p.m. and found a fire at the base of silos filled with petroleum coke, a product of refining fuel. A small outbuilding quickly caught fire, as did a conveyor belt that runs up to ship tankers, Chadwick said, citing observations from a battalion chief who first arrived at the scene. The fire at the base of the silos was quickly extinguished, Chadwick said, but the conveyor belt which has rubber tracks caused access issues for firefighters. Flames then dropped from the conveyor belt onto the pier below, which caught fire. The relatively large pier is topped with black top road surface but underneath, Chadwick said, there are large timbers that are pre-soaked in creosote, a flammable chemical material. When they start burning, its very difficult to access and extinguish, and thats whats burning now, Chadwick said, adding that the pre-soaked timbers have been burning for the majority of the incident and were actively burning. Firefighters coiuld not reach beneath the pier by foot or by engines from the shoreline, prompting the Fire Department to request assistance from fire boats from regional fire departments, Chadwick said. Chadwick said firefighters also navigated the hazardous materials that are on the pier, including the petroleum coke in the silos and tanks of gasoline and diesel. I do not know if any of it burned, but my understanding is that the large volume of (petroleum coke) is not currently on fire, Chadwick said. Firefighters were unable to reach those smaller tanks of gasoline and diesel on the pier because of the fire blazing beneath the pier, Chadwick said. The burned port is used for multiple functions, Chadwick said: Oil tankers offload product to the refinery, which brings petroleum coke back down and loads it onto tankers, and vehicles are also shipped from oversees and offloaded at the port. Amports officials with the Benicia Terminal could not immediately be reached for comment on Saturday. Fire officials said there was not a shelter-in-place order issued for Benicia, but said that could change if winds changed direction. Officials urged people to avoid the area. Benicia fire officials said wind conditions continued to be favorable, but said they were continuing to monitor air and wind conditions. Local and regional environmental and wildlife agencies were coordinating with fire officials at the scene, Chadwick said. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. There were no immediate reports of injuries as a result of the fire, and no structures were burned, fire officials said. There continues to be no threat to the public, Benicia fire officials said shortly before 4 p.m. Multiple fire departments in the Bay Area region responded to assist at the scene, including San Francisco, Vallejo, Fairfield, Valero, Cordelia, and American Canyon fire departments, Benicia fire officials said. San Francisco fire officials shared an image aboard the departments St. Francis fire boat on Twitter, showing the burning blaze in the distance. The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District also deployed a fire boat, engine and truck to assist with the fire, which Con Fire officials said was blazing on a dock below the Benicia Bridge. Oakland Fire Department also deployed its Marine 1 vessel to assist at the blaze, fire officials said on Twitter. Lauren Hernandez (she/her) is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByLHernandez This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Three days after one of the deadliest mass shootings in Sacramento history left six people dead and 12 wounded, the downtown corridor where it occurred 10th and K streets was covered in makeshift memorials. Red roses were scattered among candles, and photos of individuals who died last Sunday were taped to storefront windows. As The Chronicle reported last week, authorities say at least five people fired guns during the shootout and the evidence collected by police included more than 100 shell casings and a stolen handgun and a gun modified to make it capable of firing as an automatic weapon. This harrowing tragedy is too familiar in California. Despite having some of the strictest gun regulations in the U.S., California has experienced three of the nations five mass shootings in 2022 so far. While we dont have all the details about last weeks horror, its becoming increasingly clear that the state can do only so much to curb the prevalence of firearms when thousands of guns stream in from conservative states with weaker laws, or arrive on doorsteps in build-it-yourself kits capable of creating untraceable ghost guns. San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin says the smuggling of firearms across state lines has long been the bedrock of Californias illegal gun economy. We have a border with Arizona, a border with Nevada, Boudin told me. States that have more flexible, more lax gun purchasing frameworks often serve as conduits for guns that are bought legally and end up on the illegal gun market here. This tracks with the most recently available 2020 data from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. ATF conducts thousands of gun traces each year at the request of law enforcement agencies that recover guns from crime scenes and want to know where they came from. The firearm has to have a serial number and a documented purchase history for the bureau to identify its manufacturer, distributor, retail dealer and the person who purchased it. Not every gun thats used in a crime is traced, nor is every traced gun used in a crime. But out of the agencys 27,536 successful traces of guns recovered in California in 2020, nearly 45% originated from outside the state, including more than 6,400 nearly a quarter from Arizona, Texas and Nevada. So it shouldnt come as a surprise that a December 2021 gun buyback event in San Francisco organized by United Playaz netted 265 guns in a city that doesnt have a single gun store. United Playaz founder Rudy Corpuz Jr. said there are strict conditions of anonymity with the gun buyback event no names are given, no questions are asked but having run such events for the past 10 years, he said the annual haul is a reflection that Californias out-of-state gun pipeline is still flowing while the ghost gun industry continues to grow. There were a lot of semiautomatics, some of those ghost guns, said Corpuz, who founded his violence prevention and youth development organization nearly 30 years ago. Im talking war weapons. Roughly half of the guns recovered in San Francisco homicide cases in 2020 were ghost guns, Boudin said. Making access to them more difficult is a new frontier in the states gun control debate. Sure, all of those other (illegal gun) markets still kind of exist, but now ... people who wouldnt be able to buy a gun lawfully ... can go on the internet and with the click of a button have a gun delivered to them like any other Amazon package or internet order and they assemble it in their garage, he said. In August, a month before the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to ban ghost guns in the city, Boudins office filed a lawsuit against three ghost gun manufacturers for violating state laws and misleading the public about the legality of their serial number-less firearms. The civil suit is ongoing. California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined it in October. On Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom called for legislation that would allow people to sue any person who manufactures, distributes, transports, imports into the state or sells assault weapons, .50 BMG rifles, ghost guns, or ghost gun kits. Theres plenty more the state could do, like increasing the confiscation of guns from people deemed ineligible for gun ownership, and providing more long-term funding to violence reduction programs that address the root of gun violence in California, said Ari Freilich, the state policy director for the Giffords Law Center. But lawmakers here will need to keep innovating, especially because some statehouses outside California have shown they value gun rights over human rights. The analogy that Ive used (regarding gun control laws) is California is bringing a patient into the hospital and trying interventions to save them, Freilich said. Some states next door like Arizona arent even calling the ambulance. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Justin Phillips appears Sundays. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JustMrPhillips LVIV, Ukraine Ukraines president warned his nation Sunday night that the coming week would be as crucial as any in the war. Russian troops will move to even larger operations in the east of our state, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address. He accused Russia of trying to evade responsibility for war crimes. When people lack the courage to admit their mistakes, apologize, adapt to reality and learn, they turn into monsters. And when the world ignores it, the monsters decide that it is the world that has to adapt to them. Ukraine will stop all this, Zelenskyy said. The day will come when they will have to admit everything. Accept the truth, he said. He again called on Western countries, including Germany, to provide more assistance to Ukraine. During talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Zelenskyy said he discussed how to strengthen sanctions against Russia and how to force Russia to seek peace. I am glad to note that the German position has recently changed in favor of Ukraine. I consider it absolutely logical, Zelenskyy said. ___ KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: US: Russia's new battlefield commander has history of brutality Ukraine digs in to fight Russias looming eastern offensive Ukraine churches display faith, hope and charity amid wreckage Analysis: War, economy could weaken Putins place as leader Biden, Modi to speak as India avoids hard line on Russia Zelenskyy, in AP interview, says he seeks peace despite atrocities Go to https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine for more coverage OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: The president of the European Commission said the questionnaire she handed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during her visit to Kyiv represents a very important step forward. Ursula von der Leyen said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union that Ukraines response will enable her to decide whether to recommend the nation as a candidate to join the European Union. The process normally takes years, but she has said Ukraines application could take just weeks to consider. She said Ukrainians belong to our European family, without any question. Yesterday, somebody told me: You know, when our soldiers are dying, I want them to know that their children will be free be and be part of the European Union, von der Leyen said. They are in an extraordinary situation, where we have to take unusual steps. One thing is clear for me: After this war, when Ukraine will be rebuilt, when we support Ukraine in reconstructing this country, this will be accompanied by reforms. So, it is an extraordinary way to shape the country and to go down the path towards the European Union. ___ Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government is providing investigative support to efforts to document war crimes in Ukraine, and he said Russian President Vladimir Putin is responsible. It is clear that Putin is systematically targeting civilians, whether its hospitals or train stations or maternity wards. This is one of the reasons why Canada was one of the first countries to call on the International Criminal Court to look into Putins war crimes, Trudeau said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union. Canadian investigators, Trudeau said, are building up the case for people to recognize that not only was this a terrible mistake to violate the sovereignty of another country and create massive global instability thats impacting energy and food prices around the world, but it is also a series of war crimes that Putin is deliberately committing that he needs to be held to account for. Asked if the crimes amount to genocide, Trudeau said it remains to be determined. The stories of what Russian soldiers are doing, not just the murder of civilians, but the systematic use of sexual violence and rape, to destabilize and have the greatest negative impact on Ukrainian people as possible is absolutely unforgivable and unacceptable, Trudeau said. And thats why the global community is going to and is responding so strongly. ___ Its almost Easter in Ukraine, where faith, hope and charity are on display at a trio of churches on the far edges of the capital. Sunday services were held in Bucha even as bodies were being removed from a mass grave in the churchyard. In Makarov, the faithful were moved to tears at the sight of crosses scattered in broken glass. And in Borodyanka, a church was untouched near where Russian attacks ripped open a high-rise. Thats where donations are bringing help to elderly people who stayed while others fled Russian occupation. Ukrainian authorities said weeks ago that at least 59 spiritual sites were damaged. On the day when Pope Francis called for an Easter truce in Ukraine to make way for a negotiated peace, church visitors invoked God in recalling their survival. Each person who was leaving, from any place, Makarov, Bucha, Hostomel or from Andriivka, the neighboring village which was destroyed to the ground; each one, even those who did not know the Lords Prayer, he was speaking to God with his own words, said Alona Parkhomenko in Makarov, where the church exterior was speckled with bullet holes and the priest warned of falling glass. ___ WASHINGTON Russias newly appointed battlefield commander in Ukraine made his reputation crushing resistance to Syrian President Bashar Assad during that countrys devastating civil war. Russian forces led by Gen. Alexander Dvornikov destroyed whole cities while dropping barrel bombs that targeted civilians. With Moscow supporting Assad, the war in Syria has killed more than 350,000 people. Lt. Col. Fares al-Bayoush, a Syrian army defector, said Sunday he expects a similar scorched-earth strategy under the commander in Ukraine. Speaking by telephone from Turkey, al-Bayoush said he believes the aim of naming Dvornikov as Ukraine war commander is to cause widespread destruction in many places at once. He has very good experience in this policy, al-Bayoush said. This commander is a war criminal. ___ KYIV, Ukraine -- The mayor of Kyiv and his brother said the visit of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to their capital shows who Ukraines real friends are at this critical time. But they understand if security concerns keep U.S. President Joe Biden from visiting for now. Mayor Vitali Klitschko and his brother Wladimir have been professional boxers and now outspoken defenders of Ukraine. Interviewed Sunday on ABC News This Week with George Stephanopoulos, they said they expect Russias military to return and target Kyiv again. And when they do, they said they cant defend Ukraine with their fists they need weapons. Wladimir Klitschko also pleaded for the world to isolate Russia economically, saying every cent that Russia is getting, theyre using for weapons to kill us. Vitali Klitschko said everyone was shocked when the Russians who pushed on Kyiv retreated after killing hundreds of civilians during their occupation. He called it genocide to kill women, children, old people and teenagers for no reason. To defend Ukraine now, the mayor said, is to defend democracy and peace in Europe. ___ WILMINGTON, Del. The White House said President Joe Biden will press Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a hard line against Russias Ukraine invasion. Press Secretary Jen Psaki says the leaders plan a virtual meeting on Monday. Indias neutral stance in the war has raised concerns in Washington and earned praise from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who lauded India this month for judging the situation in its entirety, not just in a one-sided way. India abstained when the U.N. General Assembly voted Thursday to suspend Russia from its seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council over allegations of war crimes. India continues to purchase Russian energy despite Western pressure to avoid buying Russian oil and gas. And the U.S. has considered sanctions on India for its recent purchase of advanced Russian air defense systems. Psakis statement says Biden will discuss how Russias war against Ukraine is destabilizing the global food supply and commodity markets, and the need to strengthen the global economy while upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity. ___ BERLIN -- Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday. The Austria Press Agency reported that Nehammer told reporters in Vienna on Sunday that he plans to make the journey. It follows a trip on Saturday to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. APA reported that Nehammer aims to encourage dialogue between Ukraine and Russia and also address war crimes in his meeting with Putin. Austria is a member of the European Union and has backed the 27-nation blocs sanctions against Russia, though it so far has opposed cutting off deliveries of Russian gas. The country is militarily neutral and is not a member of NATO. Nehammer said he was taking the trip on his own initiative, and that he had consulted with the European Unions top officials. He said that he also informed Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. ___ BERLIN -- The U.N. nuclear watchdog said Ukraine said the staff at the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear plant has been rotated for the first time in three weeks after Russian troops left the area. The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency has expressed concern about the well-being of the workers since the Russian military took control of the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster at the beginning of the war. The agency said Ukraine informed it on Sunday that it has now rotated the staff, but the situation remains far from normal. They had to be transported to and from the site by water, with the Pripyat River being the only way for people living in the city of Slavutych to currently reach the plant. The IAEA said Ukraine has informed it that analytical laboratories for radiation monitoring at the site were destroyed, with analytical instruments stolen, broken or otherwise disabled. The automated transmission of radiation monitoring data has been disabled. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The governor of the region that includes Ukraines fourth-largest city, Dnipro, says the airport was hit twice by missile attacks on Sunday. The Ukrainian military command said Russian forces also keep shelling Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv, and have kept up their siege of Mariupol, the key southern port city that has been under attack for nearly six weeks. The Russian Defense Ministry says its air-launched missiles hit Ukraines S-300 air defense missile systems in two locations, while sea-launched cruise missiles destroyed a Ukrainian units headquarters in the Dnipro region. Neither sides military claims could be independently verified. The Pentagon said Russia has a clear advantage in armored forces for its next phase in its war on Ukraine. Press secretary John Kirby said Friday that the Russians spread themselves too thin to take the capital, but now theyre more focused on a smaller region, and still have the vast majority of their combat power. A major effort by Ukrainian defenses and more Western assistance will be needed to push them back. ___ WASHINGTON A senior U.S. official said Russia has appointed a new commander to oversee its war on Ukraine. The official speaking on condition of anonymity said Russia has turned to one of its most experienced military officers, Gen. Alexander Dvornikov. U.S. officials say the 60-year-old general has a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and other theaters of war. The White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told CNN on Sunday that this general will just be another author of crimes and brutality against Ukrainian civilians. And he said no appointment of any general can erase the fact that Russia has already faced a strategic failure in Ukraine. The new battlefield leadership comes as Russia gears up for what is expected to be a large and more focused push to expand Russian control in the Donbas after failing to conquer the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Sullivan reiterated support for the Ukrainian government, saying the United States is determined to do all it can to help Ukrainians resist this general and the forces he commands. Robert Burns and Hope Yen ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines border guard agency says that about 2,200 Ukrainian men of fighting age have been detained so far while trying to leave the country in violation of martial law. The agency said Sunday that some of them have used forged documents and others tried to bribe border guards to get out of the country. It said some have been found dead while trying to cross the Carpathian mountains in adverse weather, without specifying the number. Under martial law, Ukrainian men between 18 and 60 are barred from leaving the country so that they can be called up to fight. ___ 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. WARSAW, Poland Sirens have sounded in some Polish cities to mark the anniversary of a 2010 plane crash that killed the countrys president, despite protests that their sound would be unnecessarily traumatic for refugees from the war in Ukraine. The sirens early Sunday were intended to add to the significance and the plaintive character of observances honoring the late President Lech Kaczynski, the first lady and 94 other prominent Poles killed 12 years ago in the crash of the presidential plane in Russia. Kaczynski was the twin of Jaroslaw Kaczynski the leader of the main governing Law and Justice party. Provincial governors ignored calls not to use the sirens out of concern for refugees from neighboring Ukraine, traumatized by air raid alarms. Authorities sent text messages to refugees phones that the sirens would mean no danger. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The Ukrainian military says Russia has been beefing up its forces and trying to probe Ukrainian defenses. The Ukrainian military command said Sunday that the Russian troops have continued attempts to break Ukrainian defenses near Izyum, southeast of Kharkiv. It reported that Russia was sending reinforcements to Izyum while continuing the shelling of Kharkiv. The military added that the Russians also continued their attempts to take control of Mariupol, the Sea of Azov port that has been besieged by Russian forces for nearly 1 months. After Russias attempt to capture Kyiv and other big cities in northeastern Ukraine quickly failed, Ukrainian and Western officials expect Moscow to launch a new offensive in eastern Ukraine, where Russia-backed separatists have fought Ukrainian forces for eight years. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he focused on the need to track down perpetrators of war crimes in a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Zelenskyy said on Twitter that in Sundays call we emphasized that all perpetrators of war crimes must be identified and punished. Ukraine has accused Russia of atrocities against civilians in Bucha and other places near Kyiv, where hundreds of slaughtered civilians, many with their hands bound and signs of torture, were found after Russian troops retreated. Zelenskyy also said he and Scholz discussed anti-Russian sanctions, defense and financial support for Ukraine. ___ VATICAN CITY Pope Francis has opened Holy Week with a call for an Easter truce in Ukraine to make room for a negotiated peace, highlighting the need for leaders to make some sacrifices for the good of the people. Celebrating Palm Sunday Mass before crowds in St. Peters Square for the first time since the pandemic, Pope Francis called for weapons to be laid down to begin an Easter truce, not to reload weapons and resume fighting, no! A truce to reach peace through real negotiations. Francis did not refer directly to Russias invasion of Ukraine, but the reference was clear. He has repeatedly denounced the war and the suffering brought to innocent civilians. ___ HELSINKI Finland says that a shipment of art works from Russian museums has been returned to Russia after it was seized under European Union sanctions against Moscow. Finlands customs service said late Saturday that the Foreign Ministry granted a special permit to return the consignment with a total insured value of around 42 million euros ($46 million). It said that trucks carrying the art works from the Hermitage Museum and the Pavlovsk State Museum in St. Petersburg, among others, left Finnish territory on Saturday afternoon. The shipment was seized at the Vaalimaa border crossing at the beginning of April. The works were en route to Russia after loan to museums in Europe and Japan. Experts say that art works loaned from Russia typically travel overland via Finland. Russia has demanded the return of all works on loan to unfriendly nations that imposed sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said more civilians were expected to leave Mariupol Sunday in their personal vehicles. Evacuations were also planned from Berdyansk, Tokmak and Enerhodar in the south and Sieverierodonetsk, Lysychansk, Popasna and Rubizhne in the east. Mariupol, a strategic port city on the Sea of Azov, has been besieged by Russian forces for nearly 1 months, cut from food, water and power supplies and pummeled by relentless bombardment that has killed at least 5,000, according to local officials. Ukrainian authorities have urged civilians in the east to evacuate in the face of an imminent Russian offensive. They accused Russia of killing 52 people on Friday at the train station in the eastern city of Kramatorsk as they were preparing to evacuate. ___ GENEVA -- The U.N. refugee agency says the number of people who have left Ukraine since the beginning of the war has reached 4.5 million. A regular update Sunday of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees online portal on numbers of refugees fleeing Ukraine since Feb. 24 brought the total to some 4.504 million. About 2.6 million of those fled at least initially to Poland and more than 686,000 to Romania. However, UNHCR notes that there are very few border controls within the European Union and it believes a large number of people have moved on from the first country they arrived in. ___ LONDON -- Britains Ministry of Defense said Russias armed forces are seeking to respond to mounting losses by boosting troop numbers with personnel who had been discharged from military service since 2012. In an intelligence update on Twitter, the ministry also said Sunday that the Russian militarys efforts to generate more fighting power also include trying to recruit from Trans-Dniester, a breakaway region in Moldova that borders Ukraine. Russia maintains some 1,500 troops in the region, which is not internationally recognized. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told The Associated Press on Saturday that he is committed to seeking peace despite Russian attacks on civilians that have stunned the world. He said no one wants to negotiate with people who tortured their nation as a man, as a father, I understand this very well. But he said we dont want to lose opportunities, if we have them, for a diplomatic solution. Zelenskyy said hes confident Ukrainians would accept peace despite the horrors they have witnessed in the war. But meanwhile, Russian troops are regrouping for an expected surge in fighting in eastern Ukraine, including the besieged port city of Mariupol that Ukrainian defenders are battling to retain. So Zelenskyy renewed his plea for countries to send more weapons. He says they have to fight for life -- not for dust when there is nothing and no people. Thats why it is important to stop this war. Regarding Motive a mystery, families grieve (Front Page, March 5): In the wake of yet another uniquely American mass casualty event, this time in Sacramento, The Chronicles bold headline states the motive is still a mystery. As if ascertaining the motive will somehow lead us to a solution. It wont. As a mental health professional for 44 years, I will venture an educated guess that this massacre is another iteration of a familiar algorithm: alcohol+anger+firearms=multiple victims. Other versions of this same equation simply replace anger and alcohol with mental illness, gang-involved, hate crime, etc., take your pick. The constant factor in all these equations is, of course, firearms. We can assume that in countries with strict gun control laws that anger, gangs, hate crimes and mental illness also exist, yet these mass shootings are virtually nonexistent. The U.S. accounts for 4% of the worlds population and more than 40% of the its firearms, according to some studies. And these deadly events, which now number in the hundreds, are uniquely ours. There will be more deaths by firearms, more grieving loved ones, more thoughts and prayers, and no sensible legislation limiting access to firearms. Sigh. Barry Goldman-Hall, San Jose Avoid Easter bunnies Another Easter is approaching, and I cringe at the thought of rabbits being sold under the guise of being an Easter Bunny. Every year, parents and children get the idea that theyd like to bring home a rabbit, thinking they are easy to care for. Rabbits can live as long as a dog or cat. My house rabbit lived for 13 years. Parents believe they have a short-term project and the kids will have a cuddly toy. Worse, some consider this life disposable. Rabbits do not make good pets for children. They are prey animals and will defend themselves by kicking and biting. Sadly, most children lose interest in the rabbit as it grows up. The bunny dies from neglect, ends up at an animal shelter, or worse, is dumped in the wild where it cannot survive. Please dont buy Easter rabbits for your children, truly they dont mix. Janet Geren, Shasta Lake, Shasta County Give taxis a chance Regarding Uber users could soon be picked up by S.F. taxis as the ride hailing app teams with its competitors (sfchronicle.com, April 5): Im a longtime taxi driver and like to clarify the Uber partnership approved Tuesday by San Francisco Municipal Transporation Agency board. At the end of the day, the issue at hand is about a living wage for hard-working cab drivers. The meter rate is our very last protection left, after unlimited competition from Uber and Lyft, and a rapacious $250,000 medallion sales program by the the SFMTA have gutted the industry. The taxi meter is our only chance of having a living wage during any given shift, and the SFMTA just gave that protection away to Uber, which of course is known for its exploitative labor model, where a customer could be charged $30, but the driver would only get something like $15. Now, it looks like all city taxi drivers will be subject to this practice. Perhaps Uber could extend an olive branch to an industry it has treated with nothing but contempt to make this new partnership work. It would be a good start. Benjamin Valis, San Francisco Keep school in check Regarding Private school fights to grow in Oakland (Front Page, April 7): There is no valid comparison with the recent conflict over UC Berkeleys enrollment with Head-Royces plight. UC is a public institution designed to benefit all academically eligible Californians, whereas Head-Royce is a private school for rich kids. Furthermore, Head-Royce need not increase enrollment in order to offer more scholarships to boost diversity. It merely needs to accept more scholarship students and fewer rich kids. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate San Franciscos beleaguered tourism industry got good news when hotels hit their highest occupancy rate 76% since before the pandemic when the Game Developers Conference, the NCAA basketball tournament and a top sailing race were in town last month. But that tells only part of the story. While more tourists are enjoying their San Francisco vacations, many of the people who would be serving them in the citys hotels remain out of work. Nearly half of the 9,000 people who work in San Franciscos hotels more than 60% of them immigrants havent been asked to return to their jobs full time. That would cut into the hotels profit margins, say union leaders who represent the workers. The hotels respond that theyre hiring based on what they need, and travel industry leaders say San Francisco is only starting to recover. Before the pandemic, the citys hotel occupancy rate was second only to New Yorks. Now, it has consistently ranked 25th out of the nations top 25 markets, according to officials with SF Travel, the citys travel bureau. Thats one reason Mayor London Breed just returned from a 10-day European trip to drum up business for the tourism industry that is so key to the citys economy and its tax base. Back home, hotel workers are hurting badly. These are well-paid, blue-collar jobs that enable people to eke out a life in an expensive, white-collar city. Housekeepers make $28 an hour and have access to top-of-the-line health care benefits. But those benefits have run out for those who havent been called back to work; the union had extended them through 2020. Now, with government unemployment subsidies ending, many workers cant afford to sit by the phone waiting for a call to return to work. They arent part of the Great Resignation, where mostly privileged Americans have chosen to leave their jobs during the pandemic. Nor are they sitting home, idly collecting benefits, as some political narratives like to cast them. Those benefits are gone. These folks want to get back to work full time. Some who cant, like Christopher Flores, are having to make major lifestyle changes. Flores, 46, has worked for the Hilton Union Square in San Francisco since 2014. He cleans common areas in the hotel and enjoys his job. He earned nearly $28 an hour and paid $10 a month for health care for his family, including his two teenage daughters. His wife was a housekeeper at a different hotel and made about the same amount. But their work disappeared after the pandemic struck. Flores wife found a new job at a different hotel for only $24 an hour but he hasnt. He has been getting called in to work a couple days a month, but would love to be back full time. I have been calling my managers and saying that if you need manpower, I am available. Any time of the day, Flores told me. At first he was hesitant to take a new job, for fear that he wouldnt be able to answer the call back to his old one. He has worked gig jobs during the day, like delivering for DoorDash, to keep his family afloat. Eight months ago, Flores took a job as a parking garage attendant. He works midnight to 7 a.m. and makes $19 an hour, with no benefits. I dont have a choice. I need a job, Flores, a first-generation Filipino American and a citizen, said. The Hilton isnt calling me back (full time). So thats the only job I got. Fortunately, his wifes new job has health benefits. Nevertheless, their family can no longer afford the Tenderloin apartment they were living in. Last week, they moved to a two-bedroom apartment that is $500 a month cheaper. Flores story isnt unusual. Many hotel workers remained at home during that week last month when hotels filled up. At the Hilton Union Square, hotel occupancy was 58%, but only 34% of housekeepers were back at work full time, according to estimates provided by UNITE HERE Local 2, the hotel workers union. The W San Francisco hotel was 83% full, but only 67% of its workers were back on the job. The Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel was at 81% of capacity, but only 55% of its housekeepers were back on the job. Hilton San Francisco is continually assessing staffing needs based on a forward view of bookings and the local business environment, a spokesperson for the Hilton wrote in an email. The Hotel Council of San Francisco, a trade organization that represents hotels that have roughly two-thirds of the citys rooms but does not negotiate for them, declined to comment. Meanwhile, many hotel workers wait to be called. And wait. Folks are sitting on the bench, Anand Singh, president of Unite Here Local 2, told me. They want to come back to work, they want to work in the hotels. They want to be part of this recovery. But when theyre cut out of the equation, youre eliminating good middle-class jobs in San Francisco, and that is the last thing our city needs in order to recover economically, Singh said. Singh is among labor leaders who wonder whether employers reticence to call housekeepers back is part of a larger national plan to cut labor costs post-pandemic. In an earnings call last year, Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta said, The work were doing right now in every one of our brands ... is about making them higher-margin businesses and creating more labor efficiencies, particularly in the areas of housekeeping, food and beverage and other areas. When we get out of the crisis, those businesses will be higher-margin and require less labor than they did pre-COVID, Nassetta said. Both San Francisco and the state have passed legislation designed to create a right to re-employment for those in the hospitality sector who lost their jobs during the pandemic. It requires generally larger employers to offer people their jobs back after they have been laid off because of the pandemic, when they are hiring for the same or a similar position. But, Singh said, the problem is that employers dont have to recall anyone unless they say that theyre needed. I wouldnt say its toothless. I think that it certainly has its place, Singh said. The problem is, it doesnt compel hotel employers from doing the kind of behavior that were seeing. San Francisco Supervisor Gordon Mar, who spearheaded the citys right-to-return legislation, is concerned. He told me he has asked the citys Office of Economic and Workforce Development to provide an update on whether hotels are complying with the re-employment requirement. Its extremely important that the hotels treat their workers fairly and ensure that the rights of workers and the labor standards are maintained, Mar said. Joe DAlessandro, president and CEO of San Francisco Travel, the citys tourism bureau, is concerned about the effect the downturn has had on workers, too. While he was encouraged by last months rebound, he told me, Its going to take more of just a weekend of high occupancy ... you cant bring full-time staff people back for one weekend. Even though domestic tourists may be returning, those arent the big spenders. San Francisco tourism is driven by conventions and international travelers. DAlessandro said 60% of all tourism spending in 2019 was by international visitors. And thats going to be slow to come back, he said. The convention business which helps to fill big banquet halls that demand more hospitality workers to staff remains down 60% from its record 2019 level. Typically, DAlessandro said, youd have conventions coming in every week or every other week. And its going to be a while before we see that again. How soon? DAlessandro said June will be a really critical month. A number of major conventions are coming to town, the European travel season will be starting, and more people will be back in the office and hopefully traveling on business. If we have a really robust June, its going to help us push through the rest of the year forward, DAlessandro told me. However, were not anticipating to see overall 2019 levels until 2024. Meanwhile, August is another bellwether month for San Franciscos hotel workers. Their union contract expires Aug. 14. If that June boom doesnt materialize, the wait to return to work could last a lot longer. Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Housing advocates and political leaders began a campaign Saturday in San Francisco to put an affordable housing measure on the November ballot. Its been a long, long road to get here, Mayor London Breed told the crowd gathered in front of the monument to President William McKinley at the eastern end of the Panhandle. I am unapologetic in my desire to get housing built in this city. The campaign comes after a Board of Supervisors committee struck down an affordable housing measure proposed by the mayor in January her third failed effort to put an affordable housing measure to voters. The three-person committee said at the time that the proposal had not been vetted properly with the various community stakeholders it would affect. I guarantee you we will not fail this time, Breed told supporters Saturday. The Affordable Homes Now ballot initiative seeks to accelerate building by streamlining San Franciscos lengthy and often cumbersome approval process for projects that already meet all existing local planning and building codes, including zoning requirements. As it stands now, even if a project complies completely with local codes, it must go through the citys discretionary review process, which can sometimes take years. Under the proposed charter amendment, certain multifamily housing projects would get to circumvent that process potentially reducing the citys housing approval window from an average of four years to six to nine months. To qualify, a project must have 10 or more homes and have 15% more affordable units than required by city law, be designated for San Francisco public school and community college teachers and staff, or be 100% affordable. The measure will need 52,000 signatures by July 11 to qualify for the Nov. 8 ballot. This charter amendment will bring fundamental change to how we do housing in San Francisco, and it will fix one of the biggest flaws in our approach to housing, said state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco. When people propose housing that complies with all of our rules, they still have to go through a chaotic, unpredictable, lengthy, expensive process. We empower anyone, even a single person, to delay or even kill an affordable project, he added. This is a good government measure that will give our rules meaning if you comply with the rules, your project gets approved. Justin Katigbak/Special to The Chronicle Breed said that to her, the measure means giving low- and middle-income people who grew up in San Francisco a hope of being able to afford to stay. We dont want you to have to be a gazillionaire to live in San Francisco, Breed said. Maureen Sedonaen, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity in San Francisco, which builds only 100% affordable housing, said the measure would help her group get its work done faster. We have thousands of people applying for a very small handful of homes, and we need to build more, she said. Streamlining is really important to us. The ballot measure would also require that all construction workers who build the streamlined development projects must be paid family-supporting prevailing wages, a move that garnered the support of the carpenters union, many members of which were at the rally. Im fired up today, said Jay Bradshaw, the Nor Cal Carpenters Union executive officer, addressing the crowd. He said that not only would the amendment help create more, good-paying jobs for union members, it would also create more housing for those workers to live in. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. We have a right to live where we work, he said as the crowd cheered. Our membership has been put in a spot where they often have to drive two or three hours each way to get to the jobs in San Francisco. Not by choice, but because theyve been priced out of their city. Rachael Tanner, the president of the S.F. Planning Commission, said the initiative would create a clear path for affordable projects to be built, which would save affordable housing developers time and money. For folks who build housing, even affordable housing, when theres uncertainty about whats going to happen, it can increase costs, she said. We need affordable homes right now. Tanner also said that allowing projects specifically directed at teachers is an important part of the initiative, as education is such a fundamental part of creating upward mobility. We want our educators to be able to afford to live in the city, she said. How beautiful would it be if we could decrease teacher turnover because folks have housing support. Housing has also become a central focus in the heated runoff election for Assembly District 17 between Supervisor Matt Haney and former Supervisor David Campos. Opponents of the proposed ballot measure say it could jeopardize neighborhood control and input over whats built. But advocates say that because the streamlined projects would already meet local requirements, making them go through a review process is unnecessary and repetitive. If theres a project that wants more, of course theyll have to go through a process and people will still have the right to protest or support, Breed said. This is just to allow what exists already within the context of what the law is to happen. Danielle Echeverria is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: danielle.echeverria@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DanielleEchev When three porcupines showed up at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care with an array of injuries from last years Caldor Fire, and then another in January with a fractured clavicle, animal care director Denise Upton was befuddled. We've never, ever rehabbed four porcupines at one time, Upton says. We get one a season, maybe. Most Californians have never seen a wild porcupine. Largely nocturnal, the creatures spend a lot of time up in the trees and their population in this state is thought to be small, but theres not much research out there about porcupines. Perhaps the biggest surprise in rescuing three was this: Porcupines can sometimes be quite noisy. Two of the porcupines in particular, whom the center nicknamed P2 and P3, had all kinds of things to say. P2 a female with burned paws, scorched hair and a singed tail was extremely vocal right away. As animal experts evaluated her, her protests sounded like someone blowing a kazoo. [P2] had no problem announcing her displeasure with her examination today, a staff member posted on the centers Instagram page along with video evidence. ... Dont worry she isnt being hurt. She is just wild and doesnt like us. Within about a month, P3 an older male with burned paws had become even more outspoken. When staff members woke him to clean his cage, he seemed to be grumbling like a fussy old hermit. When eating carrots, he made mmmm sounds, like a human making a show of enjoying a meal. One day, P3 even had a conversation with a hidden camera. Ehhhhhhhhh. Ehhhhhh. Eh! Ehhhhhhh. Ehhhhhh. Ehh, he says to the camera for unexplained reasons in an Instagram video. Upton knew then that she had a lot to learn. As it turns out, these loud porcupines are not without precedent. Another porcupine from Texas, Teddy Bear, became a YouTube sensation in 2011 for his human-like sounds and love of corn. In a recent Facebook post in a private wildlife group, one user criticized porcupines for damaging trees when feeding on bark, and added, "They chew and talk to their selves, sounds like munchkins on acid in the forest." But according to porcupine experts, the quilled rodents are not usually very noisy at least not in nature. They do make loud sounds occasionally, but only for a few specific reasons, says retired Queens College biology professor Uldis Roze, who studied the creatures for much of his career and wrote the definitive book on the animal: "The North American Porcupine." Courtesy of Uldis Roze If it's a young baby, it'll call for its mother like a human child, and when a baby porcupine nurses, the mother and baby 'sing' to each other, Roze says. Another vocalization is in mating time when two males are competing for the same female. They fight, and the males scream. It's like an ambulance siren through the forest. You hear it for a long distance. And then there's the kind of irritated sound. Its like, eh, eh, eh! When Roze makes the eh noise, he sounds strikingly similar to P2 and P3 in some of the Instagram posts. Thats the sound of not wanting to be with the other guys, Roze says. Its the sound that porcupines make when they're in the den and another porcupine comes into the den, and they're just kvetching all the time until one of them leaves. Porcupines are very solitary animals, he explains, largely spending their lives alone. Roze became fascinated with porcupines back in the 1970s while building a cabin with his wife in the Catskills. The creatures started eating the plywood an excellent source of sodium, he notes and he began to wonder, Why is this animal eating our house? What do we know about this animal? I found out there wasnt much known, he says, and I got drawn into a study of porcupines that lasted for decades. Roze admitted he wasnt very familiar with California porcupines and suggested contacting a different expert Cara Appel to learn more about their distribution here and behavior during wildfires. Appel is a PhD student at Oregon State University who did her masters research on porcupines at Cal Poly Humboldt, which included general research on their distribution and status in the northwestern United States. Asked about why the porcupine population is so small in California, she offers a disclaimer before answering: Unfortunately, there hasnt been a lot of interest in it, so most of what we know is more speculative, she says. But basically, in looking at historical records and distribution modeling across California, Oregon, Montana, Idaho and other western states, Appel found that porcupines were abundant in the region up until the mid-1900s. But they were eating saplings and damaging trees that were economically valuable. They were a big problem in the viewpoint of those who manage timberlands, Appel says. For decades, there were concerted efforts to get rid of porcupines, including bounties, systematic poisoning and other control efforts, she continues, and their population declined precipitously. Courtesy of Cara Appel Porcupines only reproduce once a year, giving birth to just one baby porcupine, and they also prefer to live at low density (remember the ehhhhhhs?). So it takes a longer time for the populations to recover, Appel says. Meanwhile, predator populations have increased in areas where they live, she adds, and forestry practices have modified their habitat in ways that make it less attractive to herbivores. Porcupines do occasionally make appearances in places like Tolowa Dunes State Park, Yreka and the Sierra, but often its in the form of roadkill. Otherwise, they largely fly under the radar. In August 2021, the Caldor Fire changed that. The incredibly destructive fire burned through more than 200,000 acres of the Sierra Nevada, including parts of Christmas Valley in South Lake Tahoe. And in September, thats where residents found all three porcupines, P1, P2 and P3, and reported them to Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care. Porcupines are particularly ill-equipped to survive wildfires, say the experts, because they arent very quick and their escape of choice is to climb trees. They do sometimes have dens underground that could give them a little bit of protection, Appel says, but not extensive burrowing systems like other animals have. P1 was in the worst condition of the three, with his eyes burned shut, his nose burned closed and all of his quills burned off. He must have just rolled up to survive the flames, staff from the center theorized in an Instagram post. P2s quills were burned off her tail, her hair was singed and all four of her paws were burned, which required tilapia skin grafts, and P3 also had burned paws. Upton herself handled that rescue, traveling to Christmas Valley to retrieve P3 from a concrete bunker he had crawled into. With porcupines, if you want them to go right, they go left, she says. So I had to climb in there and convince him to come out. In taking care of other porcupines, including an educational ambassador named Porky whom she raised after his mother died, Upton learned that they like small places where they can feel safe. So she brought a pet carrier with a cover, making it look like a hidey hole. She was then able to tap P3 on the butt (steering clear of his swishing tail) and usher him into the pet carrier. So thats wrangling a porcupine 101, she says. Over the past seven months, the three rescued porcupines have eaten their vegetables, their wounds have healed and their quills have grown back. P1 and P2 are again able to climb trees which is a requirement for releasing them back to the wild. And earlier this week, the center bid a fond farewell to P1. After P1 was dropped off in the woods, a trail camera captured his movements. He remained in his box a while, then finally began walking around and sniffing and eventually heading for a tree. P2 will be the next to go, and then it will be P3s turn, if he can prove hes able to climb trees. Staff members at the center have mixed feelings about that, Upton says. P3 is old, and hes cranky and his noises whatever they might mean are absolutely adorable. Were not sure what to do with him, Upton says. Hes acting a little goofy. Hes been walking around talking all day long. I dont know what his deal is. GOODSPRINGS, Nev. (AP) Goodsprings Elementary School Principal Tati Hadavi watches as one of his teachers reached across a table to gently brush the long hair out of a students eyes as she read. With two teachers for all five pupils in Goodsprings, a desert village about 45 minutes south of Las Vegas, the teachers are like aunties who also give daily individualized instruction. Look at that. Its beautiful, Hadavi told the Las Vegas Sun. Their scores, their growth show that. The school, along with an elementary, middle and high school in neighboring Sandy Valley, are the only schools in mostly urban Clark County School District to meet just four days a week. The schools, which are run by a single administrative team, just received their fifth consecutive approval from the district school board to continue their alternative Monday-Thursday schedule. When administrators seek board members approval every two years, they tout measurable benefits: attendance beyond district averages, classroom time far beyond state standards and comparable to a typical urban school, academic growth, and few disciplinary issues. Sandy Valley Schools and Goodsprings Elementary School are very unique communities in a rural area of Southern Nevada, the proposal for the late March trustees meeting read. The three Sandy Valley schools are located in the same complex, with each school having its own building. In 2019-20, the last year mostly untouched by the pandemic, attendance ranged from 94% to 96%, up to 2 percentage points above CCSD overall. The year prior, it was between 91% and 94%. Students attending Sandy Valley and Goodsprings school are in class for 423 minutes a day, or 7 hours and 3 minutes, excluding lunch breaks. The in-class times are equivalent to the roughly five-and-a-half hour days that other elementary schools are typically in class in CCSD during a conventional week. Nevada requires a minimum of four hours daily for children in kindergarten through second grades, five hours for pupils in third through sixth, and five and a half hours for grades 7-12 The Sandy Valley middle school has four stars out of five under the state department of educations Nevada school performance framework. The elementary and high schools earned three stars. In 2017-18, the elementary school only had one star. (Goodsprings is too small for a star rating). Last year, Sandy Valley High graduated 100% of its seniors. And, notably, a survey of students, staff and parents in both communities returned 98.9% in support of the four-day week. On Fridays, student-athletes can travel to far-flung away games, older students can work, and staff can tend to personal matters. Some school district officials were skeptical about the four-day week when board members approved it as a pilot program in 2012. It has been easily renewed ever since. Hadavi came to the rurals two and a half years ago after being an administrator at a middle and high school in east Las Vegas. In his time out in the country, Sandy Valley has never had a fight. The kids are different here sweet, he said. The four schools have 271 children, 32 teachers and 20 support staff between them, all but a handful at the Sandy Valley complex. A few staffers, like Hadavi, split their time. In an exceptionally diverse district the fifth-largest in the U.S., with more than 300,000 students Goodsprings Elementary stands out. The building, which started its life as a one-room schoolhouse, is 109 years old and on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been retrofitted to modern standards it now has two classrooms, two bathrooms, a tiny library and tinier kitchen, and office and storage space. The outer walls and gabled bell tower strike the quintessential turn-of-the-century schoolhouse silhouette, though. The antique mechanical bell is still operational, nudged via a long, handled rope that dangles through the modern drop ceiling, and a student is tasked with ringing it to start the day. Then the group files outside, where another student helps raise Nevada and U.S. flags up the pole, and the group pledges allegiance a few steps from the hopscotch squares and tetherballs. This year there are five students. Last year, there were 10. Goodsprings is one of four schools in the more-than 350 across CCSD that remained fully in-person when others were forced into distance learning during the coronavirus lockdown. It never had an outbreak. In Sandy Valley, about 15 minutes away, 10th-grader Annet Arce said she had a peaceful life. On Fridays, she is at home on her familys 2 acres with their cows and goats. Ninth-grader Lionel Corona was born in Las Vegas and attended Von Tobel Middle School in northeast Las Vegas before attending Sandy Valley. He said he received more attention in Sandy Valley because the classes were smaller. His day is longer, but I barely notice. Kristin Wolf is an interventionist who works mostly with Sandy Valley elementary students who need extra help with math. She was previously a math teacher in a large middle school, where students only had 50-minute periods to absorb the material. At Sandy Valley, there are more minutes for everything, including math. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GRANT TOWN, W.Va. (AP) Grassroots groups blocking the entrance to a West Virginia power plant denounced Sen. Joe Manchins ties to the coal industry, and several arrests were made. Dozens of protesters rallied Saturday outside the front gate of the coal-fired Grant Town Power Plant, news outlets reported. The protest called on Manchin to abandon his support for fossil fuels and support green energy legislation. The West Virginia Democrat wields considerable influence over energy policy as chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Demonstrators also urged Manchin to support legislation to lift up families living in poverty. The protest also focused on Manchins family business, which sells waste coal to the power plant about 90 miles (about 145 kilometers) south of Pittsburgh. Sam Runyon, a spokeswoman for Manchin, said in an email Sunday that the senator has always supported the right of every West Virginian to peacefully protest as protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution. Among the speakers Saturday were the Rev. William Barber, co-chair of the grassroots Poor Peoples Campaign, which has held several rallies over the past year in West Virginia to call on Manchin to support issues such as higher wages, better voting protections and the now-expired expanded child tax credit. In February, Manchin declared that President Joe Bidens roughly $2 trillion Build Back Better social and environment bill is dead. While Manchin expressed support for the original bills provisions bolstering renewable energy, he said he also wants to use all the fossil industry in the cleanest, absolute possible versions that you can. The measure had already passed the House. Democrats need Manchins vote to prevail in the 50-50 Senate, where every Republican opposes the legislation but Vice President Kamala Harris can vote to break ties. Barber and others spoke in front of a sign attached to the plant's gate that read Manchin: Stop Burning WV's Future For Profit. Instead of passing legislation and standing with those things that would help the climate and protect our water, he has blocked those things, Barber said. At every turn, he has chosen the money and chosen greed and chosen a kind of political meanness. When you block health care, people die. When you mess up the climate, people die. West Virginia is the nations second-largest coal producer, behind Wyoming, and accounted for 5% of the nations total energy production in 2019, ranking fifth among the states, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. But West Virginia has lost thousands of coal jobs in the past decade as companies and utilities explore using other energy sources such as natural gas, solar and wind. State police and sheriffs deputies led several protesters away in handcuffs, but it wasnt immediately known how many arrests were made or what charges those activists faced. WV Rising, a Morgantown-based group that organized the protest, said 16 people were arrested. Capt. R.A. Maddy, a state police spokesman, said Sunday he had no information on the arrests. A dispatcher at the Marion County sheriffs office referred questions Sunday to the sheriff, who was unavailable. Rylee Haught, a protester from Morgantown, said she showed up to the demonstration because "I know the effects that coal has and its not positive anymore. Its a dying industry. Its hurting West Virginia. Its hurting all of America and the rest of the world at this point with global warming increasing rapidly. Haught also said Manchins family business represents a huge conflict of interest and it absolutely should not be allowed to happen. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate CANBERRA, Australia (AP) The son of a single mother who raised him on a pension, Anthony Albanese had a humble start to life for an aspiring Australian prime minister. But despite his disadvantaged upbringing in public housing in Sydney, the man known since childhood as Albo has risen to the top of the center-left Australian Labor Party and is now only an election away from potentially realizing his ambition to lead the national government. On Sunday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an election on May 21. As a young child, to spare Albanese the scandal of being illegitimate in a working-class Roman Catholic family in socially conservative 1960s Australia, he was told that his Italian father Carlo Albanese had died in a car accident shortly after marrying his ethnic-Irish Australian mother Maryanne Ellery in Europe. His mother, who became an invalid pensioner because of chronic rheumatoid arthritis, told him the truth when he was 14 years old: His father was not dead and his parents had never married. Carlo Albanese had been a steward on a cruise ship when the couple met in 1962 during the only overseas trip of her life. She returned to Sydney from her seven-month journey through Asia to Britain and continental Europe almost four months pregnant, according to Anthony Albaneses 2016 biography, Albanese: Telling it Straight. She was living with her parents in their local government-owned house in inner-suburban Camperdown when her only child was born on March 2, 1963. Out of loyalty to his mother and a fear of hurting her feelings, Albanese waited until after her death in 2002 before searching for his father. Father and son were happily united in 2009 in the fathers hometown of Barletta in southern Italy. The son was in Italy for business meetings as Australias minister for transport and infrastructure. Anthony Albanese was a minister throughout Labors most recent six years in power and reached his highest office deputy prime minister in his governments final three months that ended with the 2013 election. It says a great thing about our nation that the son of a (single) parent who grew up in a council house in Sydney could be deputy prime minister of Australia, Albanese said. He had just defeated the son of a former deputy prime in a ballot of fellow lawmakers for the post. But Albaneses critics argue that its not his humble background but his left-wing politics that make him unsuitable to be prime minister. The conservative government argues he would be the most left-wing Australian leader in almost 50 years since the crash-or-crash-through reformer Gough Whitlam, a flawed hero of the Labor Party. In 1975, Whitlam became the only Australian prime minister to be ousted from office by a British monarchs representative in what is described as a constitutional crisis. Whitlam had introduced during his brief but tumultuous three years in power free university education, which enabled Albanese to graduate from Sydney University with an economics degree despite his meager financial resources. Albaneses supporters argue that while he was from Labors so-called Socialist Left faction, he was a pragmatist with a proven ability to deal with more conservative elements of the party. Albanese had undergone what has been described as a makeover in the past year, opting for more fashionable suits and glasses. He has also shed 18 kilograms (40 pounds) in what many assume is an effort to make himself more attractive to voters. Albanese says he believed he was about to die in a two-car collision in Sydney in January last year and that that was the catalyst for his healthier life choices. He had briefly resigned himself to a fate he once believed had been his fathers. After the accident, Albanese spent a night in a hospital and suffered what he described as external and internal injuries that he has not detailed. The 17-year-old boy behind the wheel of the Range Rover SUV that collided with Albaneses much smaller Toyota Camry sedan was charged with negligent driving. Asked at the National Press Club of Australia in January to explain who he was, Albanese replied he was the son of a pensioner mother who had grown up with the security of a local government-provided house. Albanese said he was 12 years old when he became involved in his first political campaign. His fellow public housing tenants successfully defeated a local council proposal to sell their homes a move that would have increased their rent in a campaign that involved refusing to pay the council in a so-called rent strike. The unpaid rent debt was forgiven, which Albanese described as a lesson for those people who werent part of the rent strike: Solidarity works. As I grew up, I understood the impact that government had, can have, on making a difference to peoples lives, Albanese said. And in particular, to opportunity." WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden is nominating an Obama-era U.S. attorney to run the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as his administration unveils its formal rule to rein in ghost guns, privately made firearms without serial numbers that are increasingly cropping up at crime scenes, six people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. Biden is expected to make the announcement nominating Steve Dettlebach, who served as a U.S. attorney in Ohio from 2009 to 2016, at the White House on Monday, the people said. They were not authorized to discuss the nomination publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity. The administration will also release the finalized version of its ghost gun rule, which comes as the White House and the Justice Department have been under growing pressure to crack down on gun deaths and violent crime in the U.S. Dettlebachs confirmation is likely to be an uphill battle for the Biden administration. Biden had to withdraw the nomination of his first ATF nominee, gun-control advocate David Chipman, after the nomination stalled for months because of opposition from Republicans and some Democrats in the Senate. Both Republican and Democratic administrations have failed to get nominees for the ATF position through the politically fraught process since the directors position was made confirmable in 2006. Since then, only one nominee, former U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones, has been confirmed. Jones made it through the Senate in 2013 but only after a six-month struggle. Jones was acting director when President Barack Obama nominated him in January 2013. The Biden administrations plan was first reported by Politico. For nearly a year, the ghost gun rule has been making its way through the federal regulation process. Gun safety groups and Democrats in Congress have been pushing for the Justice Department to finish the rule for months. It will probably be met with heavy resistance from gun groups and draw litigation in the coming weeks. On Sunday, the Senate's top Democrat, Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, implored the administration to move faster. Its high time for a ghost gun exorcism before the proliferation peaks, and before more people get hurt or worse, Schumer said in a statement. My message is a simple one: No more waiting on these proposed federal rules." Ghost guns are "too easy to build, too hard to trace and too dangerous to ignore. Justice Department statistics show that nearly 24,000 ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement at crime scenes and reported to the government from 2016 to 2020. It is hard to say how many are circulating on the streets, in part because in many cases police departments dont contact the government about the guns because they cant be traced. The rule is expected to change the current definition of a firearm under federal law to include unfinished parts, like the frame of a handgun or the receiver of a long gun. In its proposed rule released last May, the ATF said it was also seeking to require manufacturers and dealers who sell ghost gun parts to be licensed by the federal government and require federally licensed firearms dealers to add a serial number to any unserialized guns they plan to sell. The rule would also require firearms dealers to run background checks before they sell ghost gun kits that contain parts needed to assemble a firearm. For years, federal officials have been sounding the alarm about an increasing black market for homemade, military-style semi-automatic rifles and handguns. As well as turning up more frequently at crime scenes, ghost guns have been increasingly encountered when federal agents buy guns in undercover operations from gang members and other criminals. Some states, like California, have enacted laws in recent years to require serial numbers to be stamped on ghost guns. The critical component in building an untraceable gun is what is known as the lower receiver, a part typically made of metal or polymer. An unfinished receiver sometimes referred to as an 80-percent receiver can be legally bought online with no serial numbers or other markings on it, no license required. Police across the country have been reporting spikes in ghost guns being recovered by officers. The New York Police Department, for example, said officers found 131 unserialized firearms since January. A gunman who killed his wife and four others in Northern California in 2017 had been prohibited from owning firearms, but he built his own to skirt the court order before his rampage. And in 2019, a teenager used a homemade handgun to fatally shoot two classmates and wound three others at a school in suburban Los Angeles. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) Russian ally Serbia took the delivery of a sophisticated Chinese anti-aircraft system in a veiled operation this weekend, amid Western concerns that an arms buildup in the Balkans at the time of the war in Ukraine could threaten the fragile peace in the region. Media and military experts said Sunday that six Chinese Air Force Y-20 transport planes landed at Belgrade's civilian airport early Saturday, reportedly carrying HQ-22 surface-to-air missile systems for the Serbian military. The Chinese cargo planes with military markings were pictured at Belgrade's Nikola Tesla airport. Serbia's defense ministry did not immediately respond to APs request for comment. The arms delivery over the territory of at least two NATO member states, Turkey and Bulgaria, was seen by experts as a demonstration of Chinas growing global reach. The Y-20s appearance raised eyebrows because they flew en masse as opposed to a series of single-aircraft flights, wrote The Warzone online magazine. The Y-20s presence in Europe in any numbers is also still a fairly new development. Serbian military analyst Aleksandar Radic said that the Chinese carried out their demonstration of force. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic all but confirmed the delivery of the medium-range system that was agreed in 2019, saying on Saturday that he will present the newest pride of the Serbian military on Tuesday or Wednesday. He had earlier complained that NATO countries, which represent most of Serbias neighbors, are refusing to allow the systems delivery flights over their territories amid tensions over Russias aggression on Ukraine. Although Serbia has voted in favor of U.N. resolutions that condemn the bloody Russian attacks in Ukraine, it has refused to join international sanctions against its allies in Moscow or outright criticize the apparent atrocities committed by the Russian troops there. Back in 2020, U.S. officials warned Belgrade against the purchase of HQ-22 anti-aircraft systems, whose export version is known as FK-3. They said that if Serbia really wants to join the European Union and other Western alliances, it must align its military equipment with Western standards. The Chinese missile system has been widely compared to the American Patriot and the Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile systems although it has a shorter range than more advanced S-300s. Serbia will be the first operator of the Chinese missiles in Europe. Serbia was at war with its neighbors in the 1990s. The country, which is formally seeking EU membership, has already been boosting its armed forces with Russian and Chinese arms, including warplanes, battle tanks and other equipment. In 2020, it took delivery of Chengdu Pterodactyl-1 drones, known in China as Wing Loong. The combat drones are able to strike targets with bombs and missiles and can be used for reconnaissance tasks. There are fears in the West that the arming of Serbia by Russia and China could encourage the Balkan country toward another war, especially against its former province of Kosovo that proclaimed independence in 2008. Serbia, Russia and China dont recognize Kosovos statehood, while the United States and most Western countries do. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) Colorado Republicans on Saturday voted to place on their U.S. Senate primary ballot a state representative who attended the Jan. 6 rally that preceded the attack on the U.S. Capitol and is a supporter of former President Donald Trump's lies about the 2020 presidential election. The gathering is a key step toward garnering the party's nomination to face Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet in November. State Rep. Ron Hanks was the lead choice of 3,700 delegates to the state GOP's assembly, winning 39% of the vote. His only GOP rival in the June 28 Republican Senate primary will be businessman Joe O'Dea, who chose to circulate petitions to get on the ballot rather than go through the assembly. I fully expected Donald Trump to win in 2020 and he did, Hanks, who has made the election his central issue, said to resounding cheers from the crowd at an arena in Colorado Springs. When we saw what we saw on election night in 2020, it changed everything just like the changes we felt after 9/11. The gathering showed how central Trump's election lies are to the party faithful, even as repeated audits and reviews including by Trump's own Justice Department have found no significant voter fraud in the contest. The assembly passed a resolution calling for an end to Colorados universal mail voting system, under which every voter is sent a ballot through the mail. Hanks' supporters also rallied around Tina Peters, a clerk in a western Colorado county who has been indicted for her alleged role in the copying of confidential voting data that has been posted widely by Trump supporters online. Peters, who was barred by a judge from overseeing last year's local elections, is running for the GOP nomination for Colorado's top elections office, secretary of state. She won 61% of the vote at Saturday's events. Two other Republican candidates businessman Michael O'Donnell, who came in second at Saturday's assembly, and Pam Anderson, a former suburban county clerk who avoided the assembly and filed petitions backing her candidacy, will also be on the June ballot for the GOP nomination. Greg Lopez, a former mayor of a Denver suburb, was the top vote-getter for the party's gubernatorial nomination after promising to pardon Peters if he were elected governor. He and Heidi Ganahl, a member of the University of Colorado Board of Regents, will face off in the June primary. The winner will challenge Democratic Gov. Jared Polis. Candidates for statewide office must receive support from at least 30% of the delegates to be placed on the primary ballot, or circulate petitions gathered in each of the state's eight congressional districts. Five other Republican Senate hopefuls split the remaining votes evenly, with none clearing the critical 30% threshold, ending their campaigns. An Air Force veteran and former military intelligence officer, Hanks has quickly become a polarizing figure in Colorado politics after winning election to the statehouse in 2020. He has made questioning the election his top issue, visiting the erratic, Trump-backed review of the election in Arizona's largest county and filing a lawsuit against the state's Democratic secretary of state, Jena Griswold, to compel a similar review of Colorado's election system. His rival, O'Dea, has instead focused his campaign on economics and social issues. BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) An arbitrator has ruled that two Buffalo police officers didn't violate the department's use-of-force guidelines when they pushed a 75-year-old protester to the ground in June 2020 during racial injustice protests following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The episode drew national attention when a news crew captured video of Martin Gugino being shoved by officers Robert McCabe and Aaron Torgalski in downtown Buffalo, as crowd control officers in riot gear cleared demonstrators for an 8 p.m. curfew. Gugino, pushed backward, started bleeding after hitting his head on the pavement and spent about a month in the hospital with a fractured skull and brain injury. In a decision Friday, arbitrator Jeffrey Selchick wrote, Upon review, there is no evidence to sustain any claim that Respondents (police officers) had any other viable options other than to move Gugino out of the way of their forward movement. The level of force used by the officers was justified because Gugino refused to comply with orders to leave the scene and was acting erratically, and walked directly in front of McCabe, according to Selchick. The use of force employed by Respondents reflected no intent on their part to do more than to move Gugino away from them, he wrote. McCabe and Torgalski were suspended without pay and arrested within days of the incident, but last year a grand jury declined to indict them and charges were dropped. An attorney for Gugino, who has sued the city, told the Buffalo News that the ruling has no bearing on the lawsuit. We are not aware of any case where this arbitrator has ruled against on-duty police officers, so his ruling here on behalf of the police was not only expected by us, but was certainly expected by the union and city who selected and paid him, Melissa Wischerath told the newspaper. Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said in a statement he will reinstate the two officers to duty on Monday, the newspaper reported. Email messages seeking comment were left Sunday with an attorney representing the city, which argued for the disciplinary charges, and with the Buffalo police union. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Amid several bills introduced in Tennessee that have attracted national attention this year, none has sparked as much alarm among both Republicans and Democrats as a proposal that would create a new marriage contract specifically designed to exclude same-sex couples. Supporters argue the measure is needed to give religious officials, couples and others opposed to gay marriage an option that wouldn't conflict with their beliefs. Critics say it's a deliberate effort to circumvent the Supreme Court's 2015 ruling legalizing gay marriage and could lead to costly legal battles. Many have noted that the bill initially failed to include a minimum age an omission that has opened the door to widespread mockery. Some worry the move helped reinforce stereotypes regarding Tennessee as backward. The bill's Republican sponsors have downplayed concerns that the age omission would result in a wave of child marriages, but they've since introduced an amendment that would incorporate an age requirement of 18 years old or older. WHO WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR COMMON LAW MARRIAGE CONTRACT? If enacted, the legislation would allow opposite-sex couples to fill out marriage contracts based on common law marriage principles. Typically, common law marriage refers to the legal protections of marriage given to couples who live together as a married couple, but who havent gotten a state marriage license. Just eight states allow common law marriages, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, and Tennessee isn't one of them. It's a practice that in America has dated back to Colonial times when it was sometimes difficult to find a preacher to solemnize a marriage. The Tennessee bill, however, specifically states the contract would only apply to one man and one woman," thereby banning same-sex couples from pursuing the option. Opposite-sex couples wouldn't have to file the contract with the state, meaning county clerks wouldn't have to recognize the contracts like they do with marriage licenses. This legislation has kept me up at night, Republican Rep. Johnny Garrett told lawmakers earlier this week. Garrett, who is an attorney, said the lack of state recognition would mean couples would likely be unable to claim benefits and be denied rights typically given to married couples. He also pointed out that there's nothing prohibiting individuals from entering into multiple contracts. Were going to legalize polygamy in this state, he warned. Republican Rep. Tom Leatherwood countered that people could commit fraud using marriage licenses and added that he believed courts would recognize the contracts so that individuals could receive spousal benefits. All this bill does is give an alternative form of marriage for those pastors and other individuals who have a conscientious objection to the current pathway to marriage in our law, Leatherwood said during a legislative hearing in March. WOULD BILL ALLOW CHILD MARRIAGE? When the bill was first introduced in the House, Democratic Rep. Mike Stewart quickly pointed out that the proposed common law marriage contract did not include an age minimum. Currently, there is no federal minimum age requirement to be married. Instead, that decision is left to the states. For Tennessee, the minimum age to obtain a marriage license is 18, but 17-year-olds can still be married as long as they have parental consent. It is illegal for minors ages 11-17 to be married under a 2018 state law. The proposed common law marriage bill wouldn't automatically legalize child marriages. But the omission of an age requirement sparked widespread criticism that it would create a loophole allowing children to marry. After downplaying child marriage accusations, the sponsors have since tweaked the bill to say it would apply to opposite-sex couples who both have attained the age of majority, which is 18 years old in Tennessee. But that hasn't stopped the skepticism from Democrats and Republicans who worry the bill is setting up the state for a costly lawsuit. This argument that it is going to set up two separate paths to marriage is blatantly unconstitutional in violation of the Obergefell decision, which is the law of the land," said attorney Abby Rubenfeld, who in 2013 helped lead the challenge to Tennessee's ban on same-sex marriage. The suit, which was filed by Rubenfeld, was included in the SCOTUS case that eventually legalized gay marriage in 2015. We won that case before the Supreme Court and we also obtained, as you probably know, a substantial award in attorney fees and costs which Tennessee taxpayers had to pay, Rubenfeld warned lawmakers. It can be expensive for our state to adopt unconstitutional laws. WHO IS SUPPORTING THE PROPOSAL? The fate of the bill remains unknown. Despite having nearly 20 Republican cosponsors, GOP Senate Speaker Randy McNally told reporters this week that he wouldn't support it due to the lingering constitutional problems. The bill has been scheduled for several weeks to be debated before the full Senate, but has been delayed several times at the request of the sponsor. Over in the House, the bill was discussed in a committee this week, but lawmakers ran out of time before taking a vote. Its slated to come up again next Wednesday. I dont know if it has the votes or not," Republican House Speaker Cameron Sexton told reporters recently. I guess well find out next week." ___ Associated Press writer Jonathan Mattise contributed to this report. SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (AP) Georgias wildlife agency is asking residents to report sightings of an invasive lizard that can pose a threat to native species. The state Department of Natural Resources is trying to locate and remove South American tegus from Georgia before the lizards can thrive in greater numbers. So far, the state's only known wild population has been found in Toombs and Tattnall counties in southeast Georgia. Wildlife officials hope to stop the black and white lizards from spreading further. They can grow up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) long and weight up to 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms), and have a wide-ranging appetite that favors eggs of turtles, alligators and ground-nesting birds. They can live almost anywhere and eat almost anything, Daniel Sollenberger, a DNR wildlife biologist, said in a news release. We are focusing our efforts to accomplish two goals: document the extent of where tegus occur in the wilds of southeast Georgia and remove those animals as soon as we can after they are detected, Sollenberger said. With area residents, hunters and other folks helping us keep an eye out for and controlling tegus, we are cautiously optimistic we can control this population. Officials aren't sure how tegus got introduced into the wild in Georgia, but they are commonly kept as pets. Last year the DNR removed a single tegu that was spotted on a game camera and later captured in a trap. Seven were collected, both dead and alive, in 2020. Wildlife officials warn if tegus become established in the wild, they will be nearly impossible to eradicate. Wild populations have also been found in South Carolina and Florida. Trapping at one site along Everglades National Park can yield hundreds of the lizards each season. NEW DELHI (AP) India began offering booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine to all adults on Sunday but limited free shots at government centers to front-line workers and people over age 60. The doses, which India is calling a precautionary shot instead of a booster, are available to people nine months after they receive their second jab, the Health Ministry said in a statement Friday. Those outside the two priority categories will need to pay for the shots at privately run facilities, the ministry said. RICHMOND, Va. (AP) U.S. service members who are HIV-positive cannot be discharged or barred from becoming an officer solely because they're infected with the virus, a federal judge in Virginia ruled. Advocates say it's one of the strongest rulings in years for people living with HIV. The cases involved two service members that the Air Force attempted to discharge, as well as Sgt. Nick Harrison of the D.C. Army National Guard, who was denied a position in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema said in a written order dated April 6 that her ruling bars the military from taking those actions against the plaintiffs and any other asymptomatic HIV-positive service member with an undetectable viral load because they are classified as ineligible for worldwide deployment ... due to their HIV-positive status. Peter Perkowski, an attorney for the plaintiffs, called it a landmark victory probably the biggest ruling in favor of people living with HIV in the last 20 years." The military was the last employer in the country that had a policy against people living with HIV. Every other employer including first responders is subject to rules that prohibit discrimination based on HIV status, he said. The Department of Defense did not immediately respond to an emailed request seeking comment on the ruling or whether it intends to appeal. The airmen, identified by pseudonyms in the 2018 lawsuit, argued that major advancements in treatment mean they can easily be given appropriate medical care and present no real risk of transmission to others. In 2020, the Richmond-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a preliminary injunction barring the discharge of the airmen. In its ruling, the three-judge panel said the militarys rationale for prohibiting deployment of HIV-positive service members was outmoded and at odds with current science. The appeals court ruling left the injunction in place while their lawsuit was being heard. The Department of Justice argued before the 4th Circuit that the Air Force determined the two airmen could no longer perform their duties because their career fields required them to deploy frequently and because their condition prevented them from deploying to the U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility, where most airmen are expected to go. Central Command, which governs military operations in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia, prohibits personnel with HIV from deploying without a waiver. The DOJ acknowledged that treatment lowers the risk of transmitting HIV, but said the risk is amplified on the battlefield where soldiers can often come into contact with blood. An attorney for the airmen argued during a 2019 hearing that the odds of transmitting HIV in combat are infinitesimal and should not limit their deployment or lead to their discharge. In its written ruling, the 4th Circuit panel said a ban on deployment may have been justified at a time when HIV treatment was less effective at managing the virus and reducing the risk of transmission. But any understanding of HIV that could justify this ban is outmoded and at odds with current science. Such obsolete understandings cannot justify a ban, even under a deferential standard of review and even according appropriate deference to the militarys professional judgments, Judge James Wynn Jr. wrote in the unanimous 2020 ruling. Brinkema said in this month's written order that she had temporarily sealed her ruling in the case to give both sides a chance to seek redactions within 14 days. The judge ordered the secretary of the Air Force to rescind the decision to discharge the two airmen and ordered the Army to rescind its decision denying Harrison's application to commission into JAG, and to reevaluate those decisions in light of her ruling. Kara Ingelhart, senior attorney at Lambda Legal, one of the groups that brought the lawsuits, said in a news release that the ruling knocks down a barrier to preventing people living with AIDS from becoming officers, and "brings an end to the military's ongoing discrimination against the approximately 2,000 service members currently serving while living with HIV. Lachlan Murdoch's first major media moment was also his first public humiliation. It was 2005, and the oldest son of Rupert Murdoch was on the cover of New York magazine as "The Boy Who Wouldn't Be King." The dishy piece outlined how the elder media mogul had undercut his anticipated successor by siding instead with a beloved top executive, Fox News co-founder Roger Ailes, on key programming decisions. Licking his wounds, Lachlan, then 34, abruptly resigned his role in the family-controlled news empire and fled New York with his wife and child for their native Australia, which he referred to as their "spiritual home." It was a move that cemented a public image of the tanned, tattooed surfer as an ambivalent heir. And even as he made his way back to family business, nearly a decade later, and rose again through the ranks, the image remained of a passive Gen-Xer who kept his politics quiet and his ambitions subservient to those of the swaggering conservative billionaire dad who aspired to influence power at the highest global levels. Until last week. In a speech in Sydney celebrating a new initiative at a conservative think tank, Lachlan Murdoch - now 50 and the co-chairman of the family's News Corp., which owns the Wall Street Journal and New York Post, and chairman and CEO of Fox Corporation - took swipes at the "elites" whom he believes disdain traditional values. He also blasted governments for imposing mandates and business shutdowns to control the pandemic and alleged conspiratorially that "practically all the media suppressed the discovery of Hunter Biden's laptop." It was a monologue that could have fit in seamlessly with the lineup of right-wing commentary served up every night by Fox News's prime time opinion hosts - including an obscure jab at the "1619 Project." The New York Times won a Pulitzer for one of the project's essays, which expounded upon the legacy of slavery. But it's become a regular punching bag in right-wing media, and Murdoch blamed the project for stoking partisan divides by "recast[ing] American exceptionalism as racist from inception." And he echoed the culture-war battles raging on cable news over school curriculums by painting a dire picture of what he sees happening in Australia. "How can we expect people to defend the values, interests and sovereignty of this nation," Murdoch asked, "if we teach our children only our faults and none of our virtues." The speech was something of a tipping point for longtime watchers of the Murdoch empire, who once assumed that the children of the 91-year-old Rupert - notably Lachlan and his younger brother James - might be a moderating influence on the media properties that promoted the rise of former president Donald Trump. Instead, James ended up leaving the company, as he made his discomfort with the rightward tack of the family business increasingly public, donating substantial funds to battle climate change, promote scientific understanding and underwrite pro-democracy initiatives. Lachlan, meanwhile, sent another powerful signal about his leanings even before his March 29 speech when he attended a book party last month celebrating former Trump attorney general William Barr. The son has never enjoyed the close relationship with Trump that his father once did, and Trump has continued to complain to visitors about Fox News for its supposed disloyalty in accurately predicting on election night 2020 that Trump would lose the key state of Arizona. But Barr is tight with Rupert Murdoch, and he signaled an embrace of Lachlan as well at the party - thanking him by name for traveling all the way from California for the event, and adding that it was Lachlan and his father who encouraged him to write the book at a time when Barr was hesitant. (In the book, Barr praised much of Trump's agenda but criticized the former president for refusing to accept his election loss. Asked to elaborate about the Murdochs' support of his book, Barr, reached by phone, said, "I don't really want to get into that.") Later, Lachlan Murdoch worked the room at the upscale Washington D.C. restaurant Tosca, packed with Trump allies such as Rep. Lindsay Graham and Sens. Mitch McConnell and Tom Cotton. The younger Murdoch's personal ideology been the subject of much curiosity as his influence has grown in his father's empire - and as Fox's programming has turned more heavily to opinion than straight news, and beyond standard Republican sensibilities to a stronger allegiance to Trumpism. Murdoch was troubled last fall by trailers for prime time host Tucker Carlson's Fox Nation special that floated specious theories that the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol was an inside job by the government to target Trump supporters, according to people who spoke with him. (Two prominent Fox contributors left the network in protest over the airing of the unfounded claims, and after departing Fox for CNN, veteran anchor Chris Wallace expressed discomfort with the drift of Fox's programming.) Yet Carlson's special aired nonetheless on Fox Nation, the network's streaming service. And Murdoch has otherwise repeatedly expressed pride in Fox's programming. He declared the network last year the "loyal opposition" to a Biden administration. It's an apparent comfort level with controversy that one former competitor sees as a family trait. "I have never thought that Rupert Murdoch has ever minded too much about the content of his [media outlets] provided they don't run counter to the political and geopolitical grain of the moment," said Jeremy Deedes, the former CEO of the Telegraph Media Group Limited, which competed in a cutthroat newspaper war with Murdoch's Times of London decades ago. And despite Trump's occasional derision of Fox over election grievances - and his fleeting attempts to boost smaller upstart conservative channels - Murdoch's network remains a crucial part of the GOP firmament. "Fox is still the most important space for Republican members of Congress to be, and that's true whether you are talking about 10 a.m. with Bill Hemmer, or Dana Perino, or the evening opinion shows," said Doug Heye, a Republican strategist. "That's where their voters are." Murdoch is seen as largely hands-off in his approach to Fox programming, and he works closely with his chief legal and policy officer, Viet Dinh, a Murdoch family friend. He has also repeatedly expressed his support for Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott. For his speech in Sydney, to help launch the Centre for the Australian Way of Life at the right-leaning Institute of Public Affairs, Lachlan Murdoch kept his tattoo hidden under a dark suit. He had flown into Sydney on his $90 million private plane and told colleagues he planned to stay in town for several weeks - part of his new routine, since his family once again put down roots in Australia last year, frustrated by the liberal politics of Los Angeles as well as its covid restrictions. "Accepting government interventions and absorbing record financial hardships were literally unquestionable burdens at risk of fines or imprisonment," he complained in his speech. "All done in the blink of an eye with few checks and balances, and we are still counting the costs. Alcoholism, domestic abuse, suicide also spikes during the pandemic. Why did we accept this? It must never happen again." In classic Fox style, he devoted significant time to bashing rival media outlets, specifically the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. "To listen to our national broadcaster or much of the media elite is to hear about a uniquely racist, selfish, slavish and monochromatic country. The reality could not be more different," Murdoch said. And in closing, he urged his fellow Australians to "make sure we get all the rights back we thought we had." It was a sign-off worthy of cable news. BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) When Lauren Michaud Knotts lost her wedding and engagement bands at the State Fairgrounds in Baton Rouge on March 26, she figured shed never see them again. But that was before she discovered The Ringfinders. Three days later, she had her engagement ring back, and shes still not sure she believes it. I am just flabbergasted, Knotts said. Sid Breaux and his wife, Carrie, who live in Lafayette, are part of The Ringfinders, an international group that uses metal detectors, eagle eyes and patience to help people find lost items. Since 2014, the Breauxs have found 24 lost items, with Knotts ring being the latest. Knotts and her husband, Corey, took their young sons to Touch a Truck, a Saturday event that allowed children to play on trucks and work equipment spread over 3 acres (1 hectare). Before rubbing sunscreen on her children, Lauren put her rings in a pocket that also held a cellphone. She later discovered the rings were missing, probably pulled out when she retrieved her cellphone to take photos. A search turned up nothing. She mentioned this to co-workers at a Zoom conference on Monday. Afterward, a colleague saw an online advertisement for The Ringfinders, which she passed on to Knotts. I almost didnt even call him because its absolutely hopeless, Knotts said. But I thought, well, lets give it a shot. Breaux drove to Baton Rouge early Tuesday afternoon. Carrie Breaux, who usually works with him, stayed home because she was sick. He didnt have a lot to go on. All of the equipment that could have provided landmarks was gone. Knotts had, however, sent photos shed taken. The first picture she took had this gnarly looking oak tree and behind it was a tree line, Breaux said. So, I took the picture and walked around the area and figured where the picture was taken. Then, I made a perimeter around there. Working the area, Breaux noticed something in the short grass before his metal detector passed over it. It was the engagement ring. He sent Knotts a photo to confirm it was the right one. He didnt find the wedding band but plans to try again. I was walking out the door to get my kids when he sent the picture, Knotts said. I was, like, Ill be damned. Its not the first time the Breauxs have earned such a reaction. They became interested in metal detectors about 10 years ago when they saw someone using one in a park in Texas. Breaux bought his wife a detector for Christmas, and after a niece in San Diego had a lost ring recovered by a member of Ringfinders, she suggested they do this. In 2014, a woman who had a pair of opal earrings her late husband had given her 34 years earlier called. Her daughter wanted to wear them in her wedding but lost one at a photoshoot in Houma. After the familys search came up empty, Sid Breaux watched as his wife found them in two hours using her metal detectors. That hooked Sid Breaux, who bought himself a detector. A year later, they found a piece of shrapnel that had nearly killed a Marine while he served in Iraq. The doctor who removed the shrapnel from the Marines face gave it to him. He had a jeweler mount it on a necklace. He lost it in a limestone- and grass-covered parking lot, and repeated searches were fruitless. A year later, the Breauxs got the call. While Sid Breaux swept the area the Marine thought was the likeliest, Carrie Breaux searched elsewhere. Her detector pinged in a patch of grass outside that area. It was the necklace. The Breauxs dont have a set charge for their services but accept whatever the person thinks the item they found is worth to them or they can afford. Although his website says he charges 35 cents a mile for travel, Breaux said he never actually asks for it. Finding that thing is a charge you wouldnt believe, he said. Its a great thing to find it. Its a real downer when you dont find it. Youve got to love it. AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Maine lawmakers are looking to make it easier for public safety workers to administer naloxone. Naloxone is a drug that can reverse an opioid overdose. The Maine House recently passed a proposal to authorize law enforcement officers, corrections officers and municipal firefighters to administer or dispense the drug. FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) A man suspected in the death of his former girlfriend in New Mexico last year has been arrested in Illinois, according to authorities. Farmington police said 51-year-old Thomas Howard is facing a second-degree murder charge. It was unclear Sunday if Howard has a lawyer yet who can speak on his behalf. Police said officers went to do a welfare check on 65-year-old Roberta Baier on Dec. 6 after her friends reported not hearing from her in several days. After several failed attempts to contact her, officers entered Baiers apartment and found her dead. Police said the death was deemed suspicious and detectives began a homicide investigation. They said Howard was located in the Chicago suburb of Berwyn and arrested on an unrelated warrant. Howard remains in the custody of authorities in Cook County, Illinois as he awaits extradition to New Mexico. WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) A trove of paintings and other artwork found in an abandoned barn has turned out to be worth millions. Notified by a contractor, Waterbury auto mechanic Jared Whipple retrieved the dirt-covered pieces in 2017 from a dumpster containing materials from a barn in Watertown. Whipple later found out they were by Francis Hines, an abstract expressionist who died in 2016 at 96 and had kept his work stored in the barn, Hearst Connecticut Media Group reported. Hines was renowned for his wrapping pieces, in which fabric is wrapped around an object. His art has been compared to that of Christo and Jeanne-Claude, who became famous for wrapping installations around Europe, including the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Hines wrapped more than 10 buildings in New York including the Washington Square Arch, JFK Airport and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, art curator and historian Peter Hastings Falk told the news outlet. The hundreds of pieces of art retrieved by Whipple included paintings, sculptures and small drawings. Hastings Falk estimated the wrapped paintings can be sold at around $22,000 apiece and his drawings at around $4,500. Whipple showed some of the pieces at a gallery in Waterbury last year, and recently decided to sell some of the art. He is collaborating with Hollis Taggart, a New York City-based gallery, on exhibits in New York and Connecticut in shows beginning next month. Since finding the treasure trove, Whipple has researched Hines' work and contacted the artist's family, who, he said, have allowed him to keep and sell the art. I pulled it out of this dumpster and I fell in love with it," Whipple told the news outlet. I made a connection with it. My purpose is to get Hines into the history books. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Minutes after an attack left at least 52 people dead at a train station in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, on Friday, Washington Post reporters saw near the scene the remains of a missile, with the words "for the children" scrawled on its side, in Russian. The apparent revenge message appeared to refer to the Kremlin's claims about the security of Russian speakers in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region after years of conflict. Russia has cited defense of the Donbas, and of Russia, as a reason for the invasion. The words sent a chilling message. But they are not the first to be written on bombs or missiles used in war. Here is some of the history. - Attacks targeting the Islamic State: In December 2014, 27-year-old Jordanian pilot Moath al-Kasasbeh crashed during a mission in Syria, and his whereabouts were unknown for weeks. On Feb. 3, 2015, the Islamic State released a video that showed him being burned alive inside a cage. Jordan launched airstrikes in response. Members of the Jordanian military wrote messages on some of the bombs and missiles. "The host will be defeated and they will turn their backs and flee. From a brave Jordanian woman to you, Baghdadi," one soldier wrote to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi on the side of a bomb, according to the Wall Street Journal. British service members also wrote on bombs during campaigns against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. A photo of a bomb with the words "Love from Manchester" scribbled on it began to circulate on social media on May 25, 2017. Although the veracity of the photo was in doubt at first, Britain's Royal Air Force confirmed the image was real. The missile was said to be mounted on a plane at Royal Air Force base in Cyprus for an airstrike against an ISIS target. Three days earlier, a suicide bomber had detonated an explosive device at an Ariana Grande concert in the Manchester Arena, killing 22 people and injuring at least 59, many of them teenagers. ISIS later claimed responsibility for the attack. - Allied forces in World War II: Two soldiers, identified as Technical Sergeant William E. Thomas and Pfc. Joseph Jackson, were photographed with artillery shells with the words "Easter eggs for Hitler" and "Happy Easter Adolph" written on them, on March 10,1945 - one day before Easter - according to the U.S. National Archives. Exactly where the Department of Defense photo was taken remains unclear. Black artillery units, and Black soldiers in other units, served in the Allied fight to retake France and topple Hitler's Third Reich in Germany. The United States did not racially integrate its military until after World War II. British forces also wrote message on munitions. In a photo taken by a Royal Navy photographer, a man identified as Bob Cotcher, of Chelsea, could be seen having written "Tirpitz it's yours" on a 1,600-pound bomb in chalk before an attack in Alten Fjord, Norway, on April 3, 1944. Tirpitz was an infamous, 52,000-ton German battleship, the sister ship of the Bismarck. Dubbed "The Beast" by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, at the time it was the heaviest ship ever built by a European navy. The Tirpitz was sunk on Nov. 12 of that year as the result of a British air raid as part of Operation Catechism in the Norwegian city of Troms. More than a thousand German sailors lost their lives. - - - The Washington Post's Mary Ilyushina contributed to this report. COLUMBUS, Miss. (AP) A Mississippi mayor has vetoed a proposal to install cameras that would help police identify and ticket uninsured drivers. Columbus Mayor Keith Gaskin said in his veto Friday that the city lacks an attorney generals opinion on whether using surveillance equipment for that purpose is allowed, the Commercial Dispatch reported. Gaskin also said a program could be ineffective. Every person who drives a vehicle should have insurance, per state law, Gaskin said. However, fining a driver for lack of such insurance will not likely result in the purchase of more insurance policies. The Columbus City Council voted 5-1 Tuesday to contract with Atlanta-based Securix for cameras to photograph license plates of passing drivers. Tag numbers would be compared with a database to see if the vehicle was insured, and if not, a police officer would send the driver a citation. Mississippi has the highest rated of uninsured drivers, said Robert Wilkinson, an attorney representing Securix. He said Ocean Springs is among Mississippi cities now using the cameras. Pearl and Senatobia plan to have cameras running soon, said Josh Gregory, a consultant with Frontier Strategies, which is helping to market Securixs services. A 2009 Mississippi law prohibits automatic license plate readers or any video recording device from capturing and ticketing violations of traffic signals, traffic speeds or other traffic laws, rules or regulations on any public street, road or highway within this state or to impose or collect any civil or criminal fine, fee or penalty. Wilkinson told the Columbus City Council that an attorney generals opinion said the law applied to running red lights and speeding but did not prohibit using those methods to enforce insurance laws. Gaskin and City Attorney Jeff Turnage said the city has found no attorney general's opinion to that effect. DERRY, N.H. (AP) A Derry man died of a single gunshot wound to the chest during an episode in which three Derry police officers fired their weapons, the New Hampshire Attorney General's office says. Christopher Coppola, 43, of Derry, died Saturday. An autopsy conducted Sunday determined Coppola's cause of death and ruled it a homicide, which is defined as the killing of one person by another. Investigators did not say who fired the shot that killed Coppola. Derry police were called to the scene about 2:15 p.m. Saturday after receiving a report that a man with a shotgun had fired at a resident. Coppola was shot during the encounter. Initial information indicates three officers fired their weapons, officials said. No law enforcement officers or other private citizens were physically injured during the episode, including the resident who was shot at. The names of the officers involved are being withheld pending the conclusion of a formal interview. The initial responding officers did not have body cameras. Investigators will be reviewing whether police vehicle cameras' video or audio recorded any portion of the episode. PHOENIX (AP) A man suspected of fatally running over another man with a vehicle has been arrested, according to Phoenix police. They said 62-year-old Paul Scott has been booked into jail on suspicion of first-degree murder. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) Patrons attending a South Florida music festival may have gone home with some things missing. Police officers in Fort Lauderdale said Saturday that they had arrested three men for pickpocketing cell phones from patrons at the Tortuga Music Festival. Police officers found two dozen phones on the men, who are facing charges of grand theft. Officers were able to return 18 phones to their proper owners. The beachside music festival at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park included appearances by musical artists Morgan Wallen, Nelly, Thomas Rhett, Luke Combs and Travis Tritt, among others. Police officers have a zero tolerance policy for victimizing festival attendees," the Fort Lauderdale Police Department said in a statement. GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) The remains of a soldier killed during World War II have been returned to his Mississippi community for burial after nearly 80 years. Pvt. Andrew Ladner was laid to rest Saturday at Wolf River Cemetery in Gulfport, WLOX-TV reported. Ladner was assigned to the 126th infantry regiment in 1942. That November, his unit was part of the effort to cut off Japanese supply and communication lines coming from their beachhead at Sanananda Village, Territory of Papua, on the island of New Guinea, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. They went through hell. The Japanese were prepared and a unit that started with 3,500 was decimated, casualties assistant officer Lt. David Leiva told WLOX. The unit was successful on the mission, but 30-year-old Ladner and other soldiers died. For decades, his family mourned without being able to bury him. The battle was so hellish that they couldnt do what they do today, where we send them back. The unit had to continue fighting. They probably buried him at night, Leiva said. After the war, the organization that searched for and recovered fallen American personnel, American Graves Registration Service, searched battle areas and crash sites in New Guinea. Investigators found no evidence of Ladner, and he was declared nonrecoverable Jan. 24, 1950. In November 2016, remains of an unknown solider were disinterred and sent to the DPAA Laboratory at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, for examination and analysis. The agency said Ladner's remains were identified July 2021. Scientists used dental and anthropological analysis, and material and circumstantial evidence. Scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System also used mitochondrial DNA analysis. Ladner's niece, Voetress Ladner, was 12 when he died. She said she grew up thinking of him as a brother. Voetress said she's happy her uncle is back home, but she always hoped he would return alive. Ladners name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been found. Jeffrey Collins/AP COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) The South Carolina Senate Finance Committee is getting ready to work on the state budget with a big question to answer how will it pay for $2 billion in proposed income tax cuts and rebates? The committee will work this week, starting Tuesday, on the state's nearly $14 billion spending plan for next fiscal year. Members are expected to include much of what was in the House's spending plan, such as raises for state employees and many law enforcement officers and a lot of money to expand interstates, repair bridges and repave roads. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) Sri Lankan protesters occupied the entrance to the presidents office for a second day on Sunday, demanding Gotabaya Rajapaksa resign over the debt-ridden countrys worst economic crisis in memory. Hundreds of demonstrators weathered heavy rain with raincoats and umbrellas and chanted anti-government slogans. Some called for the entire Parliament to disband to make way for a younger leadership. We will stay on, we will leave only when we have chased them out, Sanjeewa Pushpakumara, a 32-year-old ex-soldier, said of Rajapaksa, his influential family and all the lawmakers. Pushpakumara said he fought in the last stages of Sri Lanka's civil war with ethnic Tamil rebels, which government soldiers won in 2009 after 2 1/2 decades. Both Rajapaksa, who served as a powerful defense bureaucrat, and his older brother Mahinda, who was then president and is currently prime minister, were credited with the victory. We will send them home, take the peoples money back and send them to jail," said Pushpakumara. These people are destroying the country that we saved and it is sad to see the army and police protecting them. Supporters distributed food, water and raincoats to the protesters. The Indian Ocean island nation is on the brink of bankruptcy, saddled with $25 billion foreign debt nearly $7 billion of which is due this year alone and dwindling foreign reserves. Talks with the International Monetary Fund are expected later this month, and the government had turned to China and India for emergency loans to buy food and fuel. For months, Sri Lankans have stood in long lines to buy fuel, cooking gas, food and medicines, most of which come from abroad and are paid for in hard currency. The fuel shortage has caused rolling power cuts lasting several hours a day. Much of the anger expressed by weeks of growing protests has been directed at the Rajapaksa family, which been in power for most of the past two decades. Critics accuse the Rajapaksa brothers of borrowing heavily to finance projects that earn no money, such as a port facility built with Chinese loans. S.D Prageeth Madush, a 36-year-old businessman, spent the night at the protest site. When the people ask you to go, you should go democratically," said Madush. Anyone can see that the people dont like him (the president) anymore but he doesnt like to let go of power. I am going to stay on. We have to suffer difficulties if we are to make a better future for our children, he said. The crisis and protests triggered the Cabinet's resignation last Sunday. Four ministers were sworn in as caretakers but much of the key portfolios are vacant. Rajapaksa proposed the creation of a unity government but the main opposition party rejected the idea. Parliament has failed to reach a consensus on how to deal with the crisis after nearly 40 governing coalition lawmakers said they would no longer vote according to coalition instructions, significantly weakening the government. With opposition parties divided, they too have not been able to show majority and take control of Parliament. CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) Habitat for about a million bats will be protected from human impacts through a deal between a nonprofit and the federal government. About 315,000 acres (1,275 square kilometers) of southern New Mexico land owned by billionaire media tycoon Ted Turner were protected from development in a partnership between the U.S. Department of Defense and New Mexico Land Conservancy, the Carlsbad Current-Argus reported. The deal saw a conservation easement added to Armendaris Ranch, owned by Turner, due to perceived cultural significance and biological diversity on the land in Sierra and Socorro counties. The ranch land supports more than 500 vertebrate species, per a report from the Land Conservancy, including multiple listed for federal and state protections. It also contains the Fra Cristobal Mountain Range, home to 230 desert bighorn sheep, and lava fields that include the Jornada cave system that houses bats of multiple species. This land is laden with important and unique natural and cultural resources, and the opportunity to permanently protect a property with conservation values of this magnitude was at the heart of our organizations decision to tackle this landscape-scale project, said Ron Troy, southern New Mexico program manager with the Land Conservancy. ___ What is the location and history of Armendaris Ranch? Armendaris Ranch sits along the Rio Grande, from the Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge to the north and stretches about 50 miles south to Elephant Butte Lake near Truth or Consequences. It spans east from there through the Fra Cristobal Mountains to the San Andres Mountains and White Sands Missile Range. Ancient footprints were discovered in the ranch about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from White Sands, believed to date back 20,000 years. The Conservancy reported evidence of 10 Indigenous cultural periods, including 11,000-year Clovis peoples, pre-Columbian rock art, the remains of Puebloan, Mimbres, Navajo and Apache groups. In modern history, the land contains a section of El Camino Real, a network of roads built by colonial Spain also known as the Kings Highway, and the site of largest Civil War battle fought in the Southwest known as Valverde. There are 20 abandoned town sites on the land, per the Conservancy, and former transportation routes between Los Alamos and the Trinity Site used during the Manhattan Project that saw the first nuclear weapons tested in New Mexico. The easement was intended to protect all of the historic and cultural significance of the land by restricting most development activities. For the DOD, blocking development on the ranch was useful as it contains a part of the western buffer for White Sands Missile Range. Setting aside the land was partially funded by the departments Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program, which was created to mitigate land conflicts near military installations and conserve wildlife to avoid restrictions that could inhibit missions. The REPI program conserved 830,000 acres (3,359 square kilometers) since its inception in 2002, and the Armendaris Ranch easement was the largest in the programs history, almost doubling the conserved land from 340,000 acres (1,375 square kilometers) on 115 easements to 655,000 acres (2,650 square kilometers). The permanent protection of this land presented a unique and timely convergence of interests between the various partners involved, said Scott Wilber, Conservancy executive director. This is truly a win-win-win project for wildlife, the people of New Mexico and our national security. Brian Knight, team manager with the U.S. Army said for White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) the project would allow the facility to expand its airspace, as part of the easement is in a region known as the Western Call Up Area where officials at the missile range can extend its airspace as needed for testing and other activities. Completion of this historic project has been a very high priority for White Sands Missile Range, Knight said. Working with our neighbors to create compatible land uses and minimize any encroachment to military airspace will sustain the unique capabilities that make WSMR the premier test and evaluation range in the country. ___ President Biden, Gov. Lujan Grisham seek to conserve public land Land conservation was also a main priority for the state of New Mexico and federal government in recent months. President Joe Biden and the U.S. Department of the Interior pushed in recent months a 30x30 plan that would see 30% of federal public land conserved by 2030, also known as the America the Beautiful Initiative. In Bidens budget request for Fiscal Year 2023, he called for an $18 billion budget at Interior, an increase of $2.9 billion. About $4.9 billion of that request would go to the 30x30 initiative, per an Interior report, to support local conservation projects. President Biden has proposed an important blueprint for our countrys future that reflects the importance of science, equity and collaboration in carrying out Interiors important missions, said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. And last year, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order to set a similar goal of conserving state-owned land through the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. Today we promote a broad view of conservation that reflects the importance of traditional resource protection, access for outdoor recreation, contributions of working lands, and tribal sovereignty and self-determination, Lujan Grisham said upon announcing the order. We have set the wheels in motion to conserve our states incredible natural resources and ensure that New Mexico remains, forever, the Land of Enchantment. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) Former President Donald Trump endorsed Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania's crowded Republican Senate primary, ending months of jockeying for his support. In a statement Saturday evening, Trump said his decision was all about winning elections as he formally backed the celebrity heart surgeon best known as the host of daytime TVs The Dr. Oz Show." The Great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a tremendous opportunity to Save America by electing the brilliant and well-known Dr. Mehmet Oz for the United States Senate, Trump said, in part. Later, at a rally in North Carolina, he said: You know when youre in television for 18 years, thats like a poll. That means people like you." Oz had been competing for Trump's endorsement in the May 17 primary against former hedge fund CEO David McCormick, whose wife, Dina Powell, served in Trump's administration. The two had gone to extensive lengths to win over the former president, who remains deeply popular with the Republican base and has been wooed by candidates in primary races across the country. At a conservative forum in Pennsylvania last weekend, the candidates were asked if they would like Trumps endorsement and for him to come to Pennsylvania to campaign for them. Thats the easiest question were going to get all day, replied one of the candidates, Jeff Bartos, a real estate investor. Yes. 100%, yes. The decision marks a disappointment for McCormick, who met with Trump last week and had hired a litany of former Trump aides for his campaign. Though he was virtually unknown to voters before declaring his candidacy in January, he topped a recent Fox News poll of Pennsylvania GOP primary voters. Trump had previously endorsed Sean Parnell in the race, but Parnell withdrew his candidacy amid allegations of abuse from his estranged wife. The turnabout raised questions about the vigor of Trump's vetting process and concerns among Republicans about whether the former president was bolstering candidates who might be able to win their respective primaries but flounder in general elections that will determine which party controls the Senate. This time, Trump made clear that electability was top of mind. In his statement, he noted that Oz was a well-known quantity who has lived with us through the screen and has always been popular, respected, and smart. Perhaps most importantly, I believe that Mehmet Oz will be the one most able to win the General Election against a Radical Left Democrat looking to do unthinkable harm to our Country," he added. "Women, in particular, are drawn to Dr. Oz for his advice and counsel. I have seen this many times over the years. They know him, believe in him, and trust him," he said. When Oz interviewed Trump on his show in 2016, Trump told him at one point that his wife, Melania Trump, was a big fan of the show. Oz also has a long personal history with Trump. Oz said in a recent interview that he had first met Trump in 2004 or 2005 when he asked Trump to use his golf course for an event for Ozs childrens charity. Trump agreed. After that, they saw each other intermittently at social events before Oz interviewed Trump about his health during the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump, in conversations, has often praised Oz for his positive treatment on the show. "He even said that I was in extraordinary health, which made me like him even more (although he also said I should lose a couple of pounds!), Trump wrote in his statement. McCormick, meanwhile, has made deep inroads with party donors and officials in Pennsylvania, and has landed endorsements from former Trump administration officials Sarah Sanders and Mike Pompeo. But he has had to work to turn himself into a pro-Trump, America First candidate. McCormick carries strong Republican establishment ties going back to his days in President George W. Bushs administration. In 2015, McCormick held a fundraiser for Jeb Bush, Trump's 2016 rival. That has opened McCormick, who spent a dozen years as an executive at one of the nations biggest hedge funds, to charges from some conservatives that he is a globalist, a derogatory term as adopted by Trump and others in his orbit to conjure up an elite, international coterie that doesnt serve Americas best interests. Meanwhile, McCormick and a super PAC supporting him have spent millions attacking Oz. The ads pick apart Ozs long career on TV and as a public personality and accuse him of being a liberal, pointing, for instance, to his repeated public advocacy for Obamacare, former President Barack Obamas signature health care law. They also accuse Oz of being too Hollywood. Oz also has taken heat in the race for carpetbaggery. He lived in New Jersey for two decades until just before deciding to run in neighboring Pennsylvania, where his in-laws live. Trump's decision drew criticism from some Oz critics, including Parnell, who endorsed McCormick. I have enormous respect for President Trump. I was honored to have his endorsement in PA, he tweeted. But Im disappointed by this. Oz is the antithesis of everything that made Trump the best president of my lifetimehes the farthest thing from America First & hed be very bad for PA. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) A shooting inside a crowded Cedar Rapids nightclub left a man and a woman dead and 10 people wounded early Sunday, authorities said. Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman said investigators believe two men fired more than a dozen shots inside the Taboo Nightclub and Lounge just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday. He said officers who were just outside the club because of an earlier incident rushed inside just as 100-150 people streamed out of the bar and found the victims. Officers helped treat the people who were wounded and rushed several of the victims to hospitals in squad cars. The names of the man and woman who died were not released Sunday. Jerman said one of the people who were injured was in critical condition Sunday afternoon while the other injuries, which were all related to the gunfire, ranged from serious to minor. The gunmen likely escaped as the crowd rushed out of the nightclub. Police were searching for suspects Sunday afternoon and no arrests had been reported. Jerman said police haven't determined the motive for the shooting but investigators believe one of the victims was targeted. This is another mindless and senseless gun-related incident involving a reckless disregard for human life, Jerman said. I remain livid and angered at the continued and blatant disregard and lack of respect for human life that continues. That said, I want to reassure the residents of this city that Cedar Rapids is a safe city. The club's owner, Mod Williams, told the Cedar Rapids Gazette that he is working with police. Its an extremely disturbing thing that happened and currently Im just being as cooperative as I can to help the police, Williams said. Mayor Tiffany ODonnell expressed dismay about the shooting and lauded the police response. She also urged residents to speak out against violence. Shock, anger, grief, disappointment just a few of the emotions that Im sure we all feel today, O'Donnell said. And I can personally say that as a mother my heart goes out to those moms and dads today who are having the worst day of their lives. To the families of the injured, we are with you and we are praying for a swift recovery. MILWAUKEE (AP) A prominent Milwaukee activist known for his protests against police brutality that started with the killing of George Floyd has been found guilty of first-degree robbery in Kentucky. Khalil Coleman was arrested in Elsmere, Kentucky in February 2021 after authorities said he was part of a group that tried to rob a drug house. SUMERCO, W.Va. (AP) Scott and Mattie Smith are bullish on the commercial lamb business. The father-daughter team manages about 100 sheep at Midnight Farms, a 230-acre, three-generation family farm venture clinging to a Lincoln County ridge overlooking the Coal River Valley, a few miles from Corridor G and the Kanawha County line. About half the farms wool-bearing occupants are newborns who arrived via the farms ewes during the recently concluded lambing season, making the Smiths barn a beehive of activity. In addition to monitoring the birthing process, in case human assistance is needed, the Smiths apply ink brand numbers to newborn lambs, linking them to their mothers, notch the ears of twins, neuter male lambs and keep all lambs, rams and ewes supplied with hay and grain. Its a long haul between Christmas and spring, so its good to have all that birth and renewal going on through the winter, said Scott Smith, a family physician with a practice in Alum Creek by day, and a sheep farmer by night and early morning. Starting in May, the flock goes out to pasture, and is rotated through a series of 12 fenced paddocks spread over about 65 acres, to prevent overgrazing. Last year, the Smiths were able to pasture the flock into December, before having to begin supplying them with hay. In summer, when the Smiths 50-some winter-born lambs reach 40 to 60 pounds, they will be trucked to the Mount Hope Auction in Ohios Amish country and sold. The Smiths expect to get between $4 and $5 per pound for their lambs at the sale. Fresh meat markets across the Eastern Seaboard will be the final destination for most of the lambs. Demand for fresh lamb is not high in West Virginia, and what lamb that can be found in state supermarkets is generally a frozen product imported from New Zealand, according to the Smiths. While the Smiths operation might not be huge, when compared to sheep farms in the states top producing counties of Pendleton and Pocahontas, it is the largest commercial lamb venture in Lincoln or Kanawha counties, and one of only a handful of farms in the two counties where sheep are still raised. In recent decades, the decline in sheep farming has been steady and statewide. In the 1950s, more than 300,000 sheep and lambs could be found on West Virginia farms, according to state and federal agriculture statistics. Now, its down to 32,000 or 33,000, Scott Smith said. Wed like to see that trend reversed. Smiths initial venture at Midnight Farms focused on cattle a cow-calf operation involving 35 cows. But it turned out, this isnt really cattle country, he said. The land is better suited for small ruminants, like sheep. With an abundance of overgrown pasture land and hayfields at inactive family farm sites across the region, Southern West Virginia could be a logical place for sheep farming in the state to rebound. It doesnt take a huge investment to get started raising sheep, Smith said. We would like to see people fencing off a few acres of grass and grazing four or five sheep on it. Smith said quality young ewes to produce replacement lambs can be bought for about $200 to $250. High school agriculture classes in the region should focus more on raising sheep, lambs and other small ruminants, he added. Sheep farming has been declining in West Virginia for too long, Smith said. Lets try to revive it. Smith, 59, first developed an interest in agriculture while working at a dairy farm owned by an aunt and uncle during his youth. For daughter Mattie Smith, 23, a first-grade teacher at Midway Elementary in Alum Creek, Midnight Farms has always been a part of her life. Trips to show the farms purebred Southdown and Border Cheviot rams and ewes at the State Fair of West Virginia were among the highlights of growing up at the farm. The Midnight Farms sheep operation includes about 45 ewes and seven rams. Scott Smith said the market price for wool has declined in value in recent years to the point that most of the fleece shorn last year ended up on a burn pile. Midnight Farms was established by another family physician Scott Smiths father, Loren. The elder Smith, who also served as director of the Lincoln County Health Department, is now retired and also lives and works on the ridgetop acreage, where he created a bluebird trail for viewing the 21 bluebird houses he installed along the route. Polly Smith Mattie Smiths mother and Scott Smiths wife is the principal at Lincoln County High School. Midnight Farms also is home to several horses, a donkey, chickens, geese and pigeons. Days before New York Citys mayor unveiled a plan in February to address the issue of homeless people sheltering on the subway, three police officers in San Francisco were hustling a homeless woman up a staircase at the Civic Center transit station. The officers, members of the Bay Area Rapid Transit Police Department, had been called there by a man who said the woman was pelting him with sunflower seeds. After arriving, they ushered her away from riders and toward a gated-off corner. Then, instead of issuing her a ticket or booting her immediately out of the transit system, they waited. Minutes later, an outreach worker for the transit system arrived, along with a social worker. After some cajoling, the social worker handed the woman a mask and persuaded her to leave the station for a city-run center where she could get temporary shelter, a shower and other services. The interaction in which officers de-escalated a situation and then deferred to trained outreach workers offers a model for the future that New York officials say they envision as they try to address the large numbers of unsheltered people in the subway system in part by boosting the role of social workers and health professionals. JIM WILSON/NYT But it also illustrates the challenges for transit agencies like New Yorks as they seek to address a seemingly intractable crisis that sits well outside the bounds of their missions. Though the members of the BART team appeared to have used a relatively humane touch to steer the woman out of the transit system, they were still limited in their ability to guide her to stable, affordable housing. As Mayor Eric Adams looks to accelerate New York Citys continued recovery from the pandemic and address perceptions that it has grown unsafe, he has been particularly focused on street homelessness. His efforts have centered on clearing street encampments and the subways, then trying to point those who dwell there toward city shelters, although the majority of people have continued to decline placement offers because they view shelters as unsafe. Americas transit systems public spaces with long operating hours and enclosed spaces offering more safety than the streets have long been de facto shelters for the nations homeless population. For much of that time, transit agencies have turned to police to address complaints by penalizing and ejecting those taking refuge on trains, subways and buses. But as homelessness has increased in recent years and conversations around inequity in policing have grown louder, transit leaders in cities throughout the nation are exploring solutions that minimize the role of armed officers and integrate social-services agencies. Theres an opportunity for agencies to rethink their approach to public safety, said Chris Van Eyken, a program manager at TransitCenter, a research and advocacy group. As part of that process, he added, many agencies have concluded that if you have people struggling on your system, youre going to make sure that they have a connection to the resources that they need. The urgency for new solutions has deepened during the coronavirus pandemic, which has worsened homelessness and left transit systems struggling to win back riders who fled. By the end of March, public transit ridership nationwide had only reached an estimated 65% of pre-pandemic levels, according to the American Public Transportation Association, a lobbying group. Advocates for homeless people and transit experts say the decline has laid bare a crisis that was more easily ignored when trains were packed and stations crowded. It has also, they said, contributed to some riders feeling more unsafe. Theres so many fewer riders that people feel vulnerable, Van Eyken said. Because they feel like theyre by themselves. MICHELLE GUSTAFSON/NYT Many transit agencies, including BART, Los Angeles Metro, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority and the Philadelphia areas Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, have accelerated efforts to build homeless outreach teams. Philadelphia transit officials have also started providing services within their system, including a drop-in center housed in one of its busiest train stations. In New York, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said weekday subway ridership had rebounded to about 58% of what it was in 2019. Customer surveys conducted by the transit agency found that many respondents cited safety and cleanliness as reasons for staying away. Adams plan deploys police officers and mental health workers underground to remove people who shelter on the subway. He has said the focus is on connecting people to housing, health services and counseling, not on aggressive policing. Many advocates are skeptical, arguing that Adams plan relies heavily on police intervention and enforcement of the subways code of conduct, which has rules targeting homeless people. The mayor has directed 1,000 officers to more actively patrol the subway every day, while promising to add dozens of social workers to the 200 already engaged in subway outreach. In the first month that his plan was in effect, police officers made 719 arrests, issued 6,828 summonses the vast majority for fare evasion and ejected 1,981 people from the transit system, though it is not clear how many of them were homeless. In that same period, outreach teams spoke with about 650 people a day, on average, and placed slightly more than 300 in shelter beds over the entire month, city officials said. Officials have declined to say how many of those who were newly referred to shelters remain there, and the mayor has emphasized that his efforts will take time. But the initial numbers appeared to bolster a chief criticism among advocates for homeless people across the country: that regardless of their approach, transit systems cannot address homelessness without providing better options than crowded group shelters that provide little privacy and can be unsafe. You need to be able to move people into housing and better shelters, said Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness in San Francisco. If that stuff does not exist, then youre basically kind of managing the issue. And thats what I think most of the transportation systems are left with. Other cities have moved more quickly than New York to shift their efforts away from police officers, and their experiences offer lessons about the possible limitations of Adams plan. In the San Francisco area, BART, which before the pandemic served more than 400,000 riders a day, is hoping to rezone land it owns to build housing. Its board has committed to making 35% of those new housing units affordable, and Daniel Cooperman, who oversees the systems response to homelessness, said he hopes transit leaders can work with the counties they serve on housing policy. In the short term, the system has created a progressive policing bureau that includes 20 crisis intervention specialists with social work backgrounds. The specialists work with officers to respond to incidents involving homeless people or those struggling with mental illness or substance abuse. About 50% of calls to BARTs Police Department involve homeless individuals, Cooperman said. In the past, uniformed officers would be sent to clear them out of the system, but they were not connecting them to services. Inevitably, people would return. Its not beneficial to keep shuttling people back-and-forth, Cooperman said. Jessica Brusky, 30, who has been homeless since losing her job four years ago, said she has had mostly smooth experiences with officers on BART trains who have woken her up while she slept, but only to check to make sure she was responsive and knew where she was going. Still, there have been times when some officers have kicked her off the train after waking her. Friedenbach said she found BARTs shift toward a diminished police response encouraging. But she hoped it would move more toward treating unhoused people as customers in need of support, rather than people creating problems for actual customers. In Philadelphia, Suburban Station sits in the middle of SEPTAs network of subways and commuter trains and has long been a gathering place for hundreds of vulnerable people daily, said the transit agencys police chief, Thomas J. Nestel III. In the past, SEPTA police officers would typically enter the station and chase homeless people out. People would return, and the cycle would repeat, Nestel said. In 2018, SEPTA which before the pandemic averaged about 1 million trips per day across buses, subways, trolleys and regional rail turned over an 11,000-square-foot space in a concourse below the station to Project HOME, a nonprofit that helps homeless people. The group converted the space to a drop-in center that offers temporary shelter, medical services, access to restrooms and laundry, and help finding housing. Sister Mary Scullion, Project HOMEs executive director, said that the center served as many as 200 people a day. SEPTAs leadership is considering expanding the program to other transit hubs. Nestel is also working to hire more outreach workers SEPTA currently has about 20, compared with a police force of about 260 officers. Scullion said she applauded SEPTAs approach but noted that transit police did not always have outreach workers with them. Do bad things happen? Yep, they do, periodically, she said. Workers also still struggle to find acceptable shelter for many who need it. And fewer than 50% of those contacted by outreach workers agree to accept services, Nestel said. Without changes to the shelter system or more housing, he added, we dont have an answer for the bigger group yet. Those solutions are in similarly short supply in New York, which unlike most other cities is required by a court order to provide emergency shelter to every homeless person. New Yorks sprawling subway has an additional hurdle: 24-hour service on virtually every line and 472 stations, making it difficult for outreach teams to cover the full system. Officials acknowledge that the systems size poses a challenge and that solutions tried elsewhere may not work as well in New York. But with the mayors plan in its early stages, they promise riders will soon see results. Its going to take a little while, Janno Lieber, the MTAs chair and CEO, said at a recent news conference. But Im very optimistic, in part because of the intense commitment that the mayor has made. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. GRUNDY, Va. (AP) Authorities are investigating an incident in which a police officer shot and wounded a woman at a Virginia motel. State police said the incident happened Saturday night when an officer in the town of Grundy provided a ride to a local motel for Melissa M. Trammel, 46. By Ana B. Ibarra CalMatters As consumers, advocates and others prioritize their fight to lower prescription drug costs, insulin is usually first in line. Now, momentum to curb rising insulin costs seems to be building, with policymakers at the state and federal levels rolling out proposals seeking to provide diabetics some long-awaited financial relief. The questions now: What will materialize and how soon? Last week in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration said it is moving forward with a first-in-the-nation plan to manufacture and distribute more affordable versions of insulin under its generic label, dubbed Cal Rx. As part of that plan, the administration wants to spend $100 million in this year's budget. Of that, $50 million to develop low-cost insulin with the help of a drug manufacturer. The other half would be used to set up an in-state insulin manufacturing facility, as outlined in a budget proposal by the state's Department of Health Care Access and Information. The initiative is unique for a state, and it comes as Congress debates its own insulin cost measures, including limiting what people pay out of pocket to $35 a month. Meanwhile, the state Legislature is considering its own bill that would cap what Californians pay at the pharmacy counter. And one California county, looking to provide its residents more immediate relief, is piloting a grant program for residents struggling to afford their insulin. In California, 3.2 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes and many of them rely on insulin to survive. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Prolonged periods of elevated sugar levels can damage organs. An additional 10.3 million Californians are estimated to be prediabetic. The stories of people who have to ration their insulin because they can't afford their prescriptions are commonplace. Between 2012 and 2016, the price of insulin doubled, prompting higher out-of-pocket costs for diabetics, according to the Health Care Cost Institute. Today a 10-milliliter vial of insulin can go for anywhere from $170 to $400, depending on the type and brand. A person usually needs two to three vials a month, and some may need more. Some people's prescriptions come in the form of insulin pens. A package of five pens can go for as much as $700. What consumers pay for their insulin will largely depend on their health insurance. Annemarie Gibson, of San Diego, for example, pays $200 a month for her two sons' insulin -- $100 per kid. But first, she has to meet a $2,900 per-person yearly deductible before coverage kicks in. She said that with the medication, insulin pumps and glucose monitors, they meet their deductible early in the year. Her sons, 12 and 14, have Type 1 diabetes and use the drug Humalog. For 10 years Gibson has watched the cost of insulin go up. She has also seen legislators enthusiastically roll out proposals to reduce costs, only to have those plans fizzle out. Still, she is optimistic that her sons will never have to worry about unaffordable insulin prescriptions when they become adults. The projects and proposals currently in play, she said, give her some hope something can actually get done in the next few years. "Dealing with diabetes is already extremely stressful. Providing some financial relief for people, it would make a huge difference," Gibson said. State to make its own insulin In 2020, Newsom signed into law a bill that directed the state to seek partnerships with drug manufacturers to develop generics and biosimilars for a number of drugs-- but plans have been slow to roll out and it's unclear which other drugs will be prioritized. Insulin will be the first to be tested. Insulin is a biologic drug, meaning it's made from living cells. Medications that copy a brand-name biologic are called biosimilars. Like generics, they tend to be more affordable. The state has yet to identify a drug manufacturer to partner with, but a Newsom administration official said this could happen in the next few months. The state's insulin would be available to all Californians, publicly and privately insured, as well as to the uninsured. It's unclear how soon this insulin could hit the market, but it would likely be at least a couple of years, an administration official said. The goal is to provide "Californians with access to insulin products that are a fraction of the $300 per vial prices charged by insulin manufacturers in the U.S.," the administration's budget request reads. Whether Newsom's biosimilar initiative will result in significant savings for consumers is a maybe, some researchers say. Drug manufacturing isn't the only source of the problem, said Karen Van Nuys, executive director of the Value of Life Sciences Innovation Project at the University of Southern California's Schaeffer Center. She said policy makers seeking solutions should be looking at all the players involved in the supply chain: from drug manufacturers to wholesalers, pharmacies, insurers and pharmacy benefit managers, which are companies that negotiate prices with drugmakers and pharmacies on behalf of an insurer. All entities profit and contribute to the final price, she said. In a study published last fall, Van Nuys and her team found that while insulin prices have increased, what drug companies pocket has been decreasing over time and what middlemen take has been increasing. "There's a bunch of stuff that's happening in the middle, between what the patient pays and what the manufacturer gets," Van Nuys said. "More than half of what we spend on insulin goes to intermediaries." The state's plans to manufacture biosimilar insulin could help consumers to some extent, she said, but work also needs to be done to address the costs in other parts of the distribution process. Insurance companies calling for drug price reforms are also looking for their own ways to get involved in the manufacturing of insulin. Blue Shield of California, for one, last month announced it is taking part in an initiative led by Civica Rx, a Utah-based nonprofit drug manufacturer, to produce insulin that would cost patients $30 or less per vial. Mark Seeling, a Blue Shield spokesperson, said that among hundreds of prescription drug classes, insulins are in the top 10 in terms of what the company spends in pharmacy coverage. According to Civica Rx, its insulin could be available starting in 2024, following approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Because it could be years before any of these plans come to fruition, local governments are also looking for their own ways to provide some immediate relief to residents. Santa Clara County recently began a $1 million needs-based grant program for people who use insulin, as well as asthma inhalers and epinephrine injections (EPI pens). Narinder Singh, pharmacy director for Santa Clara County, said that the MedAssist program could result in fewer people skipping or rationing their medications, and greater adherence means fewer sick days and visits to the emergency room. The county expects 1,000 people to sign up in the coming months. "It's a very small local effort -- a million dollars in a community like this is a very small piece of it, but it's a step in the right direction," Singh said. "If we can all start building momentum on this...we can make a huge difference." Cost-sharing caps at play Insulin affordability has been the focus of recent discussions at the federal level. The U.S. House recently passed the Affordable Insulin Now Act, which would cap what people with insurance pay out of pocket to $35 a month. The Senate has yet to vote on the measure, and is working on its own proposals. The $35 cap was also part of President Joe Biden's stalled Build Back Better Plan -- the president referenced it in this year's State of the Union speech, sharing the story of Joshua Davis, a 13-year-old with Type 1 diabetes who was present at the event. A cost-sharing cap gets to the problem on the insurance side; it provides consumers consistency and relief at the pharmacy counter. But experts say it doesn't lower the actual price of insulin and would not benefit people without insurance. The California Department of Health Access and Information also makes this point in its budget request. Capping costs would provide financial relief to at least 1 in 5 insulin users, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Limits on out-of-pocket costs have become popular in recent years. At least 15 states have passed their own laws limiting insulin copays -- from $100 for a 30-day supply in Colorado to $25 in New Mexico. New York, Illinois and Washington also have their own copay caps. Similar efforts have failed in California in the past, but Senate Bill 473 by Sen. Pat Bates, a Laguna Niguel Republican, that would also cap copays at $35 per prescription per month is currently pending in the Assembly. Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, a Democrat from North Hollywood, was the author of two bills in recent years looking to cap copays and eliminate deductibles for insulin prescriptions. Last year, his bill on deductibles was held up in the Senate Appropriations Committee. "It wasn't held because there isn't support for it in the Senate. It was held because there are games being played" that ultimately hurt patients, he said. "If the federal government does something, fantastic, but I feel embarrassed that a state like California didn't jump in front of it," Nazarian said. Such bills usually also face strong industry opposition. In their pushback to price caps, such as the ones presented by Nazarian and Bates, health insurers have argued that California-regulated health insurance plans already limit a person's share of prescription drugs to $250 to $500 for a 30-day supply. They say further reducing out-of-pocket costs for insulin does nothing to bring down the unit price of the drug. "Tell that to a single mother or father trying to make ends meet," Nazarian said. Copyright 2022 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 2022 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SAN RAFAEL (BCN) Marin County's Department of Health and Human Services' Behavioral Health and Recovery Services will open a new a new adult residential treatment facility in San Rafael. The county is partnering with Progress Foundation to operate the facility at 920 Grand Avenue. It will be the first licensed treatment center of its kind in Marin County and will serve county residents, officials said. The around-the-clock facility, which is scheduled for occupancy in October, will provide treatment through a diverse range of mental health staff and will provide up to 16 beds for adults who have serious and persistent mental health disorders. The Marin County Board of Supervisors awarded a contract for the redevelopment of the building and the operation of the facility to Progress Foundation on Jan. 12, 2021. Redevelopment of the building will total $5.99 million with funding for the project coming from several sources including the county's general fund, county officials said. There is also a proposed $2,281,877 agreement that will include $1.8 million in annual operating costs and $481,877 in startup costs that runs through June 30 of 2023. The agreement provides funds to Progress Foundation to operate the program. Progress Foundation, a non-profit provider founded in 1969, operates 19 social rehabilitation residential treatment facilities across San Francisco, Sonoma and Napa counties. Copyright 2022 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 2022 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Its hard to imagine Dwayne The Rock Johnson taking a break. Perhaps he might skip leg day at the gym. But apparently, the hard-working entertainer likes to unwind. The Fast and Furious actor is now taking it slow in a relaxing rental in Kailua, HI. There's no place like these islands," the actor, who spent part of his childhood in nearby Oahu, told Travel + Leisure. "They are alive. And the mana is realit's strong and powerful. You get lost in time when you're over here. In New York and L.A., it's a nonstop treadmill. But you come out here and you just lose track of time. The jet-setter has found the perfect place to spend his downtime. Hes landed in a luxury estate thats reportedly hosted Beyonce and JAY Z, Jessica Simpson, and Eddie Vedder. Its said to be down the block from where former President Barack Obama vacationed. Lets take a tour and see what it's like to vacation like a megastar. Heavenly hideaway The oceanfront home last changed hands in 2018 for $15,651,750. That's a big discount from the initial list price of $24,950,000. It comes with 600 feet of white-sand beach, lush landscaping, and natural rock wallsprivacy that's perfect for the megastar. Hawaiian rental home Realtor.com The lot of 1.5 acres includes a five-bedroom, five-bathroom main villa and a three-bedroom guesthouse. Combined, they offer 15,000 square feet of living space. The layout highlights indoor-outdoor living, with massive sliding doors and large windows. There's also a cabana with an outdoor living space, bar, and kitchen. Living room Realtor.com The main house includes a chefs kitchen, dining room, home theater, and game room. Home theater Realtor.com Covered outdoor living area Realtor.com Bedroom Realtor.com The spectacular backyard includes a pool area, complete with a hot tub and waterfall, all with ocean views. Pool Realtor.com Beverly Park property When the superstar is stateside, he has another luxe property to enjoy. A year ago, the former wrestler picked up a knock-out estate in the prestigious Beverly Park enclave of Beverly Hills, CA, for $27.8 million. If youre in the market for a property that Johnson once inhabited, you could rent his former digs for $125,000 a month. That French country-style Beverly Hills estate offers 11,478 square feet of living space, including eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms; a guesthouse; and a pool. The post Take a Look Inside Dwayne 'The Rock Johnson's Hawaiian Vacation Rental appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. Harry Williams Jr. hopes his photographs create a human connection to the many faces we often pass by without a glance on the street of San Francisco. "I want people to see the people that they might overlook every day they walk by without acknowledging," he explained. "I want my photos to feel like they are going to breathe on you, that tactile feel like you can touch them and they can touch you." Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto Williams shares his vivid street photography portraits on his Instagram page hwilliamsjrphoto. Walking the streets of SF, Williams travels light, only carrying a camera with either a 50 or 60 mm lens. Like any great portrait, his images capture the faces of his subjects and their personality. Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto "Social realism would best describe my work, I like to interact with my subjects, so I get these intimate close-up shots," Williams noted. "I love seeing this beautiful catch light in people's eyes that makes them shine." Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto Williams grew up in rural Ohio and found his love for photography by taking a class in college. "As soon as I saw my images in the darkroom, I was hooked," he said. "I graduated with a BA in photography from the Ohio State University." After graduating, Williams sold everything he owned besides his camera and traveled extensively through Southeast Asia for a year. "I started doing street photography when I traveled to Southeast Asia. The more I traveled, the more I was drawn to people and items that were discarded that look like they had a soul or life to them," he said. Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto When Williams finished his travels in 2002, he moved to the Bay Area. "When I moved to San Francisco, it was so expensive that I really couldn't travel anymore, so I decided to focus on a body of work walking the streets of San Francisco," he explained. "I have been here for around 20 years now but really started focusing on San Francisco streets four years ago." Williams found that every time he photographed the streets of San Francisco, he discovered something new. Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto "I find that I am so much more aware of everything that is going on around me when I am walking. I kind of go into another zone," Williams said. "A lot of times, I might only take a couple shots and then maybe three or four portraits, but when it all lines up with beautiful light and say a person's hands that looks like a sculpture, I am so stoked to get home and start to edit." Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto Harry J Williams / Instagram Harry J Williams / Instagram Williams said that his photography style is influenced by Dorothea Lange, particularly her sensitivity to her subjects, as well as Frank Capra. "Capra because I love his quote that if a photo is not good enough, you are not close enough," he notes. "I love finding and seeing items that are discarded and bringing a new life to them by photographing them. I think that's why I love to photograph people that are overlooked." Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto While walking the streets of San Francisco, Williams finds that carrying only a camera with a small lens makes it much easier to approach the people he wants to photograph. "If I see someone interesting I want to photograph, I just say hi or give them a compliment about how great they look in the light," Williams explained. "It's really very organic, and a lot of people just feel comfortable with me, I think in part because I just look like a tourist. I don't carry multiple lenses or a telephoto and stand across the street and try to sneak a photo. My approach is to get to know them a little then maybe get a portrait if they are comfortable." Williams often has to be within a few feet of his subject to create his intimate portraits. "This means that to get the images I get, I have to talk to people to get as close as I can get, as well the people need to feel comfortable with me being that close," he said. "Almost all of my photos are not cropped, and I am always getting closer and closer." Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto Harry J Williams / Instagram Harry J Williams / Instagram After he takes the photos, Williams often finds his subject is usually very grateful and happy to be acknowledged. "Some people will tell me that I am the first person that has actually stopped and talked to them in days, or others have said they have not had a photo taken of them since grade school," Williams said. Besides his intimate portraits of people's faces, Williams also concentrates on their hands, inspired by a childhood memory of his grandfather. Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto "I feel like hands are like portraits; they say so much about a person without even seeing their faces," he explained. "When my grandfather was dying, I remember seeing his hands tied to the bed so they wouldn't fall off. I was little, and they were at eye level to me. They were swollen with all kinds of wrinkles, and deep healed cut marks. He was a World War II veteran, and I remember that sight of these huge strong lifeless hands that I just stared at and told his whole life story. I will never forget that image of his hands." Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto Harry J Williams / Instagram Harry J Williams / Instagram Although many of the people in William's photos may live on the streets of San Francisco, he has found out many end up hanging out on the streets because of boredom. "When I go out to do photography, I am not just looking to photograph homeless people. I really just let it be organic," he said. "I think probably most homeless people are sitting in a particular spot whereas it's hard to engage with someone if they are walking by you. I have stopped people if I really want to photograph them, but usually, it has to be in the right light and background." Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto After walking the streets for four years, Williams often runs into the same people and sometimes retakes their portraits. "Once a homeless man asked me why I wanted to photograph him. He said, 'Look at me.' I answered that, 'You just look beautiful in this light. Your eyes just light up.' He then asked how much money I make from taking photos, and I said I do it for the sake of art, and when I see a beautiful subject, I just want to capture it," Williams said. "The man started to cry. He was probably in his late 60s. It was a very touching moment for me." Besides his portrait work, Williams also captures more traditional candid street photographs. "San Francisco is so awesome for that. I love walking from the Mission to Chinatown. One moment might be a lowrider show, then next maybe a drag show in the middle of the Tenderloin," Williams said. Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto "It's really an amazing place because you never really know what you're going to see, but you are always going to see something interesting," he added. Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto Harry J Williams / Instagram Instagram / hwilliamsjrphoto Harry J Williams / Instagram Harry J Williams / Instagram Williams also has a photo show called "Serendipity" at the Foreign Lens in North Beach for First Friday on May 6. "The show is not about street photography. It's more simple abstract organic forms that I find on the beach after I am done surfing," he said. "I always wonder if the pieces find me or if I find them. I have always thought of myself as an artist and not really a photographer. The camera is just a tool. Before I moved to San Francisco, I did a lot of mixed media work, printing images in the darkroom on beer cans." As for his street photography, Williams is also currently working on compiling his images into a book entitled "Eye See You" that he plans to release in the fall. "So currently, I am looking for a gallery or space to partner with. Some proceeds of the book will go back to a local charity." You can follow Harry Williams Jr. on Instagram, and see more of his work on his website: harrywphoto.com WFO AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Sunday, April 10, 2022 _____ RED FLAG WARNING URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio TX 320 AM CDT Sun Apr 10 2022 ...Critical Fire Weather Conditions Continue across Val Verde County... .Very low relative humidity will occur this afternoon behind the dryline. This, in combination with wind gusts between 15 and 25 mph and dry fuels, will result in critical fire weather conditions. ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR VAL VERDE COUNTY... The National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 1 PM this afternoon to 8 PM CDT this evening. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop could be difficult to control and will likely spread rapidly. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Sunday, April 10, 2022 _____ SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio TX 353 AM CDT Sun Apr 10 2022 ...Elevated to Near Critical Fire Weather Conditions Today... Elevated to near critical fire weather conditions are forecast today due to either gusty winds in some areas or very low humidity in other areas. Fuel conditions remain drought stressed across much of South Central Texas. Residents are urged to exercise care with respect to any outdoor activities that could inadvertently cause wildfires. Avoid the use of welding or grinding equipment near grass and dry brush. In addition, avoid parking vehicles in tall, dry grass that could be ignited. Do not toss cigarette butts on the ground. Report wildfires quickly to the nearest fire department or law enforcement office. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO CORPUS CHRISTI Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Sunday, April 10, 2022 _____ FIRE WEATHER WATCH URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Corpus Christi TX 308 AM CDT Sun Apr 10 2022 ...Critical Fire Danger Conditions Expected This Afternoon and Evening over South Texas... .Very strong winds are expected today with gusts 25 to 35 mph over South Texas. This combination of low relative humidity values and windy conditions may result in Critical fire danger conditions. Thus, a Fire Weather Watch is in effect for the Brush Country and Rio Grande Plains for Sunday afternoon and evening. ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR VERY STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY... The National Weather Service in Corpus Christi has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 1 PM this afternoon to 7 PM CDT this evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. *AFFECTED AREA...La Salle...McMullen...Live Oak...Bee...Webb...Duval...Jim Wells * TIMING...Sunday from 12 PM until 10 PM CDT. * WIND...South to Southeast at 20 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph. * HUMIDITY...Minimum values from 15 to 35 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Residents are urged to exercise care with respect to all outdoor activities that could inadvertently cause wildfires. Report wildfires quickly to the nearest fire department or law enforcement office. ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES FOR THE SOUTHWEST HALF OF THE COMBINED OKLAHOMA AND TEXAS PANHANDLES... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR ALL OF THE COMBINED PANHANDLES... The National Weather Service in Amarillo has issued a Fire Weather Watch for strong winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. * Affected Area...In Oklahoma...Cimarron. In Texas...Dallam... Sherman...Hartley...Moore...Hutchinson...Oldham...Potter... Carson...Gray...Deaf Smith...Randall...Armstrong...Donley... Collingsworth and Palo Duro Canyon. * 20 Foot Winds...For today, southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. For Tuesday, southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * Relative Humidity...As low as 7 percent today and Tuesday. * Red Flag Threat Index...4 to 7 today. 5 to 8 on Tuesday. * Timing...From 10 AM to 8 PM today. From 11 AM to 10 PM on Tuesday. are either occurring now...or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures will create favorable weather for rapid fire growth and spread. Avoid activities that promote open flames and sparks. A Fire Weather Watch means that the potential for critical fire weather conditions exists. Listen for later forecasts and possible red flag warnings. ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR ALL OF THE COMBINED TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA PANHANDLES... * Affected Area...In Oklahoma...Texas and Beaver. In Texas... Hansford...Ochiltree...Lipscomb...Roberts...Hemphill and Wheeler. * 20 Foot Winds...Southwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * Relative Humidity...As low as 8 percent. * Red Flag Threat Index...5 to 7. * Timing...From 11 AM to 10 PM. ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...South winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected. * WHERE...Inland Kleberg, Inland Nueces, Coastal Kleberg and Coastal Nueces Counties. * WHEN...For the first Wind Advisory, until 9 PM CDT this evening. For the second Wind Advisory, from 10 AM to 7 PM CDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO HOUSTON/GALVESTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Monday, April 11, 2022 _____ RIP CURRENT STATEMENT Coastal Hazard Message National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX 318 PM CDT Sun Apr 10 2022 ...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected. * WHERE...Brazoria Islands, Matagorda Islands, Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston Island Counties. * WHEN...Through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Swim near a lifeguard and away from rocks, jetties and piers. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help. ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES FOR THE BRUSH COUNTRY AND RIO GRANDE PLAINS... *AFFECTED AREA...La Salle...McMullen...Live Oak...Bee...Webb... Duval...Jim Wells * TIMING...Through 7 PM CDT. * WIND...South to Southeast at 20 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph. * HUMIDITY...Minimum values from 15 to 35 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Residents are urged to exercise care with respect to all outdoor activities that could inadvertently cause wildfires. 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High 51F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch.. Tonight Light rain early. Then remaining cloudy. Low 41F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Mens heavy favorites Alex Yee of Great Britain and Marten Van Riel of Belgium took surprising back-of-the-pack defeats as longshot Aurelien Raphael of France edged Max Stapley of Australia by 1.2 of a second and won $5,000 at the Arena Games Triathlon in Munich. Meanwhile, prohibitive favorite Beth Potter of Great Britain captured $5,000 in a wire-to-wire victory over two Germans by 1:30 over Lena Meissner and 1:46 over Anabel Knoll. The race was contested indoor over multiple stages and captured in a virtual manner for live spectators and streaming by internet. The format, identical for men and women, was Swim-Bike-Run in Stage One, Run-Bike-Swim for Stage Two and Swim-Bike-Run for Stage Three. The Stage 3 Run Finale was held in a pursuit fashion in which competitors began in the order established by their combined times for the first two stages. The swim course was 200 meters (four lengths) in a 50-meter pool; Bike was 4km, ridden on Zwift, using Tacx NEO 2T smart trainers; ands Run was 1km run on a self-powered curved treadmill. Linked to Zwift. Womens Race Recap Stage One Spains Anna Godoy led the swim in 2:18 which gave her a one second lead on Hungarys Zsannett Bragmayer. Leading a close pack of six, Potter quickly took the lead on the bike over chasers Gina Sereno of the U.S. and Luisa Iogna-Prat of Italy. Potter arrived at T2 just ahead of Knoll, Meissner, Bragmayer and Godoy. On the 1-kilometer run, Potter established a 10 seconds lead at halfway. At the finish, Potter had acquired an 18 seconds margin over Meissner with Knoll and Godoy a few seconds further back. Stage Two Top runners Potter and Sereno zoomed to the front with Meissner moving to second at the midpoint. At T2, Potter led by 9 seconds over Meissner, 13 seconds over Knoll and 14 seconds over Sereno. Running freely with the lead, Potter led by 18 seconds halfway with Knoll, Meissner and Sereno chasing. By T2, Potter stretched her lead to 25 seconds. After the swim, Potter led by a few ticks under a minute. Stage Three Potter stretched her lead over Meissner and Knoll on the swim, while Godoy made up some ground on the two chasers. Midway through the 4km bike leg, Potter increased her lead to 70 seconds. As she finished the bike, Potter led by 80 seconds on Meissner and Knoll. Cruising to the finish, Potter led Meissner by 1:30 and Knoll by 1:46. One sport off the podium, Godoy took 4th place 2:22 off the winner. Women's Final Results Mens Race Recap 1. Beth Potter (GBR) - $5,0002. Lena Meissner (GER) +1:30 - $4,0003. Anabel Knoll (GER) +1:46 $3,4004. Anna Godoy (ESP) +2:22 - $2,6005. Ilaria Zane (ITA) +2:28 - $1,8006. Gina Sereno (USA) +2:30 - $1,4007. Luisa Iogna-Prat (ITA) +3:10 - $1,2008. Zsanett Bragmayer (HUN) +3:30 - $800 Stage One After the first stage, pre-race favorites Marten Van Riel and Alex Yee clearly demonstrates they were off their games as they finished 6th (three seconds arrears) and 8th (7 seconds back). By contract, Raphael took a brief early lead, then Chase McQueen of the U.S. and Australian Max Stapley closed in second and third. On the bike leg, Yee stayed close to a front group of 7 through the halfway mark 4 seconds back. As the lead group finished the bike, Yee fell 10 seconds back. At the finish of the stage, Raphael led Van Riel by 1.5 seconds and Stapley by 5 seconds, while Yee brough5t up the rear with an 11 seconds deficit. Meanwhile Gordon Benson incurred a technical problem his avatar did not pick up so he was given the same time as Yee in last place. Stage Two In the early meters, Yee and Stapley were out front of a closely packed group of seven who were all within 2.5 seconds of one another. Early on the bike, Nieschlag moved to the front while Van Riel settled into last. By the final kilometer of the bike leg, the front seven were all within a single second while Van Riel fell to last place, 22 seconds arrears. On the swim leg, Nieschlag led the swim to win Stage 2 over McQueen, Stapley and Raphael with Ye 5 seconds behind. By overall accounting, Raphael led the field by 3 seconds over Stapley with McQueen and Nieschlag on their heels in 3rd and 4th. Yee was in 6th place, 13 seconds down, while Van Riel was hopelessly ensconced in last place, 27 seconds behind the leader. Stage Three Raphael maintained the lead on the swim by three seconds over Stapley, McQueen, and Nieschlag. Quickly on the bike leg, Raphael and his chasers formed a group of four and Gianluca Pozzatti joined them in a group of five. Yee and Van Riel then formed a duo in 6th and 7th. The Gang of Five began the run together with Nieschlag first on the treadmill. Midway through the run, Raphael and Nieschlag ran elbow to elbow, until Nieschlag fell off the pace. With 500 meters to go, Raphael led Stapley by two seconds. While Stapley gave it his all, Raphael stretched out his winning margin to 1.2 seconds at the line, as Nieschlag took 3rd place 5.33 arrears. Final Results Men 1. Aurelien Raphael (FRA) - $5,0002. Max Stapley (AUS) +1.2 - $4,2003. Justus Nieschlag (GER) +5.3 - $3,4004. Gianluca Pozzatti (ITA) +10.6 - $2,6005. Chase McQueen (USA) +13.9 - $1,006. Alex Yee (GBR) +27.3 - $1,4007. Gordon Benson (GBR) +37.4 - $1,1008. Marten Van Riel (BEL) +44.2 - $800 To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! A crackdown on financial influencers has sparked claims from online content creators that some useful money tips could be stripped from the web, as regulators worry about unlicensed financial advice occurring through social media. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) last month stepped up warnings to finfluencers social media influencers who focus on money matters about their legal obligations. Ray Corcoran, who runs a personal finance YouTube channel. Survey data suggests many young people change their money habits after following finfluencers on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, and the watchdog is worried some of the content could in fact be financial advice. ASICs guidance warned that providing unlicensed advice can result in penalties of up to five years in prison or hefty fines, and it also raised concerns about payments from investment platforms to finfluencers for promoting links to their followers. Qantas boss Alan Joyce has no doubt what the biggest long-term challenge is for his airline once it recovers from the once-in-a-generation crisis of COVID-19. We need to make sure that people do not feel they need to stop flying, he says. Alan Joyce says that if airlines do the right thing, customers dont have to choose between flying and the environment. Credit:Oscar Colman Amid increasingly dire warning that humanity is failing to avert catastrophic global warming, aviation has a major pollution problem. Cars are going electric, and renewables are replacing coal-fired power plants, but there is no quick solution for the carbon dioxide jetliners spit out. It accounted for 2 per cent of global emissions pre-pandemic. Europeans concerned about climate change and suffering flygskam (Swedish for flight shame) are limiting or swearing off air travel in what Joyce says is a threat to the airline industry. Following the birth of their son Nicholas in 2008, the Vagias family faced a dilemma common for those who use fertility treatment: what to do with surplus eggs or embryos. After struggling to conceive during four years and 11 attempts at IVF, they were eventually successful. We were pretty determined, but on the last attempt, even though we had stored embryos, we had decided it was our last-ditch effort, mum Nicky Vagias said. Theo and Nicky Vagias with son Nicholas. Credit:Jason South Once Nicholas was born, Ms Vagias wanted to ensure the 12 embryos they still had in storage were not discarded, but her husband, Theo, was uncertain about donating. When IT security expert Sean Burford is called Australias King of Dunnies, he responds: I guess that means I get a throne as well. He did. Last year Burford added nearly 130 toilets to the National Public Toilet Map, earning him the title of Australias Greatest Dunny Hunter. Sean Burford has been updating a map of Australian public toilets. He has found and updated 129 toilet listings across Australia, including this new one on Centennial Glen Road, Blackheath. Credit:Wolter Peeters Using his computer skills, and working remotely from his home in the Blue Mountains, Burford set out to find new toilets in dry spots across Australia and flush out errors in other listings. You can make every pun in the world about toilets, but finding one in time is no joke. Burfords definition of the best toilet is the one right in front of you. Please give us vision on environment, equity Peter Hartcher gives Labor a fighting chance in the election (Albaneses chief aide: Morrison, April 9), primarily based on the view that the Coalition, and Scott Morrison in particular, have failed while Labor offered a small target. This may be so, but is the electorate just looking for the least worst option? Anyone who has a constructive message on climate, renewables and integrity in government and other institutions warrants attention. Enter Albo. Surely, an agenda that attempts to address areas that are fundamental to environmental existence and a just and fair society has to count for something. Marie Del Monte, Ashfield Peter Hartcher focuses on Morrisons failures, yet neglects to mention the failures of the Coalition over the past 10 years. The Coalition has done little to improve the lives of most Australians, has destroyed the environment, made education unaffordable, enriched themselves and the wealthy, and entrenched inequality in our society. Homelessness and poverty are out of control, as is the cost of living and the price of housing. The biggest failure of the past decade is not Morrison, it is the absence of leadership and vision for the future of Australia by the party he leads. Tony Heathwood, Kiama Downs I am extremely concerned that neither major party is emphasising hospitals. After spending eight hours on Friday in emergency at the Blue Mountains Hospital in Katoomba, I can see the need. A hospital with no doctor: all diagnoses have to be referred to Nepean Hospital, and it takes about three hours to get a reply. The staff, although desperately overworked, are very courteous, kind and efficient. The hospital is 100 years old and looks it, but it serves a huge area and population. It is probably not as bad as some others in outlying areas. We have to address this crisis urgently. Yvonne Hazell, Neutral Bay There is no chance of the Murugappan family being permitted to return to Biloela, until a week before the election. Ian Falconer, Turramurra I dont want to see Scott Morrison taking the high ground that he is a champion of democracy. Someone who forces 12 head-office fly-ins is the opposite. The grassroots concept that party branches vote, and select their representatives, is the basis of our democracy. Eric Sekula, Turramurra Here was I thinking wed have to wait for the election results to see Craig Kelly with egg on his face (UAP leader Kelly egged at supporter barbecue, April 9). Peter Miniutti, Ashbury Arts donors forget rock lifeline What a fascinating insight into the world of philanthropists who donate money to the arts (Secrets of giving, April 9). Most of these people are multimillionaires, with the odd billionaire, who want to support the various cultural institutions that showcase everything from opera to dance to theatre. However, there was one glaring omission that is by far the most popular form of art: rock music. The article actually highlighted the snobbishness and elitism that many of our wealthy appear to possess due to the type of art they donate their money to. Why arent any of them helping the live music scene that has seen thousands not being able to work since the COVID outbreak started? Con Vaitsas, Ashbury Thank you, Herald, for pointing out the importance of art and art funding, especially in times of bushfires, COVID, floods and war. Art heals, challenges and unites in uncertain times, yet our current government keeps cutting funding, requiring more and more citizens to come to the rescue. Thank you also for pointing out that relationships matter, a truth that weve experienced first-hand here in the Northern Rivers, where hundreds of people have been rescued and saved by neighbours, volunteers and strangers no money ever changed hands, yet our survival depended on it. That includes the Lismore Regional Gallery, honourably mentioned by Clare Ainsworth Herschell, its first-floor rescue area full of artworks devastated by the floods. Where are our Sydney philanthropists and Byron Bay holidaymakers with their millions and their love of the arts? Wed love to see your money help to restore art, beauty and life in a town that has lost so much but not its inclusiveness, generosity and indomitable spirit of resistance. Its a town where most people give a lot more than millions having little money in their pockets, they give their time. Ulf Steinvorth, Dunoon Gift of human kindness I am a disaster recovery chaplain (Those who salve souls when disasters strike, smh.com.au, April 9). On a recent deployment to the Northern Rivers, like so many others, I was taken by surprise when the heavens opened overnight. Prevented by another gush of floodwaters and landslips from getting to reopened evacuation centres by car, I walked the neighbourhood. I stood in the rain talking with ADF personnel on roadblock duty, waited for coffee behind a paramedic buying his breakfast, saw a rescue team filling up with petrol and snacks at the local servo, watched police officers chat to drivers while directing traffic away from flooded streets, helped a resident retrieve rubbish bins and drag them to higher ground, and heard a man singing happy songs on the pub corner, surrounded by water. In all this, though frustrated by my incapacity in the circumstances, I felt extremely privileged to be part of a complex, multifaceted but very human response to an overwhelming tragedy. News media will mostly present a dramatic, top-level account of events and recovery efforts. Out of sight are the ordinary people with their myriad heartfelt actions and selfless contributions, given in and out of everyday lives. Rev. Meredith William, Northmead Caution in branching out The City of Sydneys plan to renew Castlereagh Street with trees, cycleways and outdoor dining is noble, but it carries risks (Cycleway and outdoor dining: CBD plans revealed, April 9). Ironically, the citys closely planted trees elsewhere are now having a similar impact to that of developers wrecking balls in the 1960s and 70s: obliterating heritage streetscapes and vistas from public view for evermore. Not long ago, you could walk north down Pitt Street and catch a magnificent view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge at the end. Trees have now erased this visual link between a great icon and the city itself. By all means, green the city. But think judiciously about which trees, how many and where they go first. Robert Milliken, Rushcutters Bay Top secret codebreakers In the article about Rachel Nobles organisation (Chief spy gained her work experience as a barefoot 10-year-old, April 9), I was surprised that there was no reference to her predecessors, Australias Central Bureau, our secretive and successful codebreakers during World War II. My aunt was a member of a section known as the Garage Girls, who worked from the rear of Nyrambla, a house in Brisbane. I attended her funeral in 2018 and her commanding officer during the war, Helen Kenny, was one of the honoured guests. Her family knew nothing of Aunty Madges real job until 50 years after the war and, not unlike Noble, she had a love of needlework, knitting and dressmaking. Eoin Johnston, Alstonville Time for real climate action Thank you for reminding readers that climate change policy is one of the most crucial questions facing voters at the coming election, and for declaring that the Herald will not allow this issue to be swept under the rug (Why Sydneys bad weather is an issue for the election, April 9). Australian voters will finally have an opportunity to send a strong message to the Coalition, for trivialising the climate problem with a lump of coal in parliament, for obstructing real climate action and, most importantly, for gambling on the futures of our children and grandchildren with a meaningless gas-led (i.e. fossil fuel) recovery plan. Rob Firth, Cremorne Point Sunny side up Hello, sunshine. This year I have discovered I love sunshiny days more than chocolate. Everywhere people have a spring in their step and smiles to share. Bea Hodgson, Gerringong Top marks Your correspondents maths teacher may not have appreciated her clever pun about throwing a tangent (Letters, April 9), but if Id been her English teacher back then I wouldve given her a gold star. Kerrie Wehbe, Blacktown Prefix pre-fixed David Astle hit the nail on the head about wasted words at the end of acronyms and initials (RAT Tests and Other Wasted Words, April 9). One of my pet hates is pre-prepared. Carrie Bengston, Clovelly Who needs passengers? Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The two men were born five years and 10 kilometres apart: the first in Sydneys gritty inner west, the latter in the scenic eastern beaches. One stayed planted in his childhood stomping ground as it gentrified around him, shifting a mere 15-minute drive westward during his adulthood. The other migrated south when a golden political opportunity arose, embracing a new cultural milieu and severing ties with the slice of the city that formed him. Anthony Albanese and Scott Morrison: the kid from Camperdown and the boy from Bronte (later reinvented as Scott from the Shire). Two lifelong Sydneysiders running a six-week race to convince Australians to entrust them with the prime ministership. Big waves at Bronte beach, where Prime Minister Scott Morrison spent his childhood. Credit:Edwina Pickles As the countrys most populous city, Sydney would be expected to send a decent share of leaders to the Lodge. For the past three decades it has done far more than that, serving as an unparalleled prime ministerial launching pad. Five of Australias last seven prime ministers Paul Keating, John Howard, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull and Morrison were raised in the Harbour City and represented Sydney electorates in Parliament. That dominance is guaranteed to continue, regardless of who triumphs on May 21. This election marks the first time since 2004 when Howard defeated Mark Latham that two Sydneysiders have led the major parties into battle. Reflecting the citys identity as a mosaic of distinct enclaves, rather than a homogenous whole, the Albanese-Morrison contest pits two competing visions of Sydney against each other. Densely populated inner city versus sprawling suburbia. Working class versus middle class. Townhouses versus McMansions. Progressivism versus conservatism. The cardinal red and myrtle green of the Rabbitohs versus the Sharks blue, white and black. Parramatta Road, Camperdown. Credit:Wolter Peeters Advertisement The policy differences between the Coalition and Labor appear less pronounced now than many past elections, with both parties eschewing promises of transformative change. Morrison and Albaneses early life stories illuminate the fundamental differences in their world views that are not always apparent in their day-to-day political battles. It was in Sydney that the leaders ideologies were formed, with both taking an active interest in politics early in life. Albaneses upbringing helps explain his more collectivist politics - his faith that government can help lift people out of poverty through welfare support and public housing. Morrisons early years led him to see individual enterprise and initiative as central to human flourishing. Both leaders have used their Sydney biographies to shape their political personas and make themselves relatable to voters. They highlight the elements of their narratives they see as advantageous, downplaying those they regard as inconvenient. The Prime Minister back in the day. Scott Morrison and wife Jenny in 1985. Credit:Scott Morrison/Facebook When Scott Morrison seized the prime ministership surprisingly in 2018, he introduced himself to A Current Affair viewers as a boy from the suburbs here in Sydney. In a later talkback radio interview he said: I grew up in NSW as a suburban boy... Its a description that omits as well as reveals. To most voters, Morrison is closely associated with his current home in the Sutherland Shire a connection he reinforces with his very public adoration of the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks rugby league team. The prime minister rarely dwells on his upbringing in beachside Bronte: its not something he highlights in his campaign advertisements or speeches. Bronte serves no useful narrative purpose for Morrison nowadays, except as a place he left behind and no longer identifies with. Advertisement When asked about his Bronte childhood, Morrison stresses it was not the embodiment of affluence it is today. In a 2016 interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Morrison described the suburb he grew up in as more like the Shire is now, adding that Bronte wouldnt feel like home to me today. With a current median house price over $5 million, the suburb is certainly more exclusive than in Morrisons youth. That said, it was never Skid Row. Morrisons wife-to-be Jenny, who grew up in the southern suburb of Peakhurst, used to tease him about coming from the posh side of town. Which is not to say the prime minister, 53, was the product of great wealth. After marrying, Morrisons parents, John and Marion, moved into Johns aunts home on Evans Street, Bronte. The house was large enough for the Morrisons and their two sons to live with relative privacy in one part of the home while Aunty Frank occupied the other. Scott and older brother Alan shared a bedroom through their childhood and into their teenage years. Scott Morrison with his late father John and mother Marion. Morrisons father John was a police officer who rose as high as chief inspector in the NSW Police Force. He was also longtime member of Waverley Council, serving a term as mayor in the late 1980s. Although nominally independent, John Morrison almost always voted as part of an unofficial Liberal block, reflecting the familys fundamentally conservative values. While brother Alan showed little interest in politics, Scott delighted in fielding calls from constituents at the family home and helping his dad make campaign posters. The Morrisons ties to the area ran deep: John was a long-term member of the Bronte RSL, the Bondi Junction Rotary Club and the Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park group. The family worshipped at Waverleys Presbyterian-Uniting Church. The Morrisons were also passionate amateur thespians: as a boy, Scott played the Artful Dodger in a community production of Oliver! and starred in a Vicks cough drop commercial. Reflecting the citys class-based cultural divide, rugby union was the main game for the Morrison boys - not league. Albanese, by contrast, loves to talk about what Americans would call his log cabin story: the tale of his humble upbringings in Camperdown public housing. The opposition leader, 59, has mentioned his working-class childhood in all three of his prime-time budget reply addresses. Anthony Albanese on the far left, protesting at Sydney University about changes to the political economics course, June 15, 1983. Credit:Susan Windmiller Advertisement Albaneses mother Maryanne was born in her home on Pyrmont Bridge Road and lived there until her death in 2001. A disability support pensioner and single mother, she had rheumatoid arthritis. With Maryanne in hospital for extended periods, the neighbours would take turns in having Anthony, her only child, over for dinner. Albanese grew up believing his father had died in a car accident shortly after he met his mother on a European cruise. It was only later he discovered Carlo Albanese was alive and living in Italy. Surrounding the Albaneses council estate was a metal foundry, a Grace Brothers warehouse and the Royal Alexandria Childrens hospital. The Westons biscuit factory pumped out an intoxicating scent of baked treats into the surrounding streets. After school, Albanese and other local kids would ask the factorys migrant workers to sneak them Wagon Wheels and other treats. Loading The community was working class, tribally Labor and strongly Catholic. Rugby league specifically, the South Sydney Rabbitohs was another devotion. By age 9 Albanese was handing out leaflets for Gough Whitlam, and joined the Labor Party as a high schooler. He says his formative political experience occurred in his teenage years when the council proposed selling off his familys council estate. The residents campaigned vigorously against the plan and eventually succeeded in scuttling it. It was a battle that was fundamental to my identity and critical to the person I am today, Albanese wrote in The Herald in 2014. Morrisons schooling was entirely within the NSW public system: first at Clovelly Public and then the academically selective Sydney Boys High at Moore Park. Known to schoolmates as Scotty (no one yet called him ScoMo), Morrison rowed and played rugby union for the school. Former classmates described Morrison as a middle ground student to biographer Annika Smethurst, saying he showed no sign of being a future prime minister. Now dating Jenny, he studied geography at UNSW and completed an honours thesis on Sydneys Christian Brethren assemblies. After renting for several years, Scott and Jenny bought a two-bedroom California bungalow in Bronte in 1995, not far from his childhood home. At his mothers insistence, Albanese was educated in the NSW Catholic systemic system: first St Josephs Primary down the road in Camperdown, and then St Marys Cathedral College in the city. By early adulthood he had stopped attending church, although he still describes himself as a cultural Catholic. He became enmeshed in Labor left activism while studying economics at the University of Sydney. Albanese was suspended and fined after occupying the university clock tower while protesting against moves to end the teaching of political economy, a left-leaning alternative to orthodox economics. Advertisement Albanese and former wife Carmel Tebbutt. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Albanese now says he wants to govern in the style of Bob Hawke, but as a young activist he criticised Hawke for shifting Labor too far to the right - especially by abolishing free university degrees. Albanese moved out of his childhood home at age 26, buying a two-bedroom, property in nearby Marrickville. After sharing with a roommate for a while, his wife-to-be Carmel Tebbutt moved in with him. Tebbutt served on council before representing the area in state parliament: the pair was nicknamed the King and Queen of Marrickville. In 1996, after serving as assistant secretary of the NSW Labor Party, Albanese entered federal parliament as the member for Grayndler, which now stretches from Sydenham to Balmain. The countrys smallest electorate has changed dramatically since Albaneses youth, as professional knowledge workers streamed in and the factories gave way to art galleries and vegan cafes. Albanese and Tebbutt lived in Newtown for six years before returning to Marrickville. The couple separated in 2019. After serving as Tourism Australia chief executive and NSW Liberal Party director, Morrison leapt at a chance to enter parliament when his mentor, Bruce Baird, announced his retirement from the safe seat of Cook in 2007. He and Jenny moved to the area ahead of the local preselection ballot. He was thrashed by Michael Towke in the initial voting, but Morrison eventually triumphed after a torrid internal battle that remains controversial over a decade later. In 2009, the Morrisons bought a single-storey, three-bedroom home with a pool in Port Hacking for $929,000. They rapidly embraced life in the Shire, joining the Pentecostal congregation at Horizon Church and becoming passionate league fans. Theyd found the place where they belong. It defines who we are, Morrison said of his electorate following his upset 2019 election win. And we sort of like to take what we know in the Shire and try to give it to the rest of the country. Advertisement Anthony Albaneses rise through the Labor Party began in the shadows. In 1994, when four warring ALP councillors couldnt agree on who should stand for mayor in a particularly tumultuous lead-up to a Leichhardt mayoral election in western Sydney, a young Albanese was called in to try to settle the matter. Opposition Leader Anthony Albaneses rise through the Labor Party began in the shadows. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The arm-twisting, back-stabbing and favour-dispensing mayoral imbroglio was filmed in uncompromising backroom detail for a documentary, Rats in the Ranks, still considered a classic of Australian politics. Albanese, at the time an assistant general secretary of the ALP in NSW, came up with the simple suggestion the warring candidates should pull a name out of a hat. Could any prime minister have ever taken such a lonely, reflective ride to the governor-generals manor at Yarralumla to request, reluctantly, the right to hold a federal election? Scott Morrison isnt the sort of fellow to immerse himself comfortably in lonely reflection, of course. A lonely, reflective ride to see the governor-general at Government House in Yarralumla. Credit:James Brickwood A reflective high-vis jacket, a welders mask beckoning and a clamour of factory managers hanging out for a handout now youre talking. Or a day at the rugby league, merrily twirling a scarf and spilling a beer before hurrying home to rustle up a curry for the cameras. Such carefree pursuits before things went so downhill he couldnt visit a pub without being assailed by an enraged pensioner whose slurs were almost as hurtful as the character assessments flung about lately by his own parliamentary colleagues. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Sydneysiders are bracing against an autumnal cold snap and the prospect of a fiercely fought political contest after Scott Morrison called the election for May 21. The Lismore floods, the memory of the Black Summer bushfires and beaches gouged by surging surf were fresh in voters minds when The Sydney Morning Herald asked people across the city what they want from the next government. Voters are feeling the pinch of grocery and petrol price rises. Few begrudged the sugar hits in the budget, but most were more concerned about Australias long-term economic outlook beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Small business owners were worried about a dive in consumer confidence and a leap in COVID-19 numbers, and had so far failed to warm to the Coalitions pitch. Voters of all stripes despaired at the state of housing prices and were nervous about increasing rents. First-time voters and families pushing prams were the most likely to demand greater climate action. But after two years of politics and press conferences infiltrating daily life, weariness seemed to be the prevailing mood among punters considering their next move at the polling booth. Perhaps its too early in the campaign to expect a spike in election fever. Interviews and photos: NSW - Angus Dalton, Flavio Brancaleone, Steven Siewert. Victoria - Najma Sambul, Nell Geraets. Queensland: Jocelyn Garcia, Cloe Read. South Australia: Walter Marsh. Tasmania: Nina Hendy. Northern Territory: Helen Orr. Western Australia: Peter de Kruijff, Sarah Brookes, Holly Thompson, Hamish Hastie. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said sidelined minister Alan Tudge is still a member of his cabinet after he was questioned over the frontbench he would bring to another term in government. Mr Morrison asked Mr Tudge to step aside as a minister on December 2, after the Education Ministers former adviser Rachelle Miller publicly alleged their affair had been emotionally abusive and, on one occasion, physically abusive, which Mr Tudge denied. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said sidelined minister Alan Tudge is still a member of his cabinet. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen After an investigation into the affair, Mr Morrison said last month Mr Tudge wouldnt be returning to the front bench this term. However, asked on Sunday whether Mr Tudge would be returned to cabinet if the Coalition was re-elected, Mr Morrison replied, Alan Tudge is still in my cabinet, a statement labelled extraordinary by Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese. The calling of the May 21 election coincided on Sunday with the formal launch of independent campaigns in the high-profile Victorian seats of Goldstein and Kooyong. Former ABC reporter Zoe Daniel kicked off her tilt for the traditionally safe Liberal seat of Goldstein, held by Tim Wilson. Independent Monique Ryan also launched her bid to take the blue-ribbon seat of Kooyong from Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. Zoe Daniel launches her campaign for the seat of Goldstein on Sunday. Credit:Paul Jeffers In front of about 1000 vocal and teal-attired supporters at Trevor Barker Reserve in Sandringham, Ms Daniel, 49, repeated her priorities of climate change, government integrity and workplace safety for women. Among the guests were ex-Goldstein member and Fraser-era minister Ian Macphee and former Hawke government science minister Barry Jones. Loading We are certainly looking at it very closely, Pauline Gandel told The Age. We are looking at it and we will wait until we have all the data to decide how we will support it. Mrs Gandel said she knew NGV director Tony Ellwood well and had particular admiration for the childrens programs the gallery runs. Support from the Gandels is likely to be linked to a childrens area at NGV Contemporary, similar to the childrens gallery the family funded at Melbourne Museum, and the childrens quarter at the State Library. We would be interested in doing something with children there, Mrs Gandel said of NGV Contemporary. Vedran Drakulic, who heads the Gandel Foundation, said the familys thorough investigation of the project was consistent with their hands-on philanthropy model. I want to see what is happening and how it is being used, Mrs Gandel said. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (right) and NGV director Tony Ellwood. Credit:Penny Stephens The Myer familys wealth also comes from retail, via the eponymous Myer chain of stores, although the family has diversified into property and other investments over the years. The family has grown to include the Gantner, Shelmerdine, Baevski, Southey and other branches, and its investments are managed through the Myer Family Office. The family has a long tradition of philanthropy and connection to the arts, with the Arts Centres music bowl named after family patriarch, Sidney Myer. Baillieu (Bails) Myer, who died earlier this year at the age of 96, was an emeritus trustee of the NGV and the Myer Foundation, a charitable trust set up in the familys name, which has distributed more than $300 million since its inception in 1959. Baillieu Bails Myer in 2003. Credit:Fairfax Sidney Myers daughter Neilma Gantner, along with her son Carrillo and brother Baillieu Myer, established The Gantner Myer Collection of Australian Aboriginal Art. Much of the multimillion dollar Indigenous art collection was donated to Museums Victoria and the Shepparton Art Museum. The Myer family declined to comment on whether its members were in discussions about funding NGV Contemporary. Loading Leonard Vary, chief executive officer of the Myer Foundation and the Sidney Myer Fund, said he did not comment on potential future philanthropic donations. The government first announced the NGV Contemporary four years ago and one political insider, who did not want to be named, said the latest flurry of announcements showed the government had a major donor lined up. There is no way the government would have released all those detailed [architectural] renders without having the funding sewn up, they said. Its coming from one of Melbournes wealthiest families. Other possible donors include the Murdochs, the Littles, the Foxes and the Smorgons. The Murdoch family has a long history with the NGV, with media magnate Rupert Murdochs father, Sir Keith Murdoch, appointed chairman of trustees in 1944. Sir Keith was instrumental in the choice of the site of the NGV, across Princess Bridge, due to his conviction that a new art gallery and cultural centre at the entrance to the city was fundamental to Melbournes future. Sir Keith and Lady Elisabeth Murdoch in 1952. The Murdoch family has had a longstanding connection with the NGV. Credit:File His wife, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, was the first woman to sit on the NGVs council of trustees in 1968 and, in 1982, she endowed the NGV with a fund to commission tapestries to hang in the Great Hall of the Gallery. A spokesperson for the Murdoch family said while the family were media partners for NGV Contemporary through their newspapers and radio station, they were at this stage not financially contributing to the new gallery. Graham Smorgon, of the Smorgon Steel dynasty, said as far as he was aware, the Smorgons were not contributing to the gallery. Philanthropist and transport magnate Paul Little said he had no comment when asked about potential support for the gallery. Creative Industries Minister Danny Pearson said discussions were under way about philanthropic contributions to NGV Contemporary. Philanthropist Paul Little said no comment when asked about a contribution to NGV Contempory. Credit:Simon Schluter You will expect that there will be a philanthropic contribution provided for a project of this scale and breadth, and the philanthropic sector has a great tradition of supporting these sort of projects in the past, he said. But its really early days, we have quite a bit of work to do to try to work out who [contributes] and how much. Mr Pearson said he was not personally in discussions with the Gandel or Myer families about funding the NGV Contemporary. Im not aware of specific names of who people are speaking to at this stage, he said. We have a very strong philanthropic base here in Melbourne and this is a very exciting project and no doubt conversations are taking place around the town but in terms of the specifics and in terms of who and what they might do and what they might fund it is too early to work out. Mr Pearson would not say how much of the outstanding $1.68 billion needed to come from philanthropy. I think with these things Im mindful of not signalling or telegraphing our punches as it were, he said. We would welcome a philanthropic contribution to this project. The NGV itself is remaining tight-lipped on how the gallery will be funded, directing all queries towards the state government. The gallery launched a Campaign for Contemporary Art in 2014 to build up its collection of contemporary art to the point where it could fill a new gallery. TEL AVIV: The current surge in terrorist attacks in Israel has been framed by Palestinian parties and militant groups as a logical consequence of the entrenchment of Israels 55-year occupation of the West Bank, of Israels control over religious sites in Jerusalem, and of the dwindling commitment from some key Arab leaders to the creation of a Palestinian state. The attackers diverse backgrounds, however, have left both Palestinian and Israeli analysts and officials uncertain about the relationship between the assailants, their respective motivations and the timing of their attacks. A woman reacts at the scene of a shooting attack In Tel Aviv, Israel, on April 7. Credit:AP In the deadliest wave of violence since 2016, there have been four attacks in four Israeli cities since March 22, involving five Arab assailants who have killed 14 people, including two Arab police officers and two Ukrainians. But beyond their lethal outcomes, the four episodes do not fit easily within a simple narrative. The two most recent attacks - in Tel Aviv and Bnei Brak - were carried out by Palestinians from the occupied West Bank. While praised by several Palestinian movements, no group has formally claimed responsibility for them. SABA:--- On Thursday, April 7, 2022, the Saba Heritage Center hosted a community session on research currently being carried out in Saba by the Island(er)s at the Helm programme. Researchers Dr. Jaime Pagan Jimenez and Dr. Kees Nooren presented their research plans and initial findings. Participants were also invited to share stories and exchange knowledge on social adaptation to climate change in Saba. Participants were welcomed to the Saba Heritage Center by Island Council Member and Board Member of the Saba Heritage Center Vito Charles and Island Governor Jonathan Johnson. Prof. dr. Corinne Hofman, one of the principal investigators of the program, gave an introduction, followed by presentations by Dr. Pagan Jimenez and Dr. Nooren, and a final word of thanks by archaeologist Dr. Menno Hoogland. Paleoecologist Dr. Nooren shared his research project, in which he will investigate sediments from archaeological sites like Spring Bay and Plum Piece to understand how Saba's vegetation and climate looked in the past and changed over time. Dr. Pagan Jimenez shared the first results on the types of food grown and eaten by Saba's first inhabitants. As a paleoethnobotanical specialist, he studies past human interactions with plants through archaeological research. Adapt to hurricanes The researchers explained what their projects can show about changing agriculture, landscapes, and water systems and what this can tell us about how climate change was experienced in Saba long ago, and in more recent times. Dr. Nooren mentioned that previous research on St. Martin indicates that droughts and hurricanes were frequent in the time that the first inhabitants lived on the islands. Through their work, they will be able to understand how islanders have adapted to extreme weather events like devastating hurricanes and droughts over time. "We have interesting paleoethnobotanical information on Sabas pre-colonial agricultural past, but it is still quite limited. I have no doubt that the access of people to scientific and traditional knowledge about the ancient, and more recent agricultural and culinary practices of Saba will provide new food strategies based on our historic experiences with traditional plants. This merging of knowledge will help us deal with the increasingly powerful climate threats we face on the islands," Dr. Pagan Jimenez, who is from Puerto Rico, explained. Island(er)s at the Helm These projects are part of the Island(er)s at the Helm research program, which focuses on social adaptation to climate challenges in the (Dutch) Caribbean. Saban-born Lysanne Charles, who is also part of this program, contributes to this by investigating the role of local knowledge and practices in policy development for hurricane preparedness on Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten. Vito Charles emphasized the importance of this event. "Presentations like these allow the Saba Heritage Center to optimally function as a place where the community can come together to share knowledge of the past and ensure that Saba's heritage and traditional practices continue to be passed on to future generations." Upcoming events Island(er)s at the Helm hosts regular public stakeholder meetings, where societal partners and interested parties discuss the progress of the research and exchange knowledge and ideas with the research team. "Exchanging knowledge with the community in every step of the research and co-creation is what drives Island(er)s at the Helm," said Prof. dr. Hofman. The next events are organized in collaboration with the University of St. Martin (USM) in St. Maarten on Tuesday, April 12, and Wednesday, May 18, 2022. FILE - The USS Milwaukee, a Freedom-class of littoral combat ship, cruises underway as an MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle hovers during flight operations on June 27, 2019, in the Atlantic Ocean. The Navy that once wanted smaller, speedy warships to chase down pirates has made a speedy pivot to Russia and China and many of those ships, like the USS Milwaukee, could be retired. The Navy wants to decommission nine ships in the Freedom-class, warships that cost about $4.5 billion to build. (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Anderson W. Branch/U.S. Navy via AP, File) Edith (Edi) Marie Smith, daughter of the late Glen Lester and Dorothy Jane Allison, was born in Youngstown, OH on Friday, October 11th, 1963, and she departed this life on Saturday, April 30th, 2022, having attained the age of 59 years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death b CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Criminals ran roughshod over the Austin Peay State University Morgan University Center. Luckily, 28 criminal justice students were on the case. Professor George Frogge and APSU officers staged crime scenes for undergraduate criminal justice students. In groups of five, students were tasked with solving the two mysteries through a combination of observational skills, critical thinking and deductive reasoning. I like to do a lot of hands-on activity. I feel like it helps create an active learning environment instead of just death by PowerPoint, Frogge said. It gives them an opportunity to get out of the classroom. APSU officers, including Lt. Chris Jones, played the parts of victim, criminals and witnesses for the simulations. STUDENTS TRY TO SOLVE TWO CRIMES The first simulation was a murder staged as a suicide. Two friends got in a heated argument, which led to one being shot in the head. The murderer wrote a fake suicide note and placed the gun in the victims hand. Jones played the part of the eyewitness and potential suspect. The second simulation involved an assault by a drug dealer. The drug dealer allegedly assaulted the drug users roommate and stole jewelry, cash and an AR-15 as collateral for the drug users missed payment. Students had to solve the crime by corroborating evidence from a variety of clues, including examining two different sets of handwriting, one by the victim and one by the murderer. In both simulations, students were tasked with interviewing suspects to piece together the story. A lot of people watch crime shows like NCIS, but its not real. You have to put in the leg work, Jones said. OFFICERS, PROFESSOR LEND EXPERTISE Jones has served APSU for nine years and is pursuing his bachelors degree. He even has a class with Frogge and jumped at the opportunity to help him set up the exercise. Hes an amazing professor. Hes firm, fair and consistent with everybody, Jones said. Jones also served nine years with the Robertson County Sheriffs office. He is a wealth of experience for the next generation of law enforcers. It (the simulation) helps with the future generations as leaders. We are always trying to train our replacements, Jones said. We are always trying to set up the next generation to have it better than what we had, just like parents. Professor George Frogge earned his Doctor of Education from Lipscomb University. He was a metro police officer for 20 years and has been teaching in higher education since 2009. These were things that were done for me when I was a student, but things have changed, Frogge said. When I was a student, we could go to the morgue, and we got to witness an autopsy. This is about as close as they can get to being able to do some hands-on things. APPEAL TO FUTURE LAW ENFORCERS The exercise was also an attempt to create interest for students on the fence about joining law enforcement. I have seen a decline recently over the past two years, but about 50% of this class wants to do some kind of detective work, Frogge said. Frogge hopes that the exercise will build trust between campus police and his students. I want students to build a relationship with their campus police and know who they are and feel safe, Frogge said. STAMFORD A recent state Supreme Court decision might have opened a path forward for Stamford residents in their hotly debated push against office park redevelopment. During a marathon Board of Representatives meeting last week, city officials said that when Connecticuts highest court changed how some petition signatures are counted in Stamford, it may have affected the number of signatures submitted in a December petition. The petition spearheaded by the Stamford Neighborhood Coalition attempts to repeal a recent change to local zoning regulations that encourages additional residential development in under-filled commercial parks. Yet even under the new rule, the final petition count still remains unclear, as separate efforts from Stamford zoning officials and the town clerk drew different conclusions. It sounds to me like theres more to analyze, Rep. Nina Sherwood, D-8, said. City land use officials counted in December, ultimately ruling that the coalition had fallen short of the 100 signatures necessary to be valid. Their findings promptly ignited ire from the petitioners, who argued that the city had used the wrong metrics when tallying the signatures. And despite support from some city representatives, who argued that the petition should be heard and reevaluated, the coalitions efforts largely stalled out. Then, the state Supreme Court reassessed how petition signatures are counted in Stamford. Lower courts previously ruled that when two people jointly own a property and both sign a petition, they count as one petition signature. Connecticut justices changed that in March, ruling that each signature counted individually, despite the joint property interest. Using that criteria, the number of relevant signatures gathered by the Stamford Neighborhood Coalition increased. Land Use Bureau Chief Ralph Blessing in December told the Board of Representatives that the coalition submitted 67 valid signatures. Under the new rules, Doug Dalena, Stamford law director, told the board the count was just under 100 signatures. It seems to me there should be a remedy, attorney Patricia Sullivan told the board. Sullivan represented the Board of Representatives in two state Supreme Court cases that found the board had acted outside its scope when it affirmed neighborhood petitions over rulings by the Land Use Bureau. There should be a way for individuals who filed a petition, which the Supreme Court would now say is a valid petition, to move forward. Just because there should be a remedy doesnt mean one exists. Dalena told the board that it is not clear and it is not typical that decisions like this would apply retroactively. If the petitioners want to have their petition reviewed under the new counting rules, Dalena pointed back to the courts. There are remedies in the law for people who are aggrieved, who believe who might believe that the zoning board or its staff were in error in making their determination not to refer a petition, he said. And its up to them to explore those remedies with their attorneys and decide whether thats something that they want to engage in. Its not under the zoning boards purview, he maintained, to go back and apply that remedy. Municipal attorney Steve Mednick, an expert in Connecticut local charters, characterized the idea of retroactivity as a slippery slope in the municipal context. Because if we go retroactive, you need to have some kind of rule of law that would give you an indicator of how far back you have to go, said Mednick, a former New Haven alderman. Unless a court or statute specifically grants the Board of Representatives the right to review something retroactively, theres no inherent rights for local legislative bodies, Mednick said. Like Dalena, Mednick said that the best remedy for petitioners lies in the courts. After that point, state Supreme Court decisions generally apply retroactively as long as the case to which they might be applied has not already gone to judgment, according to attorney Daniel Krisch of the Hartford-based law firm Halloran Sage. But administrative decisions can only be appealed within a certain amount of time after they are decided, Krisch added. The statute of limitations for zoning petition decisions, according to the city charter, is within fifteen days of the official publication of such decision. Though the Land Use Bureaus count still falls slightly under the necessary number of petition signatures, counts from both Town Clerk Lyda Ruijter and the Stamford Neighborhood Coalition itself made the opposite call. While the charter creates no official role for the town clerk in counting petition signatures, committee chair Rep. Bradley Bewkes, R-1, asked Ruijter to review the signatures for the sake of board discussions. Compared with the Land Use Bureaus count, Ruijter counted 101 valid signatures because of differences in how the two agencies weighed atypical signature cases. Ruijter said that the final signature count could be as high as 103, depending on how certain property owners are counted. Even with the new numbers, the petitions path forward remains unclear. Though representatives lobbied hard for the Land Use Bureau to reassess the petition under the revised interpretation of the charter, Dalena held that retroactivity should only be considered if the petitioners have enough signatures. Given the new information from Ruijter, Dalena wanted Blessing and his staff to recount the number of signatures and review the clerks assessment. Blessing confirmed Monday that the Land Use Bureau received the requisite documents from the town clerks office. veronica.delvalle@hearstmediact.com WICHITA, Kan. (AP) A community task force reviewing the death of a Black teenager who was restrained for more than 30 minutes at a Kansas juvenile detention center found that an officer changed his answers on a form that otherwise would have led police to take the teen to a hospital instead of booking him into the detention center. An official who oversees admissions to the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center, Jodi Tronsgard, told the task force last month that the officer initially reported that there were signs that 17-year-old Cedric Lofton needed medical attention before the officer changed his answers, The Wichita Eagle reported. What I learned after the intake is that the officer had presented this form and initially said yes, that there were signs of acute illness that appear to need immediate medical care. Yes, there were signs of intoxication with significant impairment in functioning, Tronsgard told the task force on March 7. ...So, he was informed that if you answer yes to these questions, you have to leave and take the youth for a medical or mental health release. And then, hearing that, he goes and then responds no to these questions. Interim police Chief Lem Moore said he wasnt aware that the officer had changed his answers on the form until the newspaper asked about it. He said he has ordered a preliminary review of the case to determine if its possible the officer falsified information. If issues are found, a full investigation will be conducted, he said. Lofton's foster father called authorities in September seeking help because the teenager was hallucinating. Police initially tried to persuade him to go to a mental health facility, but body camera video shows him refusing to go and then resisting when officers tried to force him. Lofton then was taken to the detention center, where he was restrained after a struggle with staff members. He had to be resuscitated after he was held facedown, and he died two days later. Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett declined to charge the detention center workers in January, citing the state's stand-your-ground self-defense law. He said told the newspaper for Sunday's story that he also didnt have enough evidence when he reviewed the case to charge the officer with falsifying information on the form, but that he would be willing to examine any new information. Emails obtained by the newspaper show that Bennett raised concerns that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation agent who was investigating Lofton's death had a pro-police bias, and the agent was later removed from the case. The agent did not ask the police officers who took Lofton to the detention center about the changed answers on the admission form. Lofton's family's lawyer, Steven Hart, said the changed answers on the form raise additional questions about how police handled the case. That is the most disgusting display of a lack of professionalism or care, Hart said. Essentially, it was easier for them to drop him off than do what they knew was necessary and right. County officials have said the FBI is reviewing Loftons death. Milton, PA (17847) Today Cloudy with periods of rain. High 51F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch.. Tonight Showers in the evening, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 38F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. "The Turkish state funds the construction of the wall" Birtan Sarya described the wall as "part of the project to complete the genocide of the Kurds," and said, "A wall is being built, about 250 km long, three meters high and 75 cm thick between the Autonomous Administration areas in Rojava, north and east Syria and Shengal. It is scheduled to be completed. "The wall within two months. This is a dangerous situation. In fact, it is very clear that it is part of the project to complete the genocide of the Kurds and that the Turkish state and the Kurdistan Democratic Party are supporting on this project. It is also mentioned that the Turkish state is financing the construction of the wall." Birtan Sarya recalled the developments of events in Shengal before and after the ISIS massacre, saying: "It is known that ISIS carried out a genocide in Shengal on August 3, 2014. The Iraqi Government first and then the Kurdistan Democratic Party left the Yazidis on the day of the genocide to face ISIS alone. The Peoples Protection Units (YPG), Womens Protection Units (YPJ) and the Guerilla fought and rushed to the aid of the people in the area. The nine Guerrilla who managed to reach the area despite all the pressures of the Kurdistan Democratic Party before the massacre saved the majority of the people from extermination. At that time the Yazidis who crossed into Rojava fought the resistance with the People's Protection Units, the Women's Protection Units and the Guerrilla and in 2015 formed the Sengal Resistance Units (YBS), the Sengal Women's Units (YJS) and the Sengal Democratic Autonomous Administration Council. However, after the liberation of Shengal from ISIS in 2015, it became a target for both the KDP and the Turkish state. The KDP is cooperating with this and colluding with it in every way. The Iraqi Government had previously rejected this scheme and stood against it, but it has joined it since 2020 through the various initiatives undertaken by the Turkish state and some of the tasks entrusted to it by the United States of America. They announced the Shengal Agreement, which aims to completely break the will of the Autonomous Administration, on October 9, 2020, on the anniversary of the international conspiracy. But the Yazidis did not recognize this agreement, especially the Yazidis who lived through the genocide and are still resisting to this day. The goal is to keep Shengal isolated and unprotected. Birtan Sarya commented on the goal to be achieved by building this wall, saying: "With this wall now, they are taking a step to break this resistance and seek to keep the Kurds away from each other and separate them. Rojava forces, the Community Protection Units (YPG) and the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) have rushed to help Shengal. That is why they build this wall to separate Shengal from Rojava, and cut the link between the Yazidis there and the Kurds in Rojava, leaving them isolated and more unprotected. In this way, they seek to complete the genocide of the Kurds in all parts of Kurdistan and carry out physical extermination. The Yazidis expressed their condemnation for the October 9, 2020 agreement regarding Shengal, as they are still resisting, while the Kurdistan Democratic Party seeks to prepare with the Turkish and Iraqi states to implement the 74th decree against the Yazidis. The KDP is a pro-genocide servant Journalist Birtan Sarya provided this information about the practices of the KDP and its preparations to join the new attacks of the Turkish state: The preparations are being made for new occupational attacks in which the KDP participates. Soldiers were sent in the region to Gali, Qlaban and Colemerg for days. For example, on the 5th of This April, there is information that helicopters and soldiers have been dispatched to Basur. This has been revealed, but we do not know to what extent the KDP will be involved in the war, but it is already involved. The Turkish state has established 5 huge bases and 38 military bases in Basur. It is evacuating the villages of Basu, threaten villagers, use chemical weapons, destroy forests, chop down trees and sell them. Instead of the KDP condemning these actions, it targets the PKK. 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Most registrations were recorded in Bucharest, namely 4,426 (+ 13.46%, compared to January-February 2021), and in the counties of Cluj -1,400 (+ 4.40%), Ilfov - 1.282 (+ 9.39%) and Timis - 1,160 (+ 3.85%).On the other hand, the lowest number of registrations was recorded in Covasna counties - 141 (-22.95%, compared to January-February 2021), Caras-Severin - 166 (-8.29%) and Ialomita - 169 (+0.60%).According to ONRC, the areas in which most registrations were made are: wholesale and retail; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (4,709, -17.69% compared to the first two months of last year), construction (2,951; + 0.20%), transport and storage (2,578; -15%). The Minister of Foreign Affairs Bogdan Aurescu will take part on Monday in the meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs from member states of the European Union - the Foreign Affairs Council, which will take place in Luxemburg. The main topics on the agenda will be the EU's response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the EU's initiative - Global Gateway, adopted on December 20201. The European Ministers of Foreign Affairs will briefly tackle aspects regarding West Balkans, Lydia and Mali, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed on Sunday, in a press release sent to AGERPRES.According to the quoted source, prior to the meeting there will be a working lunch with the participation of the head prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, regarding the investigations of war crimes in Ukraine.Furthermore, Minister Bogdan Aurescu will take part, along with his European counterparts, to a lunch with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs from Norway, Anniken Huitfeldt, and Iceland, Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir, the talks being focused on the situation in Ukraine.Talks regarding Russia's aggression against Ukraine will take place in the context of the latest developments on site."Bogdan Aurescu will reiterate the firm condemnation of the atrocities in Bucha and other Ukrainian cities and will show that Romania supports the immediate and thorough investigation of these actions by the International Criminal Court. He will present the evaluation of the Romanian side upon the current stage of the conflict and impact on the region. Furthermore, he will mention additional measures took by Romania in order to support Ukraine and to receive Ukrainians fleeing the war. He will show that it is necessary to continue international efforts of isolating Russia in a multilateral plan, the most recent action being suspending Russia's right in the Council for Human Rights, during the UN's General Assembly on April 7," MAE specifies. Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca declared on Sunday, before the National Liberal Party (PNL) Congress started, where he is the sole candidate for the position of party chairman, that the Romanian people are fed up with quarrels and discord and that there is a need for stability in order to govern the country, Agerpres reports. "I hope, through this action that I took upon myself, that PNL will find its balance. We are not in a simple situation, but I have the conviction that we will be able to find sense and that we will be able to rediscover a direction. We live in a especially serious geopolitical situation, and for us the most important objective is governing the country. I am convinced that after this activity, local representatives, leaders of county branches will return home and will be concerned about all that implies administering villages, cities, and us, here, along with the ministers from the Government, we will handle managing the country. Romanian citizens are expecting solutions from us, measures, they expect to be protected. Romanian citizens are fed up with quarrels and all this discord that appears in the public space. It is important to have the necessary stability in order to govern the country," Ciuca said."I believe that we also need new people within Romanian politics, and all that I managed to ensure until now, the necessary balance for the Government to function, for the Coalition to function, will also heppen within PNL," the PM continued.Asked by journalists about how he managed to convince those from Florin Citu's team to support him to run for the head of PNL, Ciuca replied: "The results of governing". Karl Diel chose to be a surgeon in a small Swabian locality at the edge of the Austro-Hungarian Empire - Jimbolia, although he graduated the Medical School in Budapest with the maximum grade and could practice in any European capital. He could become a craftsman in his father's workshop or the owner of the Swabian Diel family's estate, but fate chose for Karl not to be the firstborn of the house, the one who usually took over the administration of the inheritance to maintain it intact, so that his fortune would be education. Karl Diel remained faithful all his life to the community in which he was born, becoming one of the most famous surgeons in historical Banat, whose notoriety spread well beyond Budapest, where his patients came from.He had gained the trust of the people as a good specialist, because of the more than 50,000 interventions and surgeries, over 98 percent were completed successfully, but also because he was generous with the poor.He worked alongside the "father" of Romanian neurosurgery, Dr. Bagdasar, married the daughter of the Vienna Court physician, would become the father-in-law of famous academician Pius Branzeu, whom he treated when a child, but he felt best in the multiethnic and multicultural town of Jimbolia, where four languages were spoken: Romanian, German, Hungarian, and Serbian, and where he lived until his death.Museographer Cristina Dema and Sergiu Dema, director of the Jimbolia House of Culture, told AGERPRES that Dr. Karl Diel was so loved and appreciated by the locals that shortly after his death they erected a monument dedicated to him in the city center and which has remained untouched to this day, and the City Hospital which he founded bears his name.The house where the doctor was born still exists today, becoming the Dr. Karl Diel Memorial House in Jimbolia."The memorial house of Dr. Karl Diel is very important not only for Jimbolia, but for the whole of south-western Banat. Karl Diel was born in Jimbolia on February 14, 1855, to a Swabian family. At that time, most Jimbolians were farmers, industrialists, and craftsmen. His father was a craftsman and had a clothes dyeing shop. Karl was the fifth child in the family, which was a good thing for him because the family was focused on sending him to school. In a family of farmers, by custom, the Swabians had their firstborn receive the family inheritance, the agricultural land, which they did not want to share. So did the craftsmen; had he been the firstborn of the family, he would have become a fabric dyer. As such, he was sent to school, studied medicine in Budapest with famous professors at the time, with one of them being named the 'father' of Hungarian orthopedics, who greatly appreciated Diel and offered him a leadership position at the hospital in Budapest, considering him his right hand. However, Diel resolutely decides to return to Jimbolia, a town where there was no hospital. Everyone was wondering why such a talented man, with a seemingly illustrious future in Hungary and maybe even in the whole of Austria-Hungary, gives up this perspective and comes to accept a huge challenge in a locality without a hospital," says Sergiu Dema.Museographer Cristina Dema reports that, according to local legends, for 10 years, the doctor performed surgeries in his own home or in those of his patients. There was a kind of dispensary at Jimbolia that had four or five beds in case of an emergency, but there was an acute need to build a hospital."Dr. Diel decides that a developing town, especially an industrial one, needs a hospital. As the house physician of nobleman Andrei Csekonics (who raised horses for the imperial army), Diel takes advantage of this relationship and sensitizes Count Csekonics to the establishment of the future hospital. The surgeon also had a favorable context for the construction of the hospital: in 1896, the Hungarians were to to celebrate 1,000 years since their arrival in the Pannonian Plain. On the occasion of this great holiday, generically called the Millennium, it is said that the Hungarians wanted to build county hospitals in various counties in Hungary, and Jimbolia was then located in Torontal county. Diel intercedes with the count so that the latter can further intervene, in his turn, so that not just one county hospital be built in Torontal county, but several smaller hospitals with the same funds, and thus, the Jimbolia hospital is opened in 1896, which has been uninterruptedly functioning to this day. Starting from Diel's idea, in addition to the Jimbolia hospital, two more were built in the county. According to a statistic that I found in a newspaper of the time, in the first 10 years of operation of the hospital, the success rate of the interventions made here was over 98 precent," reminds the museographer.Doctor Karl Diel was seen as an extremely severe man, but a very good specialist and philanthropist with those in need. It is said that he once performed the same operation on a rich man and a poor man, but the poor man's bill was more symbolic. Then the wealthy patient, outraged, asked the doctor why he had been charged so much, and the poor man almost nothing. Diel simply replied to the rich man: 'Because you have, and he does not.'''In the village of Comlosu Mare near Jimbolia, there was a Greek Catholic priest, Branzeu, who is related to the family of academician Pius Branzeu. A nephew of the priest falls ill, and Diel cures him. After a while, the priest writes to Diel to tell him what fee he has to pay, and Diel replies that both the priests and the doctors are meant to save people, and so there should be no charge between them when one needs the other and render services to one another. The Diel family will cross paths with the family of that priest, Branzeu, whose nephew he saved and thus his name is linked to the family of academician Pius Branzeu and of his daughter, Pia Branzeu, philologist, university teacher, now retired. She was the one who donated all the materials that are in the Dr. Karl Diel Memorial House today. Pius Branzeu was his son-in-law. Diel becomes well known throughout the historical Banat. In a letter from a person coming from Budapest to Jimbolia by train, she mentions that in the compartment she was traveling there was a family from beyond the Hungarian capital, who was coming to Jimbolia, to doctor Diel, for treatment," details Sergiu Dema.During World War I, Diel and another physician in Jimbolia were the coordinators of field hospitals in town, the unit in Jimbolia did not have enough beds to care for war wounded, and makeshift hospitals were built in various parts of the city. The two physicians manage the hospitals extraordinarily, assisted, as nurses, and by the nuns of a Roman Catholic order from the monastery-school that operated here.After the first world conflagration, Jimbolia does not become directly part of the Kingdom of Romania after belonging to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. Only in 1924 did the city return to the Romanian side, but regardless of the political administration, Diel kept his Hippocratic Oath, and King Ferdinand of Romania decorated him with the Order of the Star of Romania in the rank of Commander."Diel did not have any political or ethnical affinities, he was very open, he was a doctor. For three years he has been practicing in Jimbolia alongside Dr. Bagdasar, the one who became the father of Romanian neurosurgery. Diel died in 1930, but he was so loved by the community and his colleagues, that they opened a fund in order to raise a bronze statue in his honor. The statue was unveiled in 1940, 10 years after Diel passed away, despite being finished long before. The communists did not touch it, neither to demolish it, nor to melt it during the Second World War," the Dema couple say.An unfortunate event in Karl Diel's career allows us discover a character trait of his. Karl had a friend who was a widower, with a little girl, that came to him with abdominal pains. After a consultation, he schedules him for surgery for the next day in the hospital. The man died overnight, and Diel had remorse and decided to adopt the man's daughter, but the girls' remote relatives, who were pretty poor, did not accept, considering that if five children can eat at a table, a sixth could also eat. But Diel was ready to adopt her.The Diel family was middle-class, wealthy, living in a somewhat opulence, did their shopping in Budapest, back when the city belonged to the empire, had one of the first cars in the city, but not at all did he offend those around him. Diel reached down to the people, being loved by his peers.The Karl Diel Memorial House was opened in 2000, housing objects that belonged to the family over time, not just Dr. Karl, but his son Ludwig, and the medicine in Banat during the period of 1900-1944."The Karl Diel Memorial House has a chronological journey, in the first room we can see a few photos with the surgeon's parents, a family tree of the Diel family, photos with Karl from various periods of his life, diverses objects, collars or other fabrics, all with monograms, diplomas he received, the decoration received from King Ferdinand. Painter Stefan Jager made a portrait of Karl Diel, and a sketch of this portrait is in the Memorial House, the original painting being in another collection. Here we can find various certificates of membership. Jimbolia had a different fate from other cities in Romania, went through various administrations and, for each new administration, Dr. Diel and those that worked in a certain field needed to make a certificate of membership that would attest that they had a certain occupation and that they were entitled to do that. We can see a receipt of costs for Karl Diel's funeral, gala dresses that belonged to the women in the family. One room is specially arranged, serving as an invitation to a dinner at the beginning of the 20th century. Medical instruments, books that he studied are displayed. What is striking is that only women's pathology alone was described in 15 tomes, and Dr. Diel needed to know everything that was written there, because at that time, surgery was not divided into specialties, as it is today, and Karl needed to know to operate any pathology, from a simple abscess to interventions to the skull," Cristina Dema explains.The wife of Dr Diel was a noblewoman, the daughter of the Imperial Court's doctor in Vienna, Aloysia Gombocz Bayer de Rogacs, who Karl knew when she was working in hospitals in Budapest and Innsbruck. He arrived with her at Jimbolia and got married here. They had three children: Ludwig, Luiza and Carla, the former becoming the wife of Pius Brinzeu.Ludwig Diel became a renowned doctor in Timisoara, where he opened, at the end of the 1920's, along with doctor Josephi and doctor Miletics, the Banat Sanatorium on the nowadays Alexandru Odobescu streeet. At the end of the Second World War, the building was nationalized, currently being used as an edifice for the Dr. Dumitru Popescu Obstetrics-Gynecology Clinical Hospital.Ludwig's family moves to Timisoara in the inter-war period, and his house in Jimbolia disappears, especially after the arrival of communists. Karl Diel left his house as an inheritance to the hospital, being used as a warehouse hospital, and in the year 2000 only a part of it became a memorial house, the other part remains as a warehouse for documents and rented to hospital employees. Today, those documents no longer exist, so that the memorial house extended during the years of 2020-2021. Diel lived there until 1930, and next to his house, one of his daughters, Luiza, who lived until the 1950's. The Ministry of Internal Affairs informed that occupation rate in migrant centers of the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) has reached 78.2%. According to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Sunday, in the last 24 hours there were no Ukrainian citizens that applied for asylum in Romania.Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, 4,342 Ukrainian citizens have requested asylum in our country. They are benefiting from all rights provided by the national legislation.Regarding traffic through border crossing points, 10,025 Ukrainian citizens have entered Romania in the last 24 hours. As many as 912 new cases of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 were recorded in the last 24 hours in Romania, by 539 fewer than on the previous day, on almost 15,000 RT-PCR and rapid antigenic tests performed, the Health Ministry informed on Sunday, Agerpres reports. Of the new cases, 102 were in re-infected patients who tested positive more than 90 days after the first time they recovered from the disease.Most of the newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in Romania since the previous reporting were recorded in Bucharest City - 333, and in the counties of Timis - 74, Ilfov - 58, and Cluj - 52.As of Sunday, 2,872,849 cases of people infected with the novel coronavirus were confirmed in Romania.- Hospitalisations -As many as 2,097 people with COVID-19 are hospitalised at specialist care facilities across the country, by 105 more than the day before; 105 of this total are children.Out of the total number of hospitalised patients, 279 are in ICUs, by 8 more compared to the previous day. Of the 279 ICU patients, 238 are unvaccinated for COVID-19.- Deaths -According to the Ministry, another 9 Romanians infected with SARS-CoV-2 - 5 men and 4 women - were reported dead in the last 24 hours.Out of the total 9 fatalities, 8 were unvaccinated. The vaccinated patient was in the 70-79 age category, and suffered from underlying conditions.Since the beginning of the pandemic, 65,207 people diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 infection have died in Romania. FERGUSON The founder and director of Jamaa Birth Village in Ferguson began seven years ago working to improve maternity care and address the disparate health outcomes for Black families in the St. Louis region. That effort has grown from struggling moms meeting in her living room to last week purchasing land to build a new birth center and postpartum retreat in Ferguson. Okunsola M. Amadou will officially announce plans for construction of the 5,000-square-foot facility at a news conference Monday before supporters and officials representing the city of Ferguson, St. Louis and St. Louis County. After it opens, women will be able to give birth in one of the centers three birthing suites under care of a midwife, and they can continue to receive care after delivering their babies in four to six villas built around the center. Our birth center is definitely different, said Amadou, who recently changed her name from Brittany Tru Kellman. This postpartum period is a precarious time for new moms and babies. About one-third of pregnancy-related deaths occur within one week after birth, and another one-third occur between one week and one year afterward, federal data shows. New moms are often sent home not knowing the signs of preeclampsia, hemorrhage, uterine infection or postpartum depression and where to go for help, Amadou said. At the new birth center, they and their partners can stay for a week, where they will continue to receive monitoring and education. Its revolutionary in a sense, Amadou said. A lot of people have their babies and go home. They may have their other kids to think about and look after. They may start to pick up a broom and a mop. They are impeding their healing, and its not their fault. One of the most glaring health disparities can be seen in the care of new moms and babies. Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, data shows. Black babies are twice as likely to die before their first birthday. The reason is a web of social factors including lack of access to health care, healthy food, transportation and safe housing. Bias and racism play a role. A large study released almost three years ago found families of color experience higher rates of mistreatment by health care providers during birth, such as verbal abuse and delays in care. The maternal mortality rate, already on the increase in the U.S., surged in 2020, particularly among Black and Hispanic women, according to a federal report released earlier this year. In 2020, 861 women nationwide died during pregnancy or within 42 days after birth up 14% from 2019, and a 30% increase from 2018. Pregnant women are at higher-risk from COVID-19, which health officials partly blame for those deaths. Another 50,000 women each year suffer serious health consequences from delivering their babies, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Birth centers that provide a midwifery model of care have been shown to reduce racial disparities and improve outcomes. Clients are far less likely have a preterm birth or cesarean section and are more likely to breastfeed. The model is based on holistic, family-centered care with minimal medical interventions. Midwives provide continuous support throughout labor and birth. There are more than 400 midwife-led birth centers across the U.S., a number that has more than doubled in the past decade. Jamaa will join a list that includes a center inside Mercy Hospital St. Louis and the regions only freestanding facility, First Breath Birth and Wellness in OFallon, Missouri. The buses dont go over there, Amadou said. Its not accessible to the people who are most vulnerable for prematurity, morbidity and mortality. The Jamaa Birth Village Birth Center and Postpartum Retreat Haven will be built on an empty acre at the corner of Hereford and Cunningham avenues just north of downtown Ferguson, a couple blocks from Jamaas Equal Access Midwifery Clinic, which opened nearly two years ago and provides prenatal care, doula services and help with other social needs. Jamaa clients currently either give birth at home with a midwife or under the care of another provider in a hospital. Women will now have more choices, Amadou said. The type of care, the type of information and the type of support that is given and made available to white women no matter their income, no matter their education it is not made available to Black women no matter our income, insurance type, ZIP code or education, she said. We are going to give it to our community. History of growth Amadous difficult birth experience as a teen mother led her to study holistic wellness, yoga, aromatherapy and herbalism. She trained to become a doula, guiding women though labor, birth and newborn care. She taught health classes at libraries, parks, community centers and her home in Ferguson. She gathered women into sister circles to heal and talk about trauma, relationships and birth experiences. Two weeks in Ghana in 2013 inspired her to train to become a midwife. Amadou says thats where she saw a vision of a birth village a space where pregnant and new moms could seek comfort and support. In 2015, she formed Jamaa (Swahili for family) as a nonprofit. Less than a year later, she opened a storefront on Church Street, where families could get books, clothes, diapers or breastfeeding supplies. Jamaa grew to offer childbirth classes and support groups as well as massage and chiropractic care. Staff screened women for depression or anxiety and connected them to help with needs such as food, job training or transportation. Amadou also created a doula training program geared toward providing unbiased and culturally appropriate care to Black women. Doulas have been shown to improve birth outcomes and communication with providers. Jamaa soon needed a bigger space. Two retiring SSM Health internists happened to be closing their primary care clinic just a block away on North Florissant. They donated most of the cost of the building to Jamaa. That location opened as a midwifery clinic in June 2020. The warm and spa-like clinic offers all the same social services plus the full spectrum of prenatal care, including ultrasounds and blood work. The cost of care is offered on a sliding scale based on ones income, which Amadou is able to do by piecing together grants and donations. In its first year, despite the pandemic, the clinic cared for 353 clients: 99% carried their babies to full term, 97% avoided C-sections and 100% were breastfeeding after birth. There were no maternal or infant deaths. Since 2016, Jamaa has trained nearly 200 Black women to serve as doulas. When people come here, they are like, Wow. They feel really safe. We have a shared, lived experience. They can feel comfortable. They can be honest, Amadou said, without fear of saying the wrong thing or being judged as a bad mother. After opening the clinic, Amadou changed her name to represent her initiation as a priestess in the Isese religion, practiced by the Yoruba people in West Africa. She received traditional face markings as part of her initiation. Two months ago, Amadou said she saw another vision. While it was always her plan to have a space where women could give birth, state rules and regulations have made it difficult. Her vision convinced her it was time. It was clear that our birth center was ready for us, she said. Birthing options The pandemic increased interest in out-of-hospital births, according to studies of Internet search results and early birth data. Women feared exposure to the virus, visitor restrictions and separation from their babies if they tested positive for COVID-19. A federal report released in December showed the number of home births rose from 38,506 in 2019 to 45,646 in 2020, an 18.5% increase. The 2020 total represented 1.26% of all births, the highest level since 1990. Black and Hispanic women saw the biggest increase. In Missouri, the number of home births went from 1,069 in 2019 to 1,309 in 2020, a 23% increase, according to data provided by the state health department. Another academic study found a 9% increase in birth center births nationwide. In 2019, 238 Missouri residents gave birth in the states only licensed freestanding birth center in OFallon. That increased to 272 in 2020. Amadou said she was flooded with calls early in the pandemic from people fearful to deliver in hospitals. That fear, however, has turned into more families becoming educated about their options. We are no longer fighting to be known, Amadou said. Now people are coming to us in droves, and we need a space that can reach that capacity. Amadou is Missouris first Black Certified Professional Midwife, which specializes in home births, but that is not a credential recognized by insurance providers in most states. When the new birth center opens, Amadou said she plans to hire two Certified Nurse Midwives, which would allow care to be reimbursed by Medicaid and other types of insurance. Maternity health advocates are also working to extend Medicaid coverage, which covers nearly half of all births, to one year after giving birth. Women in Missouri currently lose coverage after 60 days. If we can now have a licensed, freestanding birth center in the communities that are most vulnerable to these disparities and Medicaid can reimburse for their births, it will save lives, Amadou said. She hopes to have the centers main building done by Oct. 26, the day she formed Jamaa as a nonprofit seven years ago. Jamaa has launched a $1 million capital campaign to fund construction of the new center. The CannonDesign firm in St. Louis will lead a collaboration donating the design plan. Funds will also be used to train 700 peer advocates in how to support their pregnant friends and family, and help provide free or low-cost care to those who need it. There are so many reasons why the time is now, Amadou said. We are the solution for our people. Originally posted at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 10. Build your health & fitness knowledge Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York is set to rely on an influx of federal funds and higher-than-expected tax revenues to balance a $220 billion, one-year state budget, which went into law Saturday. The sale of to-go cocktails became legal once Gov. Kathy Hochul signed budget legislation Saturday. Disagreements over policy issues held up passage of the spending plan over a week past an April 1 deadline. The budget has often served over the decades as a vehicle for passing major policy legislation, and elected officials are using this year's to tackle issues expected to resonate with voters during an election year. The budget boosts pay for health care and home care workers, shaves 16 cents off the cost of a gallon of gas through December and helps New Yorkers with unpaid rent and utility bills. Some Democrats voted against parts of the spending plan, in part for cracking down on people with repeated low-level offenses. Those lawmakers also called for more spending on home care workers rather than spending an eventual $850 million supporting a new $1.4 billion stadium for the Buffalo Bills, which is owned by billionaires Terry and Kim Pegula. Here's a look at what's in the budget. TAX RELIEF Homeowners can expect tax relief: New York will spend $2.2 billion in one-time property tax rebates for low- and middle-income homeowners. That rebate would arrive this fall, when the Democratic governor is set to appear on the ballot. New York will also decrease tax rates for the middle class by $162 million by April 2023, instead of waiting until 2025 to fully phase in those long-planned tax cuts. BAIL, GUN CRIMES The budget follows through with Hochuls proposal to give judges more power to jail people who were repeatedly ticketed for minor theft or property damage offenses. Judges have to release people if the court determines the alleged theft is negligible and not in furtherance of other criminal activity. Criminal justice advocates say the new law will lead to more poor and minority New Yorkers being held behind bars while awaiting trial. New York has also added more firearm possession crimes to the list of offenses that could land people who cant afford bail behind bars. GAS TAX CUT New York will cut state gas taxes by 16 cents a gallon from June 1 until the end of the year in response to soaring gasoline prices, with the state asking counties to consider doing the same. TO-GO COCKTAILS Liquor and wine are now available for take-out and delivery for three years, as long as the purchase includes a substantial food item. That revives a practice instituted during the pandemic to help struggling restaurants. State regulators will decide whether French fries or other snacks will count as substantial items. MENTAL HEALTH Courts can now order people to undergo more assisted outpatient treatment if they are perceived to be a threat to themselves or others. It's an expansion of Kendras Law, which New York passed on a trial basis in 1999 when 32-year-old Kendra Webdale was pushed in front of a subway train by a man living with untreated schizophrenia. The law is set to expire June 30, but New York is extending that expiration to 2027. CASINOS, BUFFALO BILLS The state will start accepting bids for three new casinos this year, one year earlier than planned. A new casino will need two-thirds approval from a community board consisting of political appointees selected by the governor, mayor and state and local representatives. Hochul can also move forward with a deal to send $600 million in state funds for the Buffalo Bills new stadium. Erie County would pitch in another $250 billion. The state will provide over $250 million in capital and maintenance subsidies over three decades. Good government groups say there's a potential conflict of interest: Hochul's husband William works for Bills' concession vendor Delaware North. Hochul defended the deal as needed to ensure the Bills franchise doesn't leave New York, telling the news program Capital Tonight on Friday she has a very solid wall between her work and her husbands. HOUSING HELP The spending plan directs $250 million to help New Yorkers with unpaid utility bills and $925 million for landlords struggling with overdue rent amid the pandemic. The budget excludes some measures backed by legislative Democrats, including $250 million for a new statewide rental subsidy. CHILD CARE New York will spend about $1 billion over the next fiscal year to increase eligibility for child care subsidies to 300% of the federal poverty level. Thats $83,250 for a family of four. Hochul said the move will help expand access for more than half of New Yorks young people. The budget also increases reimbursement rates for certain child care providers. HEALTH WORKER PAY The state will spend $7.4 billion over several years to give a $3-per-hour raise to home care aides who bathe, feed and provide other non-medical services in clients homes. Thats lower than the 50% minimum wage raise sought by backers of the Fair Pay for Home Care Act. Aides generally are private employees, but the state Medicaid program funds about 90% of their services. The budget also includes $1.2 billion in bonuses for other health care workers, aimed at keeping people in the industry after a grueling two years. UNDOCUMENTED HEALTH The budget pares down a proposed $345 million for a state health coverage option for more than 150,000 low-income New Yorkers whose immigration status bars them from getting health insurance. Instead, New York will expand coverage for New Yorkers living in the state illegally who are age 65 or older. CLIMATE SPENDING Voters in November will decide whether to approve $4.2 billion in bonds to fund environmental and energy projects such as conservation, climate-change mitigation, zero-emission school busses and green buildings. The budget doesn't include Hochul's proposal to ban natural gas in new buildings, to the disappointment of climate activists. She said she hopes to keep trying to pass that change. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. A 26-year-old woman has been charged with murder in Texas after authorities said she caused the death of an individual by self-induced abortion, in a state that has the most restrictive abortion laws in the U.S. Its unclear whether Lizelle Herrera is accused of having an abortion or whether she helped someone else get an abortion. Herrera was arrested Thursday and remained jailed Saturday on a $500,000 bond in the Starr County jail in Rio Grande City, on the U.S.-Mexico border, sheriff's Maj. Carlos Delgado said in a statement. Herrera was arrested and served with an indictment on the charge of Murder after Herrera did then and there intentionally and knowingly cause the death of an individual by self-induced abortion, Delgado said. Delgado did not say under what law Herrera has been charged. He said no other information will be released until at least Monday because the case remains under investigation. Texas law exempts her from a criminal homicide charge for aborting her own pregnancy, University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck told The Associated Press. (Homicide) doesnt apply to the murder of an unborn child if the conduct charged is conduct committed by the mother of the unborn child, Vladeck said. A 2021 state law that bans abortions in Texas for women who are as early as six weeks pregnant has sharply curtailed the number of abortions in the state. The law leaves enforcement to private citizens who can sue doctors or anyone who helps a woman get an abortion. The woman receiving the abortion is exempted from the law. However, some states still have laws that criminalize self-induced abortions "and there have been a handful of prosecutions here and there over the years," Vladeck said. It is murder in Texas to take steps that terminate a fetus, but when a medical provider does it, it cant be prosecuted" due to U.S. Supreme Court rulings upholding the constitutionality of abortion, Vladeck said. Lynn Paltrow, the executive director of National Advocates for Pregnant Women also noted the state law exemption. Whats a little mysterious in this case is, what crime has this woman been charged with?" Paltrow said. There is no statute in Texas that, even on its face, authorizes the arrest of a woman for a self-managed abortion. Another Texas law prohibits doctors and clinics from prescribing abortion-inducing medications after the seventh week of pregnancy and prohibits delivery of the pills by mail. Medication abortions are not considered self-induced under federal Food and Drug Administration regulations, Vladeck said. You can only receive the medication under medical supervision, according to Vladeck. I realize this sounds weird because you are taking the pill yourself, but it is under a providers at least theoretical care. In Rio Grande City on Saturday the abortion rights group Frontera Fund called for Herrera's release. We dont yet know all the details surrounding this tragic event," said Rockie Gonzales, founder and board chair of of the organization. "What we do know is that criminalizing pregnant peoples choices or pregnancy outcomes, which the state of Texas has done, takes away peoples autonomy over their own bodies, and leaves them with no safe options when they choose not to become a parent, Gonzalez said. Nancy Cardenas Pena, Texas State Director for Policy and Advocacy for the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, said in a statement that abortion should be available on the woman's own terms where she feels most comfortable. "Allowing criminal law to be used against people who have ended their own pregnancies serves no reasonable state purpose, but may cause great harm to young people, people with lower incomes, and communities of color, who are most likely to encounter or be reported to law enforcement, Pena said. Miller reported from Oklahoma City and Hollingsworth reported from Mission, Kansas. Associated Press reporter Juan Lozano in Houston contributed to this report. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Mattel has released its first-ever carbon neutral toys, including a Matchbox Tesla model made from recycled materials. The new products represent an expansion of the toy company's sustainable offerings, according to a statement from Mattel. The company has pledged to use "100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials in all its products and packaging by 2030," the statement said. Mattel's Mega Bloks Green Town Line, a collection of construction toys for preschoolers, are certified carbon neutral by Natural Capital Partners, the statement said. To reach this status, the Mega brand purchased carbon offsets from the Darkwood Forests Conservation project in Canada. In this case, the Darkwoods Forest Conservation project protects 156,000 acres of forest in British Columbia, Canada, according to their website. Carbon offsets allow corporations and individuals to purchase carbon-reducing processes, like planting or protecting a forest, in order to offset carbon-emitting processes, like manufacturing or air travel. The offset schemes have been criticized by climate experts for allowing the continued use of fossil fuels at a time when scientists say the world should be cutting them, as well as for being vague about quantifying the emissions they will reduce. In addition to being carbon neutral, the Green Town toys are also created mostly from plant-based materials, rather than plastic derived from fossil fuels, said Mattel. The packaging is made from paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which "promotes responsible management of the world's forests." And the building block sets themselves feature eco-friendly elements, like a toy electric bus. Mattel's other new sustainable offering is the Matchbox Tesla Roadster its first die-cast vehicle made from 99% recycled materials. The toy Tesla, which is also certified carbon neutral, is already sold out online. ___ WARSAW, Poland (AP) Anxious about the wellbeing of their Ukrainian refugees, city mayors across Poland are refusing the governments instructions to sound air raid alarm sirens Sunday as part of memorial observances for Poland's 2010 presidential plane crash. The right-wing central government wants the sirens to go off at 0641 GMT Sunday, the exact time the plane crashed in Russia 12 years ago, killing President Lech Kaczynski and 95 other prominent Poles. Kaczynski was the twin of Jaroslaw Kaczynski, who is the ruling Law and Justice party's leader and Polands key politician. But city mayors, who represent local governments, are refusing to do that, saying it will be an unnecessary trauma for people especially children who recently fled their homes at the sound of air raid sirens and headed to shelters to avoid Russian bombings since it attacked Ukraine on Feb. 24. More than 2.5 million refugees from Ukraine have sought security in neighboring Poland and are staying at special reception centers or with private people. Many need psychological assistance to deal with their trauma. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki insisted Saturday that the 2010 plane crash was a national tragedy and its victims merit every form of commemoration. He said text messages were being sent to refugees to explain that the sirens mean no danger. Amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Polish government is reviving its controversial allegation that the crash on April 10, 2010, which killed the president, the first lady and other leading political figures, was a Kremlin assassination plan. Sunday's observances are being given special attention. But local governments, often run by opposition politicians, say the use of air raid sirens for the anniversary is extremely irresponsible. The sirens also bring frightful associations to many Poles who either experienced World War II as small children or watched documentaries of the country's destruction during the war. We will not sound the sirens on the anniversary, said Rafal Bruski, mayor of the central city of Bydgoszcz. I have seen too many children terrified by war. Bruski said he has grown accustomed to many unwise decisions by the current right-wing government but there are limits to stupidity. Follow all AP stories about developments in the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) Sri Lankan protesters occupied the entrance to the presidents office for a second day on Sunday, demanding Gotabaya Rajapaksa resign over the debt-ridden countrys worst economic crisis in memory. Hundreds of demonstrators weathered heavy rain with raincoats and umbrellas and chanted anti-government slogans. Some called for the entire Parliament to disband to make way for a younger leadership. We will stay on, we will leave only when we have chased them out, Sanjeewa Pushpakumara, a 32-year-old ex-soldier, said of Rajapaksa, his influential family and all the lawmakers. Pushpakumara said he fought in the last stages of Sri Lanka's civil war with ethnic Tamil rebels, which government soldiers won in 2009 after 2 1/2 decades. Both Rajapaksa, who served as a powerful defense bureaucrat, and his older brother Mahinda, who was then president and is currently prime minister, were credited with the victory. We will send them home, take the peoples money back and send them to jail," said Pushpakumara. These people are destroying the country that we saved and it is sad to see the army and police protecting them. Supporters distributed food, water and raincoats to the protesters. The Indian Ocean island nation is on the brink of bankruptcy, saddled with $25 billion foreign debt nearly $7 billion of which is due this year alone and dwindling foreign reserves. Talks with the International Monetary Fund are expected later this month, and the government had turned to China and India for emergency loans to buy food and fuel. For months, Sri Lankans have stood in long lines to buy fuel, cooking gas, food and medicines, most of which come from abroad and are paid for in hard currency. The fuel shortage has caused rolling power cuts lasting several hours a day. Much of the anger expressed by weeks of growing protests has been directed at the Rajapaksa family, which been in power for most of the past two decades. Critics accuse the Rajapaksa brothers of borrowing heavily to finance projects that earn no money, such as a port facility built with Chinese loans. S.D Prageeth Madush, a 36-year-old businessman, spent the night at the protest site. When the people ask you to go, you should go democratically," said Madush. Anyone can see that the people dont like him (the president) anymore but he doesnt like to let go of power. I am going to stay on. We have to suffer difficulties if we are to make a better future for our children, he said. The crisis and protests triggered the Cabinet's resignation last Sunday. Four ministers were sworn in as caretakers but much of the key portfolios are vacant. Rajapaksa proposed the creation of a unity government but the main opposition party rejected the idea. Parliament has failed to reach a consensus on how to deal with the crisis after nearly 40 governing coalition lawmakers said they would no longer vote according to coalition instructions, significantly weakening the government. With opposition parties divided, they too have not been able to show majority and take control of Parliament. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. PARIS (AP) Incumbent Emmanuel Macron will face far-right nationalist Marine Le Pen in a winner-takes-all runoff for the French presidency, after they both advanced Sunday in the first round of voting in the countrys election to set up another head-to-head clash of their sharply opposing visions for France. But while Macron won t heir last contest in 2017 by a landslide to become France's youngest-ever president, the same outcome this time is far from guaranteed. Macron, now 44, emerged ahead from Sunday's first round, but the runoff is essentially a new election and the next two weeks of campaigning to the April 24 second-round vote promise to be bruising and confrontational against his 53-year-old political nemesis. Savvier and more polished as she makes her third attempt to become France's first woman president, Le Pen was handsomely rewarded Sunday at the ballot box for her years-long effort to rebrand herself as more pragmatic and less extreme. Macron has accused Le Pen of pushing an extremist manifesto of racist, ruinous policies. Le Pen wants to roll back some rights for Muslims, banning them from wearing headscarves in public, and to drastically reduce immigration from outside Europe. On Sunday, she racked up her best-ever first-round tally of votes. With most votes counted, Macron had just over 27% and Le Pen had just under 24%. Hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon was third, missing out on the two-candidate runoff, with close to 22%. Macron also improved on his first-round showing in 2017, despite his presidency being rocked by an almost unrelenting series of both domestic and international crises. They include Russia's war in Ukraine that overshadowed the election and diverted his focus from the campaign. With polling suggesting that the runoff against Le Pen could be close, Macron immediately started throwing his energies into the battle. Addressing supporters Sunday night who chanted five more years, Macron warned that nothing is done and said the runoff campaign will be decisive for our country and for Europe. Claiming that Le Pen would align France with populists and xenophobes, he said: That's not us. I want to reach out to all those who want to work for France," he said. He vowed to implement the project of progress, of French and European openness and independence we have advocated for. The election outcome will have wide international influence as Europe struggles to contain the havoc wreaked by Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. Macron has strongly backed European Union sanctions on Russia while Le Pen has worried about their impact on French living standards. Macron also is a firm supporter of NATO and of close collaboration among the European Unions 27 members. Macron for months had looked like a shoo-in to become Frances first president in 20 years to win a second term. But National Rally leader Le Pen, in a late surge, tapped into the foremost issue on many French voters minds: soaring costs for food, gas and heating due to rising inflation and the repercussions of Western sanctions on Russia. To win in round two, both Macron and Le Pen now need to reach out to voters who backed the 10 presidential candidates defeated Sunday. For some of the losers' disappointed supporters, the runoff vote promises to be agonizing. Melenchon voter Jennings Tangly, a 21-year-old student of English at Paris' Sorbonne University, said the second-round match-up was an awful prospect for her, a choice between the plague and cholera. She described Macron's presidency as abject, but said she would vote for him in round two simply to keep Le Pen from the presidential Elysee Palace. It would be a survival vote rather than a vote with my heart, she said. Le Pen's supporters celebrated with champagne and chanted Were going to win! She sought to reach out to left-wing supporters for round two by promising fixes for a France torn apart. She said the second round presents voters with a fundamental choice between two opposing visions of the future: Either the division, injustice and disorder imposed by Emmanuel Macron to the benefit of the few, or the uniting of French people around social justice and protection. Some of her defeated rivals were so alarmed by the possibility of Le Pen beating Macron that they urged their supporters Sunday to shift their second-round votes to the incumbent. Melenchon, addressing supporters who sometimes shed tears, repeatedly said: We must not give one vote to Mrs. Le Pen. Describing herself as profoundly worried, defeated conservative candidate Valerie Pecresse warned of the chaos that would ensue if Le Pen was elected, saying the far-right leader has never been so close to power. Pecresse said she would vote for Macron in the runoff. To beat Le Pen, Macron will aim to pick apart her attempted rebranding as a less dangerous political force, a makeover that has even highlighted her love of cats. Her softer image has won over some voters but made others even more suspicious. Yves Maillot, a retired engineer, said he voted for Macron only to counterbalance Le Pen. He said he fears that her long-standing hostility to the EU could see her try to take France out of the bloc, even though she has dropped that from her manifesto. I don't think she's changed at all, he said. It's the same thing, but with cats." Associated Press journalists Thomas Adamson. Elaine Ganley and Patrick Hermansen contributed to this report. Follow all AP stories on France's presidential election at https://apnews.com/hub/french-election-2022 Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Even as Missouri prepares to turn back the clock on abortion rights the moment the Supreme Court allows it, the Illinois House recently passed legislation shoring up the already-robust abortion-rights protections there. With the measures, passed by the Democratic House majority over unified Republican opposition, Illinois would offer safe haven for women who might soon find themselves to be persecuted second-class citizens across red-state America. Its probably encouraging to women nervous about their dwindling rights to control their own bodies that Illinois is proactively seeking to protect them but distressing that such shelter may soon be necessary for the women of Missouri and elsewhere. The conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court has already weakened Roe v. Wade by upholding a constitutionally indefensible Texas law that invites anyone to profitably sue private citizens who aid in abortions that the state has deemed illegal. Other red states are maneuvering for the full overturn of Roe. At the same time, Illinois and other Democratic-controlled states are maneuvering to offer abortion-rights protections. Illinois already has strong laws in place, including protections for doctors who perform abortions. But under normal medical licensing practices, a doctor who is licensed to practice in Illinois and other states, and who is disciplined in one of those other states, could face automatic reciprocal punishment in Illinois. The passage last week of Illinois House Bill 1464 would specify that if a doctor is disciplined in another state purely for providing abortion services, the doctors Illinois license would be protected. The measure is a recognition that Illinois neighbors most notably Missouri will be as draconian as possible about restricting abortion rights the moment the Supreme Court allows it. That extremism was vividly displayed in a dystopian Missouri bill this session that sought to prevent Missouri citizens from seeking abortions even outside of Missouri, threatening legal action against other states citizens who help them. Thankfully, that plainly unconstitutional idea was a bridge too far even for Missouris ruling Republicans, who effectively blocked the legislation following withering national criticism. But that bill was one of many still pending in both the Missouri Legislature and in the court system that effectively seek to deny a woman control over her own body virtually from the moment of conception, or shortly after. The Illinois House also has passed three non-binding but significant resolutions specifying the states support for abortion rights significant as a recognition that such support can no longer be counted upon in many other states. This could well be America after Roe: state borders becoming a kind of Iron Curtain, behind which women will have to surrender their rights to bodily privacy. As long as Missourians keep sending ideological extremists to Jefferson City, Missouri will be on the wrong side of that wall. Register for more free articles. Please log in or register for more free articles. The most potent weapons Ukraine received to oppose the Russian 2022 invasion were for its resourceful and determined ATTs (Anti-Tank Teams) that managed to destroy thousands of Russian armored vehicles and hundreds of trucks carrying supplies to the Russian forces. The ATTs were equipped with various Russian designed anti-tank weapons, some of them upgraded by Ukrainian manufacturers plus over 4,000 portable Western anti-tank weapons that had been shipped in before the invasion and in larger numbers after the Russians entered Ukraine. The one that got the most publicity was the American Javelin, which had been around for over two decades and compiled an impressive record. Two Swedish designs, the NLAW/RB-57 and AT-4 were provided by Britain as the NLAW (Next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon) and later Sweden (as the RB-57) and the German Panzerfaust 3. What made the Western anti-tank weapons so useful was the low cost (free). quick delivery, ease-of-use and Ukrainian forces had some experience with them before the Russians invaded. The Javelin was the best known and the missile with the longest range. The other three weapons were very accurate up to 300-600 meters, which was within the range of most ATT ambushes. If you had a mission that required a longer-range missile, you had the Javelin. The effectiveness of the ATTs, their weapons and tactics had a devastating effect on the Russian combat units, as did the fact that the entire population opposed them and did it more effectively than any previous foe. The four foreign Anti-tank weapons had already been combat-tested and were often much improved over the initial model. NLAW, which is also manufactured in Britain, has been in service since 2008 and is similar but cheaper ($30,000 per missile) than he earlier (1998) Javelin which cost $240,000 per missile and $250,000 for the CLU (Command Launch Unit and launch tube) firing/guidance unit and its very effective day/night thermal sight. Javelin and NLAW are fire-and-forget guided missiles. All the operator has to do is find a target, track it for two or three seconds and fire the missile, which will home in on the designated target even if it is moving. Each NLAW weighs 12.5 kg (27.5 pound) and uses a missile that can be fired from enclosed spaces. Like Javelin it can employ top-attack to penetrate the thinner top armor of any tank. The major advantage of Javelin is longer range (2,500 meters compared to 600 for NLAW) and its superior CLU day/night thermal sight, which is often used independently at night to spot distant troops or vehicles for other weapons to attack. Panzerfaust 3 ATGL (Anti-Tank Grenade Launcher) has been around since 1997 and is the cheapest of the four weapons covered here. Panzerfaust 3 consists of a 2.2 kg (4.8 pound) 60mm launcher that also carries the sight and anti-recoil system. Panzerfaust fires 110mm 4.3 kg (9.5 pound) anti-tank or anti-structure warheads accurately out to 600 meters for stationary targets and 300 meters for moving ones. Later a 5.4 kg (12 pound) dual-purpose (armored vehicles or structures) warhead was introduced that was accurate against stationary or moving targets out to 600 meters. At max range all warheads take less than three seconds to reach a target at max range. Panzerfaust-3 is designed to produce no recoil. After each use the 60mm launch tube is discarded but many other components, like the sight and recoil mechanism are reused. Panzerfaust 3 is used by two-man teams, one firing the rockets and the other carrying three or more additional warheads. The anti-tank round is effective against the side or rear armor of tanks, even if the tank is equipped with ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) outside the metal armor. A night sight can be added to the usual sight. The launcher/fire control costs about $10,000 each while each projectile costs less than $500. The other Swedish anti-tank weapon Ukrainians have been using with great effect is the M4 version of the 84mm Carl Gustav portable and reloadable recoilless rifle that entered service in 2014. M4 was a major improvement over M2 and M3 models that are still in use. There were many individual improvements. The M4 is 30 percent lighter (at 7 kg/15 pounds) and seven percent shorter (at just under a meter, or 38 inches) than the M3. There is a new electronic sight that is designed to automatically make adjustments to improve accuracy, especially for shots at up to 1,000 meters. This is sometimes done by having the sight transfer data to some of the new rounds that can use it. This new high explosive round has a 1,000-meter range and is lethal out to more than ten meters from the exploding shell. The new sight also counts the rounds fired, making it easier to know when maintenance is necessary. The barrel will now last for ten times as many fired rounds (about a thousand). The overall design of the Carl Gustav has been modified and improved based on extensive user experience in combat. This includes things like enabling the operator to carry the M4 into combat with a shell already loaded. Other improvements make it possible for the M4 to accurately fire that loaded round faster and more accurately than in the past. There are new ammo types available as well and more new ones in the works. The 84mm Carl Gustav projectiles weigh about 2 kg (4.4 pounds) each and come in several different types (anti-armor, combined anti-armor/high explosive, illumination, and smoke). The anti-armor round is very useful in urban areas and against bunkers. Range is 500-700 meters, depending on type of round fired, but an experienced gunner can hit a large target at up to 1,000 meters. The Americans had earlier adopted the single-shot version of the Carl Gustav as the AT4 but the Special Forces showed that the multi-shot Carl Gustav was better because you get more shots for less weight overall. The AT4 weighed about 6.8 kg each. It's easier to carry one Carl Gustav M3, at 8.5 kg, and a bunch of rocket-propelled shells at about 2.2 kg (5 pounds, with packaging) each. What new users of the Carl Gustav have to be most careful with is the backblast, which is more intense than that of the AT4. U.S. Army troops found that the best way to use the Carl Gustav is with a two-man team. One carries and operates the Carl Gustav and is usually armed only with a 9mm pistol as a personal weapon. The other man carried 5-6 rounds of 84mm ammo and operated as a spotter for the Carl Gustav gunner. Depending on the situation, a squad might carry a Carl Gustav instead of a M240 light machine-gun. If you expect to encounter enemy troops some distance away, like over 500 meters, the Carl Gustav is the way to go. The Carl Gustav was very useful in Afghanistan and any place with wide-open spaces. One thing users had to constantly keep in mind was that the 84mm shell did not arm until it was at least 100 meters out. The Carl Gustav shells cost $500-3,000 each, depending on the type (and complexity). The launcher (with rifled barrel and sight) costs about $25,000 each. A major customer for Carl Gustav was the U.S. Army where SOCOM (Special Operations Command) began using it as the AT4 in 1990. In 2012 the rest of the U.S. Army adopted AT4 for all their infantry. Infantry like AT4 mainly because it is more accurate than rocket launchers and has a longer range than competing weapons, like the Russian RPG. The M1 version of the Carl Gustav was introduced in 1948 and its reputation spread as more countries adopted it. NATO nations bordering Russia began using Carl Gustav in 2019 and Ukrainians learned how effective it was. Ukraine also has a lot of Russian designed anti-tank weapons, like the RPG, but also some new models designed and manufactured in Ukraine. The Skif ATGM was based on Western designs and in late 2017 was first sent to Ukrainian troops in Donbas. The Russian invasion in 2014 accelerated the need for locally developed weapons because Russian threats prevented Ukraine from receiving new weapons from the West. Before 2014 these new Ukrainian weapons were intended mainly for the export market but now most of the new stuff is only for Ukrainian troops, at least until the war with Russia ends. Skif is based on work done with neighboring Belarus to develop the Shershen ATGM. The two countries differed on design of the joint project and each went their own way with Ukraine developing the Skif. The Ukrainian ATGM is a 29.5 kg (65 pound) missile stored and fired from an 8.5 kg (18.7 pound) container that is mounted on a 32 kg (70 pound) control unit. Max range of the laser guided missile is 5,500 meters. The control unit contains a thermal sight and allows the operator to manually guide the missile to a moving target or designate a stationary target in fire and forget mode. The firing unit can be detached from the tripod and operated up to 50 meters away from the rest of the system. Skif has two types of armor piercing warheads (130mm and 152mm), one capable of penetrating 1.1 meters of reactive and composite armor. There is also a fragmentation warhead that is useful against structures. Skif is touted by the manufacturer as being comparable to the Israeli Spike-MR and the American Javelin. Spike uses more advanced technology and the main advantage Skif has is lower price ($20,000 per missile). Shelf life of the missiles (in their sealed containers) is 10 years but few of those produced over the next year or so are expected to remain on the shelf long. Israel refused to sell Ukraine weapons but the Americans were willing to supply Javelin free. Skif systems are heavier and less user friendly than Javelin, NLAW or Spike MR but it is Ukrainian and continues to be manufactured, along with some other older model ATGMs. Before the 2022 invasion Ukrainian firms were delivering over 2,000 ATGMs a month, many of them the Skif. Shipments of Western ATGMs increased enormously in 2022, providing over 4,000 missiles so far with many more on the way. Ukrainian manufacturers cannot match that, so the Western ATGMs were much appreciated and provided Ukrainian troops and engineers with lots of practical ideas on how to make Skif more competitive. Stars and Stripes is making stories on the coronavirus pandemic available free of charge. See more stories here. Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter here. Please support our journalism with a subscription. Russian President Vladimir Putins decision to invade Ukraine probably sabotaged any further aspirations for the Sputnik coronavirus vaccine, the first injection approved by any country. Manufacturing of the vaccine has slowed, further research is stalled and a much-anticipated March 7 visit by the World Health Organization to Russias Sputnik manufacturing plants, the last step in its long-awaited international approval process, was once again delayed this time indefinitely. While Russias efforts are focused on Ukraine, other vaccine makers are moving forward. They are filling a void that only a month before the war two Russian entities hoped to fill: the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, which developed the vaccine; and its partner, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). It is an inauspicious fall for a vaccine whose arrival stunned the world. On Aug. 11, 2020, only six months into the pandemic, Russia became the first country to approve a coronavirus vaccine. Russia hoped its vaccine would be used worldwide to help stop the pandemic, that the shot would bring geopolitical and economic gains, and restore its glory as a superpower, lost with the fall of the Soviet Union. The country named its vaccine Sputnik V after the first artificial satellite, Sputnik I, developed in 1957, which beat out the United States in the space race. Sputnik V has been approved in 71 countries with more than 4 billion people, and its newest jab, Sputnik Light, has gained recognition in 30 nations, according to data provided by Sputnik. But nearly two years later, Gamaleya and RDIF have sold fewer than 300 million doses, and less than 2.5 percent of the people vaccinated worldwide have taken a Sputnik shot, according to data from the World Trade Organization. By contrast, Chinas Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines with lower reported efficacy have accounted for more than 5.3 billion doses, the WTO data shows. Russias vaccine diplomacy has failed, Agathe Demarais, global forecasting director and trustee for the Economist Intelligence Unit, said. Gamaleya was looking toward a big PR push to save the vaccine. I understand they believe in it from a scientific perspective, but obviously, the current situation goes beyond science. Just as Gamaleya and RDIF were trying to rehabilitate their vaccine in February with new research promoting it as a universal booster, Russia invaded its western neighbor. Four days later, the United States sanctioned RDIF, and in March, the European Union followed suit. When the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control placed RDIF and its chief executive , Kirill Dmitriev, on the list of sanctioned Russian entities and people, it labeled RDIF a slush fund of Putin and emblematic of Russias wider kleptocracy. The Treasury Department said in a statement that RDIF was being sanctioned for acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Government of Russia. It added that Dmitriev is a close associate of Putin and he and his wife are also believed to be close to one of Putins daughters, Katerina Tikhonova. RDIF pushed back in a statement published by Russias state-run Tass news agency, accusing the United States of slander. It said the U.S. curbs were politically motivated and ran counter to the principles of humanitarian cooperation, according to Tass, adding that the U.S. sanctions would deprive billions of people of its safe and efficient vaccine. In a separate letter sent last week to The Washington Post, RDIFs general counsel, Mikhail Irzhevsky, stressed that the sovereign wealth fund always fully complies with laws of the countries where it conducts its investments and that defamatory and denigrating statements made by the Biden administration about RDIF have absolutely no basis and represent a blatant violation of the Funds rights. He added that RDIF supports the restoration of peace and hopes that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will come to a successful conclusion. RDIF and its international partners believe that only diplomacy can end this conflict and save human lives, Irzhevsky said. In an interview, the head of the Gamaleya Institute, Alexander Gintsburg, accused the international community of punishing Russia. Two days before the war began, Gintsburg said that if the vaccine was not approved, it was because the authorities in other countries didnt want it to be and not much of a scientific question. I believe Sputnik V poses serious competition to the vaccines that are currently broadly used in the world and basically dominating the international market, Gintsburg said. The approval of Sputnik V by the World Health Organization would result in a large share of the market going over to Sputnik V and the Russian Federation that is promoting it. Most probably, he added, not everyone in the world, and certainly not the WHO, would be happy with this scenario, and therefore, we have seen certain delays. Still, contract development and manufacturing organizations that had already completed the technology transfer for the Sputnik vaccine and did not require raw ingredients from Gamaleya should be able to move forward. In contrast, others could be stopped in their tracks especially if a Russian entity still holds the vaccine license. Restrictions on Russias use of the SWIFT financial network mean it would be hard for foreign governments or nongovernmental organizations to pay for Sputnik doses. Local media in South Korea, which had hoped to produce 100 million doses a month, reported in March on concerns that Sputnik production there would be set back. RDIF had signed a long-term agreement with UNICEF to supply enough doses for 110 million people in several developing countries, pending the WHOs now unlikely emergency use listing. The German state of Bavaria, too, has said it would block production of the vaccine, even if it received approval by the WHO or the European Medicines Agency, because of the invasion. A Russian firm had set up a production facility there to produce millions of doses. It is inconceivable from our point of view that this project can now be realized, Bavarias minister-president, Markus Soder, said in a public statement. It is over. Mariangela Batista Galvao Simao, WHO assistant director general for access to medicines, said in a recent news conference that the assessment and the inspections of Sputnik have been affected because of the flight options and also because of the financial issues relating to supporting credit cards, and some more operational issues that were tied to sanctions. The vacuum is expected to be quickly filled by Russias Western competitors. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are working toward completion of clinical trials on updated vaccines targeting the omicron variant. A vaccine from drugmaker Novavax recently received WHO approval. Another hurdle for Sputnik: Research published in January from Argentina in Lancet Regional Health-Americas showed that countries in the region, many of which provided their citizens with at least one dose of Sputnik V, can safely use alternative vaccines for second doses. In Russia, where Sputnik was the sole option, only about half of citizens are fully vaccinated. Gintsburg said the states promotional campaign was not properly structured because the push to vaccinate was mostly by state officials and not by scientists and medical officials. But surveys have indicated the problem had more to do with a lack of trust. Multiple polls published last year by Levada Center, an independent polling agency, found that more than half of Russians dont want to be vaccinated and are not afraid of the disease. Denis Volkov, Levadas director, explained in interviews that Russians were not ready to be vaccinated because they do not believe the authorities. People do not want to get a Russian shot, Demarais, of the Economist Intelligence Unit, said. Even in Russia, the people will always prefer a Western shot. Globally, some top scientists had warned against the use of the vaccine until all internationally approved testing and regulatory steps have been taken. They also questioned Russias ability to develop the vaccine so quickly. Gintsburg said Russias approval process is simply not harmonized with the WHO process. This does not automatically mean the product we produced is bad, Gintsburg said. It was just developed according to different rules. The WHO said RDIF signed all the legal agreements necessary for the emergency use listing assessment only in October 2021 and submitted the data requested at the end of January, triggering the March visit that was ultimately canceled because of the war. While the process is ongoing, the details must remain confidential, WHO spokesman Andrei Muchnik said the day after the invasion. A recommendation will be made public as soon as the full process is finalized. In the 30 days leading up to the Russian invasion, Sputnik looked as though it could have a comeback. Aside from submitting the data to the WHO, the single-shot Sputnik Light vaccine was showing sufficient efficacy to become a universal booster for people inoculated with other vaccines. Just three days before the invasion, RDIF sent out a release announcing that China had authorized mix-and-match boosting of its domestic coronavirus vaccines with a different vaccine, including from the class to which Sputnik Light belongs. On Feb. 14, RDIF, Russias R-Pharm group and AstraZeneca announced interim results of Phase 2 clinical trials to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the combined use of AstraZenecas vaccine and Sputnik Light. The 200-volunteer trial showed no serious adverse events. And a week before that, the drugs controller general of India authorized Sputnik Light, partially based on local clinical trials. The announcements came following release of a study of blood samples by the National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani in Italy that demonstrated more than two times higher virus-neutralizing activity against the omicron variant by Sputnik than by the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine. The road to the Sputnik vaccine stretches to the 1980s, with the development of vaccines then. So when the coronavirus emerged, Gintsburg said they knew they had a solution. He said Gamaleya had already been in late-stage development of vaccines against Ebola and MERS - zoonotic viral diseases that share some characteristics with the coronavirus. The Ebola vaccine had been tested in about 2,000 residents of Guinea who were followed for a year and a half and had no serious adverse events. First- and second-stage trials of the MERS vaccine had been conducted in Russia, and we were already confident of the safety profile and the efficacy of the vaccine technology, Gintsburg said. But it is likely that as the war rages on, those who believed in the Sputnik solution such as Zeev Rotstein, former Hadassah University Medical Center director general in Jerusalem will seek alternatives. We should condemn the violence and the devastation taking place in Ukraine, Rotstein said. Unfortunately, Russian technology is being used to kill people instead of to save lives. Stars and Stripes is making stories on the coronavirus pandemic available free of charge. See more stories here. Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter here. Please support our journalism with a subscription. Containers full of frozen food and chemicals are piling up at China's biggest port in Shanghai as a Covid lockdown in the city and compulsory virus testing means truckers can't get to the docks to pick up boxes. A shortage of trucks to haul containers from the port is impeding the clearance of imports, Ocean Network Express said in a customer advisory Wednesday. While the port is operating normally, there are a "critically high" number of refrigerated containers and items classified as dangerous goods piled up at two storage yards, meaning some ships carrying those types of cargo may not be able to unload any more boxes at the port, it said. Shanghai is now the epicenter of China's worst Covid outbreak in two years, with more than 21,000 cases reported just on Thursday. The shortage of trucks is also hitting companies in the city, which have been able to continue working through the lockdown, with chip giant Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. struggling to secure trucks to ship out finished goods. Truckers form a crucial component of supply chains in China, moving raw materials from coastal ports to factories further inland. The backlog is likely contributing to growing ship queues off China, threatening even more delays and higher freight rates in coming months. Tightened restrictions on truckers in other parts of China are also delaying the delivery and return of containers to ports, according to freight forwarders. There is a possibility that containers of frozen food or hazardous items like lithium batteries or chemicals won't be able to land at Shanghai and will need to be re-routed to other ports, ONE said. Yantian terminal at Shenzhen port in southern China halted the collection and delivery of containers at all berths for about two hours Thursday evening to smooth out port operations, according to an advisory sent to customers. Truckers were advised not to arrive earlier to pick up boxes as they could get held up. The trucker shortage and closures of warehouses in Shanghai are also affecting nearby Zhejiang and Jiangsu, Citigroup Inc. analysts said in a report. The two provinces are major manufacturing hubs that produce about one third of China's total exports. "Not only does this have a significant impact on China's domestic economy but also on potential regional supply chains, which could be more meaningful in Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam," the analysts said. ATLANTA (Tribune News Service) -- Flights from Atlanta to Seoul are already among the longer ones operated out of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The flight lasts more than 14 hours, depending on the weather and other factors. But fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine thousands of miles away has taken off the map the shortest preferred route available to connect the two former Olympic cities, which enjoy strong economic and social ties. Before the war, flights between Atlanta and the South Korean capital often crossed over Russia, Canada and Alaska on a northerly "great circle" route that's shorter because of the earth's curvature. But Russian airspace is now off limits amid simmering geopolitical tensions. That means an Atlanta to Seoul flight that already takes up the better part of a day can now take even longer. Jae Kim, president of the Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce, said he had visitors from Korea arrive in Atlanta recently who didn't notice any big impact. A little extra time on such a long flight isn't a huge inconvenience because some people sleep during the trip anyway, he noted. "We're just hoping it doesn't add any issues," he said. Flights between Hartsfield-Jackson and Seoul Incheon International Airport operated by Delta Air Lines and Korean Air now trace a path to Asia just outside of Russian airspace before turning in towards Korea, according to FlightAware.com. It can vary, but in some cases, the altered routes can result in flights more than 15 hours long, the flight tracking service shows. Kim flies to Korea twice a year with another trip planned next month. "Maybe it is going to be a little different in May when I fly," he said. The Russian airspace closure is yet another complication for airlines already grappling with the uneven return of business and leisure travel from the pandemic. More than a month into the war, airspace restrictions continue to cause headaches for route planners. Staffing shortages and soaring jet fuel costs aren't helping either. Atlanta-based Delta launched its Atlanta-Seoul route in 2017. It temporarily suspended the route early in the pandemic before resuming the service with a limited schedule in July 2020. Delta has been promoting the fact that South Korea recently loosened travel restrictions by allowing fully vaccinated travelers to fly in with COVID-19 testing but no quarantine required. In a statement, Delta acknowledged it has been "avoiding far-eastern Russian airspace in our limited trans-Pacific flying," but the airline declined to discuss travel times. Some Asian routes, including Atlanta-Shanghai, are still suspended because of pandemic restrictions. The added flight time between Atlanta and Seoul is likely more of a nuisance than a deal breaker, as long as the nonstop route continues on a close-to-regular schedule. For people from Korean companies and organizations, "these direct flights to Atlanta [from Seoul] are very important," Kim said. Georgia is home to dozens of facilities run by Korean-affiliated companies, including Kia Motors' only U.S. assembly plant and a sprawling battery factory owned by a subsidiary of Korean conglomerate SK Innovation. Georgia also has a large Korean American population. Some of the biggest impacts of the Russian airspace closure are on a number of flights from Europe to Asia that have had to add hours to their flight times. Many others have been canceled. The Russian airspace closure also affects cargo flights, such as regular service between Atlanta and Seoul operated by Asiana Airlines. But the Russian restrictions have been far more troublesome for some cargo flights between Europe and Asia, which have had to reduce loads because the rerouting requires more fuel. That drives tighter weight restrictions for cargo, said Jens Flottau, an executive editor at Aviation Week during a recent webinar. "What's happened is people have just left cargo on the ground, reduced cargo load, and tried to fly the existing routes just with less cargo," Flottau said. Cancellations of flights have also increased the supply chain squeeze, and higher fuel prices have driven up costs. (c) 2022 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, Ga.) Visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Ukraine is bracing for a new and potentially more challenging phase in its war to repel Russia's invasion as the battles shift east to new terrain that could give more of an advantage to the Russians. The wide open spaces will make it harder for the Ukrainians to run guerrilla operations as they did in the forests of the north and west and play to Russia's ability to muster large mechanized formations of tanks and armored vehicles. But much will depend on whether the Russians can rectify the mistakes they made in the first phase of their invasion, ranging from the failure of supply lines, logistical challenges and poor planning to using insufficient manpower for the size of the area they were attempting to seize, analysts say. That the Ukrainians have not only managed to hold the Russian army at bay but also forced its troops into a humiliating retreat from the north of the country is testament both to their fighting ability and to the Russians' poor performance so far, experts say. Russian forces have now completely withdrawn from the areas around Kyiv and Chernihiv in the north, where their attempt to launch a sweep into the capital was thwarted by fierce Ukrainian resistance, U.S. officials say. Those troops are in the process of being refitted and resupplied, apparently for redeployment to the east, the Pentagon says. In one sign that Russia is trying to fix some of the problems it initially encountered, the Russians have appointed a general with extensive experience in Syria and the Donbas to oversee the war effort, marking the first time a single commander has taken control of the entire Ukraine operation, a senior U.S. official said Saturday, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The appointment of Gen. Alexander Dvornikov, the commander of Russia's southern military district, signals an attempt by Moscow to bring some coherence to what military experts describe as a chaotically executed operation so far that has taken the lives of seven generals. The new focus of the battle is expected to be the Donbas region, which has been contested since Russia invaded in 2014 and seized a portion of the oblast, or province. Ukraine has since been fighting to maintain control of the rest of the area, and some of its best and most battle-hardened troops are stationed there. The Russians are widely expected to attempt to push south from the Kharkiv area and north from the city of Donetsk to encircle the Ukrainian troops in Donbas, maneuvers that will play to Russia's numerical superiority in terms of tanks and armored vehicles. In recent days, Ukrainian military officials said, the Russians have begun pushing south from the town of Izyum toward Slovyansk, with the aim eventually of seizing Kramatorsk, the capital of the Donetsk and site of the missile attack on a train station that killed over 50 people on Friday. The Ukrainians could find themselves confronting a tougher fight in the terrain of the east than they did in the forested north, analysts say. There, trees provided cover for lightly armed fighters to sneak behind Russian lines to fire at tanks and armored vehicles, using anti-tank weapons such as the Javelins supplied by the United States that have helped tilt the war in Ukraine's favor. The battles in the east will look more like those of "the Second World War, with large operations, thousands of tanks, armored vehicles, planes, artillery," Ukraine's foreign minister told NATO last week, making an appeal for urgent supplies of new and different kinds of arms. The shifting environment underpins Ukraine's demand for NATO countries to supply more and different kinds of weaponry including tanks, armored vehicles and artillery, U.S. officials say. "The fight down in the southeast, the terrain is different than it is in the north. It is much more open and lends itself to armor mechanized offensive operations on both sides," Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a congressional hearing last week. The Ukrainians need additional armor and artillery, he said. The United States is looking to NATO allies to come up with the right equipment because the kind used by the United States would require months of training for the Ukrainians to learn how to use, he said. Fighting in the east also will require the Ukrainians to adopt different tactics to those they used around Kyiv, where they were able to blunt and ultimately reverse the Russian assault. The Ukrainians were able to fight a guerrilla-style war against advancing columns of Russian armor that were confined to the roads because of mud and trees, contributing to the buildup of vehicles that formed the infamous 40-mile convoy turned traffic jam. The onset of warmer weather will further help Russia by giving its armored formations greater freedom of movement. "This time around the Ukrainians will need to be moving in open country where they can easily be spotted," said Jack Watling of the London-based Royal United Services Institute. "They will be in combat battles where both sides see each other, and if they are not in armored vehicles they will be vulnerable." The logistical problems that Russia encountered in its initial push into Ukraine should be less of an issue in the east, Watling said, because Russia already occupies part of the Donbas region, which directly borders Russia, making it easier to send supplies directly from Russia. The Russians have had time to adjust to the reality of Ukraine's ability and will to resist Russian advances, he said. "They know what they are up against, and their supply lines will be shorter", he said. Russia can meanwhile draw on vast quantities of mechanized armor including tanks and armored vehicles, where it possesses a clear advantage over the smaller Ukrainian army, said retired Gen. Philip Breedlove, a former supreme allied commander of NATO. Russia also possesses artillery systems that have longer ranges than Ukrainian weapons, creating difficulties for Ukrainian forces when they face each other, said Breedlove, who is now with the Middle East Institute. "That makes it really hard on the Ukrainians and imposes a shoot-and-move philosophy on the Ukrainians that they would like to be imposing on the Russians," he said. Many observers doubt, however, that Russia's already-exhausted and depleted forces have the strength to take much more territory from Ukraine any time soon. Russia has mobilized 60,000 reservists and is assembling new battle units to replace those lost over the past few weeks, but it will take time to equip and train them, said Phillips O'Brien, professor of strategic studies at St Andrews University. Russia committed 75 percent of its combat-ready forces to the initial invasion, and its best troops have already been fighting. They are exhausted, demoralized and depleted by equipment losses they have suffered, he said. Russia may be able to win an advantage in some local areas, "but the army they have won't be large enough to hold the area they take," O'Brien said. "The army they have is too small." The new environment "is not a game-changer," said Watling. "It depends on whether the Russians are tactically up for it, and they've been pretty inept so far." The Russians have now had a chance to adjust to the reality that the Ukrainians are likely to put up a fierce fight, and can be expected to adjust their tactics accordingly, said Mick Ryan, a recently retired Australian general who has been studying the war. "However, the Ukrainians have been better and faster at adapting and are so far winning this adaptation battle," he said. ___ The Washington Post's Dalton Bennett in Dnipro, Ukraine, contributed to this report. Ukrainian officials are clear on what they want from the United States and Europe: Weapons. Big heavy weapons. Not helmets. Tanks. They say they need these weapons now, not later. And a lot of them. The message has been broadly the same from the start of Russia's invasion, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly said "I need ammunition, not a ride," to this past week, when Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told NATO leaders in Brussels that he had a threefold agenda: "weapons, weapons, weapons." But in the United States and Europe, the discussions over what types of weapons to send is far different than it was just six weeks ago. This is a pivotal moment of the war, and as the battlefield shifts, the sorts of weapons Ukrainian forces need are changing, too. There is no longer a fear that the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, could fall within days. Russian forces are repositioning for a fight over eastern Ukraine - what many predict will be full-scale confrontation on flat, open, rural terrain, between infantry, armor and artillery, in the kind of engagements not seen in generations. This next phase could be "protracted" - "measured in months or longer," National security adviser Jake Sullivan warned at a White House briefing. It could look like something from World War II, with two large armies facing off, Kuleba told NATO foreign ministers on Thursday. "To win such a war, we need different help than what we have been receiving before," said Ukraine's Defense Minister, Oleksii Reznikov, in a video appeal released Thursday. "We want to liberate the enemy-occupied territories as soon as possible. To do this, we need other weapons." In the early days of fighting, NATO countries worried that the weaponry they gave to Ukraine might be quickly captured by superior Russian forces, or that Ukrainian troops did not have the time to train to use new equipment effectively, or that sending offensive weapons would escalate the conflict and enrage Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was rattling his nuclear sword. Weapons are easier to give than take back. But as the war has gone on, those concerns have begun to recede. Now, some NATO countries are preparing to supply Ukraine with more lethal, sophisticated, long-range and heavily armored weapons. The question is whether those will come as fast as Ukrainian officials want - to stop Russia's advance and push out Russian troops. ___ During the six weeks of the war, Western governments supplied Ukraine with billions of dollars worth of weapons, including thousands of easy-to-use, shoulder-fired missile systems, which proved especially deadly in the hands of small Ukrainian commando groups, in slowing, stopping and then reversing the Russian assault on Kyiv. These "shoot-and-scoot" launchers were decisive, according to military analysts. "We know that military assistance is having a critical impact on this conflict," Sullivan said Monday, highlighting the U.S.-produced, shoulder-fired antiaircraft Stingers and antitank Javelins that have been shipped to Ukraine. Now, as the war pivots to the east, the numbers and types of weapons supplied by the United States and Europe will again prove critical for Ukraine. Its forces need to quickly rebuild, to replace equipment lost in six weeks of fighting and to supply the reserve units that the Ukraine military is now trying to put into the field. They also need to prepare for a new sort of war, with the ultimate aim not of not only defending cities but turning out Russian forces. "So antitank missiles alone are not going to cut it," said Michael Kofman, research program director in the Russia Studies Program at the CNA think tank based in Washington. Kofman estimated that Ukraine needed "hundreds" of armored combat vehicles, including tanks, and a tremendous amount of ammunition. Reznikov ticked off a longer list: air defense systems and combat aircraft to protect citizens and Ukrainian troops from missiles and airstrikes; long-range artillery to keep Russian forces at a distance; tanks and armored vehicles to break through Russian defenses and liberate the occupied territories; and anti-ship missiles to beat back the Russian naval siege and unblock ports on the Black Sea. Western governments have been reluctant to send such heavy weaponry. But the Czech Republic has become the first NATO country to contribute tanks, a senior Czech official confirmed to The Washington Post on Saturday, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss a transfer that hasn't been announced officially. "Hopefully that will start a race to who can supply more," said William Alberque, Director of Strategy, Technology, and Arms Control at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. "It's hard to be the first one" to send tanks, "but when someone breaks the ice, it's much easier," said Margiris Abukevicius, a Lithuanian vice minister of defense who was in Washington this week to discuss military cooperation with the United States. ___ In the opening weeks of the war, Ukraine's backers were mostly focused on providing weapons that Ukrainian forces already knew how to use or that could be deployed with minimal training. A soldier could learn how to fire a Javelin, for instance, by watching a short video. And formerly communist countries in central and Eastern Europe could share their stockpiles of Soviet- and Russian-made equipment that integrate easily with Ukraine's existing stock. But European defense officials told The Washington Post that their thinking about the number and types of weapons they are willing to send has evolved, as Ukrainian forces have shown the ability to fight - and have bought themselves time to train on more complicated Western-made equipment. At the outset, "we were supplying weapons only if we knew the Ukrainians were able to operate them from the first moment. Now we are seeing more advanced weapons and a willingness to invest some time to help them use it," said Abukevicius, the Lithuanian vice minister of defense. At NATO meetings in Brussels this past week, the focus was on getting Ukrainian forces more advanced weapons systems as quickly as possible. "Countries indicated they are willing to go further, because we recognize that this is a new offensive, that the Russian forces are more concentrated and that more advanced weapons will be required," according to a western official at the NATO sessions. British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said Friday his country will be providing Ukraine with heavily armored troop carriers called Mastiffs - and that British troops will help train the Ukrainians in its operation in a neighboring countries. The latest package from the United States, Sullivan said, includes laser-guided rocket systems, Puma drones, and armored high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles. More arms shipments from the United States are coming soon, Sullivan said, promising that the types of advanced weapons headed to Ukraine will be "extraordinary" and "unprecedented," though he declined to offer specifics. For tanks and air defense, the focus remains on older systems. Central Europe holds warehouses of old Soviet and post Soviet tanks - the T-72s and even earlier T-64s - and Alberque said Ukrainian forces know how to drive and to fix those tanks. In some cases, the White House has agreed to send new equipment to central European countries if those countries hand down their old equipment to Ukraine. So a steady stream of their defense officials has passed through Washington in recent weeks, seeking assurances that the United States would backfill them with more modern equipment in short order. President Joe Biden said in a statement Friday that the United States would reposition a Patriot missile system to Slovakia, after that country sent an S-300 air defense system to Ukraine. ___ The debate about weaponry has evolved along with the conflict, although there remain divisions about the risks of NATO involving itself too deeply in the fight. The Ukrainians say it no longer makes sense for western governments to debate whether arms sent to Ukraine are "defensive" or "offensive" - or might somehow "escalate" the war, which has seen dense urban centers indiscriminately shelled by Russia, alongside charges that Russian forces have committed war crimes by purposefully targeting civilians. At the NATO meeting in Brussels this past week, the distinction between offensive and defensive weapons did appear to be falling away. "This is about defending Ukrainian territory, therefore they need all the types of equipment that we are able to supply," a NATO official told The Post, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss defense decisions. "I have urged allies to provide further support of many different types of systems, both the light weapons but also heavier weapons," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said. But there is still wariness among Western allies. Russia has warned it will treat arms shipments to Ukraine from NATO countries as "legitimate targets" for military action, potentially setting up more direct confrontations between Russia and NATO. At the same time, supplying Ukraine with long-range artillery, for example, includes the risk of the conflict spilling over borders. Germany, which was chided for offering to send 5,000 protective helmets in January, has embraced the need for lethal aid, but has been reluctant to see larger, more offensive weapons sent to Ukraine. NATO countries, too, have so far agreed they will not send warplanes to the Ukrainian air force. But backers of arming Ukraine more vigorously say that if Kyiv doesn't win now, the next battle will be with NATO anyway. "In the beginning, we were supplying weapons to sustain their fight. Now we are supplying weapons to advance and win," Abukevicius said. ___ Ben Hodges, who served as commander of U.S. Army Europe during the Obama and Trump administrations, said there is a narrow window to arm Ukrainian forces as the war enters a new phase. "The next three weeks are critical," he said, and "will determine if Ukraine can break the back of the Russian forces, or if this goes for months, maybe years." Ukraine has expressed frustration with the speed of weapons delivery. Reznikov warned this past week, "procrastination with the provision of weapons leads to the death of our children, to the depletion of our country." ___ Booth reported from London, Rauhala from Brussels and Birnbaum from Washington. David Stern in Mukachevo, Ukraine, contributed to this report. HOSTOMEL, Ukraine (Tribune News Service) Days after Russian forces retreated from Kyiv, the northern outskirts of the Ukrainian capital are littered with the charred remains of blown-up and abandoned Russian tanks, armored personnel carriers and other equipment. The debris is a stark testament to an assault that was meant to oust the Ukrainian government but became a humiliating blunder for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russias failure to take the capital came down to a series of misjudgments and strategic errors: an emphasis on vulnerable armored columns, inadequate use of air power, an attack plan that overstretched supply lines, and most significantly a clear miscalculation of the Ukrainians ability and determination to resist. But experts say there is one place, more than anywhere else, where Putins vision of a lightning strike victory ran aground: Antonov Airport. This sprawling cargo airport and military base 15 miles northwest of downtown Kyiv was supposed to be the principal staging ground and logistics hub for a battle-defining Russian thrust into the heart of the capital. The Ukrainian government was supposed to fall and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was supposed to be killed, captured or forced into exile. Experts said that Putin probably planned to install a puppet leader. The thinking was that a hasty collapse of the central government would trigger deep disarray in Ukrainian units fighting in the east and the south, possibly resulting in a broad surrender. They needed to get into the middle of Kyiv as quickly as possible and raise the Russian flag over a government building, said John Spencer, a retired U.S. Army major who now chairs urban war studies at the Madison Policy Forum think tank in New York. At that point youve won the war. Yes, you may start the greatest insurgency in history. But youve won the war. He said capturing the airport was critical to the Russian strategy. Antonov has a long runway, ideal for flying in supplies and troops on heavy transport planes. You need airfields to bring in force, to bring in tanks, engineers, the necessary armor, Spencer said. Unlike the United States in its 2003 assault on Baghdad, Russia launched its ground assault immediately, without first pounding military bases, command and control structures and other strategic sites from the air. There was no shock and awe. That decision continues to baffle many. We all expected that Russia would do several days of airstrikes, precision missile strikes, that kind of thing softening up, so to speak, said Dmitry Gorenburg, an analyst with CNA, a think tank in Arlington, Virginia. But then they launched a ground operation rather than waiting a few days. Im not sure why they were in that kind of hurry. Russia did expend plenty of air power in its assault on the airfield. On the morning of Feb. 24 the first day of what Putin called his special operation low-flying Russian Mi-8 assault helicopters appeared over the airport and began firing rockets. Plumes of smoke rose from the airfield. Russian paratroopers ferried in by helicopter were soon redirecting civilian traffic outside the airport gates. By all accounts, attempting to grab the air base at the very outset of the war made a lot of sense, helping to complement a prospective pincer movement on the capital with nearby motorized columns. The initial idea was that cargo planes with paratroopers and vehicles would land here and it should have been an entry point to Kyiv, said Denys Monastyrsky, Ukraines internal security minister, speaking to reporters Friday. Once the airfield was secured, Russia could start pouring in a lot of other troops, and start manning checkpoints in the middle of Kyiv, said Jonathan Eyal, associate director of the Royal United Services Institute, a think tank in London. If you think about it, had they succeeded, I think the war may have gone very differently. A day after the initial attack, Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, a Russian defense ministry spokesman, announced that Moscow had sent 200 helicopters to take control of the airfield. In fact, authorities here said fighting at the airport continued for days, and Ukrainian forces shot down several helicopters, even as Moscow ferried in wave after wave of paratroopers. Weeks of fierce combat transformed the airport into a dystopian post-battle debris field, strewn with spent ammunition, rockets, Russian ration boxes, gas masks, and burned and tattered uniforms. The most conspicuous monument to the fighting is the smashed hulk of an Antonov An-225. The six-engine behemoth, long the worlds largest aircraft, is known in Ukrainian as Mriya, or Dream, and was a source of intense national pride. No more. The plane looks like it was gouged by a giant can opener, its fuselage sheared in a blackened jumble of wires and metal, the yellow and blue Ukrainian colors still visible outside the cockpit. Russia finally secured the airfield, but its forces remained under constant fire, according to Ukrainian officials. Russia was never able to land large transport aircraft to reinforce besieged forces here and elsewhere in the Kyiv area. Rather than thrusting forward to the heart of the capital, Russian troops at the air base were stuck fighting for their survival. That was a turning point, Eyal said. With Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian government still in power, Russian attack columns lacking anticipated resupply and reinforcement got bogged down in the capitals dense northern suburbs. Ukrainian troops used Western-provided Javelin portable antitank systems and Turkish-supplied drones to pick off the Russian armor, much of which is now rusting away in the suburbs of the capital. Moscow somehow didnt anticipate the effect of the sophisticated equipment, and training, that Ukrainian forces had received from the West in recent years. Experts said that Russias multi-pronged attack across several fronts was clearly undermanned against a well-armed opponent. They tried to do too much, Gorenburg said. If they had focused on one objective, like taking Kyiv, they might have done better. Putin may have more success as his troops shift their efforts to the east, where pro-Russia separatists have been fighting for years. But Russias retreat here has also bolstered Ukrainian confidence that its troops can hold off, and even defeat, its colossal adversary. Such a notion would undoubtedly draw derision from Putin. The Russian leader has long questioned Ukraines status as an independent state, publicly declaring its territory, and people, as an extension of historic Russia. In the view of some, it is Putins distorted view of Ukraine that may have led him to misjudge what it would take to win this war and to disregard the notion that Ukrainians would staunchly resist the Russian onslaught. I think the bottom line, the essence of the story, is that Mr. Putin believed the nonsense that he was spouting, which is that Ukraine is a fake state hijacked by a small clique and the moment you put a finger on it the entire thing would collapse like a house of cards, with the Ukrainian president running away Eyal said. Everything else followed this original error. On the streets of Kyiv, where the retreat was greeted with relief and pride, many agree: Putin underestimated peoples willingness to stand up to Russian force. I cant get inside Putins head, but I think that, yes, he really expected to take Kyiv in like three days, said Vitalii Hemych, 28, a restaurant owner. But our nation is now united. That is the main reason why his plan failed. Special correspondent Ilona Shubovych in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, contributed to this report. 2022 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com . Stars and Stripes is making stories on the coronavirus pandemic available free of charge. See more stories here. Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter here. Please support our journalism with a subscription. WASHINGTON - A Washington D.C. man pleaded guilty Friday to wire-fraud and money-laundering charges after authorities said he stole about $31 million in federal pandemic-relief funds over a 10-month period. Elias Eldabbagh, 30, faces 11- to 14-years in prison for fraudulently obtaining money from the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans program, according to the U.S. attorney's office in the District of Columbia. Through his company, Alias Systems, he received more than $30 million in 25 separate paycheck-protection loans and nearly $1 million in loans from the economic injury program from July 2020 to May last year, the office said in a statement. "Eldabbagh used a stolen identity to disguise the ownership of Alias Systems" and "used the same stolen identity to submit the vast majority of [loan] applications," the statement said. He "also used stolen identities, stolen tax returns and stolen financial records from a Washington, D.C., consulting firm" to obtain fraudulent loans. As part of a plea deal, prosecutors said, Eldabbagh has agreed to forfeit a Telsa Model 3 automobile, the contents of 21 bank accounts and an undisclosed of amount of cryptocurrency. Authorities did not say how much of the $31 million has been recovered. Eldabbagh is scheduled be sentenced Aug. 25 in U.S. District Court in Washington. SANTA FE, N.M. (Tribune News Service) On the surface, all the familiar ceremonial trappings were in place for the event. The reading of proclamations announcing April 9 as Bataan Remembrance Day. The playing of taps. Speeches honoring the legacy of the New Mexicans who gave their lives fighting, struggling to survive, dying far from home in a campaign ringed with deprivation, starvation and torture. Still, Saturday mornings commemoration of the fall of Bataan the 80th anniversary was missing something. Bataan survivors. For the first time since the New Mexico National Guard began hosting the Santa Fe event in the mid-1980s, none of them attended. Age, infirmity and death have taken their toll on almost all of the survivors. The New Mexico Department of Veteran Services believes there may only be about five of those men still living around the country. And the event was not held live over the past two years because of the health restrictions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Yet, watching the hourlong ceremony attended by about 100 people play out on Don Gaspar Avenue outside the Bataan Memorial Building, Fred Armijo, son of the late Bataan U.S. Army veteran Manuel Armijo, said he has no concern the legacy of those Bataan soldiers will be forgotten. I plan on keeping it alive, he said, adding, in a joking fashion, I plan to live to 100. The commemoration is held near a stone monument honoring the Bataan campaign, and Armjio said as long as that monument remains, people wont forget. He is well aware of his fathers role in keeping the history of Bataan alive. Manuel Armijo, a first sergeant with the 200th Coast Artillery, is credited with initiating the annual commemoration in the postwar years. Some sources say he started it in 1946, silently standing outside a downtown government building while holding a white flag in his hands. Other sources put that date at 1953. Regardless, the annual April 9 event has become something of a cornerstone military memorial event, a day to remember a generation of young New Mexicans some still teenagers who left the comfort of hometown America to wage war in some faraway place few had heard of. Little could they have known, having entered the military before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor thrust the United States into World War II, they would become part of one of the most violent and tragic stories of New Mexicos military history. The Battle of Bataan in the Philippines the first major military campaign of the Asian theater in World War II following the Pearl Harbor attack took a huge toll on New Mexico. Of the 1,800-plus New Mexican soldiers who fought in the battle, only half came home alive. And many of them, survivors of the infamous Bataan Death March and Japanese prisoner-of-war camps, came back physically, mentally and emotionally scarred. From Dec. 8, 1941, to April 9, 1942, those 1,800 New Mexico soldiers fought alongside Filipinos and other Americans to fight off Japanese invaders on the Bataan peninsula. On April 9, Bataans military commanders surrendered, though the soldiers wanted to fight on, despite a lack of weapons, food and medicine. Most of the American and Filipino defenders were killed, captured or forced to march 65 miles through the jungle. Japanese soldiers used their bayonets and bullets along the way to kill the weak, wounded and defiant ones on what became known as the Bataan Death March. Manuel Armijo, like so many of the men who survived that ordeal, did not like to talk about what he endured, his son said. But Vincent Lithgow, Manuel Armijos grandson, recalled as a child sleeping over at this grandparents home and hearing his grandfather erupt in pain at night. He screamed in English, he screamed in Spanish, he screamed in Japanese, said Lithgow, who also attended Saturdays memorial event. His daughter, Rachel Lithgow, only recalls her great grandfather as a little, wizened old man. It was hard to imagine him being young, she said after Saturdays ceremony. Its hard to imagine his incredible heartbreak. She, too, feels the Bataan story will be carried on long after the last descendants of any of the soldiers who fought it have died. Though she lives in Las Cruces, Lithgow said she visits the Bataan monument every time she comes to Santa Fe. It represents a deep rooted sense of connection to New Mexico history. Theres a lot of him here, she said as she looked at the monument. Manuel Armijo died in June 2004 at the age of 92, his son said. His mother, Frances Armijo, lived almost six more years, dying in April 2010. She died April 9, in fact. Heres my take on it, Fred Armijo said of that date. My dad came for her. (c)2022 The Santa Fe New Mexican (Santa Fe, N.M.) Visit at www.santafenewmexican.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (Tribune News Service) A Black U.S. Army combat medic credited with saving countless lives during World War II will receive another honor from the U.S. government when the Rock Island Arsenal names its health clinic after him this week. The clinic, located in Building 110 on the Arsenal, will be dedicated as the Woodson Health Clinic in honor of Staff Sgt. Waverly Woodson at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 14. The clinic provides primary care services to more than 1,940 active-duty soldiers, retirees and family members. Woodson was a member of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalions medical team, the only African-American unit to storm Omaha Beach during the Normandy invasion on D-Day, June 6, 1944. As Woodsons tank landing ship was coming ashore, it was struck by a floating mine that caused injuries to his upper legs and backside. Despite being wounded, Woodson managed to treat up to 200 injured soldiers for 30 hours, removing bullets, setting broken bones, administering blood plasma, CPR and dressing wounds. He also reportedly saved four men from drowning, according to a profile of Woodson. For his brave actions, Woodson was awarded with numerous military citations and medals, including the Purple Heart for wounds he received on D-Day, a Bronze Star and the Good Conduct Medal. Woodson was also nominated for the Medal of Honor. According to his obituary, Woodson reenlisted in the Army following World War II and continued his medical career at Walter Reed Army Hospital, serving as the sergeant in charge of the morgue, performing all autopsies. After his departure from the Army, Woodson worked at the National Naval Medical Center in the bacteriology department and was later a medical technologist at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Pathway department in Bethesda, Md., for more than 20 years. Woodson died in 2005 in Gaithersburg, Md., at the age of 83. He was buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen introduced legislation in September 2020 asking the president to posthumously award Woodson the Congressional Medal of Honor. After two readings in the U.S. Senate, the bill has been referred to the Committee on Armed Services. Family members of Woodson did not return messages seeking comment. (c)2022 Moline Dispatch and Rock Island Argus, Ill. Visit at www.trib.com. Residents in Tauranga are shocked to receive white supremacist leaflets in their letterboxes this week, and while police said it didnt meet the threshold for a criminal offence, experts are calling for action. The one-page flyers, headlined Its alright to be white, were delivered anonymously, residents told Stuff. Labelled a community service message, they tell recipients: "You have no need to feel guilty for the imagined sins of your forefathers," and recommends books with racist titles. The books are written by an American white supremacist religious leader of a group, referenced in the leaflet, which has been classified as a hate group in the US. Matua resident Friederike von Bultzingslowen says she was shocked and incredulous when she discovered the leaflet in her letterbox a few days ago. I couldnt believe it. Its so horrible. You like to think that this sort of thing doesnt happen. I showed it to my teenagers just to make them aware and go over the issues, and they too couldnt imagine who would write or do this its terrible. Von Bultzingslowen says she did not know who had distributed the flyer, but she says other residents in Matua had also received it, and she understands some have reported it to the police. Another resident, who did not want to be named, says they have reported it to police. Police confirmed that they are aware of the material circulating but are not treating this as a crime. While we understand it may be considered objectionable it doesn't appear to meet the threshold for a criminal offence, says a police spokesperson. However, experts who examined the leaflet are calling for more action. Sociologist and Massey University Professor Paul Spoonley says it's important leaders in the community and the relevant government organisations condemn such outdated and offensive views. There ought to be an attempt to identify who has produced and distributed this pamphlet and some action taken against them. This action might not be prosecution, but there should be some sanctions in order to register our collective disapproval of such offensive views. Spoonley, who has extensively researched and written on social cohesion, racism, the far right, and white supremacism, says this type of action has previously been prosecuted, and the leaflet in Tauranga is of similar severity. The first time that radical right activists were prosecuted for distributing a racist pamphlet was in 1977. The pamphlet was anti-semitic and deemed an offence under the Race Relations Act. This pamphlet shows all the signs of being produced by white supremacists and, in my view, is deeply offensive. It has all the traditional references of the radical right such as saving the white race and talking of bloody racial war. I certainly think it is hate speech. Spoonley says white supremacy as promoted by radical right groups has grown since the Covid pandemic. Professor Margaret Mutu, Te Wananga o Waipapa School of Maori Studies at the University of Auckland believes the leaflets should be viewed as a threat and investigated accordingly. This behaviour must be stopped. It is the responsibility of those charged with upholding the law to do that and for governments to ensure that they have the necessary tools to do so. Mutu agrees with Spoonley that white supremacy is an active threat and part of the ugly underbelly of New Zealand society. There are a small number of well-resourced and well-organised white supremacist individuals and groups who pose a serious threat and are well-known to security experts and government security services. They are being monitored but not as closely as or as seriously as they should be. They need to be reported to the appropriate authorities and those authorities need to take the necessary action to stop this behaviour. CTAG assessed it was probable there were individuals in New Zealand with an extreme right-wing ideology with the intent and capability to conduct a terrorist attack who have not come to the attention of security agencies." Maori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi says such acts are not taken seriously enough. To have this type of racist rhetoric sent to your home is inexcusable, and I feel for our Tauranga Moana whanau who have the right to feel safe. The party has called for a joint taskforce to investigate white supremacist hate speech. Tangata whenua have received threats for our marae to be burnt down, our Maori leadership to be killed and every time certain political parties debate indigenous rights this emboldens the racist culture to continue. Police encourage anyone receiving the material to contact 105. Similar leaflets were delivered in Tauranga in 2019, Newshub reported at the time, with that incident also reported to police according to Newshub. Annemarie Quill/Stuff Bay of Plenty We are looking for a crew of reliable and hard wrking candidates to help us out with casual jobs around Tauranga. This would... View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz The Ministry of Health is reporting 6,718 community cases, 604 hospitalisations and 12 deaths today. Of these new community cases, there are 300 new cases in the Bay of Plenty District Health Board region and 112 in Lakes. There are 22 people in ICU across New Zealand, with 30 cases of Covid-19 in Bay of Plenty hospitals, and seven in Lakes hospitals. The seven-day rolling average of case numbers continues to decline, with today's seven-day rolling average at 10,543 last Sunday it was 13,543. While it is encouraging to see case numbers continuing to drop, it is not unexpected as we generally see lower testing and reporting over weekends, says a Ministry of Health spokesperson. It is also an important reminder to remain vigilant. Please continue to follow public health advice to stay at home, away from school or work if you are feeling unwell. Another way to protect you and your whanau and friends is to get vaccinated, if you havent already done so. It is free and available for everyone aged five and over. The Ministry of Health says that vaccination remains NZs best defence against Covid-19. And a booster, in addition to first and second doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, will give you greater immunity against Omicron and severe illness. There is a much lower risk of being hospitalised if you are up to date with your vaccinations, which, for Omicron, includes a third or booster dose if eligible. So, if you or your whanau are due for a Covid-19 vaccination whether it be a first or second dose or a booster please, make an appointment today. Covid-19 deaths Today we are sadly reporting the deaths of 12 people with Covid-19, says a Ministry of Health spokesperson. The deaths being reported today include people who have died over the past 17 days. Delays to reporting can be associated with people dying with Covid-19, rather than from Covid-19, and Covid-19 being discovered only after they have died. These deaths take the total number of publicly reported deaths with Covid-19 to 489 and the seven-day rolling average of reported deaths is 13. Of the people whose deaths we are reporting today, eight people were from the Auckland region, two from MidCentral, one from the Lakes DHB area, and one from Hawkes Bay. One was aged in their 40s, one in their 50s, three in their 60s, two in their 70s, two in their 80s, and three over 90. Six were female and six were male. This is a very sad time for whanau and friends and our thoughts and condolences are with them. Out of respect, we will be making no further comment. Vaccinations administered in New Zealand Vaccines administered to date: 4,025,915 first doses; 3,975,935 second doses; 34,563 third primary doses; 2,601,057 booster doses: 260,102 paediatric first doses and 99,767 paediatric second doses Vaccines administered yesterday: 52 first doses; 136 second doses; 5 third primary doses; 2,093 booster doses; 183 paediatric first doses and 2,291 paediatric second doses People vaccinated All Ethnicities (percentage of eligible people aged 12+): 4,055,857 first dose (96.4%); 4,005,275 second dose (95.2%), 2,598,554 boosted (72.7% of those eligible) Maori (percentage of eligible people aged 12+): 520,648 first dose (91.2%); 503,477 second dose (88.2%), 231,324 boosted (57.3% of those eligible) Pacific Peoples (percentage of eligible people aged 12+): 281,681 first dose (98.3%); 276,693 second dose (96.5%), 137,908 boosted (59.3% of those eligible) 5 to 11-year-olds all ethnicities: 257,788 first dose (54.1%); 97,523 second dose (20.5%) 5 to 11-year-olds - Maori: 40,604 first dose (35.1%); 11,055 second dose (9.6%) 5 to 11-year-olds - Pacific Peoples: 23,375 first dose (47.3%); 5,391 second dose (10.9%) Note that the number for People vaccinated differs slightly from Vaccines administered as it includes those that have been vaccinated overseas. Vaccination rates for all DHBs* Northland DHB: first dose (90.1%); second dose (88%); boosted (69.4%) Auckland Metro DHB: first dose (97.2%); second dose (96.2%); boosted (71.4%) Waikato DHB: first dose (95.1%); second dose (93.6%); boosted (68.3%) Bay of Plenty DHB: first dose (95.1%); second dose (93.3%); boosted (67.6%) Lakes DHB: first dose (93.2%); second dose (91.4%); boosted (68.2%) MidCentral DHB: first dose (96.4%); second dose (95.2%); boosted (74%) Tairawhiti DHB: first dose (93.2%); second dose (90.9%); boosted (68.1%) Whanganui DHB: first dose (91.9%); second dose (90.4%); boosted (73.3%) Hawkes Bay DHB: first dose (97.1%); second dose (95.5%); boosted (71.8%) Taranaki DHB: first dose (94.6%); second dose (93.2%); boosted (69.8%) Wairarapa DHB: first dose (96.4%); second dose (95%); boosted (74.6%) Capital & Coast DHB: first dose (98.5%); second dose (97.8%); boosted (81.1%) Hutt Valley DHB: first dose (96.6%); second dose (95.6%); boosted (76.8%) Nelson Marlborough DHB: first dose (96.4%); second dose (95.2%); boosted (75.1%) West Coast DHB: first dose (92.7%); second dose (91.2%); boosted (73.2%) Canterbury DHB: first dose (99.7%); second dose (98.8%); boosted (75.9%) South Canterbury DHB: first dose (94.8%); second dose (93.8%); boosted (76.3%) Southern DHB: first dose (98.5%); second dose (97.4%); boosted (74.8%) *Partially and second doses percentages are for those 12+. Boosted percentages are for 18+ who have become eligible 3 months after having their second dose Percentages are based on 2020 HSU data - a health-specific population denominator. As the population continues to change over time, coverage rates can exceed 100%. Hospitalisations Cases in hospital: total number 604: Northland: 23; Waitemata: 94; Counties Manukau: 109; Auckland: 104; Waikato: 60; Bay of Plenty: 30; Lakes: 7; Tairawhiti: 3; Hawkes Bay: 14; Taranaki: 8; Whanganui: 10; MidCentral: 20; Wairarapa: 0; Hutt Valley: 13; Capital and Coast: 16; Nelson Marlborough: 14; Canterbury: 45; South Canterbury: 3; West Coast: 5; Southern: 26 *Average age of current hospitalisations: 59 Cases in ICU or HDU: 22 Vaccination status of current hospitalisations (Northern Region only, excluding Emergency Departments): Unvaccinated or not eligible (35 cases / 11%); partially immunised <7 days from second dose or have only received one dose (7 cases / 2%); double vaccinated at least 7 days before being reported as a case (54 cases / 17%); Received booster at least 7 days before being reported as a case (72 cases / 22%); unknown (156 cases / 48%) *Please note the average age of current hospitalisations is for the Northern Region admissions only at this stage. This data is recorded and extracted from the same source as the vaccination status of patients in Northern Region hospitals. We are currently working on a data solution which would include the average age of current hospitalisations from additional DHBs. Cases Seven day rolling average of community cases: 10,543 Seven day rolling average (as at same day last week): 13,543 Number of new community cases: 6,718 Number of new community cases (PCR): 169 Number of new community cases (RAT): 6,549 Location of new community cases (PCR & RAT): Northland (344), Auckland (1,202), Waikato (514), Bay of Plenty (300), Lakes (112), Hawkes Bay (268), MidCentral (334), Whanganui (152), Taranaki (215), Tairawhiti (80), Wairarapa (84), Capital and Coast (458), Hutt Valley (249), Nelson Marlborough (228), Canterbury (1,170), South Canterbury (118), Southern (819), West Coast (65), Unknown (6) Number of new cases identified at the border: 31 Number of active community cases (total): 73,785 cases identified in the past 7 days and not yet classified as recovered) Confirmed cases (total): 765,609 Please note, the Ministry of Healths daily reported cases may differ slightly from those reported at a DHB or local public health unit level. This is because of different reporting cut off times and the assignment of cases between regions, for example when a case is tested outside their usual region of residence. Total numbers will always be the formal daily case tally as reported to the WHO. Tests Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust - ADNZT, an assistance dog program dedicated to assisting people with disabilities in New Zealand, is pleased to announce that it has achieved reaccreditation by Assistance Dogs International - ADI. ADI is the leading authority in the Assistance Dogs industry. It establishes and promotes standards of excellence in all areas of assistance dog acquisition, training and partnership. "ADNZTs mission is to provide purpose-bred and trained Assistance Dogs for New Zealanders living with a variety of disabilities.," says an ADNZT spokesperson. "Seventy-two per cent of clients are children and young adults under 20 years old, 50 per cent of whom have autism and multiple disabilities." The organisation has Government-granted public rights access for their training and working dogs under the Human Rights Act 1993 and Dog Control Act 1996, allowing clients greater access to their community and facilities. Whitney graduated and working with a client. Photo: ADNZT. Since its foundation in 2008, ADNZTs vital service has continued to address the need for individuals and families living with a disability to better integrate into their community, have access to more facilities and opportunities, and be able to function in public spaces without judgement or difficulty. It also addresses the need for individuals living with a disability to gain more independence and for children to access vital development and education opportunities. "There is a huge need for the services Assistance Dog New Zealand Trust provides," says ADNZT Board chair Sinead Horgan. Sinead is also the mother of ADNZTs client Lachlan. My son Lachlan has cerebral palsy and autism. He is awkward on his feet, non-verbal and gets very anxious around people. Assistance Dog Lady has attracted both adults and children to Lachlan, asking to pat his dog and asking him questions about her role." Sinead says that Lachlan went from being the outsider to the centre of attention. "With that, his confidence grew over time. Now Lachlan will happily go anywhere with us as a family in fact helping with the weekly shop is one of his favourite things to do. He has the confidence to engage with both children and adults anywhere we go. "For the wider community, they get to engage with a disabled child in a way they never did before and understand more about how to communicate. Disability is less frightening. This is only one tiny aspect of the life-changing impact Lady has had on our lives. Kowhai currently in formal training. Photo: ADNZT Once accredited, a program becomes a member of ADI. Member programs must complete a reaccreditation every five years to comply with ADIs Standards of Practice. ADI accreditation is a peer-review process conducted by a trained ADI assessor over a period of two to four days. Currently there are 144 ADI accredited assistance dog programs in the world and this is the second time Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust has achieved accreditation. ADNZT receives no Government funding and relies on the generosity of New Zealanders to deliver their vital work. Each dog costs $75,000 to breed, develop, train and support throughout its working life. To support the placement of more life-changing dogs, visit www.assistancedogs.org.nz today to make a donation or sponsor a puppy. Assistance Dogs International Assistance Dogs International (ADI) is a worldwide coalition of non-profit organizations that raise, train and place assistance dogs. The mission of ADI is to foster a collaborative global community dedicated to the highest standards of excellence for the assistance dog industry. For more information, visit www.assistancedogsinternational.org or contact Chris Diefenthaler, ADIs Executive Director at chris@assistancedogsinternational.org or +1-419-350-5788 Alfie young puppy on the development programme. Photo: ADNZT Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust (ADNZT) is a registered charitable trust, providing trained dogs to clients with any disability. "We are committed to providing a quality service which evaluates each applicant individually and provides assessment, training and follow-up to each individual client's specific needs. We provide our service to people with a wide range of disabilities," says Sinead. For more information, visit www.assistancedogstrust.org.nz or contact Alex Williams, Fundraising and Communications Manager at alex@assistancedogstrust.org.nz or 0212464722 Forecasters say an ex-tropical cyclone in the Pacific is on a path that will likely blast it over the North Island, bringing severe gales for almost all the island, and heavy rain to its already flood-ravaged regions. MetService meteorologist David Miller says the likelihood of ex-tropical cyclone Fili hitting NZ from Tuesday to Thursday, is growing. Severe gales, heavy rain, large waves and coastal inundation for much of the North Island/Te Ika-a-Maui is on the cards. Fili is tracking south-east from New Caledonia, and the latest MetService tracking path shows Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and the East Coast, which was ravaged by floods two weeks ago, are directly in its sights. A heavy rain watch and a strong wind watch was issued on Sunday by MetService for eastern parts of Northland for 24 hours from noon on Tuesday. Southeast winds are expected to turn southwest on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, and winds from both directions may approach severe gale for a time, says the MetService. A period of heavy rain is possible, and amounts may approach warning criteria, it says. Additional severe weather watches or warnings will probably be issued tomorrow for a number of regions that may be impacted by this weather system. Ex-tropical cyclone Fili is tracking towards the north and east of the North Island, MetService says. Image: MetService. In its severe weather outlook on Sunday afternoon, the forecaster said it has moderate confidence of severe weather for Northland on Tuesday. The outlook has high confidence of severe gales and heavy rain for the East Coast and Hawkes Bay and parts of Bay of Plenty on Wednesday. Forecasters also have high confidence of severe gales from Auckland to Wellington over that period, the outlook says. Miller says, as with any ex-tropical cyclone, there is a lot of uncertainty about its path over the next few days, but the nature of the system means most of the North Island is likely to be affected in some way. It's pretty likely that most of the North Island will see some rain, but it can be quite hard to pinpoint exactly where the heaviest rain is going to be. There is a lot of juice and a lot of energy to the system. I think we are looking more and more likely that we will see impacts from it. We will see rain, we will see strong winds. Miller says the warm tropical air from the system will mean thunderstorms are also possible in coming days. Meanwhile, a front moving up the West Coast is being watched by forecasters. MetService says on Monday and Tuesday, a front will move over the South Island from the west, bringing a period of heavy northerly rain to western areas. There is a chance rainfall accumulations could reach warning criteria in Fiordland late on Monday to early Tuesday, and in southern Westland on Tuesday. The front should then weaken late on Tuesday. -Stuff/Chris Hyde. Do you already have a paid subscription to any of the SWNewsMedia newspapers? If so, you can Activate your Premium online account by clicking here. Activation will allow you to view unlimited online articles each month. To activate your Premium online account, the email address and phone number provided with your paid newspaper subscription needs to match the information you use in setting up your online user account. If you are having trouble or want to confirm what email address and phone number is listed on your subscription account, please call 952-345-6682 or email circulation@swpub.com and we'll be happy to assist. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Weather Alert ...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Oklahoma... Illinois River near Tahlequah affecting Cherokee County. ...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Oklahoma... Illinois River at Chewey affecting Adair, Cherokee and Delaware Counties. ...FLOOD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL SUNDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Major flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Illinois River near Tahlequah. * WHEN...Until Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...At 19.0 feet, severe flooding occurs from near Hanging Rock downstream towards Tahlequah. State Highway 10 near Hanging Rock and near No Head Hollow north of the intersection with Highway 62 is impassable. Some cabins and parks are severely flooded. This is a very dangerous situation. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:30 PM CDT Friday the stage was 19.2 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to fall below flood stage early Sunday morning and continue falling and remain below flood stage. - Flood stage is 11.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood && The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. The National Weather Service is predicting an extended period of strong winds and critical fire weather conditions for the northern two third of New Mexico through the middle of the week. Taos County Fire Marshal James Hampton has issued a burn ban for the area for Saturday and Sunday (April 9 and 10), which may be extended as high winds continue this spring. Seminole, FL (33772) Today Mostly cloudy with showers and a few thunderstorms. High around 80F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Mostly clear skies. Low 74F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Thank you for Reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and Purchase a Subscription to continue reading. NASA's Hubble Space Telescope's latest successor, James Webb Space Telescope, is now exploring the space regions that no other satellites were able to reach until now. James Webb is considered to be more advanced compared to its predecessor. When it comes to distance, JWST is millions of miles away from Earth. The Hubble Space Telescope is only around 340 miles. JWST is also integrated with a more advanced camera system. Despite all the efficient functions offered by JWST, it seems like NASA is already planning to develop another successor to the Hubble Space Telescope. NASA Hubble New Successor? According to Forbes' latest report, the James Webb Space Telescope is only for astrophysics. This means that it will not be able to achieve the breathtaking space images captured by Hubble. Also Read: NASA Perseverance: Mars' Speed of Sound Calculated Using Rover, Is It Different from the Earth? As of press time, the Hubble Space Telescope is still active. However, some experts said that it will soon be decommissioned as it gets older. Once that happens, HST will no longer be able to provide images of the comet, asteroids, planets, and other heavenly bodies. Because of this, space analysts concluded that NASA will soon develop the new Solar System Space Telescope (SSST). Now, what makes SSST different from JWST? SSST as Hubble's New Successor NASA's Solar System Space Telescope is also a large satellite. Just like Hubble, it will also focus on capturing images of heavenly bodies. Since this is the case, there's one thing that JWST can't achieve that SSST can do easily. Hubble's next successor will specifically observe the objects located within the Solar System. SSST can conduct high-resolution, high-sensitivity observations of visible and ultra-violet wavelengths; something that James Webb can't do. As of writing, NASA has not confirmed if it will really consider SSST as its next space telescope. But, there's a high chance that the new Solar System Space Telescope will be the next Hubble successor because of their similarities. NASA Solar System Exploration's official website stated that HST is in orbit for around 31 years. This just shows that it is way older compared to other space telescopes active in the solar system. Recently, NASA's SpinLaunch collaboration finally happened. On the other hand, NASA Artemis I will soon conduct a wet dress rehearsal. For more news updates about NASA and its new technologies, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: NASA Mars Curiosity Rover Navigates Back From Gator-Back Terrain | Rocks 'Not' Good For its Wheels This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google Play Store is about to limit the presence of applications with outdated API (Application Programming Interface). API is one of the important parts of an app. It allows an application to perform properly. App developers consider this programming interface as their "middle man." This is because API allows them to make new programmatic interactions between various apps, which companies and individual users use. Of course, they need to update their APIs to ensure that their apps will work the way they are intended to on Android and other platforms. Google Play Store To Limit Outdated App Presence Google Play Store's Product Management Director Krish Vitaldevara said that they would soon limit the presence of apps with outdated APIs on the official Play Store platform. Also Read: Google Fi Monthly Subscription Drops to As Much as $20, Brings Higher Data Caps, Hotspot This means that consumers will see first the most updated applications. The search engine is expected to start hiding these apps on Nov. 1. "As new Android OS versions launch in the future, the requirement window will adjust accordingly," explained Vitaldevara via his official blog post. According to Tech Crunch's latest report, the upcoming Google Play Store action will most likely be experienced by consumers who purchased devices with the latest Android software versions. Why Does Google Want To Hide Apps With Outdated APIs? Vitaldevara said that the reason behind the presence limitation for applications with outdated APIs is quite simple. If you are an Android consumer who already has the latest smartphone system version, you will expect to have the full potential of security protections offered by Google. Krish added that encouraging app developers to update their APIs will further enhance the privacy security of Android, thus reducing cybersecurity attacks from malicious actors and other online criminals. If you want to see more details about the latest Google Play Store app presence adjustment, you can visit this link. On Apr. 8, the new partnership between Google and iFixit will soon offer a self-repair program for Google Pixel smartphones. Meanwhile, Google Meet started to discourage single-person meetings. For more news updates about Google and its upcoming activities, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Google Play Store Confirms Banking Malware Sharkbot Has Been Removed | All Fake Antivirus Apps Deleted? This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Elon Musk's latest Twitter name suggestion is now going viral on the social media platform. This just shows that he is really enjoying being the largest stakeholder in the online platform. The famous tech CEO was able to purchase more than 9% of Twitter's stock. After that, he decided to join the social media giant's board members. However, his becoming a board member of Twitter still has its expiration. The social media company said that Elon's position on Twitter will end by 2024. Recently, the CEO had spent billions to be part of social media platform business partnership. No wonder he is using his influence to make some changes in the business as he is now one of the board directors. He started posting poll questions asking users what they wanted to change or have on the online site. Elon Musk's Twitter Name Change Suggestion Goes Viral! According to Unilad UK's latest report, Musk posted an online poll on Twitter. This survey asks people if they want to change the current name of the platform. Also Read: Elon Musk: Tesla Might get into Lithium Mining, Reveals Price of Battery Component jumped to Insane Levels Of course, the poll is not a serious one. Instead, the billionaire jokingly asks Twitter users if they want to remove the letter "w" on the social media site's title. As of writing, Musk's latest Twitter poll has already generated more than 56,000 likes, 4,300 quote tweets, and 8,600 tweets. On the other hand, the only option provided is "Yes" and "Of Course." The "Yes" button is already at 55.7% vote. On the other hand, the "Of Course" option is at 44.3%. The Twitter name change joke of Musk made many users laugh, and some of them shared their own punch lines about the "Titter" name adjustment. If you want to see what people think about the Tesla CEO's name change suggestion, you can view the Twitter post below. Delete the w in twitter? Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 10, 2022 Other Twitter Updates Musk Suggests Aside from the Twitter name change, the billionaire also shared some suggestions. But, unlike the first one, these changes are legitimate enhancements. Musk recently posted another Twitter poll about an edit button. For the past years, this feature has been debated by many users. Some of them want the social media platform to release it. Meanwhile, others said that it would change Twitter's main goal. Although this is the case, the majority of the users who voted in the poll covered more than 73%. Only 26% said no to Musk's edit button feature suggestion. Meanwhile, Elon Musk clarified that he is not really selling his Twitter shares. On the other hand, Elon Musk's Twitter share is criticized by many people, saying that it violates federal law. For more news updates about Elon Musk and his upcoming activities, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Elon Musk Reacts to Blogger''s Tweet on Netflix's 'Return to Space' - New Docu Film About SpaceX, NASA, and MORE This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Amazon returns are among the main problems that the e-commerce giant experiences. For the past few years, the American multinational company receiving thousands and millions of items returned by consumers because of some issues. Back in 2021, Amazon's returned merchandise reached more than a $761 billion valuation. The National Retail Federation's survey revealed this detail. NRF said that the 2021 value of Amazon returns more than the budget allocated for the national defense of the United States, which is around $741 billion. Amazon Returns Issue Worsens According to CNBC's latest report, Amazon is not really providing the exact numbers for its returned products. However, the National Retail Federation was able to provide its estimation. Also Read: Amazon Prime Video Brings New York Yankees Games Exclusively to Streaming The retail organization states that e-commerce's consumers returned around 16% of the Amazon holiday sales. This is more than a 50% increase compared to the item return record back in 2020. On the other hand, Amazon items purchased online have a 21% return chance on average. Now, experts are concerned because the returned merchandise can lead to more carbon emissions once they are delivered to landfills. But, Amazon said that it has solutions to solve this issue in a greener way as much as possible. Amazon Returns Solutions Amazon said that its last resort for the rising item return issue is the so-called energy recovery effort. But, this could still pose additional problems because of how it works. "Energy recovery means you burn something to produce heat, to produce energy. And you rationalize the disposal of goods as a conversion from one form of matter to another," said Mark Cohen, director of retail studies at Columbia Business School and former CEO of Sears Canada. Cohen added that if Amazon is doing it, the company will not really reveal the amount of returned items it burned. Aside from energy recovery, the e-commerce giant added that it is also reselling the returned products, saying that they are offered as quality used items. You can see this in its Amazon Warehouse, a program that offers pre-owned, used, as well as returned items, in good conditions but at lower prices. If you want to see further details about the Amazon Warehouse project, you can visit this link. Meanwhile, the Amazon employee chat app was recently adjusted to ban some words. On the other hand, the new Amazon Project Kuiper is expected to compete against SpaceX's Starlink program. For more news updates about Amazon and its upcoming activities, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Amazon Prime Membership Price Hike To Affect Canadian Subscribers But Vows to Improve the Service This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Tehachapi, CA (93561) Today Partly cloudy. Gusty winds late. Low 47F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Gusty winds late. Low 47F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. More Information More information about the Caltrans Keene Pavement Project is available online at https://bit.ly/3LOxqwV Submit comments via U.S. mail to: Cecilia Boudreau, District 09 Environmental Division, California Department of Transportation, 500 S. Main St., Bishop CA 93514. Submit comments via email to: cecilia.boudreau@dot.ca.gov. ReportLinker The PTC thermistor market is expected to reach US$ 475. 21 million by 2028 from US$ 372. 06 million in 2021; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3. 6% from 2021 to 2028. The PTC thermistor market is broadly segmented into five major regionsNorth America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), the Middle East & Africa (MEA), and South America (SAM). New York, March 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "PTC Thermistor market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Type ; by Mode ; by Application, and Geography" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06244590/?utm_source=GNW In 2020, APAC held the largest share of the global PTC thermistor market. Many East Asian economies, notably China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and rely heavily on the electronics manufacturing industry as a source of manufactured exports.As the Asian economy has established its position as one of a leading regions for electronic & semiconductor manufacturing across the world, the demand for different type of electronics such as resistors, motors, and drivers endures to rise. This factor helps in contributing toward the market growth. In North America, with formulation of manufacturing initiative like Materials Genome Initiative aims to develop, manufacture, and execute advanced materials with greater speed is expected to create demand for more industrial electronics & components used in the machineries which is projected to generate more demand for resistors. With factors mentioned above related to presence of manufacturers, sensing applications in automotive, and demand for industrial electronics in the US are expected to fuel the market in the region. Various Asian economies witnessed a sharp decline in their GDP in 2020 due to the sudden closedown of the majority of economic activities across numerous countries.India is the worst-hit country by the pandemic in the Asia Pacific region. The limitations imposed by governments to control the spread of COVID-19 during the initial time frame of the outbreak in the mentioned countries affect the production process due to the restriction of a limited workforce.Automotive and consumer electronics are the key sectors that contribute to the growth of the PTC thermistor market in the region. This impacted the sales of HVAC systems and electronic appliances.According to Automobile Industry Associations, the Indian automotive industry suffered a daily loss of US$ 31,164 million approximately during 2020. A PTC thermistor is used as a heater in the automotive industry for offering additional heat inside a cabin along with a diesel engine or for heating diesel in cold climatic conditions. Since the manufacturing of automobiles fell drastically, the demand for respective PTC thermistors was affected drastically. However, as the economies re-opened and industries began their operations, the demand for PTC thermistors from various end-user industries started to grow gradually. The PTC thermistor market is segmented based on type, mode, and application.Based on type, the PTC thermistor market is segmented into ceramic PTC and polymer PTC. In terms of mode, the PTC thermistor market is segmented into self heating mode and sensor mode. Based on application, the PTC thermistor market is segmented into telecommunications and networking, automotive system, industrial electronics, consumer electronics and home appliances, medical instruments, and others. The overall PTC thermistor market size has been derived using both primary and secondary sources.To begin the research process, exhaustive secondary research has been conducted using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the market. The process also serves the purpose of obtaining an overview and forecast for the PTC thermistor market with respect to all the segments pertaining to the region.Also, multiple primary interviews have been conducted with industry participants and commentators to validate the data, as well as to gain more analytical insights into the topic. The participants of this process include industry experts, such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, along with external consultants, such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders, specializing in the PTC thermistor market. G Bourns, Inc; Littelfuse, Inc.; Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd; Polytronics Technology Corporation; and TE Connectivity are among the key players operating in the global PTC thermistor market. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06244590/?utm_source=GNW About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Story continues CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 Henry Paterson, aka Jack Higgins Henry Patterson, the best-selling author of The Eagle has Landed, has died aged 92, his publisher has said. Patterson, who began writing when he was a teacher, penned 85 novels between 1959 and 2017. HarperCollins said Patterson died at his Jersey home surrounded by family. The Eagle has Landed, about a Nazi plot to kidnap Sir Winston Churchill in World War Two, written under the pseudonym Jack Higgins, sold more than 50 million copies and became a film. The 1976 screen adaptation starred Robert Duvall, Donald Sutherland and Sir Michael Caine. Patterson sold more than 250 million books over his career, with his other works including Comes the Dark Stranger, Hell is Too Crowded and To Catch a King. Patterson was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, and grew up in Belfast before moving to Leeds. He wrote novels in his spare time after becoming a teacher and received a 75 advance for his first novel, Sad Wind from the Sea, in 1959. His final book, The Midnight Bell, was published in 2017 and was a Sunday Times bestseller. HarperCollins said that by the time his last novel came out, they referred to him simply as "the legend". HarperCollins chief executive Charlie Redmayne described Patterson as a "classic thriller writer: instinctive, tough, relentless", adding his novels "were, and remain, absolutely unputdownable". Jonathan Lloyd, Patterson's literary agent, also paid tribute, saying: "I had the privilege of being at Collins Publishers when we received the manuscript of The Eagle has Landed. "We all knew, with a rare certainty, that we would be publishing an instant classic." Patterson is survived by four children from his first marriage - Sarah, Ruth, Sean, and Hannah - as well as his wife, Denise. When learning is in progress, strengthen your confidence and win the battle of epidemic prevention and control! Xi Jinping presided over an important meeting and issued the strongest voice against the epidemic The Junius Ponds Service Area off the westbound side of the New York State Thruway was scheduled to reopen in March, but that date was quietly updated on the New York State Thruway Authority's website. Instead of reopening in early spring, the projected date is now listed as "Quarter 3 2022," which means it could open sometime this summer or, at the latest, September. AECOM, the contractor leading the reconstruction of the service areas, acknowledged in a statement that it has faced "unforeseen issues" in the early stages of the $450 million project to upgrade the Thruway service areas. Those issues, according to AECOM, include "challenges presented by geopolitical issues, COVID-19 and impacts created by the national and global supply chains." The Thruway Authority closed 10 service areas Chittenango, Clarence, Clifton Springs, Indian Castle, Iroquois, Junius Ponds and Pembroke along Interstate 90, and Ardsley, New Baltimore and Plattekill on I-87 in July 2021. AECOM said the delays affect three of the service areas (Chittenango, Indian Castle and Junius Ponds) that were among the first scheduled to reopen this year. Construction continues at the other service areas, the firm said. The delays will likely affect the schedule for the remaining phases of the project because of how the Thruway Authority structured the temporary closures. To minimize the inconvenience for motorists, the authority did not close consecutive service areas. For example, Junius Ponds is closed but the nearest service areas on the westbound side of the Thruway Warners near Syracuse and Seneca near Rochester remain open. Those service areas will be reconstructed or upgraded in future phases of the project. Empire State Thruway Partners, which is led by John Laing Group, a British-based investment firm, was awarded a 33-year contract that includes the $450 million plan to rebuild or upgrade the service areas. Private funds, not state tax dollars or Thruway toll revenue, will be used to finance the project. The terms of the contract require Empire State Thruway Partners to operate the rest areas' restaurants and other services and pay 0.84% of gross sales to rent the facilities. The Thruway Authority projects it will receive $85.3 million in rent payments during the contract period. Paula Chirhart, a spokesperson for Empire State Thruway Partners, told The Citizen that AECOM has notified the group about the delays. "We are working with AECOM to help them find ways to deliver the developments as soon as possible," Chirhart said. Once the service plazas are reconstructed, they will feature new restaurants and other amenities. Each area will have an Applegreen convenience store, additional outdoor seating, children's play spaces, Taste NY farm markets, picnic tables and pet-friendly spots. For truckers, there will be fitness centers, laundry facilities and showers. The food options will include some big-name restaurants, including Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Popeyes and Shake Shack. The projected restaurants at Junius Ponds include Shake Shack and Starbucks, which will have a drive-thru. The Thruway Authority said the restaurants were selected based on a 2018 survey. Prior to the delays, the plan was to rebuild or upgrade the service areas over a three-year period. The Thruway Authority had said that six service areas Oneida, Pattersonville, Scottsville and Seneca on I-90 and Sloatsburg and Ulster along I-87 would close this year for reconstruction or improvements. The remaining 11 rest stops, including Port Byron in Cayuga County, would close for upgrades in 2023. In a statement, the Thruway Authority said Empire State Thruway Partners has committed to working with AECOM to "mitigate delays and meet their contractual obligations in this public-private partnership." "We will continue to monitor their progress and update our customers as we get closer to opening dates," the Thruway added. Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 1 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission Kyle R Chip Kline Jr. has chaired the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) Board and has been the Director of Coastal Activities for the State of Louisiana since 2018. Kline oversees policy initiatives related to Louisianas coastal program. He doesnt think fixing the states fast receding coastline will ever be finished. While Zabuzhkos novel is set in sophisticated Cambridge, Massachusetts, everyday life in 1990s Kyiv is at the heart of Death and the Penguin (also 1996), one of the most popular books by Andrei Kurkov (b. 1961). Kurkov, born in Soviet Russia, grew up in Kyiv and has become the most influential Russian-language author of todays Ukraine. A living demonstration of the fact that an unequivocally Ukrainian identity is also possible through the Russian language, Kurkov is currently president of the Ukrainian PEN. Loading But none of these names has the evocative power of Taras Shevchenko (1814-1861), the national poet par excellence and a symbol of the Ukrainian nation cherished by Ukrainians all over the world. Shevchenko shaped modern Ukrainian as a literary language able to function in different styles to deal with a variety of themes. His biography can be said to be symbolic of Ukraines own fate. Born a serf in a village in central Ukraine, Shevchenko was later taken to St Petersburg, where his artistic talent allowed him to become a free man and to study at the Academy of Arts. After several trips to Ukraine in the early 1840s, he joined a pro-democratic, anti-imperialist clandestine society also attended by other prominent Ukrainian intellectuals. Once the police found about the Brotherhood in 1847, Shevchenko was arrested and sent into exile for 10 years to remote parts of the Russian Empire. He returned to Petersburg in the late 1850s, where he died in 1861. His poetic work, available in English in several translations, including a recent volume by London-based publisher Glagoslav, is remarkable for both its emotional and rhetorical intensity, and its stylistic diversity. Yet, although abundant and multifaceted, Shevchenkos poetry has its cornerstone in its representation of and preoccupation with Ukraine. Torn between a mythically glorious past, a tragic present of colonial subordination and an uncertain future, Ukraine is one of the two fundaments of Shevchenkos poetic world, the other being the titanic poetic subjects self and his emotions. One of the most powerful examples of Shevchenkos writing is his 1844 revolutionary long poem The Dream with its Dante-inspired subtitle, A Comedy, in which the lyrical subject dreams of flying over the earth. His ability to fly gives him the chance to better see the reality of the Russian state, including Ukrainian soldiers who have forgotten their mother tongue and are now part of the repressive system of the empire. But the best part of the poem is the vivid representation of the Tsar and the Tsarina in all their grotesqueness and squalor. Fraser had to endure an unhappy and violent marriage, debts, divorce, abusing alcohol for a time and dementia before her death in 2004; Castle felt abandoned as a child when her parents would leave her and her sister with other people sometimes strangers to shoot films. In a revealing moment in the documentary, Castle says she realised she became a cinematographer to get closer to her mother. On some level I thought that if she cant come and meet me, Ill enter her world and maybe well meet there, she says. And we did to some degree because we were able to talk about film shoots and lighting and cameras and how to deal with blokes on set. She was a wonderful support. Frasers unlikely film career started after growing up in Brisbane in a wealthy family that had established a chain of supermarkets. She was part of a young generation who left Australia for London, studying photography and developing an interest in film. Tenacity is the key word when it comes to her personality and its passed down the generations, Castle says. Her dad was this rags-to-riches entrepreneur, with a classic Australian can-do attitude, but she was also inspired by a proto-feminist education at an all-girls school where they instilled into the women that they could do anything. Fraser wanted to be an artist but, unable to draw or paint well, turned to photography. She had this irrepressible energy so she couldnt stand being stuck behind a still camera or in a dark room, Castle says. When she discovered filmmaking meant she could be outdoors and on the move, she just loved it. Fraser tried to get jobs in film but was rejected because she was a woman. Lilias Fraser on location. Credit:Bonsai After she shot her first film single-handedly, The Beach was picked up by the ABC and screened every night before the news, Castle says. She wanted to be a cinematographer because she loved doing it. She went to Film Australia and said, Heres my film, Id like a job. They just laughed at her and said, You wont be strong enough to carry the cameras and gave her a lowly production assistant job. When all the male directors turned down a dull-sounding film about the Torrens title system of land registration, Fraser said she would do it. She put her heart and soul into it and made this little film, Castle says. Then she got pregnant and they sent her home. They wouldnt have her at Film Australia being pregnant so she had to set up an editing room in our house to cut the film. As a mother, Fraser decided to set up a film company with her husband as the front man. She used that difficult situation of being a married woman with kids to her advantage, Castle says. Dad went out and got all the work while mum wrote, directed and edited the films. Fraser flourished at a time when mining companies, agricultural boards and government departments were funding upbeat, quasi-educational films about building the nation. Castle says her 1970 film Beyond the Boom ran in cinemas for months as a short before the movie. There wasnt much cynicism around then so agriculture and mining were seen as really great things that created jobs and got the nation moving, Castle says. She really went with that narrative and threw herself into making really great pieces of work. Fraser created a childrens TV drama, The Young Producers, and wrote a script for a feature film but was never able to get it financed. Her work became more political as she realised the importance of land rights and women in the mining industry. Castle says her mother had no idea of her significance in Australian film history. She was one of the first women to really break through the glass ceiling in a very male-dominated Australian film industry, she says. And she did it because she loved making movies. Producer Pat Fiske remembers that no one at the Sydney Filmmakers Co-op, a hotbed of emerging talent, had heard of Fraser when she took a humble distribution job there after getting divorced in the late 1970s. It was like, Who is this woman? she says. Shed been making films since the late 50s and nobody knew her. Fiske says Fraser was a very funny woman who was always upbeat: Making the film with Jane, I know it was not all roses but she was amazing in covering up what was happening. Castle gave up cinematography when she realised her work in the US on schlocky horror films like Leprechaun 2 and music videos did not in any way come close to my personal values. She became an artist and activist and is now studying to be a psychotherapist. Over eight years the documentary evolved into a mother-daughter story. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size In the heart of every con artist, there is the fervent belief that the jackpot is just around the corner, one last lucky roll of the dice after which every one of your victims will be paid back. For Sydneys fraudster Melissa Caddick that last roll of the dice was a high-stakes gamble on cryptocurrency. If I get the big jackpot, I can pay everybody back and then it will all go away - but thats sort of the fantasy they exhibit, forensic psychiatrist Olav Nielssen said. In a series of revelations in the new podcast Liar Liar: Melissa Caddick and the Missing Millions launched on Monday, the investigation examines the con artists desperate plunges on currency and international share trading as well as her entanglement with a lender of last resort. In November 2020, the corporate regulator raided her eastern suburbs home as part of an investigation into Caddicks giant Ponzi scheme, in which she stole $23 million from investors. Among other revelations to be explored over the series are Caddicks early criminal endeavours and details of how millions of dollars of investors funds flowed through more than 30 bank accounts of Caddicks and out again to fund her life of extraordinary excesses. Advertisement And for the first time, listeners will hear the voice of Caddick herself as she tries to cajole a potential victim into investing in her massive Ponzi scheme. The ring Melissa Caddick bought with her parents money was pictured in a catalogue when she later sold it. The podcast reveals the financial and personal devastation she inflicted on those closest to her, including that she squandered most of her elderly parents million-dollar nest egg on a single flawless diamond. The speculation as to what happened to Caddick, who vanished hours after the corporate watchdog ASIC raided her home, quickly became a national obsession. For months, it was the story on everyones lips. A missing wealthy businesswoman from Sydneys eastern suburbs and a missing fortune in the tens of millions of dollars, stolen from investors, which fuelled by a lifestyle of excess such as and luxury cars, holidays and couture clothing. And then a shoe containing her foot washed up on a south coast beach. The court-appointed liquidator of Caddicks assets, Bruce Gleeson, has dealt with Ponzi schemes before, but he has never dealt with anything quite like the Caddick case. Advertisement This one is probably up there as number one. The media interest and the public interest in it has been huge, he said. Anthony Koletti and Melissa Caddick on the ski slopes. Credit:Facebook Adding to the intrigue is Anthony Koletti, the husband of the missing con woman. In court documents, he has claimed his wife may have been murdered and the suggestion she stole millions of dollars from family friends are lies. In interviews with key players in the case, including family, friends and authorities, one of the biggest surprises to emerge from the investigation are the bitter divisions that have emerged in Caddicks own close family. Some of them will never talk to each other again, said one relative, while another one refuses to even utter Caddicks name, instead referring to her as that woman. For at least a week after Caddick disappeared, most of her relatives didnt even know that she was missing. When they did find out, rumours among the family, fuelled by her mothers suspicion that her daughter had been abducted, included that Melissa had been kidnapped after inadvertently getting in way too deep with some corrupt investors. Advertisement At that time the general feeling among her distressed extended family was she is a lovely, loyal and honourable girl to her parents, said the relative. Little did we know. Some of them will never talk to each other again. A relative of Melissa Caddick discussing the family fallout, It was not until the Herald published a story titled con artist of the century on December 4, 2020 that her relatives discovered, to their horror, what Caddick had really been up to. Loading For years, she had been running a Ponzi scheme into which $30 million had flowed. Her investors thought their share portfolios were going gangbusters as each month Caddick sent a glowing investment statement purporting to be from online broker CommSec. However, genuine accounts had eight-digit numbers. Caddicks fake accounts had only six. After the revelations about her criminal activities, one relative already stressed that Caddick was missing collapsed and had to be taken to hospital. Advertisement The penny had dropped, explained another relative. This absolute betrayal of her family was almost a greater shock. It made me sick to my stomach. Melissa Caddicks parents Barbara and Ted Grimley handed over $1.1 million to their daughter for a stake in an Edgecliff apartment. Meanwhile, family relations havent been helped by the insistence of Caddicks parents Barbara and Ted Grimley that they should be treated differently from other victims. They have claimed that the $1.1 million they gave to their daughter was for a one-third stake in an Edgecliff apartment Caddick purchased in her name for $2.55 million in late 2016. Loading However, by following the money, the Liar Liar podcast reveals that the money her parents handed over was never used to reduce the mortgage on the property, which Caddick had bought using funds stolen from her investors. In May 2018, the Hong Kong rare diamond auction was abuzz over Lot 658, a flawless diamond, one of the rarest in the world. It was being sold by an Australian, Melissa Caddick, who had bought it just over a year earlier for $590,000. Most of the money used to acquire the extraordinary diamond had come from her parents who had just sold their family home at Connells Point, in Sydneys south. They thought the $1.1 million proceeds from their house sale was going towards paying off the Edgecliff apartment. Advertisement It was a meeting that Princess Anne had wanted for two years. After two years of delays caused by the pandemic, fires and floods, the Princess Royal met with the families of volunteer firefighters Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew ODwyer who died in the Green Wattle Creek blaze a week before Christmas 2019 to offer her condolences. After the meeting on Sunday, Melissa ODwyer, the widow of volunteer firefighter Andrew ODwyer, 35, said she was touched by the Royal Princess interest. Her Royal Highness Princess Anne meets the families of fallen volunteer firefighter Andrew ODwyer at the New South Wales Rural Fire Service Headquarters in Homebush on Sunday. Credit:Jenny Evans, Getty Images Shed been watching this from afar, said ODwyer at the meeting at the NSW Rural Fire Service headquarters in Sydney. The young widow discovered Princess Anne had wanted to talk with the two mens families since following news of the bushfires raging across NSW. It was like, Wow, she wants to meet us, said ODwyer of the moment when she learned that Princess Anne had initiated the meeting. Senior Liberal and Labor strategists say NSW is the key electoral battleground that will decide the federal poll, with both parties eyeing their path to victory through the countrys most populous state. While NSW is always crucial to federal elections because of its sheer size, this election it will be even more so because of its high share of marginal Labor seats. Prime Minister Scott Morrison campaigning in western Sydney. Credit:Nick Moir The ALP holds a total of 19 federal electorates by 5 per cent or less, and 10 of them are in NSW. The Coalition clings to power with a slim majority and is expected to lose ground in Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria. The fate of the Morrison government likely rests on how many marginals it can snatch in NSW. A senior federal Labor source, not authorised to comment publicly on the campaign, said the ALP had to stop the Liberals making any ground in NSW. I view every state as a battleground, but it is true that if we hold them to zero in NSW, then its a win, the source said. As part of a series of reactions condemning the practices of the Damascus government in imposing a siege on Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods and endangering the lives of hundreds of thousands, the Council of the Future Syria Party in Aleppo made a statement in this regard on Sunday. The statement was read by the administrator in the Organization Office of the Future Syria Party Council in Aleppo, Nima Sheikho, in the presence of dozens of party members and supporters. The statement began by condemning the policy of starvation on the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, and said: Syria is living under the weight of a stifling economic crisis, and the people of both neighborhoods have been suffering since the 13th of March under suffocation siege imposed by the Damascus government. He pointed out that the siege prevents basic materials, in conjunction with the advent of the holy month of Ramadan. The statement also warned of a humanitarian catastrophe, if the situation remained the same in the two neighborhoods whose population fabric consists of (Arabs - Kurds - Turkmens - Christ) in addition to the displaced from the furnace of war. Stressing that this policy of starvation is not new, "This is not the first time that the siege and starvation policy has been applied to the two neighborhoods. During the years of war, the region witnessed several crises and similar sieges by mercenaries and terrorist groups. Today, the Damascus government is completing the policy of systematic starvation since last March by preventing the flour to the region, knowing that the stored quantities have run out. He called on the international community to take urgent measures to avoid what could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. The statement ended by renewing the rejection of what he called bargaining over the people's livelihood, and emphasizing that rallying the components around each other is the best response to these practices. The long-term siege imposed by the Damascus government has caused a loss of flour in the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh on the fourth day of the current month of Ramadan, which threatens to cause a humanitarian catastrophe that threatens the lives of 200 thousand people. A ANHA An Owasco town councilor recently requested state investigations into misconduct allegations after his removal as chair of the town's ethics board. Fred Cornelius, a retired detective lieutenant with the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office, requested that the Public Integrity Bureau of the New York State Attorney General and the state fraud unit of the state Comptroller's Office investigate his concerns regarding two Owasco government payments for work he has questioned. Those requests came after he notified the town in February that the town's ethics board, which he had chaired, would look into the concerns. But Cornelius' fellow town council members instead removed him from that post, and the town is now considering expanding its ethics board. A public hearing to expand the town's ethics board from three to five members is set for this week. Owasco Town Supervisor Ed Wagner has said Cornelius' concerns are without merit. One of Cornelius' concerns involves former town council member and retired town water and sewer department administrator Richard Knaul getting paid by the town for what Cornelius said was previously described as "volunteer" work. Since January 2020, after leaving his former town position and the council, Knaul has been answering questions from town officials and employees regarding the sewer department and doing other duties. In January, a resolution to pay town bills included an invoice from Knaul, which led to Cornelius speaking out against the arrangement. Cornelius also sought a probe into an incident concerning elected Owasco Highway Superintendent Robert Bruno in which the town paid $3,000 to a customer of Bruno's private construction firm for work that firm did on his property. Bruno was charged with official misconduct in December 2019 by the New York State Police and accused of using towns funds to purchase parts for his company's equipment and instructing a town employee to install the parts on town time. Bruno resolved the case by paying the town $655 in restitution in order for the misconduct count to be dismissed as a part of an agreement with a special prosecutor. Volunteer or consultant? At an Owasco council meeting Jan. 13, Cornelius said he had been told repeatedly that Knaul wasn't on the payroll and was volunteering his time. Cornelius said he saw earlier that day that Knaul sent the town an itemized bill for $6,139 for his services. "This is absurd, and there is no way that we should give Mr. Knaul one red cent, because he does not work for us. He doesn't work for us. I don't know how many different ways this has to be said," Cornelius said. He also argued that because Knaul was not a town employee then "he doesn't get paid payroll, so he needs to be a vendor," which meant different forms would be required. Cornelius also added, "frankly, if somebody was a volunteer, then they don't get to later say we owe them money." But Owasco Town Council President Ed Wagner defended the bill, saying Knaul's work was essential because the town has not hired his replacement and that he meticulously documented it. "He and I talked, I asked him to write down what he's done for the town, and when I realized what he did, he submitted this, and I looked at it, and said, 'Woah.' He did a lot of work. In talking over with Bob (Bruno,) talking over what I read and what he did for us during the budget season, because nobody else knows what he knows to be able to (do those duties), until we hire someone to do it full-time" Wagner said. Wagner said that the town budgeted for an employee to replace Knaul but no one was hired, adding that "we had that money sitting there, we didn't use it." He later said Knaul was a "consultant." Cornelius argued that these actions were bypassing the New York State Civil Service Commission, since that job would need to go through the commission. He also said he didn't think the town had the appropriate paperwork to pay the bill from Knaul. Wagner said he believed "the paperwork is there to pay it legally." Cornelius responded that the council never approved Knaul as a contractor, but Wagner said the council never approves the addition of any contractors. The board then voted to approve various pay vouchers at that meeting, including Knaul's, with Cornelius acting as the sole no vote. Ethics board request At the next regular council meeting on Feb. 10, Cornelius requested that the town's Board of Ethics investigate his concerns, which now included the incident involving Bruno's work on a private property in the town. That board, legally required in New York state, provided advisory opinions to the town officers and employees, according to the town's code. Cornelius was formerly the head of Owasco's ethics board, but Wagner said at the meeting that the ethics board expired on Dec. 31 and had not been renewed, so as of that point in February, the town didn't have an ethics committee. Cornelius said the town code stated that the ethics board had to include a member or officer with the town and two other residents of the town, with Luke Carnicelli and Rachel Czyz previously being appointed. Cornelius made a motion to continue the appointment of that ethics board. Wagner asked if anyone else on the town council was interested in the ethics board. Council member Jeremy VeVone expressed interest in leading the ethics group. Vevone wound up being chosen over Cornelius by the other council members, including Wagner. A special meeting to appoint the other two members of the ethics board was then set for later in the month. Carnicelli and Czyz ended up remaining on the new board. After the ethics board discussion, Wagner then defended Bruno's work at the private property, which lead to Cornelius elaborating on that concern. Cornelius said private work was done on a for-profit basis by Bruno and "the town employee, or employees, received compensation and then the town was billed by the resident for the services provided." While at the Melrose Road site, Bruno, with his company, Bruno Excavating, and Jason Kelly, an Owasco town employee who also works for Bruno's company, found what was believed to be an error made by a previous town contractor in which a sewer line was not properly connected to a lateral that connected to the private property's residence. Cornelius believes that upon discovering the issue, Bruno should have stopped working on the issue as a private employer and instead should have worked on it as a town employee on town time. Cornelius argues Bruno continued working on the issue as a private contractor, because otherwise the town would not have received a bill from the resident. Wagner contends that upon finding the issue, Bruno put town employees, some who are also his private company employees, to work on it. New ethics board approved At the special meeting Feb. 24 to appoint two people to the ethics board, VeVone said he reached out to Carnicelli and Czyz and they both wanted to remain on the ethics board. VeVone also noted that three other individuals expressed interest in being on that committee. The Owasco town code currently says that the Board of Ethics will consist of three people, with the majority of the members not being officers or employees of the municipality, but at least one must be a municipality employee or officer. VeVone recommended reappointing Carnicelli and Czyz and suggested expanding the ethics board at some point, "just because if we were to lose one of the two people, there's no longer a majority share in the community." A motion to reappoint Carnicelli and Czyz was approved by the town board. The town board also approved a motion to hold a public hearing to modify the town's code to expand the members of that ethics committee to no more than five. That hearing is set for Owasco Town Hall on Thursday, April 14. At another point at the special meeting, Cornelius said Knaul was "basically running the sewer department" despite not being a town employee, something he discovered after receiving emails between Knaul and town officials and vendors. "He's being asked questions on nearly a daily basis about what to do, how to do it, he establishes the budget, he's running the sewer department," Cornelius continued. "He's communicating with our vendors, he's communicating with our engineers, he's communicating with everybody." Cornelius also said Knaul has been communicating regularly with Wagner and Bruno. Cornelius then told the board that, "in order to do what I think needs to be done to protect the town and protect myself personally," he contacted the state Attorney General Public Integrity Bureau in the hopes that a investigation would be conducted. "I'm no expert on crimes ... no, wait a second, I am, I am an expert on crimes, and there are crimes being committed here," he said, making a reference to his career in law enforcement. "Because we're paying two people for the same work." Cornelius later explained that part of Bruno's salary was to pick up the work that Knaul had done before he retired. He added at the time the attorney general's office and the state fraud unit are "both very interested in what's going on here, because this is just not the way business is done." Cornelius later noted that the town has been communicating with Knaul on "almost a daily basis to get the job done, so maybe he needs to be hired, maybe that's what happen, but that doesn't account for the stuff that happened up to this point for the last two years. Somebody's going to have to answer for that." Supervisor defends payments When asked via email on March 3 about a possible review of Cornelius' concerns from the ethics board, VeVone referred The Citizen's questions to Wagner, who said he believed the ethics board review of Cornelius' concerns could take place before any expansion from three to five members happens. Wagner also spoke about why he didn't agree with Cornelius. In regard to Cornelius' concerns about Bruno getting paid for work Knaul is doing, Wagner said Knaul and Bruno take on different duties, as Wagner said Knaul has been doing paperwork, taking care of documentation, keeps track of the city's asset management program and more, adding that Bruno does the physical work and asks Knaul questions about different issues due to Knaul's decades of experience. Knaul isn't allowed to physically do any field work, Wagner continued, adding that that there was arbitration with the Civil Service Association "to make that absolutely clear. So Mr. Knaul is more of a consulted contractor to advise, not to do the work, so he doesn't physically do the work." In an interview with The Citizen April 2, Cornelius said the state attorney general's office indicated that his request for investigations with state agencies hadn't gained much traction. An email from early March to Cornelius from a representative with the New York State Office of the Attorney General said that after a review of the complaint, the office determined the matters would be better addressed through the town's procedures and polices and through the town's attorney. Cornelius also said he had not heard back from the state fraud unit of the state Comptroller's Office recently. Cornelius said work is being done to possibly resolve his concerns internally. In regard to issues with Knaul, Cornelius said he understands that there have been town conversations about filling that sewer and utility position, but he said he didn't know further specifics. In relation to the situation with Bruno and Melrose Road, Cornelius said he is working with Riccardo Galbato, the Owasco town attorney, on a potential change to the town's ethics code regarding town employee who have private entities. In those cases, they would not be able to provide private services for a town resident that are substantially similar to that employee's town duties. Cornelius said these internal developments might be able to mitigate these concerns, and "then we can talk about our past problems at that point." "If we're able to make these two steps forward, I think that's a good first step," he continued. Wagner told The Citizen April 6 that the town is hiring for a utilities director position, which would include overseeing the town's utilities, water and sewer departments, along with asset management. In connection to the potential code change preventing town employees from performing private work substantially similar to their town duties, Wagner said he would support such a change in order to avoid a potential conflict of interest concern in the future. Wagner said that in regard to the Melrose Road issue, Galbato has filed a claim for the town against the insurance agent of the construction company R.B. Robinson Contracting, the former town contractor which had made what the town contends is a mistake with the lateral at the 69 Melrose Road site property. Wagner said the company did similar work for Owasco last year, as Wagner argues that R.B. Robinson did not properly reconnect laterals at different sites in 2021. Staff writer Kelly Rocheleau can be reached at (315) 282-2243 or kelly.rocheleau@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @KellyRocheleau. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 3 Sad 0 Angry 12 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Greens leader Adam Bandt has declared his hopes that Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese will need his help to form a minority government, believing a power-sharing deal is the most likely outcome of the May 21 election. Speaking in Melbourne on Sunday after Prime Minister Scott Morrison called the election, Mr Bandt said he believed both major parties would struggle to form government in their own right. Greens leader Adam Bandt (centre) with (left to right) Senator Janet Rice, Senator Lidia Thorpe, Kooyong candidate Piers Mitchem and Macnamara candidate Steph Hodgins-May. Credit:Paul Jeffers The Greens leader was confident of holding the balance of power if that played out as it did under then prime minister Julia Gillard following the 2010 election even though the party holds just one lower house seat in the federal Parliament, Mr Bandts, in the electorate of Melbourne. The Greens polled 10.2 per cent in the 2019 election. When Labor inflicted a crushing defeat on the Liberals at 2018s Victorian election, John Howard tried to calm his partys faithful by dubbing the state the Massachusetts of Australia. Victoria was slightly more to the centre-left than the rest of the country, the former prime minister told the ABCs Leigh Sales. Monash University academic Paul Strangio says Howard didnt go far enough. Were by default now a left-of-centre state, Strangio says. At 13 state and national elections out of 15 in Victoria since 1980, Labor has won the two-party preferred vote. At the last election Labor won 21 of the total 38 Victorian seats. This does not leave Labor far to go if, as the polls suggest, the election delivers a broader national swing in favour of Labor. I dont know what it is but in Victoria the battleground for seats is like trench warfare whereas in NSW and Queensland the swing seats tend to break like a cavalry charge, says ABC election analyst Anthony Green. Both leaders will have an inner sanctum travelling with them for the campaign usually a media adviser and a chief of staff, and sometimes a party elder for good measure and calm heads. Long-time Labor strategist Bruce Hawker says a good campaigner is somebody who can impart their values and beliefs succinctly and clearly to voters. We know TV drives so much of media, and seven seconds is about what a politician has to get a point across, he says. Anthony Albanese speaks about Labors plans for healthcare during a press conference in Perth on April 6. Credit:Getty Tony Abbott, who won an astounding electoral victory in 2013 (the Coalition won a mammoth 90 seats to Labors 55) was an excellent communicator, says Hawker. Abbott was a master of the one-liner, which I think was an effective skill. It has its downsides, but at least its succinct. According to Hawker, Labor leaders have a particular task they have to convince voters they are bigger than the party they lead. He has to be authentic, sincere, genuine and decent in the publics mind, Hawker says. As well as kissing babies, political leaders like to pull out their families to campaign with them and help soften their image. Wives, in particular, can be useful in this respect. Loading Morrison has his wife, Jenny, who has already been deployed for a 60 Minutes interview and a government announcement on funding for endometriosis healthcare. His two daughters have appeared on television with him and at previous campaign events. Albanese is divorced and is in a newish relationship with a partner. His young adult son is not expected to play much of a role in the campaign. Former Liberal Party treasurer and NSW Liberal minister Michael Yabsley says traditional family portraits are lost on a lot of people as society changes. According to one experienced Liberal strategist, who didnt want to be identified, Morrisons reputation as a masterful campaigner may be overblown. The expectations for Morrison were very low at the last election, he says. And anyway, youre only as good as your last election. During a campaign, political noise is pared back and the geographic focus narrows to marginal seats. Your messaging strategy for those seats cant be out of whack to the rest of Australia, but the whole campaign is calibrated towards those seats, the strategist says. Loading But while local issues, particularly in marginal electorates, gain great prominence during campaigns, the character and vision of the party leaders is the lens through which everything is seen. The leader is a mobile TV channel bringing to the fore the issues your polling says give you advantage over your opponents in marginal seats, the strategist says. Says Hawker: People need to know the leader has the qualities it takes to lead the country. That can be an impression, more than a coherent pattern of thought in the voters mind. What about meeting the great unwashed? Forget about kissing babies Morrison has had some trouble with unruly adults when out and about in public. On Thursday, he was confronted by an angry pensioner in a Newcastle pub, generating vision for news bulletins to make a press secretary sob. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is confronted by Ray during a pre-election visit to a pub in Newcastle. Credit:Twitter Morrison has the benefit of incumbency, but a lot of what people know, they dont like, says Hawker. Hostile reactions are a significant risk for him, and he will have to be very careful about the places where he campaigns. I never cease to be amazed at how bold people are at shirt-fronting politicians. This is where the dark art of advancing comes into its own. Advancers are campaign staff who will research appropriate venues for campaign announcements, making sure they are on-message, well-lit and set up for cameras. They set up people often small business owners who will lend their venue to the campaign and say some nice words for the cameras. Its all art-directed, says the Liberal strategist. As for meeting the public in a spontaneous fashion, its risky. Street walks are very dangerous, he says. A bad street walk thatll f--- everything. Hawker says Morrison ran an effective negative campaign in 2019. He found the weakness in Labors policies around tax and people got very anxious from there he was able to push back a couple of years of resurgent polling. Credit: Hawker says Labor can and should run a negative campaign against Morrison this time. Negative campaigning has an important role as long as its based on fact, says Hawker. The Liberal Partys pollster, CT Group (formerly Crosby Textor), conducts nightly tracking in marginal seats, where it flash-polls households and provides research much more accurate and extensive than published polls. This internal polling tracks 40 to 60 attributes such as empathy and strength, and measures the candidate vote versus the party vote in any given seat. Lastly, a leader needs to be fit physically and psychologically to campaign successfully. You have to go in buoyant, says Hawker. The party machine must be turning frantically below the surface, but above the surface the leader must exude calm and confidence. Like an actor or a sportsperson, they have to believe in themselves, according to Hawker. The Liberal strategist agrees. Loading The leader has to have a very clear vision on how theyre going to win and what theyre willing to sacrifice, he says. You cant have everything on the menu. You choose not to engage in certain issues and withstand pressure from your own flank to run certain issues. Says Yabsley: A good campaign is something you do with people, not to people. The CSIRO scientists found spindly sea spiders with abdomens so small that their gonads were in their legs and sea lilies that crept slowly over the ocean floor. Crabs with strange articulated pincers and previously unknown fish were discovered among dozens of species living amid tall coral forests in the black depths of the ocean. Large numbers of new ocean species have been discovered by scientists off the coast of Tasmania in the first detailed study of life on Australias deep sea mountains. A Galatheidae crab. Credit:Karen Homes, CSIRO The scientists told The Age the sea mountains might be like subsea islands, where species adapt so closely to each mountain that they could be found nowhere else. But heavy trawling by fishing boats had already denuded some of the sea mountains. The discoveries were made by a CSIRO voyage to the only range of deep sea mountains charted In Australian waters, the Southern Hills. The group of extinct volcanoes 35 million years old stands up to 2500 metres below the sea surface about 100 kilometres south of Tasmania. First spotted in the 1980s by fishermen hunting lucrative orange roughy schools, they were mapped by the Australian Geological Survey Organisation. The maps produced three dimensional images which provide the clearest window yet into the dark sea mountain world. It was really exciting to have it rolling out beneath us on the swathe map, AGSM senior principal research scientist, Dr Neville Exon, said. But we dont really know if there are other similar fields in Australian waters. We just havent done the detailed work. Gen. Anthony Cotton, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, center, stands with his wife Marsha Cotton and the Cheyenne Frontier Days General Committee as he is announced as the CFD Grand Marshal during the AFGSC Senior Leader Conference April 7, 2022, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Grand Marshal serves as the honorary lead for of each parade and the grand entry during CFD, carrying on a legacy that has lasted over 70 years. AUBURN For the first time in three years, the young and young at heart bolted across a green landscape in search of candy-filled treasures at the 71st Annual Hoopes Park Easter Egg Hunt in Auburn. Before the mad dash began, scores of children and adults clung to the tape separating them from the 3,500 plastic eggs with candy inside that were strewn across the park within the taped perimeters Saturday. It was the first iteration of the decades-spanning tradition held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's festivities, for which six bikes would be given out to those who found select eggs, were hosted by the Auburn Rotary Club. Among those awaiting for the search to start were Niomi Gould and her children Gwendolyn, 6, and Glenn, 5. The pair jumped up and down rapidly, with Glenn asking "Mom, what time is it?!" at one point in anticipation. Gould said this was the first time she and her children have gone to the egg hunt. She talked about why she wanted to take them to the event. "I don't feel like hiding a bunch of eggs for them," Gould said with a laugh. She added that the event gets her children out in the community and "at the end of the day, they've socialized." Gould added that she felt few family events have been available in the city for the last couple years, so she was happy about the hunt being held. A noise blared through the air to signal the start of the hunt as children sprinted toward the plastic goods. Some parents would point out where a egg was while other children would go ahead to look for themselves. Within minutes, the landscape was picked almost completely clean of eggs. As the dust settled and the young participants assessed how many sweets they scored, Dan Murphy and his daughter Emma, 4, counted out her eggs in her bag as Emma's mother, Kat, watched. Dan and Kat the latter of whom sported a headband with bunny ears said they wanted to show their daughter a new experience, with Kat noting that a lot of Emma's classmates from her preschool were present. The parents said they were glad the event was available "It hasn't been around for so long since COVID, so we're happy," Kat said. Ed Helinski, the publicity and marketing chairman for the rotary club, said Friday that the group became involved in this year's event relatively recently. After it was known that the former hosts for the event, the Owasco-Fleming Kiwanis Club, would not be holding the hunt this year, Helinski said, some concerned citizens reached out to the rotary organization to see if the group wanted to take over the event. The club approached the city of Auburn, he added, saying that "they welcomed us with open arms." Helinksi also thanked Joe Calarco of AFLAC New York and Frank Henderson and Chris Adessa of Mesa Grande Taqueria for sponsoring and underwriting the event. He also thanked the various people and entities involved, including Walmart in Auburn, which he said donated five bikes instead of the two they normally give "just to make up for lost time" due to the event being canceled in recent years, Helinski added. A rotary club member bought a sixth bike and donated it for the event. As families waited to line to pick up the prizes they won from the egg hunt, Saylor Grillo, 5, waited with her family to get the bike she won through snagging one of the special eggs. Her brother Drake played with a stuffed bunny he won. The children were accompanied by their mother, Chelsea Winslow, Chelsea's parents, Terry and Susan, and Chelsea's sister Kimberlee. Terry said he took his children to the egg hunt decades ago, back when attendees would search for actual hard-boiled eggs that were died colors. Chelsea said she appreciated the festivities. "It's great to see everyone out here, to see people that you've known for years, and it's just a great way to connect with everyone," she said. Helinski talked about why the rotary club wanted to help maintain the hunt, noting that the entire undertaking was put together in around 18 days. "They didn't want to see an event like this, with 70 years of history, become egg-stinct," he said. Staff writer Kelly Rocheleau can be reached at (315) 282-2243 or kelly.rocheleau@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @KellyRocheleau. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Send us your news, photos, and videos and let us know what's going on! Submit Here Instant unlimited access to all of our E-Editions and content on thechronicleonline.com. The Chronicle E-Edition Newsletter emailed to you each week, the night before the paper hits the street! This subscription is for NEW or RENEWING online subscribers. (The charge will appear as "Country Media Inc." on your credit card statement) remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Sherry Williams, executive director of One Treasure Island, poses for a photo at her office on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, in San Francisco. Business Email Compromise scams are a type of crime where criminals hack into email accounts, pretend to be someone theyre not and fool victims into sending money to places they arent supposed to. In the case of Williams, the San Francisco nonprofit director, thieves hacked the email account of the nonprofits bookkeeper then inserted themselves into a long email thread, sent messages asking to change the wire payment instructions for a grant recipient, and made off with $650,000. This is the temporary subscription pass for users returning from the Vision Data subscription process. Your subscription will be updated within 24 hours, after your information is verified. Please click the button below to get your pass. April 10, 2007 A committee in the making will try to create a multifaceted point person who will work to bring businesses to both Auburn and Cayuga County. A group of county legislators, city councilors and industrial development authority members met informally Monday to see if there was interest and common ground in creating a joint economic development position. The informal group had no quorums, so it could not vote or otherwise take formal action. A representative from the county and city governments, Auburn Industrial Development Authority, Cayuga County Industrial Development Authority and a focus group from the Call to Action panel will form a committee to push the position forward and review questions about funding and administration. The committee has until May 15 to come up with a plan to create and fill the joint economic developer job. We've got the concept down, the five (committee members) just need to hammer out the details, said Dave Smith, a member of the Call to Action focus group on economic development. The group earlier decided they want the four main organizations - the city, the county, county IDA, and AIDA - to fund the position equally and have the same say over the office. An earlier suggestion to draft a sales tax agreement between Auburn and the county to fund the position likely would not receive the necessary backing in the legislature, Pappert said. The committee will have to look elsewhere for funds, Pappert said. The job description would include communicating with existing businesses to ensure they continue to thrive in the area, Legislator David Pappert said. What's good for the county is good for the city, and vice versa, AIDA chair Chuck Mace said. The point person would woo companies and find the right place for them, the group agreed. Companies would like government to work together. Now we'll have one committee to go to, county Legislator Peter Tortorici said. Auburn Mayor Timothy Lattimore suggested the committee work with the chambers of commerce to get more out of that relationship. The soon-to-be formed committee will replace the informal group so they will no longer meet, relying instead on their representatives to report back to the larger bodies, Pappert said. Compiled by David Wilcox Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli put out a statement after the final budget bill was passed Saturday morning that lauded a few of the items the new spending plan includes, but also included this rather troubling red flag: "Many new programs will add recurring spending, and it is yet unclear to what extent they are supported by recurring revenues. Using temporary federal relief aid to fund new spending programs could create a 'fiscal cliff' in the future. We must remember this influx of federal funding is finite." Wouldn't that have been nice to hear ahead of time? He goes on to say his office will be out with a detail budget analysis "in the coming weeks." Welcome to Albany, where the state's most important elected fiscal official is unable to perform an effective analysis of the final budget bills before they are voted upon. That's a result a secretive negotiation process for hammering out the biggest compromises, followed by rushed votes that ignore the legally required public review periods for voting on legislation. As we noted in this space a week ago, Gov. Kathy Hochul's last-minute insertions of criminal justice policies and an agreement to build the Buffalo Bills new stadium threw this budget process into chaos, and she has only herself to blame for that. It's the main reason this budget was more than a week late in getting adopted. But there's also the simple fact that most state legislators in the majority conferences simply vote "yes" on budgets because they are told what to do by their leadership, not because they've actually read the bills, heard from constituents, asked questions and sought to make improvements. That happened again this year, with all but a few Democrats voting "yes" despite the utter lack of transparency. And while Republican legislators have accurately assailed this process, it wasn't long ago when they controlled the state Senate and did precisely the same thing year after year. Budget dysfunction, the kind of stuff that leads to 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. votes on a Saturday, is a disease that's plagued Albany for decades. New York residents deserve better, and we urge them to make that clear to their representatives and the governor's office in the days and weeks ahead. The Citizen Editorial board includes president and director of local sales and marketing Michelle Bowers, executive editor Jeremy Boyer and managing editor Mike Dowd. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Alberta Premier Jason Kenney provides details on air ambulance funding, in Calgary, Alta., March 25, The controversial party vote to determine the future of Alberta Premier Jason Kenney begins today. (The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh) Albertas Kenney Urges Party to Back Him or Risk Division and Election Loss to NDP Premier Jason Kenney, in a speech to party members deciding his fate, told them he is an unblemished election winner who saved Alberta from servitude in a dystopian socialist hellscape. Im 12-0! Kenney said Saturday in a speech before cheering, applauding, whooping, placard-waving supporters in Red Deer. I know a thing or two about winning elections. The speech to the party formally launched what has become a fractious, acrimonious intraparty fight to determine whether Kenney should remain in charge of the United Conservatives. Kenney has faced open dissent from some party and caucus members for more than a year, and he made it clear in his speech this vote must end the feuding one way or another. If the members decide they want to have a leadership election, I will step aside, he said. But if the members decide that they want to choose the path of unity and stability then I, and I believe all of our members, will expect every member of our caucus and our team also to respect the decision. Ballots will be mailed out this weekend to almost 60,000 party members. They must be returned by May 11, with results announced May 18. If Kenney gets less then 50 percent plus one of the votes, a leadership race must be called. Kenneys critics say his policies coupled with an imperious, controlling management style have alienated supporters and sent popularity numbers plunging to the point the party could lose the next election to Rachel Notleys Opposition NDP. Kenney has labelled his opponents racial and religious bigots bent on dismantling his big-tent conservative coalition. In his speech, he said decisions he had to make during COVID-19, particularly restrictions on personal freedoms, lit the powder keg of anger against him. I ask for your forgiveness if there were decisions that we made which you think were wrong or which offended you, he said. But he said now is not the time to fight past battles with the next provincial election just around the corner in May 2023. Kenney reminded them he left his job as a Conservative MP to unite feuding conservatives under the new UCP in 2017 and then defeat the NDP in the 2019 election. He characterized that 2019 campaign as a mission to stop left wing ideologues who want to turn Alberta into some kind of socialist lab experiment with an agenda he said had pulverized the economy, atomized jobs and sent thousands fleeing. I decided something had to be done, said Kenney. I knew if (the NDP) got a second consecutive term they would fundamentally change this province forever. We would lose this province as a beacon of hope. They would drive their toxic ideas into our schools, they would regulate and unionize everything that moves, theyd crush businesses with their class warfare politics of resentment, and theyd turn Alberta into a vassal state for (Prime Minister) Justin Trudeaus Ottawa. The ballot question is simple: Do you approve of the current leader? Yes or No. But the process has been tortuous as unhappy party members battled to mark a ballot and have their say. It was supposed to be before 2022. Then it was supposed to be late in 2022 before it became a one-day, in-person vote Saturday in Red Deer. But less than three weeks ago, after the membership cutoff date, the UCP board changed it to a provincewide mail-in contest. The board said widespread interestwith 15,000 party members expected to make the trip to cast a ballotmade the one-day in-person option impossible. Opponents, including UCP caucus member and Kenney opponent Brian Jean, said they worry the goalposts were moved to broaden the voting base because it had become clear Kenney would lose the in-person contest in Red Deer. Jean, in statement, said, Kenneys rhetoric and approach have divided our party. The premier gave a speech that said the choice is between more of the same or Rachel Notleys NDP. You know someone is losing when they resort to fear. Political scientist Duane Bratt, with Mount Royal University in Calgary, said Kenneys demand of unity if he wins is easier said than done, especially if he gets a slim majority. Do you expect (no-voters) to say, You won, we lost, therefore we will work really hard for you and we will volunteer for you and we will donate money to you, and we will run as candidates for you? Or do they just say, Were walking away. No matter what the result is, I dont know how this party stays unified. By Dean Bennett Amazon Labour Union (ALU) organizer Christian Smalls reacts as ALU members celebrate official victory after hearing results regarding the vote to unionize, outside the NLRB offices in Brooklyn, New York, on April 1, 2022. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters) Amazon Calls for Election Rerun After Workers Voted for First US Union NEW YORKAmazon.com Inc. on Friday called for an election rerun after workers at a New York City warehouse voted to create the companys first U.S. union, saying that the U.S. labor board and worker-organizers suppressed turnout. The Amazon Labor Union (ALU) rejected the allegations made by the online retailer that is the second-largest U.S. private employer. Amazon made its demand a week after the victory for organized labor. Some 55 percent of employees who voted from Amazons JFK8 warehouse in Staten Island opted to join the ALU, which has argued for higher pay and job security. Turnout was about 58 percent. Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in a statement: We want our employees to have their voices heard, and in this case, that didnt happenfewer than a third of the employees at the site voted for the union. Amazon also accused the ALU of intimidating workers and distributing marijuana to gain votes in its favor, according to a company filing on Friday. Derrick Palmer, vice president of the ALU, said Amazon is trying to demean our character and undermine our efforts. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) now must process Amazons objections before certifying the election result. The timing for this was not immediately clear. In its filing, Amazon said the NLRB improperly helped the ALU gain standing to hold an election and created the impression that it supported the union. Amazon also accused the NLRB of hampering turnout through mismanagement in the polling area and by allowing camera crews on site that scared away voters. An NLRB spokesperson declined to comment on these objections but the board has said previously that it is independent and that its enforcement actions against Amazon have been consistent with its congressional mandate. The ALU pushed back against Amazons claims, saying the company did not contest low turnout in a prior union election in Alabama in which workers voted against organizing. The ALU said it was Amazon that had intimidated workers and the union has filed dozens of unfair labor practice charges against the company. An American Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner lands at the Miami International Airport in Miami on Dec. 10, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) American Airlines Is Getting Into the Bus Business By Kyle Arnold From The Dallas Morning News Watch out for American Airlines buses on a road near youat least for drivers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Fort Worth-based American Airlines has inked a deal with bus company Landline to replace some short-hop connecting flights to Philadelphia International Airport from Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Atlantic City, New Jersey, with bus rides. Starting in June, the Landline buses, painted with an American Airlines logo, will pick up passengers at Lehigh International Airport in Allentown or Atlantic City International Airport and rumble down the road to Philadelphia, a major hub for Americans international connections. Passengers will actually park at airports in Allentown or Atlantic City, check in, check luggage and go through security before loading onto one of the 35-seat buses to take them on the roughly 50-mile trip to Philadelphia. From the bus, they can go straight into the terminal as if they were transferring airplanes. Bags are transferred, too. For too long, travelers have been bothered by all of the ancillary parts of flying, including getting to and from the airport, parking, transporting their bags and navigating security, said a statement from Landline CEO and co-founder David Sunde. Landline actually partners with airlines such as United and Sun Country on similar trips in Colorado and Minnesota. Putting airline passengers on a bus actually solves a tricky dilemma for American Airlines in regions where airports are densely grouped. The 50-mile trip is simply too short for a commercial flight, even on a smaller regional aircraft. At the same time, customers are often willing to drive 60 to 80 minutes to get to an airport with far more connections. American Airlines only flies from Allentown to Charlotte and Chicago, two other big hubs for American. That would make a long trip to get somewhere such as Boston or even Pittsburgh and Cleveland. American Airlines doesnt even fly to Atlantic City International Airport, which is only served by Spirit Airlines. American Airlines customers can earn loyalty miles for the trip. On the way home, the buses will take passengers back to Allentown or Atlantic City, along with their luggage. Customers can start and end their journey at their local airport, relax on a comfortable Landline vehicle, and leave the driving to someone else while they work or start their vacation early, said American Airlines vice president of network planning Brian Znotins in a statement. 2022 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. President Joe Biden meets virtually from the Situation Room at the White House with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, on March 18, 2022. (The White House via AP) American Leaders Have Shown Lack of Courage in Countering Communist China: Historian The Chinese regime poses the biggest ever challenge to the United States, and American leaders have failed to repel it effectively and strongly, according to historian Kevin Roberts. In the entire history of the United States, there has never been an adversary that poses a greater threat to the American way of life, and therefore, to freedom in the world, than China, Roberts, president of Washington-based conservative think tank Heritage Foundation, recently told EpochTVs China Insider program. The Chinese Communist Party is building through their totalitarian evil regime, a very serious adversarial regime to the United States, he added. In Roberts view, the American political class has failed to adequately respond to the harm posed by the Chinese Communist Party. He said the Biden administration has not shown strong leadership in tackling the regimes various threats. Meanwhile, the White House has shown missteps in other areas of foreign policy, including its chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, and its refusal to provide jets to Ukraine that could have significantly aided the beleaguered country, according to Roberts. Incidents like these would lead Chinese leader Xi Jinping to conclude that the American state is inept and weak, Roberts said. Further, American leaders from both parties, according to him, hold the notion that conciliation with the regime is the best approach. This kind of attitude resembles that held by British Prime Minister Arthur Neville Chamberlain, best known for his appeasement of Adolf Hitler. Roberts said that the failure of the British leader to take a stand against Hitler should be the greatest lesson in modern history for the United States, adding that Washington can ill-afford to make the same mistake with respect to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Part of the danger posed by the CCP results from its ability to infiltrate American society through extensive business connections. China has gotten America to look more like China, he said. We have to eliminate CCP investments in American universities. We have to eliminate CCP investments in any of our national security interests. We have to tear out root and branch, every part of the Chinese Communist Party in this country, he added. In order to deter the Chinese regime, the U.S. leadership should possess the same resolve as that held by President Ronald Reagan who fought strongly against the Soviet Union to end the Cold War, according to Roberts. President Reagan had the political courage against all of the advice he was getting from the other side, and the appeasers in the United Nations, to stare down the Soviet and say, Tear down that wall, he said. If we dont engage in these great battles about moral clarity, about freedom, then we probably shouldnt even exist as a country ourselves. Hannah Ng China Reporter Follow Mersing district police chief Cyril Edward shows a picture of British man Adrian Peter Chesters, who was found safe after drifting at sea for two and a half days, during a press conference at Mersing, Johor, Malaysia, on April 9, 2022. (Ebrahim Harris/Reuters) British Diver Rescued Off Malaysia Says His Son Died at Sea MERSING, MalaysiaA Dutch teenager who disappeared after going diving off the coast of Malaysia is dead, according to his father who was found drifting at sea on Saturday, officials said. Fourteen-year-old Nathan Renze Chesters and his British father Adrian Peter Chesters, 46, were in a group of four who went missing on Wednesday afternoon on a training dive near Tokong Sanggol, a small island off the southeastern town of Mersing. The elder Chesters and Alexia Alexandra Molina, 18, from France were rescued by fishermen at around 1 a.m. (1700 GMT on Friday) off Indonesias Bintan island, southeast of Singapore, and some 100 kilometers (60 miles) south of where they went missing, officials said. The groups instructor, Kristine Grodem, 35, from Norway, was rescued on Thursday. Nathan, whose body has not been recovered, was confirmed to have died by his father, as he was too weak and could not survive, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency said in a statement. Search and rescue operation for foreign divers off the coast of Johors Mersing, Malaysia, on April 8, 2022. (Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency via AP ) Police had said Indonesian authorities would take over the search for the teenager as he had likely drifted into their waters. We believe there is a high likelihood that he is no longer in Malaysian waters based on the movement of sea currents, as well as the time and location where the other victims were found, Mersing district police chief Cyril Edward Nuing told reporters. Malaysian assets would be on standby to help, he said. Grodem earlier told officials the group surfaced about an hour into their dive on Wednesday but could not find their boat. She was later separated from the others after being caught in strong currents. The boat operator who took them to the dive site was detained after testing positive for drugs, police said. By Rozanna Latiff and Ebrahim Harris Chris Rock backstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Calif., on March 27, 2022. (Al Seib/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images) Chris Rock Remains Silent on Oscars Slap: Not Until I Get Paid Chris Rock suggested that he will only speak about the Will Smith slapping incident at the Oscars if he is paid for it. Im OK, I have a whole show, and Im not talking about that until I get paid, Rock joked during his comedy show in Indio, California, on April 8, according to a reporter at the scene. Life is good. I got my hearing back. Its not clear whether Rocks comments about getting paid suggest he is planning to file a civil lawsuit against Smith or if he is holding out for a network to pay him for an interview. Rock declined to file a police report after the incident last month, said the Los Angeles Police Department at the time. During the 2022 Academy Awards in Los Angeles, Rock made a joke about Smiths wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, having a shaved head. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor then walked on the stage and slapped Rock and yelled at him keep my wifes name out your [expletive] mouth several times after he sat down. Later, Smith, 53, issued an apology to Rock, 57, in a lengthy social media post and said he would resign as a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. But on April 8, the Academy announced it would bar Smith from attending the Oscars for the next ten years. Denzel Washington, left, talks to Chris Rock onstage during the 94th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre, in Hollywood, on March 27, 2022. (Myung Chun/Los Angeles Times via TCA) The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards, Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement. The Academy added that during the Oscars broadcast, the board did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers, and our Academy family around the world, and we fell shortunprepared for the unprecedented. A member of the Academy, Harry Lennix, said that Smiths Academy Award for King Richard should have been taken from him. Smith needs to express-mail his golden trophy back to the Academy and publicly state something to the effect of: Out of respect for the 94 years of honor conferred upon this award, I do not in good conscience feel worthy of being its custodian, Lennix wrote in a Variety column Saturday. Of the many unsettling things said in the aftermath of the slap, the most galling to me was his reference to the influence of a higher power during his surreal acceptance speech after he won for his work in King Richard less than an hour after his act of violenceand the Academys equally shocking decision not to eject Smith from the ceremony, Lennix added. When Air Force vet Nicholas Timm, 40, bought a dilapidated building in Okanogan, Washington, at the end of last year, he stumbled upon a lost work of art behind the walls. Carrying out demolition work with his crew in January, he was removing plaster from a wall when he glimpsed something unexpected. A spot caught my eye, Timm told The Epoch Times. I was looking at it and I was like guys, I told my guys, I think theres a painting back here. Despite being minutes away from putting up fresh walls, a shock of color captured their curiosity and the team began peeling back layers to see what lay underneath. To Timms amazement, it was a 100-year-old mural. (Courtesy of Nicholas Timm) (Courtesy of Nicholas Timm) (Courtesy of Nicholas Timm) We just kept finding more and more of this amazing picture, he said. And then one of my other guys says, hey, I bet theres another one on the opposite wall. And, I was like, oh, no way, no way. But we looked, and sure enough there wasboth are very beautiful. Measuring around 11 feet tall and 60 feet long, each mural depicted in muted warm tones landscapes with lakes, trees, and cabins. Timm said the scenery looked European. Theyre not identical pictures, but theyre similar. Theyre clearly meant to be together, he said. Theyre about 85 to 90 percent intact. Timm, who runs a pest control company, had been converting the space into a bar and restaurant. The mural tells a story about Okanagans history, he said. Pulling plaster off was key to unlocking the buildings first incarnation as the towns playhouse. After doing some research and contacting specialists, a mural expert for that period was brought in and was able to pinpoint its origin. (Courtesy of Nicholas Timm) (Courtesy of Nicholas Timm) The artist who painted the work for the playhouse was named W. J. Makonnen. Later, a gentleman bought the building, and three years on covered the murals and installed a movie theatre. From that point forward, the paintings remained hidden over the decades, while the premises underwent change after change. Between around 1922 to the present day it was a grocery store, a butchers shop, a publishing house, said Timm. It was a fabric store. I mean, its literally been everything. It was a bank at one point. What is to become of the murals now? Our mural specialist is going to take them off the walls and stabilize them, because exposed theyre deteriorating very quickly, he explained. Then shes going to restore them so they can be put back up, which is super cool. (Courtesy of Nicholas Timm) (Courtesy of Nicholas Timm) A couple of museums have expressed interest in the paintings, and one of the murals will be showcased on a traveling exhibition next year. The other will go back up on the wall in the finished establishment. Timm said his goal is to bring more life back to downtown Okanogan. But restoring the 115-year-old buildings former glory has been a challenge. It took a lot of work to get here, said Timm. The building was really rough, the floors were rotted out, the electrics were shot, there was no plumbing, no running water. (Courtesy of Nicholas Timm) (Courtesy of Nicholas Timm) (Courtesy of Nicholas Timm) Its going to take a lot of work to get to the final step. But its been worth it. Ive got a crew of really good guys that work for me at pest control and theyve done an amazing job. The towns reaction to the hidden artifact has been the best part. The response was fantastic, Timm added. People were just coming in off the street. Can I see the mural? It just it brings a smile to their faces. They get to see that our town has some history to it. Does Timm have any advice for those undertaking similar projects? Sure, look behind the walls before you tear a building down, he jokes. Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Bright newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter New research has found a plausible mechanism to explain COVID's tie to damaging changes in the brain For some, its just a sniffle. But for others, COVID-19 can hit hard. Either way, some people who get COVID-19 will suffer from long-term effects. This is known as long COVID, and its sufferers are often referred to as long haulers. Chances are you already know about long COVID and you may even have been affected by it or have friends or family who are. What is less well known, however, is that neurological issues are common in long COVID. Broken Brains Brain inflammation, stroke, chronic headache, disturbed consciousness, cognitive impairment, and brain fog (an all-encompassing phrase to describe a condition that usually manifests as slow thinking, memory lapses, and difficulty concentrating) can all result after infection with the virus known as SARS-CoV-2. Even the illnesss unusual hallmarks, hyposmia, and hypogeusiabetter known to us non-scientists as loss of smell and tasteare thought to be due to changes in nervous system function. But while both clinicians and patients have noticed a myriad of brain issues post infection, scientists dont know very much about how SARS-CoV-2 infections can lead to impaired brain function. That may be changing. A study published on Feb. 3 in Alzheimers & Dementia sheds light on a potential physiological mechanism behind the neurological problems COVID-19 survivors experience. While the deeper insight into what is going on is good news, unfortunately, theres bad news, too. The new study, Alzheimers-Like Signaling in Brains of COVID-19 Patients, includes some disturbing findings. Attacking ACE2 Receptors The study, led by Andrew R. Marks, a cardiologist and chair of the Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in Manhattan, consisted of analysis of brain tissue collected from 10 people who died from COVID-19. Markss team looked posthumously at the brains of four women who ranged in age from 38 to 80, and six men, ages 57 to 84. Its already known that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE2 receptors all over the body, including in the heart, lungs, kidneys, and epithelial cells that line the blood vessels. Scientists also believe that the multi-system failure that can result in death from COVID-19 is likely due to this invasion of heart and lung cells via these ACE2 receptors. Since the receptors have been invaded by the virus, the activity of the enzyme associated with the receptors (angiotensin-converting enzyme) is reduced, as scientists explained in a 2021 article published on The Conversation. The damage to the lungs and heart is usually uppermost in doctors minds when patients are experiencing severe illness. But, it turns out, there are also ACE2 receptors in the brain. Unless youre a neuroscientist, this is pretty technical. Stay with me anyway. Decreased ACE2 activity is associated with increased activity in transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). And high levels of TGF-beta in the brain are associated with irregularities in the tau proteins that stabilize nerve cells, specifically due to something called hyperphosphorylation. Phosphorylation, a normal biological process, is the addition of phosphate to an organic molecule, in this case, the tau protein. Hyperphosphorylation is the addition of too many phosphate groups at too many sites. Hyperphosphorylation can result in proteins with excess filaments that get tangled up. And these tau filament tangles are associated with Alzheimers disease. Leaky Brains Marks and his five colleagues at Columbia University investigated whether people who died of COVID-19 exhibited evidence of tau protein irregularities that are associated with Alzheimers. A significant body of recent research suggests that calcium ions leaking from certain ion channels in the brain, known as ryanodine receptors, may cause these tau irregularities. Ion channels enable the flow of ions through cell membranes, including brain cells (neurons). In a nutshell, ions enable the flow of electrical charges throughout the body and this flow is critical to the function of all cells. Its, in one sense, the communication system of the body and one of the primary mechanisms of brain function. Healthy brain function relies on ion channels, such as the ryanodine receptors just mentioned, operating as they should. Just as there are dangers when an electrical wire is leaking electricity due to a short, there are risks when these ion channels leak ions. Oxidative stress may be responsible for depleting calbindin, a protein that helps keep these channels closed, preventing them from leaking. When the levels of calbindin are low, channels that should remain closed may start to leak calcium. Too many calcium ions floating around in the brain or anywhere else in the body can cause a number of health problems. Markss team examined the brain tissue of the 10 people who died from COVID to see if there was evidence of leaks. More specifically, they analyzed the contents of the brain tissue for markers of TGF-beta activity. They found evidence of increased TGF-beta activity in both the cortex and the cerebellum. They also found evidence of increased oxidative stress. Cerebellum Concerns People who suffer from Alzheimers show evidence of tau filament tangles only in the cortexes of their brains, not in the cerebellum. However, this Columbia University research indicated that, unlike with Alzheimers, COVID may cause disturbances in the cerebellum as well. The cerebellum is involved in balance, coordination of movement, language, and posture, according to the University of Texas Health Science Center. Other recent research has shown that 74 percent of hospitalized COVID patients have had coordination problems. If COVID is compromising the cerebellum as well as the cortex, this may help explain the coordination issues clinicians have observed. Interestingly, though this was a small study, all the people who died had evidence of brain pathology. The TGF-beta marker was found in all the brains, even those of the younger patients who had exhibited no sign of dementia prior to coming down with COVID-19. Most people have heard that the presence of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain is an indication of Alzheimers. Even though lowered ACE2 activity is also associated with an increase in beta-amyloid plaques, the Columbia team didnt find any changes in the pathways that lead to the formation of amyloid beta in the brains of the patients who died from COVID (with the exception of one 84-year-old male who was previously suffering from dementia). This is one notable distinction between the pathology of COVID-19 and Alzheimers or dementia. Treating Neurological Symptoms Markss interest in the ryanodine ion channels is long-standing, and his recent COVID-related research may lead to financial benefits should other researchers affirm his findings. In 2011, a research team led by Marks demonstrated that a class of drugs, Rycals, may be effective in treating heart failure and muscle disorders by stabilizing the same ryanodine ion channels this new research indicates may be affected by COVID-19 infections. One drug from this class, ARM210, has been in the clinical-trial stage but has been officially classified as an orphan drug because the illness it was intended to treat was so rare. Marks told ScienceDaily that his study indicates a potential target for therapeutic interventions for the neurological symptoms of COVID. My greatest hope is that other laboratories will look into our findings, and if they are validated, generate interest in a clinical trial for long COVID, he said. Both Columbia University and Marks own stock in ARMGO Pharma, Inc., the company that has been developing drugs to target ryanodine channels. They also own patents on Rycals, according to a conflict of interest statement at the bottom of this study. Another of the studys co-authors, Steven Reiken, has been consulting for ARMGO. While conflicts of interest like these are fairly typical for published scientific research, and they dont invalidate the research, they are an important part of the overall picture that shouldnt be ignored. It also isnt unusual for a drug created for one purpose to find new life treating other conditions. In some cases, these new uses prove more important than the original intended use of the drug. In their paper, the Columbia team wrote that ex vivo treatment of COVID-19 patient brain samples with the Rycal drug ARM210 fixed the channel leak. While that may suggest a promising avenue for further investigation, applying a drug to brain tissue in the lab is a long way from giving it to living patients. Vaccine-Linked Neurological Damage While COVID is linked to neurological issues, the same also appears to be true with the vaccine itself. My colleague Stephanie Seneff, a senior research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and author of the book Toxic Legacy, is concerned that COVID-19 vaccines also have the potential to cause brain damage. Vaccines produce the spike protein, which is the part of the virus that binds to the ACE2 receptors, said Seneff, who wasnt involved in the Columbia research. I suspect this means that the vaccine could also disable the receptors and cause the same neurological damage. In fact, Seneff said, brain damage from the vaccine may be more common than brain damage from the naturally acquired infection. Vaccine-induced spike proteins get into the brain more easily than the virus does, she said. The virus only gets into the brain when a person has a compromised immune system. But the vaccine is injected into the muscle, which means it bypasses natural barriers that would normally keep the virus out of the brain. In May 2021, Seneff and her colleague Dr. Greg Nigh, an oncologist based in Portland, Oregon, published a paper in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Vaccine Theory, Practice, and Research explaining their hypothesis that the mRNA vaccines may be worse than the disease itself. Since then, she said, she has been studying the reports of vaccine adverse events that are collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In this new research, Seneff has found that 96 percent of all of the reported adverse outcomes in the year 2021 that have been related to neurological issues are connected to COVID vaccines. These adverse neurological events include memory disorders, mobility issues, difficulty swallowing, and loss of sense of smell. All these things that are showing up in VAERS are striking, Seneff said. Overwhelmingly, the events that show neurological issues are following COVID-19 vaccines. I honestly dont know why people arent absolutely shocked by these numbers. Compared to the other vaccines, these vaccines seem tremendously dangerous. Jennifer Margulis, Ph.D., is an award-winning journalist and author of Your Baby, Your Way: Taking Charge of Your Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Parenting Decisions for a Happier, Healthier Family. A Fulbright awardee and mother of four, she has worked on a child survival campaign in West Africa, advocated for an end to child slavery in Pakistan on prime-time TV in Paris, and taught post-colonial literature to non-traditional students in inner-city Atlanta. Learn more about her at JenniferMargulis.net. The campus of Georgetown University in Washington on May 7, 2020 is seen nearly empty as classes were canceled amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Saul loeb/AFP via Getty Images) COVID-19 Mask Mandates Reinstated at 3 US Universities Three U.S. universities have announced that they will temporarily reinstate a mask mandate on their campuses, citing increasing COVID-19 cases among students. At Georgetown University in Washington, an indoor mask requirement that began on April 7 is applicable on the main and medical center campuses. The decision was taken after undergraduate students exhibited higher rates of infection. The rules apply in all circumstances except when students are at a private office or personal residence or are eating and drinking. This increase is partly due to the impact of the BA.2 Omicron subvariant. BA.2 is now the dominant strain in the United States, including in D.C. and on our campuses. While recent studies show that BA.2 does not cause more severe illness than the initial Omicron variant, they also show that BA.2 is even more transmissible, the university said in a notice. In addition, Georgetown also strongly recommended that community members wear a mask when attending indoor social gatherings and off-campus events. N95 masks, freely available on campus, were recommended. Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, issued a similar announcement on April 6, temporarily reinstating masks for all people in common areas of residence halls and at the universitys dining facilities, except while eating and drinking. Students will have to wear masks inside classrooms as well. The university offers free masks. All undergraduate students will be tested twice a week at least through April 22. Almost 100 undergraduate students have reported testing positive for COVID-19 since April 1. Many of these students were asymptomatic. In an update on April 7, Rice University in Houston insists that everyone in a classroom wear masks regardless of their vaccination status. The only exception is for teachers while lecturing. The university has seen a significant rise in COVID-19 positive cases during the past few days. Around 145 incidents have been reported, with more than 90 percent seen among undergraduates. The compulsory use of masks has been a controversial issue, as some argue the measure has unintended negative consequences. During a disciplinary hearing in September against a chiropractor who treated patients without wearing a mask, the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors (ACAC) heard testimony written by a respirologist who said that unless the mask is sealed airtight, the virus is just going to seep around the masks. The respirologist brought attention to a study from Denmark that looked at individuals who wore masks and those who didnt. Despite desperately wanting to find objective evidence that masks [work], they could not, the respirologist said. Having the public wear masks, most of which are often wet, dirty, reused, and incorrectly worn, can lead to health problems and inhaling pollutants and secretions over and over. Then New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo listens during a COVID-19 news conference at the governor's Manhattan office in New York, on March 2, 2020. (Barry Williams/New York Daily News/TNS) Cuomo Misses Deadline to Mount Challenge in NY Governors Race By Laura Nahmias From Bloomberg News NEW YORKFormer Gov. Andrew Cuomo missed a key deadline to mount a challenge against Gov. Kathy Hochul in this years New York Democratic primary. Prospective candidates had until 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, to electronically file 15,000 signatures necessary to achieve a place on the Democratic primary ballot. A spokesperson for the former governor did not respond to a request for comment. Cuomo, who resigned in August 2021 after an independent investigation overseen by New York Attorney General Letitia James found hed sexually harassed nearly a dozen women, had for weeks hinted at the possibility of mounting an 11th hour challenge to Hochul. He would still qualify for the June Democratic primary for governor if he mails the petitions, postmarked on Thursday, if they arrive at the New York State Board of Elections on Monday. Or, if Cuomo decides to run as an independent candidate, hed have until May 31 to collect signatures. A recent Emerson poll found Cuomo trailed Hochul by just three points in a Democratic primary, 37 percent34 percent, even though 63 percent of New Yorkers surveyed said they thought Cuomo should not seek political office again. Hochul had served as Cuomos lieutenant governor since 2015 before his sudden resignation catapulted her into the governors office. Cuomo launched a multimillion-dollar ad campaign aimed at restoring his reputation in February. After a March appearance at a church in the Bronx, Cuomo told reporters he would not rule out the possibility of running for public office on a third party ballot line. Im open to all options, Cuomo told reporters in mid-March when asked whether hed consider creating his own political party or running on a third party line in order to run. Ive done it before, Cuomo said. My fathers done it before. In a February interview with Bloomberg News, Cuomo said he regretted his decision to step down last summer, and that he felt vindicated by several district attorneys decisions not to prosecute criminal cases against him. Cuomo created a new political party called the Womens Equality Party in 2014, when he was seeking a second term as governor. That year, he also ran on the Democratic, Independence, and Working Families Party ballot lines. Cuomos late father Mario ran on the Liberal Party ballot line in his 1977 bid for New York City mayor, after losing the Democratic primary to Edward Koch. 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- NIO will increase prices of some vehicle models on May 10 due to the continuous hike in raw materials prices globally, the EV startup announced today via the NIO App. The move came only 16 days after the company said it had no such plans. Photo credit: NIO According to NIO's adjustment scheme, the entire lineups of the ES8, the ES6, and the EC6 will record a price increase of 10,000 yuan ($1,572). Meanwhile, the starting prices of the ET7 and the ET5 will still remain unchanged. Besides, the service fee for renting a long-range battery pack will be lifted to 1,680 yuan ($265) per month from 1,480 yuan ($230) per month, while the fee for a standard-range battery pack rental, which currently stands at 980 yuan ($155) each month, will not be changed. What's more, the annual price for flexible upgrade to a 100kW battery pack will be increased to 9,800 yuan ($1,540) from 7,980 yuan ($1,255), while the users who pay for the service on a monthly basis will not be affected. NIO noted that the aforesaid adjustments would not influence the customers who pay the deposits before May 10. Just one day before announcing the price rise plan, NIO stated on its mobile app that it had suspended vehicle production as the operations at its suppliers in such places as Jilin, Shanghai, and Jiangsu were disrupted by the pandemic reason. Daniel Solis, Ex-Chicago Alderman-Turned-FBI-Mole, Charged With Bribery By Jason Meisner From Chicago Tribune CHICAGOFormer Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis, who turned government mole to help federal investigators build cases against Ald. Edward Burke and ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan, has been charged with a bribery count. The bare-bones, one-count criminal information alleged Solis, who abruptly retired as 25th Ward alderman in 2018 a month before his cooperation with the FBI was revealed, corruptly solicited campaign donations from an unidentified real estate developer in exchange for zoning changes in 2015, when Solis was head of the City Council Zoning Committee. Those general allegations had already been made public by attorneys for Burke, who revealed in a court filing in 2020 that Solis had cut a deal with the U.S. attorneys office known as a deferred prosecution agreement that meant he likely would escape conviction for his alleged misconduct. As part of the deal, Solis was to be charged with taking campaign cash from a developer, but the U.S. attorneys office agreed to drop the case if he continued to cooperate in the ongoing investigations, according to that filing. The U.S. attorneys office has neither confirmed nor denied the existence of a deferred prosecution agreement with Solis, but the charge filed Friday is likely the first step to finally putting it on the record. Sources told the Tribune the case had been brought before a federal magistrate judge for initial approval, and that its three-year window was scheduled to run out this year, meaning it would have to be extended. The information had not been public uploaded to the U.S. District Court docket as of Friday evening, and an arraignment date had not been set. A spokesman for U.S. Attorney John Lausch declined to comment Friday. Solis attorney, Lisa Noller, could not immediately be reached. Solis agreement was believed be unprecedented for a public official allegedly caught betraying the public trustbut then again, so was his cooperation. By secretly recording conversations with Burke and Madigan over the phone and in person, Solis was in uncharted waters even in a state with a long history of government cooperators, becoming a linchpin in a sprawling investigation that targeted two old-guard members of the Chicago Democratic machine. The deferred prosecution agreement means Solis will not only escape any jail timehes likely not going to be prosecuted for the crime at all. Whats more, the deal could allow the 72-year-old Solis to keep collecting his nearly $100,000 annual city pension, which could easily bring in a sizable sum from the taxpayer-funded system over the remainder of his lifetime Last, year, the Tribune interviewed nearly a dozen longtime members of the citys legal community, including several who worked on public corruption cases for the U.S. attorneys office, and none could remember such an arrangement being made for a public official caught abusing their office. Solis work as an FBI mole began in mid-2016, when he was confronted by investigators who had secretly listened in on hundreds of his phone calls over the course of nearly a year, including conversations where the alderman solicited everything from campaign donations to sexual services at a massage parlor, court records show. From August 2016 to May 2017, Solis wore a hidden wire and secretly recorded meetings with Burke, the then-powerful Finance Committee chairman and dean of the City Council. Many of the early conversations had to do with the massive renovation of the old main post office in Solis 25th Ward, which had also been a focus of the investigation of Solis, according to court records. Those conversations, in which Burke allegedly talked about how he could use his position as Finance Committee chairman to push the developer to hire Burkes private real estate tax firm, formed the backbone of prosecutors first request to a federal judge to tap Burkes City Hall telephone lines on May 1, 2017, according to court records. Some of the conversations Solis allegedly recorded with Burke have already entered the citys political corruption lexicon, including one on May 26, 2017, when Solis told Burke hed recently spoken with the post office projects developer. So, did we land the, uh, the tuna? Burke asked, according to the indictment. Later in the conversation, Burke said he wanted to meet with the developer himself, and promised Solis there would be a day of accounting for him if Burkes law firm wound up getting the developers business. Solis entered into his deferred prosecution agreement with the government on Jan. 3, 2019, the day after Burke was first charged, according to Burkes lawyers. Burke was indicted five months later on racketeering conspiracy and other charges alleging a host of corrupt schemes, including the allegations involving the old main post office deal. He has pleaded not guilty. Meanwhile, Solis was also recording Madigan, the longtime House speaker and head of the Illinois Democratic Party and at the time widely considered the most powerful politician in the state. According to the blockbuster 22-count racketeering indictment filed against Madigan last month, many of the recordings made by Solis centered on the sale of a piece of state-owned land in Chinatown that developers purportedly wanted to turn into a commercial development. Though the land deal never was consummated, its been a source of continued interest for federal investigators, who in 2020 subpoenaed Madigans office for records and communications hed had with key players. Solis recorded numerous conversations with Madigan as part of the Chinatown land probe, including one where the speaker told Solis he was looking for a colleague to sponsor a House bill approving the parcels sale, according to the indictment against Madigan. I have to find out about who would be the proponent in the House, Madigan allegedly told Solis in the March 2018 conversation. We gotta find the appropriate person for that. I have to think it through. The indictment also alleged that Madigan met with then Gov-elect J.B. Pritzker in December 2018 in part to discuss a lucrative state board position for Solis, ostensibly as a reward for helping Madigan win law business. Before that meeting, Solis allegedly recorded Madigan telling him the speakers communication with Pritzker did not need to be in writing, according to the indictment. I can just verbally tell him, Madigan allegedly said. Later in that same conversation, Madigan was recorded asking Solis to help steer insurance business to Madigans son, the Tribune has reported. Madigan has pleaded not guilty, and his son, Andrew, has not been charged. Solis cooperation, meanwhile, is at the center of pending motions by Burkes attorneys to have evidence gleaned from the wiretaps on Burkes cellphone and City Hall offices thrown out of court. They accused prosecutors of directing Solis to have scripted interactions with Burke and lie about the post office deal to curry favor with the government in his own case. At the time, Solis himself had been recorded committing a number of different crimes, the defense motion stated. The government did not disclose that it instructed a desperate (Solis) to record his conversations with Ald. Burke, even though (Solis) told the government that he had no knowledge of Ald. Burke ever having been involved in corrupt activity in the 25 years they served together on the City Council, their motion stated. Burkes lawyers alleged that despite Solis best efforts, Burke never agreed on tape to provide any official action in exchange for private business. But in a filing earlier this year, prosecutors dismissed that notion, saying that the undercover recordings and other evidence revealed at least 23 instances in which Burke talked with Solis about an illegal scheme to extort legal business related to the post office project. U.S. District Judge Robert Dow is expected to rule on the motion soon. 2022 Chicago Tribune. Visit at chicagotribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A display for facial recognition and artificial intelligence is seen on monitors at Huawei's Bantian campus on April 26, 2019, in Shenzhen, China. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) Decoupling From Chinas Economy Is the Future: Analyst U.S. political leadership must work with the private sector to decouple critical technology development from mainland China, according to one expert. One of the key vulnerabilities that were becoming more and more aware of is the degree to which Wall Street firms and American banks and investment companies continue to see China as this great market or this great investment opportunity, Arthur Herman, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, a Washington-based think tank, told EpochTVs Forbidden News. Decoupling from China is the future, and we need to establish timelines by which that is possible. We need to explain that both to private companies like Apple, for example, but also to Wall Street. Hawkish lawmakers and strategists have increasingly called for decoupling from communist China, wherein U.S. economic and research interests would be severed entirely from the nation. Such action is necessary to prevent the use of U.S. research and finances from fueling the continued exportation of the Chinese Communist Partys authoritarianism, they say. Achieving that decoupling would require a great amount of untangling with regard to U.S. supply lines, however, and Herman believes that political leadership should immediately begin working with the private sector to make that happen. How do we distance ourselves from dependence upon supply chains, manufacturing facilities, and investment in American industry and companies? Herman asked. How do we divest ourselves from those kinds of connections, in order to both build our modern high-tech arsenal so that its safe and secure and reliable in our hands? With that in mind, large U.S. tech corporations and investment firms have continued to invest heavily in China, regardless of the regimes use of forced labor and its policy of co-opting private data for military purposes. Nevertheless, Herman believes that U.S. corporations will ultimately work for Americas benefit if political leadership works to explain the severity of the situation to them. They did it because no one said dont do it,' Herman said of U.S. investment in China. So what we need to do is to change that dialogue into one in which Washington stands up for our national security interest and stands up for our national interests, both for the growth of our economy and also for strengthening our national defense. Then I think companies and executives will come around and realize that they have a hugely important role to play in the development of the future arsenal of democracies and in advancing high tech so it benefits everyone. Quantum Technology That new arsenal of democracies, a play on the phrase originating from U.S. World War II-era industrial dominance, is a reference to Hermans belief that the United States needs to lead the Western world in becoming the globes preeminent creator of next-generation technologies, such as quantum computing devices. Its believed that quantum communications, which utilize quantum mechanics to allow secure wireless transmissions across apparently unlimited space, will reshape the nature of telecommunications security. Whoever guides the emergence of such a technology will likely also guide the future shape of the international order. In quantum computing, the United States still enjoys a lead, I would even say a comfortable lead because weve got major companies like IBM and Microsoft and Intel and Google pursuing that avenue in the development of quantum technology, Herman said. And although the Chinese are sprinting fast to catch up, they just dont have right now the kind of spread of private initiative and know-how that the United States is able to enjoy in that area. In the area of quantum communications, however, I have to say the United States lags behind and the Chinese have understood the strategic as well as the technological significance of having instantaneous hackproof networks as a way in which to protect data and networks. Herman noted that China launched the worlds first quantum communications satellite in 2016 and that its efforts to gain dominance in that field were tied directly to its ambitions for global hegemony. Continued Partnerships Still, theres a deeper problem at work, which drives Herman and others to push for decoupling from Chinas communist regime. Thats the fact that U.S. companies are supercharging the regime through their work in mainland China. This is because Chinese security laws dictate that any data gathered or stored within its borders must be offered to Chinese authorities if its considered a matter of national security. Moreover, the regimes policy of dual-use, wherein every civilian technology is expected to also serve a military function, means that even the most rudimentary technologies created there could unexpectedly wind up in a military role. One example of this was a touch screen developed by Google, which was subsequently proposed to be used to improve the targeting screens of Chinese fighter jets. What weve seen is the unfortunate result of that [corporate] mentality has been that many of our best and brightest technology companies have been very willing to work with China on these technologies, Herman said. Weve seen [companies] also work with [China] on technology, scientific, and research and development projects in ways that dont take into account the degree to which China wants to achieve with these technologies. And what the United States and these companies themselves want to achieve are two completely different and even contradictory things. To that end, he said, U.S. political leadership needs to promote a change of consciousness in the U.S. business class and encourage a proactive understanding of national security in product development. The basic principle is that whatever you do, whatever you make, whatever you develop as a commercial company, becomes the property of the Chinese military intelligence services, Herman said. Theres no choice with the Chinese military-industrial complex. What you do as a commercial company becomes automatically the property and the technology that the military and intelligence services can use as they, not you, see fit. Therefore, he said, if the United States were to succeed in developing a 21st-century arsenal of democracies and lead the West in the development of advanced technologies, it would have to effectively tap into the private sector and integrate it with national security priorities. Then, Herman hoped, a more free and just international order could be secured. The arsenal of democracies for the 21st century, I think, can stand as a landmark event, both in the history of the United States, but also in the history of freedom and its endless struggle against tyranny and totalitarianism. Andrew Thornebrooke Reporter Follow Andrew Thornebrooke is a reporter for The Epoch Times covering China-related issues with a focus on defense, military affairs, and national security. He holds a master's in military history from Norwich University. Peter Vermeulen and his mother Josie Vermeulen at the matinee of Shen Yun on April 9 in Seattle. (Sunny Chen/The Epoch Times) SEATTLEI loved every minute, said Mrs. Josie Vermeulen, simply. It was the 96-year-old Dutch immigrants second time seeing a performance by Shen Yun Performing Arts. Shen Yun is based in New York, where each year the performers introduce a new program highlighting different aspects of Chinas 5,000 year historya history before communism. Mrs. Vermeulen came to the matinee at McCall Hall on April 9 to watch the classical Chinese dance and music performance with her son, retired dentist Peter Vermeulen. Mr. Vermeulen felt strongly about Shen Yuns mission to preserve Chinas traditional culture. I think its incredibly important, he said. I think its monumentally important to bring Americans the awareness of what it is they are taking for granted, and the battle that is being waged by millions upon millions of wonderful people in China against the Communist Party. Peter Vermeulens parents left Holland in the 1950s, he said, due to increased socialism in the country. The couple went on a Lindblad Tour to China right after President Nixons visit there in the 70s. Mrs. Vermeulen remembers this trip as a significant and fascinating one that ignited her interest in Chinese culture. My father was an engineer who came to the United States as an immigrant after World War II, Mr. Vermeulen said. They came here seeking opportunities and freedoms that, even after wed won the war, that socialism was not going to provide, and that only America with its freedom and its democracy was able to offer. My father became an individual who started his own business and [had] opportunities that only America could afford to an individual such as that, he said. In addition, the Vermeulens are Christians and so empathize with the religious persecution suffered by millions of Chinese citizens today. Shen Yuns programming touches upon this issue with a few dances that show people of faith being persecuted by the atheist regime. One thing that we can all agree upon, he said, is that the persecution of those of faith is wrong. Thats something that we really understand fully the ramifications of. Shen Yun highlights the beauty of Chinas culture and the bravery of its people, he believes. I think it is important to understand the culture of the past and the beauty of the Chinese people, and what it is that, like I said before, that the good souls of China are fighting there, and the battle that is being waged. And we must continue that fight. Reporting by Sunny Chen. The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006. Efforts to End Forced Organ Harvesting in China Lead to Unanimous Resolution in Virginia House FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va.When the TV screen inside the Virginia General Assembly showed the vote of 820 on Feb. 11, Wang Chunyan, a 66-year-old Chinese refugee who just became a U.S. citizen a year ago, stood in silence. The vote in question was a House resolution condemning the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) more than two-decades-long persecution of adherents of the spiritual group Falun Gong. The House of Delegates strongly condemns the imprisonment, torture, slave labor, and state-sponsored forced organ harvesting used against Falun Gong practitioners in China and demands an immediate end to the persecution of Falun Gong by the Chinese Communist Party, the resolution states. All Virginians stand in solidarity with Falun Gong practitioners in their pursuit of freedom of belief. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual practice composed of moral teachings centered around the tenets of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, and a set of meditative exercises. It expanded in popularity in China in the 1990s, resulting in 70 million to 100 million people practicing by the end of the decade. Deeming such popularity to be a threat to its authoritarian rule, the CCP in 1999 launched an expansive persecution campaign targeting the practice and its adherents. Since then, millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in prisons, labor camps, detention centers, and other facilities, where they have been subjected to torture, forced labor, and forced organ harvesting. Wang Chunyan before a Board of Supervisor meeting in Spotsylvania, Va., on Mar. 23, 2021. (Sherry Li/The Epoch Times) Before fleeing to the United States, Wang was one of the victims of the persecution. From late 2020 to 2021, the retired businesswoman and her friends collected over 5,000 signatures in support of local resolutions on the issue in more than 20 Virginian counties. The unanimous passing [of the resolution] exceeded my expectations, Wang told The Epoch Times. In the face of a brutal Chinese communist regime, 82 delegates said no. I was overwhelmed by the kindness. Recollections Despite it being a moment of triumph, the House votes also triggered some painful memories for Wang. An overwhelming moment from November 2020 flashed in her mind. Wang was at a Frederick County Board of Supervisors meeting in Winchester on Nov. 12, 2020. A resolution (pdf) on the meeting agenda alerted county residents and the medical community to the existence of state-sponsored forced organ harvesting. Due to her limited English, she often relied on her friends and fellow Falun Gong practitioners to speak about the CCPs expansive suppression of the spiritual practice. At this meeting, her friend Tiny Tang informed the board members about various abuses suffered by practitioners at the hands of the communist regime. As Tang spoke about how the persecution tore millions of Chinese families apart, Wang couldnt help but think of her own husband, who died almost 20 years ago. It was like my almost-healed wounds were torn open again, she said. Her world had been turned upside down when she lost her husband of 21 years. In January 2002, 2 1/2 years into the regimes persecution, Wang left home in an effort to evade local police who were bent on arresting her for persisting in her faith. As a result, Wangs husband, Yu Yefu, who was not a practitioner, was often harassed by police looking to track down Wang. One day, a policeman visited Yu at his workplace to find out Wangs whereabouts. The officer hit Yu, who fought back. Before leaving, the policeman said he would take revenge. Several days later, Yus body was found at home with the gas turned on. The official cause of death was determined to be gas poisoning, but the family suspected foul play given that he was found with a head wound. He was 49. Traditionally in China, the eldest son occupies a special position in the family, bearing primary responsibility for the welfare of the parents and other family members. Yu was the eldest son and someone the entire family looked up to and relied on. Upon learning of his death, his 37-year-old younger sister suffered a heart attack and was hospitalized. Within weeks, his mother became paralyzed out of grief and remained in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Unable to cope with the loss, his father killed himself a year later, saying, I am joining my son. Ten days after her husbands death, Wang was arrested. A lawyer said she could be released if she gave up her practice of Falun Gong. She refused, and was sentenced to two years in prison. The judge also ordered that her two cars and office space for her business be confiscated. She also lost her qualification to be a business owner because of her prison sentence. As a result, she lost her business selling chemical production equipment. Detention Because she refused to renounce her faith, Wang was arrested and sentenced twice in China, spending a total of seven years in prison. While in detention, she suffered a range of torture aimed at forcing her to give up her belief. During the first month of imprisonment in the Dalian Detention Center in northeast Chinas Liaoning Province in 2002, three prisoners took turns beating her with a three-foot-long club made with two iron rods of about one-inch diameter twisted together. The beating lasted for about three hours until she ran and hit her head against the wall in desperation. The torture session left her back soaked with blood. At the detention center, Wang was forced to perform slave labor, producing toilet seat covers for eight months, then Christmas ornaments for the remaining four months at the facility. Wangs second year in detention was at the Liaoning Womens Prison, where she was forced to make clothes destined for export to Europe. Slave labor days were long, from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., seven days a week. Sometimes the detainees had to work even longer to meet production quotas. Even outside detention, Wang wasnt free from the regimes oppression. Discrimination and humiliation followed her wherever she went as a result of the CCPs expansive disinformation campaign against Falun Gong, which had turned many in China against the practice. Before her first arrest, Wang owned a successful sales business with an annual revenue of more than a million yuan (over $150,000). After she was released in 2004, she realized that she had lost a lot of friends. Her acquaintances would avoid eye contact if they bumped into her on the street. Her socioeconomic status dropped to the bottom of society. Wang Chunyan gathers with Falun Gong practitioners in Washington to mark 22 years of the persecution in China, on July 16, 2021. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Organ Harvesting At the November 2020 Board of Supervisors meeting in Virginias Frederick County, Wangs friend Tang turned to the subject of forced organ harvestinga grisly state-sanctioned practice in which detained Falun Gong practitioners are killed for their organs for sale on the transplant market. A 2019 independent peoples tribunal found that organ harvesting had taken place for years on a substantial scale, and continues today. As her friend was speaking about the untold number of Falun Gong practitioners killed as a result of organ harvesting, Wang thought of the blood test she was given while in Liaoning Womens Prison in January 2003. She didnt know the reason for the blood test at the time. It didnt make sense to her to receive physical examinations alongside torture sessions. However, when reports about forced organ harvesting first broke in 2006, she realized what it was forher captors were checking for organ compatibility. At that 2020 meeting, these traumatic memories hit Wang in waves, and she tried her best to hold back her tears. But the words of Robert Wells, vice-chair of the Frederick County board of supervisors, after the meeting lifted Wang out of sorrow. She recalled him saying that her presence was the best evidence of the CCPs abuses because she was a survivor of the persecution. In January 2021, the board unanimously passed a county resolution condemning the CCPs organ transplant abuses. Wang told herself then that her anguish was now helping to serve a good cause. Second Home Coming to the United States felt like a second life for Wang. After serving her first two-year prison term, Wang was arrested again in August 2007 for raising awareness about the persecution in China. After her release five years later, she knew she had to leave China. By that time, more than 20 of her close friends had died due to the persecution. To avoid the same thing happening to her, Wang fled to Thailand in May 2013. On her first day of arrival, she applied for U.N. refugee status. While she was waiting for her application to be processed in Thailand, Reps. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) wrote letters to the U.N. refugee program to help her, urging the program to fast-track her case. Wang was resettled in the United States two years later. America is a second home to me, said Wang, who now lives in Fairfax County in Virginia. I feel an obligation to return the favor to my fellow Americans, to inform them of the evil of the CCP so they wont be fooled by it. Driven by her newfound mission, she traveled to more than 20 counties across the state in 2021. She would visit local officials in the mornings and go to shopping centers in the afternoons to collect signatures in support of the passing of resolutions condemning the persecution and state-sponsored forced organ harvesting. I need some support, she would say as she reached out to strangers in shopping malls. The 66-year-old would then show people print materials describing her story, or give people flyers about Beijings suppression. She used written materials since her English wasnt advanced enough to adequately describe what she had gone through. To Wangs surprise, many people expressed their sympathy and signed right away to support a local resolution in support of Falun Gong. She said people welcomed her with open arms as a fellow Virginian. Backed by signatures from over 5,000 Virginia residents, over 20 local resolutions were passed in 2021. Del. Kaye Kory (D-Fairfax) of Virginia introduces Wang Chunyan to the members of the General Assembly in Richmond on Jan. 25, 2022. (Screenshot of Virginia General Assembly Livestream via The Epoch Times) Awareness On Jan. 25, Wang experienced another warm welcome from her adopted homethis time by legislators in Virginias lower house. That day, Del. Kaye Kory (D-Fairfax) introduced Wang to all House delegates present during the regular session: Chunyan Wang, a Falun Gong practitioner, who was imprisoned in China for seven years, tortured, and forced to labor making jackets to be sold in the U.S. and Europe. Kory was aware of the plight of Falun Gong practitioners in China before she heard Wangs story. Four years ago, I had an intern, a student from VCU [Virginia Commonwealth University], who was a Falun Gong member. He had escaped, and the rest of his family was still imprisoned and died while he was working for me, she told The Epoch Times. Wang Chunyan (C) holds the slave labor jacket she smuggled from Liaoning Womens Prison in northeast China as Del. Kaye Kory introduces her to members of the Virginia General Assembly during the regular session in Richmond, Va., on Jan. 25, 2022. (Screenshot of Virginia General Assembly Livestream via The Epoch Times) Del. John Avoli (R-Staunton), who sponsored the resolution, told The Epoch Times that he was proud of its unanimous passing and described the Chinese regimes forced organ harvesting as deplorable and needs to be addressed. Dr. Tatiana Denning, a family physician in Virginia and a health columnist for The Epoch Times, spoke to the House Rules Committee on Feb. 8 in support of the resolution. She first heard of forced organ harvesting from two of her patients in 2017, a couple who practice Falun Gong. Surely it cant be that bad, or I would have heard about it in the news, she thought at the time. She later researched the issue and concluded that organ harvesting was indeed happening, and occurring on a large scale. Can you imagine if, after the fact, you learned that someone else was probably killed so that you could have your organ? she told The Epoch Times, referring to those who receive organ transplants in China. I dont know how you could live with yourself. It would just be devastating. The House resolution urges Virginia residents and the medical community to be fully informed about the risks associated with transplant tourism to China, to prevent Americans from unwittingly becoming accomplices to Beijings state-sponsored organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners and other prisoners of conscience. Denning underscored this point. For the sake of, not just the person thats losing their life, but the person that has to live with what theyve been a part of and what theyve been complicit unknowingly with, I think its important to let Americans know. A previous version of this article misstated the Virginia County Board of Supervisors meeting recollected by Wang. The meeting was held in Frederick County in November 2020. The Epoch Times regrets the error. Ex-Clinton Campaign Lawyer Fights Durhams Use of FBI Expert Testimony Attorneys for former Democratic National Committee attorney Michael Sussmann filed a motion seeking to exclude certain expert testimony from his case, accusing special counsel John Durhams attorneys of missing a key deadline and asking a judge to block testimony in his false statement case. The attorneys representing Sussmann, whos accused by the Justice Department of lying to the FBI, said Durham never once suggested that it intended to call an expert witness, according to an April 8 court filing (pdf). Nowa mere six weeks before trialthe Special Counsel has provided a perfunctory and legally deficient notice that he intends to call Special Agent David Martin of the FBI to offer highly technical and complex testimony at trial, the motion reads, including (at his sole discretion) on a topic that the Special Counsel has told the Court he does not intend to put at issue at trial, namely, the accuracy of the data that Mr. Sussmann provided to the FBI, as well as the accuracy of the conclusions drawn from that data. Sussmann, his attorneys stated, is amenable to expert testimony from Special Agent Martin that helps educate the jury about basic, uncontroversial issues like what Domain Name System data is, according to the filing. Sussmann also seeks to block any expert testimony regarding the accuracy of the data or the accuracy of conclusions drawn from the data. They also said in court that the testimony requested by Durham is complicated and highly technical, noting that it relates to the accuracy and possible fabrication, manipulation, or spoofing, of truly voluminous DNS data, as well as the analytic significance and conclusions that can be drawn based on the provenance and origins of that voluminous data. DNS refers to domain name system, a decentralized naming system used to identify computers, servers, and other devices reachable via the internet. Martin is being called by Durham to testify about the Tor open-source software platform that allows for anonymous communications and accessing certain darknet websites, according to a previous filing from the special prosecutor. He also told Sussmanns team that as you are aware, a white paper that the defendant submitted to FBI General Counsel Baker contained assertions about the purported use of a TOR exit node by the Trump Organization and Alfa Bank. You have indicated in recent discussions that you may seek to limit the testimony and evidence at trial concerning the purported DNS data solely to that which reflects the defendants state of mind and subjective understanding of the purported DNS data at issue in this case, Durham previously wrote to Sussmanns team, noting that you are not currently inclined to offer evidence, or engage in questioning, that would imply, assert, or seek to prove the authenticity of the relevant DNS data or the actual truth of the allegations at issue concerning a secret channel of communications between the Trump Organization and Alfa Bank. Last year, Durham accused Sussmann of lying to the FBIs then-general counsel, James Baker, when he presented information to Baker in late 2016 alleging that there was a covert backdoor channel between the Trump Organization and Alfa-Bank. Durham said Sussmann, who was working for a law firm that was retained by the Democratic National Committee and the Clinton campaign, lied to the FBI when he allegedly told Baker that he wasnt working on behalf of any client. Sussmanns attorneys also said their client objects to any expert testimony regarding the accuracy of the data or the accuracy of conclusions drawn from the data and that such testimony is not relevant to the false statements charge, according to the filing. Sussmann would be unfairly prejudiced by the testimony, they said, before asking the judge to block it. Sussmanns attorneys didnt respond to a request for comment by press time. Fuel Protests Creating an Unacceptable Risk of Harm: UK Police Days of exceptionally dangerous fuel protests are putting activists and officers at unacceptable risk of harm as the number of arrests are set to top 350, Essex Police have said. Activists from Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion have been blocking access to oil terminals in Essex, demanding that the government stops new oil and gas projects. There have been 338 arrests since the protests began on April 1 and another 26 arrests are about to be made. It comes after more than 20 protesters arrived at Exolum Storage in Grays on Sunday morning. Police officers from the Protester Removal Team work to free a Just Stop Oil activist (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin said: We cannot stand by while criminal acts are being committed, and lives are being put at risk, in the name of protest. We are not anti-protest. Our job is to preserve life and catch criminals, and thats what were going to do. Todays protest is exceptionally dangerous due to where the protesters have located themselves within the site. Our officers have been diligent in ensuring that all protesters know the risks involved, and weve been working hard to minimise the dangers this morning. Put simply: we dont want anyone to get hurt. The force has said that policing protests in Thurrock had cost Essex Police in excess of 1 million. Mr Pavelin said of the protesters whose acts of criminality on site are not only illegal, but they are continuing to put themselves and our officers at real risk of harm and that is unacceptable. The impact of the protests is being felt by the people of Essex and beyond, he said. He added: Weve been lucky to have extra support from specialist officers from across the country, to support some of our officers continuing with their day jobs. The force is working with organisations including Thurrock Council, the East of England Ambulance Service, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, plus the local fuel companies to handle the protests while also having to deal with local crime. Warwickshire Police said that a further 29 arrests have been made this weekend in connection with ongoing protests at Kingsbury Oil Terminal. Those in custody have been arrested for offences including criminal damage, conspiracy to cause criminal damage, and conspiracy to commit public nuisance in what Assistant Chief Constable Ben Smith described as another busy weekend for the force. This takes the total number of arrests to 180 since the protests began on April 1. Mr Smith, who said there would be a heightened police presence at the site over the coming days, added: This weekends protest activity has been contained to the Piccadilly Way area and has caused little disruption to the wider community, or to the operations of the oil terminal. While we will always recognise and respect the publics right to peaceful protest, we will take action against anyone who breaks the law or causes significant impact on the local community. He thanked the public for their ongoing patience and said the force is working to minimise disruption to the local community and the road networks. Hong Kongs former No. 2 official John Lee, formally declared his candidacy for the upcoming leadership election, entering the race for chief executive on April 11, 2022. (Sung Pi-Lung/The Epoch Times) Hong Kongs Hardline Security Chief Formally Declares Candidacy for Chief Executive HONG KONGHong Kongs former No. 2 official John Lee on Saturday formally declared his candidacy for the upcoming leadership election, entering the race for chief executive viewed by many as the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) endorsed candidate. Lee said at an online news conference that he would stand for the election on May 8 after the communist regime in Beijing approved his resignation, which he submitted last week, as the citys chief secretary for administration. Lees candidacy comes after current leader Carrie Lam announced she would not run for a second term, following a rocky five years in power that spanned the COVID-19 pandemic, a clampdown on political freedoms, and Beijings rapid and growing control over the territory. Lee, 64, is a staunch advocate of the CCP-imposed national security law, which has been used since 2020 to target pro-democracy activists, supporters, and media, diminishing freedoms promised to Hong Kong during Britains handover to China in 1997. Experts in the city see a potential administration under Lee as a signal that the CCP could further tighten its grip on the global financial hub. Stand News editor-in-chief Patrick Lam is brought into a vehicle after police searched the premises at the independent news outlet office in Hong Kong, on Dec. 29, 2021. (Anthony Kwan/Getty Images) The chief executive will be voted in by an election committee of about 1,500 people, a majority of whom are pro-CCP. The new leader will take office on July 1. Lee spent the early years of his civil service career as a police officer and steadily climbed the ranks. He became Hong Kongs security minister in July 2017 under Lams administration, and last June was promoted to chief secretary for administration. Related Coverage Chinese Regime Further Eroded Freedom in Hong Kong: US State Department Lee was an outspoken supporter of the national security law imposed on the city, which outlaws subversion, secession, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces in the citys affairs and has been used to suppress dissent. Over 150 people have been arrested since the law was implemented. In 2020, the United States sanctioned Lee, together with Lam and other Hong Kong and CCP officials, for undermining Hong Kongs autonomy and restricting the freedom of expression or assembly. Next months election will be the first since Hong Kongs electoral laws were amended last year to ensure that only patriots loyal to Beijing can hold office. The changes make it difficult for pro-democracy supporters to run for chief executive. Hong Kongs leader is chosen every five years, although the selection process is carefully orchestrated behind the scenes by the CCP. The four chief executives selected since Hong Kongs handover have all been candidates seen as favored by Beijing. Lee said he would focus policymaking on ensuring that Hong Kong remains competitive globally and bolster its role as a gateway and bridge between our country and the world. SEATTLELavanya Reddy attended her first Shen Yun performance about 10 years ago, and not only has she been a loyal fan ever since, but also a huge advocate. She is the president of The National Federation of Indian American Associations and a Montessori teacher by profession. NFIA is a national umbrella organization for all the organizations of Indian origin. I liked it so much, recalled Ms. Reddy of that first experience with the New York-based classical Chinese dance company. At the time, I was president for one of the states organizations in Washington, so I actually asked [Shen Yun] to come and sell the tickets for my group. So almost 150 people at once came and saw it that day. Ms. Reddy attended the April 8 performance in Seattle, making this the seventh year shes seen Shen Yun. Through story dances, regional folk dances, and live music, it brings to full color the 5,000 years of Chinese heritage at risk under the current communist regime. Its very beautifully and well organized, commented Reddy. I have my heart filled with appreciation of the dedication and perfection, and they are beautifully trained and that dedication is amazing. You see it in each and every person. Shen Yuns mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture, which is built on a foundation of faith and respect for the divine. Unfortunately, the atheist communist party actively persecutes believers of many faiths. Shen Yuns performances touch on this sad reality. We believe that always good wins. The divine side always wins, said Ms. Reddy. So thats my hope that one day they (the persecutors) would realize that what theyre doing is not right. And I think faith is its own individual thing. Everybody should have the independence to do the way they want to do it. Reporting by Echo Liu. The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006. In some ways, resistance against COVID-19 mandates and restrictions seemed to be peaking in February with events like the Canadian trucker protest, which looked like it was beginning to spread to other places. Then suddenly, restrictions and mandates seemed to relax almost across the board at around the same time Russia began invading Ukraine and all attention shifted to that. Now, we see Obama getting more attention at a recent White House event than Biden, and even snubbing Bidenwhose latest gaffe boldly called for Putins removal from the Russian presidency. Surely, these kinds of lapses by Biden are a concern for the Democratic Party and a threat to their continued hold on power. News about Hunter Bidens laptop has also finally been picked up by major media; prompting the question of: how come theyre no longer giving Biden a pass? Is something big coming? Follow EpochTV on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpochTVus Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpochTVus Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/EpochTV Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/epochtv Gab: https://gab.com/EpochTV Telegram: https://t.me/EpochTV Parler: https://parler.com/#/user/EpochTV Ivermectin as Treatment for COVID-19 May Become More Accessible in Tennessee Tennessee may make ivermectin accessible without a prescription for treatment against COVID-19 if legislation that was approved in the Senate on April 6 is signed by Gov. Bill Lee. One of the sponsors of Senate Bill 2188 (pdf), state Sen. Frank Niceley, a Republican, told The Epoch Times, Its one of the most important bills weve passed this year. The bill would put it behind the counter with a consultation, which means you would explain your symptoms to the pharmacist, fill out a sheet listing your preexisting conditions and what other medication youre on in order for the pharmacist to determine the right dosage, Niceley said. Ivermectin is one of the many therapeutic options, like vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and anti-virals, that have proven to be effective in the treatment of COVID-19, Republican state Sen. Rusty Crowe, a co-sponsor of the bill, said in a statement. This bill will provide for a safe and effective way for patients to quickly access ivermectin over the counter, and under the supervision of their pharmacists and the physician with whom the pharmacists have their collaborative agreement. Ivermectin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as an anti-parasitic drug but isnt authorized for treatment of COVID-19. In 2021, ivermectin joined hydroxychloroquine as one of the controversial early treatments for COVID-19. Many medical professionals were threatened with losing or lost their medical licenses for prescribing both drugs to treat COVID-19, based on the allegation of misinformation. Ivermectin clearly works, Niceley said. Weve had doctors in the Senate who prescribe it all the time. Youve got to take it early. As with any disease, early treatment is better than late, he said, adding that he took ivermectin when he tested positive for COVID-19. Niceley said one of the reasons for the bill is to make ivermectin safer so that people arent getting the wrong dose, as many have resorted to purchasing the farm-grade veterinary horse de-wormer. Though some have reported positive results even from using the veterinary version of the drug, media reports focused on allegations of people overdosing and crowding emergency rooms, leading to a false report that gunshot victims were being prevented from receiving care. Ivermectin is safer than Tylenol, Niceley said. Theres no reason to not try it. Because the efficacy of ivermectin depends on early treatment, the bill will facilitate a persons ability to get the drug in the early stages. If you have to make an appointment with a doctor and wait two weeks to get in, its too late for early treatment, Niceley said. Profound Propaganda to Limit Its Use In a March Senate Health and Welfare Committee hearing, Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance co-founder Dr. Paul Marik, who has advocated for the use of ivermectin, spoke in support of the bill. Its probably one of the safest medications ever made, Marik said. Over 3.7 billion people have been given ivermectin for the treatment of parasitic diseases in Africa, Asia, and South America. More people have died from Tylenol, which is also referred to as Panadol in some parts of the world, than from ivermectin, Marik said. One couldnt have asked for nature to give us a more perfect drug because it kills the virus, via a number of mechanisms, and it also has potent anti-inflammatory properties. So it really is the perfect drug for the treatment of COVID-19, Marik said. There has been a propaganda campaign to dismiss the drug as a toxic horse de-wormer, he said, though its probably the most effective drug against SARs-CoV-2. Its an outrage that theres been such a profound propaganda to limit its use to silence doctors who prescribe it and to limit pharmacists from dispensing it, he said. If we had utilized our protocol, which we had published in March 2020, its my belief we could have saved hundreds of thousands of lives because the key to COVID is early treatment. Dr. Denise Sibley, a Johnson City, Tennessee, physician who said she had adopted Mariks and the Front Line protocols using ivermectin in treating almost 4,400 folks, including members of the Tennessee House and Senate, said shes used ivermectin not only for COVID-19 symptoms in her patients but also for vaccine injuries. Unfortunately, it became difficult to obtain after a certain letter went out in September 2021, she said. The Misinformation Inquisition In July 2021, the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), a non-profit organization, issued a statement warning that physicians who generate and spread COVID-19 vaccine misinformation or disinformation are risking disciplinary action by state medical boards, including the suspension or revocation of their medical license. Medical boards such as the American Medical Association and the American Pharmacists Association followed suit. In September 2021, the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners (TBME) adopted the FSMBs statement. Throughout this time, the safety and efficacy of the vaccine has also come into question, with more reports of people contracting COVID-19 after getting the jab, as well as people experiencing sometimes fatal side effects. After the TBME issued its own warning, Tennessee state Rep. John Ragan said the board didnt have the authority to create a new disciplinary offense without lawmakers approval. The board pulled the statement from its website, but the question remained as to whether the board would continue to investigate and charge physicians. To date, there isnt a precedent for the board upholding a policy that was not published on its website. Ragan had told The Epoch Times that the adopted policy moved out of the guardrails of the law and gives the board arbitrary judgment on what misinformation is. I explained that if they are going to have a policy on this sometime in the future, they need to define what misinformation and disinformation are because otherwise what you have is the Inquisition, Ragan said. It then becomes a situation of, Heresy is what I say it is, and Ill know it when I see it kind of thing. In October 2021, the Tennessee legislature passed a bill that emphasized the legislatures role in drafting laws that establish disciplinary offenses regarding dispensing and prescribing medication for COVID-19. Still, the stigma around the drug continued, and physicians such as Sibley reported the drug close to impossible to find. Ive had patients drive four hours on a Sunday to a pharmacy that had ivermectin, so its very difficult to obtain, she said. Any increased access to ivermectin would help save lives. A Placebo? In an April 6 Senate floor discussion on the bill, Republican Sen. Richard Briggs said Marik and other experts that we had testifying on this may be spreading more misinformation than actual information on it, and said that, based on his research, he believes ivermectin has a placebo effect. However, he went on to say that ivermectin must be administered within the first 48 hours or it doesnt work. Briggss concern, he said, is that by making ivermectin more accessible, it would show to the public that ivermectin is as effective as other drugs such as Remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies. Were going to have patients on a scientifically proven ineffective drug rather than getting the treatment they need for COVID, Briggs said. Others who spoke in opposition to the bill, such as Democrat Sen. Jeff Yarbro, echoed Briggss argument, pointing to research that he said proved ivermectin is ineffective, and that what he called misinformation surrounding ivermectin had led to overdoses. And thats what happens when we start relying on podcasters to tell us what drugs to take, as opposed to actually trying to follow the evidence and science, Yarbro said, alluding to podcaster Joe Rogan who said he successfully recovered from COVID-19 with the help of ivermectin. Republican state Sen. Janice Bowling, who said she also recovered from COVID-19 by using ivermectin, says she supports the bill. Theres a lot of things about the pandemic that turned out to be total lies and misinformation, she said. Ivermectin, in her opinion, isnt one of them. After being treated with it when she tested positive, she found it to be effective. It wasnt a placebo, she said. There are many personal experiences with ivermectin that support its efficacy, she said. And the most important part about this is something that will be available by a persons personal choice, she said. I appreciate this legislation and appreciate that ivermectin saved many lives during this ordeal. Single Speed Coffee Roasters newly renovated cafe, where specialty coffee is roasted to then be served by expert baristas, is now open on Butler Avenue in Flagstaff. The inside boasts a combination of industrial and minimalist aesthetics. Silver insulation above reflects light in a way that mimics a skylight, while modern decor and vintage bikes hang on the walls. Wooden steps lead up to a loft sitting area where there is a hand-painted mural and balcony ledge full of plants. The approach that we took was to try to make this place as clean as possible, owner Brad Richmann said. Richmann helped refurbish and build up the space himself as he has a background in contracting. Owning a coffee shop was always a thought Richman entertained, but it did not become a reality until the 2008 financial crisis. I thought, Well, if people arent going to be buying houses or remodels, maybe theyll buy coffee, he said. And there was a deeper passion for coffee, but we just needed an excuse to be able to dive into it. Single Speed started in Williams and has been roasting coffee since 2003, officially coming under Richmanns ownership in 2009 when his brother-in-law handed it over after a rough time. Richmann worked construction on the side until the opportunity to move to Flagstaff arose and he began operating the coffee business full time. Richmann closed the last Single Speed storefront shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic because the plan was to focus more on roasting and mobile coffee trucks, but then no events were happening. Single Speeds newest space is for roasting as well as for customers to sit and stay awhile. The reason the shop is back to brick-and-mortar is because people kept asking for it, Richmann said. A high-end and specialty cafe, Richmanns vision was encouraged by his son Samuel and Zach Shouse, one of the baristas. I was like, we can be these flip-flop-wearing, mountain-biking, dirt-loving people who just want to go out in the woods and hike and climb, and also want a good cup of coffee and a place to hang out, Richmann said. Shouse has been certified in specialty coffee for 10 years. He said they have everything down to a science at Single Speed, putting care and quality and craft into every detail such as the syrups, the machine and how shots are dialed in with a light refractometer that ensures the appropriate amount of coffee is extracted for the brew. Shouses favorite drink is Single Speeds Mexican Mocha, which has Ujjo hot sauce from Austin, Texas. It was developed after a dare to put hot sauce in coffee. It creates an amazing concentrate for us to work with because we can really control the heat levels of what we want to put inside that mocha, Shouse said. So theres a nice little bite to it as you drink, but it dissipates immediately after you sip. Single Speeds baristas are Specialty Coffee Association-certified and knowledgeable about things like latte art, bean origins and different brewing methods. [Our baristas] know how to lead you into the best type of extraction or brewing, Richmann said. It takes a lot to get in here, so everybody kind of has a sense of ownership because of that. They all take pride in their production, he added. According toSingle Speeds website, We source all of our beans through fair trade, providing an ethical path from the farm to your doorstep. Roaster Matt Goetz said the specialty, higher grade products they import are determined by a cupping score which rates beans in categories such as fragrance, flavor, body, acidity and balance. In the roasting process, temperature and time are manipulated to extract different profilesor flavor characteristicsfrom the beans, Goetz said. In addition to its cafe and wholesale accounts, (which include Lund Canyon Coffee and Cedar House Coffee Shop) Single Speed also has mobile coffee trucks at events such as mountain bike races, the Overland Expo and Pickin in the Pines. They also just started licensing their brand for mobile cafes, supporting other entrepreneurs by helping design and build trailers, provide equipment and train baristas. Single Speed Coffee Roasters is located at 1000 E. Butler Ave. in Flagstaff. It is open Monday-Friday 7 a.m- 2 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m- 3 p.m. For more information call Single Speed at (928) 266-0520 or visit their website: www.singlespeedcoffeeroasters.com Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Chechnya's leader Ramzan Kadyrov attends a signing ceremony following a meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin with Saudi Arabia's King Salman in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 14, 2019. (Alexey Nikolsky/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images) RussiaUkraine War (April 10): Chechen Chief Kadyrov Says Russian Forces Will Take Kyiv The latest on the RussiaUkraine crisis, April 10. Click here for updates from April 9. Chechen Chief Kadyrov Says Russian Forces Will Take Kyiv Ramzan Kadyrov, the powerful head of Russias republic of Chechnya, said early on Monday that there will be an offensive by Russian forces not only on the besieged port of Mariupol but also on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. There will be an offensive not only on Mariupol, but also on other places, cities, and villages, Kadyrov said in a video posted on his Telegram channel. Luhansk and Donetskwe will fully liberate in the first place and then take Kyiv and all other cities. Kadyrov, who has often described himself as Russian President Vladimir Putins foot soldier, said there should be no doubt about Kyiv. I assure you: not one step will be taken back, Kadyrov said. Kadyrov has been repeatedly accused by the United States and European Union of rights abuses, which he denies. Moscow fought two wars with separatists in Chechnya, a mainly Muslim region in southern Russia, after the 1991 break-up of the Soviet Union. But it has since poured huge sums of money into the region to rebuild it and given Kadyrov a large measure of autonomy. The Kremlin describes its actions in Ukraine as a special operation to demilitarise and denazify its neighbor and on Sunday Russia intensified its attacks in eastern Ukraine. ___ Russia Will Take Legal Action If Forced Into Sovereign Debt Default: Newspaper Russia will take legal action if the West tries to force Moscow to default on its sovereign debt, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told the daily Izvestia newspaper in an interview early on Monday. Of course we will sue, because we have taken all the necessary steps to ensure that investors receive their payments, Siluanov was quoted as saying in the pro-Kremlin newspaper. _____ War to Slash Ukraines GDP Output by Over 45 Percent, World Bank Forecasts Ukraines economic output will likely contract by a staggering 45.1 percent this year as Russias invasion has shuttered businesses, slashed exports, and rendered economic activity impossible in large swaths of the country, the World Bank said on Sunday in a new report. The World Bank also forecast Russias 2022 GDP output to fall 11.2 percent due to punishing financial sanctions imposed by the United States and its Western allies on Russias banks, state-owned enterprises, and other institutions. The World Banks War in the Region economic update said the Eastern Europe region, comprising Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova, is forecast to show a GDP contraction of 30.7 percent this year, due to shocks from the war and disruption of trade. Growth in 2022 in the Central Europe region, comprising Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania, will be cut to 3.5 percent from 4.7 percent previously due to the influx of refugees, higher commodity prices, and deteriorating confidence hurting demand. _____ We Are Going to Get Ukraine the Weapons It Needs: National Security Adviser Sullivan The United States is committed to providing Ukraine with the weapons it needs to defend itself against Russia, U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on April 10, as Ukraine seeks more military aid from the West. Sullivan said the Biden administration will send more weapons to Ukraine to prevent Russia from seizing more territory and targeting civilians, attacks that Washington has labeled war crimes. Were going to get Ukraine the weapons it needs to beat back the Russians to stop them from taking more cities and towns where they commit these crimes, Sullivan said on ABC News. Moscow has rejected accusations of war crimes by Ukraine and Western countries. _____ Austrias Chancellor to Meet Putin in Moscow Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday. The Austria Press Agency reported that Nehammer told reporters in Vienna on Sunday that he plans to make the journey. It follows a trip on Saturday to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. APA reported that Nehammer aims to encourage dialogue between Ukraine and Russia and also address war crimes in his meeting with Putin. Nehammer said he was taking the trip on his own initiative, and that he had consulted with the European Unions top officials. He said that he also informed Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. _____ Biden Wants India to Oppose Russian War The White House said President Joe Biden will press Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a hard line against Russias Ukraine invasion. Press secretary Jen Psaki says the leaders plan a virtual meeting on Monday. Indias neutral stance in the war has raised concerns in Washington and earned praise from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who lauded India this month for judging the situation in its entirety, not just in a one-sided way. India abstained when the U.N. General Assembly voted Thursday to suspend Russia from its seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council over allegations of war crimes. India continues to purchase Russian energy despite Western pressure to avoid buying Russian oil and gas. And the United States has considered sanctions on India for its recent purchase of advanced Russian air defense systems. _____ IAEA Says Ukraine Carried Out First Staff Rotations at Chernobyl Ukraine informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Sunday that it had carried out the first staff rotation at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant in three weeks, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said, adding the agency would send a mission there soon to assist in returning to normality. Russian forces occupied the defunct power station north of Kyiv soon after invading Ukraine on Feb. 24 but Ukraines state nuclear energy company, Energoatom, said in early April they had left the plant and were heading towards the border with Belarus. The IAEA on Sunday said Ukraine had provided the agency with more information about damage to the sites analytical laboratories for radiation monitoring, saying the premises were destroyed and the analytical instruments stolen, broken or otherwise disabled. An associated information and communication center was also damaged and the automated transmission of radiation monitoring data disabled, the Ukrainians reported. _____ Russian Rockets Destroy Dnipro Airport: Ukraine Officials Russian forces fired rockets into Ukraines Luhansk and Dnipro regions on Sunday, Ukrainian officials said, completely destroying an airport and wounding at least five people. Valentyn Reznichenko, governor of the central Dnipropetrovsk region, said emergency workers were combing through an infrastructure facility that was hit in the town of Zvonetsky, adding that details on casualties would be given later. Reznichenko said on Telegram that there had also been an attack on the airport in Dnipro city. The airport itself was destroyed, as well as nearby infrastructure. And the rockets fly and fly, Reznichenko said. Reznichenko said earlier that an attack on Dnipro had wounded one person and the rockets had sparked a fire that was eventually put out. A missile had also hit a building in the Pavlograd district, he added. Separately, the head of the Dnipro region council, Mykola Lukashuk, says five staffers of the state emergency service had been wounded by the strike on the airport. Serhiy Haidai, governor of Luhansk, an eastern region bordering Russia, wrote earlier on Telegram that a school and a high-rise apartment building had been hit in the city of Sievierodonetsk. Fortunately, no casualties, Haidai said. Reuters could not immediately confirm the reports. _____ Scholz and Zelenskyy Discuss Additional Sanctions Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on Twitter Sunday that he had discussed possible additional sanctions on Russia in a call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Zelenskyy has called for an embargo on imported gas and oil from Russia, but Germany so far resisted pressure to do so. Scholz said on Friday that Germany could end Russian oil imports this year but stopping gas imports would be tougher because the country would need to build infrastructure to import gas from alternative sources. Russian oil accounts for 25 percent of German imports, down from 35 percent before the Feb. 24 invasion. Gas imports to Germany from Russia have been cut to 40 percent from 55 percent, and hard coal imports to 25 percent from 50 percent. _____ Russian Bank VTB No Longer Has Control of European Subsidiary: German Regulator Russian bank VTB can no longer exercise any control over its European subsidiary in the wake of new sanctions, German regulator BaFin said on Sunday. The European Union on Friday formally adopted new sanctions against Russia, which will ban a range of imports and also ban all transactions with four Russian banks, including VTB. BaFin said following the sanctions, management at VTBs Frankfurt-based subsidiary is no longer allowed to take instructions from the parent bank, and that the parent company cannot access the financial assets or economic resources of its European unit. The measures result in a complete ring-fencing of VTB Bank (Europe) SE from the parent company, BaFin said. VTB did not immediately respond to a request for comment. _____ Russian Military Says It Has Struck Ukrainian Air Defense Batteries in the Countrys South and East The Russian military says it has struck Ukrainian air defense batteries in the countrys south and east. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Sunday that the military used air-launched missiles to hit Ukraines S-300 air defense missile systems in Starobohdanivka in the southern Mykolaiv region and at an airbase in Chuhuiv in the eastern Kharkiv region. Konashenkov also said that sea-launched cruise missiles destroyed the headquarters of a Ukrainian military unit near Zvonetske in the Dnipro region. The Russian military claims couldnt be independently verified. _____ Ukraine Says More Civilians Are Expected to Leave Mariupol on Sunday Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk says more civilians are expected to leave Mariupol Sunday in their personal vehicles. Evacuations are also planned from Berdyansk, Tokmak, and Enerhodar in the south and Sieverierodonetsk, Lysychansk, Popasna, and Rubizhne in the east. Mariupol, a strategic port city on the Sea of Azov, has been besieged by Russian forces for nearly one-and-a-half months, cut from food, water, and power supplies, and pummeled by relentless bombardment. _____ Ukraine Digs in to Fight Russias Looming Eastern Offensive Ukrainian forces dug in and Russias military lined up more firepower Sunday ahead of an expected showdown in eastern Ukraine that could become a decisive period in a war that has flattened cities, killed untold thousands, and isolated Moscow economically and politically. Experts say a full-scale offensive in the east could start within days, though questions remained about the ability of Russias forces to conquer much ground after Ukraines defenders repelled their push to capture the capital, Kyiv. _____ Russia Confirms Prisoner Exchange With Ukraine Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatiana Moskalkova confirmed on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine had carried out a prisoner exchange on Saturday. Moskalkova said that among those returned to Russia were four employees of state atomic energy corporation Rosatom, soldiers, and some other civilians. Early this morning they landed on Russian soil, Moskalkova said in an online post. On Saturday an exchange of truck drivers between Russia and Ukraine was also conducted, Moskalkova said, with 32 Russian truck drivers, 20 Ukrainians, and a number of Belarus nationals exchanged. Ukraine Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk had said on Saturday that 12 of its soldiers were being returned after a prisoner exchange with Russia, the third such swap since the start of the conflict. Vereshchuk said that 14 civilians were also returning to Ukraine as part of the deal. Moscow has denied targeting civilians in what it calls a special military operation aimed at demilitarizing its neighbor. Ukraine and its Western allies call this a baseless pretext for war. The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. Massachusetts State Troopers Fired for Not Complying With Vaccine Mandate A dozen Massachusetts State Troopers were fired on April 8 for refusing to comply with the states COVID-19 vaccine mandate, despite cases and hospitalizations drastically dropping across the state in recent months. A spokesperson for the Massachusetts State Police told local media that 11 troopers and one sergeant were fired for not complying with Gov. Charlie Bakers mandate. They were let go after an internal hearing process, State Police spokesman David Procopio said. Baker signed an executive order in August 2021 mandating that all executive branch employees, which includes the State Police, provide proof of vaccination by Oct. 17, 2021. The order allowed only limited exemptions from the vaccination requirement where a reasonable accommodation can be reached for a worker on medical or religious grounds. All of the troopers had applied for exemptions to the mandate, State Police Association of Massachusetts spokesman Chris Keohan told the Boston Herald. The State Police Association of Massachusetts, or SPAM, is the union representing the troopers. They didnt just terminate them, Keohan told the paper, they eliminated their livelihood. Governor Baker has proven yet again just how hypocritical he is, SPAM wrote on Facebook on April 8. As part of a Friday night news dump, he has just terminated at least 12 Troopers due to his vaccine mandate. No appeals. No due process. Just a Governor hell-bent on breaking the backs of the State Police who work tirelessly each day to keep the Commonwealth safe. The union also noted that Baker has started to adopt a more relaxed approach to COVID-19 as cases and hospitalizations have dropped. While he closes COVID testing sites, asked that the State House be reopen[ed] without a mandate and has generally shown that we are in the endemic phase of COVID-19, he is still insisting on firing at least 12 Troopers from an already short-staffed department, the statement said. The Troopers deserve better. The Commonwealth deserves better. And, Charlie Baker should be ashamed. Since early January, when around 25,000 to 30,000 COVID-19 cases were being reported in Massachusetts daily, the number of cases has dropped significantly. Data show that as of last week, an average of just over 1,300 cases were being reported daily. It comes as a growing number of states have moved to change how they report on COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. In New Hampshire, the state Department of Health and Human Services said last week that it now defines a COVID-19 hospitalization to include patients who are being treated with either dexamethasone or remdesivir. Bakers office didnt respond by press time to a request by The Epoch Times for comment. Media Coverup of Hunter Bidens Laptop Incident Impacted Election Outcome: Investigative Journalists When a story about a laptop abandoned by President Joe Bidens son at a computer repair shop was broken by The New York Post, it was blocked on social media platforms and discredited by mainstream media as Russian disinformation. The reports about Hunter Bidens laptop surfaced in October 2020, days before the presidential election, and revealed that emails found on the laptop indicated the involvement of then-presidential candidate Joe Biden, his brother James, and son Hunter in various overseas business ventures, in countries such as Ukraine, Russia, and China, Jeff Carlson and Hans Mahncke wrote for The Epoch Times. Two years later, the media acknowledged that the laptop was real and verified much of the information stored on the laptop related to the Biden familys involvement in foreign businesses and payments received in connection with this involvement. People are now really beginning to see the role that the media played in shaping the narrative about Hunters laptop incident, Carlson, an investigative reporter and Epoch Times contributor told EpochTVs Crossroads program. When the story about the forgotten laptop was first published by the New York Post, it was censored and suppressed by Big Tech. The Post said it obtained a copy of the laptops hard drive from former President Donald Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani and provided materials showing that the FBI had seized the computer. Hunter Biden has avoided answering direct questions about the laptop. The mainstream media published at that time a statement from a group of more than 50 former intelligence officials, including former CIA Director John Brennan and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, who all claimedwith no evidencethat the Hunter Biden laptop story was Russian disinformation, Carlson and Mahncke wrote for The Epoch Times. The letter enabled then-presidential candidate Biden to claim during the second debate that the story about his sons laptop was Russian disinformation, Carlson said. [Recent] polls indicate that if the media had just been honest about what was going on with Hunters laptop, and hadnt just suppressed the story, then we might have had a different election outcome, Carlson said. WATCH THE FULL Crossroads Q&A With Jeff Carlson and Hans Mahncke here: A poll by Media Research showed that 45 percent of the Biden voters were unaware of the allegations against Hunter and Joe Biden and that 16 percent of Biden voterswell over the margin of victorywouldnt have voted for him had they known this crucial information, Carlson and Mahncke wrote for The Epoch Times. The story about Hunters laptop and the story about Russia gatethe allegation that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia in its effort to interfere in the 2016 presidential electionboth have one thing in common: federal government corruption that can be also called deep state corruption, said Mahncke, a researcher and author of numerous books. In the Russiagate case, the FBI opened its investigation into the Trump campaign even though it has since been found that the information underlying the investigation was fake information in various ways, Mahncke said on EpochTVs Crossroads program. In Hunters laptop case, without the letter signed by more than 50 former CIA officials, Trump would not have lost, Mahncke asserted. It was just such a seminal moment in that whole election cycle [when] that story was dismissed. One of the letter signatories, John Sipher, who served for decades as a senior operations officer at the CIA, wrote in March on Twitter: I take special pride in personally swinging the election away from Trump. As they had placed the blame on Russia in 2016, elements of the FBI and the CIA again placed the blame on Russia in the 2020 election. Then-presidential candidate Joe Biden and the same CIA officials that backed the Clinton campaign in 2016 fundamentally structured our national security focus, our foreign policy, Carlson pointed out. Not only did it impair our international relations with Russia, but it took our eyes off our far larger adversary thats the Communist Party of China. Smoking Gun A piece of information found on Hunter Bidens laptop, which Carlson and Mahncke call the smoking gun, is an email from November 2015 sent by the head of the board of directors of Burismaa Ukrainian energy company that Hunter Biden was appointed as a board memberrequesting that Hunter Biden stop the investigation into the companys owner, Carlson said. A few weeks later, then-Vice President Joe Biden reached out to then-Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asking him to remove the prosecutor that was involved in the Burisma investigation, Carlson said. Ukrainian prosecutor general Viktor Shokin holds a press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Nov. 2, 2015. (Genya Savilov/AFP/Getty Images) Burismas owner was being probed by Ukrainian Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin who was removed from his post in March 2016, about four months after the email to Hunter Biden was sent, Carlson said. In January 2018, then-Vice President Biden explained during his appearance at the Council of Foreign Relations how he pressured Ukrainian leaders to remove the prosecutor from office. In September 2019, House Democrats launched an impeachment inquiry into Trump over a whistleblowers accusation claiming that Trump pressured the Ukrainian president to investigate Bidens son. The transcript of Trumps phone call with the Ukrainian president, that triggered the impeachment inquiry, shows no evidence of a quid pro quo, nor was there any mention of the United States withholding aid to Ukraine, Carlson wrote for The Epoch Times. Some say that Trump was impeached for what VP Biden had done and there is a lot of sad truth to that, Carlson said. But at that time, the corporate media could not afford to acknowledge the veracity of Hunters laptop, he added. There was this willingness to do anything to stop any kind of serious investigation of the Biden family or Democrat involvement in general. Narrative Change In October 2020, legacy media, Big Tech, and the CIA were colluding together to make sure that the Hunter Bidens laptop story got suppressed, Mahncke said. Otherwise, many people would not have voted for Joe Biden, he added. Mahncke believes that it was planned at a higher level because the most important thing to those people at the time was to get rid of Trump. [Now], it seems like whoevers pulling the strings doesnt want to be stuck with Biden anymore, Mahncke said. Theres a reason that legacy media, such as the New York Times and The Washington Post, suddenly come out around the same time saying that the story about Hunters laptop was totally true, Mahncke explained. Former Attorney General William Barr admitted in March that after the letter signed by a group of former intelligence officials came out, he knew that the laptop was real and that it was in the FBIs possession. However, Barr did not speak publicly of his knowledge on the matter in his role as attorney general. As soon as this letter came out from these so-called intelligence specialists, the DNI John Radcliffe at the time, and the FBI, which worked for me, both came out and said this was not the result of disinformation, Russian disinformation, Barr told Fox News. But according to Mahncke, these comments needed to come from Barr. If the AG had come out on Oct. 23, 2020, the day after the presidential debate and confirmed to the American public that the laptop was real, not a Russian plot, and that the FBI had it in its possessionTrump would have won, he said. The Department of Justice did want to get involved and insert itself into elections, Carlson said. But this was an incredibly unique situation and their decision not to insert themselves into an election, altered the outcome of an election. So its kind of like lying by omission. Jack Phillips and Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. Ella Kietlinska Reporter Follow Ella Kietlinska is a reporter for The Epoch Times focusing on U.S. and world politics. The Microsoft logo in Los Angeles, on Nov. 7, 2017. (Lucy Nicholson/Reuters) Microsoft Says It Disrupted Attempted Hacks by Russian Spies Microsoft Corp. said on Thursday it had disrupted hacking attempts by Russian military spies aimed at breaking into Ukrainian, European Union, and American targets. In a blog post, the tech firm said a group it nicknamed Strontium was using seven internet domains as part of an effort to spy on government bodies and think tanks in the EU and the United States, as well as Ukrainian institutions such as media organizations. Microsoft did not identify any of the targets by name. Strontium is Microsofts moniker for a group others often call Fancy Bear or APT28a hacking squad linked to Russias military intelligence agency. The Russian Embassy in Washington did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Ukraine has been buffeted by hacking attempts since Russian forces invaded the country in February. By Rithika Krishna and Raphael Satter Tesla CEO Elon Musk is pictured as he attends the start of the production at Tesla's "Gigafactory" in Gruenheide, southeast of Berlin on March 22, 2022. (Patrick Pleul/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) Musk Forestalls the Free Market Versus Free Speech War Commentary Elon Musk, the worlds richest entrepreneur and a Renaissance man who builds and flies spacecraft, brought electric cars closer to practicality than anyone had before, and skewers the left with the immunity of someone who cant be pigeonholed as a right-winger, just spent nearly $3 billion making himself Twitters largest shareholder. Musk has been both an ardent user and a harsh critic of Twitter, and he means to lessen the platforms shameless wokeness, which has extended as far as kicking President Donald Trump off the platform despite his close to 34 million followers during the final weeks of his presidency, and suppressing a New York Post story on Hunter Bidens corruption that could have turned the 2020 election. The odds are that Musk will succeed, at least to some extent. But if he does, it will do much more than improve Twitter. Hell have become the great peacemaker, preventing, for the time being, war between the U.S. government and Silicon Valley. Republicans and Democrats alike are spoiling to foist the heavy regulatory hand of the state on social medias irresponsible speech restrictions, either through imposing federal rules or forcing the massive tech companies to split into pieces. Musk may defuse what would be a First Amendment disaster. As powerful as monster firms such as Facebook and Google have become, theyre still private businesses; no one has to agree to, for example, Instagrams terms of service and become a member. Life can actually be lived without these cyberspace platforms, most of which didnt exist a generation ago. As outrageous as Twitters ideologically driven ban of Trump was, its tantamount to a prominent newspaper deciding not to run an elected leaders op-ed column or letter to the editor. For the government to require that private electronic venues not exercise censorship of ideas, as disgracefully unhealthy for public discourse as that policy may be, is for it to trample on private property rights in an era when private ownership has never been under greater attack from ever-expanding government. Compare what social media firms do with a private citizen or business loaning or renting someone a pen and paper or a bullhorn or a computer. If he decides to take back his property because he doesnt like what his client is using his property to write or say, can that really be construed as a violation of the Constitution? Or say you let people take to a soapbox on your land, with cameras transmitting the content far and wide; would you be trampling the First Amendment if you showed someone off the acreage that you own because you found their expressed opinions to be odious? Obviously not. But the Supreme Court has declared the internet to be a public square. In the unanimously decided Packingham v. North Carolina in 2017, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote, While in the past there may have been difficulty in identifying the most important places (in a spatial sense) for the exchange of views, today the answer is clear. It is cyberspacethe vast democratic forums of the Internet in general, and social media in particular. But thinking of the internet as tantamount to a physical place is misleading. Its actually the mass exchanging of computer code via the transmission of electronic pulses through fiber optic cable and wi-fi radio waves. The interconnection of computer networks utilizing billions of various devices shouldnt be considered an invisible Hyde Park Speakers Corner any more than the use of billions of radios and televisions in the delivery of free speech warranted treating the airwaves as a physical forum of opinion exchange. It bears mentioning that had the British government, before the age of radio, shut down the famed forum convening weekly at the physical Hyde Park location, it wouldnt have precluded the publics free exercise of speech via numerous other avenues or turned Britain into the Soviet Union. From the point of view of the computer user, the internet is the same as a gargantuan hard drive and mega modem in one, where access to information, images, products available for purchase, and communication with others are all at ones fingertips. In reality, that user is relying on the cooperation of others, many of them located far away. The internet is really a global free market. Madeleine Burnette-McGrath, writing in the Ohio Northern University Law Review in 2019, pointed out that most restrictions on speech on the Internet do not emanate from the government, but from private corporations that own and regulate users of their social media sites. She wrote that the Packingham ruling adopts a new avenue for government regulation in the realm of speech. In the landmark, unanimous 1964 ruling in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, which pertained to the libel of public officials, liberal Justice William Brennan might have been talking about the suppression of the Posts Hunter Biden story based on Twitters contention that it was misinformation. A rule compelling the critic of official conduct to guarantee the truth of all his factual assertions leads to a comparable self-censorship, he said. Brennan noted that such a government rule dampens the vigor and limits the variety of public debate. Today, instead of a critic, whether a media outlet or an individual citizen, fearing a libel suit, he fears being canceled by social media platforms, and he may self-censor to avoid that. Private property rights pitted against free speech rights, with the federal government poised to interfere in both areas, is a predicament in which the American people should never have found themselves. Elon Musk changing Twitter from the inside may only delay a conflict that, no matter which side wins, ends with free citizens losing. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. NATO Plans Reset to Deal With Long-Term Consequences Regarding Russia NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg suggested that the military alliance may establish a permanent presence of troops on its eastern flank in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine. What we see now is a new reality, a new normal for European security. Therefore, we have now asked our military commanders to provide options for what we call a reset, a more longer-term adaptation of NATO, Stoltenberg told The Telegraph this weekend. I expect that NATO leaders will make decisions on this when they meet in Madrid at the NATO summit in June. Since the start of the conflict, which erupted on Feb. 24, the United States has increased its troop presence in Europe to more than 100,000. Meanwhile, NATO has since deployed about 40,000 troops to the eastern part of the alliance to countries such as Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria. NATO is in the midst of a very fundamental transformation to deal with long-term consequences for our security following the conflict, Stoltenberg added in an interview. NATO needs to adapt to that new reality. And thats exactly what we are doing, he said. NATO is the most successful alliance in history for two reasons. One is that we have been able to unite Europe and North America. The other is that we have been able to change when the world is changing. Now the world is changing, and NATO is changing. As speculation has ramped up that Russia would work more closely with the Chinese communist regime, Stoltenberg, without elaborating, said NATO is coming up with a concept to account for Chinas military aspirations for the first time. Beijing and Moscow are apparently working more and more closely together, he said. Russia has failed to take any major cities since it launched its invasion on Feb. 24 but Ukraine says it has been gathering its forces in the east for a major assault and has urged people to flee. It comes as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Twitter he had spoken on the phone with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz about additional sanctions as well as more defense and financial support for his country. Zelenskyy also discussed with Ukrainian officials Kyivs proposals for a new package of EU sanctions, his office said. U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 82nd Airborne carry military equipment as they take part in a exercise outside the operating base at the Arlamow Airport in Wola Korzeniecka, Poland. (Omar Marques/Getty Images) In a video address late on April 9, Zelenskyy renewed his appeal for a total ban on Russian energy products and more weapons for Ukraine. On April 9, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a surprise trip to Kyiv to meet with Zelenskyy, according to his office, which posted a photo of the two men huddling together. Johnson then announced that Britain would be sending 120 armored vehicles, anti-ship missiles, and other weapons to Ukraine in the near future. NATO and the United States have already sent numerous weaponsincluding Javelin missiles, NLAW missiles, Switchblade drones, and other equipmentto Ukraine over the past month and a half. Everything Ukraine does with different types of weapons is defensive, it is about defending themselves against the atrocities, against the invasion, against a brutal use of military force against their own country, Stoltenberg said. Reuters contributed to this report. Screenshot from the CASEL website, one of the leading outfits promoting social and emotional learning (SEL). (schoolguide.casel.org) NC School Board Challenged on Student Transgender Policy That Potentially Excludes Parents A speaker at a North Carolina school board meeting on April 5 called out a transgender policy that evaluates a parents right to know about their childs gender choice based on the parents level of acceptance. During a Title IX meeting last school year, a policy was addressed for a gender support plan, Melissa Mason, a 2022 Republican candidate for the New Hanover County Board of Education school board, said in addressing the board. The support plan assesses a parents level of acceptance for a students gender change. If the support is assessed to be too low, schools can reassign your childs gender and hide the information from you. Sloan Rachmuth, an investigative reporter and president of Education First Alliance, a parent-teacher advocacy organization that investigates policies and curriculums in the K12 North Carolina school system, first broke the story on April 6. In the October 2020 Title IX committee meeting that Mason referenced, Title IX Director Jarelle Lewis cited the federal civil rights law as the reason for the policy. Title IX is a law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools that receive funding from the federal government. When asked by a committee member how parents who are unaware of their childs decision are handled, Lewis said it would be a case-by-case basis. So depending on the age and the type of accommodation request, it will depend on the level of parental involvement, Lewis said. For example, in elementary school, were going to have to refer to what the parent is requesting. But for example, if its a situation where a high school student wants to have an accommodation regarding their name in class, something such as that wouldnt necessarily need or precipitate any type of parental involvement from that end. Mason called this kind of behavior grooming. Grooming is a predatorial tactic that involves discussing sexually explicit information under the guise of education to prepare a child for sexual activity by reducing his or her inhibitions through exposure to the content. The public school system is funded through taxpayer dollars to teach the basics of math and science, not to entertain complex sexual topics with children, Mason said. This is classic grooming behavior: Keep it a secret between you and me and dont tell your parents, Mason said. And when we discuss gender roles and sexual relations with children below the age of puberty, thats sexual abuse. But this board continues to enact, defend and, when necessary, hide these disgusting criminal policies. As an educator for 17 years and mother of two children in the New Hanover school system, Mason told The Epoch Times that she doesnt believe questions about gender identity should be planted in a childs mind, as many children under 18 havent found their own identity, which leaves them a blank slate open for manipulation. Its damaging, Mason said. Never mind the mental damage that is taking place, like what will happen years later, if children grow up to decide this isnt what they wanted, she said. By then, the damage is done. Mason told the board that she understands the need for mental health support in children, but that its not the schools job. We need to get out of the business of mental health and hospitals and get back to the business of educating, Mason said, addressing the growing trend in social-emotional learning (SEL) protocols taking place in schools. The New Hanover County School Board didnt respond by press time to The Epoch Times request for comment. The Gender Support Plan Rachmuth said teachers in New Hanover County, which includes the cities of Wilmington and Carolina Beach, are being asked to enact a gender-support plan if a child indicates a desire to change his or her gender. The plan involves ranking how supportive the teacher believes the parents are, she said. If the parents, in the opinion of the teacher, arent supportive of a child changing their gender, the schools can hide the gender changes from the parents, she said. For Rachmuth, the plan reeks of SEL programming. It is not the governments job to raise our children or to groom them into being a different gender or to take charge of developing their identity, she said. CASEL and the Contents of Ones Mind Rachmuth, whos covered the progress of SEL in North Carolina schools, said the gender support plans are emerging across the state as a result of North Carolinas SEL provider, the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) school program. It defines SEL as the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and maintain responsible and caring decisions. Rachmuth reported on North Carolina Senate Bill 476, which required the Department of Education to adopt a policy for dealing with K-12 mental health issues, which may have given school officials too much power over a students mental development. In June 2020, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction announced that it would partner with the CASEL to bring SEL standards to the K-12 classroom. CASEL, a Chicago-based education firm, is largely funded by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerbergs philanthropy group, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Despite the SEL program being promoted as a program to help children manage emotions, feel and show empathy, and establish positive relationships, the program uses surveys to peel copious amounts of private information out of school-aged children, Rachmuth told The Epoch Times, adding that the term equity itself, often found throughout the programs documents, is simply a new name for critical race theory (CRT). While CRT is a Marxist philosophy that sees society as a class struggle between oppressors and the oppressed, specifically labeling white people as the oppressors and all other races as the oppressed, the idea has come to encompass for many teachers and parents a more expansive trend that incorporates not only issues of race but also themes of sexuality. The thesis behind SEL on the left is that kids need mental health help, Rachmuth said. We dont argue with that. What we say is universal screening for mental health issues is inappropriate and unconstitutional. Its examining the contents of ones mind. Rachmuth compared the method to Chinese communist dictator Mao Zedongs Four Olds, a title that referenced a citizens traditional ideas, cultures, habits, and customs that, according to Mao, needed to be eradicated for the party to thrive. In addition to examining the contents of ones mind, SEL uses psychiatrists who employ a treatment thats based on CRT reminiscent of the USSR and the abuse of psychiatry that took place when it had state psychiatrists diagnosing political dissidents with multiple disorders such as sluggish schizophrenia and paranoia as a condition causing dissent. By examining the baseline of ones attitudes and beliefs, a psychiatrist could thenthrough repeated interventionuse an alternative narrative to obscure that baseline. The best way to counteract misinformation or an old habit is through narrative, not through facts, Rachmuth said. That is why you are seeing the abolishment of facts and the insertion of SEL in every single academic discipline because it allows for use of narrative to deprogram. Facts such as what ones gender is could then be left up for debate, she said, adding that through the CASEL program, teachers have been given the authority to diagnose students, a practice that leaps far beyond the teachers purview. Rachmuth and her team have gathered multiple surveys from different school districts in North Carolina, asking K12 students questions about incriminating behaviors and private thoughts. From a kindergarten class in one county, she showed a diagram called The Genderbread Person that displays a traditional gingerbread man being used to teach kindergarten children about sexual attraction between same-sex genders. In a 7th-grade SEL survey in an English class, there is the prompt Questions I have about my face, hair, chest, and body are leaving lines open for answering. Social-emotional learning makes it legal for a man to ask children questions like this in an open classroom for discussion, Rachmuth said. We have a literacy crisis. We need to be teaching reading and writing. Chinese military vehicles carrying DF-17 missiles participate in a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, on Oct. 1, 2019. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images) New Hypersonic Missile Versus China Australia, UK, and US will coordinate on electronic warfare development News Analysis AUKUS, the defense partnership of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, is expanding from its original focus on nuclear submarine technology to cooperation on hypersonic and electronic warfare capabilities. The trilateral cooperation will also improve counter-hypersonics, information sharing, and defense innovation. According to British officials cited in The Times of London, Hiding key targets and the development of laser weapons that could disrupt a missiles flight path could form part of the plans for anti-hypersonic weaponry. AUKUS released a statement and fact sheet on April 5, stressing that AUKUS defense cooperation is compliant with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) leadership on non-proliferation and will strengthen the worlds nuclear and other weapons non-proliferation agreements. The nuclear in AUKUS is for submarine propulsion, not weapons. According to the latest AUKUS information, defense cooperation will now include the following: undersea drones planned for 2023; quantum technologies for positioning, navigation, and timing; artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy that improve the speed and precision of decision-making processes in contested environments; advanced cyber, including protecting critical communications and operations systems; and innovation, including the integration of commercial technologies for military use. On nuclear submarines, AUKUS seeks to transfer the technology and knowledge necessary for Australia to maintain and build on these vehicles indefinitely through advanced science and technology education. This will prepare an Australian workforce with nuclear science and engineering, including skills, training, and qualifications to build, operate, and sustain a conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarine capability. Australia will add an eastern submarine base and nuclear submarine construction yard in South Australia to complement its already-existing western submarine base. Australians are already getting hands-on planning, training, and access to nuclear submarine technology, including a land-class submarine tender visit to Brisbane and Sydney: the USS Frank Cable, designed to support Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarines with weapons, repairs, and provisioning. The new fact sheet said that AUKUS joint steering group teams are traveling to Australia to assist with planning for the submarines. They are baselining Australias nuclear stewardship, infrastructure, workforce, and industrial capabilities and requirements. (LR) Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton, Foreign Minister Marise Payne, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin pose for a group photograph at the State Department in Washington on Sept.16, 2021. The U.S. announced a new alliance with Australia and Britain to strengthen military capabilities in the face of a rising China, with Canberra to get a nuclear submarine fleet and U.S. cruise missiles. (Andrew Harnik/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) AUKUS meetings are already being held, and attendees include the following: the senior officials group, consisting of the three nations top national security advisers; the joint steering groups, which have met in Washington, London, and Canberra; and 17 working groups, nine of which are focused on the nuclear-powered submarines. The other eight address the additional advanced military technologies. While AUKUS was originally conceived to deter Chinas increasing belligerence in Asia, the Russian invasion of Ukraine also makes it essential for the defense of Europe. The United Kingdom is leading Europe in providing weapons to the Ukrainian military, for example, and so needs to improve its defenses against Russias hypersonic missiles. For Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the deepening AUKUS coordination raised questions from the press about whether Australia would join in a fight against China if Beijing decided to invade Taiwan. He deflected the question, saying that the new military technologies are now necessary because they are part of modern warfare. Russia and China are currently ahead in developing hypersonic missiles, with China testing hundreds of such missiles since 2014, and Russias testing that started in 2018. Russia was the first to deploy the missile in combatagainst Ukraine. China successfully tested a hypersonic missile that recently flew 25,000 miles to circumnavigate the globe and fired a projectile from the missile once it arrived over the South China Sea. This seemingly insuperable technical feat surprised Pentagon officials who thought it was not yet possible. The most recent three U.S. flight tests of hypersonic missiles have all failed. Unfortunately, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin are punching above their countries economic weight because they can ignore voter preferences for social spending, and coerce businesses and government agencies to steal and provide dual-use technology to their defense industries. Their leadership thrives on an aggressively militaristic approach to politics that, while alien to democracies, is nevertheless ascribed by their propaganda departments to all three AUKUS allies. Seeing the strength, cohesion, and technological benefits of AUKUS, other countries will surely seek to join. Loyal countries that solidly support democratic values, such as Japan, should be allowed to do so. The latest AUKUS statement offers hope for such expansion, noting, As we mature trilateral lines of effort within these and other critical defense and security capabilities, we will seek to engage allies and close partners as appropriate. By increasing and strengthening AUKUS and other democratic defense alliances, perhaps including an Asian version of the NATO alliance, Russia and China can be contained, or better yet, rolled back from their territorial conquests, for example, in Ukraine, Georgia, and the South China Sea. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. New York Police Commissioner Keechant Sewel (R) speaks during a news conference in New York on April 8, 2022, in this image taken from video. (NYPD via AP) Police: Arrest Made in Slaying of Girl Walking on NYC Street NEW YORKA suspect was charged Saturday in the fatal shooting of a teen girl who was walking home from school when she was hit by a stray bullet during a street dispute in New York City. New York Police Department officials announced the arrest of Jeremiah Ryan on charges of murder, attempted murder, and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with Fridays shooting. Police identified the girl killed in the shooting as 16-year-old Angellyh Yambo. Another 16-year-old girl was hit in the leg, and a 17-year-old boy was wounded in the buttocks. Both are expected to survive. It was not immediately clear if Ryan, 17, had an attorney who could speak on his behalf. Police had said the gunfire appeared to start after Ryan and another person were gesturing at each other across an intersection. The teens who were struck were walking by on the sidewalk headed home from school, police said. Police were investigating whether the shooting suspect, who had no criminal record, was using a so-called ghost gunhomemade firearms that can be built with parts bought online and lack serial numbers normally used to trace them. They said a total of six rounds were fired. At a news briefing on Saturday, Deputy Police Chief Timothy McCormack expressed dismay over the circumstances of the case. We have two families that are completely destroyed right nowour victims family and our shooters family, McCormack said. He described the suspects mother as a hard-working woman whose child had zero police contact before his arrest. The shooting happened outside of the South Bronx Educational Campus, which is home to two schools, Mott Haven Village Prep and University Heights Secondary School. The Department of Education said two of the teens went to Mott Haven. The third teen went to University Prep Charter High School, a short distance away. The pandemic affected people in more ways than preventing them from going to work or attending a birthday party. Some had to skip out on that vacation they were really looking forward to, and some were stuck at home, afraid of returning to their pre-pandemic routine. A circumstance of the pandemic in the beginning was how a contagious viral infection would affect long-standing traditional services like churches and other religious institutions in Flagstaff. Sharif Saye, a volunteer board member for the Islamic Center of Flagstaff, said hes seen attendance numbers drop pretty drastically since the start of the pandemic. Normally we used to have somewhere around 60 to 70 people attend our Friday prayers, sometimes even 80 people, Saye said. Now, we're having 15, 17 people. The Islamic Center of Flagstaff is one of the only Islamic mosques in northern Arizona. The next closest are in Kingman or Phoenix -- which is a reason Saye felt that the area would be a prime location for a mosque, yet it is showing signs of strain over the years. Foreign exchange students that used to come to NAU cant come in anymore, Saye said. They werent letting people in the country. So I'd say we lost 30 members, maybe every semester, due to that. In an attempt to keep people safe, the mosque requires all attendees to wear a mask. Saye said the mask requirement has caused its own riff within the community because of social stigmas that some members hold toward wearing them. Some just dont want to wear them, so they wont come, Saye said. There is no online option for attending the Islamic Center of Flagstaff -- which Saye said is due to them being such a small operation. The Islamic Center of Flagstaff does feel that the tides are shifting, and Saye hopes that attendance will get back to its original numbers soon. Its getting better, Saye said. We stopped completely for about six months and at the beginning it was a pretty scary thing. Then when we first started up [again], we were getting five people, four people, sometimes three, sometimes 10, if we're lucky. Now we're getting some days where we'll have travelers come in and we'll have 20 people attend. Saye encourages people not to be afraid of returning and hopes that by getting the word out, it will encourage more people to attend. Anybody's more than welcome, even if you're not Muslim, to come and listen, Saye said. What we preach is always in English. Anybody can understand that and anybody could come and feel free to join us. 'Didn't skip a beat' While the Islamic Center of Flagstaff seemed to lose a good majority of attendees, there were some organizations in the area that found their situation to be the opposite. Amy Miller of the Northland Baptist Church in Flagstaff said their congregation actually thrived due to an implementation of an online platform and a willingness and strong foundation from the members. Northland Baptist Church doubles as a school and a church, so it acted quickly to make sure that the curriculum was still accessible to the members when many local establishments were shutting down at the height of the pandemic. Like other educational institutions, it was March of 2020 when they shut down, until they opened back up in the spring of the next year. Miller said they didnt skip a beat. We were able to immediately move all of our students to an online platform for the very next lesson, just taught by different teachers online rather than our live teachers, Miller said. So we really didn't lose anything academically. In terms of the church, where they hold an in-person service every Sunday, Miller said she has seen the congregation grow since the pandemic began. Attendance is now back to where it was, Miller said. We even have some new families, but some of our elderly families have not returned in person. Miller attributes the numbers to maintaining morale and interconnectedness with the congregation, not only by continuing service online at a time when the community couldnt meet in person, but also by maintaining relationships with members. Our people were fairly connected even with phone calls and texting and emails during that whole time, Miller said. And then everybody was very happy to see each other as a church family. I don't think we saw any real downturn as far as religious morale. Another Flagstaff institution that doubles as a school and a church is Flagstaffs San Francisco de Asis, a Catholic religious center that prides itself on having made the correct changes to keep what they believe to be a successful congregation. Under the advisory of then-Phoenix Bishop Thomas Olmsted, San Francisco de Asis suspended in-person masses altogether. The move led them to turn to more creative ways of spreading the gospel to members. Anna Hoffman, parish manager and executive assistant to the pastor, said they utilized online services to keep members involved in religious ceremonies. Well, our staff got together and said, OK, well, how do we meet the sacramental needs of our parishioners the best we can? Hoffman said. The priests in Flagstaff immediately got a podcast called "Northern Fathers" up and on a weekly basis would talk about the scripture for the upcoming week. Other ideas such as a drive-thru confession with a priest were implemented. When Christmas came around, the church livestreamed the nativity scene. I think really our main goals were how do we administer the sacraments, how do we educate our students and keep our school open, and how do we have mass on Sundays? Hoffman said. And I think we did just that; I think we met our goals. However, Bill Carroll, the principal of San Francisco de Asis, felt that online services didnt connect people in the same ways that in-person services did. In fact, Carroll was worried that the online services would be used as a crutch by some who didn't feel like attending Mass but were able to participate virtually. I think since the pandemic people are using the whole virtual option as a crutch where it's like, Ah, let's not go to Mass today. We can just pull up any Mass from around the country and watch it from around the world and watch it on TV, Carroll said. But there's nothing like experiencing going to Mass in person. You're not getting the same spiritual effect from it by being there as you are from watching from home. Safety guidelines were put in place upon reopening such as sectioning off pews and only operating at a reduced capacity, but that has since changed and San Francisco de Asis is now back at full capacity -- though for a while there was a lot of blue tape hanging around, something both agreed they would like to never have to roll and unroll again. According to Hoffman and Carroll, attendance numbers have been creeping up again but are still not where they were pre-pandemic. Official records were not available at the time of the interview. In regards to when they think that attendance will go back to pre-pandemic levels, Hoffman said it is just a matter of time until people feel comfortable going back to their normal routines, and that will drive people back into the church as well. Opening amid COVID Flagstaff Church of Christ is an exception to the rest of the aforementioned religious centers in that it opened its doors during the midst of the pandemic, in the summer of 2021. The service was part of a sister church outreach program from other Arizona-based Christian churches. Sent out to spearhead the project was Brian Mackie, who had been with the church for several years. Mackie said the timing never felt bad, and he hoped that the opening of his church would inspire people to come out into the world again. For many it was like, When and how do people start coming back? Mackie said. For us that was kind of more clear: Hey, we're starting this, so we need everybody here. An official launch for the church took place in September 2021, and almost 350 people from across the state attended. Now, Mackie said he usually sees 40 to 50 attendees at every Sunday service. The Flagstaff Church of Christ applies state-recommended COVID-19 protocols in its service: masks are optional and an infected person is urged to stay home and quarantine. Mackie said they havent done anything special in terms of various safety measures. Still, Mackie only recalls four patrons who have tested positive in his congregation since their inception. Obviously there have been a lot more exposures, and when that happens we try to advise to stay home and for anybody in their family to as well, but really only four positives, Mackie said. I feel like we've been very blessed, or however you want to phrase it. Mackie hopes to continue with community outreach and expand his church service to more in the Flagstaff area. He hopes they are one step closer to a good future and that the virus wont get too bad again before the Flagstaff Church of Christ can make a bigger impact in their community with upcoming services and events they have planned. We will continue to follow any heavily recommended protocols if there becomes a spike or a new variant of any sort, Mackie said. But, I think we are coming one step closer for victory and one step closer to moving past this." A shift in worship Flagstaffs Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) was one of the few that felt equipped to survive and even prosper during the pandemic. Guidance from LDS President Russell Nelson in prior years is what gave the church a head start, as Flagstaff Stake President Kevin Tingey said. There had been a shift toward home-centered worship in the last few years, putting an emphasis on the family to provide religious education alongside the church. I don't think anyone knew that a pandemic was coming, but some of the changes that were made were emphasizing being home-centered and church-supported, Tingey said. And that really made things a lot better. So the whole idea of having home-centered worship and being supported in church services on Sundays and through the week sort of accommodated what was going to happen about a year or two before the pandemic hit. The focus of home-centered worship was only supposed to be a support system, but because of the pandemic it became the primary mode of worship instead. Home worship included the Come Follow Me program, through which scriptures and lessons were sent out weekly to maintain religious guidance to families. I think most people felt grateful that we were prepared to do this, but there was a lot of, I think, the social aspects and interaction that we have in our congregations was really missed by many of the people and the support that we get from each other and give to each other, Tingey said. Eventually, as people felt brave enough to venture out into the world and the pandemic numbers plateaued, the LDS church started to open back up again to reduced numbers. The meetings were recorded and broadcasted to other members in the area. Attendance numbers became split with about 60% opting to go in person and the rest choosing to participate virtually, as Tingey said. While the church attempted to avoid any hiccups in its service by utilizing home-centered worship, a problem still remained considering a foundational part of the LDS function: the missionaries. Typically, missionaries go door to door to spread the gospel and host community gatherings, but because of the pandemic they had to shift their modes of communication. I think we have 18 in and around Flagstaff, and for a while they were completely confined to their apartments, Tingey said. They were trying to communicate or spread the message via social media or by telephone. Now they're back out and about and visiting with people around town, but for a second, they couldnt do what they normally would. Like other organizations, the chruch remains rock-solid in its beliefs and hopes that the worst is over so that functions can return back to normal. The main thread of these institutions was their faith that things would get better that kept them pushing through in times of uncertainty, a faith many Flagstaff citizens, religious or not, tried to keep. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Peter Menzies: Proposed Online News Act Inserts the State Into the Newsrooms of the Nation Commentary More than half a century ago Canadas then-prime minister, Pierre Trudeau, famously declared that the state has no place in the bedrooms of the nation. Last week, the government of current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau very quietly inserted that same state into the newsrooms of the nation. The tool used is something called the Online News Act, which readers will also see referred to as Bill C-18. It was introduced April 5 by Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez, who in doing so declared it to be a step forward in the battle against disinformation in Canada. Well, good for him. Others see this as a move likely to further erode already plummeting levels of trust in legacy media. Heres how this came about. Twenty years ago, newspapers were outrageously profitable organizations. The combined annual profits of Albertas four major dailiesCalgary Herald, Edmonton Journal, Calgary Sun, and Edmonton Sunwere close to $150 million. Then along came high-speed internet, social media, free classified platforms, and more. Realtors and auto dealers could advertise through their own websites and once-captive eyeballs went, well, everywhere else. The money went with them. To put matters in perspective, last year the nations largest newspaper company, Postmedia, amassed a mere $442 million in gross revenue from its 130 brands. Thats about what those four previously mentioned Alberta papers were bringing in 20 years ago. The Toronto Star and all its affiliate titles were sold for less money than the Calgary Herald used to make in a year. What didnt go away, of course, were all the encumbrances of happier dayscapital upkeep, collective bargaining agreements that no longer make sense, pension liabilities, and more. Thousands of jobs have been lost through annual layoffs while publishers tried to put on a brave face in front of their remaining advertisers. All may appear to have been lost for legacy media, but in the meantime, the internet made it possible for a plethora of innovators and entrepreneurs to start up original news platforms based on 21st-century realities. Meanwhile, advertising and profits went where our eyeballs shifted to: social media and search engines. Incapable of adapting to technological change, the legacy newspaper business did what a previous generation of publishers would have turned away from in disgust and began lobbying the government for a solution. First, they got almost $600 million in tax credits available to media organizations of which a government-appointed panel approved. Then, another fund of about $50 million over five years was set up to pay the salaries of reporters whose beats were given the nod by yet another panel. The National Observer, the platform run by one of those panelists, got three salaries paidone for a reporter assigned exclusively to cover federal government activities in British Columbia. Not a great look. Then, last week, along came the Online News Act, something for which legacy media had campaigned relentlessly in recent years, some going so far as to turn their front pages into full-page campaign ads promoting the idea. The argument they made was that social media companies and search engines were unfairly profiting from the content that news companies postedfor freeon these web platforms. The economics supporting the argument are, to be generous, vague. But it is enough for the government to point to as a rationale for what to all intents and purposes is a bailout. Some call it a shakedown. The Online News Act forces tech platforms to negotiate commercial agreements with Canadian news organizations to compensate them for, near as I can tell, having built a better mousetrap. There are a lot of things wrong with Bill C-18, which not surprisingly won universal praise from the editorial boards of the nation leading newspapers even though Im pretty sure few read it. In fact, Im hoping they didnt because I cant imagine they would approve of the price they will have to pay. We will get into more of the details in the weeks to come, including how this puts those who, on principle, wont take money offered or procured by government at a disadvantage to those who will. For now, heres the quo that goes with the quid on Bill C-18. The commercial agreements have to be reached in a fashion that satisfies not just the two parties, which should be sufficient. But no, they also must satisfy the government, which has put the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and its nine cabinet-appointed members in charge of oversight. The legislation, as proposed by Rodriguez, insists that tech companies ensure that the money they pay to news organizations be spent on domestic news coverage only. First of all, if this is truly a commercial arrangement, what business is it of the government to tell news organizations how they spend the money? I mean, its their money, isnt it? Maybe their priority is technological? Maybe its international news? Doesnt matter. Going forward, Canadian news organizations will prioritize what Bill C-18 says are its priorities. To make sure that happens, the CRTC is assigned the task of approving these agreements. This means, one assumes, that it has the power to disapprove of them and, I expect, indicate a preference for more money for this or that type of coverage. More diversity here, more underserved communities there, who knows? Despite Rodriguezs promise of a light touch, there appears to be nothing in the act to assure that. Even more interesting is that it remains both unclear and unlikely that any of us in the public will ever be privy to these agreements. What is obvious is that while the economics of technological change may have brought legacy publishers to their knees, Bill C-18 puts them on their bellies. The state is very much in the soon-to-be-humiliated newsrooms of the nation. What a shame. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. STORY AT-A-GLANCE March 7, 2022, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a roundtable discussion about COVID treatment, early treatment suppression, vaccine risks, the collateral damage from school closures and lockdowns and more March 8, 2022, the Florida Department of Health updated its guidance, formally recommending against COVID vaccination for healthy children, 5 to 17. Florida is the first state to go against CDC vaccine recommendations Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo stressed that, as we move forward, we must insist on holding decision makers accountable for their harmful public health decisions. Their choices, that they made for everyone, were the wrong choices that led to, basically, no appreciable benefit, Ladapo said According to Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, one of the most egregious mistakes made was to ignore the fact that theres a thousand-fold difference in risk between the lowest and highest risk groups. Children are at virtually no risk of dying from COVID, yet children have been forced to bear the burden of disease prevention. Almost from the very beginning of the pandemic, we adopted policies that seem like they were tailor-made to harm children, he said According to Dr. Sunetra Gupta, what weve seen over the past two years is an inversion of the schedule of uncertainty. Doubt was cast on things that were certain, while certainty was claimed for things we had no clue about. Decision makers chose to do the very things we knew, for certain, would cause harm. They inverted the precautionary principle to minimize harm, and chose to maximize harm instead March 7, 2022, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a roundtable discussion(1) about COVID treatment, early treatment suppression, vaccine risks, the collateral damage from school closures and lockdowns, and how to end the COVID theatre once and for all. Panelists included physicians, scientists and academics from around the U.S., including: Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, a former National Institutes of Health-funded researcher Dr. Robert Malone, a molecular virologist, bioethicist, vaccine researcher and co-developer of the mRNA vaccine platform Dr. Tracy Hoeg, Ph.D., an epidemiologist Dr. Jill Ackerman, a family physician Dr. Christopher DAdamo, Ph.D., an epidemiologist and integrative medicine specialist Dr. Shveta Raju, an internist Dr. Harvey Risch, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology trained in mathematical modeling of infectious diseases Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Ph.D., professor of health policy at Stanford, research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research and co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, which calls for focused protection of the most vulnerable(2) Dr. Martin Kulldorff, Ph.D., former professor of medicine at Harvard University, now senior scientific director of the Brownstone Institute, a biostatistician and epidemiologist with expertise in vaccine safety evaluation, co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration Dr. Joseph Fraiman, a rural emergency physician and clinical scientist, specializing in harm-benefit analysis Dr. Sunetra Gupta, Ph.D., Oxford University professor, an epidemiologist with expertise in immunology, vaccine development and mathematical modeling of infectious disease, co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration We Must Hold Decision Makers to Account As noted by Ladapo, one of the things we must remember and remain intent upon as we move forward is to hold people accountable for their public health decisions. Two years after the two weeks to slow the spread, we have ample evidence proving the decision makers didnt know what they were talking about, Ladapo says. Their choices, that they made for everyone, were the wrong choices that led to, basically, no appreciable benefit. Joseph Ladapo, Florida surgeon general They abused their power, they manipulated data, they lied, and they now want us all to forget what they said and did. We cannot let them get away with it. Many errors were made, and those responsible must be held to account. Their choices, that they made for everyone, were the wrong choices that led to, basically, no appreciable benefit, Ladapo says. We cannot let them forget. We have to hold them accountable. We have to let the country, the world, know what the truth is because its the right thing to do, and because it can happen again if we dont. Thousand-Fold Difference in Risk Was Ignored Bhattacharya was one of the first to investigate the prevalence of COVID-19 in 2020, and he found that by April, the infection was already too prevalent for lockdowns to have any possibility of stopping the spread. He points out that one of the most egregious mistakes made was to ignore the fact that theres a thousand-fold difference in risk between the lowest and highest risk groups. Children and teens are at virtually no risk of dying from COVID. Overall, the risk of COVID is primarily relegated to the very old and those with multiple comorbidities. Bhattacharya has called the COVID-19 lockdowns the biggest public health mistake ever made,(3) stressing that the harms caused have been absolutely catastrophically devastating, especially for children and the working class, worldwide.(4) In some areas of the world, children have not been in school for two years, and the ramifications of that will likely reverberate for decades. Public health has also been negatively impacted by lockdowns and other measures measures which Bhattacharya states were based in fear, not fact. Stunning Denials of Science Kulldorff, in his opening remarks, points out what he believes is one of the most stunning parts of this pandemic, and that is the denial of the basic science of natural immunity. Even doctors and hospitals that should know better have demanded vaccine mandates for people who have already had COVID, he says. Perhaps even worse, hospitals have fired staff who have had COVID and have natural immunity, simply because they did not want to get the experimental jab. Those with natural immunity are not just less likely to get COVID again, theyre also far less likely to spread it to others. This makes them among the most valuable staff members a hospital can have, yet they were routinely discarded. That goes against basic principles of public health, Kulldorff says. And to have a director of the CDC who questions natural immunity, which we have now, is sort of like having a director of NASA who questions whether the earth is flat or round. Its just mindboggling that weve come into a situation like that. Fraiman, whose clinical research expertise includes risk-benefit analysis, also expresses disbelief and frustration over the scientific censorship weve seen in the last two years. He points out that many of his colleagues are simply too afraid of getting fired to speak the truth. DeSantis, similarly, highlights how incredibly difficult it has been to publish and find research that contradicted the official narrative, and even when available, the mainstream media would refuse to acknowledge it, whereas they would endlessly publicize speculation and statements of opinion that had no basis in fact or science, but supported however flimsily the official narrative. I would add that so-called fact checkers have even gone so far as to fact check scientific peer-reviewed publications,(5)(6)(7) labeling them as misinformation or outright false, resulting in their being censored on social media! Thats an astounding development. It does not bode well for science when noncredentialed individuals with zero experience in the topic at hand are given the authority to decide the truthfulness or accuracy of scientists work. The Inversion of the Precautionary Principle Gupta, who has some 30 years of expertise in mathematical modeling of infectious disease, points out that what weve seen over the past two years is an inversion of the schedule of uncertainty. In short, doubt was cast on things that were rather certain so-called unknowns were not unknown, Gupta says while certainty was claimed for things we had no clue about. The powers that be told us the measures and restrictions would work, but we didnt know they would work, she says. Moreover, we didnt know what their purpose actually was. It was a rather incoherent set of goals, she says. One thing we knew for certain was that lockdowns and other restrictions would have enormous cost, she says. That was the one thing we were certain about, yet thats what we went ahead and did. We inverted the precautionary principle of trying to minimize harm, by doing the one thing we knew would cause harm. I would add that the scale of that harm was never calculated or addressed at any point along the way. Its as though it didnt matter how great the harm was, as long as there was the appearance that we were doing everything in our power to prevent COVID. Plausibility Versus Science Risch brings up a similar point, saying weve seen a lot of misdirection. Whats been conveyed to the public have been things that are plausible, but not scientific. Theres a big difference between things that seem plausible and things that are scientific, he says. For example, lockdowns are a plausible countermeasure, but theyre not based in science. In fact, all the science we have, show them to be harmful, with little or no benefit whatsoever. The same has been true for medications, Rish says. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration put out warnings saying that hydroxychloroquine should not be used in outpatients, even though they had no data on outpatient use of the drug. They only had data on in-hospital use, and the two situations are not comparable. Early COVID symptoms are completely different from symptoms of later-stage, severe infection and the two stages require completely different treatments. Hydroxychloroquine only works well when used very early. Its not useful in the later stages, and frontline doctors were well aware of this. No Justification for Mandating Vaccines for Children Malone speaking on behalf of the International Alliance of Physicians and Medical Scientists,(8) which currently has some 17,000 members stressed that, in terms of COVID policies, the Alliance has made a series of very clear, unambiguous statements. There is no justification for mandating vaccines for children. Full stop, he says. Were of the strong opinion that if there is risk there must be choice. This is fundamental bioethics 101. As noted in the second Physicians Declaration(9) by dated October 29, 2021, childrens clinical risk from SARS-CoV-2 infection is negligible and long term safety of the shots cannot be determined prior to the enactment of mandatory vaccination policies. Not only are children at high risk for severe adverse events, but having healthy, unvaccinated children in the population is crucial to achieving herd immunity. Malone continues: No. 2, as far as were concerned, there is no medical emergency now, and there is therefore no justification for the declaration of medical emergency and the suspension of rights The Alliance also condemns the hunting of physicians and the restriction of physicians ability to prescribe and treat with early treatment. With regard to vaccines, Malone also highlights the fact that while a Pfizer/BioNTech COVID injection has been approved by the FDA, that product is not available. So, there is NO FDA approved COVID vaccine on the market in the U.S. The only products available in the U.S., for children and adults alike, are emergency use authorization (EUA) products, for which liability is waived. Now, in order for the COVID injections to qualify for EUA, there could not be any other treatments available, which appears to have been the driving factor behind the suppression of early treatment with repurposed drugs such as hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. Mask Mandates Have Not Had Any Benefit Speaking to the issue of mask mandates, Hoeg has published several studies, looking at the effects of universal mask wearing. One of them assessed compliance and outcomes in the Wisconsin school system. On average, 92% of children complied with the mask wearing, and only seven students out of 7,000 caught COVID during the 2021 school year. This was used by media to proclaim that masks work. The problem is, there was no control group, and the low infection rate could have been due to anything. Hoeg points out we have studies from Scandinavia, where masks were not worn, and they too had extremely low infection rates among children. Again and again, weve seen that children just arent susceptible to COVID, especially not severe infection. So, low incidence really says nothing about the effectiveness of masks. DeSantis also notes that neighboring schools one that had a mask mandate and another that did not had no discernible difference in infection rates, which he believes is rather compelling evidence that mask mandates have no benefit. Whats more, of the two largest randomized controlled trials, both showed that masks do not prevent the spread of infection. According to Hoeg, weve inverted the precautionary principle with respect to mask wearing as well. Without any high-quality evidence of benefit, weve chosen to mask children even though we know there are harms. They interfere with communication, impede learning, hinder breathing, promote bacterial infections and more. The Collateral Damage Has Been Immense As noted by Fraiman, any time you consider a public health measure, you have to conduct a thorough risk-benefit analysis. Who may benefit and to what degree? What are the harms, who will be harmed the most, whats the extent of the collateral damage? Do the benefits outweigh all of the risks? In the case of school closures, the collateral damage has been immense, Fraiman says. Physical and mental health has been impacted. According to Fraiman, theres been a doubling of obesity and diabetes, for example, during the pandemic. Theres been a dramatic increase in anxiety, depression and stress. Recent statistics show a shocking spike in fentanyl overdose deaths among high school-aged adolescents in the U.S. during 2020 and 2021. The following graph, from a December 24, 2021, preprint article(10) posted on medRxiv and tweeted(11) out by Dr. John B., a scientist, illustrates the situation better than words. According to the authors:(12) Adolescent overdose mortality saw a sharp increase between 2019 and 2020, from 2.35 per 100,000 to 4.58 per 100,000, representing a 94.3% increase, the largest percent increase of any 5-year age group Trends were driven by fatalities involving IMFs [illicitly-manufactured-fentanyls], which nearly tripled from 2019 to 2020, and represented 76.6% of adolescent overdose deaths in 2021 Our results should also be understood in the context of rising rates of adolescent mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic. I think its quite clear that the collateral damage outweighed any benefit that was there, Fraiman says. So, I think we need to take a more systems-level approach before embarking on this kind of policy the next time. Was Harming Children Intentional? Bhattacharya adds, Almost from the very beginning of the pandemic, we adopted policies that seem like they were tailor-made to harm children. Lower-income children were disproportionally harmed by lockdowns and school closures. The effect on these kids has been catastrophic, he says. He cites a study that calculated that, as a result of the school closures during the spring of 2020, children in the U.S. will lose 5.5 million life years. Lost learning literally ripples through the childs entire lifetime. They lead less healthy and shorter lives and are more likely to be steeped in poverty. In some areas of the world, schools have been closed for nearly two years. As noted by Bhattacharya, weve robbed an entire generation of their birthright. Mask mandates have made the impact on children even worse. He points out that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the only public health agency in the world that still recommends masking toddlers, with literally not a single study showing it has any consequence on the spread of the disease. The only reason they continue to mask [toddlers] is because [the toddlers] are powerless, he says. Weve adopted this idea that children are the central problem; children are the ones who should bear all the burden of infection control. In fact, thats not true. It has revealed the values we have as a society, and its not a pretty picture. None of this has actually worked to protect the vulnerable. Still, 80% of the deaths are in people over 65. What have these restrictions on children bought? Not very much, if at all. And its caused tremendous harm that were going to have to address for years to come. Florida Recommends Against COVID Shots for Healthy Children In late February 2022, Ladapo and DeSantis also updated the states policy on masks, formally discouraging mask wearing.(13) Toward the end of the roundtable, Ladapo announced the Florida Department of Health would also formally recommend against COVID shots for healthy children, aged 5 to 17,(14) as they may not benefit from receiving the currently available COVID-19 vaccines. During the roundtable, risks such ass myocarditis were also discussed. Florida is the first state to go against the CDCs vaccine recommendations. In a statement published with the new guideline, March 8, 2022,(15) Ladapo said: Based on currently available data, the risks of administering COVID-19 vaccination among healthy children may outweigh the benefits. These decisions should be made on an individual basis, and never mandated. Originally published Mar 19,0000, on Mercola.com BOSTONAfter seeing Shen Yun for the first time, Peter and Lynn were surprised and dismayed by the fact that such a performance cannot be seen in China. Were fortunate that we get to see it here, said Lynn, who works in hospitality. She and her husband Peter saw the classical Chinese dance company for the first time and learned that Shen Yun is based in New York. Because the performance portrays spiritual adherents who are persecuted by the communist regime, Shen Yun is not allowed in Mainland China. Lynn and Peter at the April 8 Shen Yun performance in Bostons Wang Theatre at the Boch Center. (Yawen Hung/The Epoch Times) I think its great what theyre doing, said Peter, a national sales director for an automation company. Its sad that they cant do that back in their own country and that it has been banned. The couple saw the April 8 performance in Boston. Through dance and live music, Shen Yun showcases legends and stories from ancient China to the present day. The show was beautiful. The performance was excellent. The dancers are beautiful, Peter said. The live orchestra was totally in sync with the music, Lynn said. I really loved when the screen came alive with the characters, referring to the patented digital backdrop that seems to interact with the dancers onstage. Overall, the couple felt optimistic after the performance. Lynn came away with a feeling of freedom. You feel free with art expression, she said. We are still in awe from the show. Peter summarized his feelings with the words peace and harmony. With everything else thats happening over there on the other side [of the world] that you cant see, the hardships going on; over here, we take it for granted, he added. Don Wales and Emily Maloney at the April 8 performance of Shen Yun in Boston. (Sherry Dong/ The Epoch Times) Pet sitter Emily Maloney and Don Wales, in law enforcement for border control, found the performance eye-openingnot only because they saw classical Chinese dance and Chinas various folk dances, but for its mission to raise awareness of religious persecution in China. The blend of all the different kinds of dance involved is amazing. I love it. Ive never seen anything like it, Ms. Maloney said. Mr. Wales reflected on the contrast between the ancient spiritual beliefs of China and the modern ideology of atheism in China under communism. The vibrant colors [in Shen Yun] are just amazing, and so unassociated with what we think of in China today. You think of grayish, not vibrant. Reminds me of when I grew up, there was a lady that would do Tai chi in the park. She would wear these beautiful colors. She would just do that every morning. She was probably from that generation before communism that was able to celebrate life a little bit more, so that part of it was very uplifting. Thats part of the history that, who knows, may one day come back. Reporting by Sherry Dong and Yawen Hung. The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006. Bela and Mike Maranhas attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at Boch Center Wang Theatre, in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 9, 2022. (Sherry Dong/The Epoch Times) BOSTON, Mass.Shen Yun Performing Artss mission is to show the beauty of traditional Chinese culture through classical dance and music. Its story-based dances and unique orchestra are a new and exciting experience for many theatergoers. It is top-notch; the dancing, the strength, the agility, the nimbleness [of the dancers], said Mike Maranhas, a professional writer who specializes in fiction and memoirs. And the colors are absolutely amazing, said Bela Maranhas who is a consultant in the financial services industry. I loved the movement, the colors of the costumes. The different pastiches, the different pastels. All the accouterments [the performers] are using while theyre dancing were also impressive, added Mr. Maranhas. The couple came to see Shen Yun at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston. The most memorable experience for many audience members is the energy emanating from the stage. Theres a certain uplifting feeling, said Mrs. Maranhas. Theres both spiritual energy, theres mental energy, theres physical energy. The [performance] is invigorating from that perspective, said Mr. Maranhas. I think its intellectually energizing because it brings the promise of optimism. He expressed admiration for Shen Yuns tenor who sang a song called To Heaven in This Lifetime. He loved the spiritual message, which he said was unexpected. The lyrics speak of mans journey down through the many planes of heaven to await a Creator on earth. Mrs. Maranhas explained her understanding of the tenors message. Were divine beings with a mission on earth, and todays society is trying to destroy that mission, she said. Its not only Christianity where the end result is salvation, said Mr. Maranhas. For many audience members, a Shen Yun performance gives a new perspective on Chinese traditional culture, which cannot be found in China today. Upon coming to power, the communist regime embarked on the destruction of every symbol of the countrys glorious history. If you could conquer the prejudice and discrimination of the Chinese Communist Party and bring that [culture] back to the modern world within China, thatd be great. I think its a shame that any totalitarian regime has to destroy their past, said Mr. Maranhas. [Shen Yun] is both inspirational and its uplifting, and its just the way I wish things were. Just the beauty, the harmony, said Mrs. Maranhas, who explained that she never expected to see a Shen Yun performance. She said that she had recently spent 46 days in a coma in an intensive care unit. Its refreshing, said Mr. Maranhas. We live in a jaded world. We live in a world that doesnt want to see beyond the here and now. [Shen Yun] is not afraid to be transparent about Chinas culture and its beauty and its inherent beliefs. And also, it emphasizes, for those who dont know, the reality of whats happening in China, where Falun Gong [is being persecuted], which is so sad, said Mrs. Maranhas. They noted that one of the dances in Shen Yuns repertoire depicts the reality of forced organ harvesting in China, where the followers of Falun Gong, a peaceful spiritual practice, are the principal victims. I really liked that scene, because I dont think many people realize whats going on, said Mr. Maranhas. It was excellent, agreed Mrs. Maranhas. Reporting by Sherry Dong and Diane Cordemans. The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006. BATON ROUGE, La.Shen Yun, a classical Chinese dance performance hailing from New York, produces an outsized reaction from its audiences, perhaps because it goes beyond its stunning stage effects to a deeper human need. Leonard Kight, retired Air Force colonel and his wife Linda attended the April 9 matinee. It was spellbinding. I literally cried through most of it, said Mrs. Kight. The beauty, the music, the dancing is superb, its even better than I had seen advertised. Its one of the most wonderful performances that I have ever witnessed, and I would tell everybody this is absolutely a must-see. An experience, you dont just see it, it touches all of your senses. The sights, the sounds, and just what it does to your very beingits beautiful. Its just a feeling when I left, I feel like Im floating. Leonard Knight Its something that goes beyond your eyes and your ears, its just something that goes deep into your spirit. Its just a feeling when I left, I feel like Im floating. The performers did so well, she said. Theyre just perfectionists and we just enjoyed it so much, its spiritual. It touches you deep inside. And the history of China, they bring out things that are going on, its just hard to describe. Its more than a performance. Shen Yun highlights the piety and reverence Chinese people have traditionally shown toward the divine, and the unfortunate realities of religious persecution taking place in todays China. For this reason, Shen Yun cannot be performed in Mainland China. The China that used to bethat needs to come back, needs to be rebirthed, said Mr. Kight. He sees hope in Shen Yuns simple message. Get back to the basics. Back to the spiritual that was so prevalent in all of it and just get back to humanity. And taking care of each other and just being one. Bruce and Dana Klain at the Baton Rouge Shen Yun performance, on April 9. (Sally Sun/The Epoch Times) Pastor Bruce Klain and psychotherapist Dana Klain have some experience with the state of religious suppression under the Chinese Communist Party. We lived in Chinain Xinjiang Province, and I was a professor at the university, said Mr. Klain. I taught history, I taught English, I taught business, I was a missionary over there, so to have that experience, and my wife and I went to Xian a couple of years ago and in Xian we taught in an underground Bible college in China. Mrs. Klain reflected on the couples observations while in China. I think in China it always depends on the government, unfortunately, but I do think the spirit of the people, no matter what the government does, it lives on, she said. We know that the people and the government are two different things. And I always believed that everywhere you go people are the same, basically theyre good. Sometimes the situation is not easy. But she felt that Shen Yun offered a positive and uplifting example of a way forward despite the difficulties. I thought it was a very positive message of people struggling to find an identity that has gotten lost, she said. Reporting by NTD and Sally Sun. The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006. Jitka Mrazek (L) and Teresa Uszacki at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at the Fours Seasons Centre in Toronto on April 9, 2022. (Dongyu Teng/The Epoch Times) TORONTOTeresa Uszacki, a painter and former art gallery owner, says she saw lights around Shen Yuns artists when she attended the performance at the Four Seasons Centre on April 9. It was like an aura, a radiation of color [around the dancers bodies], said Ms. Uszacki. This is a very healing, uplifting performance that comes from the soul and touches the soul. Based in New York, Shen Yun is the worlds premier classical Chinese dance and music company. Through breathtaking dance and music, Shen Yuns artists tell of a time when divine beings walked upon the earth, leaving behind a culture that inspired generations, says Shen Yuns website. Ancient Chinese wisdom, infused with Buddhist and Taoist spirituality and values, gave birth to everything from medical innovations to opera, dance, architecture, and even martial arts. But after decades of communist rule, much of this divinely inspired culture has been destroyed or forgotten. Shen Yuns artists, who formed the company in 2006, aim to revive this cultural heritage with a history of 5,000 years and deeply spiritual roots. Ms. Uszacki said she enjoyed the spirituality conveyed in the Shen Yun performance and the connection that it shows between human beings and the divine. The spiritual connection to the creator, the divine, we have that inside of us. We need to be opening that up inside of us, and just knowing life [originates] from a higher dimension. I feel like this performance was a beautiful reminder of that. That was a wonderful gift, Ms. Uszacki said. I hope that the dancers, the performers, know how much we appreciate their dancing. Teresa Uszacki I hope that the dancers, the performers, know how much we appreciate their dancing, the spiritual message because it has been uplifting for us and its uplifting for the viewers. Watching Shen Yun, Ms. Uszacki said she felt a sense of serenity. For the dancers to dance with such beauty and serenity, I feel like they are feeling it in their heart, she said. You can only express, as an artist, be it a dancer or a painter, what it is that youre feeling. There was purity in them, and that purity was coming out through the performance. Jitka Mrazek, a now-retired entrepreneur and teacher who attended Shen Yun with Ms. Uszacki, also enjoyed the spiritual aspect of Shen Yun. I enjoyed that tremendously, said Ms. Mrazek, while admiring the beauty of the performance overall. This performance was amazing, beautiful. We really appreciate the choreography. The costume designs [were] absolutely unbelievable, like the combination of colors and how they put it together. Praising the courage of the Shen Yun artists in pursuing their mission, Ms. Mrazek said Shen Yun offers hope to people. The artists are not only beautiful dancers and performers, but [what they are doing] also takes courage, she said. Ms. Uszacki said she feels fortunate to have Shen Yun tour in Canada and hopes that one day people in China can see the performance as well. Shen Yun cannot perform in todays China under the ruling communist regime. This presentation is one of the most beautiful presentations Ive ever seen in all my life, so Im so thankful to have had the opportunity to see it, she said. Reporting by Tongyu Deng. The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006. Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton says he does not expect the Solomon Islands will allow China to establish a military base. However, Australia remains concerned about the growing militarisation of the region. Foreign affairs officials found out about a security pact between China and the Solomon Islands when a draft was leaked on social media. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has asked for a copy of the agreement, which had been initialled two weeks ago. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has since met two of Australias top intelligence officials in the capital, Honiara. Sogavare said his country was seeking to broaden its security partnerships. Dutton says the government is taking an interest in developments. The Solomon Islands has been very clear they wont allow a military base there, he told Nine on Sunday. But we are concerned that was essentially the same commitment given by [Chinese leader] Xi to President Obama in the South China Sea and we now have 20 points of military presence by the Chinese in the South China Sea. Asked of the prospects of conflict in the region, Dutton said: I think there is a likelihood. We need to be realistic about the threats in our own region and that is why Australia is standing with our allies, he said. We cant take for granted the democracy weve got, our freedom of speech, our adherence to the rule of law and the principles that have stood us well over decades. We need to stand up to bullies and we are doing that. A U.S. Border Patrol vehicle sits next to a border wall in the El Paso Sector along the U.S.Mexico border between New Mexico and Chihuahua state, in Sunland Park, New Mexico, on Dec. 9, 2021. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images) States vs. Bidens Prison-to-Streets Pipeline for Illegal Immigrant Convicts The Biden administration has allowed a more than eleven-fold increase in the number of illegal immigrant offenders let out of Texas prisons and into the general U.S. population, despite federal immigration law requiring ICE to take convicts into custody after serving their time, usually in advance of deportation. The disclosure emerges from state-initiated litigation that is beginning to shed light on what critics call the administrations secretive and lenient handling of immigrants beginning last yeartreatment that is imperiling public safety, alarmed state authorities say. Soon after President Biden assumed office a year ago January, agents of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement began dropping their usually automatic requests to take custody from Texas authorities of immigrant convicts set to be released from the states prisons and jails, so they could be deported. In the past, few such convicts were exempt from the process. From 2017 to 2020, ICE had declined to take into custody from Texas no more than a dozen such so-called detainers a yeartypically those in poor health or with unresolved immigration issues. But from January 2021 to February of this year, Texas law enforcement officials testified in federal court last month, ICE declined to take custody of 170a number Texas persuaded ICE to winnow down to 141, but still an exponential increase over the years of the Trump administration. That increase reflects the impact in just one state of the new nationwide policy. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, whose state has joined Texas in suing the Department of Homeland Security and other federal immigration agencies over the issue, said testimony in the case being heard in U.S. District Court in Houston makes clear the Biden administration does not want the public to see how similar releases unfolded nationally in its first year. Im appalled the Biden administration has adopted a policy of releasing alien drug cartel members, human traffickers, and child sex abusers onto American streets, Landry said. Arizona, Ohio, and Montana are pursuing a similar lawsuit in Ohio. Last week the judge in that case, U.S. District Judge Michael Newman, appointed by President Trump, issued a preliminary injunction favoring the three states. Can the Executive displace clear congressional command in the name of resource allocation and enforcement goals? Here, the answer is no, Newman wrote. Perplexed and irate Texas authorities said they learned about the new ICE policy on Feb. 5, 2021, just 16 days into the new administration, upon being informed that ICE in a single day would drop detainers on 11 released inmatesa typical annual number in previous years. ICE for the most part brushed aside their complaints, Texas officials said. They said, Its coming from above and were just following the orders,' testified Jason Clark, chief of staff for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. I was alarmed by the changes that they had made, Clark said, and whether those persons were going to be released back into the public. ICE did not respond to inquiries from RealClearInvestigations. Detainer information is not public, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice said, and thus the names, criminal records, and current status of all the illegal immigrant convicts were not disclosed. Of course, the States of Texas and Louisiana must do what they can to protect their citizens, so some of these criminal aliens have remained in state custody at the States expense, the states said in their original motion last year. But in court it emerged that among those released after a final order of removaland thus subject to deportation, at least in pastyears was repeat offender Guillermo Torres, who was serving a five-year sentence after violating parole for smuggling more than 50 pounds of marijuana. Torres is a member of the Mexicles, a street gang with ties to drug cartels, according to Clark. Also avoiding deportation was Ruben De Leon, who had served five years for a 2016 conviction for intoxicated assault with a vehicle and serious bodily injury, according to Clark. Both men are now free. We dont know where theyre at, Clark testified. In more than two dozen cases, Texas authorities pleading managed to change minds at ICE. Initially exempt from a detainer, Clark said, was Juan Marroquin, who was being released after serving two years for molesting a 3-year-old and violating the terms of his probation. Again, I had to intervene and call to ask Why is this person not being deported? Clark said. He was less successful in the case of Jose Lara-Lopez, who served two years for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old. ICE officials dismissed Clarks pleas, and again reiterated that this was the new guidance that was coming down, he said. Precisely how many convicts have been released under the new policy nationwide is one of numerous questions that former ICE officers and others say the Biden administration refuses to answer. Citing unnamed sources within DHS, the Washington Times reported on March 16 that in 2021, ICE issued 46 percent fewer detainers to law enforcement agencies than it had the year before, while arresting 48 percent fewer convicted criminals and deporting 63 percent fewer criminals. ICE did not respond to questions from RCI about the accuracy of the unreleased figures, or when it plans to release a more comprehensive and detailed annual report the agency has provided in the past. The administrations lack of transparency, former ICE officers and others say, is notably reflected by the withholding of ICEs long-delayed annual Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) report, which should provide statistical detail about how the agency and its field offices are handling the record surge of immigrants. Traditionally, ICE has presented that report in December, two months after field offices turn in their data to headquarters. Those reports have provided a full complement of facts and figures on arrests broken down by crime categories, detainers, and more. The agency did not meet that deadline. Instead, on March 11, ICE released a shorter, congressionally mandated annual report, which lacked much of the detail and precision of previous Enforcement and Removal Operations documents. The 31-page March report contains just seven pages addressing Enforcement and Removal Operations in general terms, while the comparable fiscal 2019 report had 32 pages dedicated exclusively to ERO. My biggest concern is people will think this is the enforcement reportits not, said Jon Feere, an analyst with the Center for Immigration Studies who was a Trump administration appointee who served at ICE from 2017 to 2021. The annual report and an accompanying press release stressed how new ICE policies, crafted through three separate memos issued between January and September 2021, were intended in large part to ensure that U.S. immigration enforcement operations uphold our values as a nation, according to acting ICE Director Tae Johnson. To that end, the Biden administration stressed prioritization and discretion for field officers deciding when to make an arrest. As it proclaims these values, critics say, the March report obfuscates critical data. While a total number or arrests is given74,082 administrative arrests of noncitizensthere is no breakdown of where or when the arrests were made. It also introduces new categories such as aggravated felons that traditionally were not used by the agency and lack precision. The Biden administration is doing everything in its power to keep criminal aliens in our communities, and the reason they havent released the [ERO] report is because they dont want the public, or the courts, to fully understand the harm to public safety and national security theyve created, Feere said. Thousands of deportable criminal aliens are in our neighborhoods precisely because of this administration, and the public deserves transparency. ICEs March release also lacks data that would allow a comparison of what current ERO operations look like on the border and in the interior, an important metric in terms of evaluating both the agencys effectiveness and pinpointing where issues with public safety may be most acute. Both Feere and Robert Moore, liaison to ICE at Texas Criminal Justice, said the ICE agents and officials theyve spoken with are fuming over the new policies they are forced to follow, and the blanket the administration has thrown for months over the genuine annual report. The White House issued a version of the report earlier this year, but veteran ICE bureaucrats refused to sign off on what they regarded as a whitewash, Feere said. I dont think theyre very happy about it, Moore testified in the Texas lawsuit as he recounted phone conversations with ICE officials about dropped detainers. One goal of the Biden administrations secrecy, experts said, may be to keep federal judges who are dealing with litigation over new immigration policies unclear on what exactly has happened. In his preliminary ruling in Ohio, however, Judge Newman expressed little confusion while siding with Arizona, Montana, and Ohio. He wrote that the administrations 2021 memos that stress prioritization and allow wide discretion in ICE arrests violate the clear intent of Congress. The most recent September memo from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Newman ruled, neglects the laws imposition of a mandatory duty on DHS to detain certain noncitizens. After Texas and Louisiana won a preliminary injunction last year against the Biden administrations new DHS policies, the case has returned to federal district court after the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals narrowed the ruling. Thomas Homan, whom President Trump named acting ICE director from January 2017 to June 2018 after more than three decades with the federal immigration service, testified as a witness for the two states. Homan told RCI that the current policies reflect a desire to relax immigration law and that in the process the administration is gambling with public safety. Theres been no valid reason for the drop in detainees and crime rates havent gone down, we know that, Homan told RCI. Public safety is significantly threatened by this. They dont really want to arrest these people and remove them. Federal government lawyers have argued that the litigation amounts to a disagreement over policy, and that Mayorkas memos fall within the discretion Supreme Court decisions have given secretaries to craft such procedures. The states countered with the same argument Judge Newman supported, in that DHS is ignoring clear congressional intent. Some longtime ICE agents told RCI that what happened in 2021 merely accelerated disturbing trends and policies that have bedeviled the agency since the Obama administration. They also agreed with concerns raised by Clark, Feere, and others that rather than lead to increased safety, the new policies have effectively paralyzed ICE operations by subjecting them to prior approvals, review boards, and the like. The upshot is a kind of national sanctuary policy, according to Homan and others. During the Trump administration, several cities controlled by Democrats refused to comply with ICEs own detention requests, instead springing some illegal immigrants that in the past would have been deported. Homan pointed to the case of David Mora, an illegal immigrant who killed his three daughters, their chaperone, and himself in a Sacramento church. The Merced County Sheriffs Office said Californias sanctuary law meant ICE was never even notified when Mora was released from mental health custody last April. We dont know if ICE is getting anyone out of Rikers Island, Cook County, or L.A. County jails, Homan said, referring to New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Theyve left a bunch of data out, but its clear the new policy has failed memorably and the real report must be devastating. This article was written by James Varney for RealClearInvestigations Gerardo Ortizs mother taught him to always help those most in need. So when a hungry, stray dog appeared at his restaurant, Ajilalo, one night hoping for a scrap of food, Ortiz did what many other people would not do. Instead of chasing her away, the young Peruvian gave the overjoyed dog a meal. Unsurprisingly, the unloved animal appeared the following evening, and many more afterward. Word must have gone round about the tasty, free meals. Since that first night six years ago, other dogs have shown up at that place of kindness in the city of Lima, and Ortiz never fails to feed them and provide them with water. I love to help animals and peopleit fills my soul, he said. We wont take anything with us when we leave this world, so lets share what little or however much we haveand lets respect the animals, end animal abuse. (Courtesy of Gerardo Reyes Ortiz) My inspiration was always my mother and still is, he said. She does the same with people and dogs. We also bring homeless people to our place and provide them with food. The small restaurant does a good trade in typically Peruvian meat-based dishes, including anticucho, rachi, and mollejitas, plus sweetbread. We share with them the food we sell, and sometimes there are people who donate croquettes and we also share them, Ortiz said. For this passionate chef and small business owner, sharing what he has with others is the best feeling. With increasing numbers of strays on Perus streets, one of the patrons of Restaurant Ajilalo has adopted six dogs herself. When Ortiz and his team have enough, they donate food to her, too. Ortiz, who aspired to run his own business since he was young, says his mother encouraged him to help due to her own concern for abandoned dogs in the countrys capital. Ever since I was a child I loved animalsmy mother instilled that in me. As a child, I fed the dogs that passed by our home, he said. Princesa, the very first dog with the hungry look who showed up six years ago, sadly died of cancer. But not before she was adopted by an animal lover in the neighborhood, and given a comfortable home. She always arrived at the same time, said Ortiz, remembering her. She was practically the one who took care of us, and all our clients knew her. Ortiz and his staffs acts of kindness have attracted followers on social networks keen to reach out and commend their good deeds. Even his customers are full of praise seeing how the restaurant staff feeds the hungry canine visitors. Thank God we have always had the full support of our customers, he said. At the moment, Restaurant Ajilalo is running out of rented premises, but Ortiz is gradually working toward purchasing his own building. With effort and dedication, I know I will achieve it, Ortiz said determinedly. Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Bright newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter Border Patrol agents pick up four illegal aliens from Mexico after local deputies intercept their smuggling vehicle, in Brackettville, Texas, on April 8, 2022. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Texas AG Backs Governors Policy of Sending Illegal Immigrants to Washington Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has expressed support for state Gov. Greg Abbotts order to transport illegal immigrants to Washington, D.C. In an interview with Fox, Paxton acknowledged that a 2012 Supreme Court case blocks states from making their own immigration policies, saying the case could be a problem for Texas. However, the Supreme Court now has a 63 conservative majority and might take a fresh look at the issue, he suggested, while adding that the 2012 case was wrongly decided. So Id encourage the governor to force people to be sent out of our state and make the federal government sue us [and] take that back to the U.S. Supreme Court, Paxton said. Abbotts orders were in response to the Biden administrations plans to end Title 42 expulsions, which were implemented during the Trump administration to prevent potentially COVID-19-infected illegal migrants from crossing into the United States from Canada and Mexico. Washington is planning to end Title 42 on May 23. Many Democrats and civil rights organizations have praised Bidens decision. But Republicans and some Democrats are warning that rescinding Title 42 would result in a massive spike in illegal immigration on top of the already high number of people the Border Patrol is encountering every day. Title 42 expulsions involve the removal of illegal immigrants who have recently come from a country affected by an infectious disease. A bipartisan group of senators recently introduced a proposal aimed at delaying the end of Title 42 by at least 60 days after the end of the COVID-19 national emergency declaration. Following the end of the emergency, the Department of Homeland Security would be tasked with submitting a plan to Congress within 30 days detailing how to minimize the impact of any increase in the number of illegal immigrants at the U.S.Mexico border. White House press secretary Jen Psaki dismissed Abbotts policy of sending migrants to Washington as a publicity stunt. Abbott doesnt have the legal authority to compel anyone to get on a bus, she said. His own office admits that a migrant would need to voluntarily be transported and that he cant compel them to. Because again, enforcement of our countrys immigration laws lies with the federal government, not a state, she said. Abbott had announced his aggressive actions to secure the border in a statement on April 6. In addition to chartering migrants to Washington, the governor also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas Military Department to set up additional boat blockages and establish razor-wire at high-traffic areas and low-water crossings to deter illegal migration. DPS has also been instructed to carry out enhanced safety inspections of vehicles crossing into Texas because of the assumption that the expiry of Title 42 will spur a rise in cartel-facilitated smuggling. The new strategies announced today and next week will further strengthen our already robust response to the Biden border disaster, and we will use any and all lawful powers to curtail the flow of drugs, human traffickers, illegal immigrants, weapons, and other contraband into Texas, the governor said. Abbott pointed to projections by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which expect up to 18,000 migrant apprehensions per day once Title 42 ends, resulting in more than half a million illegal immigrant crossings per month. In June 2021 the Backbone Fire ravaged a 41,924-acre area surrounding Fossil Creek. The U.S. Forest Service then closed the popular hiking and swimming area to the public, citing unsafe conditions associated with post-fire flooding, road damage and downed power lines. The closure order was written to remain effective through Dec. 31, 2022, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first, so that the Forest Service could have the opportunity to assess and repair the damaged areas. According to Forest Service public affairs officer Brady Smith, Fossil Creek reopening in the fall of 2022 is possible, but not certain. The decision ultimately depends on the conclusions of undergoing safety assessments. The Arizona Daily Sun was invited to accompany Forest Service scientists on Monday into the Fossil Creek area and observe the state of its recovery. The goal was to bring back a better understanding of the current conditions, the ongoing safety concerns, and the science that helps determine if and when a burned area should be reopened to the public. As wildfires in the West remain an increasingly common threat, closures of popular areas like Fossil Creek are likely to become a regular occurrence, and a little understanding can stave off a lot of frustration. The road Under the leadership of hydrologist Kelly Mott LaCroix, the survey team met at the junction of Fossil Creek Road and Highway 260 east of Camp Verde. There, the crew split into high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles to take the 14-mile dirt road into the closed area around Fossil Creek. From the outset, drivers had to contend with lumbering dump trucks, road graders and other off-highway construction vehicles. Navigating the steep and winding blind corners between the highway and creek bed was a chore of vigilant attention, often precarious when a massive construction vehicle forced one to veer onto the soft shoulder. The reasons for the road maintenance are twofold, explained Mott LaCroix. Pre-fire there was a request to improve Fossil Creek Road, as it had turned to rutted washboard after years of heavy use. According to the Forest Service, accelerated use of this road was one of the reasons for implementing a permit system in Fossil Creek. During summer seasons, recreational use grew from an estimated 20,000 visitors in 2006 to approximately 86,000 visitors in 2015, with more than 43,000 additional visitors turned away due to lack of parking. By 2021, road maintenance was long overdue. The Backbone Fire did not help the situation. Post-fire flooding contributed to road failure and blockage that had the potential to entrap users on the canyon-bound Fossil Creek Road. Its one way in, and one way out, said hydrologist Kyle Paffett. When something fails here at the road, or there's a debris flow across the road, it makes it impassable. The 2021 area closure created an opportunity for maintenance crews to efficiently perform large-scale road improvements without having to work around the public. The improvements are still underway, but Paffett said the results are showing. This is the nicest I've ever seen this road, he said. The utilities Fossil Creek Road is also important as a crucial utility corridor. Securing critical infrastructure has been a significant driver of Fossil Creeks extended closure. If nothing else, it has allowed the repairs and maintenance without interference. With all these utility companies in here, there has been a tremendous amount of work, Paffett said. Beneath the road runs a lengthy fiber optic cable -- critical infrastructure, according to Mott LaCroix. The cable is the way that the town of Payson gets all of their phone and internet. Significant road failure in Fossil Creek could have damaged this cable to disastrous ends. All of Payson wouldve been dark, said Mott LaCroix. The presence of this fiber optic line arrested the Forest Services routine post-fire flood treatments, such as the installation of water-averting culverts. We couldn't do any of that sort of work because we didn't know exactly where the fiber optic cable was, she said. You don't want to dig in and accidentally split the line. When the Backbone Fire burned through the area, it collapsed the wooden towers that supported powerlines near the old Irving power plant site. Power had to be re-routed through the grid around these downed lines, and according to Mott LaCroix, it took months for APS to repair the towers. It was a tricky and dangerous process that required helicopters to lower new wooden towers into the site. Keeping the public out was incredibly necessary, Mott LaCroix said. These downed lines have since be repaired and the grid restored. The floods Floods are a well-known consequence of fires, especially in mountainous areas like the basin that holds Fossil Creek. Along with flooding comes debris flows and sediment buildup that can radically change a landscape. After the Backbone Fire, the Fossil Creek area experienced substantial post-fire flooding. One of the primary goals of Mondays survey was to assess the consequences of this flooding and the potential for future flooding. The most affected area appeared to be Boulder Canyon, which had amassed at least 5 feet of sediment from flooding. On the bridge that crosses Boulder canyon, roots debris entangled rail posts and drifts of silty sand covered the roadway, indicating that the floodwaters had surged over the bridge. North of Fossil Creek, the 2021 monsoon season brought unprecedented flooding to Flagstaff, and it seems likely that similar extreme flooding was present at Boulder Canyon. This bridge wasnt designed for flow going over top of it, Mott LaCroix said. Im kind of shocked that its here, Paffett added. The flooding of Boulder Canyon also produced significant sediment deposits downstream of its confluence. Sally May, a popular site for cliff jumping in Fossil Creek, has been inundated by sediment. This whole area in here used to be something that would come up over my head, Mott LaCroix said, gesturing to a section of stream bed roughly 40 feet long and 20 feet wide. That water has been replaced with dark, silty mud that can be crossed without wetting ones knees. Changes in water depths are a particular concern when it comes to public safety in Fossil Creek. Because the area is popular for swimming and cliff jumping, its imperative that when the area re-opens, users do not assume their favorite swimming holes will be the same as when they last visited. Sediment deposition like that seen at Sally May will eventually wash away, Mott LaCroix said, but its uncertain how long that could take. It depends on what sort of storms we get, she said. It depends on the flow. Future flooding remains a possibility in the Fossil Creek area. Two factors that characterize the dynamic between fires and floods are the sediment stabilizing properties of plant life, and the hydrophobicity or propensity to repel water of soil. When a fire damages an area, the loss of plant life can reduce root structures that stabilize the ground. A year after the Backbone Fire, new plant life is everywhere in Fossil Creek; fresh forbs, billowing globe mallows and jubilant sprouts of penstemon are seemingly everywhere. Bunchgrasses have re-rooted under charred limbs in the mesquite bosques. Groundcover grows like velvety green tongues lapping into the high black volcanic slopes. According to Paffett, most of the flora that grew back immediately post-fire was native plant life, but now some invasives are starting to return. Supporting the growth of native plants is another good reason to keep the area closed off from recreation and grazing. If you disturb something immediately post-fire, the amount of disturbance enables some of these invasive plant species to thrive and kick out the native plant, Paffett explained. There are also concerns that new growth will produce new fuel loads and set the stage for another fire, but Paffett says good management of the area must balance those concerns with the positive, stabilizing effects of plant life. There's never going to be one good solution, he said. It's just trying to mitigate and manage and make it all work. While all the new growth could help prevent future flooding, it remains unclear how the soil hydrophobicity will impact the area. Fire damage and oils released from burned plant life can increase the hydrophobicity of soil and escalate the likelihood of future flooding. Mondays survey showed that the hydrophobicity of soil in a burned area can vary greatly over short distances. In one area, water beaded up and took a substantial amount of time to infiltrate the soil beneath a burned mesquite indicating high hydrophobicity while a mere 10 feet away, water infiltrated the sandy soil almost instantaneously. The Backbone Fire created a mosaic of burn severity, and by extension, a mosaic of hydrophobicity, said Mott LaCroix. A look at the burn map shows a patchwork of color, with the reds of high severity dappled among yellows and blues of moderately and lowly burned areas. This mosaic pattern was influenced by everything from fuel loads to topography and wind patterns, and it will take complex modeling to estimate the likelihood of future flooding in such a mishmash of burn severity. Conclusions are forthcoming. Mondays survey of flood risk also employed the assistance of drone operator and Executive Director of the Verde River Institute Doug Von Gausig. Using a drone allows you to get into areas that are really difficult to get into any other way, said Von Gausig, and during Mondays survey three separate drone flights were used to monitor for debris dams that could have formed after flooding in the canyons around Fossil Creek. During high-flow times, such as the summer monsoon season, debris dams can become dangerous, Mott LaCroix said. If you have one fail, you can get cascading failures, she said, which causes a very severe hazard for people who are playing in the stream. The Apache There are many events that take place in Fossil Creek that are part of our origin story, said Vincent Randall, Apache culture contact for the Yavapai-Apache Nation. Fossil Creek is a holy place connected to the healing waters that run through Montezuma Well, where Randall says the Apache people emerged. Fossil Creek was also a safe sanctuary where tribal members hid to evade the 1875 march to San Carlos, a government enforced relocation that killed one in every four people along the way. Randall also spoke of the Luis Homestead, which is now a parking lot, where an Apache spiritual leader lived who also happened to be Randalls grandmothers first cousin. My great grandfathers buried up there, Randall said. He was a former scout. Randall doesnt mind people visiting Fossil Creek as long as they do it with respect, moderation and dont overrun the place. When it comes time to reopen, he hopes the daily permits will be limited to 100 or 200 cars. As for the Backbone Fire, it did a good job, Randall said. I expected just burnt-out desolation rocks and so forth, but the grass came back, he said. It destroyed some traditional foods, but theyll come back. He celebrated the new growth of plant life that has sprung up in the year since the fire. Its a real pretty place, he said. Outside human time Shadowing the scientists in Fossil Creek made it clear that the future of the area and the timeline for its reopening remains uncertain. Recreational safety is not the only concern; the area is a poster child for the Forest Services multiple-use philosophy. Management of Fossil Creek must also be responsible for its critical capacity as a utilities corridor, its use as rangeland, its wildlife habitat and its cultural significance to local tribes. But beneath and between complex management and monitoring, the land may have its own agenda. Thats one of the things with fire, Paffett said. Its on a scale thats little different than human time. The process of recovery after a fire is as slow as sediment draining from a stream bed and as quick as the shoots of new mesquite that rise from the base of a blackened tree. Recovery is perhaps the wrong word -- reset seems more apt, as only a year after a catastrophic fire, life seems to have embraced the ashen terrain as if it were a welcome season. Spiders spin webs in the open-air real estate between branches where leaves burned away. Young fish school in the shallows created by sediment deposition, feeding on algae that thrives in waters near the sunny surface. Everywhere are untrammeled flowers that seem to sigh and stretch out, relaxed by a year of unvisited quietude. Near the Luis Homestead, the first stop of Mondays monitoring, two black hawks soared over the creek, flying downstream above a run of verdant cottonwoods, an omen. Theyre an indicator species, Mott LaCroix said as the team watched the birds soar. Theyre ones we look for to indicate the overall health of a place." Sean Golightly can be reached at sgolightly@azdailysun.com Love 6 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 2 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Dr. Rosemarie Jabbour, chiropractor and owner of New World Chiro, attended Shen Yun performing arts at Lyric Theatre in Sydney, on April 9, 2022. (NTD) SYDNEY, AustraliaAward-winning chiropractor Dr. Rosemarie Jabbour was amazed by Shen Yun Performing Arts depiction of Chinas ancient spiritual heritage and how the performance conveyed a message of hope for the modern world. Dr. Jabbour, who is the owner of New World Chiro in Sydney and a recipient of a 2004 Most Outstanding Service to Chiropractic award, was particularly impressed by the artistry, dancing, and cultural insights of the New York-based Shen Yun. [Its] all put together in an absolutely phenomenal way, she said after watching the performance at Sydneys Lyric Theatre on April 9. Whatever you want to believe in, whatever culture youre from, there is something out there, and something [is] looking after us. So this is not the end for us. There is something better for us, she said, on how some of the scenes depicted a continuation of life after death. Shen Yun presents a culture that draws upon ancient Chinas Buddhist and Daoist philosophies, including stories from Chinas 5,000-year-old civilisation. As such, Shen Yun often includes spiritually uplifting messages, according to the companys website. The companys mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture, said by ancient Chinese people to be divinely inspired, which was almost lost after 70 years under communism. I think its shocking that people cannot see this [in China]. Its actually against human rights. And something should be done about this because everyone deserves to see this because it does give people hope, Dr. Jabbour said. Dr. Jabbour was struck by scene from modern-day China depicting a Falun Dafa practitioner being killed by a doctor for their organs. Falun Dafa is an ancient spiritual practice based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. It depicts whats happening in the world today and how we need to have hope and we need to help each other to move forward and be happy in our lives. That was very emotional to me, she said. Dr. Jabbour was shocked that Shen Yun is banned in China, saying: I think that we need to give people the ability to see this [performance] and to experience it, and that way it gives them the internal power to do something about what is wrong in the world today. Younger Generation Need to Know All The History: Enterprise Resource Planning Manager Gin Niang, Enterprise Resource Planning Manager at Seven West Media, attended Shen Yun performing arts at Lyric Theatre in Sydney, on April 9, 2022. (Mary Yuan/The Epoch Times) Shen Yun s mission is to revive Chinas traditional culture which was almost lost after more than 70 years under communism. For Gin Niang, an enterprise resource planning manager at Seven West Media, the companys mission is important for the younger generation, who he said might not have learned the real history of China. Its good to spread the awareness [of traditional Chinese culture], Mr. Niang said, adding that the younger generation get most of their knowledge from the internet these day, but encouraged people to come out and see that culture and history in real life in a Shen Yun performance. People dancing and expressing their story. This is very interesting, he added. Since 2006, Shen Yun has performed at top theatres worldwide. The company performs classical Chinese dance, ethnic, folk dances, and story-based dances, accompanied by a unique orchestra that blends traditional Chinese instruments with classical Western instruments. Mr. Niang was impressed by the sopranos performance and the message portrayed. They talked about the heavens culture and dance, Mr. Niang said, adding that he resonated with the values and culture of ancient China. Christian Director of Stewardship Says God Came to Mind Patricia Goncalves, Director of Stewardship for the Seventh Day Adventist Church, attended Shen Yun performing arts at Lyric Theatre in Sydney, on April 9, 2022. (NTD) The ancient Chinese believed that music, medicine, calligraphy, clothing, language, and much more were imparted from the heavens to human beings and that for artists to create uplifting art, cultivating goodness was essential. Patricia Goncalves, the director of stewardship for the Seventh Day Adventist Church, was impressed by the array of colours on stage, such as the orange sleeves, as well as the acrobatics and musical instruments. Ms. Goncalves also drew some similarities between Christianity and ancient Chinese culture. It was very interesting because I could relate a little bit of the spirituality of the Chinese beliefs and also the Christian beliefs as well, Ms. Goncalves said, adding that in the opening scene, God came into her mind where divine beings travelled down to the human world with the Creator. While many would assume that anything spiritual must be religious, Chinas authentic culture is inseparable from its spiritual heritagewhere a pantheon of divine beings, spiritual cultivators, and mythology has shaped the culture for 5,000 years, according to the companys website. However, through a series of campaigns such as the cultural revolution, the Chinese Communist Party sought to systematically uproot traditional beliefs, bringing 5,000 years of civilisation to the verge of extinction. This was concerning for Ms. Goncalves. [Shen Yun is] showing a little bit of what they believe, and they cannot express that in their own country, and they need to be out of their own country to be able to live what they believe, she said. Ms. Goncalves resonated with the scene from modern-day China depicting Falun Dafa practitioners being persecuted for their beliefs. Despite the tragedy contained in the scene, she was amazed by the uplifting ending to the story, saying everything worked out positively for those with compassion and kindness in their heart and for those who truly believe in God. Reporting by NTD, Mary Yuan, and Henry Jom. The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006. A passenger looks at a departures board at Sheremetyevo airport, after Russia closed its airspace to airlines from 36 countries in response to Ukraine-related sanctions targeting its aviation sector, in Moscow, Russia, on Feb. 28, 2022. (Stringer/Reuters) Thousands of Flights Canceled Amid Staffing, Weather Issues Thousands of flights were canceled or delayed worldwide over the weekend amid a litany of reported issues. Overall on April 9, more than 2,400 flights were canceled and 9,100 were delayed worldwide, FlightAware data show. About 7,000 flight delays and 2,235 cancelations were reported on April 10. Spring Airlines and China Eastern saw the most with 365 and 663 cancellations, respectively, the April 10 data show. On April 9, some 700 JetBlue flights were canceled to and from Boston because of severe weather, technical problems, and staffing issues, a spokesperson told local media. On April 10, more than 140 flights were canceled and 260 were delayed, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware. Despite hiring more than 3,000 new crewmembers already this year, like many businesses, we remain staffing constrained and these disruptions exacerbate an already challenging staffing situation, a spokesperson said. JetBlue, meanwhile, is going to make a small schedule adjustment through the rest of the month, the statement added. We sincerely apologize to our customers for these disruptions, and we are working to cancel flights in advance whenever possible so they have time to adjust their plans and do not need to show up to the airport. Spirit Airlines saw about 106 of its U.S. flights canceled on April 10 and more delayed, FlightAwares website shows. On April 9, more than 115 Spirit Airlines flights were canceled, according to FlightAware data. Alaska Airlines reported 43 cancellations on April 10 as of 6 p.m. ET, the data show. In a statement, the airline pinned the cancelations and delays on a shortage of pilots amid heated talks between Alaska Airlines and its pilot union. The primary driver for cancellations is the shortage of pilots available to fly versus what was planned when we built our April schedule in January, a company spokesperson told the Seattle Times. Across the industry, airlines are seeing a strain on pilot capacity as air travel demand returns, airlines are all hiring, and we are hiring faster than were able to hire and train new pilots. More than half of Southwest Airlines April 9 flights were delayed or canceled, according to a Twitter post from the company, due to an intermittent technology issue, as well as ongoing weather challenges. About a week ago, thousands of weekend flights were canceled or delayed across the country because of similar issues, including technology problems. UK Governments Push for Heat Pumps Could Cost Taxpayers 115 Billion: Study The UK governments push for British households to replace their gas boilers with low-carbon heat pumps would cost taxpayers 115 billion ($150 billion), a new study has warned. The governments three-year Boiler Upgrade Scheme came into force on April 1, which pays households 5,000 ($6,509) towards the roughly 18,000 ($23,400) bill of purchasing and installing a heat pump. The government has allocated 450 million ($586 million) to the scheme, which will cover around 90,000 households. But environmental activists have called for the scheme to be extended. If it is extended to cover all 23 million homes currently using a gas boiler, the scheme could cost 115 billion, according to a new study conducted by the TaxPayers Alliance (TPA), a UK pressure group campaigning for a low-tax society. The TPA called on the government to come clean on the cost of green measures at a time when the tax burden is at a 70-year high and the rising cost of living is affecting household budgets. TPA chief executive John OConnell said, The cost of living crisis is already being made worse by tax rises and green levies, so taxpayers cannot afford more unexpected demands on their cash. According to the TPA analysis, the UK government raised 2.7 billion ($3.5 billion) in 202021 through four taxes with explicit environmental objectives. When combined with other taxes which have a partial environmental objective, the total green tax revenue came to 33.7 billion ($44 billion) in 202021, said the study, adding that the figure is due to rise to at least 52.6 billion ($68.5 billion) in 202526. The UKs Climate Change Committee (CCC) projects that by 2050 all heating in British homes will be provided by low-carbon sources, of which 52 percent will be heat pumps, which run on electricity and work like a fridge in reverse to extract energy from the air or ground. In November 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced plans to install 600,000 heat pumps every year by 2028. But the Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee of the House of Commons admitted in February that heat pumps may not be able to heat homes adequately if the homes are not sufficiently insulated. The committee said failing to address the concerns could lead to scheme failure. If people are encouraged to switch to low carbon heating sources without the knowledge or incentive for energy efficiency upgrades, then there are risks of scheme failure and loss of public trust if the new low carbon heating sources are not heating homes to the desired temperature and insulation, the report said. Lily Zhou contributed to this report. Officers wearing personal protective equipment walk next to the entrance of a neighborhood during a COVID-19 lockdown in the Jing'an district in Shanghai on April 8, 2022. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images) US Warns Travelers of Chinas Arbitrary Enforcement of Laws, COVID-19 Measures The U.S. State Department on April 9 warned Americans to think twice before traveling to China owing to the Chinese regimes arbitrary COVID-19 measures. It also authorized nonessential government employees and their families to leave its Shanghai consulate amid a citywide lockdown. American citizens are asked to reconsider travel to the PRC [Peoples Republic of China] due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and COVID-19-related restrictions, the U.S. Embassy in China said in a statement. Additionally, American citizens should not travel to the PRCs Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Jilin Province, and Shanghai municipality due to COVID-19-related restrictions, including the risk of parents and children being separated. On April 10, Shanghai health officials reported 24,943 new CCP virus infection cases in the previous 24 hours, bringing the citys total since March to more than 170,000. However, many more people might have been infected, as experts and Chinese residents have said Chinese officials are underreporting infection and death figures. Shanghai officials have imposed draconian measures taken from the communist regimes zero-COVID playbook. The city has been under lockdown since March 28, and April 9 marked the fourth consecutive day of the citys residents undergoing citywide COVID-19 testing. Shanghais policy of forcibly separating children who test positive from their virus-free parents has drawn outcry from the citys residents and Western diplomats. Recently, diplomats from 24 European countries wrote to the Chinese foreign ministry urging Beijing against such a measure. Other complaints from Shanghai residents have included a shortage of food and lack of access to medical treatment and medicines for non-COVID-19 cases. Recently, Shanghai law enforcement officials allegedly assaulted residents for violating quarantine measures. U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns told Beijing he had concerns about Chinas measures related to the CCP virus. Ambassador Burns and other Department and Mission officials have raised our concerns regarding the outbreak and the PRCs control measures directly with PRC officials, and we have informed them about the voluntary departure decision, according to a statement. Chinese officials have reacted badly to U.S. criticism of COVID-19 policies. On April 9, foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said U.S. concerns were a groundless accusation, according to a statement. A policeman wearing personal protective equipment walks on a street during a COVID-19 lockdown in the Jingan district in Shanghai on April 8, 2022. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images) The State Departments travel advisory on China warns American citizens that they might not be free to travel upon completing their mandatory quarantine upon arrival. Even after completing quarantine on-arrival, travelers to the PRC and Hong Kong may face additional quarantines and mandatory testing as well as movement and access restrictions, including access to medical services and public transportation, the advisory states. But what should be more alarming to foreigners wanting to travel to China is that Beijing arbitrarily enforces local laws for some very specific purposes. The PRC government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including carrying out arbitrary and wrongful detentions and using exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries without due process of law, according to the travel advisory. It says the Chinese regime uses arbitrary detention to compel individuals to participate in local investigations and gain bargaining leverage over foreign governments. China is known for practicing hostage diplomacy. Two well-known victims are Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, two Canadians who were released in September 2021 after being detained in China for over 1,000 days. In June last year, Madrid-based human rights group Safeguard Defenders reported how China was engaging in mass state-sanctioned kidnapping, where Chinese police made people disappear without a court order under a system known as Residential Surveillance at a Designated Location (RSDL). It said there have been tens of thousands of victims, including foreigners, since 2013. The groups founder and director, Peter Dahlin, in his analysis for The Epoch Times on April 1, said there could be as many as 100,000 victims under RSDL. With a more aggressive communist Chinamore willing to detain foreign citizens to get what it wantsevery indicator points toward foreigners becoming a more common target for RSDL, he warned. Walt Not Woke: Dads Hand Made T-shirt Causes a Stir at Disney 'It was really nice to know there's an unhappy silent majority in 'the happiest place on earth' that are not liking what's going on' In an effort to honestly and respectfully express how he feels about what is going on with the Disney companys management, one dads hand-made T-shirt caused quite a stir at the happiest place on earth. Dan Geffers has been taking his daughters Lila and Bryn to Disney for years. Over those years he has noticed the subtle changes the company has been making regarding causes they support and the policies they are implementing at their parks. But the things that have developed lately in the ongoing effort by Disneys management to protest the passing of legislation meant to protect children was the last straw. Geffers said they had already purchased Disney tickets for himself, his wife, and their two daughters to go spend two days at two different parks at Disney in Orlando, Florida. Going with them were a friend of their daughters, Halle Nebl, as well as Michelle Depa and her daughter Allison Stromske. But two days after they bought the tickets, they saw on the news how Disney Parks diversity and inclusion manager, Vivian Ware, announced the company has removed all of the gendered greetings like ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. Disney Television Animation executive producer Latoya Raveneau also boasted in an internal meeting about how she is inserting the not-at-all-secret gay agenda into childrens programming and adding queerness wherever she can. The news came out after Disney CEO Bob Chapek and the rest of the Disney corporation had already launched into a battle with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over the Parental Rights in Education legislation he signed into law. That was it for me, Geffers told The Epoch Times. I didnt want to go anymore. So, I made calls to see about getting a refund on my tickets. Unfortunately, Geffers said the effort went nowhere. Two separate calls put him on hold for at least 20 minutes each time. He finally gave up, and the seven of them just decided to go. After all, seven tickets for a two-day trip to two parks had already cost them over $2,000. It would have been a tremendous waste. Then they got an idea. It involved a plain white T-shirt and a couple of sharpies. I had to make a statement, Geffers said. So, I went out and bought a T-shirt. I put a couple of things on the back and a couple of things on the front and I wore it to the park. The handmade T-shirt worn by father Dan Geffers at Disneys Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Fla., as a way to share his thoughts about the recent direction of the company. (Courtesy of Dan Geffers) On the back, Geffers wrote Hello Boys and Girls, Ladies and Gentlemen. On the front, he wrote, Walt Not Woke. While he wasnt sure how people were going to respond, Geffers said he needed to do something to express how he felt about what was going on at the happiest place on earth. On the first day, Geffers and the rest of his entourage went to Disneys Magic Kingdom. According to Geffers, they hadnt even gotten into the park before he noticed people pointing, whispering, smiling, and making comments. Walt Not Woke seemed to be the favorite. Dan Geffers poses for a photo with daughters Lila (L), 13, and Bryn, 11, in front of Cinderellas Castle at Disneys Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Fla., wearing a handmade T-shirt to express his feelings on the recent direction of the company. (Courtesy of Dan Geffers) I was very surprised, Geffers said, recalling how even the employees who were directing guests toward the entrance were commenting, saying: Nice T-shirt, and I like your shirt. When they got inside and proceeded toward the gate for admission, more employees made comments on how they liked the shirt. It was nice to hear, he said. Once inside the park and throughout the day, many people came up and wanted to take a picture with him, saying I have to send this to my husband, he didnt want me to come today or Im going to send this to my buddy, hes going to get a kick out of this. Some people would just tap me on the shoulder and say, Hey, thanks for wearing that shirt or I like your shirt. He even made sure to get a picture of himself in the T-shirt with his daughters. What really surprised Geffers was when he went to one of the concession stands to get some ice cream bars and popcorn for his girls. I handed her the money to pay for it and she said, Its on Mickey. I like your shirt, and I was likeokay. On the second day, Geffers and the gang went to Hollywood Studios. His T-shirt drew a lot of attention there as well. He would see people walking by, snapping pictures, and tapping friends and family members on the shoulder to point and smile. More notable, Geffers said did not notice or hear any negative comments. Neither did his daughters or the other people in the group. Michelle Depa and her daughter Allison pose in front of Cinderellas Castle at Disneys Magic Kingdom. (Courtesy of Michelle Depa) Michelle Depa and her daughter Allison often go to Disney with the Geffers. But this time, things were very different. We were watching the news and we saw how Disney wasnt allowing its workers to greet people with hello boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen, and we just started talking about that, Depa recalled for The Epoch Times. Thats when Dan suggested T-shirts. They discussed different ideas of what to put on the T-shirts and eventually decided it would be more effective to simply use Disneys own words to make their point. While the initial plan was to have all seven of them wear a T-shirt, the decision was made that it might be best if only Dan made the fashion statement. I thought it was a great idea, Deppa conceded. We had already purchased the tickets and knew we couldnt get our money [back], but we still had a hard time with some of the stances Disney has decided to take. So, we felt this was a way to make our voices heard. I think theyve completely overstepped their bounds. Its really sad and hypocritical of them to eliminate being able to use Hello boys and girls and ladies and gentlemen when the majority of us still refer to ourselves as that, especially after they founded their successful business based on families like ours who relish those values. As people would walk by, Depa said she watched as people pointed and smiled at Geffers in his T-shirt. She heard them saying things like, Cool shirt! and Love the shirt! Several people came up and asked to take pictures with him. One man even came up to commiserate with Dan, asking, Can you believe all of this stuff? Depa said she also saw the Disney cast member who told Dan his popcorn and ice cream bars were on Mickey. She also heard the cast member tell Geffers there may still be hope for Disney. It was just kind of interesting, Geffers confessed. It was really nice to know theres this unhappy silent majority in the happiest place on earth that are not liking whats going on with the Disney company. At first, when things like this come up, you feel like youre the only one because nobody else is speaking up. I realize people are scared and it takes a lot of guts and courage to make a statement on how you feel and to voice your opinion, which is why most people dont ever do that. But Ive always been one to say what I think and to say it openly, honestly and respectfully because, otherwise, nothing ever changes. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate PHOENIX (AP) Karla Finocchio's slide into homelessness began when she split with her partner of 18 years and temporarily moved in with a cousin. The 55-year-old planned to use her $800-a-month disability check to get an apartment after back surgery. But she soon was sleeping in her old pickup protected by her German Shepherd mix Scrappy, unable to afford housing in Phoenix, where median monthly rents soared 33% during the coronavirus pandemic to over $1,220 for a one-bedroom, according to ApartmentList.com. Finocchio is one face of Americas graying homeless population, a rapidly expanding group of destitute and desperate people 50 and older suddenly without a permanent home after a job loss, divorce, family death or health crisis during a pandemic. Were seeing a huge boom in senior homelessness, said Kendra Hendry, a caseworker at Arizona's largest shelter, where older people make up about 30% of those staying there. These are not necessarily people who have mental illness or substance abuse problems. They are people being pushed into the streets by rising rents." Academics project their numbers will nearly triple over the next decade, challenging policy makers from Los Angeles to New York to imagine new ideas for sheltering the last of the baby boomers as they get older, sicker and less able to pay spiraling rents. Advocates say much more housing is needed, especially for extremely low-income people. Navigating sidewalks in wheelchairs and walkers, the aging homeless have medical ages greater than their years, with mobility, cognitive and chronic problems like diabetes. Many contracted COVID-19 or couldn't work because of pandemic restrictions. Cardelia Corley, 65, ended up on the streets of Los Angeles County after the hours at her telemarketing job were cut. Id always worked, been successful, put my kid through college, the single mother said. And then all of a sudden things went downhill. Corley traveled all night aboard buses and rode commuter trains to catch a cat nap. "And then I would go to Union Station downtown and wash up in the bathroom, said Corley. She recently moved into a small East Hollywood apartment with help from The People Concern, a Los Angeles nonprofit. A 2019 study of aging homeless people led by the University of Pennsylvania drew on 30 years of census data to project the U.S. population of people 65 and older experiencing homelessness will nearly triple from 40,000 to 106,000 by 2030, resulting in a public health crisis as their age-related medical problems multiply. Dr. Margot Kushel, a physician who directs the Center for Vulnerable Populations at the University of California, San Francisco, said her research in Oakland on how homelessness affects health has shown nearly half of the tens of thousands of older homeless people in the U.S. are on the streets for the first time. We are seeing that retirement is no longer the golden dream, said Kushel. "A lot of the working poor are destined to retire onto the streets." Thats especially true of younger baby boomers, now in their late 50s to late 60s, who dont have pensions or 401(k) accounts. About half of both women and men ages 55 to 66 have no retirement savings, according to the census. Born between 1946 and 1964, baby boomers now number over 70 million, the census shows. With the oldest boomers in their mid 70s, all will hit age 65 by 2030. The aged homeless also tend to have smaller Social Security checks after years working off the books. Donald Whitehead Jr., executive director of the Washington-based advocacy group National Coalition for the Homeless, said Black, Latino and Indigenous people who came of age in the 1980s amid recession and high unemployment rates are disproportionately represented among the homeless. Many nearing retirement never got well-paying jobs and didn't buy homes because of discriminatory real estate practices. So many of us didn't put money into retirement programs, thinking that Social Security was going to take care of us, said Rudy Soliz, 63, operations director for Justa Center, which offers meals, showers, a mail drop and other services to the aged homeless in Phoenix. The average monthly Social Security retirement payment as of December was $1,658. Many older homeless people have much smaller checks because they worked fewer years or earned less than others. People 65 and over with limited resources and who didn't work enough to earn retirement benefits may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income of $841 a month. Nestor Castro, 67, was luckier than many who lose permanent homes. Castro was in his late 50s living in New York when his mother died and he was hospitalized with bleeding ulcers, losing their apartment. He initially stayed with his sister in Boston, then for more than three years at a YMCA in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Just before last Christmas, Castro got a permanent subsidized apartment through Hearth Inc., a Boston nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness among older adults. Residents pay 30% of their income to stay in one if Hearth's 228 units. Castro pays with part of his Social Security check and a part-time job. He also volunteers at a food pantry and a nonprofit that assists people with housing. Housing is a big problem around here because they are building luxury apartments that no one can afford, he said. A place down the street is $3,068 a month for a studio. __ Janie Har in Marin County, California, and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BEIJING (AP) Shanghai on Sunday discharged over 11,000 recovered COVID-19 patients and health authorities emphasized that they must be allowed to return home despite the lockdown that has severely restricted movement in China's largest city. We hope their family and community will not worry about them or discriminate against them, said Wu Jinglei, director of the Shanghai Health Commission. The city of 26 million people reported 1,006 confirmed infections and nearly 24,000 asymptomatic cases in the last 24 hours. Shanghai has been under lockdown since March 28, and authorities said Saturday that the strict measures would be lifted in areas with no new cases in the last 14 days following another round of mass testing. The United States on Saturday advised its citizens to reconsider traveling to China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and COVID-19 restrictions, particularly in Hong Kong, Jilin province and Shanghai. U.S. officials cited a risk of parents and children being separated. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said in response that China was strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to the U.S. sides groundless accusation against Chinas epidemic response." It should be pointed out that Chinas anti-epidemic policies are science-based and effective, and we are fully confident that Shanghai and other places in China will prevail over the new wave of the epidemic, said Zhao. Meanwhile, Shanghai authorities said that they have secured daily supplies for residents from online platforms, according to state-owned newspaper Global Times, following complaints about deliveries of food and other basic necessities as the lockdown enters its third week. Residents have resorted to group buying of groceries because they are not allowed to leave their buildings. Posts circulating on social media platforms such as Weibo also show that some residents have not been able to have their food orders delivered, while others posted online that theyre running out of food. Some people said that as soon as you go to the grocery shopping app, a day's orders are already filled. According to the Global Times, platforms such as JD.com as well as Alibabas Ele.me delivery apps are working with authorities to ensure that everyone has access to vegetables, fruits and other produce. Shanghai highlights the soaring human and economic cost of Chinas zero-COVID strategy that aims to isolate every infected person. Separately, Erjiefang, an area in capital Beijing, was classified as high-risk on Saturday after eight local COVID-19 infections were reported there over the past two weeks. And in Guangzhou, primary and middle schools will switch to online learning starting Monday after the metropolis of 18 million northwest of Hong Kong registered 23 local infections since Friday, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. An exhibition center was being converted into a makeshift hospital after authorities said earlier they would begin citywide mass testing. China is facing one of its worst local outbreaks since the pandemic began. China is still closed to international travel, even as most of the world has sought ways to live with the virus. Vic Eng / Hearst Connecticut Media Group Vic Eng / Hearst Connecticut Media Group Vic Eng / Hearst Connecticut Media Group Vic Eng / Hearst Connecticut Media Group Vic Eng / Hearst Connecticut Media Group Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County hosted its annual gala on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at the Wee Burn Country Club in Darien, Conn. The gala had a Roaring 20s theme, and proceeds went to support the organizations mission of providing stable housing for low-income families in Fairfield County. Were you SEEN? Ahram Online, by Abdel-Moneim Said (Excerpt, read on Liberalism and the war) Commentators have discussed many possible causes for the war in Ukraine. Some have suggested Russian addiction to territorial expansion or Putins personal complex over the demise of the Soviet Union or, in other versions, of Czarist Russia. Others blame the US and its determination to expand NATO into Ukraine, drawing the analogy with the Cuban missile crisis, which triggered the first major nuclear alarm in history. Other reasons mentioned have to do with the nature of the mono-polar world order or a global order in which globalisation was not rooted in the principle of serving all countries. Some pinned it on President Biden, arguing that he saw his popularity ratings slump so low that he fabricated this crisis to rally American, NATO countries and the whole Western world behind him. The list goes on, but whatever the actual causes historians will one day battle it out we can not eliminate the possibility that iberalism and democracy have a hand in the war. These principles have turned from noble ideas inspiring a system of government that took root in Western countries and enabled them to progress and flourish into a weaponised ideology that the US uses to destabilise other countries, delegitimise their governments, and intervene with forms of sociopolitical engineering that often backfires in drastic ways. None of it has to do with the liberalism, democracy and freedom the US claims to promote. John Mearsheimer is among a minority of political scientists who, since the end of the Cold War, foresaw, not just how Washingtons liberalist enterprise would lead not just in war but also in tremendous failure. A good many of his books, articles and elections fall under the heading of The Great Delusion: Liberal Dreams and International Realities, the title of a book he published in 2018. A political science professor at Chicago University since 1982, Mearsheimer was born on 14 December 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, which is where he grew up. At 17 he enlisted in the US army. He was then admitted into the West Point Military Academy, from which he graduated in 1970. After a five year stint as an air force officer, he enrolled in Cornell University, earning his doctorate in international relations in 1980. Mearsheimer is an exponent of the realist school in international relations theory founded by Hans Morgenthau, one of the most influential political thinkers after World War II. Morgenthau also taught at Chicago University so it was from there that the realist school spread to other US universities and among the US public in general. Another proponent is Stephen Walt, international relations professor at the John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, who co-authored with Mearsheimer The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy (2007), a study on the power of the pro-Israeli lobby in the US and how it shapes US foreign policies, towards the Middle East in particular, in ways that conflict with real US interests in the region. Mearsheimer and his colleagues pose a great challenge to liberalism, or the great delusion as he called it, with his assertion that the liberal hegemony project that US foreign policy has embraced since the end of the Cold War has been a recipe for unmitigated disaster. He draws attention to two basic liberal assumptions related to human nature: firstly, that the individual takes precedence over the group and, secondly, that individuals are unable to attain a general consensus on first principles; passionate differences over those often lead to violence. Liberalisms solutions to such potential violence is threefold: inalienable human rights for the individual, an emphasis on tolerance despite disagreement, and a state to maintain order when disputes turn violent and to restrain those who threaten others rights. Such traits make liberalism a universalist theory which can turn liberal democracies into crusading states. This underlies the US belief that it has a duty to spread liberal democracy across the world, to strengthen an open global economy and to build international institutions. It operates on the assumption that by remaking the world in Americas image, it will safeguard human rights, promote peace, and make the world safe for democracy. But this is not what happens. Instead, the US has become highly militaristic, and the military campaigns it wages ultimately undermine the prospects for peace, harm human rights, and jeopardise liberal values at home. What always happens, Mearsheimer concludes, is that the forces of nationalism and realism trump liberalism, which seems unable to resolve the economic, social and ethnic problems that other countries have to deal with in the context of very complex realities. We in the Middle East probably do not need to hear what the US realist school has to say in order to understand the sins of US policy. The experiences of Iraq and Afghanistan bear vivid testimony to the consequences of years of liberal sociopolitical engineering. In one we see the inability to manage the state and in the other the return of the Taliban to power. For a full decade, Washington backed an Arab Spring that resulted in the rise of Islamism and terrorism. Revolutions with botanical names like lotus and cedar gave rise to a theocratic oriented clique (Egypt) or political and economic paralysis (Tunisia). In the former Soviet republics, the US-backed revolutions were named after colours, such as orange and velvet. They did not yield inclusive democracies capable of assimilating Russian-speaking minorities. It is incontrovertible that the educational sector in Nigeria has lost its real beauty from the commencement of the first-ever strike in 1988, where University lecturers agitated for the increment in wages which has not been solved till today and is currently a subject of controversy. Over the years, this continues due to the uncompromising stand maintained by the federal government. It's now a daylight posing problem that Nigerian universities both the state and federal have been on the strike for over a month. The academic staff union has, however, compounded another eight weeks of strike posing a problem to the development of either the sector of the economy. As reported, before the current two-month strike which started on the 14 of March 2022, the academic staff union commenced a two weeks warning strike which started on February 14, stating clearly the need for government to meet up the issue relating to the 2009- 2019 memorandum of understanding/action with the federal government. However, the Nigerian government maintains a tenacious stance to meet up these needs which lead to the extension of the strike by 8 weeks, rendering the educational sector to continue to slide down the ladder of academic ranking compare to their counterpart in the country. Therefore, the catastrophic tendency posed by the incident of this strike which seems unending is an indication that exposes the deplorable state of infrastructures in higher institutions of learning. The factors behind the incidence are symptomatic of the government's unrealistic approach toward the educational sector which constitutes a redundant situation of the economy. Thus, one of the alarming factors derailing public universities amongst others include a low budget allocation to the educational sector. Although Public disenchantment with ASUU is high because of its approach, perceived insensitivity to the academic progress of students, and the frustration of parents and guardians, the reality is that government is reneging on agreements it signed in 2009. If those agreements are unenforceable, the government and ASUU need to come together on a common footing to review those terms and agree on pragmatic steps. There is no doubt that the nations public universities are facing hard financial times. This is a corollary of the governments meager attention to education, a fact attested to by its poor annual budgetary allocation to the sector. If primary and secondary education can not be well managed, the government should call for urgent help or declare its incapability to continue rather than render it useless. Also, It's saddening that the government has not just failed the good people of Nigeria but also neglected them by chastising them with whips and scorpions. Similarly, The government-owned primary institutions were poorly funded, while the secondary schools were left aghast. It's now a common norm that children of the poor masses attend the government-owned schools while the rich could afford a standard Education either from private universities or fly their wards abroad who then said poverty is not a problem. I am rest assured that the main reasons why most privates institutions have taken over the formative stages of the educational sector were the incapability and inability of the government to properly manage and Finance these institutions. Although, the ASUU strike is not something new and three months strike is not the longest of all strike that has taken place in the country. The students association representing the vocal minority has issued so many warnings but all avail to put a justifiable solution to the problems. Recall that in 2020, the union embarked on an unwavering nine months strike which started on March 9 and ended in December, and the government reached an interim agreement with striking university lecturers to integrate the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) into the IPPIS and unfortunately which has not been integrated till date. Frankly, the empirical truth is that the government has failed to keep its obligations as a sovereign state and on the other hand failed to fulfill its constitutional provisions as contained in chapter II of the Constitution, "Fundamental objective and directive principle of the state policy" chapter 14 2(b) which provides that "the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of the government". Based On the aforementioned Constitutional subject matter, insecurity has taken over the territorial hemisphere of the country while the people's welfare has been repugnant and waned out of existence. In most cases, students were kidnapped on our campuses, some killed while the few left are faced with the problem of the continuous strike. The economic situation is no more tolerable. Both the federal and the state's universities were poorly funded, so many unfortunate incidents could be recounted in our universities due to a lack of good structure and Reformation. On a lighter note, let's take the issue of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba akoko ( AAUA) where students were killed by the lack of basic amenities and improper planning of the school atmospheric condition. The school road network was poorly funded causing a hasty dead trap for students by heavy trucks. Similarly, in the case of Ajibola Heritage, who was reported dead after falling into a soakaway at the BVer hostel was due to negligence of the school management and lack of proper reforms by the government. More of these have happened on our campuses while the federal government pays no rapt attention to it at all. You can't put something on nothing and expect it to stand, if drops of water make a mighty ocean, therefore it's pertinent that the government has to start from somewhere with a crucial candid step. Indisputably, dealing with the challenges requires more than annual strikes by lecturers while the federal government also needs to understand the primacy of constant dialogue to address the current situation, without this, this reprimanded situation will continue to surface in our institutions of learning. Government-owned universities have continued to slide down the ladder of academic ranking compare to their counterparts. The future of the current race is at stake, when formal education seems not promising, most students are advised to acquire technical skills whereas it shouldn't be so. Notwithstanding, Now, the burning question which is left to be answered is shall we continue like this? Lastly, it is audible to the deaf and visible to the blind that without mincing words, the solution to the current state of our economy is adequate financial allocation to the educational sector which indeed is what the Academic staff union is clamoring for, therefore, the government and ASUU need to come together on a common footing to review those terms and agree on pragmatic steps for the betterment of all. The General Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church formerly known as Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare , on Saturday, declared his ambition to run for president in 2023, saying he remains the best suitable candidate to address Nigerias problems. Bakare said this at the virtual meeting Unveiling Project 16 to Nigerians in diaspora, with the theme "The portrait of a new Nigeria", organized by the PTB4Nigeria in diaspora group. In his address, the cleric warned that ahead of the 2023 general elections, the south is being set against the north, while Christians are set against Muslims. He, however, said he remains the rallying point to restore order in the country. He said: The PTB brand is a rallying point for all Nigerians. I have a vision of a new Nigeria and I will play a leading role as we approach the Nigeria of our dreams. Multinational troops have killed eighteen suspected members of Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Lake Chad. Troops of the multinational joint task force made up of soldiers from Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon, killed the suspected terrorists in the early hours of April 3 followed a week-long clearance operations. Malam Fatori, Gashigar, Talata Ngam, Larki A & B and Kagarwa are some of the towns of Abadam LGA of Borno the troops went through. The troops also destroyed gun trucks and recovered weapons. The force subsequently continued its advancement toward TALATA NGAM, On 4 Apr 22, contact was made at Larki, a border village which was said to be a meeting point of the insurgents, during which 3 terrorists were killed and one guntruck was destroyed, a source reportedly told Zagazola. The enemy also attacked our own troops in their harbour area near Kangarwa. The attack was decisively dealt with which resulted in the killing of five more Boko Haram/ISWAP criminals and recovering five Ak 47, two motorcycles, rounds of ammunition and over 40 bags of beans destroyed. Both the Force Commander MNJTF and the Theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai have commended the troops and urge them to remain steadfast and dogged. The Nigerian Voice reports that Terrorists have killed Adamu Aliyu, chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Gwagwalada Area Council of Abuja. The association's Chairman, Aliyu was said to have been killed alongside four others near Daku village in Dobi ward of the council on Thursday. MACBAN Secretary , Mohammed Usman, who confirmed the incident to reporters on Sunday, said three persons were abducted, while three others who sustained gunshot wounds were receiving treatment at a Hospital in Abuja. He said the incident happened last Thursday, around 5 pm, when the late MACBAN chairman alongside others were returning from Izom market in Niger state. Usman said the terrorists, who suddenly emerged from the bush and, opened fire on a truck that was conveying the victims. The chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Alhaji Adamu Mustapha, confirmed the incident , but declined to speak further. The growing rate of narcotics use, drug and substance abuse, especially among youths in Nigeria has remained an issue of great concern to both the government and well meaning citizens. As efforts are made by concerned agencies to curb the distribution, peddling and abuse of existing ones, new and more dangerous drugs stealthily find their ways into the market on a daily basis, thereby compounding the problem. For instance, the emergence of a crystal narcotic hallucinogen, Methamphetamine, codenamed Mkpuru mmiri in Igbo language over the past few years, has brought a fatal dimension to drug abuse and its related criminal activities among youths, especially in South east, Nigeria. There have been recurring reports of persons who killed their parents, wiped their own families, or committed one heinous crime or the other under the influence of the drug in recent times. The trend has become so worrisome that some of the drug prone communities have adopted self policing methods in curbing the menace. To add impetus to this fight against drug/substance abuse and its resultant crimes in the zone, a Civil Society organization in Ebonyi State, Development and Integrity Intervention Goals Foundation (DIG) with support from the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), recently brought together stakeholders to plan collaborative action towards achieving a drug free society. The event, Project Planning/co-creation meeting, held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, had in attendance, selected community youth leaders, traditional rulers, Town union executives, representative of women groups and other key stakeholders from the pilot communities: Enyigba in Abakaliki Council area, Ameka and Umunna in Ezza South and Afikpo South Council areas respectively. Representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Police, National Orientation Agency, the State Ministry of information, as well as the media, also participated in the meeting. All the participants were in agreement that actions needed to be intensified in order to save the future of the country. They regretted that apart from the very dangerous Methamphetamine, otherwise called Crystal Meth and other known illicit drugs such as Marijuana, cocaine and the likes, most youths abuse common medical drugs such as Cough syrups, pain killers, sometimes mixing them with alcoholic drinks to produce greater narcotic effect, a situation which they observed, further complicates the fight. Sharing his experiences during the meeting, the Assistant Commander, Drug Demand Reduction, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Ebonyi State Command, Mr. Godwin Erepa, partly blamed the persistent illicit drug use and distribution on the Courts failure to always meet offenders with adequate punishments. He noted that the Agency only has the powers to arrest drug offenders and charge them, while the courts reserve the right to prosecute and prescribe punishments. He regretted that most times, the punishments assigned to offenders by the Courts, ranging from minor fines to casual labour were not often strong enough to serve as deterrents. Erepa narrated: In one of our operations in Afikpo, for instance, we went through a very tasking and complex process of arresting a notorious drug dealer, who escaped on transit. We trailed and rearrested him after some months and handed over to the Court. But could you imagine the punishment given to him by the Court after prosecution? He was just asked to sweep their offices for two weeks, and was set free afterwards, to continue his illicit business. Erepa noted that the lacuna informed the recent proposal being pushed by NDLEA national boss, General Buba Maruwa, to allow the Agency the powers to prosecute drug offenders. Others who spoke at the meeting, including the traditional ruler of Enyigba Community, Michael Nwobashi; Town Union President of Umunna Community, Onuoha Amah; a woman leader, Virginia nweze and the Director of Information in the State Ministry of Information and orientation, Kama Egwu, as well as Simon Mbam of the National orientation Agency, Ebonyi State office, blamed the high rate of youth involvement in drugs to unemployment with its consequent poverty and frustration. While they called for sustained collaboration between governments, civil society organizations and well meaning citizens in the fight, they pledged to join hands with DIG foundation and UNODC to promote drug free actions in the State. Drawing action plans, the participants agreed that integrating repentant drug addicts/users in both advocacy/campaigns against drugs would produce positive results through instrumentality of experience sharing. They also identified greater involvement of patent medicine dealers, pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria and other relevant professional bodies; the media and other security agencies in the fight. Focus group discussions, radio and television programs, talk shows, youth focused training, conferences; workshops and the use of social media were further suggested as viable platforms to advance the fight. In an opening remark, the Executive Director of DIG foundation, Oliver Aja Chima, explained that the objectives of the meeting were to brief stakeholders on the UNODC supported project, seek stakeholders adoption, inputs and participation. He added that the meeting was also to enable participants to brainstorm on the best approaches in the project implementation, assign roles and responsibilities and map out other stakeholders that could be integrated for better results. Koh Pha-ngan relaunches its Full Moon Party amid virus curbs BANGKOK: An imminent return of the popular Full Moon Party this month means more than a revival of the boisterous gathering of mostly foreign visitors. It means a cash-starved local economy might stir back to life. tourismeconomicsCOVID-19 By Bangkok Post Sunday 10 April 2022, 09:40AM In this file photo, revellers enjoy themselves at the monthly Full Moon Party on Koh Pha-ngan in Surat Thani. The party is being brought back on April 16 from two years of hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Bangkok Post As the name suggests, the event is held once a month on full moon night at Haad Rin on Koh Pha-ngan in Surat Thani. It is one of the worlds biggest draws of young, hard-partying crowds. The all-night party had been known to pack in between 10,000 to 30,000 tourists before COVID-19 struck, reports the Bangkok Post. For almost two years Haad Rin has been without its main draw, although lately provincial officials have experimented with bringing it back. The easing of COVID-19 rules has meant the return of some overseas tourists. Many will have heard of a Full Moon Party resuming on April 16, albeit with some strings attached. Party hiatus and relaunch trials The last Full Moon Party was on Feb 8, 2020 at the onset of the first outbreak of COVID-19 in the kingdom. Afterwards, the authorities issued a directive for mass gatherings and parties to be curtailed or suspended outright to curb infections. Local leaders, district police and public health officials met to discuss the fate of the event, eventually deciding it must be put on hold indefinitely from March 2020. More than a year later, with the pandemic having halted arrivals of overseas tourists, the government announced the reopening of tourism on July 1, 2021 and a piloting of the Phuket Sandbox programme. About two weeks later the Sandbox programme allowed visitors to use Phuket as a jumping off point for visits to Koh Samui and the nearby islands of Koh Tao and Koh Pha-ngan. The onward trips kindled hope for a revival of the Full Moon Party. The hope materialised on Oct 22 last year when tourism operators on Haad Rin in Koh Pha-ngan district were granted permission to experiment with organising the event in a COVID-safe setting. The party went ahead under the theme of Back to the Roots with all the usual bonfires, fire jugglers and club music. Missing were many nightlife operators who were struggling financially to find their feet, although a small number were back selling food. Party-goers were mostly foreign visitors vacationing on Koh Pha-ngan. But new entry rules applied; they must pass on-site temperature checks, fill out forms for contact tracing and produce proof of a double-dose vaccination. After the first relaunch trial, Koh Pha-ngan had to wait almost five months for the second to be organised on Mar 17. This time, more overseas tourists joined the party, many ferried from Koh Samui. As the two experiments came and went, the Full Moon Party was being readied for a comeback on April 16, which is timed to coincide with the five-day Songkran festival extending over five days from Wednesday. The long weekend exodus of holidaymakers is expected to give the Full Moon Party its largest turnout since the pandemic. Thawit Somwang, president of the Haad Rin Tourism Association, said the Apr 16 party will stick to the Back to the Roots concept. Organisers have sought permission from local authorities to go ahead with the party and they were confident the request will be granted. The event has been a year in the making and previous trials proved the party can get underway with the new-normal protocols in place. He said the success of the party has to do with the lifting of many COVID-19 restrictions, and residents having adjusted themselves to public health safety measures while being able to resume their tourism businesses. Also, more than 90% of residents have been vaccinated and Koh Pha-ngan, being an island, is ideal for preventing infections. "But to be honest, we dont have high hopes [for the Apr 16 party] since it is now the low tourist season and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused a significant drop in visitors from Israel, France and the US," he said. A steady stream of tourists has come from the Scandinavian countries. About 10,000 overseas tourists are expected to join the party from hotels and other accommodation on Haad Rin. Another 5,000 may come from elsewhere on the island. Stretching relaxed rules The party must comply with the regulations issued by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), meaning it must wind down by 11pm. However, Mr Thawit said that in his view, the authorities should allow the party to continue until 1am or 2am the next morning. He said many tourists tend to spend much of the day sunbathing before returning to their hotel and leaving for dinner. They normally go to the party at 8pm or 9pm and if the party stops at 11pm, they would only have a few hours there. In the last two years, tourism businesses on Haad Rin have improved the place to make the area more manageable. Vendors must register and entrances and exits to the beach are clearly marked. People entering also must be fully vaccinated and have taken and passed an ATK test. We realised we must lay down the rules to rein the party in. We wont stand anything that will drive Koh Pha-ngans reputation into the ground, he said. Driver of the economic engine The Full Moon Party has been a main driving force for the tourism-dependent local economy of Koh Pha-ngan. Visitors came from at least 15 countries to be part of the party which is publicised worldwide. The cashflow from tourists came from spending on air tickets, ferries, accommodation, meals, tour guides and vendors. It keeps the full loop of the local economy functioning. For 30 years, the party has been closely associated with the livelihoods of locals in the three tambons on Koh Pha-ngan as well as the nearby Koh Tao. The partys enduring appeal has helped get hotel and restaurant projects off the ground and given birth to a wide array of tourism activities. Mr Thawit said overseas visitors attend the Full Moon Party either before or after travelling to other major attractions in Phuket, Krabi or Chiang Mai. In any case, many spend more than a month in the country. They create jobs and will help pull the country out of the economic doldrums it is in, he said. No caseload surge Dr Jirachart Ruangwatcharin, head of Surat Thani provincial public health office, said there was no surge in COVID-19 caseloads after the Mar 17 Full Moon Party relaunch trial. Nor did it trigger infection clusters. However, he stressed anti-COVID measures must intensify during the party. Those arriving on Koh Pha-ngan for the Songkran holiday must be subject to strict health screening. Health workers will stand by to screen visitors joining the party through five entry points. Nanthawan Siripokkapat, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailands Surat Thani office, said a higher number of visitors will arrive in the province during this weeks Songkran festival than in the same period last year thanks to relaxed COVID-19 restrictions. Many people also feel free to travel after they have received the vaccine and booster shots. In February, 194,658 visitors came to Surat Thani. Of them, 88,839 were Thais and 105,819 foreign visitors who represent a 2,341% increase on the same period last year. The February figures also showed revenue of 622 million baht earned from Thai visitors and 2.5 billion baht from overseas visitors. Ms Nanthawan added revenue should climb substantially higher during Songkran and the Full Moon Party. Changes to the norm Meanwhile, Apichayada Petcharat, 35, said she could not imagine what the Full Moon Party would be like with the COVID-19 rules in place. The partys charm lies in its after-midnight party atmosphere heightened by the full moon being visible and its reflection on the water. Partygoers would remain on the beach until dawn to watch the sunrise. She might make a trip to the party one of these days. Personally, I dont think anyone would want to catch COVID. They must find a way to look after themselves and keep from contracting the virus. When everyone takes good care of themselves, the party can go on and they can have fun, she said. Alina Herker, 21, a German student, said the Full Moon Party sounds fun. She has booked a bus ticket from Khao San Road in Bangkok to travel to Surat Thani to join the party on Koh Pha-ngan. Speaking of COVID-19, I am not that afraid of it as long as you stick to the health measures such as wearing a mask, washing hands, and not sharing food or drinks with others, she said. Brennen Vowel, 31, a baker from the United Kingdom, said the party sounds interesting. I am already fully vaccinated. The only thing that you can do is to take care of yourself, he said. Yeimil Sehaan, 35, an Argentinian engineer, said it is one of the most famous parties in the world. He went seven years ago before he had children. He remembered the party was crowded but the atmosphere was good. He had met many there. The party brings a lot of tourists to Thailand and Thailand needs that. Nowadays, many people have been vaccinated. I dont think theres any reason for fear, so its time to fully open the country and cancel some unnecessary restrictions, he told the Bangkok Post while walking on Khao San Rd. Phuket Music Scene: Eurasia PK Staying alive in Phuket Once upon a time there was a very popular live music venue in Phuket Town called Timber Hut. I enjoyed many happy evenings there soon after I arrived in Phuket over 10 years ago. I love to hear live music and the Timber Hut band was absolutely outstanding, reputed to be the best on the island. Phuket-Music-Scene By Andy Tong Dee Sunday 10 April 2022, 11:00AM Rose and Arkom. Photo: Klaus Zimmerman Timber Hut had to close because of COVID-19, but has since re-opened. I have to admit I had quite forgotten about the band until I visited the Grapevine Lounge in Cherng Talay. I had heard of a hot, new band playing there and wanted to check it out. Imagine my surprise when I arrived to find it was not a new band at all, but a very old one under a new name Eurasia PK (PK is for Phuket.) I recognised Rose straight away as soon as I walked in, having watched her many nights previously in Timber Hut. Like many others, I was fooled by the name change, but it makes perfect sense. Timber Hut is no more the live music venue it once was and its chicks have flown the nest. They have happily got back together and are now playing at venues and parties around the island. The bands origins go right back to when Timberhut first opened 20 years ago. It was started by a man called Boonkurt and the current drummer Dong. Boonkurt returned to Bangkok, leaving Dong in charge. Dong then took on a new keyboard player and bass guitarist and, after a while, Rose. This original line-up is still in place, except for their guitarist who joined recently. Another fairly recent addition is Arkhom, a local English teacher who played with Dong many years ago before he went to Germany to work. He told me, Its been like a journey through time. Ive known Dong for 44 years now. We were on Thai TV playing together in our 20s and Id always help out when back here on holiday from Germany. When he returned five years ago, Dong asked him to formally join the band. This allowed greater vocal variety and neat harmonisations with Roses powerful voice, a voice that could be described as like Shirley Basseys. Rose confided in me, Weve known each other so long and we take care of each other. Its like having a second family. That meant lockdown was doubly difficult for the band. As Arkhom explained, Lockdown was dreadful. We couldnt meet and practice for six months. It was like a bereavement for us. It is difficult to describe the music they play, but it could be said to be upmarket pop, the kind of music you might hear in a classy London club. You might hear a James Bond theme song, a Stevie Wonder or a Paul Simon hit, but rest assured nothing to jangle your nerves! Graham, a big fan of the band at Coconut Rawai where they play, told me, They play a huge range of sophisticated pop with a very varied set each week. Theres nothing they cant handle musically. They are a joy to watch and never boring. And as for the future? Dong told me, Its great being back together again. For some, music is just a job. For us, its far more than that. Its a gathering of old friends. But Phuket is not the same place as before COVID. As Arkhom explained, At six members, were a big band. Todays new economic realities mean there is always financial pressure to split into two, but we are trying hard to stay together. Well, lets hope this happiest of Phukets musical families does just that! Andy Tong Dee is a retired expat and musician living in Phuket. You can read his blog and find out much more about Phukets music venues and bands at www.phuketmusicscene.com Russian tourist interest in travel to Thailand surges 20% amid open skies for friendlies announcement PHUKET: Moscows announcement of Russia lifting COVID-19 restrictions on flights to 52 countries from yesterday (Apr 9) spurred immediate growth in search inquiries for tickets from Russia to foreign states with searches for Thailand jumping by 20%. But actual flights are yet to resume. tourismRussianUkrainetransport By Anton Makhrov Sunday 10 April 2022, 04:24PM Russias S7 Airlines in Krabi on February 24, the day of Russias invasion of Ukraine. Photo: PR Krabi via TAT Newsroom Starting from Apr 9, we are lifting restrictions set for combating coronavirus pandemic, which applied to our regular and charter flights between Russia and a number of other countries," Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Monday (Apr 4), provoking an immediate response from potential tourists who started searching for available flights to different destinations including Thailand, one of most-preferred destination for Russians before the most recent crisis. According to OneTwoTrip a popular vacation planning service in Russia ticket inquiries jumped on the day of the announcement. In some cases the spike in interest was as high as 350%, said Elena Shelehova, head of OneTwoTrip press service. As per search inquiries made by the clients of the service on Apr 4 amid the news of canceling COVID restrictions on flights to specific countries, growth in interest is witnessed for basically all the destinations from 5% to 350% compared to average daily numbers for the week from Mar 29 to Apr 3, Russian state news agency TASS quoted Shelehova as saying. Searches for tickets to Thailand on Apr 4 grew by 20%, for Vietnam by 32%, for Philippines by 55%, for Maldives by 22%, for Turkey by 18%. Other exotic destinations showed even bigger numbers. Interest towards Fiji, Zimbabwe, Jamaica and Madagascar jumped by 220-290%. As reported by TASS, the restrictions were lifted for 52 friendly countries which did not join Western sanctions imposed after Russias invasion of Ukraine in late February. Thailand is listed among states deemed as Russian-friendly. Phuket officials welcomed the decision by sharing a WorkpointTODAYs story promoting how Thailand has maintained its friendly status with Russia and highlighting Phuket may soon see Russian tourists return to the island. Russia still does not open air routes for countries listed in the hostile nation that jointly announced sanctions against Russia, the report said. Yet actual flights are still on hold as Russian airlines, which mostly served routes between Russia and Thailand, face heavy pressure from Western sanctions, including cancellation of lease agreements which may result in aircraft seizure upon landing in a foreign country. The airlines also are unable to purchase spare parts or receive maintenance services. Limited connecting flights are conducted by foreign operators, but those are costly due to re-routing and high oil prices. Direct flights by THAI Airways International are currently not available. Thailand has officially maintained neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, inline with eth stance by most ASEAN countries. Yet the Kingdom supported the United Nations resolution passed on Mar 2 calling for Russian forces to withdraw from Ukraine and deploring Russias aggression against Ukraine. On Apr 6, Thailand abstained in the voting to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council while 93 members voted in favour and the resolution was passed, just like the previous one. I seriously don't get paid enough to write articles about sh*t like this. But here we are. An Aussie bloke's piece started eroding after his unkept pubes started to cut off his blood circulation. Jesus Christ. According to a recent article from Urology Case Reports, the 57-year-old man went to his family doctor with extreme pain and swelling in his downstairs area. Initially, the doctor didn't do a thorough enough check and so the issue was overlooked, and the bloke was given steroids to relieve his pain and symptoms. When the man's symptoms worsened, he was taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with hair tourniquet syndrome, where hair essentially strangles the appendage and cuts off its circulation. The report states that the man's pubes were "matted together" and formed a "tight ring" around his piece, which occured due to poor hygiene and neglecting to clean underneath the hood properly. The bloke had to undergo surgery where doctors reattatched his urethra. But after a couple of weeks at home, as if the poor man hadn't already been through enough, his D began to erode. Back into surgery he went, where doctors removed bacteria and performed a circumcision and although it was a success, the man's penis was left with a deformity. So, what's the one take away from this? Clean under ya hood fellas. Update: 10-04-2022 | 08:20:40 Chau Van Chi was re-elected as President of the Khmer-Vietnamese Association (KVA) in Cambodia for the 2021-26 term at the associations third congress held in Phnom Penh on April 9. At the event An executive board comprising 85 members was also elected during the event. In the previous tenure, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the KVA worked with its chapters, the Embassy of Vietnam and localities to help Cambodians of Vietnamese origin get vaccinations and distribute supplies and aid packages to pandemic-hit families. Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Huy Tang hailed contributions of the KVA to protecting legitimate rights of its members and supporting Vietnamese-Cambodians in the recent past. He urged the association to step up the work and call on people to adhere to regulations and nurture the Vietnam-Cambodia ties in the coming time./. VNA This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) President Joe Biden is set to speak with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday as he presses world leaders to take a hard line against Russia's Ukraine invasion. India's neutral stance in the war has raised concerns in Washington and earned praise from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who lauded India this month for judging the situation in its entirety, not just in a one-sided way. Most recently, India abstained when the U.N. General Assembly voted Thursday to suspend Russia from its seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council over allegations that Russian soldiers in Ukraine engaged in rights violations that the U.S. and Ukraine have called war crimes. The vote was 93-24 with 58 abstentions. In the virtual meeting, Biden will talk about the consequences of Russias war against Ukraine and mitigating its destabilizing impact on global food supply and commodity markets, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement Sunday. They'll discuss strengthening the global economy, and upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," she said. India continues to purchase Russian energy supplies, despite pressure from Western countries to avoid buying Russian oil and gas. The U.S. has also considered sanctions on India for its recent purchase of advanced Russian air defense systems. Last month, the state-run Indian Oil Corp. bought 3 million barrels of crude from Russia to secure its needs, resisting entreaties from the West to avoid such purchases. India isnt alone in buying Russian energy, however. Several European allies such as Germany have continued to do so, despite public pressure to end these contracts. Indian media reports said Russia was offering a discount on oil purchases of 20% below global benchmark prices. Iraq is Indias top supplier, with a 27% share. Saudi Arabia is second at around 17%, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 13% and the U.S. at 9%, the Press Trust of India news agency reported. Biden and Modi last spoke in March. ___ Sharma reported from New Delhi. The House moved last week to cap the cost of insulin and Democrats think theyve found a winner to save seats in November. What ghoul could oppose cheaper insulin? Alas the bill misdiagnoses the problem and is a pretext for more political control of drug prices, which wont serve suffering Americans. The Affordable Insulin Now Act caps cost-sharing for insulin at $35 a month for diabetics with private insurance or on Medicare Part D. The bills Democratic sponsors call it a critical drug pricing reform to deal with the skyrocketing cost of insulin. The bill passed 232-193. The real story is more complicated. Sticker prices for insulin have increased, but those calculations ignore discounts negotiated by pharmacy-benefit managers. Over the past five years, net revenues to drug manufacturers on diabetes drugs have been declining and patient out-of-pocket costs have been flat or risen only slightly, says a 2020 report from the IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science. This isnt a story about greed if pharma companies are earning less and less. The gap between list and net prices can be huge, and many discounts dont flow to customers at the counter, a real if smaller-than-advertised problem. In 2019 patients paid less than $30 out of pocket for 74% of all diabetes prescriptions, according to IQVIAs analysis. More than nine in 10 were less than $75. But folks can get stuck paying exorbitant prices if they arent insured or must burn through a large deductible before coverage starts. What would the House bill do for the uninsured? Ohnothing. Insulin makers are treated as villains, but they do try to help such customers. Lillys Insulin Value Program offers a discount card for $35 a month for insulin. The Trump Administration in 2019 revised federal guidance to allow high-deductible plans to cover more care for chronic conditions before the deductible, including insulin. It appears to have helped. Some 76% of employers reported in a 2021 Employee Benefit Research Institute survey that theyd added pre-deductible coverage as a result of the change, most often for diabetes or heart disease. As for the House bill, insurers will respond to the added costs by increasing premiums. The grand irony of Democrats claiming to be tough on Big Pharma is that drug manufacturers would no longer have an incentive to limit price increases, confident that patients wont notice and insurers can be stuck with the bill. Great work, everybody. The premium spikes also mean the bill increases federal spendingfor instance, on ObamaCare subsidieswhich Democrats would finance by pretending to delay a long-dead Trump drug-pricing rule. This pay for is as phony as the policy solution. Insulin markets need more competition, the opposite of what the House bill encourages. Congress would be smarter to prod the Food and Drug Administration to make it easier for generic equivalents to win approval, a problem that has long vexed insulin markets. Democrats havent been shy about their broader plan to control the price of medicine through the euphemism of Medicare negotiation. This tells investors: Move your money out of better medicines or long-shot cures and into businesses that arent under political assault. That would be a terrible development for diabetics, especially as cell therapies may someday provide a cure. As former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb put it recently, its essential that diabetes treatments are affordable, but Congress and the public shouldnt forget that the ultimate goal is to free patients from insulin. EDWARDSVILLE A number of indictments were issued Thursday by a Madison County grand jury. Kenneth L. Rice, 28, of Cottage Hills, was indicted for unlawful possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a Class 1 felony. According to court documents and information from the department, on March 29 Rice allegedly was driving on Illinois 140 when he was stopped for a lighting violation. That led to a search of the vehicle and the allegedly recovery of 5-15 grams of methamphetamine, a scale, and baggies. It was also noted that Rices drivers license was suspended. Other indictments issued include: Billy J. McCallister Jr., 46, of Granite City, was indicted for unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, an enhanced Class 2 felony, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony. The case was originally presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. On Jan. 12, 2021, McCallister allegedly had a taser and less than 15 grams of fentanyl. He has a prior conviction for burglary out of St. Clair County in 2008, making him ineligible to possess weapons. Tabitha K. Crossno, 37, of Granite City, was indicted for two counts of arson, a Class 2 felony. Between March 9 and March 20 Crossno allegedly set fire to residences in Granite City, causing in excess of $150 damage at each location. Joshua A. Stover, 27, of Moro, was indicted for aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony. According to court documents, on March 9 Stover allegedly pulled the hair of a senior citizen. Jaylen K. Cleary, 19, of Granite City, was indicted for aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony, and mob action, a Class 4 felony. On March 28 Cleary allegedly struck a person in the face with his hand and kicked them in the body. The mob action charge stems from his involvement with two other people during the attack. LONDON (AP) For many in the U.K., the pandemic may as well be over. Mask requirements have been dropped. Free mass testing is a thing of the past. And for the first time since spring 2020, people can go abroad for holidays without ordering tests or filling out lengthy forms. That sense of freedom is widespread even as infections soared in Britain in March, driven by the milder but more transmissible omicron BA.2 variant thats rapidly spreading around Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere. The situation in the U.K. may portend what lies ahead for other countries as they ease coronavirus restrictions. France and Germany have seen similar spikes in infections in recent weeks, and the number of hospitalizations in the U.K. and France has again climbed though the number of deaths per day remains well below levels seen earlier in the pandemic. In the U.S., more and more Americans are testing at home, so official case numbers are likely a vast undercount. The roster of those newly infected include actors and politicians, who are tested regularly. Cabinet members, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Broadway actors and the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut have all tested positive. Britain stands out in Europe because it ditched all mitigation policies in February, including mandatory self-isolation for those infected. Prime Minister Boris Johnsons conservative government is determined to stick to its living with COVID plan, but experts disagree on whether the country is coping well. Some scientists argue its the right time to accept that living with COVID means tolerating a certain level of disruption and deaths, much like we do for seasonal flu. Others believe that Britains government lifted restrictions too quickly and too soon. They warned that deaths and hospital admissions could keep rising because more people over 55 those who are most likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19 are now getting infected despite high levels of vaccination. Hospitals are again under strain, both from patients with the virus and huge numbers of staff off sick, said National Health Service medical director Stephen Powis. Blinding ourselves to this level of harm does not constitute living with a virus infection quite the opposite, said Stephen Griffin, a professor in medicine at the University of Leeds. Without sufficient vaccination, ventilation, masking, isolation and testing, we will continue to live with disruption, disease and sadly, death, as a result. Others, like Paul Hunter, a medicine professor at the University of East Anglia, are more supportive of the governments policies. Were still not at the point where (COVID-19) is going to be least harmful but were over the worst, he said. Once a high vaccination rate is achieved there is little value in maintaining restrictions such as social distancing because they never ultimately prevent infections, only delay them, he argued. Britains official statistics agency estimated that almost 5 million U.K. residents, or 1 in 13, had the virus in late March, the most it had reported. Separately, the REACT study from Londons Imperial College said its data showed that the countrys infection levels in March were 40% higher than the first omicron peak in January. Infection rates are so high that airlines had to cancel flights during the busy two-week Easter break because too many workers were calling in sick. France and Germany have seen similar surges as restrictions eased in most European countries. More than 100,000 people in France were testing positive every day despite a sharp dropoff in testing, and the number of virus patients in intensive care rose 22% over the past week. President Emmanuel Macrons government, keen to encourage voter turnout in April elections, is not talking about any new restrictions. In Germany, infection levels have drifted down from a recent peak. But Health Minister Karl Lauterbach backed off a decision to end mandatory self-isolation for infected people just two days after it was announced. He said the plan would send a completely wrong signal that either the pandemic is over or the virus has become significantly more harmless than was assumed in the past. In the U.S., outbreaks at Georgetown University and Johns Hopkins University are bringing back mask requirements to those campuses as officials seek out quarantine space. Across Europe, only Spain and Switzerland have joined the U.K. in lifting self-isolation requirements for at least some infected people. But many European countries have eased mass testing, which will make it much harder to know how prevalent the virus is. Britain stopped distributing free rapid home tests this month. Julian Tang, a flu virologist at the University of Leicester, said that while it's important to have a surveillance program to monitor for new variants and update the vaccine, countries cope with flu without mandatory restrictions or mass testing. Eventually, COVID-19 will settle down to become more endemic and seasonal, like flu, Tang said. Living with COVID, to me, should mimic living with flu. Cambridge University virologist Ravindra Gupta is more cautious. Mortality rates for COVID-19 are still far higher than seasonal flu and the virus causes more severe disease, he warned. He would have preferred "more gentle easing of restrictions. "Theres no reason to believe that a new variant would not be more transmissible or severe, he added. ___ Geir Moulson and Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin, Angela Charlton in Paris, Barry Hatton in Lisbon and other AP journalists around Europe contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic Getty Images LIVINGSTON Authorities have released the names of two people killed in an Interstate 55 accident early Saturday morning. According to Illinois State Police, at about 4:06 a.m. on Saturday Juandria S. Pickett, 30, of St. Louis, for unknown reasons, was driving a 2020 Toyota Camry south in the northbound lane of I-55 near milepost 37. On 26 March the Kurdistan Communities Union KCK issued a statement in which it warned against any complicity by the Kurdistan Democratic Party in any potential attack by the Turkish occupation army on the guerrilla fighters. Citizen Farhan Daud from the city of Hasaka confirmed that PDK is proceeding with its support to the Turkish occupation army that attacks the Southern Kurdistan areas notably after the two sides failed to occupy the medya defense zones though chemical weapons were used in the attacks time and again''. The Turkish occupation state wants to adopt new strategies with the coordination of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, to break the will of the Kurdish community at large'', Farhan said. The support given by the Kurdistan Democratic Party to the Turkish occupation army received wide range discontent in April the last in the whole of Kurdistan. And more specifically after ambushes were laid down for the guerrilla fighters in Khelifan and Ze and rejected to hand over bodies of the martyrs fell in the ambush on 2-29 August 2021 to their families. Farhan indicate to the last visit paid by president of the Kurdistan Regional Government Nichervan Barzani to Turkey and meeting the Turkish president Recp Tayyip Erdogan in Antalya on 12 March the last saying: '' it has become well known and accustomed that each visit paid by a head of the region to Turkey is followed up by a wide attack of the Turkish occupation army against the medya defense zones and the geography of Kurdistan to occupy it''. Fahan called on the Kurdish people in the whole of Kurdistan to stand up to these attacks and plots for they serve the Kurds' enemies. From her part, Yusra Elias, from the city of Hasaka, confirmed that ''moves of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, the PDK, run against the Kurds and Kurdistan Workers' Party, the PKK, the one that represents the Kurds, '' everyone antagonizes the PKK and the Guerrilla fighters because they are unique all over the world regarding thoughts and will they have. And because they are the salvation of the Kurdish people and Kurdistan and its repressed peoples''. Yusra added '' PDK ought to refrain from policies of the Turkish occupation state, because its plots aim to destroy the will of the Kurdish people. PDK should work out for the unity of the Kurds in the whole of Kurdistan, instead to take sides of the enemies of the Kurds. Yusra laid much stress on the necessity of working out for the unity of the Kurdish people to stand up to all plots and schemes that aim to dismember the Kurds. From his part, Mahmoud Ma'me says the Kurds amid this international situation, are in dire need of unity calling on the Kurdistan Democratic Party the PDK no to be a part of the schemes of the Turkish occupation state, '' we are now in grave need of unity, we all ought to work out for that''. While Ramadan Fattah sees that the plot of the Turkish occupation state and the Kurdistan Democratic Party is continuation to the plots seeking to destroy the will of the Kurdish people, and to make true the aspiration of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. ''when the Turkish occupation state fails on the grounds it resorts to mercenaries and aiders from the Kurdish people, and others too with the aim to materialize its aspirations on the ground and to impinge upon the Kurdistan Workers' Party and the guerrilla fighters'', he said. Fattah said the Turkish occupation state tries to drag PDK to a dirty plot by making the party to take part in the fight against guerrilla forces. Fattah warned the party against treason for the guerrilla represents the will of the Kurdish people all over the world. ''these forces are gains of the Kurdish people'', he said. L..A ANHA Update: 10-04-2022 | 08:20:40 The Ministry of Finance (MoF) will support businesses when implementing the socio-economic recovery and development programme, Finance Minister Ho Duc Phoc said. Workers in a factory of Vietnam Specific areas will include accessing markets, capital, labour and infrastructure as well as open administrative procedures. MoF will accompany firms with supportive solutions so that the domestic business community can overcome difficulties to restore and develop production. Thereby they can contribute to the economic recovery and development. Minister Ho Duc Phoc was addressing a forum on "Fiscal policy to support the socio-economic recovery and development programme" that was held on April 7 in Hanoi by the Thoi bao Tai chinh (Vietnam Financial Times) and Da tu (Investment Review). The ministry has listened to opinions from the businesses and then reported to authorities to remove obstacles to business development. At the same time, it also promulgates policies to achieve financial development goals, ensure strong and harmonious economic development, and improve national competitiveness, according to Phoc. Dang Ngoc Minh, deputy director of the General Department of Taxation, said the general department had built drafts of two decrees on extending the deadline for tax and land rent payments. They included the decree on extending payment of value added tax, corporate income tax, personal income tax, and land and water surface rent in 2022 and the decree extending the deadline for excise tax payment for domestically manufactured or assembled cars. For these two drafts, the General Department of Taxation had collected opinions from ministries, agencies, and people's committees of provinces and cities. At the same time, it also had coordinated with the Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry to organise an online seminar on those drafts. The ministry was finalising the drafts to send to the Ministry of Justice for appraisal before submitting them to the Government for consideration of issuance in April 2022. If they were approved, the total amount of tax, land rent and water surface rent extended payment would reach about 132 trillion VND to 137 trillion VND, said Minh. The extension would be of great significance to businesses and individuals because they could have more financial resources for production, promoting economic growth, said Minh. Meanwhile, the customs sector has also continuously implemented reforms to create more favourable conditions for businesses. Hoang Viet Cuong, deputy director of the General Department of Customs, said that the General Department of Customs had proactively implemented solutions to create favourable conditions for trade activities, helping businesses and people in recovery and development of production, imports and exports. Last year, it completed regulations to shorten customs clearance time and reduce costs for enterprises. By reviewing, amending and supplementing core documents in customs procedures and guiding circulars, the General Department of Customs had proposed to reduce documents, orders and procedures that are not necessary to simplify administrative procedures and handle problems. In addition, the general department had strengthened research for modernising equipment to support customs inspection and supervision, and carried out specialised inspections for imported and exported goods. It had also promoted simplification and automation of customs procedures, and implementation of the national single window, ASEAN single window and the application of information technology for online public services. In the future, Vietnam would continue to promote administrative reform in an extensive and comprehensive manner to reduce the time for customs clearance of goods, creating favourable conditions for businesses, and meeting the requirements of State management. It would focus on reviewing and evaluating the implementation of the Law on Customs; redesigning the information technology system of the customs sector based on the latest technology. It would also promote electronic document exchange via the ASEAN Single Window; review the implementation of administrative procedures via the National Single Window; and reform specialised inspections. Especially, the customs sector would coordinate with ministries, sectors and businesses to reform customs clearance procedures for import and export goods, creating favourable conditions for the businesses to cut costs and save time, and improve national competitiveness, Cuong said./. VNA IVY GOODMAN, Stonington, Girls, Lacrosse, Senior; Goodman scored 12 goals and had 13 assists in three games. Her seven assists in the Bears win over Waterford established a school record. She surpassed the 50-goal mark for the season in Stoningtons victory over Ledyard. DEAN PONS JR., Westerly, Baseball, Senior; Pons, a senior, struck out 14 batters in the Bulldogs five-inning win against Wheeler School/Rocky Hill. Pons had an assist on the remaining out, throwing out a runner on a groundout. Pons allowed just one hit and walked only two. KATIE PIERCE, Wheeler, Girls, Lacrosse, Sophomore; Pierce scored five goals and the Lions beat Griswold to earn their first victory of the season. Wheeler avenged an earlier loss to the Wolverines this season with the 15-4 victory. WEEKO THOMPSON, Chariho, Girls, Track Sophomore; Thompson, a sophomore, bettered her school record in the discus at the Classical Classic meet. She finished first in the event and also won the shot put. Vote View Results The UK Space Agency is never going to compete with Nasa any more than Silicon Glen is likely to displace Silicon Valley. Nevertheless, the UK's innovative R&D, engineering and aerospace skills mean that it is well placed to compete on the next frontier. Britain's leadership in the field of geostationary satellites, critical to marine and aerospace navigation, is among the reasons why pioneer UK operator Inmarsat is being wooed so vigorously by its US competitor Viasat. The easy part for Viasat chief executive Richard Baldridge is convincing the Inmarsat board that his 6.5billion bid is irresistible. The harder part is to persuade the UK authorities that such a deal is good for Britain's national and economic security. Up in the air: Britain's leadership in the field of geostationary satellites is among the reasons why Inmarsat is being wooed so vigorously by its US competitor Viasat Baldridge is so keen to get the deal that he is in Britain to make the case with the authorities personally. He has already made a series of undertakings to boost the UK's engineering and R&D capacity for the new space age if the transaction is done. Viasat is also promising to support the ambitions of the UK Space Agency by funding educational initiatives. The Inmarsat-Viasat deal is the first big test for Britain's National Security and Investment Act. To be completed the deal will have to overcome the hurdles of security and competition reviews on both sides of the Atlantic. The fate of the transaction will show the resolve of Boris Johnson's government in the face of the long-term economic damage that can result from letting British brain power, R&D and patents disappear over the horizon. Baldridge wants to convince all those involved that the opposite is the case. But too often, pledges made in the white heat of takeovers have led to a loss of command and control over vital technologies. What is indisputable is that as satellite makers and operators, both the would-be partners find themselves on the cusp of the next frontier for technology. In a post-Brexit effort to go it alone in space the Government ploughed 400m into OneWeb, which aims to create a low-orbit network of satellites. The investment has been questioned as an unproven technology and has suffered a setback thanks to Russia's war in Ukraine. Before sanctions, Russian rockets launched the satellites. Scepticism in Britain ought to be allayed by the space race under way in the US. Two of the world's richest tycoons, Jeff Bezos of Amazon and Elon Musk, are investing heavily in low Earth orbit. Bezos is planning a 7.7billion network of 3,500 satellites. His ambition is less lofty than Musk's and is intended to support Amazon cloud computing and communications operations. As always Musk does nothing by halves. The SpaceX Starlink project is seeking to launch 42,000 satellites, cluttering up the Earth's atmosphere with its ambition. This ring of satellites is seen by Musk as an essential prerequisite for missions to Mars. If anyone thinks this is crazy, they should remember how Musk was mocked for his electric car ambitions. He now leaves established car makers such as General Motors and Volkswagen in the dust. Even though Inmarsat is principally involved in the highest tech satellite business, the activities of all the space pioneers are closely connected. Britain clearly needs to be a space wars player in the age of hypersonic weapons systems. Israel's Iron Dome system already seeks to protect strategic targets against precision guided missiles. The big question for ministers is whether the UK is willing to allow valuable tech to fall into overseas hands even those of its closest ally. Raising a glass: Investors in champagne can raise a glass to some fizzing returns Investors in champagne can raise a glass to some fizzing returns as the price of the most sought-after bottles has almost doubled over the past year. With the end of the pandemic seemingly in sight, revellers have been turning to high-end champagne to celebrate freedom. Prices of some bottles have already jumped as a result and there may be further exciting investment opportunities to come. Louis Roederer Cristal a favourite tipple of celebrities such as Mick Jagger and Madonna has seen prices rise by more than 75 per cent over 12 months. Other champagne houses that have seen high double-digit annual returns including Dom Perignon, Bollinger, Taittinger and Krug. Matthew O'Connell, chief executive of wine trader LiveTrade, says: 'The hospitality industry has been throwing open its doors after the lockdowns and this has had a huge impact on champagne values as people celebrate with a glass of bubbly. 'The subsequent squeeze on limited supplies has caused prices to rise.' Quality champagne has proved a good investment for some years. The value of the 50 most collectible champagnes has risen by 93 per cent over five years, according to the fine wine trading platform Liv-ex. This compares favourably with the main wine index, the Livex Bordeaux 500, which has risen 12 and 22 per cent over the past one and five years respectively. Even that is better than the FTSE All-Share Index of companies listed on the UK stock exchange, which is up 7 per cent over the past 12 months and 8 per cent over five years. However, not all champagnes have risen in value. If you're buying as an investment, it is important to choose carefully. Vintage is key The quality and value of a bottle of champagne is hugely influenced by its vintage, which is simply the year in which the grapes were picked. Some years the weather and conditions are perfect, producing an excellent vintage. In other years the taste produced is of a lesser quality. Robbie Stevens, of Liv-ex, says champagne houses tend to share the same great vintages. This is because all champagne is made in the same region of north-eastern France and so conditions are fairly consistent. He says: 'A great year for grapes, such as 2008, is likely to be reflected in a top quality champagne for most suppliers.' A 2008 vintage Krug brut was released in October last year at a cost of 265 a bottle. But within hours, it was changing hands for about 350. Now investors might pay 500 for it. Louis Roederer Cristal has seen its 2008 vintage rise in value over a year by 62 per cent to 264. Its 2012 vintage has risen in the past 12 months from 163 to 284. Other great vintages that appeal to investors include 1971, 1978, 1988, 1996 and 2002. Stevens says of more recent vintages: 'Looking forward, it is still too early to say, but there is a chance the years of 2012, 2013 and 2014 could produce some top vintage champagne.' Size can add to rarity Champagne is usually sold in standard-sized 750-millilitre bottles. However, unlike most other wines, it also comes in a wide range of other sizes. These include the double-sized 1.5 litre magnum as enjoyed on the podium after the end of a Formula 1 race. Even bigger are the three-litre Jeroboam, six-litre Methuselah, 12-litre Balthazar and 15-litre Nebuchadnezzar bottles. There is even a 30-litre Melchizedek that can fill 240 champagne glasses. A Boerl & Kroff 1995 Melchizedek sold for 173,000 last year. Stevens adds: 'We recently sold a six-litre Methuselah for a 1990 vintage Louis Roederer Cristal for 6,090. Size rarity certainly added to its value but it was also a top quality champagne from a prestigious house.' Find a good specialist Working out which bottles are likely to increase in value is tricky. It pays to enlist expert advice. Unfortunately, champagne purchased in the supermarket is rarely going to grow in value no matter how fancy the label or fizzy the tingle on the tongue. Typically, this champagne does not have a particular vintage because it contains grapes from different sources. Seek out the help of a specialist wine merchant, such as Berry Bros & Rudd, Farr Vintners and Justerini & Brooks. Details of local merchants can be found on wine expert websites such as that of Tim Atkin, which also offer tasting tips. Such merchants will not only offer investment advice, but should make the experience fun. Most investors never see their champagne as it is kept 'in bond' with the merchant. This means that the champagne is stored in a cool and dark environment to preserve it. And because it is kept in bond it is insured against loss or theft, and there is no duty or VAT to pay. However, some investors like to buy an extra bottle to enjoy at home and get a taste of what they own. Kept well in storage, champagne can last for decades. O'Connell says: 'Some people have a misconception that champagnes must be drunk young, but they can age really well keeping for 40 years or so before being enjoyed.' Wine merchants and dealers such as LiveTrade may charge between 13 and 25 a year to store a case of 12 bottles. Investors typically trade in 12-bottle cases. The merchant will also usually buy the champagne back when you sell as they are in a better position to find a buyer willing to purchase a bottle. As a rule of thumb, expect to see 10 per cent of your investment go on buying and selling costs. Don't forget rose Champagne is mainly made from three grape varieties chardonnay, pinot meunier and pinot noir. The latter two can also be used to make rose by keeping their skins on. Stevens says: 'Rose champagne is made in fairly small amounts so can be a great investment as supply is limited but demand is high.' For example, Dom Perignon and Louis Roederer Cristal have seen their most sought after vintage rose grow by 61 and 59 per cent respectively in price over 12 months, with bottles of their finest bubbly now selling for 519 and 844 each. And if it doesn't work out Champagne has an added appeal in that it is a drink for celebration. It means that should your investment not go as well as you had hoped you still own a tangible asset. And what better way to drown your sorrows than by popping open a bottle of quality bubbly with family and friends? Anglo American's new chief executive faces calls to 'turbocharge' the development of its potentially lucrative potash mine in North Yorkshire after the war in Ukraine caused a hike in global fertiliser prices. The FTSE100 company bought the Woodsmith Mine in 2020 from Sirius Minerals, which collapsed after failing to drum up enough funding from lenders. Located near Whitby, Woodsmith was being developed to unearth the mineral which is a key nutrient for plants. Since the acquisition, Anglo American has poured money in to salvage the project and it plans to invest another 440million this year. Potential: Anglo American bought the Woodsmith Mine in 2020 from Sirius Minerals Now, Anglo's Duncan Wanblad the company's head of strategy who is taking over as chief executive from Mark Cutifani later this month has been urged by City figures to accelerate plans. Anglo should be 'turbocharging this project right now,' said John Meyer, head of research at broker SP Angel. 'The world desperately needs potash for fertiliser production. It needs it yesterday,' Meyer said, adding that the situation was likely to persist as long as sanctions on Russian goods were maintained. '[The Woodsmith mine] is now looking like a great acquisition for Anglo American', Meyer added. Prices of fertiliser have soared following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. The conflict and subsequent sanctions have disrupted supplies from Russia, one of the world's largest producers. The supply crunch caused potash prices to rocket to nearly $1,100 (843) a ton in late March compared to $300 (230) in early 2021. It has also sparked fears of a global food crisis. In addition to its fertiliser exports, Russia is also a major producer of wheat alongside Ukraine. Together, the two nations account for nearly a third of the global market. The situation has left many governments scrambling to secure supplies from different sources in a bid to protect their economies and help consumers. Aside from a possible opportunity from the global fertiliser crisis, Wanblad will also be thinking about the long-term future of Anglo. The 54-year-old will become the first South African to run the business after he replaces the Australian-born Cutifani, who has led the group for nearly a decade. While he has yet to publicly lay out any concrete plans for the group, there are indications Wanblad is preparing to cash in on booming demand for metals used in batteries and the renewable energy sector. The incoming chief executive said the world 'is going to need a whole lot more metal' to meet decarbonisation targets. In comments to the FT Mining Summit last October, he noted that the accelerating shift towards electric transport meant the global supply of metals such as copper and nickel looked 'more constrained than it has for some time.' Wanblad also said that construction of wind farms, solar panels and hydrogen power plants will be 'steel-intensive', and as a result will elevate demand for key ingredients such as iron ore and the metallurgical coal used in blast furnaces. The UK's energy production fell to its lowest level in more than 50 years last year providing the strongest sign yet that British self-sufficiency is many years away. Government data revealed that domestic production fell 14 per cent during the year as wind farms struggled with unfavourable weather, nuclear plants faced maintenance delays and coal production fell to a record low. Sluggish output across all fuel types led to the UK's dependence on energy imports rising to 37.9 per cent last year, its highest level of energy imports in seven years. Feeling the heat: Sluggish output across all fuel types led to the UK's dependence on energy imports rising to 37.9 per cent last year The poor performance creates an uphill battle for Boris Johnson, who has called for greater energy independence for the UK. The Prime Minister said the Government's new energy security strategy, released on Thursday, would ensure Britons are no longer subject to 'blackmail' from those like Vladimir Putin on oil and gas. But the latest energy report paints a bleak picture of fuel production in the UK. It reveals nuclear output fell to its lowest level since 1982. The strategy unveiled plans to increase wind, solar and nuclear electricity generation against the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has rocked energy markets and sent household bills soaring. A cornerstone is a 120million fund for new nuclear products, with plans to deliver one reactor a year rather than one a decade. Critics say this will not help consumers in the short term. Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng admitted the strategy was a 'medium three, four, five-year answer'. Johnson said he was 'bringing nuclear home' as part of the strategy, which would help correct past 'mistakes'. But Richard Black, founder of the independent Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said nuclear power remained unattractive to private investors, even with Government price guarantees. He said: 'No serious private investor is looking at nuclear, while in oil and gas investors can put money anywhere in the world, and the North Sea isn't that attractive any more as the good stuff is all gone.' 'The only way to boost energy production within the UK is renewables. This will happen. Offshore wind, and to a lesser extent onshore wind and solar, are expanding. But whatever the form of energy production, there will inevitably be bumps in the long-term trends.' Chief executive of energy giant SSE Alistair Phillips-Davies said the current crisis was 'driven by our reliance on imported gas'. He said the only way to tackle the problem was to boost investment in 'home-grown, clean energy infrastructure'. The Mail on Sunday previously revealed that energy giants had doubled the amount of gas sourced from the North and Irish Sea being sold to foreign buyers. French bank BNP Paribas reported regulatory failings to the UK's National Crime Agency, according to details revealed in a whistleblowing court case. The move has come to light in a dispute between BNP Paribas and a former banker who claims he was 'victimised' after disclosing 'serious criminal activity' at the bank. Fabio Filippi, who was head of structured equity sales in Italy, is suing in London for unfair dismissal after claims he was forced out in 2018, in what he has described as a 'sham' sacking. In the dock: Legal documents reveal allegations that the BNP Paribas branch in Milan was involved in 'non compliant practices' Legal documents reveal allegations that the BNP Paribas branch in Milan was involved in 'non compliant practices', concerning the sale of investment products, between 2009 and 2010. BNP said the report to the NCA was about suspicious activity of third parties rather than BNP. It said BNP did not find any evidence of suspicious activity within its own organization. Papers show BNP Paribas's compliance team filed two 'suspicious activity reports' to the NCA in London in late 2018, which also led to the Financial Conduct Authority being informed. Emails seen by The Mail on Sunday in court correspondence reveal the FCA carried out a 'specialistled financial crime visit' at BNP's London offices. The bank told the MoS it is not aware of 'any investigations into Mr Filippi's allegations by any external agency'. A spokesman said: 'The issues raised by Mr Filippi are historical and related to alleged practices in Milan in 2010. The bank undertook extensive investigations, including a full independent audit review, into the issues raised and kept our regulators up to date throughout.' The spokesman added: 'This matter is currently before the Employment Tribunal and we await their decision in due course. We are fully confident of the bank's ability to defend this matter.' Instant unlimited access to all of our content on tillamookheadlightherald.com. The Headlight Herald E-Edition Newsletter emailed to you each week, the night before the paper hits the street! This subscription is for NEW or RENEWING online subscribers. (The charge will appear as "Country Media Inc." on your credit card statement) Update: 10-04-2022 | 08:20:40 The governments of Vietnam and Australia are promoting bilateral comprehensive cooperation in various fields, towards the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties in February 2023, Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Nguyen Tat Thanh has said. Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Nguyen Tat Thanh speaks at the event The ambassador made the statement at a workshop regarding Vietnams foreign policy and shared future with Australia held on April 7 at Macquarie University in Sydney, which saw the participation of about 80 Australian and international students under the Global Leadership Programme. Thanh underlined independence in Vietnams foreign policy, which helps strengthen the country's strategic position and soft power amid global uncertainties. Vietnam has become a strategic and comprehensive partner of 30 countries and an active member of more than 70 regional and international organisations, he said. Economic partnership serves as an important foundation of the Vietnam-Australia ties, with bilateral trade turnover surging 50 percent to 17 billion AUD (nearly 12 billion USD) last year despite COVID-19. The countries have closely cooperated in numerous major issues such as ensuring freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea and water security in the Mekong Delta. Besides, people-to-people exchange is a highlight as more than 27,000 Vietnamese students are studying at Australian universities. The diplomat believed that the countries will uphold the growth momentum and bring the strategic partnership to a new height on the basis of respect for each others sovereignty and political regimes. On the occasion, he met with Vietnamese lecturers and students at Macquarie University./. VNA remaining of SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Kingsport, TN (37660) Today Cloudy with showers. High around 60F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 49F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. (Xinhua) -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is finding fault with China again, nonsensically bashing it for not condemning Russia's military action in Ukraine and hyping up Beijing's threat to NATO's security. The U.S.-led military alliance has not yet sobered up to the reality that it primarily caused the Ukraine crisis and deterioration of European security. Instead, NATO has chosen to shift the blame and play victim. Ironically, while accusing China of "coercive diplomacy," the bloc has been busy coercing other countries to take sides. And the claim that China is spreading disinformation during the Ukraine crisis is disinformation itself. As typical smokescreens of the West's astute political footwork to smear China, labels such as "China threat" and "coercive diplomacy" are simply nonsense. Over the years, the U.S.-led military alliance has been a troublemaker in peacemaker's clothing, repeatedly meddling in regional and international affairs under the cloak of "human rights, democracy and peace." Its military operations, launched directly or indirectly under the guise of "humanitarian intervention" and "anti-terrorism," have wreaked appalling havoc on Syria, Afghanistan, Libya and the former Yugoslavia, among other regions. The fallout from the operations -- innumerable civilian casualties, property loss and crisis-ridden governments -- amounted to actual humanitarian disasters. As a relic of the Cold War, NATO, which should have disbanded long ago, has instead wantonly expanded eastward by leaps and bounds, disregarding Russia's legitimate security concerns and driving it to the corner of confrontation. Following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict, NATO countries hurriedly joined Washington to obstruct a political settlement, fan the flames and magnify regional conflict, provide Ukraine with money and weapons, and pummel Russia with sweeping and indiscriminate sanctions. NATO now reaps what it sows. An escalated conflict is corroding Europe's security and economy and widening divisions worldwide. In the end, it is the ordinary people who bear the brunt. What the bloc has long sought is to retain hegemony and seek absolute security with no regard for the interests of others. To this end, self-serving politicians within the alliance have been rehashing the "China-threat" hyperbole as a handy political tool to manufacture fear, issue sanctions and whip up ideological confrontation in pursuit of their own geopolitical agendas. Such attempts to carry forward the Cold War "legacy" of bloc confrontation and zero-sum games and portray China as the next "archenemy" have imperiled world peace and security and are deeply anachronistic in today's multi-polar world, where multilateralism and globalization are the norm. Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict, China, with an objective and just attitude, has been working actively toward realizing a cessation of hostilities as soon as possible, averting a humanitarian crisis and restoring peace and stability. Beijing takes no interest in drawing ideological lines or engaging in bloc politics to create confrontation and division. It adheres to an independent foreign policy of peace and reaches its own conclusions on an issue's merits. The world does not need a new Cold War. NATO should discard its Cold-War mentality and work with Russia, Ukraine and other countries to build a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture through dialogue and negotiation. All the Old Knives is a spy thriller, but different from any other you might have seen. It mostly consists of a single conversation interspersed with lots of flashbacks, and its not about grand events and international consequences but about the effect that intelligence work has on relationships. That includes the relationship that people have with themselves. As such, its lowkey, not flashy or big on action. Yet the world that is created here feels so true and lived-in that enough happens to create a sense of drama. It takes place in the present day, but most of the movie revolves around events that happened almost a decade earlier. We meet three CIA agents played by Chris Pine, Thandiwe Newton and Jonathan Pryce, when one day a terrorist group hijacks an airplane in Europe. Its the CIA agents job to work with the intelligence agencies of the various countries to bring about a solution to the crisis. Celia (Newton) and Henry (Pine) are in a serious romantic relationship, and it seems almost certain that theyre going to get married. Yet when the terrorist crisis ends in complete disaster, Celia vaporizes from Henrys life. She goes away, and when she gets back on his radar, she is married, out of the agency and living in Carmel. Flash forward to the present: The CIA boss (played by Laurence Fishburne) has reopened the hijacking case, because it now seems certain that the terrorists had a mole working within their office. He assigns Henry to investigate, and the two prime suspects are the avuncular old veteran (Pryce) and Celia. One of the strongest aspects of All the Old Knives, based on the 2015 novel by Olen Steinhauer, is the impression it gives of a close society of near misfits who work in intelligence and talk, think and act the same way. Most of us are in no position to know if theres anything real in this portrayal, but it feels real nonetheless. Here are these odd, dedicated people, with their complicated histories and their peculiar yet consistent codes of ethics. If theres a subliminal message at work, its something along the lines of Dont join the CIA unless you want to be miserable. Regret is the dominant emotion within all the characters something the actors have no trouble communicating, even before we know who is regretting what. The implicit idea is that every one of these people has seen and done horrible things and that they know something about life and human nature that theyd rather forget. As the agency veterans, Pryce and Fishburne have their moments, but All the Old Knives is essentially a two-hander for Pine and Newton. The script requires that we believe that they were once lovers, that their bond was strong and that theyve never really gotten over each other. Somehow Pine and Newton have that just walking through the door, and from there, the interaction builds and deepens. The story is intricate in the moment, but later when you put it all together its simple. The best of both worlds. There are lots of spy thrillers. Looking back over All the Old Knives, it might be more accurate to call it a spy romance, except that makes it sound titillating. Better to say its a movie about the consequences of trying to stay human while working in the spy business. PHOENIX (AP) Karla Finocchio's slide into homelessness began when she split with her partner of 18 years and temporarily moved in with a cousin. The 55-year-old planned to use her $800-a-month disability check to get an apartment after back surgery. But she soon was sleeping in her old pickup protected by her German Shepherd mix Scrappy, unable to afford housing in Phoenix, where median monthly rents soared 33% during the coronavirus pandemic to over $1,220 for a one-bedroom, according to ApartmentList.com. Finocchio is one face of Americas graying homeless population, a rapidly expanding group of destitute and desperate people 50 and older suddenly without a permanent home after a job loss, divorce, family death or health crisis during a pandemic. Were seeing a huge boom in senior homelessness, said Kendra Hendry, a caseworker at Arizona's largest shelter, where older people make up about 30% of those staying there. These are not necessarily people who have mental illness or substance abuse problems. They are people being pushed into the streets by rising rents." Academics project their numbers will nearly triple over the next decade, challenging policy makers from Los Angeles to New York to imagine new ideas for sheltering the last of the baby boomers as they get older, sicker and less able to pay spiraling rents. Advocates say much more housing is needed, especially for extremely low-income people. Navigating sidewalks in wheelchairs and walkers, the aging homeless have medical ages greater than their years, with mobility, cognitive and chronic problems like diabetes. Many contracted COVID-19 or couldn't work because of pandemic restrictions. Its so scary, said Finocchio, her green eyes clouding with tears while sitting on the cushioned seat of her rolling walker. I dont want to be on the street in a wheelchair and living in a tent. It was Finocchio's first time being homeless. She's now at Ozanam Manor, a transitional shelter the Society of St. Vincent de Paul runs in Phoenix for people 50 and up seeking permanent housing. At the 60-bed shelter, Finocchio sleeps in a college-style womens dorm, with a single bed and small desk where she displays Scrappys photo. The dog with perky black ears is staying with Finocchios brother. A stroke started 67-year-old Army veteran Lovia Primous on his downward spiral, costing him his job and forcing him to sleep in his Honda Accord. He was referred to the transitional shelter after recovering from COVID-19. Life has been hard," said Primous, who grew up on in a once- segregated African American neighborhood of south Phoenix. I'm just trying to stay positive. Cardelia Corley ended up on the streets of Los Angeles County after the hours at her telemarketing job were cut. Now 65, Corley said she was surprised to meet so many others who were also working, including a teacher and a nurse who lost her home following an illness. Id always worked, been successful, put my kid through college, the single mother said. And then all of a sudden things went downhill. Corley traveled all night aboard buses and rode commuter trains to catch a cat nap. "And then I would go to Union Station downtown and wash up in the bathroom, said Corley. She recently moved into a small East Hollywood apartment with help from The People Concern, a Los Angeles nonprofit. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said in its 2017 Annual Homeless Assessment Report the share of homeless people 50 and over in emergency shelters or transitional housing jumped from 22.9% in 2007 to 33.8% in 2017. More precise and recent nationwide figures arent available because HUD has since changed the methodology in the reports and lumps older people in with all adults over 25.. A 2019 study of aging homeless people led by the University of Pennsylvania drew on 30 years of census data to project the U.S. population of people 65 and older experiencing homelessness will nearly triple from 40,000 to 106,000 by 2030, resulting in a public health crisis as their age-related medical problems multiply. Dr. Margot Kushel, a physician who directs the Center for Vulnerable Populations at the University of California, San Francisco, said her research in Oakland on how homelessness affects health has shown nearly half of the tens of thousands of older homeless people in the U.S. are on the streets for the first time. We are seeing that retirement is no longer the golden dream, said Kushel. "A lot of the working poor are destined to retire onto the streets." Thats especially true of younger baby boomers, now in their late 50s to late 60s, who dont have pensions or 401(k) accounts. About half of both women and men ages 55 to 66 have no retirement savings, according to the census. Born between 1946 and 1964, baby boomers now number over 70 million, the census shows. With the oldest boomers in their mid 70s, all will hit age 65 by 2030. The aged homeless also tend to have smaller Social Security checks after years working off the books. A third of some 900 older homeless people in Phoenix said in a recent survey they have no income at all. Teresa Smith, CEO of the San Diego nonprofit Dreams for Change, said she's also noticed the homeless population is trending older. The group operates two safe parking lots for people living in cars. Susan, who stayed at one lot, spoke only if her last name wasn't used because of the stigma surrounding homelessness. The 63-year-old had kidney cancer while caring for her mother, then lost their two-bedroom apartment after her mom died. The cancer is now in remission. Susan slept in her car with her dog at one of the gated parking lots that provide a bathroom, showers and a shared refrigerator and microwave. She was stunned to see a man in his 80s living in a car there, calling it just wrong. But residents enjoyed the community, grilling meals together and even surprising one in their group with a birthday cake. Dreams for Change recently helped Susan get a one-bedroom apartment with a housing voucher after months of waiting. With a washer and dryer, patio, dishwasher and bathtub, I feel like Im at the Ritz," she said. Donald Whitehead Jr., executive director of the Washington-based advocacy group National Coalition for the Homeless, said that seeing older people sleep in cars and abandoned buildings should worry everyone. We now accept these things that we would have been outraged about just 20 years ago, said Whitehead. Whitehead said Black, Latino and Indigenous people who came of age in the 1980s amid recession and high unemployment rates are disproportionately represented among the homeless. Many nearing retirement never got well-paying jobs and didn't buy homes because of discriminatory real estate practices. So many of us didn't put money into retirement programs, thinking that Social Security was going to take care of us, said Rudy Soliz, 63, operations director for Justa Center, which offers meals, showers, a mail drop and other services to the aged homeless in Phoenix. The average monthly Social Security retirement payment as of December was $1,658. Many older homeless people have much smaller checks because they worked fewer years or earned less than others. People 65 and over with limited resources and who didn't work enough to earn retirement benefits may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income of $841 a month. Finocchio said limited contributions were made for her into Social Security and Medicare because most of her jobs were off the books in telephone sales or watering office plants. "The programs approved by Congress to prevent destitution among the elderly and the disabled are not working, said Dennis Culhane, a University of Pennsylvania professor who led the 2019 study of the aging homeless in New York, Boston and Los Angeles County. And the problem is only going to get worse. Jennifer Molinsky, project director for the Aging Society Program at Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies, agreed the federal government must do more to ensure older Americans are better housed. The younger boomers were hit especially hard in the Great Recession, many losing their homes close to retirement, Molinsky said. Longer term shelters specifically for older people are helping get some off the streets at least temporarily. The Arizona Department of Housing last year provided a $7.5 million block grant for the states largest shelter to buy an old hotel to temporarily house up to 170 older people without a place to stay. The city of Phoenix kicked in $4 million for renovations. CEO Lisa Glow of Central Arizona Shelter Services, which runs the state's biggest shelter in downtown Phoenix, said the hotel is expected to open by years end. Residents will stay around 90 days while caseworkers help find permanent housing We need more dignified, safer and comfortable places for our seniors, said Glow, noting that physical limitations make it difficult for older people at the 500-bed shelter downtown. Nestor Castro, 67, was luckier than many who lose permanent homes. Castro was in his late 50s living in New York when his mother died and he was hospitalized with bleeding ulcers, losing their apartment. He initially stayed with his sister in Boston, then for more than three years at a YMCA in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Just before last Christmas, Castro got a permanent subsidized apartment through Hearth Inc., a Boston nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness among older adults. Residents pay 30% of their income to stay in one if Hearth's 228 units. Castro pays with part of his Social Security check and a part-time job. He also volunteers at a food pantry and a nonprofit that assists people with housing. Housing is a big problem around here because they are building luxury apartments that no one can afford, he said. A place down the street is $3,068 a month for a studio. Hearth Inc. CEO Mark Hinderlie said far more housing needs to be built and made affordable for the aged, especially now as the numbers of graying homeless people surge. Its cheaper to house people than leave them homeless," Hinderlie said. You have to rethink what housing can be. __ Janie Har in Marin County, California, and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LVIV, Ukraine Ukraines president warned his nation Sunday night that the coming week would be as crucial as any in the war. Russian troops will move to even larger operations in the east of our state, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address. He accused Russia of trying to evade responsibility for war crimes. When people lack the courage to admit their mistakes, apologize, adapt to reality and learn, they turn into monsters. And when the world ignores it, the monsters decide that it is the world that has to adapt to them. Ukraine will stop all this, Zelenskyy said. The day will come when they will have to admit everything. Accept the truth, he said. He again called on Western countries, including Germany, to provide more assistance to Ukraine. During talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Zelenskyy said he discussed how to strengthen sanctions against Russia and how to force Russia to seek peace. I am glad to note that the German position has recently changed in favor of Ukraine. I consider it absolutely logical, Zelenskyy said. ___ KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: US: Russia's new battlefield commander has history of brutality Ukraine digs in to fight Russias looming eastern offensive Ukraine churches display faith, hope and charity amid wreckage Analysis: War, economy could weaken Putins place as leader Biden, Modi to speak as India avoids hard line on Russia Zelenskyy, in AP interview, says he seeks peace despite atrocities Go to https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine for more coverage OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: The president of the European Commission said the questionnaire she handed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during her visit to Kyiv represents a very important step forward. Ursula von der Leyen said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union that Ukraines response will enable her to decide whether to recommend the nation as a candidate to join the European Union. The process normally takes years, but she has said Ukraines application could take just weeks to consider. She said Ukrainians belong to our European family, without any question. Yesterday, somebody told me: You know, when our soldiers are dying, I want them to know that their children will be free be and be part of the European Union, von der Leyen said. They are in an extraordinary situation, where we have to take unusual steps. One thing is clear for me: After this war, when Ukraine will be rebuilt, when we support Ukraine in reconstructing this country, this will be accompanied by reforms. So, it is an extraordinary way to shape the country and to go down the path towards the European Union. ___ Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government is providing investigative support to efforts to document war crimes in Ukraine, and he said Russian President Vladimir Putin is responsible. It is clear that Putin is systematically targeting civilians, whether its hospitals or train stations or maternity wards. This is one of the reasons why Canada was one of the first countries to call on the International Criminal Court to look into Putins war crimes, Trudeau said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union. Canadian investigators, Trudeau said, are building up the case for people to recognize that not only was this a terrible mistake to violate the sovereignty of another country and create massive global instability thats impacting energy and food prices around the world, but it is also a series of war crimes that Putin is deliberately committing that he needs to be held to account for. Asked if the crimes amount to genocide, Trudeau said it remains to be determined. The stories of what Russian soldiers are doing, not just the murder of civilians, but the systematic use of sexual violence and rape, to destabilize and have the greatest negative impact on Ukrainian people as possible is absolutely unforgivable and unacceptable, Trudeau said. And thats why the global community is going to and is responding so strongly. ___ Its almost Easter in Ukraine, where faith, hope and charity are on display at a trio of churches on the far edges of the capital. Sunday services were held in Bucha even as bodies were being removed from a mass grave in the churchyard. In Makarov, the faithful were moved to tears at the sight of crosses scattered in broken glass. And in Borodyanka, a church was untouched near where Russian attacks ripped open a high-rise. Thats where donations are bringing help to elderly people who stayed while others fled Russian occupation. Ukrainian authorities said weeks ago that at least 59 spiritual sites were damaged. On the day when Pope Francis called for an Easter truce in Ukraine to make way for a negotiated peace, church visitors invoked God in recalling their survival. Each person who was leaving, from any place, Makarov, Bucha, Hostomel or from Andriivka, the neighboring village which was destroyed to the ground; each one, even those who did not know the Lords Prayer, he was speaking to God with his own words, said Alona Parkhomenko in Makarov, where the church exterior was speckled with bullet holes and the priest warned of falling glass. ___ WASHINGTON Russias newly appointed battlefield commander in Ukraine made his reputation crushing resistance to Syrian President Bashar Assad during that countrys devastating civil war. Russian forces led by Gen. Alexander Dvornikov destroyed whole cities while dropping barrel bombs that targeted civilians. With Moscow supporting Assad, the war in Syria has killed more than 350,000 people. Lt. Col. Fares al-Bayoush, a Syrian army defector, said Sunday he expects a similar scorched-earth strategy under the commander in Ukraine. Speaking by telephone from Turkey, al-Bayoush said he believes the aim of naming Dvornikov as Ukraine war commander is to cause widespread destruction in many places at once. He has very good experience in this policy, al-Bayoush said. This commander is a war criminal. ___ KYIV, Ukraine -- The mayor of Kyiv and his brother said the visit of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to their capital shows who Ukraines real friends are at this critical time. But they understand if security concerns keep U.S. President Joe Biden from visiting for now. Mayor Vitali Klitschko and his brother Wladimir have been professional boxers and now outspoken defenders of Ukraine. Interviewed Sunday on ABC News This Week with George Stephanopoulos, they said they expect Russias military to return and target Kyiv again. And when they do, they said they cant defend Ukraine with their fists they need weapons. Wladimir Klitschko also pleaded for the world to isolate Russia economically, saying every cent that Russia is getting, theyre using for weapons to kill us. Vitali Klitschko said everyone was shocked when the Russians who pushed on Kyiv retreated after killing hundreds of civilians during their occupation. He called it genocide to kill women, children, old people and teenagers for no reason. To defend Ukraine now, the mayor said, is to defend democracy and peace in Europe. ___ WILMINGTON, Del. The White House said President Joe Biden will press Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a hard line against Russias Ukraine invasion. Press Secretary Jen Psaki says the leaders plan a virtual meeting on Monday. Indias neutral stance in the war has raised concerns in Washington and earned praise from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who lauded India this month for judging the situation in its entirety, not just in a one-sided way. India abstained when the U.N. General Assembly voted Thursday to suspend Russia from its seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council over allegations of war crimes. India continues to purchase Russian energy despite Western pressure to avoid buying Russian oil and gas. And the U.S. has considered sanctions on India for its recent purchase of advanced Russian air defense systems. Psakis statement says Biden will discuss how Russias war against Ukraine is destabilizing the global food supply and commodity markets, and the need to strengthen the global economy while upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity. ___ BERLIN -- Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday. The Austria Press Agency reported that Nehammer told reporters in Vienna on Sunday that he plans to make the journey. It follows a trip on Saturday to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. APA reported that Nehammer aims to encourage dialogue between Ukraine and Russia and also address war crimes in his meeting with Putin. Austria is a member of the European Union and has backed the 27-nation blocs sanctions against Russia, though it so far has opposed cutting off deliveries of Russian gas. The country is militarily neutral and is not a member of NATO. Nehammer said he was taking the trip on his own initiative, and that he had consulted with the European Unions top officials. He said that he also informed Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. ___ BERLIN -- The U.N. nuclear watchdog said Ukraine said the staff at the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear plant has been rotated for the first time in three weeks after Russian troops left the area. The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency has expressed concern about the well-being of the workers since the Russian military took control of the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster at the beginning of the war. The agency said Ukraine informed it on Sunday that it has now rotated the staff, but the situation remains far from normal. They had to be transported to and from the site by water, with the Pripyat River being the only way for people living in the city of Slavutych to currently reach the plant. The IAEA said Ukraine has informed it that analytical laboratories for radiation monitoring at the site were destroyed, with analytical instruments stolen, broken or otherwise disabled. The automated transmission of radiation monitoring data has been disabled. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The governor of the region that includes Ukraines fourth-largest city, Dnipro, says the airport was hit twice by missile attacks on Sunday. The Ukrainian military command said Russian forces also keep shelling Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv, and have kept up their siege of Mariupol, the key southern port city that has been under attack for nearly six weeks. The Russian Defense Ministry says its air-launched missiles hit Ukraines S-300 air defense missile systems in two locations, while sea-launched cruise missiles destroyed a Ukrainian units headquarters in the Dnipro region. Neither sides military claims could be independently verified. The Pentagon said Russia has a clear advantage in armored forces for its next phase in its war on Ukraine. Press secretary John Kirby said Friday that the Russians spread themselves too thin to take the capital, but now theyre more focused on a smaller region, and still have the vast majority of their combat power. A major effort by Ukrainian defenses and more Western assistance will be needed to push them back. ___ WASHINGTON A senior U.S. official said Russia has appointed a new commander to oversee its war on Ukraine. The official speaking on condition of anonymity said Russia has turned to one of its most experienced military officers, Gen. Alexander Dvornikov. U.S. officials say the 60-year-old general has a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and other theaters of war. The White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told CNN on Sunday that this general will just be another author of crimes and brutality against Ukrainian civilians. And he said no appointment of any general can erase the fact that Russia has already faced a strategic failure in Ukraine. The new battlefield leadership comes as Russia gears up for what is expected to be a large and more focused push to expand Russian control in the Donbas after failing to conquer the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Sullivan reiterated support for the Ukrainian government, saying the United States is determined to do all it can to help Ukrainians resist this general and the forces he commands. Robert Burns and Hope Yen ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines border guard agency says that about 2,200 Ukrainian men of fighting age have been detained so far while trying to leave the country in violation of martial law. The agency said Sunday that some of them have used forged documents and others tried to bribe border guards to get out of the country. It said some have been found dead while trying to cross the Carpathian mountains in adverse weather, without specifying the number. Under martial law, Ukrainian men between 18 and 60 are barred from leaving the country so that they can be called up to fight. The results are in See the winners of each category of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region contest, as determined by popular vote. ___ WARSAW, Poland Sirens have sounded in some Polish cities to mark the anniversary of a 2010 plane crash that killed the countrys president, despite protests that their sound would be unnecessarily traumatic for refugees from the war in Ukraine. The sirens early Sunday were intended to add to the significance and the plaintive character of observances honoring the late President Lech Kaczynski, the first lady and 94 other prominent Poles killed 12 years ago in the crash of the presidential plane in Russia. Kaczynski was the twin of Jaroslaw Kaczynski the leader of the main governing Law and Justice party. Provincial governors ignored calls not to use the sirens out of concern for refugees from neighboring Ukraine, traumatized by air raid alarms. Authorities sent text messages to refugees phones that the sirens would mean no danger. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The Ukrainian military says Russia has been beefing up its forces and trying to probe Ukrainian defenses. The Ukrainian military command said Sunday that the Russian troops have continued attempts to break Ukrainian defenses near Izyum, southeast of Kharkiv. It reported that Russia was sending reinforcements to Izyum while continuing the shelling of Kharkiv. The military added that the Russians also continued their attempts to take control of Mariupol, the Sea of Azov port that has been besieged by Russian forces for nearly 1 months. After Russias attempt to capture Kyiv and other big cities in northeastern Ukraine quickly failed, Ukrainian and Western officials expect Moscow to launch a new offensive in eastern Ukraine, where Russia-backed separatists have fought Ukrainian forces for eight years. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he focused on the need to track down perpetrators of war crimes in a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Zelenskyy said on Twitter that in Sundays call we emphasized that all perpetrators of war crimes must be identified and punished. Ukraine has accused Russia of atrocities against civilians in Bucha and other places near Kyiv, where hundreds of slaughtered civilians, many with their hands bound and signs of torture, were found after Russian troops retreated. Zelenskyy also said he and Scholz discussed anti-Russian sanctions, defense and financial support for Ukraine. ___ VATICAN CITY Pope Francis has opened Holy Week with a call for an Easter truce in Ukraine to make room for a negotiated peace, highlighting the need for leaders to make some sacrifices for the good of the people. Celebrating Palm Sunday Mass before crowds in St. Peters Square for the first time since the pandemic, Pope Francis called for weapons to be laid down to begin an Easter truce, not to reload weapons and resume fighting, no! A truce to reach peace through real negotiations. Francis did not refer directly to Russias invasion of Ukraine, but the reference was clear. He has repeatedly denounced the war and the suffering brought to innocent civilians. ___ HELSINKI Finland says that a shipment of art works from Russian museums has been returned to Russia after it was seized under European Union sanctions against Moscow. Finlands customs service said late Saturday that the Foreign Ministry granted a special permit to return the consignment with a total insured value of around 42 million euros ($46 million). It said that trucks carrying the art works from the Hermitage Museum and the Pavlovsk State Museum in St. Petersburg, among others, left Finnish territory on Saturday afternoon. The shipment was seized at the Vaalimaa border crossing at the beginning of April. The works were en route to Russia after loan to museums in Europe and Japan. Experts say that art works loaned from Russia typically travel overland via Finland. Russia has demanded the return of all works on loan to unfriendly nations that imposed sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said more civilians were expected to leave Mariupol Sunday in their personal vehicles. Evacuations were also planned from Berdyansk, Tokmak and Enerhodar in the south and Sieverierodonetsk, Lysychansk, Popasna and Rubizhne in the east. Mariupol, a strategic port city on the Sea of Azov, has been besieged by Russian forces for nearly 1 months, cut from food, water and power supplies and pummeled by relentless bombardment that has killed at least 5,000, according to local officials. Ukrainian authorities have urged civilians in the east to evacuate in the face of an imminent Russian offensive. They accused Russia of killing 52 people on Friday at the train station in the eastern city of Kramatorsk as they were preparing to evacuate. ___ GENEVA -- The U.N. refugee agency says the number of people who have left Ukraine since the beginning of the war has reached 4.5 million. A regular update Sunday of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees online portal on numbers of refugees fleeing Ukraine since Feb. 24 brought the total to some 4.504 million. About 2.6 million of those fled at least initially to Poland and more than 686,000 to Romania. However, UNHCR notes that there are very few border controls within the European Union and it believes a large number of people have moved on from the first country they arrived in. ___ LONDON -- Britains Ministry of Defense said Russias armed forces are seeking to respond to mounting losses by boosting troop numbers with personnel who had been discharged from military service since 2012. In an intelligence update on Twitter, the ministry also said Sunday that the Russian militarys efforts to generate more fighting power also include trying to recruit from Trans-Dniester, a breakaway region in Moldova that borders Ukraine. Russia maintains some 1,500 troops in the region, which is not internationally recognized. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told The Associated Press on Saturday that he is committed to seeking peace despite Russian attacks on civilians that have stunned the world. He said no one wants to negotiate with people who tortured their nation as a man, as a father, I understand this very well. But he said we dont want to lose opportunities, if we have them, for a diplomatic solution. Zelenskyy said hes confident Ukrainians would accept peace despite the horrors they have witnessed in the war. But meanwhile, Russian troops are regrouping for an expected surge in fighting in eastern Ukraine, including the besieged port city of Mariupol that Ukrainian defenders are battling to retain. So Zelenskyy renewed his plea for countries to send more weapons. He says they have to fight for life -- not for dust when there is nothing and no people. Thats why it is important to stop this war. NISKAYUNA - Last fall, Anthony DiScipio was too sick with leukemia to risk infection at Chuck E. Cheese for his seventh birthday - so his family got the place to themselves for two hours so he could still celebrate. But now, in "maintenance phase" after a year of treatment, DiScipio was cleared to go to the most magical place on Earth: Disney World. It was the 2,000th wish ever granted by Make-A-Wish Northeast New York, which began in 1987. DiScipio, his older sister and their parents spent the last week in Orlando, Fla., hitting all the biggies: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Universal and Seaworld. When he learned in February that Make-A-Wish would send him to Disney, he whispered to his parents, Is this real? It had actually been in the works since last September. But it was a slow road. In November, he finally reached the maintenance phase, after a year in which he spent many days in the hospital, so many that he was pleased that maintenance phase meant he might only have to go to the hospital once or twice a month. In December, he was able to return to in-person school. He'll be receiving maintenance phase treatment for 16 months. From the time he learned about the wish, he and his older sister spent all their free time researching rides and shows to plan out the trip, their parents said. It was a dream come true. They made it to their resort last weekend just in time for the evening pool party, and he had ice cream for breakfast the next day. At Universal's Islands of Adventure, DiScipio rode his first ride with a big drop (85 feet) and apparently it did not discourage him. At the next park, Magic Kingdom, he rode the big rollercoasters, including Space Mountain - an indoor dark rollercoaster. The results are in See the winners of each category of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region contest, as determined by popular vote. His parents said they would all cherish the memories forever. It was an extra special wish for Make-A-Wish Northeast New York, too. When he came home, the CEO was there to greet him. Today, we celebrate not only Anthonys wish, but all the wishes created before his, and all the wishes to come, said William C. Trigg, III, CEO of Make-A-Wish Northeast New York, at a press conference at Albany International Airport. A wish, whether it be a trip to Disney, a backyard playset, meeting a celebrity or whatever else that can be conjured by a childs imagination, is not just a nice thing to do for young person battling a critical illness. A wish provides hope, strength, joy and confidence, and is a lifelong gift that can transform the lives of that child, their family, and even entire communities. Make-A-Wish Northeast New York serves the 15 counties comprising the 518 and 838 area codes. The chapter normally grants 90 to 100 wishes each year. Laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases in New York are on the way back up, with the percent of tests coming back positive more than doubling from 1.4 percent March 8, to 3.7 percent April 8. The state was last at that level Feb. 10, when 3.6 percent of tests came back positive based on a seven-day average. In the Capital Region, positive tests doubled, from 2.5 percent last month, to 5 percent as of Friday's data. Albany County has the highest positivity in the region, at 6.5 percent. Central New York continues to see much higher infection rates than the rest of the state, with more than 10 percent of lab tests coming back positive, based on a seven-day average. And infection rates are no doubt higher as New York only uses lab-based PCR tests for its data. The ease of obtaining home test kits likely means there are many more positive cases than is what is being reported. An omicron variant, BA.2, that emerged as the initial omicron surge began to wane in February is now the dominant variant in the U.S. and worldwide. Experts say it is more contagious, but it appears being fully vaccinated and boosted works well to combat the variant. At the end of March the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave the green light for people over 50, as well as those who are immunocompromised, to get their second booster shot. But how renewed coronavirus spread will impact severity of illness is unclear. Hospitalizations statewide remain low at less than five COVID-19 patients hospitalized per 100,000 people, fewer than it was a month ago. The results are in See the winners of each category of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region contest, as determined by popular vote. The CDC also has most of New York still at "low" risk of COVID-19, as it takes into account hospitalizations and hospital capacity, in addition to virus spread. But Onondaga, Oswego and Cayuga counties remain among fewer than 20 counties nationwide at "high" risk as of Sunday. A week ago, the state Health Department urged indoor mask wearing in those counties, as well as Madison and Cortland counties. New York's Southern Tier, as well as Delaware County in the Catskills and Essex County in the Adirondacks, are also at "medium" risk. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON (AP) Russia has tapped a new Ukraine war commander to take centralized control of the next phase of battle after its costly failures in the opening campaign and carnage for Ukrainian civilians. U.S. officials don't see one man making a difference in Moscow's prospects. Russia turned to Gen. Alexander Dvornikov, 60, one of Russias most experienced military officers and according to U.S. officials a general with a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and other war theaters. Up to now, Russia had no central war commander on the ground. The general's appointment was confirmed by a senior U.S. official who was not authorized to be identified and spoke on condition of anonymity. But the White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said no appointment of any general can erase the fact that Russia has already faced a strategic failure in Ukraine. This general will just be another author of crimes and brutality against Ukrainian civilians, Sullivan said. And the United States, as I said before, is determined to do all that we can to support Ukrainians as they resist him and they resist the forces that he commands. White House press secretary Jen Psaki echoed that thought. The reports were seeing of a change in military leadership and putting a general in charge who was responsible for the brutality and the atrocities we saw in Syria shows that theres going to be a continuation of what weve already seen on the ground in Ukraine and thats what we are expecting, she said. The decision to establish new battlefield leadership comes as Russia gears up for what is expected to be a large and more focused push to expand Russian control in Ukraine's east and south, including the Donbas, and follows a failed opening bid in the north to conquer Kyiv, the capital. Dvornikov gained prominence while leading the Russian group of forces in Syria, where Moscow has waged a military campaign to shore up President Bashar Assads regime during a devastating civil war. Dvornikov is a career military officer and has steadily risen through the ranks after starting as a platoon commander in 1982. He fought during the second war in Chechnya and took several top positions before being placed in charge of the Russian troops in Syria in 2015. Under Dvornikovs command, Russian forces in Syria were known for crushing dissent in part by destroying cities, lobbing artillery and dropping what were often crudely made barrel bombs in sustained attacks that have displaced millions of Syrian civilians. The United Nations says the more than decade-long war has killed more than 350,000 people. In 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded Dvornikov the Hero of Russia medal, one of the countrys highest awards. Dvornikov has served as the commander of the Southern Military District since 2016. Lt. Col. Fares al-Bayoush, a Syrian army defector, said Sunday that while the situation in Syria is different than in Ukraine because the Russian military was fighting insurgent groups and not Ukraine's professional army, he expects a similar scorched-earth strategy. Al-Bayoush said he believes the aim of naming Dvornikov as Ukraine war commander is to turn the war into rapid battles in several places at the same time. I expected him to use the scorched earth policy that was used in Syria," al-Bayoush said, referring to Russian-backed attacks in Syria in which cities and towns were put under long sieges while being subjected to intense bombardment that left many people dead and caused wide destruction to infrastructure and residential areas. He has very good experience in this policy. This commander is a war criminal, al-Bayoush said by telephone from Turkey. Since Russia joined the war in Syria in September 2015, Assads forces have taken control of most of the country after being on the verge of collapse. The Russian air force carried out thousands of airstrikes since, helping Russian-backed Syrian troops take areas after fighters were forced to choose between an amnesty in return for dropping their arms or being taken by buses into rebel-held areas. The last major Russian-backed offensive in Syria lasted several months, until March 2020, when a truce was reached between Russia and Turkey, which supported rival sides. The results are in See the winners of each category of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region contest, as determined by popular vote. Sullivan on Sunday said the Russian general has a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and we can expect more of the same" in Ukraine. But he stressed that the U.S. strategy remains the same in supporting Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Our policy is unequivocal that we will do whatever we can to help Ukraine succeed, Sullivan said. Which means that we need to keep giving them weapons so that they can make progress on the battlefield. And we need to keep giving them military support and strong economic sanctions to improve their position, their posture at the negotiating table." Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, meanwhile, spoke by video conference Sunday to a small number of Ukrainian troops in the U.S. who are now returning to their country. The group has been in the U.S. since last fall for military schooling and were given training on new drones the U.S. sent to Ukraine last week for the war with Russia. Austin thanked the Ukrainian troop members for their courage and service and pledged continued U.S. support and security aid, according to Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Kirby said the small group was given some advanced tactical training, including on the Switchblade armed kamakazi drones, as well as instruction on patrol craft operations, communications and maintenance. In an interview Saturday with The Associated Press, Zelenskyy acknowledged that despite his hopes for peace, he must be realistic about the prospects for a swift resolution given that negotiations have so far been limited to low-level talks that do not include Putin. Zelenskyy renewed his plea for more weapons before an expected surge in fighting in the countrys east. He said, with frustration in regards to supplies of weapons from the U.S. and other Western nations, of course its not enough. Sullivan spoke on CNN's State of the Union and NBC's Meet the Press. Psaki spoke on Fox News Sunday." ___ Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue in Beirut and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report. The NILE Foundation proudly announces the scholarship winners for the 2022-2023 academic year. Five one-time scholarships have been awarded to the following seniors in high school in the amount of $1,000: Hannah Adams is the daughter of Gary & Holly Adams of Billings. She is currently a student at Laurel High School, where she will graduate in May. Hannah plans to attend Montana State University - Billings to study Nursing with a proposed career as a Pediatric Nurse. is the daughter of Gary & Holly Adams of Billings. She is currently a student at Laurel High School, where she will graduate in May. Hannah plans to attend Montana State University - Billings to study Nursing with a proposed career as a Pediatric Nurse. Haylee Adams will be attending Montana State University - Billings were she plans to study Nursing. Haylee's future plans include achieving her goal of becoming a Traveling Nurse. In May, Haylee will graduate from Laurel High School. Haylee is the daughter of Gary & Holly Adams of Billings. will be attending Montana State University - Billings were she plans to study Nursing. Haylee's future plans include achieving her goal of becoming a Traveling Nurse. In May, Haylee will graduate from Laurel High School. Haylee is the daughter of Gary & Holly Adams of Billings. Mackenzie Serrano plans to attend Montana State University in Bozeman, where she plans to study Animal Science and Agriculture Education. Her future plans include becoming a Ag Education Teacher and FFA Advisor. Recently, Mackenzie was selected to serve as the 2022-2023 Montana State FFA Reporter. Mackenzie is the daughter of Jason & Brenda Serrano of Roundup. plans to attend Montana State University in Bozeman, where she plans to study Animal Science and Agriculture Education. Her future plans include becoming a Ag Education Teacher and FFA Advisor. Recently, Mackenzie was selected to serve as the 2022-2023 Montana State FFA Reporter. Mackenzie is the daughter of Jason & Brenda Serrano of Roundup. Hayley Stahl is a soon-to-be-graduate of Winnett High School. She is the daughter of Toby & Nannette Stahl of Roundup. Hayley plans to attend Sheridan College to study Agriculture Business with hopes of becoming a Farm or Ranch Business Manager by returning to the family operation or purchasing her own operation after college. Two high school seniors have been awarded rolling scholarships in the amount of $1,000 annually for up to four years. They are: Brighton Lane is a soon-to-graduate of Huntley Project High School. She is the daughter of Matthew & Jamie Lane of Huntley. Brighton plans to take a year off of school to devote a year of service to the Montana FFA Association. Brighton was selected to serve as the 2022-2023 Montana State FFA President. Her plan following her year of service is to study Agriculture Communication and Animal Science with plans of becoming an Agricultural Lawyer or Advocate. is a soon-to-graduate of Huntley Project High School. She is the daughter of Matthew & Jamie Lane of Huntley. Brighton plans to take a year off of school to devote a year of service to the Montana FFA Association. Brighton was selected to serve as the 2022-2023 Montana State FFA President. Her plan following her year of service is to study Agriculture Communication and Animal Science with plans of becoming an Agricultural Lawyer or Advocate. Raegan Nansel is the daughter of Jay & Gayle Nansel of Billings. In May, Raegan will graduate from Billings West High School. Raegan plans to study Civil Engineering at Montana State University in Bozeman, with plans of working with the Agricultural industry and focusing on STEM Program following college. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 It is welcome news that New York is now considering the Sex Trade Survivors Justice and Equality Act, a bill to decriminalize people in prostitution. Sponsored by Sen. Liz Kreuger and Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter, this law reform is long overdue. For too long around the world, those bought and sold in the sex trade mostly women have been the target of law enforcement, while those who buy and sell them the so-called johns and pimps enjoy impunity. In Sweden, we were the first to adopt a law in 1999 that became the blueprint for what is now known as the Equality Model, or the Nordic Model. We recognize that prostitution is an expression of inequality the inequality between buyers of prostitution and those who are sold or sell themselves for what we recognize to be sexual exploitation. Our Swedish model has proven to be an effective exit strategy for those who are exploited by the commercial sex industry, as well as an effective strategy to address the scourge of sex trafficking. The Swedish Equality Model decriminalizes all those who are exploited in prostitution, providing services for them rather than penalties, while penalizing those who would buy sex as if it were a product. Our law holds buyers accountable, as well as the pimps, rather than those who have ended up in prostitution through debt, manipulation or coercion. While the tremendously lucrative sex trade is always looking for new ways to commercialize women on the internet if not on the street progress continues, and most importantly, women in prostitution have access to services and need not fear criminal sanctions. Our hope was that the law would have a normative effect and change the way in which men thought about women and sex equality. And over time, our model has had a significant impact in changing norms and culture. Prostitution has decreased, and support for the law has grown. Beyond our borders as well, the model has been adopted in Norway, Iceland, Northern Ireland, Canada, France, Ireland, and, most recently, Israel. For decades, Germany and the Netherlands have supported the legalization of prostitution, presumably in the belief that this approach is beneficial to those who are sold in the commercial sex industry, as well as those who profit from the industry such as pimps and brothel owners. Now that the brothels have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the debate over whether this approach has been successful is taking on a new visibility and it is a good time to look seriously at the questions raised. Since 2002 when the German law was enacted, the sex trade is said to have increased at least threefold now an estimated 400,000 people. Most of them are women and most come from other countries, driven by desperation and some of them trafficked by third-party profiteers. Now Germany and the Netherlands are reconsidering, as their approach to the legalization of prostitution has not had its intended effect. The link between legalized prostitution and sex trafficking is self-evident. Our Ministry of Justice told us that they had intercepted calls from traffickers saying that it wasnt worth doing business in Sweden and would be better to go to neighboring countries where selling trafficked girls and women would be much easier. And in fact, sex trafficking has significantly decreased in Sweden since our adoption of the law. Sweden is not a friendly market for sex traffickers, who depend heavily on prostitution to create the demand and a retail outlet for their supply chain of girls and women. Sign up for the Observation Deck newsletter Read the latest Times Union opinion, perspective and letters to the editor on Mondays by signing up for our Observation Deck newsletter. We need to recognize that a large number of people in prostitution are victims of trafficking, and we must not legitimize an industry that feeds on the exploitation and abuse of women, girls and LGTBQI people. Under the UN Protocol on human trafficking, ratified by the United States as well as Sweden, we have an international legal obligation to target the demand for prostitution. Following the closure of brothels across Europe, recently 16 members of the German Parliament endorsed our Equality Model and expressed the hope that brothels would remain permanently closed as the country reopens. The marketing of prostitution in Germany illustrates the harm of prostitution the package deals of mega-brothels advertising beer, hot dogs and women commodify and dehumanize women. They are degrading not empowering. According to German psychologist and trauma expert Dr. Ingeborg Kraus, Prostitution leaves deep scars on the body and soul. Rachel Moran, a survivor of the sex trade, has written compellingly in her book, Paid For, about the trauma of prostitution caused by dissociation, which she calls necessary but dangerous. As she explains, Dissociation is essential here; the prostituted cannot maintain her identity or sanity without it. New York would be the first state in America to move beyond the antiquated conception of women in prostitution as drivers of the industry, culpable for luring innocent men into sinful acts. Responsibility for the sex trade lies with the buyers who create the demand for commercialization of women, and the surrounding multibillion-dollar industry that thrives on their exploitation. Those who are commodified by a supply chain to meet this demand mostly women, and mostly women of color should be protected rather than prosecuted by the law. Recognition of the sex trade as inherently harmful to those whom it exploits and to society at large, as a force that perpetuates inequality, preying particularly on disadvantaged women, should lead to effective exit strategies that replace exploitation with education and employment. This will be an effective way to promote sex and gender equality, and hopefully New York will set a progressive example for other states to follow. Margot Wallstrom served as foreign minister of Sweden from 2014 to 2019, during which time she introduced feminist foreign policy, subsequently adopted by Canada, France, and Mexico. ALBANY As Gov. Kathy Hochul smashed campaign fundraising records last year, she held dozens of intimate, high-dollar events that gave affluent donors one-on-one time to speak with her. Like many other attendees,Wayne Chaplin had business interests before state government. And when Chaplin attended a fundraiser in the Rochester area on Oct. 30, he was not there for small talk. According to emails Chaplin later wrote, the chief executive officer of Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits told Hochul about a contentious bill being pushed by his company, which is the largest wine and spirits distribution company in the United States. If the proposal became state law, it could add to Southern Glazers billions in annual revenue and generate substantial state tax receipts but increase wine prices and crush smaller competitors. According to the emails, the governor encouraged Chaplin to follow up on the proposal with her campaign staff staff that subsequently helped the businessman gain access to a top member of Hochuls administration. The day of the fundraiser, five limited liability companies based in Miami, all of which share an address with Southern Glazers, donated a total of $25,000 to Hochuls campaign. That particular bill has yet to make progress in the Legislature, but the Hochul administration has backed the company's interests in other ways. During the recent state budget negotiations, according to Democratic state Sen. James Skoufis, Hochuls office repeatedly shot down Senate proposals to level the playing field within the alcohol industry ideas strongly opposed by Southern Glazers. In response to a Freedom of Information Law request, Hochuls office last week provided the Times Union with 161 pages of emails that offer a glimpse of how affluent campaign donors try to leverage that status to land high-level government access. A significant chunk of Hochuls campaign fundraising was facilitated through top Albany lobbying firms, which held high-dollar fundraisers that were exclusive to their lobbying clients. According to the donors accounts in the emails, Hochul did not discourage discussion of state business at these events, and directed donors to connect with her campaign staff which subsequently connected them to top state officials. In another instance, a board member for a trade group organized a fundraiser in conjunction with Hochuls campaign, and bluntly stated hed be able to raise more money for Hochul if she included a $500 million item in the budget. Hochul's government office and campaign declined to comment on the interactions with specific campaign donors. But Hochul's campaign spokesman, Jerrel Harvey, said campaign staff has never "encouraged or facilitated donors to engage in conversations about fundraising activities with government officials" nor does "anyone on the campaign advocate on behalf of donors to the administration." "It is not unusual or improper for the governor to speak with attendees at her events and it is within ethical guidelines for her staff to redirect people to the proper office," he said. Hochul's governmental press secretary, Hazel Crampton-Hays, said that as public servants, Hochul's government staff receives communications from a "wide range of New Yorkers on a daily basis." "We welcome the views of different advocacy groups on policy issues, but every decision is made by the governor and her team based on what is best for New Yorkers," she said. "No donation has any influence on any government decisions, and we strongly reject any implication otherwise." Liquor lobbying The Rochester-area fundraiser in October was hosted by Rob Sands, chief executive officer of Constellation Brands, a Fortune 500 producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits. A little more than a month after attending the event, Southern Glazer's chief executive wrote an email to Casey Ryan, Hochul's director of campaign fundraising. Per your request, Chaplin wrote to Ryan, attached is an outline of the issue we discussed with the Governor when we visited in Canandaigua. Chaplin sent Ryan a two-page memo outlining the benefits of the so-called at rest bill that Southern Glazer's has been pushing, which would require alcohol imported into New York to be warehoused by a licensed state wholesaler for 24 hours. Critics say the law would make the cost of doing business prohibitive for smaller competitors in the distribution industry. Chaplin then stated that Ryan, the Hochul fundraiser, had agreed to forward the lobbying document to Secretary to the Governor Karen Persichilli Keogh, Hochuls top governmental aide. Let me know if the attached is clear and if [Keogh] has any follow up questions, Chaplin wrote. We are looking forward to hosting the Governor on December 17 in Miami. Thanks again for your help. In response to Chaplins Dec. 1 email, Hochuls campaign finance director wrote that he worked for Hochuls campaign and did not deal with governmental issues. Ryan said that requests for state-related action should be made to government staff, and provided the email address for Micah Lasher, Hochuls director of policy. In an email to Lasher on Dec, 7, Chaplin forwarded his conversation with Ryan, and wrote to Lasher that he had discussed the at rest bill with Hochul at the October fundraiser, again passing along the memo. The Governor asked us to follow up with staff and Casey directed us to you, Chaplin wrote. Will you be down for the Florida event next week for us to follow up on this discussion? My apologies for the delayed reply! Lasher responded on Dec. 14. Ive just read the materials you sent and am very much interested in the proposal. Chaplin wanted to speak to Lasher before Hochuls 2022 budget proposal was completed, and they set up a Zoom call for late December. The top lobbying firm Bolton-St. Johns also reported lobbying Hochuls office on the at rest bill for Glazer's in November or December. In the state Senate, the bill is being blocked by Skoufis, who wont allow the it out of his Investigations and Government Operations Committee. Southern Glazers is the 1,000-pound gorilla of the alcohol industry in the political world, Skoufis said. They operate in the shadows, they try to bully people, they try to buy people off. The Hochul administration has not advanced the "at rest" legislation, Hochul's office said. In conjunction with his Senate colleagues, Skoufis has come up with a package of reforms he says would make the alcohol industry more fair for small distributors, bars and restaurants, and consumers, leveling the playing field with the two companies that run the show with a duopoly Southern Glazers and Empire Merchants. But in budget negotiations, Skoufis said several of the measures all strongly opposed by Southern Glazers were quickly rejected by Hochuls office. Instead, a 21-member commission will study alcohol reforms. The commission, created in the state budget, will not have to issue recommendations until May 2023. At the end of the day, I am quite frankly outraged at how the alcohol reform negotiations transpired, Skoufis said. On March 2, Hochul did announce her administration would seek to amend rules on split case fees charged by distributors to bars and restaurants. Skoufis had unsuccessfully sought to eliminate all such ancillary fees charged by distributors, and called Hochul's order "toothless." The planned Dec. 17 fundraiser in Miami was canceled due to COVID-19. And Hochul's office says government aides such as Lasher do not attend campaign fundraisers. On Jan. 12, five more Miami-based limited liability companies owned by Southern Glazers gave $25,000 more to Hochul. According to Hochul's campaign, in February, Glazer's executives then hosted two campaign fundraisers for the governor, including one by Chaplin. The company declined to comment. Real estate referral In September, a powerful trade group representing major New York City landlords, the Real Estate Board of New York, sponsored a campaign fundraiser for Hochul that was hosted by developer Douglas Durst. One of the attendees was Leslie Himmel, a member of REBNYs executive committee and a founder of Himmel + Meringoff Properties, a leading owner and operator of New York City-based commercial real estate. Himmel donated $12,500 to Hochul on Sept. 20, and her business partner Stephen Meringoff donated the same amount. On Jan. 7, Hochuls senior campaign adviser Abby Erwin, who is prominently involved in fundraising efforts, sent an email to Himmel with the subject line, Following up for Governor Hochul. Erwin's email passed along the contact information for Lasher, the governmental director of policy. A few minutes later, Himmel forwarded the email from Erwin to Lasher. Himmel then wrote about having attended the fundraiser for Hochul in September and stated shed again spoken directly to the governor on Jan. 6, when Hochul had suggested we be in touch with each other regarding economic recovery and building ideas. I am passionate about helping the state come up with thoughtful growth ideas for keeping industry and attracting growth sectors, Himmel wrote to Lasher. Governor Hochul wanted me to speak directly to you about how I can get involved. Its not clear from the emails what interaction Lasher and Himmel subsequently had. Her company has not reported having conducted any lobbying this year. And while REBNY is one of Albanys most influential lobbying entities, Himmel is not listed as one of its lobbyists. Himmel declined to comment, and it's not clear under what circumstances she spoke on Hochul on Jan. 6. Nonprofit fundraiser For-profit interests aren't the only ones attempting to gain influence through fundraising. At Hochuls State of the State address on Jan. 5, she proposed $500 million in taxpayer funds for cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), adding to the salaries of workers in New Yorks human services sector. It was an increase sought by those workers for more than a decade, and one long denied to them by former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. In the month prior to Hochuls announcement, a trustee for a leading human services sector trade group was in discussions with Hochuls campaign about throwing her a campaign fundraiser. Robert Trobe, who works at an insurance company, is a board member at the nonprofit Human Services Council, which represents charities serving people across the state. Trobe previously had served as deputy commissioner for the Family and Adult Services agency of New York City. Trobe wrote a Dec. 9 email to Mackenzie Wasilick, another high-ranking fundraising official for Hochuls campaign, and offered thoughts about what was needed to hold a successful Nonprofit Sector Fundraiser and Campaign Event for Hochul, likely over Zoom in February or March. If we fix the minimum contribution at $250 and get an average per participant contribution of $300, I think we should be able to raise $30,000 to $50,000, but that is just a guess, Trobe wrote. To ensure that a significant number of people in the sector gave contributions, Trobe wrote that, What is critical in the run-up to the (June Democratic) primary is the Governors support for inclusion of COLA in the next budget as well as fixing vexing procurement issues. On the latter point, we had a productive initial meeting with Kathryn Garcia, who as Hochul's director of state operations oversees a vast array of state agencies. If the COLA commitment from the Governor can be secured, it will be extremely helpful in promoting this (and subsequent events), Trobe wrote of the planned Hochul campaign fundraiser. HSC has conveyed that to Kathryn .... Trobe appeared to be stating that someone from the Human Services Council had told Garcia that the fundraiser would be more lucrative if Hochul pushed the pay increase. Thank you for sending over this information, Wasilick responded. Having this much detail will make the pitch that much easier to my team. A day later, Trobe followed up and noted that he had already recruited three key people with significant connections in the nonprofit community to promote the event. He noted that one was Bruce McIver, the former CEO of the League of Voluntary Hospitals and Homes and an individual who, Trobe added, serves as Kathryns dad. He had, in other words, recruited Garcias father to help with the Hochul fundraiser. On Jan. 6 one day after Hochul announced the $500 million in funding sought by the Human Services Council Trobe emailed Garcia directly. See press release below from the Human Services Council congratulating Governor Hochul for supporting COLA in the coming budget, Trobe wrote. Note lots of very positive quotes from CEOs of nonprofit agencies applauding the Governors actions. This will provide a great impetus to the event I have discussed with Mackenzie the fundraiser. Trobe declined to comment. Last fall, records show that the Human Services Council lobbied the Executive Chamber on both the COLA and procurement reforms. Michelle Jackson, executive director of the Human Services Council, said the only Hochul official she directly lobbied on those topics last fall was Garcia. But Jackson said she absolutely did not bring up campaign fundraising in her conversations with Garcia. As the voice for nonprofit human services organizations and their 800,000 workers across the state, the Human Services Council takes our status as a 501(c)(3) extremely seriously and we have never engaged in fundraising activity, Jackson said on Thursday. We have been fighting for equitable wages for our workers for 20 years through grassroots lobbying as former Gov. Cuomo continually robbed them of their mandated statutory COLA, depriving them of over $700 million in raises, and balancing the budget on their backs. On Friday, details of this year's state budget agreement emerged and the $500 million proposed by Hochul is included. Hochul is longtime supporter of the disability community a portion of the human services sector suffering a staffing crisis and her office says the $500 millions helps New York meet "statutory obligations" to raise wages for human services workers. No staff from the Human Services Council will be attending a Hochul campaign fundraiser and none were involved in its planning, Jackson said. But she does believe Trobes virtual fundraising event is going forward, and is scheduled to occur at the end of April. For the 2022 Top Workplaces report, we're shining a spotlight on some of the people who help their employers and colleagues to thrive every day and especially during the pandemic. Jim Boykin rattled off the attributes of a key employee who kept Internet Marketing Ninjas afloat during a global health crisis. During the dark early days of the pandemic, Christine Alber led wellness checks, connected with employees and served as an all-around morale booster at the internet marketing and search engine optimization firm. Alber even offered to speak to pandemic-rattled employees from the street if needed. CEO Jim Boykin said Alber was the person that everyone could come to "like the mom of the company. I didnt think twice of texting or calling her on a Sunday, Boykin said. Shes always there for anyone. Shes the whole glue of the company in many regards but wont take any credit. Alber is humbled by the praise. I wish he would have chosen someone else to be singled out for accolades, Alber said. Theres a whole company full of unsung heroes. Like many businesses in March 2020, Internet Marketing Ninjas quickly pivoted to a work-from-home model. Internet Marketing Ninjas Headquarters: Formerly Clifton Park (now entirely remote) Founded: 1999 Ownership: Private Business sector: Full service internet marketing company specializing in SEO Employees: 41 Years named a Top Workplace: 3 Website: internetmarketingninjas.com See More Collapse Its an arrangement the company that used to have a Clifton Park office has now made permanent. They decided not to reopen headquarters after taking a company poll. We were absolutely shocked at the results, Boykin said. Over 85 percent wanted to work remotely permanently. The results are in See the winners of each category of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region contest, as determined by popular vote. So they did. And Alber became the chief employee for helping over three dozen staffers navigate the transition. She remains readily accessible 16 hours per day. We wanted to make sure everyone was OK, Alber said. It was a difficult time and we arent anyone as far as the company is concerned without our employees. Now staffers can choose their own hours. And socialization is facilitated through a flurry of events including in-person bashes scheduled for this spring and summer, from a visit to the Altamont Fair to hiking expeditions. Better communication was previously flagged by employees as a desired improvement. The interesting outcome is that communication actually got better, Boykin said. Among the new aspects: Boykin bought everyone Oculus headsets and the team of 41 is experimenting with virtual meetings even recreating their former office space in a virtual format. This is the next best thing, Boykin said, and the most important thing is were all safe. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate For the 2022 Top Workplaces report, we're shining a spotlight on some of the people who help their employers and colleagues to thrive every day and especially during the pandemic. Dani Milliken serves as director of human resources for the Jahnel Group. But to hear her boss tell it, she may well have an S for Superwoman on a uniform hidden under her work clothes. She is just absolutely amazing. She handles all of our HR benefits for all 130 employees, so shes just serving people every day with their health insurance, with their dental plan, their vision, whatever it is from an HR perspective, said Jahnel Group Inc. CEO Darrin Jahnel, adding that she also is part of the leadership team. What really separates Dani is the way she serves the team. Shes been in charge of HR for about 2 years. Milliken said she is humbled and slightly embarrassed by all the praise but that she doesn't look for it. I tend to wear multiple hats just because Im a little part of engagement, a little part of HR and accounting, and just getting involved in different events, so I think its just my nature that I tend to sign up for everything or be of help, said Milliken. Im the type of person that I want to get the job done, and it doesnt matter what the job is, you just do it. Jahnel recalled the custom software design companys recently completed war week, when 100 employees gathered at the downtown Schenectady office in the Mill Artisan district, and how Milliken was there bright and early every morning preparing breakfast and then presiding over 6 a.m. workout sessions. The team voted her the MVP, and everybody just loves what she brings to the table, and shes recognized by everyone, said Jahnel. Then theres the time, Milliken, who is married with 9-year-old twins, made 305 trips over a six-day period up the 124 steps to Jahnel's sixth-floor office during the companys 10-million-stair challenge. She said the stair challenge brought out her competitive nature. The results are in See the winners of each category of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region contest, as determined by popular vote. Jahnel said company executives realized early on during the interview process that Milliken would be a great addition to their team. Shes absolutely nuts just like us. Shes getting up at 3 in the morning, shes working out, shes an amazing mother, shes a rock star professional, and we were just so lucky to have her, so from the very beginning she came in with that servants mentality, he said. Milliken said the admiration is mutual. Theres not a better fit, and when people say Its too good to be true they dont believe you, but Jahnel Group is so passionate about their employees, not just professionally but personally and it really makes you want to do more, she said. Women@Work amplifies the voices of women in the Capital Regions business community and workforce. Among this years Top Workplace are a number of companies and oranizations headed by women. We checked in with three of these leaders to get insights about a number of topics, including the climate for women in their fields, cultivating leaders and how responding to the pandemic has impacted their work. Responses have been edited for clarity and space. Times Union Dawn Abbuhl, President, Repeat Business Systems Q: When you started in office IT, you didnt have a lot of women peers. Whats the situation like now and where do you feel there are opportunities for women to be successful in your field? A: You are right, there werent any females in IT in Albany, nor were there in my association. I have always felt that everyone adds their own special sauce to the mix and maybe being a female is part of it for me. Our company always leads with a combination of heart and cutting-edge technology, and it has served us well. Diversity in all aspects adds creativity, unique ideas and perspectives, and will reach different people in different ways. Therefore, I see incredible opportunities for females in technology. Q: What did the pandemic teach you about your business/team? A: From Day 1, I tried to engender a close team feel for our company. I truly like each person as a human and feel grateful for every day they are here. The pandemic highlighted how real and effective our team is. The going got tough but our team was tougher. We have had no turnover and each person stepped up in every way they could. I will never forget the support and efforts from my entire team. Early in the pandemic, our business came to a screeching halt so I also had the time to try to figure out how we could use the time to improve. The goal was to survive and then thrive, hitting the ground running when the world opened up again. To that effort, we upped our teambuilding activities, even remotely, we improved our communication and implemented a weekly virtual meeting with fun events like talent shows, grilling tips, games, etc. We provided more training to every department and were primed and ready to go! I also realized that the world was close and accessible so we completed an acquisition that I had previously turned down as it was far away. Nothing is that far away anymore and that acquisition has been really successful. contributed by the Transitions Program Shaloni Winston, CEO/Executive Director, Lexington Q: What advice would you give early career women about how best to prepare to be organizational leaders? A: I often encourage my team to develop relationships with a mentor who can help them learn and grow. It was an important part of my trajectory into a leadership role at Lexington. I am also a very strong advocate for continuous learning and challenging myself and my team for growth and development. Through this process we are able to assess areas of potential in ourselves and others, and to learn what leadership means in each organization. Q: Can you speak about the importance of Lexington to the economies of the communities it serves? A: Lexington is a significant economic factor in both Fulton and Schoharie counties. With a combined staff of over 1,600, and nearly 1,300 men, women and children supported by our services, we know that together we make a sizable contribution to the economic vitality of our community. Lexingtons payroll infusion into our communities is over $85 million dollars annually. In addition, Lexington has always made an effort to purchase goods and services from local vendors for approximately $25 million annually. The people we support and many of our employees live and work throughout our communities and contribute through purchases and taxes. We see ourselves as a valuable partner in the communities we serve and know that the economic resources we bring to the local economy make a tremendous difference. The results are in See the winners of each category of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region contest, as determined by popular vote. Provided by Youth Research Inc. Cassie Pustilnik, Executive Director, Youth Research, Inc. Q: How has the pandemic impacted the way Youth Research does business and has it caused you to implement any permanent changes? A: Like many other organizations, YRI has spent nearly two years working remotely. This has enhanced our use of technology and encouraged new approaches to deliver vital information, services, and training to people throughout New York state. It has demonstrated our staffs ability to maintain the same level of professionalism and dedication to their work, while being flexible and resourceful, as we navigated our new reality. It also underscored the importance of building a deliberate organizational culture that maximizes flexibility for staff and embraces a healthy work-life balance, which is one of our top priorities Whats setting great employers apart is the willingness to look at work as part of the holistic picture of life. In the same way YRIs employees did over the last two years, our organization must function with adaptability, creativity, and nimbleness. Q: What are the challenges and opportunities you see for women in your field? A: More than ever, women, people of color, the LBGTQIA+ community, and other marginalized groups face barriers to success in their work. Those barriers are not limited to lack of access to quality and affordable child care but it is often the case that it plays a significant role. The pandemic has made us as a society recognize and grapple with those inequities because they are now more prominent and widespread. Now is the time to advocate for meaningful investment in the social and economic infrastructure required to appropriately support women and families. Farmington, WV (26555) Today Light rain transitioning to a few showers in the afternoon. High around 55F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later at night. Low 42F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. The DUP are whipping up hysteria over the prospect of a united Ireland to scare people into voting for them, Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie has claimed. In an attack on his unionist rivals ahead of next months Stormont Assembly elections, Mr Beattie said there was a sniff of desperation about the DUP tactics. In an interview with the PA news agency, Mr Beattie also reiterated his position over not attending rallies in protest at the Northern Ireland Protocol, stating that he had no control over tensions being risen during the meetings. The UUP leader also claimed his party could win the election, but stated that he wanted intensive talks over a programme for government before he would commit to joining an Executive. During the election campaign the DUP has repeatedly claimed that Sinn Fein is planning to push for a border poll if it emerges with the most seats after May 5. Mr Beattie said: I think it is absolutely ridiculous that anybody is saying Sinn Fein are going to be working towards a border poll after this election when Sinn Fein have been working towards a border poll since 1998. Sinn Fein have always called for a united Ireland. It makes no sense whatsoever. There is not going to be a border poll and there is not going to be a united Ireland in my lifetime or my childrens lifetime. I genuinely believe that. People need to park this. That doesnt mean that people cant have an aspiration, of course they can, but in 20 years since 1998 we havent gone one step closer to a border poll or a united Ireland. He added: What the DUP are actually doing is whipping up fear. They are whipping up hysteria. They are saying you have to vote for us or they will call for a border poll. It is a lie. They are trying to keep people at heel, they are trying to herd the unionist and loyalist people into the polling booths with lies. They are trying to scare people into the polling booths because it worked for them before. There is a sniff of desperation about what they are doing and I hope people can see that. It is the only policy the DUP have had since 2007. People will say, I held my nose and voted DUP because I wanted to keep Sinn Fein out and that is an awful thing to say. A series of rallies have been taking place across Northern Ireland outlining unionist and loyalist opposition to the post-Brexit protocol which sees additional checks on goods arriving into Northern Ireland from Great Britain. Mr Beattie announced he would not attend the events after a security alert halted a peace-building event in north Belfast which Irish Foreign Affairs minister Simon Coveney had been addressing last month. Since then, his constituency office in Portadown was attacked when the front window was smashed by a brick. On Friday night a poster of Mr Beattie with a noose around the neck was left on a bench before a rally in Lurgan, in the heart of his Upper Bann constituency. Mr Beattie, an Army veteran decorated with the Military Cross, was also described as a traitor by one of the speakers at the event. Mr Beattie said: I think we have to look back over what happened. Some people were saying people need to get angry, and in Northern Ireland telling people to get angry can have different connotations. Then we have the UVF hijacking a vehicle, holding a young man at gunpoint and delivering a (hoax) bomb to an event which was about peacebuilding. Then there was a statement from loyalist paramilitaries about sending Irish politicians back home in body bags. All of these things led me to be concerned that tensions were rising and could get out of control. If I am invested in these people I am not allowing any of them to fall foul of the law. He added: If we talk about people doing stupid things, a brick through my window or a poster like that that incites hatred of me, that is tensions being raised. If I had went to that rally and instead of a picture of me there was a picture of Leo Varadkar with a noose around his neck. I could not accept that and I would not allow that. I have no control over what some of these people are doing because of the tensions that have risen over the protocol. That outlines absolutely the reason why I decided not to attend these rallies. I have no control whatsoever over some of the people who are attending or some of the language that is being used. Northern Ireland has been without a fully functioning government since the DUP collapsed the powersharing institutions earlier this year in protest at the protocol, a move which Mr Beattie opposed. However, he has repeatedly refused to state whether he would be prepared to take the position of deputy First Minister in an Executive in which Sinn Fein was the largest party. He said he wants a period of intensive talks ahead of the re-establishment of the institutions. There has to be that process. Who in their right mind would sign up to going into a government when you dont know what the government outcomes are going to be? We need to get a programme for government through intensive talks, very quickly. It can be done in 10 to 12 days. Do the hard work at the start, get buy-in from all of the parties and then you have a collegiate and cohesive executive where we are all moving and working in the same direction. If people say they dont agree with that programme for government then they can go into opposition. That is the way it should work. We all know the largest party will be in a position to nominate first minister, if that happens to be Sinn Fein, then that is the way it is. I happen to believe it is going to be the Ulster Unionist Party. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, The Frederick (Md.) News-Post. Courts have cleared this former prisoner and local politicos aren't going to try his case again . . . Yet he remains in jail. Here's a glimpse at the controversial sitch . . . Michelle Smith, an advocate for Keith Carnes, says he is illegally locked up. She claims it is a violation of his constitutional rights under the 14th Amendment. This is obviously cruel because you are holding someone in a correctional facility against a court order, which is against the law, Smith said. Smith and other advocates on site have asked the prison captain why Carnes is being held, especially following the prosecutors dismissal of all charges and the courts order to release him. They verified that they have it Captain Terry did. But he said that came from higher up, that hes not to release Mr. Carnes, Smith said. When asked when will he be released, they were told, 'We dont know.' Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Family, advocates of Keith Carnes call for his immediate release from prison LICKING, Mo. - Family and advocates of Keith Carnes are asking for his immediate release from prison. He is still being held at South Central Correctional Center after the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office announced Friday that it's dismissing all charges against him . According to Carnes' advocates and Rep. Keith Carnes remains in prison even after charges dropped A Kansas City man remains in prison, more than 24 hours after prosecutors declined to retry a 2003 murder case.Keith Carnes' mother was able to visit him Saturday for a couple hours at a correctional center in Licking, Missouri. Attorneys on Carnes' legal team said they are frustrated. Developing . . . Gray wolves in the Northern Rockies need federal protection to stave off the onslaught of measures the states have passed to kill as many as possible. Sens. Steve Daines of Montana and Jim Risch of Idaho recently blasted U.S. Interior Sec. Deb Haaland for her opinion piece questioning how states are managing their wolves, based on a series of measures several states have taken. Its worth taking a look at both Montanas and Idahos moves to see why Haaland is justified in considering restoring federal protection. Our organization, Wolves of the Rockies, joined several other groups last year to form the #RelistWolves Campaign to urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore protections for wolves under the Endangered Species Act. That move was made after legislatures passed a series of bills that amount to an all-out assault on wolves. These include allowing baiting, night hunting with special vision devices, snaring, and an unlimited take of wolves, as well as bounties on the species. The goal is clear: kill as many wolves as possible and drive them down to a bare minimum number. Why do we need such extreme measures that completely disregard any sense of fair chase in hunting, endanger other wildlife, and make our states and their hunters look like extremists? Admittedly, we are wolf advocates. We see their place on the landscape as signs of a functioning ecosystem, one that includes the suite of predators as well as prey. However, that doesnt mean were against hunters. Wolves of the Rockies respects hunters for the role they play in conservation, and their success leading the restoration of wildlife is incredible. I have friends who are hunters, and even though I personally dont hunt, I respect them for their work conserving habitats and helping fund wildlife conservation and management. But after reading the Risch and Daines column, one wonders whether they just took talking points from the extreme anti-wolf crowd. Idaho has authorized baiting, night hunting, snaring, and unlimited take. Its agency has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on wolf bounties, paying the Foundation for Wildlife Management, a group that pays its own board members with bounty money. Idahos law has a goal to kill up to 90 percent of the wolf population. Montana passed similar, draconian measures including baiting, night hunting, snaring, and bounty payments. These actions come at the same time that Gov. Gianfortes FWP says its desperate to kill elk a guise to give bull elk tags to major campaign donors. Both states have made it clear that theyre not done. More extreme measures are on the way, including the potential to legally reclassify wolves as predators so they can be shot year-round and poisoned. No species has ever been so aggressively killed immediately after coming off the Endangered Species List and no species deserves such indignity. There is no other animal in which we manage to have a bare minimum number, including other predators like mountain lions and black bears. Montana and Idaho have shown that they cant be trusted to manage wolves, and until they come forward with reasonable regulations that maintain some sense of ethics, federal protection is warranted. Marc Cooke serves as president of Wolves of the Rockies, an advocacy group that supports gray wolves. He is a veteran and speaks frequently about the ecological value of wolves on the landscape. Love 9 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Tonight we mark an anniversary that every other local media outlet willfully overlooked . . . Again, a local fact that's worth repeating . . . "The 1968 Kansas City riot occurred in Kansas City, Missouri, in April 1968. Kansas City became one of 37 cities in the United States to be the subject of rioting after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The rioting in Kansas City did not erupt on April 4, like other cities of the United States affected directly by the assassination, but rather on April 9 after local events within the city." A few insights from TOP ECHELON READERS . . . - KCMO riots were politically calculated, targeted local government and challenged the status quo. - Police & elected officials were unprepared for the grassroots level of resistance and desire for change. - At the time, many doubted or denied the "cultural shift" that the riots awakened. Those people were, in fact, on the wrong side of history. A bit of truth as we enter another Holy Week . . . We're still in the wake of radical change that was sparked in the late 60s. In fact, more recent BLM riots/protest were really just an extension of these same political tactics. Rather than reach for some grandiose political conclusion . . . Tonight, it's enough to simply remember this events of this date and their lasting impact on Kansas City and the nation. In fairness, if we look back a bit local news did provide a bevy of coverage of this anniversary back in 2018 when the date hit the half century mark. Here's a trailer that's worth another quick look . . . And all of this inspires our playlist tonight . . . This prescient song was released in '68 by one of the greatest bands the world has ever known and it's a fitting start for tonight's musical selections . . . This anthem was released a few months before the riots BUT was still in heavy rotation and remains a timeless classic . . . A hippie song from 68 in response to the turmoil . . . This tune didn't age well and it's mostly forgotten but at the time it was revolutionary that pop radio stations were willing to play it: "Say It Loud I'm Black and I'm Proud" is a funk song performed by James Brown, and written with his bandleader Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis in 1968. Forgive the cringe-y finish but this song was actually the #1 Billboard song during the week that MLK was gunned down and serves as our closing melody for tonight . . . As always, thanks for reading this week and have a safe and fun Saturday night. Advisory issued this weekend warns that illegal edible cannabis products may be packaged to look like popular brands of candies, snacks or other food products such as Doritos, Skittles, Cheetos and other brands typically sold at grocery stores, gas stations and corner stores. - Health Canada Todays coronavirus news: Ontario reports 977 hospitalizations and 173 patients in ICU; 90 per cent of eligible Ontarians have received at least one vaccine Meanwhile, Elections Ontario is offering more options for voting other than in person as province nears its first election amid COVID-19. Johnstown, PA (15901) Today Cloudy with periods of rain. High 51F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Rain showers early with clearing later at night. Low 39F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Stay up to date on COVID-19 Get Breaking News Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. Sponsored By: Dorsett Automotive Instant unlimited access to all of our content on triplicate.com. The Triplicate's E-Edition Newsletter emailed to you each week, the night before the paper hits the street! This subscription is for NEW or RENEWING online subscribers. (The charge will appear as "Country Media Inc." on your credit card statement) CAIRO (AP) The new head of Yemens internationally recognized government said on Friday that the council he was chosen to lead will work to end the countrys grinding, eight-year civil war. In his first televised address, Rashad al-Alimi thanked his governments backers Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates which have been helping Yemeni government forces fight the Iran-backed Houthi rebels for years. Al-Alimis speech comes as both sides trade accusations of breaking the week-old internationally brokered cease-fire that was ushered in at the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The truce is supposed to last two months but many similar efforts in Yemen's conflict have floundered in the past. On Thursday, Yemens exiled president Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi stepped aside in a move likely orchestrated in Riyadh, and transferred his powers to the presidential council lead by al-Alimi. This is a council of peace, but it is also a council of defense and strength, he said. The countrys new head of government made no mention of any compromise with the Houthis. He thanked the U.N. and U.S. envoys to Yemen for their efforts but also praised all who attempted to take back the country and its institutions." On Friday, both sides said they had documented some 80 violations of the cease-fire in just the past day, in reports published on their official media. The United Nations envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg on Wednesday expressed concerns about reports of violations of the truce. Yemens brutal civil war erupted in 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital of Sanaa and forced the government into exile. A Saudi-led coalition, including the United Arab Emirates, entered the war in early 2015 to try restore the government to power. The conflict has in recent years become a regional proxy war that has killed more than 150,000 people, including over 14.500 civilians. It has also created one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. In his speech, al-Alimi expressly thanked the countrys armed forces, police and local militias for resisting the rebels. He referred to the Houthis as an Iranian-project." Houthi media claimed most of the cease-fire violations over the past 24 hours were in the key rebel-held port city of Hodeida. The Yemeni government said it had recorded violations on several fronts around the country, including the city of Marib, which the Houthis have been trying to capture for over a year. Images Sorry, there are no recent results for popular images. Last year, the World Trade Organization (WTO) proposed that biotechnology companies, including some in Montana, be required to give their formulas for COVID-19 vaccines to countries that arent as advanced as the U.S. in developing these technologies. The Biden administration has supported this proposal, but we have deep concerns about it. Montana has a vibrant and growing biotech sector, and we are noted around the country for our successes in research and product development. We are increasingly attracting investors and innovators who want to live and work here. The WTO proposal will place an unfair burden on the ability of our biotech enterprises to thrive. On the surface, this approach sounds like a noble and humanitarian gesture and typical of the way Montanans reach out to help others. Before becoming too engaged in the idea, however, lets look more deeply at a few of the possible outcomes especially those related to the research and innovations that made these vaccines possible in record time and on a global scale. For vaccine technology to be passed to another country, a TRIPs waiver is needed. TRIPs stands for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. Companies that led the way some based in Montana and invested huge sums of money in research and development of vaccines would be waiving their privileged production information and rights to their intellectual property. This comes at a time when some countries have requested delays in vaccine donations because they dont have the resources to get shots into the arms of their citizens. For example, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recently asked that no more vaccines come to the continent until at least the third quarter of this year. The Africa CDC director reports that countries have enough vaccines, but they dont have adequate systems in place to deliver them. And, just as we experience here, vaccine hesitancy is a significant issue that needs to be overcome. Yes, we care deeply about protecting the health of people around the world. The Omicron variant has shown us that we must remain vigilant and do all we can to achieve higher vaccination rates in all counties. Thats why the U.S. has pledged to donate up to one-billion doses of vaccine worldwide by 2023. Its simply the right thing to do. However, what we do next must be thoughtful and fair. Before infringing on the intellectual property rights of U.S. companies by implementing an ill-advised TRIPs waiver, lets consider whether successful health outcomes arent better achieved by first addressing other challenges, such as the supply and distribution chains that move vaccines from the lab to the clinic. The companies that succeeded in distributing vaccines over the past two years have huge, time-tested supply networks. Thats not the case in the countries that would likely receive vaccine formulas and other intellectual property as the result of a TRIPs waiver. Simply giving a formula does nothing to address the ability to vaccinate a larger number of people. The decisions we make today can have an impact on policies for future pandemics. We urge the WTO and the Biden administration to step back and evaluate if this proposal actually results in an effective process for fighting the virus. Sharon Peterson is the executive director of Montana BioScience Alliance in Billings. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 (BPT) - Meritage Homes releases the findings of its recent survey on sustainable home consumer preferences. The research revealed that consumers expect new homes to be sustainable and come standard with a suite of features that are energy-efficient, and also beneficial to their health, the e Former Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is spreading through foreign media pro-Russian narratives, claiming that "Slovakia is being drawn into the war in Ukraine." The Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine announced this on Facebook, Ukrinform reports. Former Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his pro-Russian stance, has been spreading in the foreign media space the idea that Slovakia has "lost a high-quality multi-million defense system" because of Ukraine and the United States, and that "Slovakia is being drawn into the war in Ukraine. "Of course, the politician stops short of noting who is fighting against whom," the statement reads. It is noted that pro-Russian rhetoric has been characteristic of Fico's speeches for at least the last eight years, since Russia captured Crimea and parts of Donbas. In particular, he earlier stated that "Ukraine, unlike Russia, doesnt comply with the Minsk agreements," that "Russia cannot be held responsible for the Ukrainian conflict," and that "the West must lift sanctions off Russia." According to the Center for Countering Disinformation, Fico circulated these propaganda theses not only through the Kremlin media, but also through leading foreign platforms, such as Reuters and Politico. As Ukrinform reported earlier, the CCD has published a selection of Russian fake news alleging that Ukraine had run nuclear research to "undermine European security." Israel is sending six planes with humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and the first plane has already delivered ten tonnes of medicines and medical supplies to Lviv. According to Ukrinform, the Israeli Embassy in Ukraine reported this on Facebook. "Israel has opened a humanitarian air bridge for assistance to Ukraine. In the near future, six planes will deliver medicines, medical equipment and food to Ukraine," the statement reads. The diplomatic mission said the first plane carrying ten tonnes of medicines and medical equipment had already landed in Hungary, from where the cargo was delivered to Lviv. The embassy noted that most of the humanitarian aid was already on its way, adding that Israel would continue to provide Ukraine with the necessary assistance. Earlier reports said that Israel had opened a field hospital for displaced adults and children and locals near the Ukrainian-Polish border. Sixty patients can receive medical care there at the same time. Russian invaders are attempting to improve their positions in the Mykolaiv direction, but the Ukrainian Armed Forces are destroying the enemy. According to Ukrinform, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's press service said this on Telegram, with reference to the Operational Command South. "The occupiers are trying to improve their positions in the Mykolaiv direction, but our troops continue to destroy the enemy, pushing back the enemy from their positions and destroying their resources," the statement said. According to the statement, an anti-aircraft missile unit of the Ukrainian Air Force shot down a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber as it attempted to attack Mykolaiv. The total enemy losses last night alone amounted to 70 soldiers and seven units of equipment. In addition, in the Kherson region, Russian forces have deployed repair shops for equipment and field hospitals. In addition to artillery and rocket fire, the enemy continues to wage an information war, claiming fictitious victories, accusing the Ukrainian government of oppressing the rights and freedoms of the inhabitants of the southern regions, and campaigning for the creation of quasi-republics. Ukrinform reported earlier that from February 24 to April 9, Russian troops in Ukraine lost about 19,300 personnel, 722 tanks, 1,911 armored fighting vehicles, 342 artillery systems, 108 MLRS, 55 anti-aircraft warfare systems, 1,384 vehicles, 152 aircraft, 137 helicopters, seven boats/cutters, 76 fuel tankers, 112 UAVs, 25 special equipment units, and four mobile SRBM systems. The government has directed the first billion hryvnias from the reserve fund to rebuild settlements liberated from Russian invaders. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal wrote this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports. "We are sending the first billion hryvnias from the reserve fund to rebuild the territories liberated from Russian troops. The funds will be used to eliminate the consequences of hostilities and restore infrastructure of the first priority," Shmyhal wrote. In particular, UAH 400 million was allocated for Kyiv region, UAH 250 million each for Chernihiv and Sumy regions. Another UAH 100 million was allocated for Zhytomyr region. "This is only the first stage, and there will be a lot of work ahead to rebuild our country. We will start its immediately after our victory," Shmyhal added. On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the beginning of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops have been shelling and destroying key infrastructure facilities, conducting massive shelling of residential areas of Ukrainian cities and villages using artillery, multiple rocket launchers and ballistic missiles. iy There is no stabilization being observed in Ukraine as the Russians are massing troops, while their ultimate goal is to grab the whole of Ukraine. This was announced by Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar, who spoke at the national telethon, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "People are waiting for news every day, but certain military operations take days and sometimes weeks. And whats happening now seems to be a kind of stabilization, but in fact its not. Now the enemy is accumulating forces, there is no calm, no stabilization. The Russian army is trying to fulfill its minimum plan to seize the east of Ukraine. If they continue to change their plans in line with the operational situation, we must understand that their ultimate goal is the whole of Ukraine," said Maliar. As Ukrinform reported earlier, according to the General Staff, Russia continues to move troops toward the regions bordering Ukraine. In particular, the occupiers are moving battalion tactical groups from the Eastern and Central Military Districts to the border areas of Belgorod, Voronezh, and Kursk regions. Estonia sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine to ensure the smooth operation of electric power systems. A batch of humanitarian aid was prepared by the state together with the Estonian Association of Electrical Enterprises (EETEL). Enersense, Onninen, and Ensto companies contributed to helping Ukraine, the Ministry of Economy Affairs and Communications of Estonia informs. With the participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, the batch weighing more than 10 tonnes, consisting of aluminum wires for power lines, control cables, and overhead line accessories, was sent to Ukraine. According to Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure of the Republic of Estonia Taavi Aas, Estonia provides all possible assistance to Ukraine, which has been attacked by Russia, in particular to restore severely damaged infrastructure, including power lines. EETEL CEO Kaarel Janes thanked the active companies of the Association who responded to the invitation. "I also call on entrepreneurs from other fields and organizations that unite them to help Ukraine as much as possible. The brutal footage of the aggressor's genocide in recent days underscores that the contribution of all of us is very important. Otherwise, the consequences could be much worse than today's supply difficulties or rising prices," Janes said. On February 24, Russian president Putin started a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Martial law was imposed in Ukraine and general mobilization was announced. The country is repelling the invaders. Shortly after the start of the war, Russia began deliberately destroying the infrastructure of Ukrainian cities, towns, and villages. Photo credit: Ott Silluke, Enersense AS ol The introduction of restrictions on Russian oil and gas business is among the priorities for the Ukrainian diplomacy. The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his video address, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. The introduction of more painful restrictions on cash flows of the Russian Federation is among the priorities for our diplomacy, for all contacts with our partners. First of all this applies to the oil business, Zelensky told. In his words, the democratic world can definitely give up Russian oil and make it toxic to all other states. Oil is one of the two sources of Russian self-confidence, their sense of impunity. Another source gas will also be shut down over time. Its just inevitable. Not only for safety, but also for environmental reasons, the President of Ukraine stressed. Meanwhile, according to Zelensky, Ukraine does not have time to wait. When tyranny launches aggression against everything that keeps peace in Europe, action must be taken immediately. It is necessary to act in a principled fashion. And the oil embargo should be the first step. At the level of all democracies, the whole civilized world. Then Russia will feel it. Then it will be an argument for them to seek peace, to stop pointless violence, the President of Ukraine noted. A reminder that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Western countries to follow the example of the United Kingdom and increase pressure on Russia, including by imposing an embargo on Russian energy and increasing arms supplies to Ukraine. mk Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin believes all Western companies should withdraw from Russia due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Thats according to Yle, Ukrinform reports. "All Western companies should cease their operations in Russia," Marin said. According to the head of government, Finland is ready to impose new sanctions on Russia. She also believes that rising electricity prices do not stand in the way of new sanctions. "People in Ukraine die every day and we must force this war to end. We must be ready to give up our own comfort for the sake of this," Marin said, emphasizing that Russia is waging an unfair, brutal, and inhumane war. She also noted that the address that President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered to the Finnish Parliament was impressive. On February 24, the Russian Federation launched a new phase of its war against Ukraine a full-scale invasion. Russian invaders have been shelling and bombing peaceful towns and villages in Ukraine, torturing and killing civilians. The United States, the European Union, and other democracies have imposed and continue to impose sanctions on Russia. Photo: Pool / Getty Images Mexico does not accept the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine as it has suffered from invasions in its history. "We do not accept Russia's invasion of Ukraine, because we have suffered from invasions," Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Saturday in a video message released to coincide with a global event in support of Ukrainian victims of the conflict, Reuters informs. Mexico is "in favor of a peaceful solution to the conflict," the President added. Earlier, Mexico tried to remain neutral in its assessment of the Russian war in Ukraine and did not impose sanctions on Moscow. Mexico also abstained in a vote on suspending Russia from the UN Human Rights Council. Photo credit: HECTOR VIVAS/GETTY IMAGES ol Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has honored the memory of the victims of the Smolensk air disaster and expressed solidarity with Polish partners, who are standing with Ukraine against the Russian aggression. The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Twitter, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Today, we honor the memory of the victims of the plane crash near Smolensk, which took the lives of President Lech Kaczynski and Polish elite representatives 12 years ago. Today, we stand in solidarity with Polish friends and allies, who stand with Ukraine against the Russian aggression, Zelensky wrote. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov also expressed his condolences to Poland, which lost one of its best sons and daughters in the Smolensk air disaster 12 years ago. Ukraine knows from its own experience what the pain of loss is. And how important is the support of a friend at such a time. President Kaczynski was a true friend of Ukraine. Our pain is shared. And today, when Ukraine is heroically repelling the Russian aggressor, Poland is not standing aside. The hospitable reception of our refugees, military aid and sanctions pressure on Russia are concrete manifestations of the Polish-Ukrainian union. This unity is our common strength, Reznikov wrote. In addiiton, Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk commemorated the 12th anniversary of the Smolensk air disaster. 96 persons died. Among them, Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria. We remember, Polish brothers Your grief is our grief. Now it will always be so. April 10, 2010, Stefanchuk wrote. One of the 96 victims of the Tu-154M plane crash was Anna Walentynowicz, a Ukrainian by birth, an active member of the Polish Solidarity movement and the anti-communist opposition. A large delegation traveled to the Katyn Forest to participate in memorial events dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the execution of the Polish military by the Soviet punitive and repressive authorities in 1940. For many years, this crime was carefully concealed by the top leadership of the USSR. And in todays Russia there is a powerful movement that denies the responsibility of Stalins totalitarian regime and/or even the fact of executions, Reznikov noted. mk Lithuania plans to organize training for Ukrainian servicemen in the near future to help them prepare for operating Western military equipment. This was reported by Delfi with reference to the commander of the Lithuanian Army, General Valdemaras Rupsis, according to Ukrinform. "In order to achieve the maximum result, we will soon organize training for the Ukrainian military here in Lithuania We are ready to train their instructors to prepare them to work with equipment that we control, with military equipment, machinery or weapons that are out there, necessary for carrying out operations in Ukraine," Rupsis said. The top military official discussed the issue separately with U.S. Army Chief of Staff James Charles McConville, who is currently in Lithuania. Rupsis also reminded that "for almost two months now Ukraine has been fighting not only for its own security, but also for the security and democracy of the whole of Europe." Earlier, on the eve of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, NATO military instructors were withdrawn from Ukraine and Ukrainian military training in NATO member states has also been canceled. As Ukrinform reported earlier, from February 24 to April 9, Russian troops lost in Ukraine approximately 19,300 personnel, 722 tanks, 1,911 armored combat vehicles, 342 artillery systems, 108 MLR systems, 55 air defense units, 152 aircraft, and 137 helicopters. Photo: Delfi A large crowd gathered at the corner of The Dalles Military and Myra roads in Walla Walla on Friday, April 15, in spite of the wet snow and co Guadalupe Gamboa, left, and Michael Fox clasp hands in 1971 in a victory pose above a No Trespassing sign at a labor camp owned by Rogers Walla Walla Canning Company. The two had gone there in 1970 to meet with workers who believed they had valid wage claims. The armed guard at the camp called the Walla Walla County Sheriffs Office to arrest the men for trespassing. Deputies B. J. Lang and Scotty Ray made the arrest, Fox wrote in 2021. He and Gamboa were booked at Walla Walla County Jail and then released. "We were later convicted, and the convictions were unanimously reversed at the State Supreme Court," Fox said. Annie Charnley Eveland is a retired newspaper editor and journalist. A freelance writer, she produces the weekly Etcetera column Sundays in the Union-Bulletin. Send news with contact name and daytime phone number to acereporter1979@gmail.com. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz says hes not anti-union, but his past tells a different story Howard Schultz returned to the helm of Starbucks this week amid a union push from the companys baristas. Schultz has a long history of opposing unions, dating back to his earliest days at the company. But in his time away from the coffee giant, attitudes around unions have changed. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/09/starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz-has-history-of-opposing-unions.html In diplomatic first, and win, Taliban envoy gets recognized in Moscow When a new Interstate 5 bridge spanning the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington opens, drivers will likely be paying to cross it. Reducing food waste is an important way we can limit carbon emissions and keep our planet healthy. We're pledging to cut Google's food waste in half, and send zero food waste to landfill by 2025. https://t.co/ln7eDIcSbT Sydney, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Apr, 2022 ) :Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison called Federal elections for May 21 on Sunday, launching a come-from-behind battle to stay in power after three years rocked by floods, bushfires and the Covid-19 pandemic. Morrison's conservative government is struggling to woo Australia's 17 million voters, lagging behind the opposition Labor party in a string of opinion polls despite presiding over a rebounding economy with a 13-year-low jobless rate of four percent. "This election is about you. No one else. It's about our country, and it's about its future," Morrison said. "I know Australians have been through a very tough time. I also know that Australia continues to face very tough challenges in the years ahead," he told a news conference in Canberra. Polls show much of the electorate distrusts the 53-year-old leader, who fashions himself as a typical Australian family man and is unafraid of advertising his Pentecostal Christian faith. In a punishing run-up to the vote, politicians, including two disaffected members of his own Liberal Party, have accused him of being a bully and an autocrat, one saying he had "no moral compass". Aiming to end nine years of Liberal-National Party rule is 59-year-old opposition Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese, a cautious campaigner who is focusing on Morrison's performance in the face of crises. It is a tactic that appears to be working. A recent Newspoll survey showed Labor leading the coalition 54 percent to 46 percent on a two-party basis. Morrison and Albanese were in a statistical tie as preferred prime minister for the next three-year term. Multiple surveys show the cost of living, with gasoline prices notably soaring since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is a key concern ahead of the election, in which voting is compulsory. In a pre-election spree, the government announced an array of giveaways, including a fuel tax cut and a tax rebate for about half of the adult population. But extreme weather events blamed on an overheating planet, and the government's response, have also unnerved many Australians. - 'Not a race' - Morrison is a strident supporter of Australia's vast fossil fuel industry. He has vowed to mine and export coal for as long as there are buyers, touted a "gas-fired recovery" from the pandemic, and resisted global calls to cut carbon emissions faster by 2030. As treasurer in 2017, he famously took a chunk of coal into parliament and told Labor: "This is coal, don't be afraid." Morrison has been panned, too, over his handling of climate-related disasters in Australia. During the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires, which killed more than 30 people, Morrison took his family on a Christmas holiday to Hawaii. After cutting his break short, Morrison memorably told reporters he was sure people understood that: "I don't hold a hose, mate, and I don't sit in a control room.""Morrison's position was virtually untenable as a result of the Hawaii holiday," said Mark Kenny, professor at the Australian National University in Canberra. Augusta, United States, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Apr, 2022 ) :Tiger Woods's hopes of a victorious return from career-threatening injuries evaporated on Augusta Nationals greens on Saturday as Scottie Scheffler led the Masters by three strokes. Woods, 14 months removed from a car crash that left him with injuries so severe he feared he might lose his right leg, saw his hopes of a stunning comeback for a sixth green jacket come undone with his worst-ever Masters round, a six-over par 78. The fact that the 46-year-old was even able to tee it up -- and make a 22nd consecutive Masters cut -- was astonishing. But at nine off Scheffler's lead to start the day, Woods knew he needed something sensational to give himself a chance come Sunday, and instead he posted a round worse than the third-round 77 he shot in his 1996 debut as an amateur. "It's just like I hit a thousand putts out there on the greens today," said Woods, whose prior mastery of the unforgiving, undulating greens of Augusta helped him to five Masters titles. "I felt like I didn't really hit it that bad, but I had four three-putts and a four-putt," Woods said. "I just could not get a feel." Woods's seven-over par total of 223 put him 16 strokes behind Scheffler, who survived drama at the 18th to card a one-under par 71 for a nine-under total of 207. The 25-year-old Texan takes a three-shot lead over Australian Cameron Smith into the final round. On a cold, windy day where scores soared, Smith carded the only round in the 60s with a four-under par 68 for 210. Smith was two strokes in front of third-place South Korean Im Sung-jae, who shot a one-under 71. Governor Punjab Omer Sarfraz Cheema has said that media had played the formative role in Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf's (PTI) march to victory in 2018 and supremacy of rule of law in the country LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Apr, 2022 ) :Governor Punjab Omer Sarfraz Cheema has said that media had played the formative role in Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf's (PTI) march to victory in 2018 and supremacy of rule of law in the country. Talking to journalists during the iftar dinner at the Governor's House here on Saturday, he said the media also played an important role during the movement for the restoration of judiciary, besides the political parties in the country. Governor Punjab Omer Sarfraz Cheema hosted iftar dinner to senior journalists who have covered PTI for years. Governor House beat reporters were also present. During an intimate and frank get-together, Cheema said propaganda being hatched against PTI to make it commit some unconstitutional act, adding that PTI has always respected the court verdicts and the party has done every thing within the ambit of law . He said Prime Minister Imran Khan is a selfless man who has added to the national pride and philanthropy and politics. Governor said the PTI has changed political culture in Pakistani politics, adding that PTI will continue to play its role in country's politics. Cheema said the journalists have been a source of strength for the PTI and urged their role to keep masses aware of the political scenario in the country. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th April, 2022) European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday that the bloc will support Ukraine's parallel efforts to rebuild and seek EU membership once the conflict is over. Von der Leyen told CNN in an interview that the eastern European nation belonged in Europe and its accession to the European Union might be viewed as an extraordinary case. It usually takes an aspiring EU member state years to clear accession hurdles, von der Leyen admitted. She traveled to Kiev on Friday to hand Volodymyr Zelenskyy a membership questionnaire to launch the process. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th April, 2022) The bodies of 13 migrants were found off the coast of Tunisia's Sfax Governorate, radio Mosaique FM reports. Illegal migrants from Africa were trying to cross the Mediterranean on two boats, both of which sank near the town of El Amra, Mosaique FM said on Saturday citing Mourad Turki, a provincial judicial official. According to Turki, 13 of the migrants died, while 37 were rescued. Another 12 migrants are missing. About a week ago, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said that nearly 100 migrants had died in the Mediterranean waters after the boat carrying them from Libya got shipwrecked. The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor said in its annual report earlier this year that about 1,864 migrants died or disappeared in 2021 compared to 1,401 in 2020. In recent years, the EU has been struggling with an ongoing migration crisis as people try to cross the Mediterranean, fleeing poverty and war in Africa and the middle East. Numerous organizations and human rights groups have been engaged in the effort to rescue migrants stranded at sea and to bring them to Europe. U.S. policymakers present sanctions as policies that are specifically aimed at the leaders of a regime. However, they can be devastating to the population of the targeted state. Often, it is difficult to meaningfully harm a government without causing collateral damage to its citizens, as a state can be both an oppressor of its people and at the same time provide them with food, medicine, and law and ordertasks that it cannot do as effectively if it is deprived of resources. Cutting off access to Western financial markets and banking services and prohibiting investment in a country can likewise suffocate the private sector. Thus, aside from those narrowly targeted at the financial interests of individuals, economic sanctions practically always cause hardship to innocent third parties. Ironically, some of the people most victimized by these policies are those that the economic sanctions are designed to help. Sanctions regimes that target the economy of a country usually have humanitarian exceptions. Despite this, other regulations usually serve to limit their effectiveness. For example, federal law prohibits the president from implementing sanctions on Iran that involve the sale of agricultural commodities, food, medicine, or medical devices 20 Still, sanctions related to the financial sector and other parts of the economy work to nullify these exemptions. To see why, imagine an American company that tried to trade in food or medicine but did not have access to banking services, such as the ability to take out loans or accept credit cards.21 Compounding the problem is the fact that Iran is a largely state?run economy, which makes it difficult to do business there while completely avoiding the government sector. Even when one can potentially operate within the letter of the law, the sanctions regime is of such complexity, and the potential consequences of running afoul of U.S. law so dire, that there is a chilling effect on many businesses.22 Some European banks have refused to process payments from Iranian firms that are exempt from sanctions on the chance that the banks may potentially face U.S. penalties as a result. In response to the Trump administrations maximum pressure campaign, which was begun in 2018, an employee of an Iranian affiliate of the German pharmaceutical corporation Bayer said that her company was facing challenges in transferring money in order to pay for imported drugs. Since trade with major Iranian banks has been restricted by U.S. sanctions, companies have been forced to risk working with lesser known banks that could themselves one day be subject to sanctions, or else the companies stop operating in that country altogether.23 The American practice of applying secondary sanctions to those who have economic dealings with entities that violate Iranian sanctions also serves to scare off many businesses.24 In the case of the sanctions on Syria, the UN reports that the chilling effect has even affected United Nations staff, who reported being refused bank accounts or mortgages from European banks when the word Syria appeared in their job title.25 Large human rights organizations based in that country have faced difficulties importing medicine, or even processing donations from abroad.26 Investigating one of the largest public hospitals in Damascus, the Los Angeles Times showed how the facility runs into trouble importing even the most basic medical necessities.27 If a piece of medical equipment breaks down, buying a replacement from a Western corporation becomes a bureaucratic nightmare, as foreign suppliers often dont dare send anything to Syria for fear of triggering unexpected violationsa real possibility. Getting access to software updates for hospital computers and other equipment can also be difficult. Banks from outside the United States have already paid billions of dollars in fines, most of it going to American regulatory agencies.28 According to one pharmaceutical supplier based in Aleppo, I have money, I cant transfer it, I cant buy anything with it, I cant even put it in the bank. Sanctions affect every aspect of financing or running a modern economy. Apple even bans apps that have a Syrian origin, which led one bank in the country to create its app under a different name so that customers could download and use it.29 Moreover, even if the provisions regarding humanitarian exceptions worked as intended, most sanctions regimes would nevertheless harm the living standards of those in the targeted state, including hindering access to food or medicine. Policies that work to destroy an economy but carve out exceptions cannot be expected to have no effect on the exempted industries. Lowering economic output ensures that all sectors are harmed: the food and medical sectors depend on other industries such as construction, education, transportation, and, of course, banking. Countries that suffer from poor economic performance for whatever reason thus see worse health and nutritional outcomes. This means that humanitarian exemptions, even when they work, should not obscure the degree to which sanctions harm the population of the targeted country. In order to estimate the economic effects of these kinds of policies, a 2015 study looked at 67 countries that were subject to American or UN sanctions between 1976 and 2012 and compared them to countries that did not face similar kinds of economic coercion.30 UN sanctions reduced GDP by an average of 2.2 percent a year, for an aggregate effect of more than 25 percent of GDP over a 10?year period. The effects of American sanctions were smaller but still significant, reducing GDP by about 1 percent a year, for a total effect of a 13.4 percent decline over seven years. The more stringent the sanctions regime, the greater the economic decline. As mentioned above, the GDP of Syria dropped by 75 percent between 2010 and 2015.31 Per capita income in Iraq likewise went from $3,510 in 1989 to $450 in 1996.32 The economy of Venezuela has been mismanaged for years, yet it did not completely collapse until after the election of Trump, when the United States began to place stringent sanctions on the Maduro government. From 2016 to 2019, GDP per capita income of that country dropped from $9,090 to a projected $2,550.33 While all of these countries have suffered due to bad economic choices made by their governments, rarely have modern countries seen declines of this magnitude without the imposition of Western restrictions on trade. Besides perhaps war, it is difficult to think of a tool of foreign policy that today causes more economic and humanitarian destruction than economic sanctions. Even studies that focus on the costs of sanctions put most of their energy toward understanding nutritional and health outcomes. This should not obscure the fact that, if even by some miracle nutrition and health outcomes did not decline in the face of comprehensive sanctions, the destruction of wealth would still represent a tragedy for millions of people. Economic growth is correlated with nearly everything that humans value, including time, convenience, comfort, and the ability of individuals to live their lives as they desire.34 While stories of vacations never taken, educational opportunities never pursued, and lifetimes of soul?crushing jobs that people cannot afford to leave do not make headlines, these costs are nonetheless real and significant for millions who suffer because of U.S. policy. Of course, economic sanctions do influence nutritional and health outcomes, and several efforts have been made to quantify these effects in terms of lives lost and other metrics. Economic sanctions tend to kill through harming the most vulnerable: pregnant women, newborns, the sick, and the elderly. The economic sanctions on Iraq in the 1990s were said to have killed more than 500,000 children by increasing the infant mortality rate.35 Recently, researchers have argued that these numbers were manipulated by Saddams government, yet even the corrected numbers still imply a death toll that may reach into the six figures.36 A 1993 UN report indicated that sanctions on Haiti were killing 1,000 children a month.38 As the report says, that analysis does not take into account the effects of sanctions on hindering other international aid programs or preventing the North Korean government from addressing its own domestic needs. In Iran, sanctions are estimated to have contributed to the deaths of 1,600 people from the H1N1 virus in fall 2019 alone.39 Again, this number is based on one kind of death over a very limited period of time, during which much of the entire Iranian health care sector wasand remainsin crisis. Finally, according to the Center for Economic and Policy Research, the Trump administrations economic war on Venezuela led to more than 40,000 excess deaths between 2017 and 2018, calculated based on a nationwide survey that found an increase in mortality over that time period.40 This does not include any deaths that have resulted from the even more crushing sanctions regime inaugurated by executive order in January 2019, which barred the United States from importing Venezuelan oil.41 The Maduro regime exported 35 percent of its oil to the United States in 2018, and the cumulative effect of sanctions is such that oil export revenues in 2019 are projected to fall by a cataclysmic and unprecedented 67.2 percent from 2018.42 Thus, the death toll in Venezuela as a result of sanctions likely continues to increase to this day. In the case of Syria there are no estimates of the number of deaths from sanctions, likely because of issues with reporting and the fact that it is impossible to precisely differentiate between deaths that can be attributed to the economic embargo and those caused more directly by the war itself. Two things are worthy of note, however. First, the vast majority of the population lives in government?controlled areas, and second, key indicators of health and well?being have fallen across the board. This implies that a large portion of the health and nutritional effects of the war can be attributed to international sanctions, either by preventing aid or by suppressing economic activity. Between 2006 and 2016, the vaccination rate among Syrian children dropped from 95 percent to 60 percent, leading to the reemergence of diseases that were once practically eliminated, including typhoid, measles, and rubella.43 Between 2011 and 2016, Syrian production of wheat fell by 53 percent, lentils by 70 percent, and chickpeas by 30 percent, with an estimated 38 percent of the country being unable to meet basic food requirements as of 2018, which was after the worst of the fighting was over.44 These case studies represent only a small fraction of the total number of deaths that have resulted from international sanctions, as the studies involved usually cover only a short period of time in a single country, and often only look at a single metric, such as infant mortality. The Treasury Department website lists 22 countries with individuals or entities targeted by U.S. sanctions.45 If the harshest sanctions regimes can kill tens of thousands of people a year, then U.S. sanctions have likely led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands, and perhaps even millions, of people in the postWorld War II era. While we will likely never have a precise estimate of how many people have lost their lives because of U.S. and international sanctions, the data that do exist imply that such restrictions on trade over the last two decades have, in the aggregate, been more deadly than all but a handful of wars across that same span of time.46 (@FahadShabbir) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th April, 2022) Russian combat air force has destroyed 86 Ukrainian military facilities since the evening of April 9, Russian defense ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said on Sunday. "Operational and tactical aviation of the Russian air force hit 86 Ukrainian military objects. Among them are two control points, two ammunition depots, three fuel bases, three multiple-launch rocket systems, as well as 49 fortified strongholds and areas of concentration of Ukrainian military equipment," Konashenkov told reporters. (@FahadShabbir) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th April, 2022) NATO is going to beef up its military forces on the eastern flank as part of a fundamental reset of the alliance, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in an interview with The Telegraph. Stoltenberg said that NATO was "in the midst of a very fundamental transformation" and that this major "reset" will entail the replacement of the relatively small "tripwire" presence on the alliance's eastern flank with stronger forces. According to The Telegraph, NATO military commanders are developing options for the reset. Stoltenberg said in the interview published on Saturday that NATO's "strategic concept" will, for the first time, address the "threat" from China, amid closer cooperation between Beijing and Russia. On Thursday, Stoltenberg said at a press conference following the meetings of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels that the alliance's strategic concept, to be finalized for the Madrid summit in June, "must also take account of how China's growing influence and coercive policies affect our security." The strategic concept is a fundamental document of NATO that outlines the military alliance's key security challenges and guides its political and military development. The last strategic concept was approved in 2010 and has not been revisited since. At the Georgia Capitol, pictured, Republicans attempted to push through Senate Bill 456, a proposal to ban the mailing of abortion pills by doctors via telemedicine. The Republican dominated Senate voted in favor of the bill March 1, but the bill did not make it to the House floor before the end of the session April 4. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of over 2,500 clients over the past four decades. perrymangroup.com, info@perrymangroup.com, 254-751-9595. Music Time in Africa is VOAs longest running English language program. Since 1965, this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Ethnomusicologist and Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on whats happening in African music with exclusive interviews, cultural information, and of course, great music -- including rare recordings from the Leo Sarkisian Library of African Music. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that he is committed to pressing for peace despite Russian attacks on civilians that have stunned the world, and he renewed his plea for countries to send more weapons ahead of an expected surge in fighting in the country's east. He made the comments in an interview with The Associated Press a day after at least 52 people were killed in a strike on a train station in the eastern city of Kramatorsk, and as evidence of civilian killings came to light after Russian troops failed to seize the capital where he has hunkered down, Kyiv. "No one wants to negotiate with a person or people who tortured this nation. It's all understandable. And as a man, as a father, I understand this very well," Zelenskyy said. But "we don't want to lose opportunities, if we have them, for a diplomatic solution." Wearing the olive drab that has marked his transformation into a wartime leader, he looked visibly exhausted yet animated by a drive to persevere. He spoke to the AP inside the presidential office complex, where windows and hallways are protected by towers of sandbags and heavily armed soldiers. "We have to fight, but fight for life. You can't fight for dust when there is nothing and no people. That's why it is important to stop this war," he said. Russian troops that withdrew from northern Ukraine are now regrouping for what is expected to be an intensified push to retake the eastern Donbas region, including the besieged port city of Mariupol that Ukrainian fighters are striving to defend. Zelenskyy said he is confident Ukrainians would accept peace despite the horrors they have witnessed in the more than six-week-long war. Those included gruesome images of bodies of civilians found in yards, parks and city squares and buried in mass graves in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha after Russian troops withdrew. Ukrainian and Western leaders have accused Moscow of war crimes. Russia has falsely claimed that the scenes in Bucha were staged. It also put the blame on Ukraine for the attack on the train station as thousands of people rushed to flee ahead of an expected Russian offensive. Despite hopes for peace, Zelenskyy acknowledged that he must be "realistic" about the prospects for a swift resolution given that negotiations have so far been limited to low-level talks that do not include Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy displayed a palpable sense of resignation and frustration when asked whether the supplies of weapons and other equipment his country has received from the United States and other Western nations was en ough to turn the tide of the war. "Not yet," he said, switching to English for emphasis. "Of course it's not enough." Still, he noted that there has been increased support from Europe and said deliveries of U.S. weapons have been accelerating. Just this week, neighboring Slovakia, a European Union member, donated its Soviet-era S-300 air defense system to Ukraine in response to Zelenskyy's appeal to help "close the skies" to Russian warplanes and missiles. Some of that support has come through visits by European leaders. After meeting Zelenskyy in Kyiv earlier Saturday, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said he expects more EU sanctions against Russia even as he defended his country's opposition so far to cutting off deliveries of Russian natural gas. The U.S., EU and United Kingdom responded to the images from Bucha with more sanctions, including targeting Putin's adult daughters. While the EU went after the Russian energy sector for the first time by banning coal, it has so far failed to agree on cutting off the much more lucrative oil and natural gas funding Putin's war chest, but that Europe relies on to generate electricity, fill fuel tanks and keep industry churning. U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson also made an unannounced visit to meet Zelenskyy, with his office saying they discussed Britain's "long-term support." In Kyiv, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented Ukraine's leader Friday with a questionnaire marking the first step for applying for EU membership. The head of the bloc's executive arm said the process for completing the questionnaire could take weeks an unusually fast turnaround though securing membership would take far longer. Zelenskyy turned introspective when asked what impact the pace of arms deliveries had for his people and whether more lives could have been saved if the help had come sooner. "Very often we look for answers in someone else, but I often look for answers in myself. Did we do enough to get them?" he said of the weapons. "Did we do enough for these leaders to believe in us? Did we do enough?" He paused and shook his head. "Are we the best for this place and this time? Who knows? I don't know. You question yourself," he said. The mothers of the HPG's fighters issue a statement regarding the construction of the wall between Shingal and Rojava at 10:00 (photos and videos are attached). The leader of the SDF, Erdal Kobani, revealed that there are preparations for the occupying Turkish state to launch new attacks on the region, and stressed their readiness to defend the region. (photos and video attached). We took up arms to defend ourselves and our land, and my promise to the martyrs will continue to the last drop of blood in my body. Those words were said by the martyr Muhammad Khalaf, in each of his sessions, until he rose to the rank of martyrdom in the Hammer of Peoples campaign. (Photos are attached and video). Kurdistan Journalist Birtan Sarya indicated that Iraq joined the plan to exterminate the Kurds led by the Turkish state and the Kurdistan Democratic Party, by building the wall between Sengal and Rojava. She explained that there are new schemes to create strife and hostility between the peoples of Shingal. (photos and video attached). The people of al-Hasakah joined the KCKs warning against the participation of the PDK in the attack on the People's Defense Forces, stressing that the latter represents the will of the Kurdish people in all parts of the world. (photos and video attached). Politics Politicians in the western countryside of Deir ez-Zor confirmed that the leader Ocalan presented solutions to the Middle East issues during his pleadings, and this is what prompted the Turkish occupation state and its allies to impose isolation on him, and they demanded the international community to hold the occupying state accountable for its crimes against the leader and the people of north and east Syria. (photos and video attached). woman Women in Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood face the bread crisis, as a result of the siege imposed by the Damascus government, in their own way, through flour bread stored at home, and making saj bread, in a clear response to the immoral policies imposed by the Damascus government on the citizens inside the neighborhood. (photos and video attached). World Iranian groups have spread in a strategic location in central Syria, after groups allied to Russia withdrew, which was considered as Tehran "filling the void" due to Moscow's preoccupation with the Ukrainian war, while calls for a boycott of Turkish goods escalated in Tunisia against the backdrop of the recent tension between the two countries. (Pictures attached). ANHA The news is out: Costco Wholesale is coming to Western New York. And it's going to make a splash when it gets here. The membership-only, big-box retailer will open its first local store in Amherst across from The Boulevard shopping center, Town of Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpa said. It could open as soon as late 2023. The wholesale clubs long-awaited arrival is going to touch nearly every area of the retail industry from grocery, drug and liquor stores to gas stations and electronics sellers. Costco to open first Buffalo-area store in Amherst Costco will open its first local store in Amherst along Niagara Falls Boulevard, Supervisor Brian J. Kulpa said Wednesday afternoon. Here are a few ways Costco will shake up the retail market: Grocery stores Many Western New Yorkers are fiercely loyal to their favorite grocery store chains, whether that be Wegmans, Tops, Dash's, Aldi, Trader Joe's or Walmart. Will Costco pull them away? Maybe some, said Charles Lindsey, a marketing professor in the University at Buffalo School of Management and national retail expert. For many shoppers, Costco won't be their everyday grocery store. They'll likely go once a month or a few times a year to stock up on certain items and go to a store like Wegmans or Tops for their regular grocery runs. In Western New York, Wegmans may have the most to lose when Costco opens, said Burt P. Flickinger III, managing director of the retail consulting firm Strategic Resource Group. Costco has had tremendous success against Wegmans in markets like Boston, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Flickinger said. Compared to Wegmans, Costco has more procurement power and more selection of the national brands people love, Flickinger said. Costco is also the world's top seller of prime beef. "Wegmans went from the low-price leader, closely priced with Walmart, in Western New York, New York State and the Northeast five years ago to a higher-price player," Flickinger said. Though Costco shoppers have to pay $60 a year for a membership, the savings shoppers can unlock on gas and groceries can offset that. The long road to Buffalo Niagara Costco is one of the most prominent of the category-killer retailers without a presence in Western New York. But it has been inching closer in recent years. The nearest Costco opened in 2015 in Rochester, and the store also has locations in Ontario, Syracuse and downstate. The chain has plans to open a store in Albany, but the process has been slowed by lawsuits, the Albany Times Union reported. Costco has been expanding aggressively in recent years, Lindsey said, which could explain why it finally broke into the Buffalo Niagara market. The chain has also had recent success in Naperville, Ill., which boasts a similar demographic to Western New York, Flickinger said. The battle of the wholesale clubs When it finally arrives, Costco won't be without competition. Warehouse club stores BJ's and Sam's Club have been in the Buffalo Niagara region for years. And BJ's is just a short drive down Niagara Falls Boulevard from Costco's planned location. Costco's challenge will be competing with the other warehouse stores for a limited customer base in Western New York, though Costco does have a loyal following. Compared with BJ's and Sam's Club, Costco is considered more upscale and is known for its quality, selection, price and customer experience. But Costco's arrival will give new options for wholesale club shoppers, especially in the Northtowns. Some could keep multiple club memberships, but others could switch to Costco and just keep one. Tougher competition on many fronts Costco is known for its low-priced store brand, Kirkland Signature. Kirkland sells everything from groceries and beauty products to electronics and tools. It is also a tough competitor in auto service, such as tires, batteries and especially gas. Electronics retailers like Best Buy could feel the competition from Costco's low prices on TVs and computers. Chain drug stores CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens will feel the impact as well, Flickinger said, as Costco sources high-quality vitamins. One of the biggest impacts will be on gas stations. Costco fuel is typically between 10 and 15 cents less per gallon, Lindsey said. It's just one store for now Sorry Southtowners, but don't expect a second Costco closer to you anytime soon. In other upstate cities like Rochester and Syracuse, Costco only has one location in the metro areas. But Flickinger and Lindsey both think it is likely that Costco could open a second location in the Southtowns at some point. But probably not until years from now. In Naperville, Ill., the community's Costco was so successful that they built a second location, Flickinger said. A magnet for shoppers Costco has a loyal following and has a reputation as a destination location, attracting people from outside the nearby community and driving traffic in the area. That means the store could attract shopping dollars that might otherwise have been spent in Batavia or Niagara Falls or other more distant locations. Costco's entrance to Western New York also will bring with it at least 200 new jobs, Lindsey said. Costco pays the average worker "significantly" above the minimum wage, Lindsey said, which is $13.20 in the Buffalo Niagara region. And because the stores are so large, they require more employees to keep them running. The store will also likely spur additional development in the already busy Niagara Falls Boulevard area surrounding Costco. Buffalo Next Must-read local business coverage that exposes the trends, connects the dots and contextualizes the impact to Buffalo's economy. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. President Joe Biden will meet virtually with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, the White House said, at a time when the United States has made clear it does not want to see an uptick in Russian energy imports by India. "President Biden will continue our close consultations on the consequences of Russia's brutal war against Ukraine and mitigating its destabilizing impact on global food supply and commodity markets," Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement on Sunday. Daleep Singh, U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser for International Economics, who visited India recently, said the United States will not set any "red line" for India on its energy imports from Russia but does not want to see a "rapid acceleration" in purchases. Lured by steep discounts following Western sanctions on Russian entities, India has bought at least 13 million barrels of Russian crude oil since the country invaded Ukraine in late February. That compared with some 16 million barrels for the whole of last year, data compiled by Reuters shows. This meeting will precede the "U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial" meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, India External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and India Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, the White House said. Biden, who last spoke to Modi in March, recently said that only India among the Quad group of countries was "somewhat shaky" in acting against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The South Asian nation has tried to balance its ties with Russia and the West but unlike other members of the Quad countries - United States, Japan and Australia - it has not imposed sanctions on Russia. Russia has long been India's biggest supplier of defense equipment despite growing purchases from the United States in the past decade. Defense analysts say Russian supplies are more cost competitive and vital for India as it faces a superior Chinese military. Daleep Singh during his visit said the United States was ready to help India diversify its energy and defense supplies. India is the worlds third-biggest oil importer and consumer. He also warned that the United States does not want its allies helping resurrect the ruble, which nosedived immediately after the war began but has recovered in recent days. Ukraine on Sunday said it was seeking another round of European Union sanctions against Moscow and more military aid from its allies as it braces for a major Russian offensive in the east of the country. Russia has failed to take any major cities since it launched its invasion on Feb. 24 but Ukraine says it has been gathering its forces in the east for a major assault and has urged people to flee. Moscow has rejected accusations of war crimes by Ukraine and Western countries. It has denied targeting civilians in what it calls a "special operation" to demilitarize and "denazify" its southern neighbor. Ukraine and Western nations have dismissed this as a baseless pretext for war. Biden and Modi will also discuss cooperation on a range of issues including ending the COVID-19 pandemic, countering the climate crisis, strengthening the global economy, and upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, Psaki said. A post-Brexit row between France and Britain over fishing rights for French boats is nearing resolution after months of negotiations, the EU's fishing commissioner said in an interview Sunday. "We managed to achieve most of the licenses that have been requested" by the owners of the French vessels to fish in British waters, with only 70 licenses outstanding, commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius told the Financial Times. He said the commission, which had backed France in the dispute, "fully intends to continue building a successful and constructive relationship with the U.K. Contacted by AFP, the European Commission did not immediately confirm the information nor provide further details. But a representative at France's ministry of the sea told AFP that "there isn't any particular update on the issue" to give. As part of the Brexit deal setting out EU-British relations following Britain's departure from the European Union two years ago, the U.K. agreed to allow French vessels to continue to operate in the British and Channel Island waters they had plied for centuries. While Britain granted nearly 1,700 licenses to EU boats to fish in waters 12-200 nautical miles from the coast, it imposed what France said was an impractical burden of proof for French vessels seeking to operate in the fish-rich zone 6-12 nautical miles offshore. License applications for 150 vessels were initially rejected for waters around Britain and Jersey. The commission lent its legal service's weight to the French application service, while French fishermen threatened to blockade French ports and the Channel Tunnel if they did not get more licenses. In December, France said there were 80 license applications outstanding, and it was going to ask Brussels to open litigation proceedings against Britain if they were not granted. Since then, the dispute subsided from public view, with Sinkevicius leading quiet negotiations to get London to issue more licenses. EU-U.K. relations remain relatively tense in several areas, particularly over the issue of Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom that London agreed can stay in the customs zone of the EU -- though it has since sought to water down that status. But the coordinated Western response to Russia's war in Ukraine has pushed both sides toward greater cooperation, at least on that issue, with the result that much post-Brexit feuding has mostly faded into the background. Iranian lawmakers have set conditions for the revival of a 2015 nuclear pact, including legal guarantees approved by the U.S. Congress that Washington would not quit it, Iranian state media reported on Sunday. Iran and the United States have engaged in indirect talks in Vienna over the past year to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement between Tehran and world powers which then-U.S. President Donald Trump left in 2018 and Iran subsequently violated by ramping up its nuclear program. Negotiations have now stalled as Tehran and Washington blame each other for failing to take the necessary political decisions to settle remaining issues. Imposing such conditions at a crucial time could endanger a final agreement by restricting negotiators' room for maneuver in the talks. "The United States should give legal guarantees, approved by its ... Congress, that it will not exit the pact again," the semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted a statement signed by 250 lawmakers out of a total of 290. The letter also said that under a revived pact the United States should not be able to "use pretexts to trigger the snapback mechanism", under which sanctions on Iran would be immediately reinstated, the Tasnim news agency reported. The lawmakers also said that "sanctions lifted under the reinstated pact should not be reimposed, and Iran should not be hit by new sanctions." Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Sunday U.S. President Joe Biden should issue executive orders to lift some sanctions on Iran to show his goodwill towards reviving the nuclear pact. President Ebrahim Raisi said Saturday that Iran will continue nuclear development activities as talks to revive Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers remain stalled, state media reported. Speaking in a ceremony marking Iran's national day of nuclear technology, the hardline president said his administration will support an acceleration in research of peaceful nuclear technology. "Our knowledge and technology in the nuclear field is not reversible. Iran's (continuation of) research in peaceful nuclear fields will not depend on others' demands or viewpoints," said Raisi, who came to power in August. Raisi's comments came as talks between Iran and world powers in Vienna to revive the 2015 nuclear deal have stalled. There is concern that Iran could be closer to being able to construct an atomic weapon if it chose to pursue one. The nuclear deal collapsed four years ago when former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew the United States and imposed crushing sanctions on Iran. In the meantime, Iran has vastly expanded its nuclear work. Iran has long insisted that its nuclear program has had peaceful purposes like generating electric power and medical isotopes. During Saturday's ceremony, Iran displayed its new civil nuclear achievements, including several medical isotopes, agricultural pesticides, detoxification equipment and nuclear fuel material. The head of Iran's civilian Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, said Iran will soon pursue construction of a new nuclear power plant with 360-megawatt capacity. It is to be located near the town of Darkhovin in oil-rich Khuzestan province in the country's southwest. The plant was supposed to be built before the 1979 Islamic Revolution with help from France, but the project was halted in its initial phase. The site became a major battlefield in the eight-year war between Iran and Iraq that began in 1980. Iran's sole nuclear power plant, with 1,000-megawatt capacity, went online in 2011 with help from Russia in the southern port city of Bushehr. Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium continues to grow, and it is currently enriching it at up to 60% purity. That's the highest level ever by Iran and is a short technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%. It is far greater than the nuclear deal's 3.67% cap. Israeli forces killed two Palestinian women Sunday after one ran toward troops and the other stabbed a soldier in separate incidents in the occupied West Bank, Israeli security officials said. The bloodshed follows a string of deadly Arab attacks in Israel. There have also been Israeli raids in and around the West Bank city of Jenin, a militant stronghold, against what Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has called "a new wave of terrorism." No weapon was found on the body of the woman shot in Bethlehem after she ignored soldiers' calls and warning fire to stop approaching, the Israeli military said, adding that it had launched an investigation. In the second incident, a woman armed with a knife was shot dead after she slightly wounded a paramilitary border police officer in Hebron, outside the Tomb of the Patriarchs, which Muslims call al-Ibrahimi Mosque, Israeli security officials said. The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed both deaths. Israeli forces have been on high alert following attacks by three members of Israel's Arab minority and two Palestinians from the West Bank that have killed 14 people in Israel since late March. More than 20 Palestinians, many of them armed militants, have been killed by Israeli forces since January, while Palestinians have reported a rise in violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. An incident Sunday, on a highway near the southern Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon, painted a portrait of a country on edge. A man attempted to grab a soldier's assault rifle - many troops have been ordered to take their weapons home while on leave - and was shot dead by a senior army officer who was passing by. Initial Israeli media reports said the assailant was apparently a Palestinian who wanted to carry out a shooting. Police later identified him as an Israeli Jew with mental health problems. Hussein al-Sheikh, a senior Palestinian official, said Israel's expansion of settlements on occupied land Palestinians want for a state and visits by far-right Israelis to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem have led to escalation, at the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when violence has erupted in the past. Bennett has said the assailants were "trying to destroy us" and were "moved by hatred of Jews and of the State of Israel." Prayers in Arabic and Latin echoed in the rotunda of Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Sunday as Christians from around the world were once again able to attend Palm Sunday mass after two years of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Around 500 worshippers passed through the huge wooden doors of the church that is the focus of the most important festival in the Christian calendar as the site where Jesus is believed to have been crucified and resurrected. "After two years of COVID, of restrictions, of closed churches, today we are in a normal atmosphere. We have a lot of pilgrims, a lot of local Christians. We are very happy. For us, it's a kind of resurrection," the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, told Reuters. Worshippers rattled palm fronds, a traditional gesture to remember the branches laid down by the crowds welcoming Jesus to Jerusalem as recorded by the gospels. The day marks the start of Holy Week for Roman Catholics. "There's no better place to celebrate Holy Week, seeing that this is where all the events originally took place, and also seeing as the COVID-19 pandemic is mostly resolving, so it's safe enough to come this year," said Joseph Obiajulu, 26, from New York City. Israel has only recently started to allow foreign tourists to enter the country again. Holy Week is usually the high season for Christian pilgrims, but on Sunday, there was only about 20% of the number of worshippers that normally fill the church, said Athanasius Macora, a Franciscan monk in his 23rd year as secretary of the commission that negotiates disputes among the churches with claims to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. "Normally, where I am, we would have had seven to 10 groups a day, and now we're averaging two," he said. 'Full of emotions' About 400,000 visitors entered Israel in 2021, a sharp decline from a record high 4.55 million visitors in 2019 who contributed $7.2 billion to Israel's economy. "It's very exciting and full of emotions," said Patricia Mercader, 20, from Spain. "Standing where he stood and feeling what he felt, theres no words to explain it." Worshippers lit candles and knelt at the marble Stone of the Anointing, where it is believed Jesus's body was prepared for burial. "I never believed I would visit the holy land," said Francisca Teresinha de Jesus Fernandes Farias, 85, from Brazil. The Holy Sepulchre lies at the heart of the Old City's Christian Quarter in East Jerusalem, which Israel captured in a 1967 war and later annexed. The Armenian, Catholic and Greek churches share custody, and the Coptic and Syrian churches have rights. The return of overseas tourists has not yet been in large enough numbers to restore business in the quarter. "About 20 years ago, we couldn't even get any sleep during this month," said Modar Natshe, a shop owner in the Old City. "We would earn almost as much as the rest of the year in this one month. Now, nothing. We have forgotten that there are holidays, that's how bad it is." For many in the U.K., the pandemic may as well be over. Mask requirements have been dropped. Free mass testing is a thing of the past. And for the first time since spring 2020, people can go abroad for holidays without ordering tests or filling out lengthy forms. That sense of freedom is widespread even as infections soared in Britain in March, driven by the milder but more transmissible omicron BA.2 variant thats rapidly spreading around Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere. The situation in the U.K. may portend what lies ahead for other countries as they ease coronavirus restrictions. France and Germany have seen similar spikes in infections in recent weeks, and the number of hospitalizations in the U.K. and France has again climbed though the number of deaths per day remains well below levels seen earlier in the pandemic. In the U.S., more and more Americans are testing at home, so official case numbers are likely a vast undercount. The roster of those newly infected includes actors and politicians, who are tested regularly. Cabinet members, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Broadway actors and the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut have all tested positive. Britain stands out in Europe because it ditched all mitigation policies in February, including mandatory self-isolation for those infected. Prime Minister Boris Johnsons conservative government is determined to stick to its living with COVID plan, but experts disagree on whether the country is coping well. Some scientists argue its the right time to accept that living with COVID means tolerating a certain level of disruption and deaths, much like we do for seasonal flu. Others believe that Britains government lifted restrictions too quickly and too soon. They warned that deaths and hospital admissions could keep rising because more people over 55 those who are most likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19 are now getting infected despite high levels of vaccination. Hospitals are again under strain, both from patients with the virus and huge numbers of staff off sick, said National Health Service medical director Stephen Powis. Blinding ourselves to this level of harm does not constitute living with a virus infection quite the opposite, said Stephen Griffin, a professor in medicine at the University of Leeds. Without sufficient vaccination, ventilation, masking, isolation and testing, we will continue to live with disruption, disease and sadly, death, as a result. Others, like Paul Hunter, a medicine professor at the University of East Anglia, are more supportive of the governments policies. Were still not at the point where (COVID-19) is going to be least harmful but were over the worst, he said. Once a high vaccination rate is achieved there is little value in maintaining restrictions such as social distancing because they never ultimately prevent infections, only delay them, he argued. Britains official statistics agency estimated that almost 5 million U.K. residents, or 1 in 13, had the virus in late March, the most it had reported. Separately, the REACT study from Londons Imperial College said its data showed that the countrys infection levels in March were 40% higher than the first omicron peak in January. Infection rates are so high that airlines had to cancel flights during the busy two-week Easter break because too many workers were calling in sick. France and Germany have seen similar surges as restrictions eased in most European countries. More than 100,000 people in France were testing positive every day despite a sharp dropoff in testing, and the number of virus patients in intensive care rose 22% over the past week. President Emmanuel Macrons government, keen to encourage voter turnout in April elections, is not talking about any new restrictions. In Germany, infection levels have drifted down from a recent peak. But Health Minister Karl Lauterbach backed off a decision to end mandatory self-isolation for infected people just two days after it was announced. He said the plan would send a completely wrong signal that either the pandemic is over or the virus has become significantly more harmless than was assumed in the past. In the U.S., outbreaks at Georgetown University and Johns Hopkins University are bringing back mask requirements to those campuses as officials seek out quarantine space. Across Europe, only Spain and Switzerland have joined the U.K. in lifting self-isolation requirements for at least some infected people. But many European countries have eased mass testing, which will make it much harder to know how prevalent the virus is. Britain stopped distributing free rapid home tests this month. Julian Tang, a flu virologist at the University of Leicester, said that while its important to have a surveillance program to monitor for new variants and update the vaccine, countries cope with flu without mandatory restrictions or mass testing. Eventually, COVID-19 will settle down to become more endemic and seasonal, like flu, Tang said. Living with COVID, to me, should mimic living with flu. Cambridge University virologist Ravindra Gupta is more cautious. Mortality rates for COVID-19 are still far higher than seasonal flu and the virus causes more severe disease, he warned. He would have preferred more gentle easing of restrictions. Theres no reason to believe that a new variant would not be more transmissible or severe, he added. NATO is working on plans for a permanent military presence on its border in an effort to battle future Russian aggression, Britains The Telegraph newspaper reported, citing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. NATO was "in the midst of a very fundamental transformation" that will reflect "the long-term consequences" of Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions, Stoltenberg said in an interview with the newspaper. "What we see now is a new reality, a new normal for European security. Therefore, we have now asked our military commanders to provide options for what we call a reset, a longer-term adaptation of NATO," it cited Stoltenberg as saying. Stoltenberg, who recently said he would extend his term as head of the alliance by a year, also said in the interview that decisions on the reset would be made at a NATO summit to be held in Madrid in June. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has triggered Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II and led Western nations to rethink their defense policies. North Korea has described Joe Biden as an "old man in his senility," in a characteristically colorful personal attack on the U.S. president after he accused the Russian leader of war crimes in Ukraine. The diatribe came after Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin "a war criminal" and called for him to be put on trial over alleged atrocities against civilians in Ukraine's Bucha. "The latest story is the U.S. chief executive who spoke ill of the Russian president with groundless data," said a commentary carried by the official KCNA news agency on Saturday. "Such reckless remarks can be made only by the descendants of Yankees, master hand at aggression and plot-breeding," it added. It described Biden as a "president known for his repeated slip of tongue" but stopped short of referring to him by name. "The conclusion could be that there is a problem in his intellectual faculty and that his reckless remarks are just a show of imprudence of an old man in his senility," said the commentary, which was issued Saturday evening. "Gloomy, it seems, is the future of the U.S. with such a feeble man in power." Along with Beijing, Russia is one of the North's few international friends and has previously come to the regime's aid. Moscow has long held the line against increasing pressure on nuclear-armed North Korea, even asking for relief from international sanctions for humanitarian reasons. Pyongyang has also sided with Moscow in its war with Ukraine, accusing the United States of being the "root cause" of the crisis. North Korea's state media has a long history of colorful personal attacks against foreign leaders. Before Biden was nominated as candidate, it called him "a rabid dog" that "must be beaten to death with a stick." It referred to former U.S. president Donald Trump as a "mentally deranged U.S. dotard" and his predecessors Barack Obama and George W. Bush a "monkey" and "half-baked man. It also has railed against former South Korean president Park Geun-hye as a "witch" and a "crafty prostitute. Ecuador's former Vice President Jorge Glas, jailed for corruption involving the Brazilian company, Odebrecht, was freed on parole Sunday, supporters announced. In neighboring Peru, meanwhile, ex-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, 83, was also granted conditional freedom by a court after serving 36 months of house arrest. Glas, while serving a six-year sentence for receiving millions of dollars in kickbacks from the construction giant, was sentenced in January last year to a separate eight-year term for misuse of public funds. He had been imprisoned in Latacunga, south of Quito, since 2017. Glas, 52, served under two presidents until he was stripped of his office in 2018. "Today, at last, our dear comrade @JorgeGlas is free," Correa's political movement The Citizen's Revolution said on Twitter, adding Glas had been the victim "of the most ferocious persecution." Video on social networks showed Glas exiting the Latacunga prison to a warm welcome from dozens of supporters. A judge granted his release Saturday, provided Glas does not leave the country and reports to authorities once a month. His lawyer Edison Loaiza said Glas was in poor health and was in danger at Latacunga, scene of one of the bloody prison massacres that have left 350 inmates dead since February 2021. Correa has also been sentenced to eight years in jail for corruption but is living in exile in Belgium. Ecuadoran authorities have lodged an appeal against Glas' parole. In Lima, ex-Peruvian President Kuczynski had been under house arrest since April 2019 awaiting trial on money-laundering charges. In 2018 he had become the first Latin American president to resign over alleged connections to the Odebrecht corruption scandal. The company doled out millions in bribes to officials in exchange for public works contracts. A federal judge has loosened the home-confinement rules for an accused Capitol rioter now living in his parents' Williamsville home. Judge Amy Berman Jackson said Thomas Sibick may leave the home between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays for job interviews or to perform work at times and locations that have been verified and approved by the U.S. Probation Office in advance. Sibick, 36, so far has been approved to work from April 11 to April 29. Jailed Capitol rioter from Amherst now says he loathes Trump: 'January 6th was a disgrace' An Amherst man charged in the attack on an officer amid the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol called his conduct "unequivocally an aberration" and that he was "consumed by the mob mentality." Other conditions of his release remain unchanged. The judge retained the restrictions on social media, including LinkedIn, but he is free to search for employment on employers' websites or job listings such as Indeed.com. Aside from the employment-related changes, Sibick remains on home detention except for medical necessities and court appearances or other activities approved by the court. The judge said she would not issue a blanket order relaxing the conditions she imposed. Sibick, charged in the attack on a police officer amid the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol, sought permission to work on two property renovation projects during the day. Thousands of Sri Lankans rallied in the country's main business district and Christian clergy marched in the capital to observe a day of protest Saturday calling on the debt-ridden nation's president to resign, as anxiety and anger over shortages simmered. Protesters carrying national flags and placards, some bemoaning the hardships through songs, blamed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his administration for mismanaging the crisis. He has remained steadfast in refusing to step down even after most of his Cabinet quit and loyal lawmakers rebelled, narrowing a path for him to seek a way out as his team prepares to negotiate with international lending institutions. "Go home Rajapaksas" and "We need responsible leadership," read the placards. The protest also included a large number of youngsters who had organized themselves through social media and refuse to accept any political leadership. Many carried signs, saying "You messed with the wrong generation!" The protesters stayed around the president's office and vowed not to leave until their mission was accomplished. For months, Sri Lankans have stood in long lines to buy fuel, cooking gas, food and medicines, most of which come from abroad and are paid for in hard currency. The fuel shortage has caused rolling power outages lasting several hours a day. The Indian Ocean island nation is on the brink of bankruptcy, saddled with $25 billion foreign debt over the next five years nearly $7 billion of which is due this year alone and dwindling foreign reserves. Talks with the International Monetary Fund are expected later this month, and the government had turned to China and India for emergency loans to buy food and fuel. Much of the anger expressed by weeks of growing protests has been directed at Rajapaksa and his elder brother, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who head an influential clan that has been in power for most of the past two decades. Five other family members are lawmakers, three of whom resigned as ministers last Sunday. Thakshila Jayasinghe, a 35-year-old lawyer who joined the protest, said that she felt sorry for voting for Rajapaksa in the 2019 presidential election. "I wonder what sin I have committed by voting for this president when I see the people suffer," she said. Reports said that at least four elderly people have died while standing in lines for hours trying to buy cooking gas or kerosene oil. Jayasinghe said she voted for Rajapaksa believing he was the best candidate to restore national security following the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks that killed more than 260 people. The attacks, blamed on local Muslim militants with ties to the Islamic State group, also shattered the tourism industry, alongside the pandemic, depriving Sri Lanka of hard currency. At the same time, critics accuse Rajapaksa of borrowing heavily to finance projects that earn no money, such as a port facility built with Chinese loans. Catholic clergy and lay people joined a rally from the "martyrs cemetery" in Negombo, north of the capital Colombo, where more than 100 people who died in the suicide attacks in the area's St. Sebastian's Church are buried. They protested the economic crisis as well as the government's alleged failure to uncover the conspirators behind the bombings. "Today the country needs a major change and a new beginning," Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the archbishop of Colombo, told protesters. "We ask from every citizen of this country to come together and change this system. To get together and tell these people to leave." "It's enough now, it's enough destroying the country, now leave and hand it over to someone who can govern this country," he said. The protest later moved near the Anglican cathedral in Colombo. The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka has been critical of the investigation into the bombings, citing allegations that some members of the state intelligence units knew and met with at least one of the attackers. Rajapaksa earlier proposed the creation of a unity government following the Cabinet resignations, but the main opposition party rejected the idea. Parliament has failed to reach a consensus on how to deal with the crisis after nearly 40 governing coalition lawmakers said they would no longer vote according to coalition instructions, significantly weakening the government. With opposition parties divided, they too have not been able to show majority and take control of Parliament. Pro-Moscow supporters took to the streets in several German cities on April 10 to protest what they call discrimination against Russians. They faced off against demonstrators protesting against Russias brutal invasion of Ukraine. German police had to separate the two groups at times to prevent violence. At least two people were arrested amid skirmishes. In Hanover, in northern Germany, about 650 pro-Russia demonstrators took part in a motorcade rally, according to German newspaper Bild. Meanwhile in Frankfurt, the nations financial capital, several hundred people participated in a pro-Russia rally, local police said. Frankfurt rejected their request for a motorcade rally. The protesters called for an end to what they called hate speech and discrimination against Russian-speaking citizens. Police have recorded 383 anti-Russian offenses and 181 anti-Ukrainian offenses since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Germany is home to 1.2 million people of Russian origin and 325,000 from Ukraine. The protesters in Hanover adorned their cars with Russian and German flags. The start of the rally was delayed by counterprotesters, Bild reported. The pro-Russia demonstrators were banned from carrying or wearing the symbols V or Z, which Germany says represents aggression and the invasion of Ukraine. They were also forbidden to endorse Russias invasion through words or pictures or from carrying flags representing the self-declared governments of Kremlin-backed separatists in Ukraine. Russian forces shelled a school and residential buildings in eastern Ukraine on Sunday, local Luhansk officials reported, even as the officials implored residents to escape the region before its too late. Luhansk Governor Serihy Haidai said three apartment buildings in Severodonetsk burned down and two elderly residents had to be evacuated, but there were no casualties. Separately, Dnipro Governor Valentyn Reznichenko, in southeastern Ukraine, said Russian forces struck targets across the region, wounding one person. Ukrainian officials and the state railway announced new evacuation routes but voiced fears that the Russian missile attack Friday on a railway station in Kramatorsk that killed 52 people might be scaring off some Ukrainians from trying to flee the region by rail. The continuing Russian assault on eastern Ukraine was in marked contrast to the scene in Kyiv, the capital in the countrys north. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Saturday strolled through streets that Russia recently controlled or were under near constant attacks before Moscow pulled its troops to concentrate its attacks on the eastern Donbas region. Johnson said Britain would send 120 more armored vehicles and new anti-ship missiles to Ukraine, part of the Wests continuing military support of Ukraine, short of sending troops to fight alongside Ukrainian forces. Zelenskyy has continued to contend that the West is not doing enough to help Ukraine, but U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan defended what it has done. The speed, scale and scope to equip the Ukrainian army is unprecedented, Sullivan told CNNs State of the Union show on Sunday. He said the United States will continue to rally the world to assist Ukraine. Watch related video by Arash Arabasadi (Warning: graphic images): Sullivan said the Kremlin miscalculated in its February 24 invasion in thinking it would be welcomed with open arms into Ukraine. But what we have learned, Sullivan said, is that Ukraine will never be subject to Russia. In a separate interview, Sullivan told ABCs This Week show that Russia was, in part, forced to acknowledge significant troop losses this past week because it did not take over Kyiv and the rest of Ukraine as it had expected to quickly accomplish. Even as it moved troops to eastern Ukraine, Russia left behind a trail of destruction near Kyiv, with hundreds of Ukrainian civilians killed in the suburb of Bucha and elsewhere. Sullivan said the U.S. believes that the massacre of some civilians was carried out by individual Russian troops frustrated at their inability to take control of the region around Kyiv. He said, however, that responsibility for the slaughter of Ukrainian civilians lies at the feet of Russian President Vladimir Putin. There was a plan from the highest levels of the Russian government to target" Ukrainian civilians, Sullivan said. "This is something that was planned. He said the U.S. would continue to squeeze the Russian economy with sanctions, projecting that its economy will shrink by 10- to 15% this year, diminishing it sharply as a world economic power. In Rome, Pope Francis celebrated Palm Sunday and opened Holy Week by calling for an Easter truce in Ukraine leading to a negotiated peace. He said leaders needed to make some sacrifices for the good of the people. Celebrating Mass before crowds in St. Peters Square, Pope Francis called for weapons to be laid down to begin an Easter truce, not to reload weapons and resume fighting, no! A truce to reach peace through real negotiations. Zelenskyy warned Saturday in his nightly address that Russian aggression is not intended to be limited to Ukraine alone. To the destruction of our freedom and our lives alone. The president cautioned, The whole European project is a target for Russia. Ukraine has opened 5,600 war crimes cases since Russias invasion, top prosecutor Iryna Venediktova said Sunday, but the country will face a struggle getting Russian officials to court. She called the missile strike on the train station in Kramatorsk, a city in the Donetsk region, absolutely a war crime. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, after seeing the devastation in Bucha, said, If this is not a war crime, what is a war crime? But I am a medical doctor by training and lawyers have to investigate carefully. Russian officials have called the Bucha killings a monstrous forgery. The Russian invasion has forced more than 10 million people from their homes in Ukraine or from the country and killed and maimed thousands. With its plans thwarted for a quick takeover of Ukraine, Russia has named a new commander for its continuing assault on eastern Ukraine, a military leader U.S. officials say has a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and other war zones. U.S. officials Sunday identified the new Russian military commander for Ukraine as Gen. Alexander Dvornikov, 60, one of Russia's most experienced officers. The U.S. officials said Dvornikov was sent to Syria in 2015 to buttress the failing forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and led Russian troops there for a year. He was named as Hero of the Russian Federation for his role in Syria and is currently commander of Russias southern military district. But under his command in Syria, Moscows forces were widely accused of bombing civilian neighborhoods and hospitals to try to stop rebels from ousting al-Assad. Rami Abdulrahman, the head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor based in Britain, was quoted by The New York Times as saying, Bashar al-Assad is not the only one to be held accountable for killing civilians in Syria the Russian general should too. As the commander of military operations, that means hes behind killing Syrian civilians by giving the orders. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNNs State of the Union show that "we can expect more of the same in Ukraine from Dvornikov. But Sullivan said that "no appointment of any general can erase the fact that Russia has already faced a strategic failure in Ukraine" in not being able to quickly overrun the country and overthrow the government of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the February 24 invasion. "This general will just be another author of crimes and brutality against Ukrainian civilians," Sullivan said. "And the United States, as I said before, is determined to do all that we can to support Ukrainians as they resist him, and they resist the forces that he commands." Ukraines president says Russias ongoing and unprovoked war on his country is a catastrophe that endangers all of Europe. The Kremlin seems to have abandoned plans to topple the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, amid the war, now in its second month. Western powers describe retreating Russian soldiers as war criminals for alleged atrocities ranging from rape to execution-style murders of civilians. VOAs Arash Arabasadi has more. WARNING: Some viewers may find images in this story disturbing. Former South African President Jacob Zuma is pursuing private prosecution proceedings to remove the lead prosecutor in an arms deal corruption trial after failed legal challenges, his foundation said on Sunday. Last month the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) torpedoed Zuma's latest bid to have lead prosecutor Billy Downer taken off the case after accusing him of bias and leaking of confidential information to a journalist in contravention of the national prosecution act, among other complaints. The SCA dismissed the application for leave to appeal on the grounds that there is no reasonable prospect of success and there is no other compelling reason why an appeal should be heard. The spokesman of the Jacob Zuma Foundation, Mzwanele Manyi told a press briefing that Zuma's instructions to his legal team to institute private prosecution "will now be put into operation in the next few days." He also said Zuma's legal team has filed a reconsideration application to the president of the SCA, a petition to hear the appeal. Zuma, who was ousted from the ruling African National Congress in 2018 after nearly two decades as president, has pleaded not guilty to charges of corruption, money laundering and racketeering in the long-running case over the $2 billion arms deal in the 1990s. The deal case has dogged Zuma since he was sacked as deputy president of the country in 2005. He said he was the victim of a political witch-hunt. On Monday the long-delayed trail is set to get underway and Zuma will be present in court. Manyi said Zuma, who turns 80 on Tuesday, is applying for a postponement because "it is very clear that the conditions for a fair trail are non-existent." On Monday his team will also respond to the supplementary affidavit served by the National Prosecution Authority where they seek to introduce new evidence in the trial. "All His Excellency President Zuma really wants is his day in court, in a fair trial and certainly not in a forum which is being rigged by the State," Manyi said. The devastation wrought by Russias invasion of Ukraine has commanded newspaper front pages and nightly news broadcasts since the war began in February. But the effects of the conflict extend far beyond the borders of Ukraine and already are being felt in Yemen, the country mired in what experts see as one of the most dire humanitarian crises in the world. On Friday, Yasmin Faruki, a senior policy adviser with the humanitarian aid group Mercy Corps, spoke with VOA about her recent trip to Yemen, the suffering she witnessed there, and the expectation that fallout from the crisis in Ukraine will further immiserate the millions of Yemeni people facing major shortages of food and fuel. Overall, it's a very dark picture, Faruki told VOA. I saw people, most families, living off of one meal a day, in an extremely unstable security environment, with skyrocketing prices. Now, as the lack of wheat shipments from Ukraines Black Sea ports begins to be felt in the global supply chain, the results for Yemen are easy to predict. The bottom line," Faruki said, "is that this is going to make matters a lot worse for Yemeni families who are already struggling with so little. She said that in larger cities she was primarily in the port city of Aden and in Taiz commerce has slowed to a crawl, leaving many people unable to earn money to buy food. Outside cities, Faruki described scenes of desperation, with families sharing reduced food rations that leave young children unable to develop normally. Origins of the conflict It's important for the international community to note that Yemen is not in the first year of a humanitarian crisis, Faruki said. There are a number of crises unfolding around the world that undoubtedly deserve our attention, but Yemen is being treated like it's in the first year of an emergent crisis, and it's going into its eighth. The conflict in Yemen began in 2014, when rebels aligned with the Houthi movement seized the capital city, Sanaa, forcing the government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi to establish a temporary new capital in Aden. In the years since, a coalition of Arab nations led by Saudi Arabia has waged war on the Houthis, who are backed by the government of Iran. According to the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), the war in Yemen has left 23.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, the overwhelming majority of whom need food aid. Millions of Yemenis have been internally displaced by the ongoing violence, making that aid difficult to deliver. On March 14, three weeks after the beginning of Russias invasion of Ukraine, UNICEF reported that Yemens already dire hunger crisis is teetering on the edge of outright catastrophe. Worlds worst humanitarian crisis According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a measurement compiled by the United Nations and more than a dozen other non-governmental organizations, the situation is expected to deteriorate over the coming months. The latest analysis predicts that in Yemen, approximately 2.2 million children under the age of 5, including 538,000 severely malnourished, and about 1.3 million pregnant and lactating women are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition over the course of 2022. Yemen has been the world's worst humanitarian crisis for years now, Jordan Teague, interim director for policy analysis and coalition building for the charity group Bread for the World, told VOA. Already 80% of its people depend on aid just for their basic needs, just to survive. And the impacts of the war [in Ukraine] are already being felt there, Teague said. It's something that's happening now. Yemen is really dependent on imports for so much, not least, food and fuel. And Ukraine actually produces almost a third of Yemeni wheat supplies. Teague noted that the U.N.s World Food Program has been forced to reduce the rations of food it provides to the people of Yemen, primarily because of price increases that leave the agency struggling to afford needed supplies. Even before the war in Ukraine, prices were soaring, with the average price of a basket of food provided by the WFP increasing 170% in 2021. In the month since the war started, wheat prices in Yemen have jumped by an additional 30%. Children dying Faruki described a visit to a mountaintop village, two hours drive from Taiz, where families are struggling to feed themselves as food becomes increasingly difficult to obtain. I asked one of our health workers, what was the leading cause of death, and he said its acute diarrhea, she said. Many of the victims are small children, Faruki added, 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds suffering from acute malnutrition. The children have been so hungry for so long that their bodies have lost the ability to retain food, even when they have it. You're seeing these kinds of cascading, really negative effects of what not having enough food and nutrients means for generations of Yemenis and their ability to exist and to survive on a day-to-day basis, she said. KYIV The discovery of civilian bodies in Ukrainian towns has "permanently polluted" Russian President Vladimir Putin's reputation, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said during a visit to Kyiv on Saturday. "What Putin has done in places like Bucha and Irpin is war crimes that have permanently polluted his reputation and the reputation of his government," Johnson said, standing next to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Johnson became the latest European leader to visit Kyiv this weekend after the bodies were discovered in several towns from where the Russian army retreated. Ukraine 'defied odds' Johnson praised Ukraine for "defying odds" and rebuffing a Russian offensive on Kyiv. "The Russians believed Ukraine could be engulfed in a matter of days and that Kyiv would falls in hours to their armies," he said, referring to Western intelligence. "How wrong they were," he said. The Ukrainian people have "shown the courage of a lion," he added. "The world has found new heroes and those heroes are the people of Ukraine," Johnson said. After talks with Zelenskyy, Johnson vowed U.K. armored vehicles and anti-ship missiles for Ukraine. Zelenskyy called on the West to follow the U.K. in providing military aid to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia. "Other Western democratic countries should follow the U.K.'s example," Zelenskyy said after talks with Johnson. "It is because of President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy's resolute leadership and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people that [Vladimir] Putin's monstrous aims are being thwarted," Johnson said after meeting Zelenskyy, according to a Downing Street statement. Military aid Johnson set out extra military aid of 120 armored vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems, "to support Ukraine in this crucial phase while Russia's illegal assault continues," the statement added. That is on top of U.K. aid announced Friday of more Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles and another 800 anti-tank missiles, along with "loitering" drones for "precision strikes" against the Russians. As world powers held a fundraising round for Ukraine, Johnson also promised an extra $500 million via the World Bank. Johnson said it had been a "privilege" to meet Zelenskyy in person on his surprise visit, which was not pre-announced in London. "Ukraine has defied the odds and pushed back Russian forces from the gates of Kyiv, achieving the greatest feat of arms of the 21st century," he said. "I made clear today that the United Kingdom stands unwaveringly with them in this ongoing fight, and we are in it for the long run." Preparations are underway for the burial of Elvis Nyathi, who was killed by a vigilante group in South Africans Diepsloot township, a few days ago. Mphathisi Ndlovu, a relative of the late domestic worker, said Zimbabwean authorities in South Africa have linked them to a funeral organization, which will conduct a free burial service. Ndlovu said a representative of Zimbabwes Consulate in the country visited the family in the company of Zororo Phumulani Funeral Services. He said, Zororo Phumulani offered to cover all the costs of the funeral. So, we agreed with them yesterday, we met at their office in Randburg. We started the first step, which means we will continue tomorrow. They said if they are able to get hold of the body then they will give us three days (to finalize everything). Maybe on Thursday we will be taking the body by road to Zimbabwe. We are still asking for more assistance from people and companies. It looks like this has touched a lot of people in all parts of the world, here in South Africa, Zimbabwe, neighboring countries and Africa and other continents. People are so touched to the extent that they are willing to accompany the body when its being repatriated to Zimbabwe. So, (this can happen) if we get buses to transport people. A lot of people are not working. Maybe if we can get a bus or buses a lot of people will be willing to go and see their brother being laid to rest. Some South Africans say Zimbabweans are causing havoc in Diepsloot and other townships nationwide. Thabang Molefe, a top member of the African National Congress Youth League, said Zimbabweans are giving them a hard time and as a result they should leave the township. Molefe said, Zimbabweans are killing us. Zimbabweans are entering (breaking into) our houses. I reside here. I know what Im talking about. On Wednesday Pakistanians were locked inside their spazas. Pakistanians are not roaming around Diepsloot. Zimbabweans are roaming around as they please. We want Zimbabweans to leave. They must leave. I represent young people in this community. It is the very same young people that are coming to us saying why are you allowing Zimbabweans to harass us. Why are you allowing these Zimbabweans to kill us? They must leave. Nyathi's killers have not yet been arrested Some Zimbabweans told VOA Studio 7 that they are being targeted for being foreigners as most of them are not criminals. Many organizations and political parties in Zimbabwe and South Africa have condemned the killing of Nyathi. They are demanding that the perpetrators should be arrested. Thuso Khumalo and Gibbs Dube contributed to this article Covid-19 caseloads and hospitalization numbers have increased in recent days in Western New York the former far more than the latter but based on what's known so far, medical leaders aren't all that worried. The recently discovered BA.2 subvariant of the Omicron strain of the new coronavirus has become the leading variety of the virus. But so far, its impact has been limited and it is nowhere near as serious as the first model of Omicron, now called BA.1, which crowded hospitals for several weeks during and after the Christmas and New Year's holidays. "Cases have been going up now for about two to three weeks. Hospitalizations have gone up a bit in the last week or so," said Dr. Thomas Russo, a specialist in infectious diseases at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. "Local wastewater, as well as statewide and Northeast testing, suggests BA.2 is now the dominant subvariant," said Dr. Michael Mineo, Kaleida's chief medical officer. "This would account for the increasing community prevalence and slight increase in hospitalization." UB infectious disease specialist says not everyone needs a fourth booster. Do you? We need to start this conversation by emphasizing that if you are unvaccinated against Covid-19, the single most important thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones is to please get vaccinated, said Dr. Thomas Russo, professor and chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases in the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. But the rise so far, in absolute numbers, isn't much and doesn't come within hailing distance of the numbers seen three or four months ago. Our immunity wall is so much better now, so thats why its very muted," Russo said. For instance, there were 257 Covid-19 patients in Kaleida Health's hospitals on Jan. 11, which was that hospital group's all-time high for the pandemic. On April 2, it was 28. Thursday, Kaleida tallied 42 Covid-19 patients in its local facilities, spokesman Michael Hughes said. Catholic Health has seen even less impact. It had seven Covid-19 patients in its hospitals a week ago, and had 10 as of Friday, spokeswoman JoAnn Cavanaugh said. But the number of confirmed cases has been rising, at least in some places. Erie County had 222 new cases Thursday, and its seven-day rolling average of positive tests, which had dipped under 2% in the second week of March, now is back up to 6%. But that is nowhere near Erie County's all-time positivity peak of 23.2% on Jan. 13. Total cases slowing in Niagara Niagara County, on the other hand, reported fewer new Covid-19 cases for the past week than it did the week before 147, five less than than the preceding week. However, its rolling positivity average rose in a week from 1.1% to 4.1%. "I look back to where we were a few months ago, when I had 35 deaths in two weeks, and now Ive had one death in the last three weeks," said Daniel J. Stapleton, Niagara County public health director. "Of course every single death is a tragedy and a family thats devastated, but, truly, looking at the numbers, the deaths have not been impacted by BA.2. But Stapleton has long argued that positive tests aren't the most important indicator of how the pandemic is going. "Were definitely not seeing an increase in hospitalizations or deaths. The key criteria I look at are deaths and hospitalizations. Those numbers are strong and have been strong for many weeks," Stapleton said. For the five-county Western New York region which the state defines as Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties there were 53 Covid-19 patients in hospitals Thursday, only five of them in intensive care. By contrast, the holiday BA.1 hospital surge peaked Jan. 18, with 701 hospitalized patients and 101 in intensive care in the five-county area. BA.2 is about 30% more infectious than BA.1, which is extraordinarily infectious," Russo said. "The good news about BA.2, its no more or less virulent than BA.1, and when youre infected with Omicron, the severity of the disease tended to be less. Some of it may be due to the virus, some of it may be due to increasing immunity weve developed. BA.2 doesnt seem to be any worse in severity than BA.1. Thats for certain. "It appears this subvariant is spread more easily, but causes less severe disease," Mineo said. "There is still risk of severe disease in the unvaccinated and those who are immunosuppressed. The BA.2 blip probably won't last long, the local experts said. "Data from other countries suggests this subvariant should peak in 2-3 weeks," Mineo said. I think were going to continue to have this increase in cases were seeing right now through the Easter holiday," Russo said. "Its still cool weather here, people are doing things indoors, school break is coming up, Easter gatherings are coming up. We know that people will be indoors interacting without masks, and thats when the virus spreads particularly well," Russo said. Fingers crossed, as we get into May, hopefully well get on the other side of this. Its always been a little unpredictable in this pandemic what direction were going. Vaccination is the best defense In the meantime, those concerned should seek out vaccinations, the doctors commented, especially for those who are over age 65 or who have compromised immune systems. The greatest return on public health investment, still, is getting the unvaccinated vaccinated, and those that are eligible for the first booster to get that first booster in their arms," Russo said. "Assuming youve done all of that, its important for people to recognize that vaccination is much more effective against severe disease, hospitalization and death than is infection. The federal government has authorized additional booster shots for those over age 50 or the immunocompromised. Fewer than half of eligible Erie County residents have obtained a booster shot, Russo said. The second booster improves immunity, but the increase in protection from four shots to three isn't as great as the boost patients get from having three shots instead of two, the UB expert contended, based on studies in Israel on people over age 60. "But in that 60-and-up group, it does afford a small but significant advantage. Theres no downside to getting the fourth shot," Russo said. Those whose original immunization was with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should look for a Moderna or Pfizer booster for the best protection, Russo said. With shots now easily available at pharmacies, public clinics have nearly dried up. Erie County continues to offer shots Mondays at the South Campus of SUNY-Erie Community College, Tuesdays in the Delavan-Grider Community Center and Thursday in Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park. Niagara County offers shots daily at its immunization clinic in the Trott Access Center in Niagara Falls, and it will hold a clinic at a Lockport church Wednesday, but such events have become rare. "For the most part, the demand has significantly decreased and its been very low for the past few months," Stapleton said. Those who test positive for Covid-19 have another option, if they can find it. Pfizer's Paxlovid pill is the most effective post-Covid-19 treatment, but it is available only with a prescription. Supply is improved, but its not optimal, thats my understanding," Russo said. An online search at a federal website will reveal which pharmacies have Paxlovid, but it must be taken within five days of the onset of symptoms. Its very effective, it reduced the likelihood of developing severe disease by 70% in higher-risk individuals, but the secret is, youve got this tight window," Russo said. The answer is to get tested as soon as possible after symptoms emerge, and then contact a doctor for the prescription. Patients should check with the doctor or pharmacist about drug interaction issues with Paxlovid, Russo said. The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Decatur, IL (62521) Today Mainly sunny. High 69F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear early, then a few clouds later on. Low 46F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Faithful return to St Peter's Square for first Palm Sunday Mass since 2019. St Peter's Square has been filled with thousands of chairs for the first time in more than two years as the Vatican resumes papal events open to the faithful. The first major ceremony to take place in Piazza S. Pietro since Italy began to relax its covid-19 restrictions will be Palm Sunday at 10.00 on 10 April. Over the last two years papal liturgies during Holy Week were limited to extremely small numbers and were held mostly indoors, in St Peter's Basilica. The last time Palm Sunday Mass was celebrated in the piazza, in 2019, more than 40,000 people attended, the Vatican said. The pope's weekly general audience also returns to St Peter's Square after being held for the last two years either in the Paul VI auditorium or in the more intimate outdoor setting of the S. Damaso courtyard. 2022 will see the return of the Via Crucis ceremony led by Pope Francis at the Colosseum at 21.15 on 15 April, Good Friday. The Easter Vigil Mass will take place in St Peter's Basilica at 19.30 on Saturday 16 April, while Easter Sunday Mass will be celebrated in St Peter's Square at 10.00 on 17 April. The pope will impart his traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing from the balcony over St Peter's at midday on Easter Sunday. For details of the pope's Easter liturgical programme see Vatican website. Cover image: Pope Francis, Palm Sunday 2019. Photo Catholic News Service CNS / Paul Haring. Placeholder while article actions load Reflected glory is often the best way to come by extra kudos. And so Boris Johnson has been basking in Volodymyr Zelenskiys praise for his firm stand against Russias invasion of Ukraine. The prime minister has now doubled down on his support. As well he might. The war has saved Johnsons leadership from a sense of downward drift. The question is whether the lull is temporary relief or a return to superhero status for a battered but resilient prime minister. Revelations of unauthorized parties at No. 10 Downing Street during lockdown almost sunk Johnson after the festive season. National opinion polls showed the opposition Labour party peaking with a 9.5% lead over the Conservatives from late January to mid-February. Even Johnsons ratings among the party faithful went negative: A number of his MPs formally backed a leadership contest, and more let it be known in WhatsApp groups and Commons tea-room gossip that they were considering dropping the pilot. Advertisement But British politics is prone to sudden shifts, and Labours lead in the polls has now been cut to 5%. Johnsons clarion calls to defend Ukraine have seen his fortunes revive. Polemics over parties and whether the prime minister was ambushed by (birthday) cake seem trivial when set against a real war in eastern Europe. A poll of party members this week saw Johnsons personal standing rise 15 points, back into positive territory. And no doubt, Johnson has gotten lucky on the home front too. The popularity of his once hotly tipped successor Rishi Sunak has gone into free fall. The chancellors financial Spring Statement last week was badly received by friend and foe alike. Almost four-fifths of voters slated it as an inadequate response to the urgent cost-of-living crisis that has seen energy bills shoot up. It was deemed as unfair, and Sunak, a polished technocrat, seemed to miss this point. The chancellors personal wealth has since become a hot topic. A former Goldman Sachs banker, Sunak is rich on his own account, but not half as much as his wealthier wife Akshata Murthy. She owns 690 million pounds ($897 million) worth of shares in her fathers information-technology company, Infosys, but is domiciled in India. This means she doesnt need to pay taxes in the U.K. on dividends from the stake. Advertisement The legal arrangement was openly declared when Sunak first became a minister in 2016. But as tax rises announced last year finally start to hit voters, Labour is gleeful at the chancellors embarrassment. And it would only be human for Johnson to gloat at seeing his most credible rival afflicted. According to the polls, British voters blame the cost-of-living crisis on Covid (62%) and Ukraine (57%) rather than on the prime minister personally (51%). Can Johnsons luck last? Local elections held nationwide on May 5 will be the test. Partygate has returned to the headlines after all. Police are belatedly fining those who broke lockdown rules at No. 10, reviving the most damaging charge against the Conservatives that there is one rule for them and another for everyone else. Sunaks wifes favorable tax treatment fits into that narrative too. Her non-dom status is hardly an option open to most voters. Advertisement Johnson, however, will be marketed by his party as a statesman. Forty years ago, the successful campaign to recapture the Falkland Islands from Argentina saved Margaret Thatcher despite record unemployment at home. Voters rally to the flag when the government takes a stand against a foreign power, but this time Labour has been more careful to beat the patriotic drum too (in 1982, its pacifist wing was vocal and its leader looked weak). The opposition calls for even harsher sanctions against Russia and criticizes the government for admitting so few Ukrainian refugees to the U.K. despite its promises. As a biographer of Winston Churchill, Johnson knows that success in war does not guarantee winning the peace. Britains World War II leader is honored for his inspiring leadership against the Nazis, but his people threw him out of office soon after victory. Unlike his Labour opponents, Churchill offered no compelling vision of a fairer, peacetime Britain. What is Johnsons? Like Churchill in 1945, the prime minister just offers more of the same himself. Advertisement In truth, his great work, like it or loathe it, was Brexit. But that mission was accomplished by early 2020, leaving only the trailing wires of messy implementation. The pandemic, despite Johnsons bumbling performance at the outbreak, and war in Ukraine have conveniently filled the policy vacuum. Otherwise, the prime ministers trajectory has been dictated by scandals and internal party rebellions. Where is the program of renewal and reform needed to boost productivity and make up for the post-Brexit loss of access to the European single market? On Thursday, for instance, the governments much-trumpeted energy security strategy was finally published. It had all the substance of a press release. There was also the familiar kowtow to a handful of Conservative MPs in rural seats who might swing a leadership election, but no changes to the planning system that blocks the development of onshore wind, the fastest way to deliver cheap renewable energy. Advertisement This perception of domestic drift may come back to haunt Britains gifted but distracted leader. In the U.S., President Biden finds his approval ratings stuck near their lowest point, despite his steady crisis management of Ukraine. Main Street is not impressed. Still, as long as Tory MPs are not signing letters calling for a leadership election, Johnson is a happy man. On May 5, his party will be watching the results with a gimlet eye. He had better not disappoint. More From Bloomberg Opinion: Only One Thing Will Help Ukraine Now. Weapons: Therese Raphael Britains Become a Nightmare for People Trying to Rent Homes: Marcus Ashworth and Stuart Trow The Backdoor That Keeps Russian Oil Flowing Into Europe: Javier Blas This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Martin Ivens was editor of the Sunday Times from 2013 to 2020 and was formerly its chief political commentator. He is a director of the Times Newspapers board. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Going after drug dealers was only one way that Haso, a German shepherd in the Erie County Sheriff's K-9 unit, served the community during his four years on the job. He also saved the lives of at least eight people, like the autistic boy in Gowanda who jumped from his mother's car and disappeared, the elderly Clarence man with Alzheimer's who wandered away in his pajamas and the missing Amherst woman he found lying in Ellicott Creek. Placeholder while article actions load It wasnt meant for them. Yanae Petty, a 17-year-old high school student in Philadelphia, used variations of that phrase several times when we talked in February about gun violence in her hometown. There was the time she was out with friends after having gotten pizza, and then somebody just started shooting. The gunfire wasnt meant for me, Petty said. I was in the midst of it, but nobody got hit. He was shooting everywhere else. Another time, she said, she was in a car with friends and shots were fired. Her friends were frightened and angry, but it wasnt meant for them. Then there was the time Petty witnessed not the shooting but the bloody aftermath. I think he died, she said. It wasnt meant for them is how Petty distinguishes the deliberate shootings of children in Philadelphia, those rooted in vengeance or some other motive, from shootings that happen willy nilly, simply because a major city is so saturated with firearms, and the guns are so readily accessible to minors, that they go off here and there for reasons that no one, least of all the adolescent targets, can understand. Advertisement In 2021, Philadelphia hit records for fatal criminal shooting victims (498) and non-fatal criminal shooting victims (1,834), eclipsing its crack-fueled tallies of the 1990s. However, the citys soaring gun violence was not accompanied by sharp rises in other kinds of violent crime. In fact, rapes and assaults that didnt involve guns declined slightly last year. Gun violence is on a trajectory all its own. It aint just raining, its a monsoon out here, said Reuben Jones, who runs Frontline Dads, an anti-violence group in the city. We find both perpetrators and victims are getting younger and younger because of the proliferation of guns. Earlier this year, Philadelphia police shot dead a 12-year-old boy. They said he shot first. For Philadelphia teenagers, Jones said, its easier to get a gun than to get cigarettes. In a comment reminiscent of the early 1990s, one longtime activist told me that shes heard kids can rent a gun at a barber shop. A veteran emergency-room doctor in a West Philadelphia trauma center told me that the gun violence that used to punctuate Friday and Saturday night shifts is now an all-day-every-day norm. Advertisement Philadelphia, said City Council Member Curtis Jones, Jr., is suffering from an unrelenting crisis of senseless gun violence in our communities. Its a longstanding cliche to speak of concentrations of urban violence as war zones. But in Pennsylvanias largest city, at least one war may be over. The campaign to flood American streets with guns appears to have triumphed. In Philadelphia, guns rule. In the most violent neighborhoods of the city, you cant get away from them no matter how you try. *** More than 12.9 million guns were legally sold or transferred in Pennsylvania between 1999 and 2020, or more than 1,600 per day. Thats sufficient to arm every human, babies included, in the state. Yet that tally is still nowhere near a full accounting. The accumulation of arms accelerated during the pandemic. In Philadelphia, handgun sales more than doubled from 2017 to 2020, from 10,736 to 25,841. In the state, fewer than 400,000 guns were sold in 2000; in 2020, more than 1 million were. Advertisement Those figures, of course, do not include thousands of unregistered firearm sales, nor do they factor in the thousands of unsecured guns that are stolen in the region each year, or the untraceable ghost guns manufactured privately, without serial numbers, from kits. The flood of guns has not only swamped activists trying to stem the red tide of violence. City authorities, too, have begun to question whether they have the resources necessary to curtail pervasive illegal gun possession. In January, the city released a comprehensive review in which several municipal agencies used state and city data to analyze 100 recent shootings in Philadelphia. In the section of the report authored by the city district attorneys office, the report characterizes the number of guns, locally and nationally, as overwhelming. Surveying the sea of firearms, the D.A.s office concludes: Because of the ease in accessing guns and the relative threat that some feel if they do not carry a gun, we do not believe that arresting people and convicting them for illegal gun possession is a viable strategy to reduce shootings. Advertisement The D.A.s office is tacitly validating a colloquial expression: Better judged by 12 than carried by six. (A trial for illegal gun possession is preferable to a funeral.) The D.A.s office favors increased efforts to arrest and convict shooters, including better protection for witnesses, over more chasing after illegal guns. D.A. spokesperson Jane Roh pointed out that the city has joined a lawsuit against the state to enable it to enact more stringent gun regulations. We very much believe that the proliferation of guns is the No. 1 reason for the current spike in violence, she told me. But with so many shootings unsolved, the D.A.s office does not view gun possession cases as top priorities. Under former Mayor Michael Nutter, who served from 2008 to 2016, Philadelphia police used a broad stop-and-frisk program to take illegal guns off the street. What I wanted was a change in behavior by folks who might normally carry a gun, Nutter told ProPublicas Alec MacGillis in 2021. Its a very simple theory: You cant shoot somebody if you dont have your gun. Advertisement The Philadelphia Police Department still insists on arresting those who illegally possess a gun. But even the police seem to have gone wobbly. In its section of the 100 shootings report, the police department notes that addressing the supply-side of guns has limited impact, in part because so many guns are already in circulation. Attempts to limit the future supply of guns now will not impact the current gun violence crisis, it says. In a country with weak federal laws and increasingly freakish state laws, the D.A.s office says its impossible to know exactly how many guns are in a community and who is in possession of them. In Philadelphia, the problem is not just that authorities dont know who has a gun until the shooting starts. In the vast majority of cases, they dont know who fired the shots even long after the victims bodies are cold. Of every 100 shootings that happened in 2021, 83 went unsolved by police, noted Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner in January. I cannot prosecute a case when no shooter has been identified and no shooter can be arrested. Advertisement The clearance rate of shooting crimes in Philadelphia the percentage of shooting cases closed by police is abysmal. Of 11,306 Philadelphia shootings since 2015, 8,918 did not result in an arrest. If the victim is a Black male, and most are, there is scant likelihood of an arrest. And as the volume of gun violence in the city rises, the chance that a given shooter will be punished decreases. One trend that we noticed was that the arrest rate tends to increase as shootings decrease; as shootings increase, the arrest rate decreases, the D.A.s office notes in the report. This suggests that the police have observable resource constraints that prevent them from solving more shootings as more shootings occur. Because so many Philadelphians now carry guns, out of fear of other Philadelphians carrying guns, the D.A.s office says data shows that the relationship between illegal possession and subsequent gun crime is tenuous: Advertisement Our efforts must be focused on preventing shootings and holding people who commit shootings accountable, and we should not accept arrests for gun possession as a substitute. As part of our role in the 100 Shooting Review Committee, we identify a need to more intensely focus law enforcement efforts on accurately identifying and removing shooters from the streets, and conclude that the current intense focus on illegal gun possession without a license is having no effect on the gun violence crisis and distracts from successfully investigating shootings. The police department acknowledges that its overmatched, lacking the resources necessary to perform all its duties. But, again, it takes a different tack: The number of homicides, shootings, and [firearm] arrests track alongside each other, suggesting that more guns on the street mean more shooting victims; this in turn lowers the clearance rate of shootings due to strained resources. Clearing shooting cases certainly should be focused on; but there should also be an equal focus on addressing illegal guns on the street, as carrying an illegal firearm is a precursor to using it to commit a crime. Advertisement Guns are the obvious and necessary predicate to gun crimes. As a research report on Baltimore violence from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health states: Baltimores high rate of gun violence has many root causes, but an important cause is the illegal possession of firearms, especially among persons with a history of violence. Yet when gun violence has gotten so bad that emergency rooms are overwhelmed and Better judged by 12 than carried by six is a common creed, perhaps gun policies arent enough to confront the crisis. *** Yanae Petty was an exception among the four teenagers I spoke with in Philadelphia. Not because of her experience with gun violence that was a common denominator but because she seemed less shell-shocked by it. When shes not talking about murders attempted or realized, Petty is a boisterous, effervescent teenager with an easy charm. She laughs readily and dotes on her new infant. (She lives with an aunt who works nights and looks after the child while Petty goes to school.) I had met Petty and the others at the headquarters of Yeah Philly, Youth Empowerment for Advancement Hangout, located at a house in West Philadelphia where young adults come for social services. One of those services is a safe environment shared with peers who are also navigating between the poles of violence and neglect that govern their hours. Some come to Yeah Philly daily. Cofounder Kendra van de Water is a veteran of the U.S. Department of Justice who left Washington in frustration. The national stuff was just too far removed for me, she said. She and a partner started Yeah Philly in a rec center from nothing, she said. After receiving a grant from the citys Department of Public Health, Yeah Philly increased its training in conflict resolution and peer mediation. It tries to help young people create a framework for solving problems without resorting to violence. When I spoke to van de Water it was about 8 oclock at night, and a dozen or so kids, seemingly all Black, were still hanging out at the house. Van de Waters mother, a volunteer, had arrived. I didnt get the impression that van de Waters day would be ending soon. In my interviews at Yeah Philly, the teens used language cycle of trauma was a recurring example that they had acquired at Yeah Philly. When we met a lot of them, the language wasnt there, van de Water said. They couldnt identify emotions. It was just, Im mad or sad. But we talk about that a lot, in terms of our histories and what weve been through, but also how do we process it? How do we heal from it? How do we support each other as we go through it? Uneasy Peace, a 2018 book by Princeton University sociologist Patrick Sharkey, recounts what life was like in parts of Philadelphia during the violent crime wave of the 1990s the high-water mark for homicide that the city has just surpassed. Children living within this social world were forced to adapt its code, adopting informal rules of behavior that allowed them to avoid constant victimization yet maintain status on the street. A smaller segment of young people gave into the code of the street entirely, spending their lives in a continuous campaign for status, which was earned through force. Racism, unemployment and social dysfunction were all prevalent in 1990s Philadelphia, as they are today. But the dominant feature of public life in Philadelphias poorest neighborhoods was neither homelessness nor drug abuse nor prostitution, Sharkey writes, it was violence. In his research, Sharkey has found that direct experience with violence, or even proximity to it, consumes so much mental energy that students whove been exposed to it underperform on cognitive tests. To put this impact in perspective, he writes, it was as if the children who were assessed right after a local homicide had missed the previous two years of schooling and regressed back to their level of cognitive performance from years earlier. When I interviewed 18-year-old Jahmir Diggs at Yeah Philly, he was lounging on a bean-bag chair on the far side of the room, scrolling through his phone. But since he had volunteered to talk, I persisted. Diggs lives with his grandmother but referred to Yeah Philly as basically a second home to me. He said he hopes to leave Philadelphia. To where? Maybe North Carolina. For college? Maybe. When I asked what Diggs wanted out of his life, he said, I just want to enjoy it while I can. I asked what he meant by that. Everybody has their day to go, he replied. I asked why, at 18, he was preoccupied with survival. Shootings, he said. Had he seen friends shot? Somebody tried to shoot me, he said. Some girl got me shot at. I asked Diggs where the shooting took place. Do I have to answer that, sir? he asked. After a few more dodges, Diggs issued a brief, staccato description of his life. Um, how do I put this? he said. I done been through hell and back in this city. Hell and back. I dont like it. I get treated bad. Ive been jumped all my life in the city. Almost died. Four times. Literally seen death. Four times everything went black, woke up in the hospital. Got stabbed in my chest, got guns pulled down on me twice. Got shot at once. So yeah, I just want to move. *** Philadelphia is a poor city. Close to one quarter of the citys population lives in poverty. The school system underperforms. The police department fails at basic tasks. The pervasiveness of guns makes every other problem dramatically worse. So does Covid-19. I think the pandemic had a lot to do with it, said Reuben Jones. I just think that folks were stir crazy from being in quarantine for so long. Compounding matters, he said, some people used the extra money they got from unemployment checks during the pandemic to purchase firearms. Another thing is, theres so few people on the street, people are desperate theyre finding targets wherever they can, Jones said. (Some research suggests that being in a public space significantly increased the likelihood of being robbed or assaulted in 2020.) According to the police department, half of the shootings analyzed in the 100 shootings report were motivated by arguments. (Only 18% were drug-related.) Some people who dont have good conflict resolution skills or who cant monitor their behaviors, they react in an extreme way when they are confronted with conflict, Jones said. The average person wouldnt pull out a gun because you got into an argument in the bar. Right? Or because you got into a minor fender bender or because someone looked at your girlfriend or because your favorite team lost a game. In many ways, the disorganized nature of the violence makes it harder to address. According to research by Patrick Sharkey and a colleague, local groups like Frontline Dads and Yeah Philly, which strive to bring order to chaos, are vital. Sharkey attributes part of the decline of U.S. violence beginning in the mid-1990s to the proliferation of such groups. In a given city with 100,000 people, we found that every new organization formed to confront violence and build stronger neighborhoods led to about a 1 percent drop in violent crime and murder. On the basis of these results, which provide the strongest evidence to date of the causal impact of local nonprofits, we concluded that the explosion of community organizations that took place in the 1990s likely played a substantial role in explaining the decline in violence. But underfunded neighborhood groups, which succeed on the basis of extraordinary commitment from extraordinary individuals, offer limited remedy to hundreds of thousands of needy people struggling with failing public services and infrastructure. Like Kendra van de Water, Reuben Jones seems to operate with a high level of stress. When I met him, he was seated in a plastic chair at a small card table that held his keys, laptop, phone and a yellow note pad. Surrounded by supplies for a food bank that he helps to run cereal, sweet corn, freezers stuffed with fish and chicken he sucked on candy almost nonstop. Later, when we visited his groups new storefront community center in North Philadelphia, he consumed Tootsie Rolls all the way there and back. At one point he mentioned that he has health issues. Jones is 57, with a masters degree and a patient demeanor. Both were hard won. He went to state prison at age 22 for robbery and aggravated assault. He exited 15 years later. He still expresses guilt for having disappointed his father, a truck driver who died before Jones was finally released. Unable to leave prison, Jones missed the funeral. For Jones, the resurgence of gun violence in Philadelphia is not shocking. While gun suicides are disproportionately among older White men, homicides are disproportionately among young Black men. An analysis of 2019 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that Black men and boys ages 15 to 34 were 2% of the general population but 37% of firearm homicide victims. In poor neighborhoods of Philadelphia, staying alive is a burden of Black youth. If 500 giraffes were killed in the Serengeti, PETA or somebody would be like, Yo, we need a UN resolution, he said. If 500 LGBT people or 500 Jewish people or 500 Native American people or 500, you know, White people or 500 persons with disabilities if 500 little people were murdered in a year, that would raise some eyebrows. But because its 500 Black men, not so much. Jones speaks in terms of investment and return. How much is a Black life worth? he asked. Kendra van de Water sounds similar themes. When I asked how she had created an oasis in the midst of violence and disorder, she was quick to point out that the kids at Yeah Philly are much like others in the city. All of these kids carry guns, she said. Perhaps I silently betrayed some unease upon hearing that, because she repeated herself: They carry guns. Yet the kids dont carry guns into Yeah Philly. Van de Water explained why: I am not worried about people shooting this place up, because that is the relationship that we built with people, she said. And I think if we focus more on the people, the guns would change. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Francis Wilkinson writes about U.S. politics and domestic policy for Bloomberg Opinion. He was previously executive editor of the Week, a writer for Rolling Stone, a communications consultant and a political media strategist. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Placeholder while article actions load Counterterrorism raid leaves 1 dead Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Israeli soldiers killed a Palestinian militant in the occupied West Bank on Saturday during a raid in the hometown of a gunman who had carried out a deadly shooting attack Thursday in Tel Aviv. The Palestinian Health Ministry said 13 people were wounded in Saturdays exchange of fire in the city of Jenin. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed the man killed as a member of the militant group. The Israeli military said its soldiers were conducting a counterterrorism operation in the area and had opened fire at gunmen who shot at them. Residents said the troops had surrounded the home of a man who on Thursday night opened fire in a Tel Aviv bar and killed three Israelis. He was shot dead a few hours later in a firefight with Israeli security forces. Israels Defense Ministry announced a series of restrictions on the Jenin area on Saturday, prohibiting passage through its main crossing into Israel. Jenin is considered a stronghold of Palestinian militants. Advertisement Reuters Nuclear industry not negotiable, Raisi says Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said Saturday that Tehran would not give up its right to develop its nuclear industry for peaceful purposes, and that all parties involved in talks to revive the 2015 nuclear accord should respect this. Eleven months of indirect talks between Iran and the United States in Vienna have stalled. Both sides say political decisions are required by Tehran and Washington to settle the remaining issues. Our message from Tehran to Vienna is that we will not back off from the Iranian peoples nuclear rights . . . not even an iota, state media quoted Raisi as saying in a speech marking Irans Nuclear Technology Day, while reiterating Irans stance that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Reuters Australian PM calls May election: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called for a May election that will be fought on issues including Chinese economic coercion, climate change and the coronavirus pandemic. Morrison on Sunday advised Governor-General David Hurley as representative of Australia's head of state, Queen Elizabeth II, to set the election date. Morrison will announce later Sunday that Australia will go to the polls on May 14 or May 21. Advertisement Guangzhou joins Shanghai in citywide coronavirus testing: Shanghai announced another round of mass coronavirus testing, while the southern metropolis of Guangzhou said it will do the same for all 18 million residents, as authorities accelerate efforts to curb China's worst outbreak since the early days of the pandemic. Shanghai Deputy Mayor Zong Ming also announced tweaks to the government's lockdown policy for the city of 25 million. Overall measures remained stringent, however, as residents living in communities with covid-19 cases in the past seven days are barred from leaving their homes. Syria claims Israel carried out airstrikes: Syrian air defenses confronted an "Israeli air aggression" Saturday in the country's central region, Syrian state media reported. "At 6:45 pm today, the Israeli enemy launched an air aggression from the north of Lebanon, targeting some points in the central region," state media said, citing a military source. Israel's military declined to comment. Jordan's king to have spine surgery: Jordan's King Abdullah II, 60, is traveling to Germany on Sunday for spine surgery. The monarch has "a herniated disc in the thoracic spine," the kingdom's Royal Hashemite Court said. His intermittent spine pain is "a result of parachute jumping during his years of service in special operations." From news services GiftOutline Gift Article A rendering of the Allegheny Lock and Dam #2 project to electrify a dam near Highland Park Bridge in Pittsburgh. (Photo illustration by Rye Development) Out of about 90,000 dams in the nation, few generate hydropower. A push to retrofit nonpowered dams could change that. Gulls and terns on the southern end of Ocracoke Island in North Carolina. (Anna Mazurek for The Post) This North Carolina barrier island has a colorful past that belies its tranquil present. The COVID nurse After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, infectious diseases nurse Regina Spadavecchia feels drained and fatigued, and is considering leaving nursing altogether. Ms Spadavecchia, the Westmead Hospital branch delegate for the NSW Nurses & Midwives Union, said her ward was devoted entirely to COVID-19 during the Delta and Omicron waves, until recently. Regina Spadavecchia is a COVID nurse and union delegate at Westmead Hospital. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone This meant a lot more work for the nurses because it shut out most of the HealthShare jobs. We had to empty bins, do the menus for the patient, bring their meals in and out, bring the laundry skips in and out, and get our own PPE because they wouldnt deliver PPE to the ward, she said. We had to do everything. Ms Spadavecchia said the hardest thing was looking after people who needed more care than she could give them. Wed have to escalate them to ICU because they started requiring extra oxygen and having trouble breathing, but ICU got so full that we couldnt actually send the patients up - some of them were waiting nine hours before they got to ICU, she said. The paramedic For Kieran Egan, Sydneys Delta wave in 2021 was the hardest time of his life. Mr Egan, a delegate with the Health Services Union and paramedic with NSW Ambulance in south-west Sydney, saw first-hand the effects of COVID-19 on his community. It was incredibly demoralising to be seeing people in the same condition over and over again; people who are incredibly unwell and struggling to breathe, but are young and otherwise fit and healthy, Mr Egan said. Paramedic Kieran Egan is a delegate with the Health Services Union. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone It was incredibly, emotionally hard; Ive never broken down in my job apart from working during that time, and everyone else was struggling with it too. From the very beginning of the pandemic, paramedics had extra work in decontaminating the ambulance between every patient, as well as heightened anxiety. But that was nothing compared with when Delta hit in 2021. We could end up stuck with a person with COVID during Delta when the hospitals had all their surgical wards converted to COVID wards, and they were absolutely full, Mr Egan said. In one case, he worked five or six hours overtime after taking care of one COVID patient for seven or eight hours. The crew was directed away from Liverpool Hospital, which was 10 minutes away, to Westmead Hospital, where they waited for five hours and had an X-ray, before finally being sent to North Shore Hospital. Mr Egan said the main problem this year had been staff shortages, as other paramedics either contract COVID-19 or are furloughed due to close contacts. We feel the community has moved on from COVID, but were still dealing with it as a healthcare sector, he said. The other day we had a lot of COVID jobs and one of them was a six-year-old girl who had a febrile convulsion [a seizure induced by fever], so its still out there and still dangerous, it just feels like no one wants to talk about it. The radiographer When asked to sum up the past two years as a radiographer at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Trisha Hann has one word: hectic. Ms Hann, a Health Services Union delegate, said radiographers were understaffed even before the pandemic because of a rising demand for imaging such as X-rays and ultrasounds. The impact of the pandemic was immediate. Radiographer at RPA and HSU delegate Trisha Hann. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone Basically we had to treat pretty much every patient that comes through the emergency department as potentially having COVID, Ms Hann said. What meant for us was, instead of bringing patients to our department and performing procedures like we normally do, we were going to them in the emergency department with our mobile equipment, which just completely changed our workflow and made everything take twice or three times as long. Ms Hann said double shifts became common, or someone on an 8am to 4pm shift might be rostered on to also work midnight to 8am. If you say no, the problem is youre not just saying no to your manager, youre also saying no to the people wholl be working and struggling without you, she said. We all feel that we owe it to our colleagues and the patients. Earlier in the pandemic, staff shortages arose because of strict rules about close contacts. Now it was because the virus was so widespread. The mental health nurse While the wider community had people stockpiling food and panic-buying toilet paper, the equivalent in hospitals was for PPE. Mental health nurse Nicholas Howson. Credit:Dean Sewell Nicholas Howson, a mental health nurse and the Cumberland Hospital branch delegate for the NSW Nurses & Midwives Union, said at the beginning of the pandemic there was a shortage and that led to panic usage or rainy-day stockpiling. There was a time when people were literally given two masks a day and told you have to make these last because theyre too expensive, he said. Mr Howson said the mental health hospital was operating at full capacity, and he knew from the hospitals in his network there was unmet demand, with many emergency departments facing a surge in self-harm and mental health presentations. Loading The biggest problem was patients who would normally come in for a two-week stay would end up staying six or eight weeks because it was so difficult to organise accommodation and Centrelink payments, and patients with COVID-19 could not be released into the community if they had nowhere to isolate. He said staff also found it disheartening that management would chastise staff for raising safety concerns, saying they had filled out the wrong form and leaving an overall impression they were trying to stop a record of events that endanger patients. You manage, and you manage, and its fine until its not, Mr Howson said. But when its not fine in a healthcare setting, something generally goes very terribly wrong. Someone gets hurt. Someone dies. There were 17 people who made an offer on that house and the majority of people offered more for it, he said. Loading If you are younger and you dont have [five] property references, give more personal ones from friends, family and workplaces. We had five young boys looking to rent a house for $1000 per week. They were chosen over other applicants because of their references and the effort they put in. He also said tenants needed to be willing to branch out when looking for an area to live. I do think it is a fair process... I feel for lower income earners and I think the state government needs to do more to provide housing, he said. I just dont think people who are struggling would be applying for a $700 per week house... I think it is really up to the owners to decide how much to accept for their home. SOCO Realty property management director Ashleigh Goodchild said she would not recommend offering more money, but it had become more common for tenants to do so. I think people are anxious to see so many people at a home open and they feel they have to offer more to stand out, between $10 and $100 extra, she said. Usually they are offering around $25 more per week ... but I would say that the best way to stand out is to write a really good cover letter telling us why you like the property and a bit about you. People have started to write these more since the rental market tightened and many include pictures of them with their family, or pictures of their pets if they have them. Goodchild said she had also noticed people were offering months of rent in advance, and had recently seen a tenant offer six months upfront to secure a home while he was between jobs. She said another had offered 12 months. From what I have seen, offering more money only works if there are multiple applications of the same standard and the incentive adds an edge the others dont have, Goodchild said. Real Estate Institute of WA president Damian Collins said he also believed tenants were offering more than the asking price, with only a 0.5 per cent rental vacancy rate in Perth. With the low available rental stock and high demand, we are seeing some tenants offer more than the asking price to secure a property, he said. This is more common if they have missed out on other properties. Our vacancy rate across WA is very low, however every week more than 700 properties just in Perth are leased by REIWA agents, meaning that there are still properties available. The national rental vacancy rate fell to one per cent in March, halving year-on-year, Domains latest Rental Vacancy Rate report found. Landlords in competitive markets were being inundated with applications across the country amid the shortage of available rentals. Domain chief of research and economics Nicola Powell said the already strained rental markets were under increased pressure following the reopening of international and domestic borders. Loading With many cities already sitting at record high asking rents, combined with the current tightening conditions, were likely to see rental price increases continue, causing worsened conditions for tenants, Powell said. Collins said despite the rent increases in the last 12 months, WA still remained the most affordable place to rent in the county. The proportion of family income required to make rent repayments in WA is just 19.7 per cent, compared to New South Wales, 26.1 per cent, and Tasmania, 30 per cent, he said. Australian Greens candidate for Perth Caroline Perks said the shortage of affordable, quality housing in WA was a crisis requiring urgent government attention. The housing market is rigged in favour of wealthy investors, and the gap in affordability is only widening, she said. With property ownership being out of reach for many, its alarming that the rental market is seeing such fierce competition and so few rights or protections for renters. She said rental bidding was now commonplace and this was having distressing consequences for the community. A safe home is one of our most important and basic needs, and this includes building standards during heat waves and severe weather events, Perks said. The Premiers office has carriage of the strategic assessment project, but a state government spokeswoman gave no indication when exactly the process would start up again, despite the rolling state of emergency in WA looking like it could come to an end this year. We anticipate returning to it in due course, she said. UDIA WA chief executive Tanya Steinbeck said it was understandable the work was paused while the pandemic unfolded, but this should no longer be the case. The reality is that an alternative crisis has occurred and what we have now is a dire housing shortage with land identified for development by the state government is increasingly constrained by a range of environmental considerations, she said. The lowering of environmental assessment thresholds mean that certainty of development outcomes is rapidly diminishing. Meanwhile, the piecemeal assessment of individual land use and development proposals provides little certainty of environmental outcomes and prevents opportunities for wholistic environmental management responses. A strategic assessment process that considers the bigger picture and specifically considers key growth areas would provide better outcomes for the environment and much needed certainty for developers. The lack of action also continues to be a concern for scientists and environmentalists when it comes to protecting the green values of the Swan Coastal Plain, which is a globally significant biodiversity hotspot. The draft plan also suggested setting aside a minimum 116,000 hectares of habitat for endangered black cockatoo species which were recently included on the federal governments 100 priority species for protection list. Loading But both the forest red-tailed black cockatoo and Baudins cockatoo were included on the top-20 threatened species, compiled by the Australian Conservation Foundation, to be most affected by federal government approvals to clear habitat over the past 10 years. Over the same period of time the Carnabys black cockatoo had about 580 hectares of habitat cleared for commercial development, 637 hectares for housing and 1276 hectares for transport projects. Save the Black Cockatoo campaign coordinator Paddy Cullen said with the state government set to chop down the last of the Gnangara pine plantation, a key feeding ground for the bird in Perths north-east, that more than 50 per cent of the population could starve to death as an outcome. We need to get a move on or were going to lose so many species if we dont start protecting them and make nature central to how we develop our societies, he said. Loading The questions do need to keep being asked when are we going to bring this [strategic assessment] back. [The government] said COVID was the reason they cant do anything but if COVID cant stop them chopping down trees it shouldnt stop them saving trees. Were in a biodiversity crisis, were in a climate crisis. We can deal with both these issues at the same time. The Save the Black Cockatoo campaign a coalition of environment groups including the WA Forest Alliance, Conservation Council of WA, Urban Bushland Council, The Wilderness Society and Birdlife Australia recently gave a seven-point emergency plan to the state government. The campaign is primarily concerned with the cutting down of the Gnangara pines, used as a softwood timber in the building industry, over the next two years without it being replaced by banksia woodlands. In November, the state government brought forward an additional 12,000 tonnes of locally grown softwood logs from future allocations to be made available sooner to meet demand in the home-building industry. The logs came from south-western Radiata pine plantations. Save the Black Cockatoos emergency plan Set targets to expand forests and woodlands. Stop the expansion of bauxite mining in native forests. Undertake a scientific review of broadscale prescribed burning. Stop the illegal shooting of black cockatoos in orchards. Save the Banksia woodlands on the coastal plain and the woodlands of the Wheatbelt. Stop the clearing of the Gnangara pines until Banksia Woodland is restored. Encourage the public and local government to plant black cockatoo food trees. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Red is the soil and blue the endless sky over the heart of Queenslands coal country, but a change of colour could be on the wind. Its a region, politicians say, that holds elections in a vice-like grip, firm as the handshakes among its stolid industrial workforce and conservative voting base. Queensland Greens Senate candidate Penny Allman-Payne. But what about progressive voices in the north? At a federal level, there are none. And Penny Allman-Payne doesnt bat an eyelid when she says no one stands up for northern Queenslanders disenfranchised by distance, left disillusioned and downtrodden. The workers. The disadvantaged children. Teachers at the brink. Advertisement As a public school teacher of 30 years, now based in Gladstone, the lead Senate candidate for the Greens talks of children living out of sheds with no power and electricity. Day after day, depressed children arrive at school hungry, anxiety weighing more heavily than schoolbags. Allman-Paynes daughter couldnt get the maternity care she needed in Gladstone so had to fly to Brisbane every month. The disparity is clear, the political aspirant says, shaking her head as she sits at a wooden table outside the Greens office in the inner-Brisbane suburb of Milton. Days earlier, Allman-Payne quit her job. Smashing the status quo has always been tough but its worth doing. Penny Allman-Payne With Prime Minister Scott Morrison expected to call the federal election on Sunday morning, Allman-Payne has flown to Brisbane as the party machines ready themselves to roll into motion. Advertisement But the idea of a Greens senator elected in a resource-reliant region raises eyebrows. Traditionalist working-class populaces typically relate to people like the brash Pauline Hanson, long since removed from her humble days of cooking fish and chips yet still calling it how it is, her One Nation party promising a commonsense approach to government. Theres also Katters Australian Party, with father and son leaders Bob and Robbie Katter respected for their support of regional workers and tough stances on issues such as youth crime. A United Australia Party billboard on the Bruce Highway near Mackay. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer And who could overlook the colourful, cashed-up Clive Palmer, whose United Australia Party already dominates advertising online and on TV, his yellow billboards ever-present the further one travels north on the Bruce Highway. Palmer took credit for helping the Coalition retain government at the 2019 federal poll; this time around, he says Australians cannot trust the Liberals, Labor or the Greens, and UAP will preference the major parties last. Advertisement Whether its Hanson, Katter or Palmer, their policies are often carefully considered nods to national polling over recent years that show Australians dont trust politicians. But the Greens are pushing hard for a second Senate seat in Queensland, joining the states sole senator from the party, Larissa Waters. They believe they need a 1.5 per cent swing to win the seat. Its going to be a hard slog, but thats how its always been, yeah? Allman-Payne says. Smashing the status quo has always been tough, but its worth doing. Representation will be one of the biggest issues, she concedes, admitting many Queenslanders are yet to see what a Greens politician looks like in their area. Griffith University political expert Paul Williams says voters are typically more conservative in the regions, but being based outside Brisbane might help Allman-Payne. People from regional Queensland hate Brisbane and they hate Canberra even more. Paul Williams Advertisement The further north you go, where weve got eco-tourism [in places such as Cairns], the Greens tend to do well. But environmental progressive candidates dont do very well in conservative, provincial Queensland. However, he says its a foregone conclusion that the Greens will pick up that second spot. I reckon it will be two Labor, two LNP, one Pauline, one Green. Really, the race is between Hanson, Palmer and Campbell Newman of the Liberal Democrats Party. I think it would be very hard to see Pauline missing out. Shes a Queensland icon and they love her in regional Queensland. Although, Clive is spending big and hes polling well in other states. Campbell is apparently polling well on the Gold Coast because thats about freedom and individual responsibility and state government regulation. Advertisement Flight tracking of the three planes operated by the RAAF for the Prime Minister and government has been disabled, making it more difficult to track the Prime Ministers movements. Dr Allen holds her seat of Higgins in Melbournes inner south-east with a margin of 3.7 per cent and will be challenged by Labor, while Mr Zimmerman holds North Sydney with a margin of 9.4 per cent and faces a fight with independent Kylea Tink. Ms McQueen, who has courted controversy in the past, said Mr Morrison is travelling very well and that she was optimistic the Coalition could win marginal seats including Dobell, Paterson and Shortland and even Eden-Monaro in NSW, but she foreshadowed losses elsewhere. Hornsby Shire mayor and NSW Liberal Party president Philip Ruddock. Credit:Mick Tsikas There are seats that we will have to compensate for. I think Trent Zimmerman may be in a lot of trouble ... I think in Victoria Katie Allen will have problems too, but we will do well with regional areas in Victoria. She added that until Labor gets back in we havent got a chance in Warringah, referring to the once blue ribbon Liberal seat held by Tony Abbott who lost it to independent Zali Steggall in 2019, and acknowledged widespread anger within the NSW division. Certainly there are party members with grievances [about NSW preselections], I too have grievances. But at this particular time I urge all members to support their candidates, she said. Loading Mr Ruddock, who last week flagged the NSW branchs constitution would be reviewed after the election because of the bitter factional fight over preselections that ultimately was taken to the High Court, acknowledged the impact of the preselection delays on the coming election fight. I think its perfectly obvious that if you have the opportunity to be [campaigning] on the ground, if you are not particularly well known locally [as a candidate], that it may enhance your prospects of success, he said. Asked whether the factional infighting, public attacks on Mr Morrison including by Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, NSW state MP Catherine Cusack and former Liberal candidate Michael Towke and delays to preselecting candidates meant NSW no longer offered a pathway to victory, Mr Ruddock said: Ive never been a commentator on these sorts of issues, but I never say never. Loading Coalition strategists have targeted NSW as the state the federal Coalition is most likely to win seats in, with as many as 10 Labor-held seats in the partys sights since last year, while looking to firewall 23 of 30 seats it holds in Queensland and 11 of 16 in Western Australia (though one is being abolished in a redistribution). In Victoria, the government hopes to hold the ultra-marginal seat of Chisholm while some in the party believe Geelong-centred Corangamite and McEwen in outer suburban Melbourne, could be within striking distance because of disaffection with the Victorian state government. The Sun-Herald and The Sunday Age have spoken to 11 members of the parliamentary Liberal Party from across the country in the past week to gauge concern over whether the factional infighting has harmed the partys election chances. The MPs, who all asked not to be named so they could speak freely, were roughly evenly split between those who said the dispute would hurt their chances and those who believed it would be forgotten by polling day. One downbeat assessment from a NSW MP was that Mr Morrison was now very, very unpopular in Sydney and that Treasurer Josh Frydenberg was much more popular than the Prime Minister. The MP said Mr Frydenberg facing a fight to hold his Victorian seat of Kooyong from so-called teal independent Monique Ryan would be needed to sandbag inner-city seats such as Mr Zimmermans and Wentworth, held by Dave Sharma, from independents too. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen There were four consequences of the NSW factional war, the MP added: First, its harder to overcome Morrisons unpopularity. Second, it makes it harder to man booths [with volunteers]. Third, its harder to raise money and fourth is the Bob Hawke principle if you cant govern yourselves, you cant govern the country. The contrary view among MPs, though, is that while the High Court challenge to preselections and free-ranging character assessments had been damaging for the party, they were far from fatal. The factional stuff hasnt been helpful. People are perplexed by it, but it will be overtaken by issues in the campaign. I just dont think people will be raising it in six weeks time, the MP said. A third MP said that at the moment the election is a referendum about Morrison and we lose every day of the week if its about him. The sooner we can shift from that to him versus Albo or team versus team the better. To that end, the MP said Mr Frydenberg, campaign spokespeople and senior ministers Simon Birmingham and Anne Ruston (who is expected to replace Greg Hunt as Health Minister), Defence Minister Peter Dutton and Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews would have to be deployed in a campaign much less presidential compared to 2019. The government starts with a notional 76 seats at this election (assuming the return of Hughes from United Australia Party), which is the barest of majorities at a time when national polls are suggesting a sizeable swing against the government. Wagner has been linked by Western intelligence agencies and news reports to Russian oligarch Yevgeniy Prigozhin, an ally of President Vladimir Putins who was indicted by US special counsel Robert Mueller for allegedly interfering in the 2016 US presidential election and who analysts say could be a middleman for Kremlin financing of the group. Loading Also unclear is who leads Wagner. According to US and European officials, Wagner is led by Dmitry Utkin, a former head of Russias foreign military intelligence agency. Washington and Brussels have imposed sanctions on individuals, including Utkin, who they say are affiliated with Wagner. The United Nations has accused the group of committing offences that possibly constitute war crimes. The firm has recruited, trained and sent private military operatives to conflict zones around the world to fuel violence, loot natural resources and intimidate civilians in violation of international law, including international human rights law, according to a European Union statement in December revealing new sanctions against the Wagner Group as part of an effort to deter Putin from invading Ukraine. One of Wagners key functions, according to the Soufan Centre, a nonprofit think tank based in New York City, is that it provides Russia with a thin veneer of plausible deniability as it engages in the pursuit of finance, influence, and vigilantism not in keeping with international norms. What is the Wagner Group doing in Ukraine? In 2014, the Wagner Group helped train, organise and arm the Russian-backed militias fighting for control of Ukraines eastern Donbas region. Wagner operatives also participated in the fighting and in intelligence gathering, according to CSIS, and were reportedly part of Russias seizure and illegal annexation of Ukraines Crimea region. Now, US officials say they are back. In January, amid Russian threats of war, Wagner reportedly began moving some of its operatives from the Central African Republic to eastern Ukraine, said Ramani. Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told reporters in March that the organisation had about 1000 fighters in the Donbas. They have used Wagner contractors in the Donbas over the last eight years, said Kirby. So this is an area where the Wagner group is experienced. Exactly how many Wagner mercenaries are in Ukraine and where they are coming from remains unknown. Although there were indications that Wagner had been recruiting from places including Libya and Syria, Kirby said he did not know how many such recruits were operating in Ukraine. The New York Times reported in March that Syrian President Bashar Assad sent hundreds of Syrian fighters to join Russian forces in Ukraine and that Syrian recruiters were drawing up lists of interested potential recruits. German intelligence officials claim to have intercepted communication between Russian forces that indicate Wagner fighters may have been involved in the indiscriminate killings of civilians in parts of Ukraine occupied by Russian forces. Where else does the group operate? In the past eight years, Wagner forces have been reported in Syria, Libya, Sudan, Mali, the Central African Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique and Venezuela, according to CSIS. Often, they are employed as security for Russian assets or the host governments; other times, they have been engaged on battlefields. Soon after Wagner Group first popped up in Ukraine, mercenaries tied to the group were reported in Syria, where in 2015 Putin intervened on the side of Assad in the countrys civil war. In Syria, the paramilitary group provided security to Russian and Syrian military facilities and participated in some fighting, such as Assads campaign to recapture the city of Palmyra. Wagner forces there also were part of the deadliest U.S.-Russian confrontation since the Cold War in 2018, when U.S. troops and their allies near Syrias Deir al-Zour responded to an attack by fighters loyal to Assad with a counterattack that killed about 100 people - Russian mercenaries among them. In oil-rich Libya, Wagner operatives have been fighting on the side of the renegade Libyan commander Khalifa Hifter in his battle to oust the U.N.-backed government, set up in 2015 to end the countrys civil war. As with the Syrian war, the fighting in Libya has become a front for regional proxy battles - and the presence of Wagner fighters has signalled that Russia is seeking a stronger hand in the Middle East and North Africa. Wagner and Russia also are expanding their political and financial reach in Africa. So far, the paramilitary group has been in 18 African countries, a number comprising more than half of the nations in which it has worked, according to CSIS. Wagner comes in, further destabilises the country, ravages the mineral resources and makes as much money as they can before they choose to leave, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Milton Sands, the head of Special Operations Command Africa, told The Washington Post in early March. The country is left poorer, weaker and less secure. Every time. In recent months in Mali, whose relations with the West are a low point, Wagner mercenaries have guarded the presidential palace and helped track extremists. In the Central African Republic, Wagner has been helping to prop up the countrys embattled government - and in exchange, a company linked to Prigozhin has been awarded licenses to mine gold and diamonds. Kyiv: A showdown looms in Ukraine as Russia appointed a new military commander and looked to concentrate its attacks on the eastern part of the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned in his nightly address to the nation that the coming week would be as crucial as any during the war, saying Russian troops will move to even larger operations in the east of our state. In his nightly address on Sunday, Zelensky warned his nation to brace for the next onslaught, calling Ukrainians the bravest people of the best country in the world. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia has lost touch with reality. Credit:AP We are coming to an end of another week, Zelensky said. Our fight for freedom, for the state. Another week that Ukraine stayed alive, despite all the efforts of Russia to destroy us. Wilmington, DE (19810) Today Cloudy and windy with periods of rain. High 51F. Winds NE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Windy with occasional rain. Low 43F. Winds NE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. Higher wind gusts possible. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said he wasnt exaggerating last week when he warned that financially troubled SUNY Erie Community College needs to take substantial action now, or face bankruptcy. Poloncarz used the B-word while announcing a new, $2.5 million retirement incentive for ECC faculty and administrators during his State of the County Address on Thursday. If everyone who qualifies takes the incentive, the college will save $6 million a year and emerge on much better footing, he said. But 100% participation is a long shot; and even if it happens, it will take more than early retirements to dig ECC out of its financial rut. ECC President David Balkin said a preliminary review by an education consulting group describes the college as suffering from years of overspending on redundant administrations and faculty across its three campuses and calls for staff cuts to reflect student enrollment that dropped by nearly half in the last decade. Consulting firm RPK Group has been evaluating ECC (with funding from the Oishei Foundation and other community groups) to help determine how the college can survive decades of what Poloncarz called practices from a bygone era and reconfigure for a stronger future. Balkin said RPKs evaluation has found that our enrollment challenges are not significantly different from those of other community colleges across the country. But of 50-plus community colleges RPK has worked with, SUNY Erie has the greatest level of resource redundancy (both staff and faculty) they have ever seen, Balkin said. ECC has been operating its North, South and City campuses with three separate infrastructures that duplicate dozens of administrative and faculty positions, he said. We need to eliminate excess infrastructure and duplication of effort to efficiently serve our community as one college that supports multiple locations, Balkin said. He said rumors that ECC is poised to close its South Campus in Orchard Park near the current and future Buffalo Bills stadiums are not true. But he said its clear that the college needs to revamp its operations and programs to meet changing workforce demands. The college currently serves 7,737 students, nearly 2,000 of them high school students receiving college credit for Advanced Placement classes. Of the remainder, 46 percent are taking classes at ECCs North Campus, 22 percent at its City Campus, 21 percent at South Campus and 11 percent are fully online, Balkin said. If you look at the demographics of whats growing and whats not, you can see that we need to deactivate some programs that arent in demand, add programs that are more impactful and consolidate programs that are spread across three campuses to one central hub. Balkin recently deactivated six South Campus programs that will be taught out to allow current students to complete them but are not accepting new students. One of the deactivated programs, an outdated class in web page design, has one student, Balkin said. While eliminating under-enrolled programs, ECC will be adding new programs in high-demand fields like automotive, advanced manufacturing and health services, he said. Since Balkin took over at ECC in February, he and Poloncarz have concluded that the colleges future depends on right-sizing its staff to reflect reality, he said. That led to Poloncarzs pledge to use $2.5 million of last years county surplus to provide the new retirement incentive for ECC administrators and faculty. Eligibility for the incentive will depend on age plus years of service, a number not yet determined. The aim is to retire enough people at 25 to 30 years of service to save $6 million a year. But without 100-percent participation, the benefit to ECC will decrease, Balkin said. Balkin said he appreciates that many retirement-eligible employees have dedicated their careers to ECC. Each have had a great impact on the lives of students and the success of our region," he said. "I know its difficult to leave one's calling. However, with many of the 144 employees who are eligible to retire earning more than three times that of less senior employees, its critical that we begin our right-sizing by offering as many employees as possible retirement incentives." ECC union leaders said they were surprised by some aspects of Poloncarzs speech. Andrew Sako, president of the Faculty Federation of Erie Community College, said he is happy the county is willing to provide a retirement incentive for his members. But hes upset that Poloncarz cited the threat of ECC going bankrupt. I dont think thats a statement you want to make when youre trying to attract students, he said. To hear the word bankruptcy and sit in the same room as youre hearing about a new Bills stadium and money for the arts, I find it hard to believe thats an appropriate comment. Sako said hes doubtful everyone who qualifies will take the incentive. If they don't, Balkin said ECC layoffs are likely by fall to stave off a projected $9 million deficit for the coming academic year. Rich Canozzi, president of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1095, said his union is in the process of finalizing a new contract with Erie County that includes zero cost-of-living adjustments and allows its 150 ECC workers to transfer to other positions with the county, the county library system or Erie County Medical Center. Canozzi said he was surprised to learn the new retirement incentive will be for faculty and administrators only, with no similar incentive for his labor union members. I understand that faculty and administrators are the ones making the higher salaries, he said. But it would still be a good gesture to offer incentives to all the unions. To my knowledge, theres $2.5 million available for retirement incentives, and if not everyone takes them, they start laying off from the bottom. So if theres money left over from that $2.5 million, Id like it to be offered to my members as well. Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Articles Sorry, there are no recent results for popular articles. Images Sorry, there are no recent results for popular images. Allentown, PA (18103) Today Cloudy, windy, and unseasonably cool with occasional rain; winds gusting 35-40mph. 2-3" of rain for many for a two day storm total.. Tonight Cloudy and windy with rain tapering to showers and gradually ending. Thank you for reading the Herald-Whig You have reached our free-content limit. If you are a current subscriber, please log in to continue viewing content or purchase a subscription by clicking the Subscribe button below. Thank you for supporting independent Journalism. Covid-19 testing sites in Erie County this week will see slight changes in locations and hours of operation. But county health officials say the changes have nothing to do with a recent uptick in positive cases. As of today, the county Health Department will operate Covid-19 testing locations at: Erie County Health Clinic, 608 William St., Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cheektowaga Senior Center, 3349 Broadway. Mondays through Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Erie County Emergency and Training Operations Center (drive-through site), 3359 Broadway. Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon. Testing that was previously offered Monday through Thursday at the Emergency and Training Operations Center was relocated to the Cheektowaga Senior Center because of training that is scheduled at the operations center, Health Department spokeswoman Kara Kane said. Additionally, hours for the Cheektowaga sites were scaled back slightly, and testing at those sites will end at 4 p.m., instead of 6 p.m., Kane said. None of the sites will be open Friday, in observance of Good Friday. The Cheektowaga emergency center drive-through site will also be closed on Saturday. Testing through Erie County Health Department sites is free. Options include a PCR test, with results in one to three business days, or a rapid test, with results in about 15 minutes. The PCR test also tests for influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Appointments are suggested, but walk-ins are welcome. Call 716-858-2929 or visit www.erie.gov/covidtest for more information. Positive Covid-19 cases in Erie County saw slight increases for most of last week. Starting April 3, the number of positive cases grew for five straight days from 104 positive cases to 308 positive cases. During that same time period, the countys overall positivity rate grew from 6% to 9%. On Friday the most recent day for which data was available the number of positive cases dropped to 266, but the positivity rate stayed at 9%. Still, health experts told The News this weekend that while the recently discovered BA.2 subvariant of the Omicron strain Covid-19 has become the leading variety of the virus, its impact has been limited. Current figures do not come close to those seen three or four months ago, when Covid-19 peaked in Western New York. Erie Countys all-time peak was Jan. 13, when the county had a 23.2% positivity rate. Our immunity wall is so much better now, so thats why its very muted, Dr. Thomas Russo, a specialist in infectious diseases at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, told The News late last week. Health officials said cold weather and Easter gatherings may cause the numbers to rise for the next few weeks. They said vaccination remains the best defense and they urged the public to get booster shots, especially those who are over age 65 or who have compromised immune systems. The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. NEW YORK (AP) New York City Mayor Eric Adams tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, his 100th day in office, according to a spokesperson. The first-term Democrat woke up with a raspy voice Sunday and took a PCR test that came back positive, spokesperson Fabien Levy said in a statement. Earlier Sunday, Levy had tweeted that Adams had taken a rapid test that came back negative but took the additional test out of an abundance of caution. Alice Cooper is 74 years old, but hell always be 18. Alice Cooper is 74 years old, but hell always be 18. The godfather of shock rock returned to Winnipeg Saturday night, and sang Im Eighteen, a 1971 song that was one of his first hits, midway through his 95-minute concert and proved age isnt a number, its an attitude. Its a mystical commodity he has no shortage of. Turn back the clock to 1966 when Vincent Furnier Coopers given name was 18 years old, and then imagine what a 74-year-old man would look like and what he would wear. Sure, there were performers that age on stage back then, but they werent prancing about for nearly two hours while wearing leather trousers or a straitjacket. Guitarists Ryan Roxie (front) and Nita Strauss show off their musical prowess. (Mike Sudoma / Winnipeg Free Press) But there the ageless Cooper was on Saturday, emerging from his "castle of nonsense" that was the set for his musical theatre of the absurd, wearing a top hat, a long black coat and a walking stick. He has no need for mobility aids; he runs two miles a day, he said in a recent interview. When he wasnt pointing the cane menacingly at the crowd of about 3,500 during the openers Feed My Frankenstein and No More Mr. Nice Guy, he twirled it like a majorette. Backing Cooper was a five-piece band with a triple-guitar attack that brought an in-your-face heavy metal sound Cooper pretty much invented. Alice Cooper fan Roques Andres came from Saskatoon to come see the performer for the 40th time. Andres will be following the tour for the next six shows across Canada. (Mike Sudoma / Winnipeg Free Press) There were also a cast of characters the theatrical part of the show that ranged from a giant inflatable Frankenstein, warriors from the Crusades who helped move large props, a ghostly woman carrying a candelabra and an easily frightened Hunchback of Notre Dame, who was part stagehand, part Cooper manservant. They played most of Coopers big songs from early in his career, such as Under My Wheels and Billion Dollar Babies, but his talent with a turn of phrase lingers, especially in one of his newer tracks, 2017s Fallen in Love, which pokes fun at his age: "Ive fallen in love, and I cant get up." While many musical artists have become subjects of jukebox musicals, with impersonators acting as Buddy Holly, the Beatles and Janis Joplin, among others, Cooper sets an acting and singing bar that will be difficult to match, let alone surpass if he ever decides to forego his ghoulish makeup and put his guillotine in storage. Bandmates Chuck Garric (from left), Ryan Roxie, Nita Strauss and Tommy Henrikson back up Cooper in No More Mr Nice Guy. (Mike Sudoma / Winnipeg Free Press) Imitations take one or two obvious aspects of someone and exaggerate them a little bit can go a long way to remind audiences what made that person so memorable. Cooper has already been doing that for more than 50 years, and on Saturday he showed there isnt one campy aspect of Alice Cooper, the character, that he hasnt built beyond anyones imagination. Cooper is also wily, bringing on the crazier costumes, characters and macabre scenes during lesser-known songs, keeping peoples focused on the stage instead of seeking out a final beer at the concessions. With crazy costumes and macabre scenes, the wily Cooper kept the audience enraptured. (Mike Sudoma / Winnipeg Free Press) The crowd had a wide variety of ages, but they all dug Schools Out, arguably his most famous song, during the encore, and a verse from Pink Floyds equally famous Another Brick in the Wall "Hey, teacher. Leave them kids alone." fits the melody like a leather-studded glove. Los Angeles metal group Buckcherry opened for Cooper and their set was definitely performed in the key of F-sharp. When they began with the song 54321, they tromped on the gas and kept it there for 50 minutes. The isolation that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world into has limited our normal social interaction, and that includes the casual use of obscenities with friends, relatives and colleagues. Cooper, with guitarist Nita Strauss, was an ageless rock icon on stage. (Mike Sudoma / Winnipeg Free Press) Think about it. When youre on one of those interminable Zoom calls from work, its seems so inappropriate to curse while a dozen people are staring at you, seeking workplace solutions rather than human-resource problems. So when Buckcherry closed with their biggest song it has a nasty word; go look it up, its got over 100 million listens on Spotify their brigade of fans who were there to see them as much as Cooper found it cathartic to curse along with shirtless frontman Josh Todd. Alan.Small@winnipegfreepress.com Twitter: @AlanDSmall If you value coverage of Manitobas arts scene, help us do more. Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow the Free Press to deepen our reporting on theatre, dance, music and galleries while also ensuring the broadest possible audience can access our arts journalism. BECOME AN ARTS JOURNALISM SUPPORTER Click here to learn more about the project. With more than 50 years of music and showmanship under his top hat, Cooper shows no signs of slowing down. (Mike Sudoma / Winnipeg Free Press) OTTAWA - Try to guess which of these movies is Canadian: Disneys Turning Red, which tells the story of growing up as a Chinese-Canadian teen in Toronto and stars Ottawa-born Sandra Oh, or the Oscar-winning sci-fi epic Dune from Montreal director Denis Villeneuve and a team of Canadian collaborators. An actor believed to be Ryan Reynolds is dressed as Deadpool on a movie set in downtown Vancouver, B.C. Monday, April 13, 2015. What constitutes a Canadian film, TV program or "content" is at the heart of new legislation before Parliament that would require streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ to feature a certain amount of Canadian content, similar to the obligations long placed on traditional broadcasters. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward OTTAWA - Try to guess which of these movies is Canadian: Disneys Turning Red, which tells the story of growing up as a Chinese-Canadian teen in Toronto and stars Ottawa-born Sandra Oh, or the Oscar-winning sci-fi epic Dune from Montreal director Denis Villeneuve and a team of Canadian collaborators. Under Canadas broadcasting laws, neither is considered to be a homegrown film. Policy-makers and experts in Canadas creative industries are now grappling with the thorny issue of what, precisely, makes a film or television program Canadian. The definition is at the heart of new legislation before Parliament that would require streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ to feature a certain amount of Canadian content, similar to the obligations long placed on traditional broadcasters. Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez says he plans to ask the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission to spell out what counts as Canadian content after Bill C-11 passes through Parliament. The legislation would increase investment in Canadas creative industries, he says, allowing Canadians to more widely tell their own stories. Interested parties will have the opportunity to share their views during public proceedings after Rodriguez issues his policy direction, says the broadcast regulator. Should Bill C-11 pass, it would create a more equitable playing field for Canadian creators and corporations, while ensuring that audiences will benefit from the enhanced visibility of Canadian content, says Christa Dickenson, executive director and CEO of Telefilm Canada. But some experts warn the current definition of Canadian content needs to be broadened and modernized to reflect the way television programs and film are made today. Otherwise, they caution, it could create a disincentive for studios to invest in Canadian talent if their work doesnt officially qualify as Canadian. This could lead to less investment in co-productions or Canadian-led big budget films, and more time spent on small, cheaper Canadian productions that tick the right regulators boxes, warns Michael Geist, Canada Research Chair in internet and e-commerce law at the University of Ottawa. He argues there should be more flexibility about defining what makes a film Canadian. Its one of the most restrictive, narrowly defined systems in the world, even excluding Canadian authors, he said, pointing to The Handmaid's Tale, a hit TV adaptation of the novel by Canadian author Margaret Atwood, which did not count as a Canadian production. Government policy is already a success in enticing productions to Canada, Geist added. This is where we should be starting from an economic perspective. The major streaming companies are already investing huge sums in Canadians' creative work, he said, and their algorithms encourage Canadians, and people around the world, to watch it. Canadian films or television programs that might not tick all the official boxes can still show up in a Netflix search. But the Canadian Media Producers Association said the bill would prevent "the shift to a branch-plant industry that is dependent on companies headquartered outside of our borders." "Its important for Canadian producers to own the rights to their stories," the association said in a written statement. "When they own their intellectual property, they own their stories, and can invest that revenue back into our industry." The current definition of Canadian content, though popular with many in Canada's film industry, has led to some curious anomalies. Some of the highest-profile movies featuring and made by Canadians in recent year have not officially counted as Canadian. Marvels Deadpool, starring Canadian A-lister Ryan Reynolds, is based on a Canadian comic book character and was filmed in Vancouver. Canadian Paul Wernick co-wrote the screenplay. Yet Deadpool did not qualify as Canadian under the rules of the Canadian Audio-Visual Certification Office. Those rules require a Canadian producer and a Canadian director or screenwriter. Points are awarded for the number of Canadians in leading roles or other key creative positions. Canadians must also feature prominently in the production and post-production. That has some in the film industry and across government questioning whether the points system could do with some updating. They wonder if points should be awarded to Canadian production roles that closely reflect the way movies are made today, not three decades ago, such as recognition of key audiovisual jobs and animators. Canada is not the only country that has grappled with this question. In the U.K., the definition of what constitutes a British film is broader, incorporating films made by a foreign production company about a recognizably British subject, such as the life of Shakespeare or the 1940 Battle of Britain. Many Hollywood productions thanks to generous tax breaks, the availability of Canadian talent including actors, extras, technical expertise and post-production facilities, not to mention diverse locations are made in Canada. Reynolds Mastin, president and CEO of the Canadian Media Producers Association, says modernizing the broadcasting act "can ensure that Canadians have control over our culture and our stories, and can support the production of shows that reflect the people and places of Canada. "Updated legislation will support the growth of a strong and self-sufficient Canadian production sector and require foreign streaming services that make billions from Canadian subscribers to invest in Canadian productions," he said. Ready, Pet, Go! Leesa Dahl looks at everything to do with our furry, fuzzy, feathered, fishy (and more!) pet friends. Arrives in your inbox each Monday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Peter Grant, a former member of the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Legislative Review Panel, said ensuring that Canadian production companies remain central to the definition is crucial. He says the current definition supports Canadian creatives while giving them the flexibility to veer into themes that are not obviously Canadian. Prioritizing Canadian talent wont stop them from making it big in Hollywood, he added. The Canadian content rules that the CRTC currently employs are all based on the premise that the production company must be owned by a Canadian, or the amount of money spent on Canadian talent, he said. In defining Canadian content the proprietary rights must be held by a Canadian. But it doesnt have to look Canadian or be about a Canadian story. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 10, 2022. Members of the city's Muslim community met Friday night at the Winnipeg Grand Mosque on Waverley Street for a fundraising iftar, the nightly meal following a day of fasting for Ramadan, to raise money for people suffering during the civil war in Yemen. Members of the city's Muslim community met Friday night at the Winnipeg Grand Mosque on Waverley Street for a fundraising iftar, the nightly meal following a day of fasting for Ramadan, to raise money for people suffering during the civil war in Yemen. "The month of Ramadan is not just about holding ourselves as Muslims from eating and drinking, but charity and being generous in supporting others both locally and abroad," said Usama Khan, CEO of Islamic Relief Canada, the organization that held the event. To read more of this story first reported by CBC News, click here. This content is made available to Free Press readers as part of an agreement with CBC that sees our two trusted news brands collaborate to better cover Manitoba. Questions about CBC content can be directed to talkback@cbc.ca. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) Republican Bill McSwain pledges to be a pro-energy governor by turning on the spigot of natural gas. Another hopeful, Dave White, says he wants Pennsylvania to be the energy capital of the world. A third candidate, Lou Barletta, says having a glut of natural gas in the ground without a pipeline is like being in college and having a keg of beer without a tap. FILE - Lou Barletta takes part in a forum for Republican candidates for governor of Pennsylvania at the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference in Camp Hill, Pa., April 1, 2022. Barletta, says having a glut of natural gas in the ground without a pipeline is like being in college and having a keg of beer without a tap. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) Republican Bill McSwain pledges to be a pro-energy governor by turning on the spigot of natural gas. Another hopeful, Dave White, says he wants Pennsylvania to be the energy capital of the world. A third candidate, Lou Barletta, says having a glut of natural gas in the ground without a pipeline is like being in college and having a keg of beer without a tap. In Pennsylvania, the No. 2 natural gas producer after Texas, the importance of the industry is emerging as a top issue among Republican contenders for governor before the state's May 17 primary. The issue has taken on new urgency in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has revived the debate over how to enhance domestic energy production and spurred a pledge from President Joe Biden to increase liquefied natural gas exports to Europe to undercut Russia's leverage there. Despite promises by the Republican candidates, however, there are constraints on what they could do in office. While governors have influence over state agencies and lawmaking, they have limited ability to grant what the industry really wants, like building interstate pipelines and big processing facilities. Thats because other states and federal policy are involved. They dont control those things, said David Masur, executive director of PennEnvironment, a Philadelphia-based environmental group. Their power, if elected, stops at the border of Pennsylvania. And if other states have aggressive climate-change agendas, clean-energy agendas, the marketplace makes clean energy competitive, if not cheaper, than fossil fuels. Industry leaders describe drilling in Pennsylvania as strong and access to gas as plentiful, with established pipeline rights of way and thousands of wells waiting to be drilled into the nations most prolific gas reservoir, the Marcellus Shale. But for examples of Pennsylvanias limits, look no farther than its borders. Democratic governors in neighboring New York and New Jersey have effectively blocked the construction of major interstate pipelines the Constitution and the PennEast pipelines carrying gas from Pennsylvania to big metropolitan areas and, possibly, yet-to-be-built facilities to liquefy and export liquefied natural gas, or LNG. The states seem unlikely to change that position anytime soon. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who won reelection last year, remains committed to his promise to reach 100% clean energy in the state and an 80% reduction in planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, his office said. Interstate pipelines and LNG facilities also require federal approval and face opposition from environmental groups, which say natural gas mustn't be a long-term energy solution because it emits the potent greenhouse gas methane. The industry and its Republican allies contend that natural gas can make the U.S. more energy independent and counter Russias influence, while being planet-friendlier than higher-carbon oil and coal. Toby Rice, president and CEO of Pittsburgh-based gas exploration firm EQT Corp., projects that it would take 6,500 miles (over 10,400 km) of pipeline and $250 billion in LNG infrastructure in the U.S. to serve the U.S. and Europe and substantially cut coal use worldwide by 2030. Still, scientists are increasingly alarmed at the growing amount of natural gas infrastructure and say it will threaten efforts to slash carbon emissions to necessary goals. The presumed Democratic nominee for governor, state Attorney General Josh Shapiro, talks of balancing natural gas with expanding renewable energy. Shapiro ran for attorney general vowing to hold the gas industry accountable. He challenged the move by President Donald Trumps administration to allow LNG to be shipped by rail, criminally charged several companies and issued a grand jury report on the need to toughen industry regulations. During his campaign for governor, he has taken a middle-of-the-road stance partly a nod to influential labor unions whose workers build power plants, pipelines and refineries. He says it's a false choice to have to pick between environmental justice and the dignity of work and energy opportunity. The current governor, Democrat Tom Wolf, has what environmental activists and the industry see as a mixed bag. Wolf, who is constitutionally term-limited, is aiming to make Pennsylvania the first major fossil-fuel state to impose a carbon pricing plan, although his regulatory effort is currently held up in court. At the same time, he pursued higher taxes on natural gas production, but missed meaningful opportunities to combat greenhouse gases, environmental advocates say. He also stepped up for the industry: His administration issued permits for major gas-fired power plants, pipelines and refineries, and Wolf himself signed off on tax breaks to lure natural gas synthesis plants. Now, interest in building big, natural gas-fueled projects is surging, and a new governor could take office in 2023 with opportunities to land some. Fulfilling Biden's promises to surge natural gas exports to Europe could mean expanding existing pipelines across Pennsylvania and building new LNG terminals, possibly along the Delaware River near Philadelphia. We think that there is an opportunity for Pennsylvania to become a major LNG exporter, Rice said. Beyond LNG, industry boosters are optimistic about landing a gas-fed hydrogen fuel plant funded by Biden's infrastructure law in southwestern Pennsylvania, plus the construction of refineries across Pennsylvania's rural gas fields to make fertilizer, chemical products and fuels. Meanwhile, a proposal for an LNG facility in northeastern Pennsylvania that had envisioned transporting its product by rail to a Philadelphia-area export terminal is on hold and Biden's administration is moving to suspend the Trump-era LNG-by-rail rule. While a governor might not single-handedly give the gas industry what it wants, he or she could be helpful, industry advocates say. Barletta, White, McSwain and others in the nine-person GOP primary field for governor talk about stripping down unnecessary regulations or speeding up permitting times. That might help lure a big project, as would slashing Pennsylvania's corporate tax rate, said Gene Barr, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. Being a vocal advocate could help too, like lobbying a fellow governor in a neighboring state to permit a pipeline, Barr said. In recent days, Pennsylvanias Republican-controlled Legislature took up a pro-industry package of measures, including a resolution urging the governors of New York and New Jersey to allow the construction of gas pipelines from Pennsylvania. Ready, Pet, Go! Leesa Dahl looks at everything to do with our furry, fuzzy, feathered, fishy (and more!) pet friends. Arrives in your inbox each Monday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. During that debate, Democratic state Rep. Greg Vitali said the idea that a legislative resolution would sway those governors is fanciful. Theyre going to make their own decisions with regard to which pipelines they accept, Vitali said, "and which pipelines they reject. ___ Associated Press writer Michael Catalini in Trenton, New Jersey, contributed to this report. ___ Follow Marc Levy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/timelywriter. If you havent visited Western Paint at 521 Hargrave St. in the last, oh, 100 years, you may not recognize the joint. If you havent visited Western Paint at 521 Hargrave St. in the last, oh, 100 years, you may not recognize the joint. The family-run operation, which opened on Smith Street in 1908 before relocating to its long-standing digs in the Exchange District three years later, recently underwent a bit of an overhaul. Two months ago, Paul Schimnowski, 71, who succeeded his father, Jack, as owner 35 years ago, shifted the stores extensive paint and paint-supply division over a few metres, to a space formerly occupied by workers desks and such. That paved the way for a new, 3,000-square-foot showroom fully stocked with live-edge, wood furniture built by Rob Sargsyan, a Headingley-based artisan originally from Eastern Europe. Paul Schimnowski knows the future of the business is in good hands, with daughter Jennifer Schimnowski-Fredrickson learning the ropes. Live-edge furniture is the companys latest offshoot. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press) While some might wonder what a company that has been in the paint game for 114 years is doing peddling tables and chairs, Schimnowski explains its simply a matter of moving with the times, a lesson he learned from his dad, who learned it from company founder Ernest Guertin. These arent the "good, old days" when Western Paints sole competition was other paint stores, says Schimnowski, who lives with his wife on the top two floors of the four-story building, recognizable by a colourful mural on a south-facing wall that reads, "The painters supply house since 1908." "Now that a person can buy paint wherever they go, pretty much, we have to come up with different ways to get them through the door," he says, mentioning he fell in love with live-edge furniture during a trip to Texas seven years ago, and started thinking about partnering with Sargsyan in January, when he first became aware of his talent. "So far, so good," he continues, seated in his second-floor office, directly adjacent to one occupied by his daughter Jennifer Schimnowski-Fredrickson, who is also heavily involved in the day-to-day affairs. "We havent held an official, grand opening for the showroom yet, but weve already sold a few pieces." Western Paint on Hargrave Street is a go-to for film production companies preparing sets in Winnipeg. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press) Ernest Guertin, the posthumous recipient of a 2021 Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Award, was born in Montreal in 1878. He was in his early 20s when he moved to Winnipeg to work at an artist-supply store called P.D. Dodds, located directly across the street from what is presently the Marlborough Hotel. According to a 1958 Free Press article toasting Western Paints 50th anniversary, Guertin scraped together every penny he could to buy P.D. Dodds in 1908, after learning it was set to close. That same report touched on how Guertin quickly became a familiar figure in the downtown core, where he routinely rode his bicycle to and fro, dropping off orders and collecting for past sales. The way Schimnowski understands the story, his father was strolling past Western Paint one morning in the late 1930s when Guertin, a cousin of his, called out to ask if he was interested in coming to work for him. The elder Schimnowski didnt know a lick about paint he was a tobacco salesman at the time, his son says but replied, "Sure, why not?" The Western Paint mural on the south-facing wall of the building. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press) Following Guertins death in 1953, Jack Schimnowski, a St. Boniface alderman from 1952 to 1958, took over as owner along with Gus Cote, another longtime, Western Paint employee. Guertin, who never had children of his own, had put a provision in his will that permitted the pair to buy the business from his estate, at fair market value. (Back then, the name Western Paint was definitely apropos; the company regularly mailed merchandise catalogues across the Prairie provinces, and contractors from Thunder Bay to Edmonton made the store their first stop whenever they travelled to Winnipeg.) Paul Schimnowski chuckles when asked how he got involved in things. He was a 17-year-old high school student when his dad, who bought Cotes share in the mid-1960s, spotted him walking down the street one afternoon, when he should have been in class. His father rolled down a car window to inquire where he was going. He wasnt feeling well, he told his dad, and was headed home. One problem: their Niakwa Park abode was in the opposite direction from where his feet were pointed. (He may or may not have been on his way to a nearby pool hall, he says with a wink.) "Thats it," his father huffed. "Tomorrow youre coming to work with me." "Thats how it all started," he says, leaning back in his chair. "The next morning I was in the shipping and receiving area in the basement, making 35 bucks a week. Ive been here, ever since." While the store stocks almost any colour a customer needs, its also had to find new ways to get customers coming in, as competitors spring up. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press) There have definitely been a few ups and downs through the years, Schimnowski allows, noting his father, a larger-than-life character who was rarely seen without a lit cigar dangling out of his mouth, died in 1991, four years after retiring. Western Paint carried close to 10 different lines of paint at one point, something that set the store apart from the pack. Except when producers such as Sherwin-Williams and CIL began opening outlets of their own in the 1980s, that number was greatly reduced, which had an adverse effect on sales. (Just last week a customer replied, "No, for real?," after asking how long Western Paint has been selling Benjamin Moore products, only to be told, "Since 1908.") As well, the store used to boast the largest selection of wallpaper in Western Canada the Schimnowskis even opened a satellite location on King Edward wholly devoted to wall coverings but the rising popularity of accent walls and painted borders ultimately spelled the end of that. Jon Warren, who operates the furniture painting section of Western Paint, prepares to prime furniture parts. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press) Also, dont get Schimnowski started on faux finishes, a trend that saw paint applied minimally with a sponge or rag to give a surface a streaked look, thus requiring far less paint than a typical job. "Youd spend an hour explaining how its done, and theyd leave with one can instead of two or three," he says, shaking his head. "But like I said earlier, weve always tried to adapt to changes in the industry, which was the reason we invested $100,000 in a state-of-the-art spray booth about 15 years ago, which now employs three people full-time." Schimnowski and his daughter were definitely paying attention at the onset of COVID-19, when consumer experts predicted demand for home products such as paint would go through the roof if the pandemic lasted longer than a few months. They pre-ordered as much as possible, which meant when satins, semi-glosses and various sundries were suddenly hard to come by in the fall of 2020, their shelves remained full. "COVID has really made a lot of people suffer but its been different for us," he says. "Last year (2021) was actually our best year, sales-wise, ever." Tools in the backroom. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press) In addition to catering to people who have fond memories of shopping at Western Paint with their parents or grandparents, and now show up with their own kids in tow, Schimnowski also welcomes members of the citys film community, who routinely pop by when theyre building sets for this or that movie. For example, if youre a fan of the umpteen Hallmark Christmas features that have been shot in and around Winnipeg in the last several years, thats almost always his stores paint playing a supporting role in the background. If youre more into chiller thrillers, the producers of Violent Night, which finished shooting in the city in late March, went shopping at Western Paint, too. When that flick hits the screen later this year, that will be the stores paint, albeit blood-spattered, youll be able to spot in certain scenes. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. As proud as he is of all that, Schimnowski derives more pleasure from knowing the business is in great hands, if he ever decides to cut back on his near 60-hour work week. Not only is his daughter in the fold, so is a 24-year-old granddaughter. Shaken, not stirred: a paint can gets a right proper thrashing at Western Paint. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press) "Thats five generations, so yeah, definitely something that puts a smile on my face," he says. Finally, if you need some expert advice the next time a room at home needs a fresh coat, youre probably smarter to ask his better half. "My wife is far and away the better painter, though she has her suspicions I do a bad job on purpose the same as with barbecuing to get out of doing it, period. Not that its worked yet, ha ha." David Sanderson writes about Winnipeg restaurants and businesses. david.sanderson@winnipegfreepress.com Stable or slightly increasing levels of COVID-19 in Minnesota are mostly driven by a fast-spreading BA.2 subvariant that has fueled outbreaks elsewhere in recent weeks. Sampling of Twin Cities wastewater detected a 2% increase in viral load over the past week, and that 78% of the viral material involved BA.2. Fridays wastewater data from the Metropolitan Council agreed with the latest genomic sequencing results from COVID-19 testing labs that found BA.2 in 62% of infections in the week ending March 25. The rising presence of BA.2 leaves Minnesota in a wait-and-see mode as COVID-19 numbers have flattened over the past two weeks. COVID-19 hospitalizations in Minnesota declined from a peak of 1,629 on Jan. 14 to 201 on March 25 but have hovered at that level for two weeks. There were 200 COVID-19 hospitalizations in Minnesota on Thursday. Some other states are starting to rise a bit now, said Curtis Storlie, a creator of the Mayo Clinic COVID-19 predictive model that forecasts a mild increase in coronavirus infections in Minnesota over the next two weeks. I would be surprised if we didnt see a bit of an uptick in Minnesota in a month or so. Beyond that it is always hard to say. BA.2 is believed to spread 30% faster than an earlier version of the omicron variant that caused record COVID-19 cases in Minnesota this winter. The subvariant is largely responsible for recent waves in parts of Europe, but its unclear if it will fuel an uptick in Minnesota. Only 48.9% of Minnesotans 5 and older are considered up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, meaning they recently completed the initial series or received scheduled booster doses after earlier shots, according to state data. However, that vaccination rate combined with the large number of people with temporary immunity after recent omicron infections could shield Minnesota. Variants of concern havent always produced COVID-19 waves. The beta variant didnt spread widely in Minnesota last spring after it was identified in Brazil, but the delta and omicron variants emerged in the fall and winter and doubled the states number of coronavirus infections to more than 1.4 million. COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota increased from 7,734 through last June to 12,440, including six deaths reported on Friday. People younger than 60 made up only 8% of Minnesotas COVID-19 deaths through June, but 18% of the deaths since that time as they have been less likely to seek vaccine. The state has reported 154 COVID-19 deaths in March, down from 1,078 in December at the peak of the delta wave and 517 in February. Dr. Gregory Poland, director of Mayo Clinics Vaccine Research Group, urged people to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and avoid complacency over the improving numbers. In any other context, Americans would be shocked if 30,000 people were becoming sick per day and 500 to 1,000 were dying, he said. That is COVID as we know it right now, today, he said. And what are we doing? We are pretending the pandemic is over. Minnesota saw an uptick with nearly 40,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses administered last week after federal health authorities OKd second booster doses to restore immunity levels. The state ranks second in the U.S. with 62% of fully vaccinated adults receiving first boosters to maintain immunity. However, more than 1 million Minnesotans 5 and older have received no vaccine, and some fully vaccinated people have lost immunity without boosters. New variants such as XE already are emerging and could present threats even if BA.2 doesnt produce a COVID-19 wave. Poland said fully vaccinated people with low risks or recent breakthrough infections could wait and observe pandemic trends before getting a second booster, but people who are vulnerable to COVID-19 should consider it right away. Wastewater sampling has become an increasingly important measure of pandemic activity as other statistical measures have weakened. Models based on COVID-19 cases have been challenged by the growth in at-home rapid tests, which arent included in public tallies. The positivity rate of COVID-19 testing has been a stable indicator of pandemic severity in Minnesota. But data from April 4 onward could be less reliable because some labs are no longer required to report negative test results that are used in the calculation. Minnesotas positivity rate was 3% in the week ending March 30, well below the peak of 23.5% on Jan. 10 but also an increase from a low of 2.7% on March 20. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A downtown Baraboo yoga studio wasnt filled Saturday night with people looking for a workout but rather the sounds of Ukrainian music to benefit those affected by Russias weeks-long invasion of the country. The Concert for Ukraine collected funds at Its All About You, yoga and more to help the people in Ukraine. Olga Maslova, who was born and raised in Ukraine, is a yoga instructor at the studio at 102 4th St. Maslova is from the city of Luhansk. She said much of her family is still in Ukraine but said they are safe. I know people that have gone to Poland and into Europe to get out of Ukraine, Maslova said. A lot of my friends from Kyiv and Odesa fled their homes, and some of them lost their homes because of the shelling. Maslova said the concert was organized to help people who have lost their homes, job and family members to the war. Our community is amazing. Weve already sent money to volunteer organizations, Maslova said. Tatsiana has been amazing. Shes allowed us to use this space. Ive seen people for the first time who are here to support Ukraine. Tatsiana ONeill is another instructor at the studio. She said that hearing what Maslovas family and friends in Ukraine made the situation real for her and others. It wasnt just something that you read in the news, ONeill said. This is real and its happening right now. When you see that you just have to do something and thats why were doing this. Since the war in Ukraine started, Maslova has held a number of fundraising events and has sent the money to humanitarian groups and directly to families that she knows. The money raised on Saturday night will go directly to Ukraine but after it is discussed. Cindy Schick has family connections in Ukraine and helped organize the event. She said there will be a committee formed on where to send the money will go. It will go to where there is the greatest need, Schick said. We felt helpless here while watching what was going on, Schick said. Its traumatic to watch and witness. This has brought people together for a good cause. Michi Regier played traditional Ukrainian music on her fiddle for the audience on Saturday night. The evening began with meditation and yoga to prepare people for the music. There was also a space outside of the studio for people to decorate blue and yellow paper creating a peace flag. Schick and ONeill said with the support on Saturday from members of the studio and others they might hold another similar event in the future but probably at a bigger space. We dont know yet, but it will probably need to be bigger than the yoga studio, ONeill said as she peeked into the studio. Yes, its already filling up so next time we might do something bigger and better. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Refugee resettlement, which helped turn around Western New Yorks decades-long population slide, is getting a boost from state lawmakers. The $220 billion state budget approved Saturday includes $6 million to aid refugees in building a new life after fleeing countries torn apart by war or political strife. Its double the amount awarded in 2021 and the most state money committed to refugee resettlement since the New York Enhanced Services to Refugees Program was created in 2017. Much of the money will likely end up in Western New York, which has four resettlement agencies. Hochul eyes re-election with budget that pleases powerful interests, annoys fellow Democrats Gov. Kathy Hochul, who must run for re-election in November, frustrated Legislature Democrats after introducing two contentious issues late during the process: criminal-justice reforms and $600 million in state aid for a new Buffalo Bills stadium. Theres not many occasions where you can do Gods work and also have it be so that it benefits your community economically, said State Sen. Sean Ryan (D-Buffalo), who pushed for the funding along with Assemblyman Jon Rivera (D-Buffalo). Its the work coming out of Buffalo that showed we can pretty quickly integrate refugees into our schools, our community, our economy, and that its actually a long-term gain and not a detriment. An uptick in resettlement is anticipated statewide, as President Biden agreed last year to admit 125,000 refugees into the U.S. far more than were allowed during the Trump administration. Over the past six months, the Buffalo Niagara region took in more than 600 evacuees from Afghanistan alone, and a second phase of Afghan arrivals could happen later this year, said Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, interim director of the International Institute of Buffalo. More than 16,000 refugees from across the globe settled in the City of Buffalo over the past two decades, said Ryan. Data from the 2020 Census showed that Buffalos population grew for the first time in 70 years, and many experts have pinned that growth primarily on new immigration to the city via refugee resettlement efforts. Erie Countys population also grew to 954,236 people in 2020, up from 919,040 a decade earlier. The gains could help spur an increase in federal funding to the region. Ryan said he believes the region has the capacity to add more refugees, but resettlement agencies need help in handling what is expected to be a surge in admissions amid growing political instability and hostility in other parts of the world, including Ukraine. Will Buffalo see a Ukrainian refugee influx? Not for a while It's far too soon to know when, or how many. And it may not be a huge number, simply because Ukrainian refugees have options closer to home. An estimated 4.5 million Ukrainians fled their home country since Russian armed forces invaded in late February. The Biden administration recently announced the U.S. will take 100,000 Ukrainian evacuees, although local resettlement agencies have received no official word yet on what role they will play, Rizzo-Choi said. The Ukrainian population is still a big question, she said. The regions four resettlement agencies the International Institute, Catholic Charities of Buffalo, Journeys End and Jewish Family Services will receive a sizeable chunk of the $6 million to use toward resettlement efforts. Federal aid covers the cost of casework by a resettlement agency for up to 90 days after a refugees arrival in a host community. But many refugees often need services beyond three months. Ninety days is a very short window for somebody to acclimate to their entire new life in a foreign country, especially if they dont speak the languages that are spoken here, said Rizzo-Choi. The state money allows agencies to continue providing services such as employment training after the 90 days, easing refugees transitions into communities, she said. The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Weather Alert ...The Flood Warning is cancelled for the following rivers in Indiana... White River at Elliston. ...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Indiana... Illinois... Wabash River at Lafayette down to Riverton. White River at Edwardsport. .Recent rainfall is leading to minor flooding in Indiana along most of the Wabash River and the White River at Edwardsport. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov/ind. This statement will be updated within the next 12 to 24 hours. && ...FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL TUESDAY AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Wabash River at Lafayette. * WHEN...Until Tuesday afternoon. * IMPACTS...At 15.0 feet, Flood waters approaching Warren CR 350 N in the Black Rock Preserve Area. Williamsport Road in Fountain County may begin to flood. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:30 PM EDT Friday the stage was 13.5 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 PM EDT Friday was 13.5 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 14.6 feet early Sunday morning. It will then fall below flood stage early Tuesday morning. - Flood stage is 11.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood && BEIJING, April 9 (Xinhua) To promote world peace and security, Chinese President Xi Jinping has been advocating a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. Back in 2014, while addressing the fourth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia held in Shanghai, Xi initiated the vision to tackle rising challenges facing the region. In the following years, the Chinese leader has evolved the concept and expounded it on various international occasions. The following are some highlights of his remarks in this regard. Sept. 26, 2017 While addressing the opening ceremony of the 86th Interpol General Assembly, Xi said "countries should adopt a concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and jointly respond to security challenges." He called for promoting global security governance in a more fair, reasonable and effective way. "Countries, while maintaining their own security, should take into account other countries' security," Xi said. File photo shows a media delegate viewing photos at the second edition of BRICS Media Joint Photo Exhibition in Cape Town, South Africa, July 18, 2018. [Xinhua/Chen Cheng] July 25, 2018 At a business forum at the 10th BRICS summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, Xi called on BRICS countries to promote common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. He also stressed that BRICS members should address issues that matter to all through consultation and oppose hegemony and power politics. March 26, 2019 At the closing ceremony of the China-France Global Governance Forum held in Paris, the Chinese president called for joint efforts and mutual assistance to address the peace deficit. It is advisable to uphold a new vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, discard Cold-War and zero-sum mentalities, reject the law of the jungle, and settle conflicts through peaceful ways, he said. A truck delivering containers prepares to enter the multimodal transport center in the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) local economic and trade cooperation demonstration zone in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Nov. 9, 2020. [Xinhua/Li Ziheng] Nov. 10, 2020 While addressing the 20th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Beijing via video link, Xi said: "We need to safeguard security and stability and build a community of security for us all." "Security and stability are the number one precondition for a country's development, and thus concern the core interests of all countries," he said, adding that "We need to act on the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, address all forms of threats and challenges effectively, and foster a sound security environment in our region." Sept. 3, 2021 Addressing the opening ceremony of the plenary session of the sixth Eastern Economic Forum via video link, Xi called on all parties to form synergy to safeguard regional peace and stability. All parties need to narrow differences and build consensus through dialogue and exchanges, embrace the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and work for a harmonious and tranquil homeland for us all, Xi said. Workers load a container onto a train at Urumqi China-Europe Railway Express Hub in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 12, 2020. [Xinhua/Wang Fei] March 8, 2022 Xi had a virtual summit with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during which the Chinese president urged advocation of a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. China supports France and Germany in promoting a balanced, effective and sustainable European security framework for the interests and lasting security of Europe, and by upholding its strategic autonomy, he said. The leaders also exchanged views on the current situation in Ukraine. China maintains that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter must be fully observed, the legitimate security concerns of all countries must be taken seriously, and all efforts that are conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis must be supported, he said. April 8, 2022 Xi held a phone conversation with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, during which the Chinese president stressed the importance to adopt the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. "The development of the current international situation has once again proved that regional security cannot be achieved by strengthening military alliances," Xi said. (Source: Xinhua) Weapons seized in "Operation Casper," a six-month investigation by county, local and federal law enforcement in Westchester and Putnam counties are on display Jan. 27, 2022 at Westchester Police Academy in Valhalla. More than 100 weapons, including rifles, handguns, "ghost guns" and high-capacity drum magazines were seized and 11 people were arrested facing state and federal charges. Valhalla US police agencies are sending protective gear to Ukrainian civilians in what experts call an unprecedented move KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Civilian evacuations moved forward in patches of battle-scarred eastern Ukraine on Saturday, a day after a missile strike killed at least 52 people and wounded more than 100 at a train station where thousands clamored to leave before an expected Russian onslaught. In the wake of the attack in Kramatorsk, several European leaders made efforts to show solidarity with Ukraine, with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visiting Kyiv the capital city that Russia failed to capture and where troops retreated days ago. Johnson met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a surprise visit in which he pledged new military assistance, including 120 armored vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems. Zelenskyy noted the increased support in an Associated Press interview, but expressed frustration when asked if weapons and other equipment Ukraine has received from the West is sufficient to shift the war's outcome. Not yet, he said, switching to English for emphasis. Of course its not enough. Zelenskyy later thanked Johnson and Nehammer during his nightly video address to the nation. He also thanked the European Commission president and the Canadian prime minister for a global fundraising event that raised more than 10 billion euros ($11 billion) for Ukrainians who have had to flee their homes. He added that democratic countries are united in working to stop the war. Because Russian aggression was not intended to be limited to Ukraine alone. ... The entire European project is a target for Russia. Zelenskyy repeated his call for a complete embargo on Russian oil and gas, which he called the sources of Moscow's self-confidence and impunity. More than six weeks after the invasion began, Russia has pulled its troops from the northern part of the country, around Kyiv, and refocused on the Donbas region in the east. Western military analysts said an arc of territory in eastern Ukraine was under Russian control, from Kharkiv Ukraines second-largest city in the north to Kherson in the south. But counterattacks are threatening Russian control of Kherson, according to the Western assessments, and Ukrainian forces are repelling Russian assaults elsewhere in the Donbas. Ukrainian authorities have called on civilians to get out ahead of an imminent, stepped-up offensive by Russian forces in the east. With trains not running out of Kramatorsk on Saturday, panicked residents boarded buses or looked for other ways to leave, fearing the kind of unrelenting assaults and occupations by Russian invaders that brought food shortages, demolished buildings and death to other cities. It was terrifying. The horror, the horror," one resident told British broadcaster Sky, recalling Friday's attack on the train station. "Heaven forbid, to live through this again. No, I dont want to. Ukraines state railway company said residents of Kramatorsk and other parts of the Donbas could flee through other train stations. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said 10 evacuation corridors were planned for Saturday. Zelenskyy called the train station attack the latest example of war crimes by Russian forces and said it should motivate the West to do more to help his country defend itself. Russia denied responsibility and accused Ukraines military of firing on the station to turn blame for civilian casualties on Moscow. A Russian Defense Ministry spokesman detailed the missiles trajectory and Ukrainian troop positions to bolster the argument. Major Gen. Igor Konashenkov alleged Ukraines security services were preparing a cynical staged media operation in Irpin, another town near Kyiv, intended to attribute civilian casualties to Russian forces falsely, he said and to stage the slaying of a fake Russian intelligence team that intended to kill witnesses. The claims could not be independently verified. Western experts and Ukrainian authorities insisted that Russia attacked the station. Remnants of the rocket had the words For the children in Russian painted on it. The phrasing seemed to suggest the missile was sent to avenge the loss or subjugation of children, although its exact meaning remained unclear. Ukrainian authorities have worked to identify victims and document possible war crimes in the country's north. The mayor of Bucha, a town near Kyiv where graphic evidence of civilian slayings emerged after Russian forces withdrew, said search teams were still finding bodies of people shot at close range in yards, parks and city squares. Workers unearthed 67 bodies Friday from a mass grave near a church, according to Ukraine's prosecutor general. Russia has falsely claimed that the scenes in Bucha were staged. Ukrainian and Western officials have repeatedly accused Russian forces of committing atrocities. A total of 176 children have been killed, while 324 more have been wounded, the Prosecutor Generals Office said Saturday. Speaking to AP inside the heavily guarded presidential office complex in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said he is committed to negotiating a diplomatic end to the war even though Russia has tortured Ukraine. He also acknowledged that peace likely will not come quickly. Talks so far have not included Russian President Vladimir Putin or other top officials. We have to fight, but fight for life. You cant fight for dust when there is nothing and no people. Thats why it is important to stop this war, he said. Ukrainian authorities have said they expect to find more mass killings once they reach the southern port city of Mariupol, which is also in the Donbas and has been subjected to a monthlong blockade and intense fighting. As journalists who had been largely absent from the city began to trickle back in, new images emerged of the devastation from an airstrike on a theater last month that reportedly killed hundreds of civilians seeking shelter. Military analysts had predicted for weeks that Russia would succeed in taking Mariupol but said Ukrainian defenders were still putting up a fight. The city's location on the Sea of Azov is critical to establishing a land bridge from the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine eight years ago. Many civilians now trying to evacuate are accustomed to living in or near a war zone because Moscow-backed rebels have been fighting Ukrainian forces since 2014 in the Donbas, a mostly Russian-speaking, industrial region. Ukrainian officials have pleaded with Western powers almost daily to send more arms and further punish Moscow with sanctions, including the exclusion of Russian banks from the global financial system and a total EU embargo on Russian gas and oil. Nehammer said during his visit to Kyiv that he expects more EU sanctions against Russia, but he defended his countrys opposition so far to cutting off deliveries of Russian gas. A package of sanctions imposed this week wont be the last one, the chancellor said, acknowledging that as long as people are dying, every sanction is still insufficient. Austria is militarily neutral and not a member of NATO. Johnson's visit came a day after the U.K. pledged an additional 100 million pounds ($130 million) in high-grade military equipment to Ukraine. Johnson also confirmed further economic support, guaranteeing an additional $500 million in World Bank lending to Ukraine, taking Britains total loan guarantee to up to $1 billion. Anna reported from Bucha, Ukraine. Robert Burns in Washington, Jill Lawless and Danica Kirka in London and Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report. Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Shadow Welsh Secretary visits iconic Wrexham local venues A senior Labour MP has visited two iconic venues in Wrexham as part of a north Wales tour. Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens was invited to Clwyd South by local Member of the Senedd Ken Skates on Friday (April 1). Jo Stevens, MP for Cardiff Central, was able to see first-hand how Welsh Government investment has given Plas Madoc Leisure Centre a new lease of life including work on new changing rooms following a 250,000 grant last year. She was welcomed to the centre by Stella Matthews, chair of the volunteer-run Splash Community Trust which runs Plas Madoc. The Shadow Welsh Secretary said: Visiting Plas Madoc was a trip down memory lane for me. I first visited the centre back in the 1970s as a child. Ken told me about how the wonderful team at Plas Madoc took it from almost being demolished to being named the best social enterprise in Wales. They have done an amazing job, and its become a real community hub thanks to their hard work. The centre is a brilliant example of how the Welsh Government has invested in local communities and worked alongside them. Stella told me that she didnt think it would be going without the crucial support theyve had. The Shadow Welsh Secretary later visited The Stiwt in Rhos, where she was given a tour and told about the boards plans for the future. She said: Ive never been to The Stiwt before, but I know how iconic it is not just locally but throughout Wales. Susan Elan Jones, the former MP for Clwyd South, told me many times about The Stiwt and her home village of Rhos, so its been lovely to visit and catch up with Susan, who remains a passionate member of the board. Its a stunning building, and just like at Plas Madoc it was clear to see how dedicated the team is. Its a real labour of love for the trustees. Mr Skates said: It was brilliant to welcome Jo back to Clwyd South and show her some of our most valued and iconic community facilities. I was extremely proud to be able to highlight the fantastic work being done as both venues look to the future with confidence. Weather Alert ...The Flood Warning is cancelled for the following rivers in Indiana... White River at Elliston. ...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Indiana... Illinois... Wabash River at Lafayette down to Riverton. White River at Edwardsport. .Recent rainfall is leading to minor flooding in Indiana along most of the Wabash River and the White River at Edwardsport. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov/ind. This statement will be updated within the next 12 to 24 hours. && ...FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL LATE FRIDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Wabash River at Montezuma. * WHEN...Until late Friday morning. * IMPACTS...At 20.0 feet, Park in southern Montezuma begins to flood. Higher bottomlands begin to flood. Water backs up most local tributaries. River water is at the top of some private levees. Lowest county roads begin to flood. Parke CR 75 W begins to flood. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:45 PM EDT Friday the stage was 15.9 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 8:45 PM EDT Friday was 15.9 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 19.9 feet early Sunday afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage late Thursday evening. - Flood stage is 14.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood && KYIV, Ukraine (AP) As Ukrainian forces dug in on Sunday, Russia lined up more firepower and tapped a decorated general to take centralized control of the war ahead of a potentially decisive showdown in eastern Ukraine that could start within days. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Sunday in his nightly address to the nation that the coming week would be as crucial as any in the war, saying Russian troops will move to even larger operations in the east of our state. He also accused Russia of trying to evade responsibility for war crimes in Ukraine. When people lack the courage to admit their mistakes, apologize, adapt to reality and learn, they turn into monsters. And when the world ignores it, the monsters decide that it is the world that has to adapt to them, Zelenskyy said. The day will come when they will have to admit everything. Accept the truth, he added. Experts have said that the next phase of the battle may begin with a full-scale offensive. The outcome could determine the course of the conflict, which has flattened cities, killed untold thousands and isolated Moscow economically and politically. In an interview that appeared on 60 Minutes Sunday night, Zelenskyy said Ukraines fate as the war shifts to the south and east depends on whether the United States will help match an expected surge in Russian weaponry in those regions. To be honest, whether we will be able to (survive) depends on this, said Zelenskyy, speaking through a translator. I have 100% confidence in our people and in our armed forces. But unfortunately, I dont have the confidence that we will be receiving everything we need. Zelenskyy thanked President Joe Biden for U.S. military aide to date but added that he long ago forwarded a list of specific items Ukraine desperately needed and that history would judge Bidens response. He has the list, Zelenskyy said. President Biden can enter history as the person who stood shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian people who won and chose the right to have their own country. (This) also depends on him. Questions remain about the ability of Russia's depleted and demoralized forces to conquer much ground after their advance on the capital, Kyiv, was repelled by determined Ukrainian defenders. Britains Defense Ministry reported Sunday that the Russian forces were trying to compensate for mounting casualties by recalling veterans discharged in the past decade. In Washington, a senior U.S. official said that Russia has appointed Gen. Alexander Dvornikov, one of its most seasoned military chiefs, to oversee the invasion. The official was not authorized to be identified and spoke on condition of anonymity. Until now, Russia has had no central war commander on the ground. The new battlefield leadership comes as the Russian military prepares for what is expected to be a large, focused push to expand control in Ukraine's east. Russia-backed separatists have fought Ukrainian forces in the eastern Donbas region since 2014 and declared some territory there as independent. Dvornikov, 60, gained prominence as head of the Russian forces deployed to Syria in 2015 to shore up President Bashar Assads government during the country's devastating civil war. U.S. officials say he has a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and other war theaters. Russian authorities do not generally confirm such appointments and have said nothing about a new role for Dvornikov, who received the Hero of Russia medal, one of the countrys highest awards, from President Vladimir Putin in 2016. U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan, speaking Sunday on CNN's State of the Union," played down the significance of the appointment. What we have learned in the first several weeks of this war is that Ukraine will never be subjected to Russia, Sullivan said. It doesnt matter which general President Putin tries to appoint. Western military analysts say Russia's assault has increasingly focused on a sickle-shaped arc of eastern Ukraine from Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, in the north to Kherson in the south. The narrower effort could help Russia's problem, earlier in the war, of spreading its offensive too widely over too great a geographic area. Just looking at it on a map, you can see that they will be able to bring to bear a lot more power in a lot more concentrated fashion, by focusing mainly on eastern Ukraine, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Friday. Newly released Maxar Technologies satellite imagery showed an 8-mile (13-kilometer) convoy of military vehicles headed south through Ukraine to Donbas, recalling images of a convoy that got stalled on roads to Kyiv for weeks before Russia gave up on trying to take the capital. On Sunday, Russian forces shelled government-controlled Kharkiv and sent reinforcements toward Izyum to the southeast in a bid to break Ukraine's defenses, the Ukrainian military command said. The Russians also kept up their siege of Mariupol, a key southern port that has been under attack and surrounded for nearly 1 months. A Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, said Russia's military used air-launched missiles to hit Ukraines S-300 air-defense missile systems in the southern Mykolaiv region and at an air base in Chuhuiv, a city not far from Kharkiv. Sea-launched Russian cruise missiles destroyed the headquarters of a Ukrainian military unit stationed farther west in the Dnipro region, Konashenkov said. Neither the Ukrainian nor the Russian military claims could be independently verified. The airport in Dnipro, Ukraines fourth-largest city, was also hit by missiles twice on Sunday, according to the regional governor. On Sunday night, Zelenskyy again called on Western countries to provide more assistance to Ukraine. During talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Zelenskyy said, he discussed how to strengthen sanctions against Russia and ... force Russia to seek peace. I am glad to note that the German position has recently changed in favor of Ukraine. I consider it absolutely logical, Zelenskyy said. The president of the European Commission said on CNNs State of the Union Sunday that Ukraine's response to a questionnaire she recently handed to Zelenskyy will enable her to decide whether to recommend the nation as a candidate to join the EU. The process normally takes years, but Ursula von der Leyen has said Ukraines application could take just weeks to consider. Yesterday, somebody told me: You know, when our soldiers are dying, I want them to know that their children will be free and be part of the European Union,' von der Leyen said. Ukrainian authorities have accused Russian forces of committing war crimes against civilians, including airstrikes on hospitals, a missile attack that killed at least 57 people at a train station and other violence discovered as Russian soldiers withdrew from the outskirts of Kyiv. A day after meeting with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced that he will meet Monday in Moscow with Putin. Austria, a member of the European Union, is militarily neutral and not a member of NATO. Ukraine has blamed Russia for killing civilians in Bucha and other towns outside the capital where hundreds of bodies, many with their hands bound and signs of torture, were found after Russian troops retreated. Russia has denied the allegations and falsely claimed that the scenes in Bucha were staged. Maria Vaselenko, 77, a resident of Borodyanka, said her daughter and son-in-law were killed, leaving her grandchildren orphaned. The Russians were shooting. And some people wanted to come and help, but they were shooting them. They were putting explosives under dead people," Vaselenko said. Thats why my children have been under the rubble for 36 days. It was not allowed to remove bodies. In Mariupol, Russia was deploying Chechen fighters, reputed to be particularly fierce. Capturing the city on the Sea of Azov would give Russia a land bridge to the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine eight years ago. Residents have lacked food, water and electricity since Russian forces surrounded the city and frustrated evacuation missions. Ukrainian authorities think an airstrike on a theater that was being used as a bomb shelter killed hundreds of civilians, and Zelenskyy has said he expects more evidence of atrocities to be found once Mariupol no longer is blockaded. The Institute for the Study of War, an American think tank, predicted that Russian forces will renew offensive operations in the coming days from Izyum, a town southeast of Kharkiv, in the campaign to conquer the Donbas, which comprises Ukraine's industrial heartland. But in the view of the think tank's analysts, The outcome of forthcoming Russian operations in eastern Ukraine remains very much in question. Anna reported from Bucha, Ukraine. Yesica Fisch in Borodyanko, Robert Burns and Calvin Woodward in Washington, and Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report. Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Press Release April 8, 2022 In support of BIDA Kid COVID-19 prevention campaign, Bong Go reminds proper implementation of health protocols in schools Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go renewed his call to intensify and properly implement the needed safety and health protocols in schools as more educational institutions are set to join the progressive expansion phase of face-to-face classes across the country. Go reiterated his appeal during the launch of the national BIDA Kid COVID-19 prevention campaign on Tuesday, April 5, wherein he stressed that Filipinos nationwide must remain disciplined and continue working hand-in-hand with the government for the country to sooner return to normalcy. "My dear Filipinos, let us not put our guards down. Indeed, the pandemic has been a great challenge for the education sector but as long as we remain disciplined, I am confident that we, as one nation, will defeat the health crisis we are facing today and we will soon return to normalcy," the senator remarked in his video message. "Hinihimok ko pa rin ang gobyerno at mga school officials na siguraduhin ang kapakanan at kalusugan ng ating mga estudyante habang unti-unti na pong nagbubukas ang mga paaralan sa bansa. Sa ngayon, kalusugan at buhay ng mga estudyante ang aking prayoridad. Importante na tuluy-tuloy ang kanilang pag-aaral at hindi nailalagay sa panganib ang kanilang mga buhay," he added. The BIDA Kid campaign is led by the Department of Education and the Department of Health, together with the United States Agency for International Development, to support the safe expansion of face-to-face classes nationwide. The campaign encourages learners, teachers and other education stakeholders to keep practicing COVID-19 health and safety guidelines in schools and public spaces. Particularly, it highlights the importance of 3Bs: Bakuna, Bayanihan, BIDA (Bestfriend natin ang masks, Ingatan at hugasan ang kamay, Dumistansya upang makaiwas sa sakit, Airflow ay panatilihin). DepEd reported that as of April 4, 17,479 public and private schools were nominated by its regional offices to join the expansion of face-to-face classes. Meanwhile, Go once again urged the parents to let their eligible yet unvaccinated children participate in the national inoculation program, saying, "As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I would like to encourage parents to let their children, especially those who are qualified, get inoculated immediately as this would not only boost their defenses against COVID-19 but would also keep their school environment safe." Earlier, the senator suggested that schools and colleges should be given additional support to host vaccine clinics to increase the vaccine coverage among the youth. Concluding his message, Go lauded DepEd, DOH and USAID for kickstarting the said campaign. He also reaffirmed his commitment to continue providing the support that the education sector needs to ensure that more Filipino children will have access to quality education even amid the pandemic. "As an advocate for quality education and as your partner in the Senate, expect that I will continue extending necessary support to the education sector especially if it would improve and strengthen the quality of learning in the country," he vowed. In line with his commitment to improve the delivery of service for the education sector, Go is one of the legislators who co-authored Republic Act No. 11510, or the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Act of 2021 which provides underrepresented and disadvantaged students with specialized programs and alternative education approaches not available under the formal learning system. Furthermore, the lawmaker also filed Senate Bill No. 396 in 2019 which seeks to amend the Local Government Code of 1991 by expanding the application of the Special Education Fund. This aims to allow local government units to maximize their resources and adopt new education policies and learning techniques. WASHINGTON (AP) Russia has tapped a new Ukraine war commander to take centralized control of the next phase of battle after its costly failures in the opening campaign and carnage for Ukrainian civilians. U.S. officials don't see one man making a difference in Moscow's prospects. Russia turned to Gen. Alexander Dvornikov, 60, one of Russias most experienced military officers and according to U.S. officials a general with a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and other war theaters. Up to now, Russia had no central war commander on the ground. The general's appointment was confirmed by a senior U.S. official who was not authorized to be identified and spoke on condition of anonymity. But the White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said no appointment of any general can erase the fact that Russia has already faced a strategic failure in Ukraine. This general will just be another author of crimes and brutality against Ukrainian civilians, Sullivan said. And the United States, as I said before, is determined to do all that we can to support Ukrainians as they resist him and they resist the forces that he commands. White House press secretary Jen Psaki echoed that thought. The reports were seeing of a change in military leadership and putting a general in charge who was responsible for the brutality and the atrocities we saw in Syria shows that theres going to be a continuation of what weve already seen on the ground in Ukraine and thats what we are expecting, she said. The decision to establish new battlefield leadership comes as Russia gears up for what is expected to be a large and more focused push to expand Russian control in Ukraine's east and south, including the Donbas, and follows a failed opening bid in the north to conquer Kyiv, the capital. Dvornikov gained prominence while leading the Russian group of forces in Syria, where Moscow has waged a military campaign to shore up President Bashar Assads regime during a devastating civil war. Dvornikov is a career military officer and has steadily risen through the ranks after starting as a platoon commander in 1982. He fought during the second war in Chechnya and took several top positions before being placed in charge of the Russian troops in Syria in 2015. Under Dvornikovs command, Russian forces in Syria were known for crushing dissent in part by destroying cities, lobbing artillery and dropping what were often crudely made barrel bombs in sustained attacks that have displaced millions of Syrian civilians. The United Nations says the more than decade-long war has killed more than 350,000 people. In 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded Dvornikov the Hero of Russia medal, one of the countrys highest awards. Dvornikov has served as the commander of the Southern Military District since 2016. Lt. Col. Fares al-Bayoush, a Syrian army defector, said Sunday that while the situation in Syria is different than in Ukraine because the Russian military was fighting insurgent groups and not Ukraine's professional army, he expects a similar scorched-earth strategy. Al-Bayoush said he believes the aim of naming Dvornikov as Ukraine war commander is to turn the war into rapid battles in several places at the same time. I expected him to use the scorched earth policy that was used in Syria," al-Bayoush said, referring to Russian-backed attacks in Syria in which cities and towns were put under long sieges while being subjected to intense bombardment that left many people dead and caused wide destruction to infrastructure and residential areas. He has very good experience in this policy. This commander is a war criminal, al-Bayoush said by telephone from Turkey. Since Russia joined the war in Syria in September 2015, Assads forces have taken control of most of the country after being on the verge of collapse. The Russian air force carried out thousands of airstrikes since, helping Russian-backed Syrian troops take areas after fighters were forced to choose between an amnesty in return for dropping their arms or being taken by buses into rebel-held areas. The last major Russian-backed offensive in Syria lasted several months, until March 2020, when a truce was reached between Russia and Turkey, which supported rival sides. Sullivan on Sunday said the Russian general has a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and we can expect more of the same" in Ukraine. But he stressed that the U.S. strategy remains the same in supporting Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Our policy is unequivocal that we will do whatever we can to help Ukraine succeed, Sullivan said. Which means that we need to keep giving them weapons so that they can make progress on the battlefield. And we need to keep giving them military support and strong economic sanctions to improve their position, their posture at the negotiating table." Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, meanwhile, spoke by video conference Sunday to a small number of Ukrainian troops in the U.S. who are now returning to their country. The group has been in the U.S. since last fall for military schooling and were given training on new drones the U.S. sent to Ukraine last week for the war with Russia. Austin thanked the Ukrainian troop members for their courage and service and pledged continued U.S. support and security aid, according to Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Kirby said the small group was given some advanced tactical training, including on the Switchblade armed kamakazi drones, as well as instruction on patrol craft operations, communications and maintenance. In an interview Saturday with The Associated Press, Zelenskyy acknowledged that despite his hopes for peace, he must be realistic about the prospects for a swift resolution given that negotiations have so far been limited to low-level talks that do not include Putin. Zelenskyy renewed his plea for more weapons before an expected surge in fighting in the countrys east. He said, with frustration in regards to supplies of weapons from the U.S. and other Western nations, of course its not enough. Sullivan spoke on CNN's State of the Union and NBC's Meet the Press. Psaki spoke on Fox News Sunday." Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue in Beirut and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Will an invasion of Taiwan by the Peoples Republic of China follow the horror of Russias invasion of Ukraine? Johnson Chiang, a speaker at the recent Garfield Institute symposium at Hiram College, warned war may be coming and urged the United States to prepare for it, if it wants Taiwan, a democratically self-governing island 100 miles off the coast of China, to remain independent. David E. Dix Approximately one third the size of Ohio and home to 23 million, mostly Han Chinese, Taiwan was once a province of old imperial China, which ceded it to Japan in 1898. Since World War II, Taiwan has functioned independently, but was claimed to be part of mainland China by the two factions that fought to rule China, the Communist Party led by Mao Zedong emerging victorious in 1949. Protected since 1949 by the American Seventh Fleet, Taiwan was led by Chinas defeated faction, Chiang Kai-sheks Kuomintang Party. However, having grown prosperous in the years since 1949 due to hard work, good planning, and free enterprise, Taiwan in the 1990s transitioned into a functioning democracy in which voters have real choices when they go to the polls. Johnson Chiang, the Hiram speaker who warned of coming efforts by China to annex Taiwan, is director general of Taipeis Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Chicago. In actuality, the office functions like a consulate, a fiction necessitated by the USA having diplomatic relations with the Peoples Republic of China, which insists Taiwan is not an independent country with ambassadorial rights, but part of China. China, the worlds manufacturing hub, is nearly the size of continental USA. It has the worlds largest population at 1.3 billion people, the worlds second largest economy, and a military that is one of the worlds largest and most modern. Without U.S. support, Chinas invasion of Taiwan, experts say, might result in a Chinese victory within days or weeks. Positioned between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait, Americas Seventh Fleet stands in Chinas way, but Johnson Chiang said that may not be enough. Story continues He applauded the recent formation of the Quad Four, a loose alliance of the United States, Australia, Japan and India, calling it a start in trying to rebalance the growing power of China in the Pacific. However, he said the effectiveness of the alliance is tempered by the fact that the USA, Japan and even South Korea, a potential new addition to the Quad Four, do more business with China than almost any other nation in the world. The USA under President Obama became cautious about world leadership and then under President Trump advocated isolationist policies. China interpreted that as an opportunity to grow its world leadership role. Chiang said Chinas Belt and Road strategy of commercially linking China up with the nations of Southeast and South Asia, the nations of the Middle East and Africa, and even European nations, challenges an America perceived by some as in retreat and in decline. Wealthy Taiwan is currently the dominant world player in semi-conductor manufacturing. Strategically located, Taiwan is an island gateway into the South China Sea, an offshoot of the Pacific Ocean, which extends hundreds of miles south and provides easy access to the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. China, Chiang said, is creating military outposts throughout the South China Sea on small islands artificially grown to cater to Chinas navy and air force. Whereas these smaller nations have been trading partners and clients for the United States, they are gradually being drawn into Chinas sphere of influence, according to Chiang. Chinas success as a centrally controlled nation in which the Communist Party is paramount poses a major challenge to Americas example of democracy and its continuing world leadership role, Chiang said. He warned that Chinas ambitions for Taiwan provide one stage where this contest will eventually be played out. In the meantime, Chinas leadership is carefully watching Americas and NATOs response to Russias invasion of Ukraine as it hopes to convert Taiwan from a self-governing island into another Chinese province, forcibly if need be, Chiang said. Travel issues forced him to speak via a televised hookup. David E. Dix is a former publisher of the Record-Courier. This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Hiram College speaker: Invasion of Taiwan may follow war over Ukraine Members from the Greene County Democrats march during the Labor Day Parade on Monday, Sep. 2, 2019, in Springfield, Mo. Coming together for the first time in three years, Greene County Democrats met Saturday to plan a resurgence of their party in the Ozarks and hear from those vying to return a Missouri Democrat to the US Senate. With new state legislative maps in hand, Greene County Democrats hope to sweep the four competitive state House of Representatives seats. That would mean reelecting two incumbents, Betsy Fogle and House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, and claim two newly vulnerable seats. "Right now in Springfield we have four very, very winnable House districts. We haven't been able to say that in a long time," said Greene County Democrats chair Tyler Gunlock. "We have four great opportunities to win. But with that we have some really, really razor slim margins on our hands." Though Quade has relied on comfortable margins in past elections, Gunlock said her new seat would be "very very tight" with "traditionally low turnout" that Democrats need to improve. The only Democrat to flip a seat between parties in the last election, Fogle's district remains highly competitive in the new map. But Democrats are looking to expand in Springfield, not just play defense on the seats they have now. Challenging Republican Craig Fishel is MSU professor and Democrat Stephanie Hein who said the residents of Springfield were being left behind by the Republican legislature. "We're being left behind in part because we don't have enough representatives fighting for us. Fighting for our community," she said at the gathering of Democrats. Hein also bemoaned the loss of Charles Taylor and Brandi VanAntwerp in last week's SPS school board election, which were the candidates endorsed by the Greene County Democratic Party. "I feel like we are at a very important crossroads. In our city or county, our state. The election results from this past week kind of proved that. It's been a tough week in Springfield. But yet I hold on to hope because if we lose hope, we lose a lot." Story continues But she added Democrats should see this loss as a call to action for November. "We cannot let this opportunity go. We cannot waste it. If there's ever a call to action, you cannot waste it. Tuesday's election results were telling for me and my team. But we reconvened on Wednesday, licked our wounds and started planning for the future," Hein said. The last competitive seat in Greene County did not have a candidate until days before filing ended. According to her account Saturday, non-profit CEO and MSU professor Amy Blansit only decided to throw her hat in the ring in the final hours. Last month Blansit applied to fill the vacant seat on Springfield city council, but switched to the statehouse after speaking with Quade. "I had been working in (North Springfield) for the last 10 years. The daily existence of what happens there tends to be overshadowed by all the things people say are wrong about our community So I applied for city council...but Crystal called. I honestly knew better to say yes, but Crystal and I had coffee. And then I realized... we had a flippable seat but no one stepped up. And there was no way I was going to let that happen, Blansit said in her first speech as a political candidate. Speaking to the News-Leader after the event, Gunlock said the Dem Day had helped Democrats to get "motivated, mobilized and organized" for the November election. Lucas Kunce, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks during a town hall at the Greene County Democrat Days held at the Doubletree by Hilton on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Beginning the day-long event was a forum with several U.S. Senate candidates. Despite long-odds in a heavily Republican state, the candidates were optimistic in their plans to return a Missouri Democrat to the U.S. Senate. Refusing to fund his campaign with corporate PACs, former U.S. Marine Lucas Kunce outlined his vision for a politics free of corporate influence. "I think that in this country, if you work hard, and you put your head down, you shouldn't have to live paycheck to paycheck or one disaster from bankruptcy. And you know what, that's how too many people are living," Kunce said. "I also think that most of the people that represent us right now they don't understand that that's how most of us grew up. The people running this country don't understand. They don't care about us. They sell out to the highest bidder who strip our communities to the bone." According to him, Kunce's campaign is different because he rejects corporate money and is not beholden to their influence. "I'm not taking any money from the corporate PACs that have taken over. I'm not taking money from big fossil fuel executives that keeps us on oil and gas. I'm not taking money from big pharma. I'm not taking money from any of those people. We're doing a grassroots campaign that's run by everyday people," he said. Despite these pledges, Kunce has been the fundraising frontrunner in the race, even outstripping those in the Republican primary as of the end of 2021. Kunce was joined at the forum by candidates Spencer Toder, Jewel Kelly, and Gena Ross. A St. Louis native and small business owner, Toder laid out an agenda of Medicare for All and aggressive climate action framing what "some call socialism" in this county as merely "common sense policy." "We need to have the best health care system in the world and make sure everyone has access to it. That means Medicare for All," he said. Asked what he believes is the biggest challenge facing America, Toder pointed to the "division that is palpable in this country." "The hate, the rhetoric, the extremism. White supremacy as a whole has taken such a hold," Toder said. "I never thought I'd see that in my lifetime. I never thought I'd see the resurgence of a confederacy. I never thought that I'd see people proudly wearing thin blue line badges on their jackets. I never thought that we'd be having discussions over whether or not a woman should have the right to choose again. I thought we would be past that by now." Senate candidate and Air Force veteran Jewel Kelly made mental health awareness central to his pitch to voters. "Our campaign is not so much about fundamentally changing who has power. Our current plan is more about fundamentally empowering change changing how we think about mental health. It is vastly important." Kelly said. "We have a lot of pressing issues. But I think if there's something that we can help, if there's something that we can do differently, it's certainly to focus on mental health." Unable to stay past opening remarks, college professor and former Claire McCaskill staffer Gena Rose said she would focus on affordable health care and education. Greene County Democrats were not joined by nurse and Anheuser-Busch heiress Trudy Busch Valentine who recently joined the U.S. Senate Democratic primary. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: U.S. Senate candidates attend Greene County Democrats event, outline plans Editor's note: This page recaps the news from Ukraine on Sunday, April 10. Follow here for the latest updates and news from Monday, April 11, as Russia's invasion continues. Ukraine could become part of the European Union in a matter of weeks, the president of the European Commission said Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Ukraines application to join the EU in February, and Olga Stefanishyna, deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine, said in April she expects Ukraine to fully join the E.U. by June. The process can take years, but European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union that Ukraines membership could take only weeks to consider. Yesterday, somebody told me: You know, when our soldiers are dying, I want them to know that their children will be free be and be part of the European Union, von der Leyen said. They are in an extraordinary situation, where we have to take unusual steps. Ukrainians belong to our European family, without any question, she said. USA TODAY TELEGRAM: Join our new Russia-Ukraine war channel to receive updates straight to your phone. LATEST VISUAL EXPLANATIONS: Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion of Ukraine Latest developments: Ukraines border guard agency says about 2,200 Ukrainian men of fighting age have been detained so far while trying to leave the country in violation of martial law. The agency said Sunday that some of them have used forged documents and others tried to bribe border guards. Ukraine is investigating the involvement of about 500 Russian leaders, including President Vladimir Putin, in 5,600 possible war crimes, Irina Venediktova, Ukraine's chief prosecutor, said Sunday. Authorities in the region that includes Ukraine's fourth-largest city, Dnipro, say the airport was hit twice by missile attacks on Sunday. Russia warns of 'direct military confrontation' with US Story continues Ukrainian forces are pushing back Russian troops so successfully that the invaders have been forced to regroup, refit and refocus, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Sunday. Russia has changed its behavior in this war, Sullivan said on CBS News' Face The Nation. They have retreated. They have pulled back from substantial territory in northern and northeastern Ukraine. Chiefly the reason they made those adjustments is because they were beaten by the Ukrainians. Sullivan credited the Ukraine military and the flow of equipment the U.S. and its allies have been sending the besieged country. Last week, he said Slovakia was able to send an S-300 air defense system because the U.S. was willing to provide a Patriot battery to replace the system Slovakia was giving away. Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Anatoly Antonov earlier told Newsweek the West is provoking Russia. "We warn that such actions are dangerous," the envoy said. "They can lead the U.S. and the Russian Federation onto the path of direct military confrontation." Russia appoints new war commander Moscow has appointed a new war chief after a largely unsuccessful six weeks of battle in Ukraine, a senior U.S. official said Sunday. According to the official, who is not authorized to be identified and spoke on condition of anonymity, said General Alexander Dvornikov has a history of brutality against Syrians and other civilians. Dvornikov, 60, one of Russia's most experienced military officers, will be the first central war commander on the ground in Ukraine. But U.S. officials don't seem to be worried about the new appointment.Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, said: No appointment of any general can erase the fact that Russia has already faced a strategic failure in Ukraine. Ukrainians wrap up training in US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday thanked a small number of Ukrainian troops who were departing the United States after training to operate patrol boats and kamikaze drones, the latter among the latest military technology sent to fight Russian invaders, the Pentagon announced. The Ukrainian contingent, whose size the Pentagon has not disclosed, took part in a long-standing training mission that began Feb. 24, the day Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces invaded Ukraine. The mission was extended to include training on Switchblade drones, which stay aloft long enough for operators to locate enemy positions or armored vehicles and then crash into them and explode. Austin thanked the Ukrainian troops by video conference on their final day at the U.S. Navys base at Little Creek, Va., Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said in a statement. Austrian chancellor to meet with Putin; some Ukrainians not pleased Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday for talks, two days after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. Nehammer told the Austrian Press Agency he hopes to promote dialogue between the countries and will address Putin's "war crimes" in Ukraine. Nehammer's plans drew immediate fallout in Ukraine. The deputy mayor of Mariupol, Sergei Orlow, told the German outlet Bild that the meeting was not appropriate. "The war crimes that Russia is currently committing on Ukrainian soil are still taking place, he told Bild. "I don't understand how to have a conversation with Putin at this time, how to do business with him." Russia scrambling to bolster troop strength In response to mounting losses, the Russian armed forces are trying to bolster troop numbers by bringing back veterans discharged from the military over the last 10 years, according to an assessment from the British Defense Ministry. Efforts to generate more fighting power also include trying to recruit from the Moldovan separatist Transnistria region, the ministry said. The assessment was released one day after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, promising a new package of financial and military aid for Ukraine's "struggle against Russias barbaric campaign." "The Ukrainians have the courage of a lion," Johnson tweeted. "President @ZelenskyyUa has given the roar of that lion. The UK stands unwaveringly with the people of Ukraine." NATO leader calls for 'reset' and more defense spending Jens Stoltenberg, the secretary general for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is looking to reset the alliance and have member states increase their defense spending, he told the Daily Telegraph in the United Kingdom. What we see now is a new reality, a new normal for European security, Stoltenberg said. Therefore, we have now asked our military commanders to provide options for what we call a reset, a more longer-term adaptation of NATO. Stoltenberg said not all NATO members are spending 2% of their gross domestic product on national defense and would like to see them meet that threshold. He pointed to a plan by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to increase defense spending by 100 billion euros over the next two years to get to 2% of GDP. With the size of the German economy, this really makes a huge difference also for NATO'S total defense spending, he said. Ukraine foreign minister says country should have been in NATO long ago Ukraine would not be struggling to defend itself against Russia's onslaught if Ukraine had been allowed to join NATO more than a decade ago, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Sunday on Meet the Press. He said a "strategic mistake" was made by Germany and France in 2008 when they rejected efforts by the U.S. and other allies to bring Ukraine into the defense alliance. If we were a member of NATO, this war wouldn't take place, Kuleba said. The strategic mistake is something that we are paying for. It's not Germany or France that are paying the costs for this mistake. It's Ukraine. He credited the U.S. with doing "more than any other country in the world to provide us with necessary weapons but said weapons need to come faster. All the parties spend too much time discussing whether Ukraine should be given offensive versus defensive weapons, he said. Petraeus predicts 'more of what we have seen' as war evolves Retired four-star general and former CIA director David Petraeus said Sunday on CNN's State of the Union that onlookers should expect more of what we have seen now that Russian President Vladimir Putin has turned over military operations in Ukraine to Gen. Aleksandr Dvornikov. Dvornikov led military forces in Syria, where the Russian military was known for depopulating areas, Petraeus said. He said the missile strike on a train station in Kramatorsk that killed dozens was the first major operation under Dvornikovs leadership. Petraeus said the war is now focused in the Donbas region in the east and parts of the south. He said if the Russian military can take over land outside of the separatist states in the Donbas region and grab some land north of Crimea, Putin can spin the success as a win. Oleg, 56, mourns for his mother, Inna, 86, killed during the war against Russia in Bucha, located in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine. Kyiv mayor pleads for more weapons for Ukraine military Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko and his brother Wladimir Klitschiko appeared Sunday on ABC This Week and said the country needed weapons to continue fighting the Russians, even as the war with the nuclear power is changing. Weapons support is very, very important for us in this critical time and we see who are the real friends of Ukraine, Vitali said. We cannot defend our country with our fists, Wladimir Klitschiko said. He said Russia pulling out of Kyiv did not end the war, but changed where it is being fought. He said fighting continues in the south and the east. We are expecting Russian military forces being back and targeting the capital of Ukraine. Wladimir Klitschiko also said the second thing the country needs is for the western world to continue to isolate Russia economically. Every cent and every trade that you do with Russia theyre using for weapons to kill us, he said. Russia's leadership change means continued 'brutality,' Psaki says White House press secretary Jen Psaki told Fox News Sunday that a move at the top of the Russian military operation in Ukraine is a sign of more "brutality" to come. "The reports were seeing of a change in military leadership and putting a general in charge who was responsible for the brutality and the atrocities we saw in Syria shows that there's going to be a continuation of what we've already seen on the ground in Ukraine, and that's what we are expecting," Psaki said. Russian President Vladimir Putin has named Army Gen. Alexander Dvornikov, commander of Russias Southern Military District, to oversee the war, media outlets have reported. He has been described as the "Butcher of Syria," having led brutal campaigns in that country. The Kremlin's acknowledgement last week of casualties in the war was unexpected, Psaki added. "Rarely do they acknowledge from the Russian leadership, any elements of weakness or any elements of defeat," she said. Ukraine says 19,000 Russian troops have been killed The Defense Ministry of Ukraine said Russia has lost over 19,000 troops and thousands of pieces of military equipment in 46 days of war. The ministry posted its tally to Twitter early Sunday. Ukraine listed Russias human toll at about 19,300 personnel. The ministry calculated Moscows military equipment loss at 1,384 vehicles, 722 tanks, 1,911 armored vehicles and seven watercraft. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told British media on Thursday that Russia had experienced significant losses of troops. On Friday, he pointed to the official defense ministry tally of 1,351 soldiers dead. In late March, NATO estimated that Russia may have lost as many as 15,000 troops, and up to 40,000 killed, wounded or taken prisoner. Refugee count rises to 4.5M The number of people who have streamed out of Ukraine since war broke out on Feb. 24 has risen to over 4.5 million, the U.N. reported Sunday. The U.N. refugee agency reported on its data site the higher number, which originates from a number of sources, but mainly border crossing points. Nearly 2.6 million of those refugees have arrived in Poland, followed by over 686,000 in Romania. As many as 404,000 have arrived in Russia since war broke out, according to the figures. The agency notes many refugees may have moved on to other countries, beyond the neighboring country into which they initially crossed. Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Russia taps war commander after troops regroup: April 10 recap A federal appeals court has revived a constitutional challenge to Rep. Madison Cawthorns (R-N.C.) right to run for reelection because of his support for insurrectionists who attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ordered earlier this week that a hearing against an injunction halting the challenge obtained by Cawthorn be held May 3. The Republican primary in Cawthorns district is May 17. Voters and the organization Free Speech for People have argued in court that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment bars lawmakers like Cawthorn from running again for office. The clause bans those who, after previously taking an oath to support the Constitution, then engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies. The section was passed after the Civil War to prohibit lawmakers from representing a government they had worked to topple. Cawthorn has declared that he did not participate in an insurrection though he has repeatedly praised those who did on Twitter and in speeches. He spoke at a rally preceding the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6 last year. Cawthorn won an injunction from a Donald Trump-appointed federal judge last month against the challenge. The judge ruled that a federal Amnesty Act for those who participated in the Civil War against the government overrode the clause though several attorneys have argued that a law cannot countermand the Constitution. The Fourth Circuit court this week denied a stay in the case, but it granted an expedited appeal hearing. Ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit calls for expedited hearing concerning an injunction against the challenge to Rep. Madison Cawthorn's reelection. (Photo: Screen Shot/U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit) Ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit calls for expedited hearing concerning an injunction against the challenge to Rep. Madison Cawthorn's reelection. (Photo: Screen Shot/U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit) Cawthorn is one of five candidates including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) and Mark Finchem, a Republican running for Arizona secretary of state whose reelections are being challenged in court on constitutional grounds linked to support for the insurrection. Story continues Greene repeatedly refers to the insurrectionists as patriots, and has called those arrested for violence at the Capitol political prisoners. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... Apr. 9AUGUSTA A Lewiston judge who grew up experiencing Jim Crow laws firsthand took one step closer Friday toward becoming the first Black justice to serve on the state's highest court. The judiciary committee of the Maine Legislature voted unanimously to recommend confirmation of Rick E. Lawrence, 66, to be associate justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. His nomination by Gov. Janet Mills will go before the Maine Senate for final vote. Since 2000, the Portland resident has presided primarily in courts within Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties. He also serves as deputy chief judge of the Maine District Court. Lawrence gained the distinction as the first African American to be appointed to the bench in Maine. Appearing Friday before the committee at the State House, Lawrence said his parents, whose limited opportunities prevented them from finishing high school, moved to New England from the deep South after World War II. Lawrence was raised in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, the birthplace of W.E.B Du Bois, who distinguished himself as the first African American to be awarded a doctorate degree by Harvard University and who was one of the co-founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. "When I was a preschooler during family trips down South to visit relatives, I got a glimpse of what life had been like for them," Lawrence said of his parents. "Despite my tender years, I still vividly recall my parents being denied service at restaurants on the interstates, our family being relegated to barely functioning colored-only restrooms at rest stops, and my parents having to search for a motel where our family would be allowed to stay overnight." Growing up in the 1960s, Lawrence said, "I was emotionally transfixed and psychologically affirmed as I watched the boycotts, sit-ins, civil disobedience, protest rallies and marches that were employed by the Civil Rights Movement. At the same time, I was offended by the vehement opposition to the movement and dismayed by the far too-often brutal retaliation against its proponents." Story continues Lawrence began to pay close attention to legal battles playing out in the justice system "that directly touch the lives of my family and other persons of color," he said. "Those events shaped my impression of lawyers and the courts and fostered my view of both as powerful forces that could play a positive role in people's lives," he said. "My interest in the law and thoughts about someday becoming a lawyer grew out of those roots." His parents impressed on him the importance of a good education. "So, in my freshman year of high school, when a guidance counselor told me that because I was Black, I should pursue a trade of some sort rather than thinking about going to college," he said. "My parents made certain that I understood never to let myself be constrained by someone's race-based backward thinking." His parents worked hard to provide him with that opportunity which they were denied, his mother taking a series of waitressing jobs, his father working as head chef at a destination resort, all the while modeling for Lawrence that hard work was an "essential element in achieving any worthwhile goal." His parents also made sure he understood that "no one owes me anything. And nothing substantive was never just handed to me. Their hard work, sacrifice and encouragement made it possible for me to attend Yale University." Toward the end of his first year in college, Lawrence began to consider law school, he said. But, during his sophomore year, his father was killed in a car crash. Lawrence said his plans suddenly changed to finding work after graduation so he could start earning an income and pay his student loans. He did that, working a series of jobs in sales for a national home products corporation then in insurance management and finally as a claims administrator for a national insurance company. It was there his interest in law was rekindled, he said, when he realized he enjoyed contract analysis sorting out how policy provisions work. That realization led to his enrollment at Harvard Law School. Prior to his appointment to the Maine District Court, Lawrence worked as an attorney and vice president and managing counsel at Unum and as an associate at Pierce Atwood law firm. "I've been afforded a broad range of life, business and professional experience to draw from in my dealings with the people and issues I've encountered while on the bench," Lawrence said of his tenure as a judge. "I believe that experience and my work ethic will help me be open-minded, reflective, pragmatic, and fair when addressing the ever-expanding spectrum of issues that come before the (Maine Supreme Judicial Court, also known as the) Law Court." As a justice on the state's highest court, Lawrence said he hopes to try to fill part of the void left by former Justice Ellen Gorman, who stepped down earlier this year. Gorman served as a liaison between the high court and the Maine Family Court Division. As a Maine District Court judge, Lawrence has been presiding over family court matters. Confirmation of Lawrence's nomination was urged Friday by members of the public who included criminal defense attorneys, a community resource director, a former county sheriff, a domestic violence social worker and a former law student. Longtime Lewiston criminal defense attorney Leonard Sharon said most of his clients over the past five decades have been people of color. When they enter a courthouse or a courtroom in Maine, they don't see people who share their racial identity, he said. But when his clients appear before Judge Lawrence, Sharon said they get the justice they deserve, not because of Lawrence's face, but because of his jurisprudence. "He sits in a court where daily lives are affected: evictions, divorces, child custodies, protection from abuse, divorces; bail, sentences on misdemeanors, pleas, pro ses (people representing themselves,) " Sharon said. "Innumerable lives are affected every day in that court," he said. "And what goes beyond the color of this man's skin is that he's a terrific judge, a great judge. If I were blind and I didn't know what color Judge Lawrence's skin was and I would walk into his courtroom, I would walk out of there knowing that justice is being done. You can hear the fairness in his voice when he addresses the litigants. He talks to them because he knows their lives are on the line." Lawrence has gone into the Lewiston immigrant community in an effort to educate people from other countries about Maine's justice system, said Auburn resident Fatuma Hussein, who serves as the executive director of the Immigrant Resource Center of Maine. "Judge Lawrence has done a lot of work around access to justice for people who speak other languages," she told the committee. Courtney O'Brien, violence intervention program manager at Safe Voices, a nonprofit agency whose mission is to support and empower those affected by domestic violence, praised Lawrence for his "firm and fair" approach to presiding over domestic violence court cases. Susan Faunce, president of Maine Trial Lawyers Association, said her group's members "overwhelmingly rated Judge Lawrence highly as to his skill, competence and temperament." They said he was "smart, thorough and compassionate. And he was an excellent addition to the Law Court. He has stellar credentials," Faunce said. "Others said judge Lawrence is an excellent writer, producing well-reasoned and carefully crafted opinions. Judge Lawrence has consistently been highly rated by our members since he became a district court judge in 2000." She also pointed to his efforts as deputy chief judge of the Maine District Court during the pandemic to ensure the state's courthouses and courtrooms were safe and functional. Frank Bishop Jr., president of the Maine State Bar Association's Board of Governors, said, "You won't be surprised to hear that the results of Judge Lawrence's 2020 evaluation show that Maine attorneys find him to be one of the best judges in the state of Maine. They describe him as highly intelligent, knowledgeable of law and procedure, and professional in his dealings with attorneys and clients alike. Lawyers who appear before Judge Lawrence consider him fair, compassionate and kind to all." A nearly-empty cheese storage room at Gerda van Dorp's farm in Fijnaart, a town in the south of the Netherlands, in March 2022. (Gerda van Dorp via The New York Times) Thieves have long found cheese as lucrative as many people find it delicious, and a sophisticated heist in the Netherlands has dairy farmers there on high alert. Gerda van Dorp, a Dutch cheese farmer in the town of Fijnaart, in the south of the country, woke up on March 29 to a mostly empty cheese storage room. Overnight, unknown thieves had taken from her shelves 161 wheels of cheese, weighing 3,500 pounds, that had taken months to make and mature. The value: about $23,000. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times It was like waking up in a movie, said van Dorp, who runs her business and farm together with her husband, Joost. Cheese from similar robberies in 2016 was later located in Eastern Europe, said Theo Dekker, chairman of an interest group for Dutch dairy farmers. The incident has left some farmers on edge, and van Dorp said that several other farmers had reached out to her for support. The thieves also stole her trailer and two wheelbarrows from the farm, police said, presumably to transport the cheese to a bus or a truck. (A wheel of cheese is roughly 10 kilos, or 22 pounds.) Police said they recovered the trailer and the wheelbarrows nearby. Van Dorp guessed that whoever stole the cheese must have been watching her farm, where she lives with her husband and two children, for a while. The incident happened while the gate to the property was left open for an overnight milk delivery. Nobody has been arrested in the case, police said, and an investigation is ongoing. Selling the cheese inside the Netherlands might be difficult. Every wheel of cheese has its own serial number, and farms add their logos to it as well to indicate where it was made and to make the products easily traced. Thankfully this doesnt happen often, but were worried about how professional this has become, said Dekker, who is a dairy farmer himself. These people come at night and take everything with brute force. Its almost like organized crime. Story continues They know what theyre doing, he said. That scares us. Prices of consumer goods in the Netherlands have risen, as they have elsewhere in the world. They were up 9.7% in March compared with a year before, reaching their highest levels since 1976, according to Statistics Netherlands, a Dutch governmental institution that tracks data. The Netherlands, home to 1.6 million cows (and over 17 million people), is a major producer of dairy, of which about two-thirds is exported, according to the Dutch Dairy Association. In 2020, the Netherlands exported 7.5 billion euros (about $8.1 billion) worth of dairy products. Dekker said he had warned the 290 members of the interest group he leads to be extra vigilant, to install cameras and to double check their locks before going to bed. In total, the Netherlands, a major producer of cheese and other dairy products, counts 500 farms that make cheese and other products from the animals they own, he said. When the Netherlands saw similar robberies some years ago, Dekker said that he had seen security footage of the thefts and that he had been shocked by the speed and the force used by the thieves. At the time, Dutch newspaper NRC estimated that in 2015, close to 19,000 pounds of cheese had been stolen. Still, this is a special case, said Mireille Aalders, a police spokesperson. I know that a while ago, batches of cheese were stolen around the country, but this isnt the kind of incident that happens weekly or monthly, she said. Its pretty unique. The problem isnt limited to the Netherlands. Italys precious Parmesan cheese is a frequent target, including a daring nighttime heist of 25,000 pounds in 2018. Wisconsin has its own issues with what one cheese seller dubbed cheese pirates. In 2016, someone made off with more than 20,000 pounds of cheese, valued at more than $46,000, when an unmarked trailer was stolen from a parking lot in Oak Creek. A big robbery like the one at van Dorps farm isnt just unfortunate from a monetary standpoint, Dekker said. For many of the farmers, who make cheese from milk from their own farm animals and often live on the same property, it feels personal. Theres a bit of emotion involved, Dekker said. These people put passion and love into their work. 2022 The New York Times Company Some volunteers look for traces to help identify the corpses at Kramatorsk railway station after the missile attack in Kramatorsk, Ukraine. Andrea Carrubba/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Newsmax anchor Rob Finnerty joked about a ceasefire in Ukraine as an April Fools' joke. Finnerty interrupted his show with the false breaking news that "Russia has apparently surrendered." CEO Chris Ruddy was "furious" at the joke, sources told The Daily Beast. Employees at the conservative news network Newsmax are upset at anchor Rob Finnerty after he falsely reported on air that Russia surrendered to Ukraine as part of an April Fools' Day prank, multiple sources told The Daily Beast. Finnerty made the remark on an episode of the morning show "Wake up America" that aired April 1. He was playing along with the other host and guests as they quipped about April Fools' pranks when he grabbed a mock earpiece as the words "Breaking News" flashed on the screen. He then falsely claimed that "Russia has apparently surrendered" and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin had reached a tentative ceasefire agreement. Finnerty asked Mark Halperin, one of the show's guests, for his thoughts. Halperin began to respond, apparently unaware it was untrue, until Finnerty quickly interrupted him to gleefully say that the whole thing was a prank and mock the others for falling for it. Halperin replied: "Rob, you know why I fell for it? I had more confidence that you wouldn't abuse the Newsmax name by pretending something so serious and so real. I had too much faith in you." Sources told The Daily Beast that executives like CEO Chris Ruddy are "furious" at a joke being made about an ongoing conflict that has included possible war crimes and taken thousands of lives since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. "How anyone would think that was remotely acceptable is beyond me," one Newsmax staffer told The Daily Beast. Other employees told the outlet that staff in the control room were unaware of the material that Finnerty would use for the prank, but that he instructed them to have the "Breaking News" chyron ready. Newsmax did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Insider By Dogyun Kim, Daewoung Kim and Hyonhee Shin SEOUL (Reuters) - Plunging prices for Russian crab have South Koreans flocking to seafood markets and restaurants but some consumers are questioning whether to boycott the imports on concerns the purchases indirectly support Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The dinner-plate sized king crabs from Russia, along with slightly smaller snow crabs and lobsters, were once a pricey delicacy in South Korea, though they have become more popular at supermarkets and online retailers in recent years. But prices have nearly halved since late February as the United States, European Union and other nations banned Russian seafood imports over the Ukraine invasion, which Russia calls a "special operation", and China's lockdown on major cities over coronavirus outbreaks has further boosted shipments to South Korea. Data from the Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market, one of South Korea's largest seafood markets, showed live Russian snow crabs prices fell to 23,000 won ($18.80) per kg (2.2 pounds) at the end of March from 50,000 won ($40.80) in mid-February, before rising slightly this week. The supply more than doubled during that period. The market does not track king crab prices, but Kim Mi-kyeong, who has been running a fish store at Noryangjin for 10 years, said she sold them at 85,000 won ($69.40) per kg, down from 110,000 won ($89.80) two months ago. "We didn't have enough supplies back then, but a lot more volume has come in from Russia for the last two months. Prices are lower now, so twice as many people are coming," she said. Choi Myung-sook, 54, said she could not miss out on getting her favourite king crabs cheaply. "I hope more Russian seafood will be brought in so that prices will go down even further," she said. But others say the government should join global efforts to ban Russian seafood, and that consumers should refrain from buying it. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who is set to give a virtual speech to the South Korean parliament on Monday, has urged the international community to ditch Russian exports. Story continues South Korea has curbed Russian coal imports and joined other economic and financial sanctions, but did not restrict food. "We should not buy those crabs," said Jung Mi-jung, 40, who said she was visiting the market for other items. "That's not even a necessity, and Russia waged an unjustifiable war against Ukraine. We should join the boycott." ($1 = 1,224.5700 won) (Reporting by Dogyun Kim, Daewoung Kim and Hyonhee Shin; Writing by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Gerry Doyle and Christian Schmollinger) Slovakia Prime Minister Eduard Heger announced Friday that his country is sending a Soviet-era S-300 air defense system to Ukraine to "help save many innocent lives from the aggression of the Putin regime." Heger made the remark while visiting Ukraine with European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. "I can confirm that the Slovak Republic has donated to Ukraine an air defense system, the S-300. I believe that this defense system will help save many innocent lives from the aggression of the Putin regime," Heger said. S-300PS missile systems are pictured during the Kyiv Independence Day Parade in Kyiv, capital of Ukraine, in 2021. Volodymyr Tarasov/Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images RUSSIA INVADES UKRAINE: LIVE UPDATES "However, the donation of this system does not mean that Slovakia has become part of the armed conflict," he added. "And I would like to assure all the citizens of the Slovak Republic that the protection of our territory is sufficiently secure and will be reinforced in the coming days by another system from our allies." The transfer of the military hardware is the first known instance of a country giving such weaponry to Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion on Feb. 24, according to Reuters. President Joe Biden said Friday that "I want to thank the Slovakian government for providing an S-300 air defense system to Ukraine, something President Zelenskyy has personally raised with me in our conversations. To enable this transfer and ensure the continued security of Slovakia, the United States will reposition a U.S. Patriot missile system to Slovakia." "Now is no time for complacency," Biden added. "The Russian military may have failed in its objective of capturing Kyiv, but it continues to inflict horrific acts of brutality on the Ukrainian people." The S-300 system has the ability to shoot down cruise missiles and military jets, the Associated Press reports. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also said Friday that the system provides a "critical defensive capability" to Ukraine. "Its a strong testament to how determined Ukraines neighbors are to help the Ukrainians defend themselves against Russias unprovoked invasion of their homeland," he added. Fox News Liz Friden contributed to this report. Things change. The more you contemplate the phrase, the more powerful it becomes. Few of us like change at least, not a lot of it yet it is as unavoidable as death and taxes. The trick is to incorporate its inevitability into the rhythm of life and to make the most of it. One predictable instigator of change is trauma. The country was different after the Civil War, after the Great Depression and after World War II. It would be odd for this two-year pandemic not to impose its own long-term consequences. One is liable to be on the nature of the American working life. As a story in The News made clear this week, the office is not what it used to be, even just 25 months ago. Its not a relic not yet, anyway, and, truthfully, probably not ever but it has changed. The question is: Has it changed for good, or will old forces and habits eventually reassert themselves? A good guess is that it will turn out to be some combination of the two. Handled well, it can improve productivity, make it easier to balance home and work life and maybe even reduce some business costs. And even if it doesnt, its happening. A key to understanding the phenomenon unfolding around us is that things changed before the pandemic made its appearance. Credit or blame the computer and the internet. Their increasing sophistication kicked open the office door. Suddenly, employees in some businesses could live on the East Coast and work on the West. Doctors could offer some services remotely. During a bad winter storm, some categories of workers could stay home and you should pardon the expression email it in. The old model was, if not broken, radically restructured. Then came the big bang: A once-in-a-century pandemic accompanied by the ready availability of online video services such as Zoom, Teams and Webex. Office work changed because it had to change and because it could. Those whose structures restricted their ability to adapt suffered, restaurants, bars, airlines and hotels among them. Some didnt survive. But many thrived by adjusting to a kind of remote work structure that they had long resisted, and not always without cause. In addition to providing the opportunity for supervision, offices also act as catalysts, sparking the imaginations of colleagues pursuing a shared mission. They are cauldrons of creativity. For many people and companies, the change worked very well, or at least well enough. Now, though, with the pandemic believed to be morphing into an endemic phase, stresses are arising in some companies, where managers want employees back in the office, but staffers lately sitting in the catbirds seat are happy to continue working from home. So the question: Is this a permanent change and, if so, among how many employers? For some, we suspect, it will depend on the position and the person filling it, but there will be pressures to bring people back to the office. For one thing, it is hard to introduce new employees to their colleagues, let alone incorporate them into a company culture, when everyone is working remotely. Ideas may still spark, but not in the spontaneous way they can when people talk at the watercooler or stop at another workers desk. Today, in the midst of the Great Resignation, workers have the upper hand. Companies are under pressure to be more flexible when they are having difficulty filling key positions. Thats not a bad thing. The companies that did well during the pandemic were able to do so specifically because things had changed. If they werent built for flexibility before, they are now. It has become a competitive issue in hiring, and it is hard to see that going away. Things didnt change much after the last pandemic, in 1918, but this is a different time. That scourge, known as the Spanish flu, killed around 675,000 Americans, more than 300,000 fewer than Covid-19 has killed so far, and when it ended, life resumed much as it had before. But in 1918, there was no Social Security, no employer paid health care, no Interstate highways and not many cars. Easy air travel was a thing of the future. If work life didnt change much because of the pandemic, it was at least in part because there werent many avenues of change. Thats not true today. Ours was a mobile society long before the Covid-19 pandemic and, with it, we are also a flexible one. The key for businesses and their workers will be to find the balance the hybrid that best serves everyones needs. Call it enlightened elasticity. Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing. Holly Bernardo - CEO, Big Bend Homeless Coalition, is one of the 25 Women You Need to Know for 2022. If you have an opportunity to meet Holly Bernardo, get comfortable and get ready to be inspired. She is a storyteller, a friend to all, and a passionate advocate for social services and affordable housing in Tallahassee and beyond. These are just a few of the traits that make her one of Tallahassees 25 Women You Need to Know. Bernardo is a Tallahassee native, but she left for Nashville to earn a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University and to Atlanta for her husbands career before coming home and settling down. Corrie Melton: 25 Women for 2022: At Chamber, Corrie Melton works to connect students with careers Quia Atkinson: 25 Women for 2022: Quia Atkinson builds community through art creations Lily Etemadi: 25 Women for 2022: Tallahassee native Lily Etemadi keeps 'volunteerism on the calendar' I love Tallahassee, I am so glad that we moved back and are doing our family here, Bernardo said. After working as Development Director at the Kearney Center in southwest Tallahassee, she is now CEO of the Big Bend Homeless Coalition. She is passionate about serving those who are experiencing homelessness and talented in finding innovative solutions to do so. I spent part of my youth doing humanitarian work in Nicaragua, Uganda, Mexico, and saw a lot of poverty, she said. I wondered what I could do that would be meaningful. She has dedicated her professional career and personal energy towards being a bridge for others who are between homes. We think of developing countries as being the worst for poverty but people in America live without running water, Bernardo said. People here still dont have access to food, health care, or mental health care. We have to open our eyes to our most vulnerable neighbors that live next door to us in Leon County. She explains the scope and impact of homelessness and lack of affordable housing in Tallahassee with expertise and purpose, and wants you to know that yes, you can make a difference. Story continues Managing the team that facilitates emergency housing for everyone from families to veterans, is part of her DNA, she says. The length of stay at Hope Community used to be 184 days and now is 61 days. We average 100 people a night and have a 30-family waiting list. Bernardo is excited to be working on fully funding Hope Community with a fundraising campaign called 1000 Champions for Hope, explaining, We are asking 1,000 people to make financial contributions. Each donation will help provide a safe and temporary home to families in need of emergency shelter. The key word is temporary; Bernardo envisions a Tallahassee that houses everyone, where nonprofit organizations own and operate housing at a rent people can afford. Public-private partnerships are part of that solution, and shes proud to be at the table for the conversation, and to roll up her sleeves for the work. It is getting harder to not see the homelessness here. Tallahassee is wonderful, but it is only really affordable for some, she said. We have to build workforce housing that people can afford. Its really quiet in the shelter every day because people are out working three jobs and trying to figure out where they can afford to rent. They need a bridge. Bernardo is a passionate member of the Village Square Board of Directors, facilitating community conversations about tough issues. I dont care what side of the line you are on, all of us need to come to the table to discuss these issues. We have to look through each others lenses. This is our Tallahassee and it is up to us to be the solution. Solutions like these are complex, but she isnt afraid to ask for help. As Vice President of the Big Bend Association of Fundraising Professionals, she gladly steps up to the microphone to champion the causes most important to her. Were going to spend money on something, so we might as well make it be something that makes a difference. In 2020, she was named Big Bend Fundraiser of the Year. At her own home, she enjoys raising her two children with her husband, Christian, who she calls a rock-star dad. They enjoy the outdoors, building bonfires, and checking out local playgrounds. I have won the girlfriend lottery, she shares. I love being with smart women. Holly Bernardo is a smart woman, and one that Tallahassee should hold on to for a long time. Her focus, enthusiasm, and passion will help us build more than we ever dreamed. Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 25 Women: Holly Bernardo works for solutions to homelessness South Africa's strategy came together as Bangladesh lost three quick wickets at the end of the third day of the second Test at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth on Sunday. Spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, sharing the new ball, reduced Bangladesh to 27 for three after setting the tourists an improbable 413 to win. The collapse came exactly a week after the same two bowlers had Bangladesh reeling at 11 for three at the end of the fourth day in the first Test in Durban, setting up a 220-run win for South Africa. It was all planned, according to South African opening batsman Sarel Erwee, who explained that the hosts went for their shots before declaring in the second innings in order to pose Bangladesh another trial by spin in twilight conditions. "We had (wanted) a minimum score of 400 runs lead before we declared and a certain amount of overs to get that lead," said Erwee. "So it was always in the plan. I suppose that's why you saw some positive shot-making while we were batting." Erwee said that a declaration with more than two days remaining was in keeping with the policy of captain Dean Elgar and coach Mark Boucher. "It's a state of mind, our mentality," said Erwee. "Dean's driving it into us. We want to be positive cricketers, we want to lead from the front. It's a positive decision that he's taken and that we take as a team. "We've got to follow through with that. That's what we're trying to instil in this Test side and South African cricket, from Dean and coach Boucher." Erwee said the decision to put spin pressure on Bangladesh was at least partly the result of the experience he and fellow opening batsman Elgar had at the end of the third day in Durban when they had to survive two tricky overs of spin. "It makes your hearts flutter. It's not a nice period, that twilight period. We've got two world-class spinners so it's even worse if you have to face them." Story continues Maharaj struck in each of his first two overs as Bangladesh had to bat in fading light with the floodlights on. Mahmudul Hasan was out first ball, edging the left-arm spinner to Wiaan Mulder at a short gully position off wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne's gloves. Mahmudul, who made a century in the first Test, was out for nought in the first innings as well, facing two balls. Najmul Hossain went back on his stumps and was leg before to Maharaj before off-spinner Harmer dismissed Tamim Iqbal with the last ball of the day, caught at second slip off a ball which spun sharply and bounced to loop off the shoulder of his bat. Bangladesh were earlier bowled out for 217 in their first innings, with Mushfiqur Rahim top-scoring with 51. Harmer took three wickets in 3.2 overs as the innings folded rapidly. Harmer finished with three for 39 while Maharaj took two for 57. South Africa batted aggressively in their second innings and declared on 176 for six, scored at better than four runs an over. Bangladesh left-arm spinner Taijul Islam took three for 67 to finish with match figures of nine for 202. Erwee top-scored for South Africa with 41, while Verreynne made a hard-hit 39 not out off 30 balls. str/pb The mass atrocities in Bucha vividly demonstrate a method of war conducted through murder. The crimes of the Russian invaders are already being compared with the craven cruelty of the Islamic State group. The scenes of brutality have broken our hearts and left many feeling helpless in the face of evil. During Holy Week, Christians will be contemplating the great mystery of evil as reflected in mass graves, drawing hope from the empty tomb of Easter. Besides prayer, can we somehow contribute to the righting of these wrongs? There is at least one thing all people of goodwill can do to bring healing in the midst of horror: We can welcome displaced Ukrainians and offer them safe haven. I have witnessed this transforming compassion in the life of my family. Like millions of Americans, I am the son of refugees. My parents met at St. George's Church on the lower east side of Manhattan in 1950. As 18-year-olds, they left Ukraine in 1944 as Nazi and Soviet invasions ravaged their homeland forever changing their hometowns. They arrived in America in 1949 and 1950 after years as refugees in Austria and Germany. Retired federal judge: In child porn cases, I did exactly what Ketanji Brown Jackson did My father escaped alone. My mothers parents left with two teenage daughters. My grandmother died at 45 in a camp in Austria in 1944. A third daughter who joined the Ukrainian resistance movement was killed by the Soviets in 1945 before the war ended. Refugees flee, not to improve their lives, but to save them. Ukrainian evacuees stand on a bus carrying refugees, after crossing the Ukrainian border with Poland on March 28. The last living representative of that quest for safety is my 93-year-old Aunt Stephanie, who lives in Queens. I have visited her regularly since I returned to the U.S. after 32 years of service in Europe. She is housebound and feeble. Throughout her life, she was a worker, not a complainer. Now, when I visit, she recounts the terror of childhood at 10, during the first Soviet occupation of western Ukraine, she was scarred by surrounding arrests, deportations and mass executions; at 12, she carried pails of water to help relatives wash and recognize the decomposing bodies piled up in torture chambers. Among the 6.8 million inhabitants of Ukrainian lands killed during World War II were 1.5 million Jewish victims, including Stephanies neighbors and classmates. Story continues The Will Smith slap: As a Black man, I hate to see what happened with Will Smith and Chris Rock. But it can be a teachable moment. These stories of genocide, separation and exile still haunt Aunt Stephanie. Because they are happening in Ukraine today to people who became my family through my ministry there, they continue to haunt me. Without aid, millions would be doomed How long the Russian invasion in Ukraine will last cannot be foreseen. Thousands of combatants and civilians are killed daily. Already, 4 million refugees and 7 million internally displaced persons are marked by the trauma of leaving home to escape violence. Since about 90% are women and children, the recurring nightmares will include separation from husbands and fathers. Displaced Ukrainians on a Poland-bound train bid farewell in Lviv on March 22. Another 12 million are home in Ukraine but helpless. Many lack food, electricity or clean water. Without humanitarian aid and spiritual support, they are doomed. In the midst of suffering, however, has come moral clarity. Billions have seen not just a violation of sovereignty, but crimes against humanity. They have decided who is just and joined communal efforts to help. There are heroic signs of fellowship in Ukraine, where citizens in the western part have embraced, housed and fed the IDPs from the east. In inspiring solidarity, Poland has already hosted 2.5 million refugees, Romania has hosted more than 600,000, and small countries Americans struggle to find on a map Slovakia, Hungary and Moldova together accepted more than 1 million. Other European countries and citizens have opened their borders and homes, too. The United States made its first policy step to welcome 100,000 Ukrainians and others seeking refuge. I know the U.S. will embrace them. For the past month, our chancery has received countless calls from Americans ready to house and sustain those in need. We and other leaders in the Ukrainian-American community have joined the U.S. resettlement coalition Welcome.US. Together we are ready to mobilize at least 100,000 Americans to host, sponsor and support Ukrainians seeking refuge here. Most displaced Ukrainians fervently want to return home. They call their husbands and fathers, grandparents and neighbors to confirm they are still alive. They are glued to the news and social media to see if their houses in Irpin, Bucha, Mariupol, Chernihiv and Kharkiv still stand. They want to rebuild what was destroyed. The valiant defenders of the innocent manifesting the greatest love, sacrificing ones life for ones friends (John 15:13) are doing everything to make this possible. Borys Gudziak Welcoming displaced Ukrainians and providing them refuge requires the common effort of the global community. Ukraine needs assistance in reestablishing its sovereignty, territorial integrity and peace. A belief in God-given human dignity asks every one of us to do our part, starting with an act of welcome. As in the past, Americans will rise to the occasion. Aunt Stephanie is a witness to the transforming compassion of this country then and, I hope, now. Borys Gudziak is the Metropolitan-Archbishop of Philadelphia for Ukrainian Catholics in the United States. He founded the Institute of Church History and served as rector and is the president of the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, Ukraine. He is a member of Welcome.US enlisting Americans to sponsor and support displaced Ukrainians. You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine genocides past and present haunt us. But we can help heal. HOUSTON, April 09, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Contango ORE, Inc. ("Contango," "CORE" or the "Company") (NYSE American: CTGO) announced today that it had entered into a binding agreement to issue a $20,000,000 unsecured convertible debenture to Queens Road Capital Investment, Ltd. ("QRC"). The debenture will be purchased at par. The closing and issuance of the debenture is expected to occur on or prior to April 29, 2022, subject to customary closing conditions. The Company will use the proceeds from the sale of the debenture to fund commitments to its Peak Gold, LLC (Manh Choh) joint venture, the exploration and development at its Lucky Shot properties and for general corporate purposes. Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, the Companys President and CEO, stated: "Management is pleased to finalize this financing with Queens Road Capital. I have known Warren Gilman, the principal of QRC, for a long time and have been impressed with his grasp of the mining sector, particularly for recognizing investment opportunities in quality exploration/development stage companies. We intend to use the proceeds from this financing to fund our share through completion of the feasibility study at our 30% owned Manh Choh project managed by Kinross (70%), as well as our planned underground exploration program at our 100% owned Lucky Shot project. Both projects are progressing according to plan with Manh Choh in the middle of the NEPA permitting process. The feasibility study is expected to be completed in the second half of 2022. Underground development mining is underway at Lucky Shot and we expect to drill a pilot hole next month to determine where to place the underground drift parallel to and in the footwall of the historically mined Lucky Shot vein. The exploration drift should be completed by late summer when exploration drilling will start. With strong fundamentals in the gold market, Management is excited to advance our portfolio of high-quality projects in Alaska." Story continues The Debenture The debenture will bear interest at 8% per annum, payable quarterly with 6% paid in cash and 2% paid in shares of Contango common stock issued at the market price at the time of payment based on a 20-day volumetric weighted average price (VWAP). The debenture will be unsecured, with a maturity of four years after issuance. The holder may convert the debenture into Contango common stock at any time at a conversion price of $30.50 per share, subject to adjustment. The Company may redeem the debenture after the third anniversary of issuance at 105% of par, provided that the market price (based on a 20-day VWAP) of Contango common stock is at least 130% of the conversion price. The Company may also redeem the debenture, and the holder will have rights to put the debenture to the Company, upon a change of control of the Company, with the redemption or put price being 130% of par for the first three years following issuance and 115% of par thereafter and accrued interest at the time of redemption or put being paid in the same form as other interest payments. QRC will enter into an investor rights agreement with the Company in connection with the issuance of the debenture. The investor rights agreement contains provisions that require QRC and its affiliates while they own 5% or more of the outstanding Contango common stock to standstill, not participate in any unsolicited or hostile takeover of the Company, not tender its shares of the Company's common stock unless the Company's board recommends such tender, vote its shares of Contango common stock in the manner recommended by the Company's board to its stockholders, and not transfer its shares of Contango common stock representing more than 0.5% of the outstanding shares without notifying the Company in advance whereupon the Company will have a right to purchase those shares. ABOUT CORE CORE is a company that engages in the exploration in Alaska for gold and associated minerals through a 30% interest in Peak Gold, LLC, which leases approximately 675,000 acres for exploration and development, and through Contango Minerals Alaska, LLC, its wholly owned subsidiary, which leases approximately 200,000 acres for exploration. The Company also owns the rights to the Lucky Shot, Coleman and War Baby mines, and approximately 16,600 acres of surrounding mining claims located in Willow Mining District about 75 miles north of Anchorage, Alaska. Additional information can be found on our web page at www.contangoore.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding CORE that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for "forward-looking statements" provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, based on COREs current expectations and includes statements regarding future results of operations, quality and nature of the asset base, the assumptions upon which estimates are based and other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, strategies or statements about future events or performance (often, but not always, using words such as "expects", "projects", "anticipates", "plans", "estimates", "potential", "possible", "probable", or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "will", "should", or "could" be taken, occur or be achieved). Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those, reflected in the statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: the risks of the exploration and the mining industry (for example, operational risks in exploring for, developing mineral reserves; risks and uncertainties involving geology; the speculative nature of the mining industry; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to future production, costs and expenses; the volatility of natural resources prices, including prices of gold and associated minerals; the existence and extent of commercially exploitable minerals in properties acquired by CORE or Peak Gold LLC; ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the recent transactions with an affiliate of Kinross; disruption from the transactions and transition of the Peak Gold, LLCs management to an affiliate of Kinross, including as it relates to maintenance of business and operational relationships; potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the interpretation of exploration results and the estimation of mineral resources; the loss of key employees or consultants; health, safety and environmental risks and risks related to weather and other natural disasters); uncertainties as to the availability and cost of financing; COREs inability to retain or maintain its relative ownership interest in Peak Gold, LLC; inability to realize expected value from acquisitions; inability of our management team to execute its plans to meet its goals; the extent of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak; and the possibility that government policies may change, political developments may occur or governmental approvals may be delayed or withheld, including as a result of the recent presidential and congressional elections in the U.S. or the inability to obtain mining permits. Additional information on these and other factors which could affect COREs exploration program or financial results are included in COREs other reports on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from the projections in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. CORE does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or managements estimates or opinions change. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220409005031/en/ Contacts Contango ORE, Inc. Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse (713) 877-1311 www.contangoore.com A man wanted for sex offenses against a child in 2019 was arrested in Florida in January after allegedly fleeing the country for two and a half years. According to information provided by the Davidson County Sheriff's office, in October 2019 deputies received a report of a sex offense on a 6-year-old female in the Welcome area. Want to know more about what is happening in Davidson County? Support local journalism, subscribe to The Dispatch. After a forensic interview and medical exam at the Dragonfly House Child Advocacy Center, detectives determined the child had been sexually assaulted by the live-in boyfriend of the child's babysitter, identified as Joseph Tapper, 34, of Davidson County. During the early stages of the investigation, detectives discovered Tapper had fled the country and was believed to by living in Jamaica. At that time, warrants for his arrest were issued. More: Davidson County sheriff arrests ex-husband in murder of woman found dead in 2010 In January 2022, Tapper was detained by U.S. Customs on the active warrant when he returned to the country at the airport in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He was held at the Broward County Detention Center in Florida and waived extradition before being transported to Davidson County on Feb. 21. Tapper was charged with felony statutory sex offenses and indecent liberties of a child. He was given a $1 million secured bond and had his initial court appearance on March 22. The date for his trial has been set for July 18. General news reporter Sharon Myers can be reached at sharon.myers@the-dispatch.com. Follow her on Twitter @LexDispatchSM. This article originally appeared on The Dispatch: Davidson County man who fled country for child sex offenses arrested On Friday in Washington, D.C., the National Museum of Women in the Arts honored Maria Grazia Chiuri, artist Judy Chicago and Mellody Hobson, co-chief executive officer and president of Ariel Investments, at the museums annual spring gala. The night, which was sponsored by Dior and was the first spring gala for the museum since 2019, featured a performance by Charlotte Day Wilson and drew D.C. art patrons in their black-tie best. The evening was co-chaired by Ashley Davis and Marlene Malek, and the Ambassador of France, Philippe Etienne, served as honorary diplomatic chair. It marked the first of a string of honors for Chiuri, who will next travel to New York to be recognized at the Brooklyn Artists Ball on Tuesday. More from WWD Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Even as the Uzbekistan women's national team managed to hold the U.S. women's national team scoreless for 25 minutes, the Americans' breakthrough always seemed imminent. Rose Lavelle, the Mount Notre Dame High School and Cincinnati United Premier club product, was the first to knock on the Uzbek door, lashing a header off the crossbar in the fourth minute at Lower.com Field in Columbus. Desperate defending by Uzbekistan narrowly prevented other U.S. opportunities. Finally, in the 26th minute, the Uzbek resistance broke. The USWNT scored two goals less than a minute apart. At one point in the first half, the Americans scored four goals in an eight-minute span. Lavelle assisted on the second of those goals, and had two assists by game's The Americans rolled from there in the international friendly match, eventually winning, 9-1, to mark their largest margin of victory since an 8-0 win against Paraguay Sept. 21 at Cincinnati's TQL Stadium. More: Rose Lavelle dominates in USWNT's 8-0 win against Paraguay at TQL Stadium United States midfielder Rose Lavelle (16) dribbles the ball past Uzbekistan midfielder Irodahon Turdalieva (6)cduring the 1st half of their game at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio on April 9, 2022. "I love playing anywhere in Ohio," Lavelle said afterward. "It was good, atmosphere was fun. It was a fun game to be a part of and a lot of things that we can still be better at but a step in the right direction, I think. "I feel so proud to represent Cincinnati." Andi Sullivan scored the opener for the U.S. before Mallory Pugh doubled the lead less than a minute later off a pass from Lavelle. From there, Sophia Smith would notch a hat-trick, Catarina Macario tallied once and Jaelin Howell scored her first-ever goals for the Americans. Ashley Hatch added further insurance 86th minute when her lobbed shot crossed the goal line, and Ashley Sanchez scored her first international goal in the 90th minute. Saturday's match in Columbus was the first for the USWNT since claiming the SheBelieves Cup title in February, and improved the program's 2022 record to a still-undefeated 3-0-1. Story continues United States midfielder Rose Lavelle (16) dribbles the ball against Uzbekistan during the 1st half of their game at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio on April 9, 2022. But on a night of decisive victory and milestone moments for his players, USWNT manager Vlatko Andonovski said his biggest takeaway was the goal his team allowed. The Uzbek goal was scored by Aziza Norboeva in the 70th minute, and it was the first allowed by the U.S. in 2022, and just the second in its last 10 matches. It was also the first goal conceded by USWNT on home soil in more than two years. The U.S. still had a six-goal lead after Norboeva's score, and they padded that margin in the closing moments of the game, but it still wasn't good enough for Andonovski. "Obviously, it's a goal that we're gonna have to analyze a lot," Andonovski said. "We gotta see the decision of how we set up the team, if that's something that we did right or not. That's what we're gonna start with. And once we do that, we're gonna go into individual responsibilities and see how the players fulfilled their responsibilities... "As much as I hate it (the goal), I love it because anytime you get scored on on a set play, I'm glad it happened now. This will give us an opportunity to fix it before we go to (World Cup) qualifieRs. The USWNT plays Uzbekistan again Tuesday at Subaru Park, a Major League Soccer venue located in Chester, Pennsylvania. Aubrey Kingsbury Lavelle wasn't the only native Cincinnatian involved in Saturday's match for the USWNT. Aubrey Kingsbury, the former Greater Cincinnati prep star at St. Ursula Academy, dressed but didn't play in Saturday's match. After Kingsbury started the National Women's Soccer League final for the Washington Spirit and took home MVP honors in November, she has this season played in four matches and started three times for Washington in the NWSL's season-opening Challenge Cup. More: Washington Spirit claim NWSL championship, Cincinnati product Aubrey Bledsoe named MVP Her performances there resulted in the call-up that allowed her to dress for Saturday's match against Uzbekistan, but Kingsbury remains without an official appearance for the U.S. women's senior program. Her NWSL season to-date has seen her gather six saves and preserve one shutout. Asked about Kingsbury's inclusion in the dress list for the game, Lavelle said, "I'm always pulling for every Cincinnatian." "It's so nice to have somebody from Cincinnati here," Lavelle said. "I think there's just like anybody from Cincinnati, there's just this special bond. It's been fun to have her here." This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Rose Lavelle starts, assists in USWNT 9-1 win against Uzbekistan ST. JOHNSBURY - Shawn Tester, chief executive officer of Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, has an ace up his sleeve when it comes to hiring traveling nurses to fill the shortage of nursing staff created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Free housing. "We've had a housing issue in this area for many years," Tester said. "It predates the pandemic, but then through the pandemic, as we lost nursing staff and had to lean more heavily on our cadre of travelers, we started running into this roadblock of finding housing for them. It really came to a head last summer." Shawn Tester, CEO of Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, as seen on March 17, 2022. Luckily, Tester was able to strike a deal with a local day and boarding high school that was no longer using one of its dorm buildings. Tester leased the dorm for a year and used it to house traveling nurses working at the hospital, free of charge. "It gave us a competitive advantage because it's not easy to find travelers either," Tester said. "It's unbelievable how competitive that market has become. Everybody needs nursing staff." Traveling nurses typically have to cover the cost of their own housing, using a stipend provided by their agencies. Any traveling nurse who works at Northeastern can live in the leased dorm and keep the stipend for themselves, Tester said. Northeastern is not alone in turning to housing to lure employees. The labor shortage in Vermont has every industry brainstorming ways to sweeten their offers. Vermont's most recent unemployment rate in February was 2.9%, significantly below the national average of 3.8%. As of January, there were 13,500 jobs posted on Vermont JobLink, the online jobs board run by the state labor department. Only 3,700 people were on the unemployment rolls. "There are way more jobs available right now than people," Vermont Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington said. Why not lure workers with higher wages? At the other end of the spectrum, there are far fewer housing opportunities than people looking for houses or rentals in Vermont, especially in Chittenden County, the state's main economic driver. The vacancy rate for apartments in Chittenden County is about 0.9%. Story continues Given the competitive labor and housing markets, higher wages seem like a logical solution to attracting workers, but Harrington said many Vermont employers don't have the ability to increase compensation "beyond a significant threshold." The University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. Photographed Nov. 7, 2020. "We're finding that employers are looking at innovative ways to attract people," Harrington said. "What we've heard recently is employers may purchase or build housing and rent it to their employees. Others are looking at providing child care or relocation incentives." The University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington recently announced it is working with a developer to build 61 apartment units for medical staff. "There is a severe workforce shortage facing almost every employer in our region, but especially Vermonts health care providers," UVMMC said in a written statement. "We are listening to our employees and to the people who we try to recruit when they say that housing is a barrier for them." UVMMC is investing $2.8 million to help finance the roughly $15 million project. The medical center would take a 10-year master lease on the apartments, making them available to staff members, potentially with a subsidy for qualifying employees, according to UVMMC's statement. Ski resorts are redoubling their efforts to provide housing Ski resorts, another foundational sector of the Vermont economy, are also playing the housing card. Vail Resorts provides employee housing at all three of the ski areas it owns in Vermont: Stowe, Okemo and Mount Snow. Vail also raised its minimum wage to $20 per hour in an effort to make itself more attractive as an employer. "As part of its renewed focus on employees, Vail Resorts plans to aggressively pursue building new affordable housing on land it owns and pursue company leases in existing affordable housing developments, to help make housing more accessible and affordable for employees," Spokesman Adam White said in an emailed statement. White said housing has long been a "key component" in the ski industry because it has so many seasonal employees who are not in a position to buy permanent housing. But he said the tight labor market has heightened Vail's interest in providing housing, as well as higher wages. "The wage increase, the housing, all these things are about a commitment to your employees," White said. "That's what it takes nowadays to attract and retain talent, for the employer to make that commitment. It's a two-way street. The employer needs to step up too, and say, 'Here's what we can provide.'" Killington, one of Vermont's largest ski resorts, has offered employee housing since 2018, according to spokeswoman Kristel Killary. But again, the tight labor market brought on by COVID-19 has seen the resort redouble its efforts on the housing front. Killington already owns one apartment building and is planning to purchase another by the end of this ski season, housing about 300 employees between the two properties. "We do not have any immediate plans to purchase other properties because we will be working on renovations of the property and improving the housing experience for our staff," Killary said. Building housing can be easier said than done One obstacle that Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington sees for employers turning to housing as an incentive for hiring new employees is another COVID-related problem the high cost of construction and the uncertainty of the supply chain for building materials. The COVID-19 pandemic has made building houses very expensive because of a variety of factors, including shortages of labor and materials. "With the cost of goods and services going up it becomes extremely hard for an employer to either build new housing or rehab housing to a place where it's actually of positive value," Harrington said. "One employer looking at building housing as an option decided the cost was just too much." Harrington declined to identify the employer. Back at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, CEO Shawn Tester makes it clear that he's not thrilled about the hospital's foray into housing, but he is, nevertheless, in initial discussions with a local developer about building on some of Northeastern's 80 acres of undeveloped land. "Our stake in the project would be our property, then bring in a developer who can bring in additional resources and finances and skills," Tester said. "Market rate workforce housing is what we're talking about here. We have housing problems at all income levels, but for our workforce it needs to be market rate." Tester said he doesn't know how big the development would be, or whether it would be single-family homes or apartments, or a mix. There are lots of unknowns. "The last thing I want to do is get into housing, but if we are going to ensure we're providing the quality health care we need in this community that means I need to attract a work force to meet the community's needs, which means we need to solve the housing problem," Tester said. Contact Dan DAmbrosio at 802-849-0497 or ddambrosio@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanDambrosioVT. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Employer-provided housing a possible solution for filling jobs in VT Apr. 9PULLMAN Jake Dickert expects several position battles to last well into fall camp, but the first-year Washington State football coach hopes to clear up a few depth-chart questions before spring ball ends. Next weekend's scrimmage and the spring game April 23 will provide "huge evaluation" opportunities for tightly contested position groups. Asked Saturday after practice about the Cougs' intrasquad competitions for playing time, Dickert tabbed the free safety role as "one of the biggest jobs on defense that we're looking to find." Throughout camp, freshman Adrian Shepherd has been the surprise frontrunner. During his redshirt year in 2021, the 5-foot-11 Texas native appeared only once, in the fourth quarter of WSU's blowout win over Arizona. Shepherd made major strides in his understanding of coverage techniques and offensive formations over the offseason. "I just put more effort and energy into the details, the small details and everything we do everything matters," Shepherd said. "Hard work pays off in everything you do. Just keep working at it. It's a process and eventually you'll see the results." His energetic style of play and willingness to learn caught Dickert's attention. "We took him for a reason in 2020 ... he just has that football mentality," Dickert said. "Every once in a while, you'll see that aggressiveness get out of control. I'd rather pull him back than have to say 'giddy-up.' "He wants to go take your soul when he tackles, and there's times where he's gotta be finesse in the middle of the field and get people down. He's a football kid. He's tough, he's hard-nosed and it's in his blood." Shouldering the second-team reps at camp recently has been juco transfer Sam Lockett III, a lengthy junior who began his college career at Utah State after graduating from Gonzaga Prep. The 6-1, 212-pounder played two seasons for the Aggies, then spent a year at City College of San Francisco. Story continues Hunter Escorcia and Jaden Hicks, both deep reserves last season, are apparently in the mix, as well. "(A priority) is finding that eraser at free safety," Dickert said. "That's going to be a job that I think goes all the way into fall camp." WSU lost veteran George Hicks III to graduation. Hicks performed consistently at free safety last season after playing cornerback for the first four years of his collegiate career. He took over early in 2021 for injured sophomore Halid Djibril, who has since transferred to Tarleton State. WSU also had to rebuild at strong safety. The Cougars appear to have found their starter in experienced Nevada transfer Jordan Lee. Lockdown cornerback Jaylen Watson is headed to the NFL, but WSU returns four key CBs in Derrick Langford Jr., Chau Smith-Wade who participated Saturday after about a week sidelined due to injury Kaleb Ford-Dement and Chris Jackson. The personnel seems to be settled at the top of the depth chart. The responsibilities still need to be worked out. "Those four guys were rotational, did a lot of things, but who's going to step up and really solidify themselves as a big-time playmaker?" Dickert said of the cornerbacks. On the defensive front, the first unit is already in place. A handful of players are jockeying for reserve roles. No one will supplant Daiyan Henley at outside linebacker. The senior Nevada transfer has been a star throughout camp. His backup is to be determined. Senior Ben Wilson and fourth-year sophomore Kyle Thornton are competing for minutes behind Henley. Wilson, a Lake Tapps, Washington product, did most of his work on special teams last year after transferring in from TCU. Thornton saw steady action on defense behind five-year starter Jahad Woods. "Both guys are vying for positions and we definitely want to rotate at linebacker," Dickert said. "Who can spell and be ready?" The Cougs are well-stocked on their D-line and boast experienced returning starters at the edge-rushing and D-tackle positions. A couple of younger players and newcomers have a chance to crack the rotation. Dickert singled out two D-tackles who'll likely contribute in 2021: Virginia transfer Nusi Malani and sophomore Ty Garay-Harris, who played sparingly but alternated into the lineup in 10 games last year. Malani "has added a pass-rush element that was desperately needed from the inside," Dickert said. Dickert plans to involve as many as seven edge-rushers this season. The most effective four from WSU's 2021 depth chart are back. Underclassmen such as Raam Stevenson Jr. and Lawrence Falatea are trying to prove themselves. "Our edges position has really been our strength," Dickert said. Offensively, the Cougars are pointing to the receiving corps as the strong point of their offense. WSU has high expectations for a first team composed of slotbacks Renard Bell and Lincoln Victor, and outside receivers De'Zhaun Stribling and Donovan Ollie. Otherwise, the Cougs are creating "competitive depth" this spring. "Who's going to separate at wide receiver? They know we're going to play a lot of guys, but who can make the big, contested catches?" Dickert said. Rising slots include Drake Owen, a journeyman collegian from Camas, and elusive redshirt freshman Orion Peters. With Victor sidelined because of a minor injury, Owen took first-string snaps Saturday. Outside receivers in contention for reps are sophomore Anderson Grover, junior CJ Moore and freshman Tsion Nunnally. The running back and offensive line positions are in the early stages of the preseason development process. Junior Nakia Watson is the favorite to start at running back for a WSU team that intends to establish a ground game this season. Spring practices have featured a healthy dose of redshirt freshmen Dylan Paine and Kannon Katzer, and true freshman Djouvensky Schlenbaker. Sophomore Jouvensly Bazil is nearing full health after missing the first two weeks of spring ball. "That'll be a position we'll be sorting out all the way to game day," Dickert said. The same can be said about WSU's new-look O-line, which lost three mainstays after last season. The Cougars are shifting the pieces around up front. "What five guys are gonna be able to take the reins?" Dickert said. "Next Saturday (a scrimmage) will be huge for that. We talked about the physicality. Who can execute?" Tight ends taking shape Three players are emerging in WSU's new position group: a true freshman, a D-I transfer and a converted linebacker. Highly regarded Oklahoman recruit Andre Dollar is making a smooth transition from the prep ranks to the Power Five. The 6-4, 240-pounder lines up with WSU's first-string offense in 7-on-7 drills. "I like to be known for my receiving abilities," he said, "but I also like to put my hand in the dirt. I'll go down-block a D-end. I'm all for it." Billy Riviere, a 245-pound sophomore transfer, started for FCS North Dakota last season but didn't register a reception. He'll presumably be used most as a blocker. Cooper Mathers, a third-year Cougar out of O'Dea High in Seattle, flipped to tight end this offseason. The Cougs converted a couple of other defenders in order to fill a position group that hasn't existed at WSU in over a decade. First-year offensive coordinator Eric Morris' new Air Raid offense reintroduced tight ends. "All of us in the tight ends room, we have a chip on our shoulder," Dollar said. "We're trying to prove something that hasn't been done." Mathers earned a "Juice Player of the Day" award from Dickert on Saturday. "This guy's been showing up a lot," Dickert said. "He had a bunch of big plays the other day and was great in the red zone." Cougars conduct light session, situational possessions WSU split up by position and worked through individual drills for the first half of Saturday's half-padded practice before a brief 7-on-7 period and a no-contact team drill. Quarterback Cameron Ward and WSU's first-team offense were given just over a minute to march 60 yards and score a touchdown. WSU's DBs blanketed the Cougs' receivers and induced one or two touch sacks. Ward moved the chains with checkdowns to his running backs, and converted a fourth-and-3 before connecting with Ollie on the far sideline for a 25-yard pass that got the Cougs inside the 10-yard line. With the clock hitting zeroes, Ward's pass to the corner of the end zone was altered by strong winds and intercepted by Langford. On his second series, Ward had 40 seconds to march WSU into field-goal range. He showed command of the hurry-up offense and took the Cougars 40 yards, clocking the ball with 2 seconds remaining. Dean Janikowski's 38-yard field goal sailed wide right. True freshman Emmett Brown led the most successful drive, which he capped with a 35-yard touchdown toss to a wide-open Grover. Tight end Moon Ashby, a former edge-rusher, caught a deep pass down the sideline from Xavier Ward to conclude practice. The offensive and defensive lines walked through their progressions during the 11-on-11 period. "We kinda designed it like ... we were just going to be in helmets, but we'll use it as a mental day, as a preparation day, as a day where we're going to get something done with intent and have a lot of great teaching moments," Dickert said. Stribling, Watson and tackle Jarrett Kingston missed Thursday's session but participated Saturday. The In Basket appears at least once a month in The Bottom Line section of the Yakima Herald-Republic. To have an item published, email business@yakimaherald.com . Send photos as jpg attachments. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday for the following Sunday. Three cheers for the nation of Poland and the Polish people. They have opened their homes and their hearts to almost two million Ukrainian refugees. Seventy-five thousand children are already in the Polish education system. We have seen other refugees in other countries end up in camps or makeshift barracks. In this country most of the refugees have gone to homes. A real surprise. It is a lesson in what many countries including the United States could do with incoming refugees fleeing terrible conditions in countries around the world. The countries surrounding the Ukraine are on the frontline in helping many women and children seeking shelter from the monster Vladimir Putin. It is an important historic moment that is one for teaching and not preaching. We now hope that major religious leaders and moral leaders throughout the world finally stop the ruthless dictators that kill without mercy; Bashar al-Assad, Kim Jong Un and Putin. The many lessons of World War II teach us that you cannot coddle the moral monsters who prey on children, the old and women. If we do not stop them now they will not stop their reign of terror. FILE Both the Yakima Police Department and the Yakima Municipal Jail are located in the Richard A. Zais Law & Justice Center at 200 S. Third St. in Yakima. Roberto Mendez Garcia will never forget being called to a neighboring field because his 17-year-old daughter had been involved in an accident. Submarine veterans from around the region to have event on Saturday in Yakima Submit An Obituary Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form My inbox remains a reliable source of vitriolic accusations about the so-called woke mob, as well as more specific accusations that I am myself a member in good standing with the so-called woke mob, so I guess its time for a pertinent question: Uh, what is it? Id be willing to identify as woke, but Id have to know what it is. Im funny that way. Absent further explanation, Im not sure Im woke. Im awake, probably about half the time, but I feel like that doesnt fulfill the requirements. I have an almost identical issue with this term rock, as in Pittsburghs Billy Porter rocked a bright pink Valentino at the Grammys. OK, but what was he wearing? The woke thing is fairly ubiquitous and has been for a few years, but its general comprehension is decidedly not. Confusion about woke reached a tipping point in the last couple of weeks with yet another mindless assertion by Donald J. Trump, specifically that Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks made a horrible mistake when he went woke and stated, referring to the 2020 Presidential Election Scam, Put that behind you, put that behind you. Brooks, lest youve misplaced your handy roster of Jan. 6 insurrectionists, is the guy who turned up in Washington that day for conspicuous speechmaking that somehow required him to wear body armor and carry a Glock. Today is the day American patriots start takin down names and kickin ass, Brooks yelled as the opening act of the Stop the Steal rally. But now that hes put that behind him, hes felt compelled to point out, needlessly enough, that hes not woke. When the (former) president calls me woke, theres not anybody in Alabama with a brain larger than the size of a pea who believes that Mo Brooks is a woke liberal, Brooks told ABC. Same with most everyone else, pea- and non-pea brains alike, coast to coast. Woke has evidently emerged as a kind of universal dismissal of the left, a vapid slice of political slang that has all but replaced politically correct. Woke is perhaps more useful because it belongs to a subset of words Trump can actually spell. Same for Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, who this week tweeted: Next year, the woke Disney lobbyists will ask Congress to extend Micky Mouses trademark. I think not. So she can spell woke, but not Mickey. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has warned that Disney will destroy the country if its woke ideology is left to flourish unabated. Luckily, the line to destroy the country is longer than the one for Space Mountain, and I doubt Disney will be cutting the line in front of Ron DeSantis. This is the first reference Ive seen to a woke ideology, even if I admit the suspicion that if anyone was about to foist some sinister agenda upon America it would be Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Laugh if you must, but I believe it was Democratic strategist James Carville who told CNN not long ago that some Democrats need to visit a woke detox center. I think I saw one on Cochran Road but try to get there on a day when the woke mob isnt active. Heres another thing Im not sure I understand. Since Im in the media, I doubt Id have the time for mob activities, especially since a recent survey by the Public Religion Research Institute says that 16% of Americans believe the government, media and financial institutions in the U.S. are controlled by a group of Satan-worshipping pedophiles who run a global child sex-trafficking operation. That sounds like a lot of work. As it happens though, there is an official definition of woke, and its not surprising that its as benign as can be. According to Merriam-Webster, woke means aware and attentive to important facts and issues, especially issues of race and social justice. It has lyrical roots in a 1938 protest song by legendary bluesman Huddie Ledbetter (Lead Belly), who urged listeners to stay woke. Oooh. So scary. No one on the left should allow themselves to be defined by the pejorative slang of people whod be hard-pressed to define such terms for themselves, and vice versa. Its the same with the lefts socialist agenda. What percentage of people who throw socialist around can ascribe to it an accurate definition? Its say about 16%. Thankfully, were coming up on the 70th anniversary of that time Harry Truman put the socialist trope to bed for good. Socialism is a scare word they have hurled at every advance the people have made in the last 20 years, Truman said in a speech at Syracuse. Socialism is what they called public power. Socialism is what they called social security. Socialism is what they called farm price supports. Socialism is what they called bank deposit insurance. Socialism is what they called the growth of free and independent labor organizations. Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps all the people. And who is the they in all of that? Not the woke mob. A new state forest-management policy that sets aside 10,000 acres of state lands as a carbon reserve is, unsurprisingly, drawing criticism. As youd expect, groups like the American Forest Resource Council say Washingtons commissioner of public lands, Hilary Franz, isnt being realistic. Adding this plan to the mix of existing state policies could put the forest industrys fortunes and jobs at risk, they warn. But some of the loudest gripes are coming from groups that generally work to save trees, not convert them into lumber. Why dont they like the plan? The short answer is that they dont think it goes far enough and that it might even be an attempt to divert attention from ongoing state management policies that continue to threaten some of the regions oldest forests. Franz introduced the new reserve, which will take in a two-century-old forest in King County, last week, saying the state can get more money from carbon credits on the land than it could get from timber sales. Rather than allow timber companies to harvest the trees, the state will lease them as carbon credits to companies whose work emits greenhouse gases. Money the state takes in from those leases would go to the usual beneficiaries of state trust lands the state school construction fund, hospital districts, library districts. The beneficiaries usually get about $180 million a year from Department of Natural Resources trust lands. The goal of the new plan is to help reduce climate change by preserving more forests, which soak up about one third of the worlds greenhouse gases. Its a tiny step, affecting just 0.5% of state timber lands. And as we said, critics havent been shy or scarce. The Washington Environmental Council calls it a step forward, but theyre still among the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the state that is pending before the state Supreme Court. The suit argues that the state could manage forests for overall environmental health or any number of other reasons, not just to keep money to flowing to beneficiaries. Meantime, Peter Goldman, the director and managing attorney for the Washington Forest Law Center, suggested that Franz might be trying to distract the public from the fact that legacy forests are still being logged. Its great, who could be against it? he said of the reserve. But is she just trying to pour cold water on the political heat she is taking on these sales? Those arent insignificant points. Preserving just half of 1% of these forests isnt much to brag about, but its a start. And while were mindful of the money and resources at stake here schools and hospitals are critical, and were vastly short of the affordable housing that timber can provide the idea of basing so much on timber sales is antiquated. Its from a time when few wouldve had the vision to question whether demand for natural resources would someday outweigh supply. Now that we realize how critical healthy forests are to keeping our region livable, we must rethink what we value them for. If we can only realize their worth by cutting them down, our policies are unsustainable. I have a big belief that with climate change here, we need to save our forests to truly save ourselves, Franz said. We agree. A tiny step is better than no step. And even if Franz is trying to distract from cuts that some object to, this plan at least offers tangible protection to 10,000 acres. Our climate is changing, and we know forests can help. Its long past time that we value that help. Yankton, SD (57078) Today Partly to mostly cloudy and windy. High 76F. Winds SSE at 25 to 35 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Windy with showers early becoming a steady rain late. Thunder possible. Low around 55F. Winds SSE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. Tallinn, Estonia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 10, 2022) - On March 20th, 2022, hackers exploited Umbrella Network's Polar Stream staking contracts on both Ethereum and BNB Chain and drained the LP tokens staked in both of the contracts. Umbrella Network had insurance coverage from decentralized insurance platform Uno Re and their claim has been accepted by the insurer. Uno Re To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8203/119132_bcbdbc5654a4d96a_001full.jpg Umbrella Network announced the hack on Twitter the same day the incident happened. It is reported that the attack was due to an underflow bug in the smart contract code. Hackers managed to withdraw liquidity using the stolen LP tokens from both the UMB-ETH Uniswap and the UMB-BNB Pancakeswap pools. Subsequently, hackers were then able to sell over 2.2 million UMB tokens to the open market. Umbrella Network also notified users that their stolen UMB, BNB, and ETH will be returned to their wallets within 48 hours. Following the incident, Umbrella Network's affected staking pool and any pending changes/new additions to Umbrella Network's policy have been temporarily frozen. Besides the Umbrella Network hack, several staking pools have been compromised by hackers in the past year alone. It is worth mentioning that most of the compromised protocols have had their codes audited sometimes multiple times from a variety of reputed audit firms. However, the fact that even audited protocols get hacked points to the need for DeFi insurance as the stolen tokens in staking pools belong to no other than users. Thankfully, Umbrella Network has already taken necessary precautions and partnered with a reputed insurance provider, Uno Re. The details of the claim payout to be made by Uno Re Uno Re and Umbrella Network's partnership began in August 2021. The partnership was formed to ensure compensation for users' possible losses due to unauthorized, malicious, or criminal acts specifically aiming at exploiting the smart contracts' code vulnerabilities. Story continues As per the agreement, Uno Re processed the claim submitted by Umbrella Network. Upon the investigation conducted by Uno Re's Claims Assessment Team, the details have been forwarded to the Uno Re Claims Adjudication Committee for a vote and the committee has decided to accept the claim. As a result, users whose assets are irrecoverably lost are entitled to receive up to $10k each as stated in the contract between Uno Re and Umbrella Network. In conclusion, 91% of affected wallet addresses are being covered and appropriately compensated as per the cover terms and conditions. The claim payout amount will be processed from Uno Re's premium pool and will be carried out without utilizing any of the protocol's stalking pools ensuring zero capital erosion for the staked community. Jaskanwar Singh, CEO, and Co-founder of Uno Re has stated "It is with regret that we observe the outbreaks of smart contract hacks within the DeFi space that cause users to lose their hard-earned assets. Uno Re dedicates itself to maintaining the security of the DeFi space to contribute to its growth. The partnership of Umbrella Network and Uno Re is a prime example of how DeFi insurance safeguards users' staked assets." "This claim payout is the first one to be made by Uno Re, showcasing the efficacy and robustness of our protocol's risk management framework. Thanks to such strong alliances, the future of DeFi looks bright despite the presence of malicious actors," he added. This hack further proves why insurance for crypto assets is absolutely essential to maintain a sustainable, safe, and long-lasting crypto ecosystem. As with previous staking pool hacks and the recent Umbrella Network hack, the real victim of smart contract exploitations are the users. As long as smart contract flaws remain, insurance will be the only guarantee users and protocols can rely on. About Uno Re Uno Re is the world's first decentralised insurance and reinsurance platform, allowing the community to invest and trade in 'risk' and receive sizable returns on their investments in one of the safest asset classes in the world. The platform will break barriers to entry for the retail investor by doing away with the historic pre-requisite of absurdly high capital generally needed to invest into the market while also introducing much-needed transparency into the industry as a whole. Uno Re will also allow the community to propose innovative insurance products to the space, thus propelling a new generation of Insurtech companies powered by the Uno Re ecosystem. Twitter | Telegram | Medium | LinkedIn | Website Company Contact details: Company Name: Uno Re Contact Person: Misbah SP Contact Person Title: Content/Marketing Ops Twitter: @Misbah6SP Company E-mail: misbah@unore.io PR Contact: Name - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sourav-ghosal-nca/ Website - www.newscoverage.agency Email - touch@newscoverage.agency Telegram - https://t.me/souravghosal_NCA To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/119132 The Indian car market has tradinionally been inclined towards fuel-efficient affordable vehicles, and the trend reflects in the top 10 best selling vehicles. However, things are rapidly changing and the latest top 10 car list from March 2022 highlights the changing perspective of buyers, looking to buy more SUVs than sedans. March 2022 was a strong month for automobile makers, particularly for Maruti Suzuki, which had the top three best-selling vehicles in the country. In addition, the Tata Nexon was the best-selling SUV in the month of March, making it the best-selling vehicle for Tata Motors. Below is a list of the top 10 selling vehicles for the month of March: Maruti Suzuki Eeco (9,221 units) Maruti Suzuki Eeco has become a favourite vehicle of many Indian families, especially in rural areas. Despite making it into the top 10 list, Maruti Suzuki sold 9,221 units of Eeco in March 2022, a 20% decrease over its YoY performance in March 2021, when the automaker sold 11,547 units. Maruti Suzuki Eeco is available in both petrol and CNG models and uses a 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Prices start at Rs 4.53 lakh (ex-showroom). Also read: This customized Mahindra Thar SUV looks lavish in all-white wrap, check pics Hyundai i10 Grand Nios (9,687 units) In March 2022, Hyundai sold 9,687 units of the Grand i10 Nios, placing it ninth on this list. Although this is a good figure, the YoY sales have dropped by about 12% as the South Korean manufacturer sold 11,020 units in March 2021. Hyundai i10 Grand Nios is available with a 1.2-litre petrol engine or a 1.1-litre diesel engine. The hatchback is priced from Rs 5.29 lakh onwards (ex-showroom). Tata Punch (10,526 units) Despite being a new launch, the Tata Punch quickly gained traction thanks to the SUV inspired looks and highly competitive pricing in the sub-4 metre segment. As of March 2022, total of 10,526 units of Punch micro-SUV were sold by Tata Motors in India. Tata Punch is available with a 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to a 5speed manual or 5-speed AMT gearbox. Prices start at Rs 5.67 lakh (ex-showroom). Hyundai Creta (10,532 units) Even though the Hyundai Creta has been one of the top sellers in its segment for several months running, Hyundai still sold 10,532 vehicles in March 2022, which is unchanged from last month. In contrast, year-over-year sales decreased by 17%. Hyundai Creta is available with three engine options, a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a 1.5 diesel engine and a 1.4 turbo-petrol engine. Prices start at Rs 10.28 lakh (ex-showroom). Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza (12,439 units) As a result of the discontinuation of the diesel engine, sales of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza have dropped significantly. However, Maruti Suzuki sold 12,439 units in March 2022 despite the absence of a diesel motor. In addition, sales of the sub-4m petrol SUV have grown by 10% year-over-year. Vitara Breeza currently only comes with a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque converter gearbox. Prices start at Rs 7.69 lakh (ex-showroom). Maruti Suzuki Swift (13,623 units) For years, the Maruti Suzuki Swift has been a reliable seller for the Indo-Japanese brand, but in March 2022, the firm was able to sell only 13,623 Swifts, a 37% drop in sales from the same month in 2021. In contrast, the company sold 21,714 units in March 2021, making it the best-selling vehicle at the time. The Maruti Suzuki Swift is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine and is available with a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission. Prices start at Rs 5.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Tata Nexon (14,315 units) In March 2022, Tata Nexon sold 14,315 units, making it the best-selling vehicle in its class. Since Tata Motors only sold 8,683 units in March 2021, the sub-4m SUV has seen a 65% increase in sales year over year (YoY). Tata Nexon EV is currently the best selling EV in India. Maruti Suzuki Baleno (14,520 units) In March 2022, Maruti Suzuki only sold 14,520 units of the Baleno, despite the car's recent upgrade. In the same period last year, the business sold 21,217 units, resulting in a 32% decrease in year-over-year sales growth. There are six airbags on top variants of the new Baleno, which make it more popular among buyers. The hatchback is priced at Rs 6.35 lakh (ex-showroom). Maruti Suzuki Dezire (18,623) With 18,623 new purchasers, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire delivered on its promise of being a reliable performer for the company. In March 2021, only 11,434 units of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire were sold, resulting in a YoY sales increase of 63%. Maruti Suzuki Dzire is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine and is mated to a 5-speed manual or an automatic. Prices start at Rs 6.09 lakh (ex-showroom). Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R (24,634 units) In March 2022, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R reclaimed the top spot on the podium with sales of 24,634 vehicles. Only 18,757 Wagon-R hatchbacks might be sold by the company in March 2021. This implies that sales of the boxy hatchback have increased by almost 31% year over year. The Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R is available with 2 engine options: a 1.0-litre petrol engine and a 1.2-litre petrol engine. Prices start at Rs 5.39 lakh (ex-showroom). Live TV #mute New Delhi: As news of actors Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatts wedding is spreading like wildfire, their close friend and director Ayan Mukerji seems to confirm it as he releases their first poster together from the upcoming film Brahamastra and writes The Time feels Right for itThere is some extra love in the air these days. It was during the shooting of the film that the two started dating each other. Penning a long note Ayan wrote, Love is the Light! Part One: Shiva is what this first chapter of Brahmastra is now called. But for the longest time, it used to be Part One: Love. Because at its core, Brahmastra is about the Energy of Love. A Love that spread like Fire, beyond the Movie, and into Life. So here it is, our Love Poster. The Time feels Right for it There is some extra love in the air these days ! :). He further added, And with it, a little piece of the magic of Kesariya, Pritam (Dada), Amitabh Bhattacharya, Arijit) Shiva & Isha. Ranbir & Alia. Love The Greatest Astra! After much delay, Brahmastra is all set to release on September 9, this year. The film also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Mouni Roy and Nagarjuna Akkineni. Reacting to Ayans post, Alia Bhatt commented, Ummmm caption with multiple red heart emojis. Earlier, Alias half brother Rahul Bhatt also confirmed her wedding to ETimes and shared, Yes, the wedding is happening and I have been invited. I will be there for the ceremonies. However, both Alia and Ranbir have remained tight-lipped on it. Ranbir had earlier told NDTV that he has all the intentions of getting married to Alia Bhatt and hopefully soon but he would not reveal the date to media. The couple began dating in 2017 and made their first public appearance together at Sonam Kapoors wedding reception in 2018. New Delhi: Kissflow Inc, an Indian software-as-a-service company, rewarded five of its employees with BMW cars worth Rs 1 crore each. The IT firm rewarded the senior management executives with swanky new luxurious cars to honour their loyalty and commitment. Kissflow kept the handing over ceremony under wraps. According to a report by ANI, a few of the recipients of BMW cars were informed just hours before they were handed over the keys. Kissflow Inc CEO Suresh Sambandam noted that the five employees were with him right from the inception of the company and stayed with him during the course of the journey. The five BMW 530d cars rolled in one by one. The luxury cars were lined up parallelly along with the respective families of the five members, much to the delight of the gathered staffers, ANI reported. "The cars are for these five who were with me when I dug 100 feet for gold (setting up Kissflow while others left the organisation midway)," Sambandam said. Sambandam said some of the recipients of the cars hailed from humble backgrounds. He also pointed out that the selected workers had undergone various challenges before joining Kissflow. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Kissflow, too, had its fair share of troubles. At that time, investors even raised doubts if the firm would run successfully. "There were difficult times. Even during the pandemic, the investors were not sure whether this company will sustain and build a future. Today we are very happy that we have paid back the investors and now it has become a fully owned privately held company," he said. Also Read: FM Sitharaman to meet PSBs' heads on Apr 23 to nudge them for credit expansion Sambandam also responded to a query on what the other employees would receive and said that the current event will inspire them. We want to motivate them (to perform much better). We take care of our employees much better," he was quoted as saying. Also Read: Bank Holidays: Banks to remain shut for 4 days this week; check important dates Live TV #mute New Delhi: Days before Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor's pre-wedding festivities, it appears Ranbir's under-contruction home is getting a small makeover with lights. On Sunday morning, paps got a glimpse of workers hanging lights on the building. Although the house is still under construction and has scaffolding around it, it appears a pre-wedding festivity could be held there or the house is simply being decked up on the occasion of Alia and Ranbir's rumoured wedding. Ace celebrity photographer shared a video of Ranbir's bungalow. Take a look at it: It is being said that Alia and Ranbir's wedding ceremony will be a four-day event. The Mehendi ceremony will take place on April 13, followed by a Sangeet ceremony, which will be held on April 14. They will be getting married on April 15, 2022. Their reception which will reportedly be held at Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai is said to be a lavish affair which will be attended by the likes of Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Aditya Chopra, Shah Rukh Khan, Ayan Mukerji, Aditya Roy Kapur, Arjun Kapoor, Karan Johar among others. Alia and Ranbir have been in a relationship for over three years now. The duo met on the sets of Ayan Mukerji's 'Brahmastra', and since then have been going strong. Bengaluru: Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly Siddaramaiah on Sunday slammed Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai for the hooliganism by Hindu outfits and alleged that Bommai has outsourced the law and order department to Sangh Parivar. In a series of tweets, the former chief minister hit out at Bommai for not initiating action against the Hindu outfits who are on rampage attacking Muslim shopkeepers around the Hindu temples. "Basavaraj Bommai has outsourced the law & order dept of govt to Sangh Parivar, & the goons of SriRama Sene are appointed on contractual basis. This is a disaster for Karnataka," the Congress leader tweeted. "An act of Mareecha in the name of 'Rama'!! It is the Ravanas who are dictating Mareechas, & those Ravanas should also be punished," he further said He said if Bommai is still the Chief Minister of Karnataka, he should get the 'goons of Sriram Sena' kicked into jail for vandalising shops of Muslim traders in Dharwad. If Bommai is incapable of doing this, it is better to resign for the benefit of Karnataka, he added. He was referring to the vandalism by Hindu activists who destroyed watermelons of Muslim vendors at Nuggikeri Anjaneya Swami temple on Saturday saying that they cannot do business of Hindu temple region. The Hindu outfits had also petitioned the temple management citing a government rule that non-Muslims cannot do business inside Hindu temples. When there was no response, they reportedly went on the rampage. "The goons of SriRama Sene have presented the picture of @BJP4India's 'Rama Rajya'. In reality, this is Ravana Rajya in the name of Rama," Siddaramaiah said. Noting that the attack by goons of Sriram Sena is not just on the Muslim traders, but also an attack on farmers growing watermelon, Siddaramaiah expressed his apprehension that if these goons continue to wander on the streets, they will try enter all the houses. The former Chief Minister even charged Bommai of being insecure of his position and having no control over his cabinet. In an attempt to save his chair, he has pledged the govt & his integrity with Sangh Parivar, he alleged. "Bommai has failed to shut the foul mouths of communal anti-heroes like C T Ravi (MLA and BJP national general secretary), N Ravikumar (MLC) from commenting on the investigation by Police Commissioner. These statements demoralise the entire Police department," Siddaramaiah said. Highlighting that Karnataka is known for peace and harmony, in which he took pride, the former chief minister said the attack on Muslims by wings of Sangh Parivar and BJP has embarrassed Kannadigas in front of the whole world. He also said that Kannadigas will never excuse the acts of vandalism. "The BJP in Karnataka is not just digging a grave for itself, but also for all the Kannadigas. BJP's communal venom is hurting investment sentiments & industrialists are contemplating about moving out of our state. This is a dangerous & concerning development," Siddaramaiah alleged. He also charged that the Karnataka Chief Minister had become a 'toy in the hands of communal goons'. "This toy is a prescription for Karnataka's failure. What we need is the prescription for Karnataka's growth story," Siddaramaiah said. Live TV New Delhi : In less than a month, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has completed its inquiry into the BrahMos accidental firing case and blamed more than one official from the missile squadron for the incident for which there would be "swift and severe punishment". The inquiry into the March 9 incident was done by Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Offensive) Air Vice Marshal RK Sinha where during routine maintenance and inspection, a BrahMos missile got fired accidentally and landed up in the Mian Channu area of Pakistan. "More than one official has been found blameworthy for the incident which was totally avoidable. The guilty officials would be given a swift and severe punishment," government sources told ANI. The court of inquiry also found a clear violation of standard operating procedures by the officials concerned, they said. The government and Indian Air Force top brass are of the view that the punishment should be quick and not allowed to prolong which has happened in many cases earlier, sources said. The inquiry also brought out the role of an official in controlling the situation after the missile got launched accidentally. The IAF official probing the incident was asked to complete the inquiry into the incident in the earliest possible timeframe as accountability of officials had to be fixed for the mishap which could have caused much more damage. Indian Air Force has taken the incident very seriously and taking every step internally to ensure that such incidents don`t occur in future and various standard operating procedures are being reviewed to see if there is any change required to make things smoother, the sources said. The Defence Ministry has also been briefed about the inquiry committee report and further action is expected in the next few weeks, sources said. After the incident happened and countries including Pakistan tried to rake up the issue at international fora, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured Parliament that the missile system is very reliable and safe. "Moreover, our safety procedures and protocols are of the highest order and are reviewed from time to time. Our Armed Forces are well-trained and disciplined and are well experienced in handling such systems," he said. Live TV New Delhi: Students across the country are preparing for their board exams. In the academic session, 2021-22 the pattern of the exam is different as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is conducting the board exams for classes 10 and 12 in two terms. CBSE term 1, which comprised MCQ (Multiple choice questions), was already conducted in the month of January and CBSE term 2 will commence from April 26, 2022. CBSE Board Exams: Different patterns of papers in Term 1 and Term 2 exams The CBSE term 1 exam consisted of objective questions. Students were expecting the same for term 2, however, CBSE term 2 papers will include subjective questions, which means students will be required to write answers on the examination sheets. CBSE term 2-Class 10 Sample Papers Although CBSE has issued the paper pattern for term 2 and provided sample papers for the ease of students, writing longer answers and not MCQ might come slightly as a challenge to students. Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, the education system was forced to move to the virtual mode and students appeared for online examinations for nearly 2 years. This meant students would have needed to attempt MCQ-based question papers that did not require them to write long answers. But a little bit of practice is all you need. CBSE term 2- Class 12 Sample Papers Since students are concerned about the subjective papers, Zee New talked to several teachers to help out the students across the country with some last moment tips to prepare for the exams. CBSE Term 2: How to prepare for board exams "Students should focus on NCERT books and solve the examples, in-between questions along with questions provided in the exercises of the chapters," advised, Priti Sharma, TGT teacher. "Apart from direct questions, students should also practice statement-based and application-based questions," she added. Asserting that CBSE will be providing additional 15 minutes for reading the question paper, Rekha Singh, an English teacher (TGT), advised students to "utilise that additional time in reading the unseen passage and figuring out its answers as it takes more time than other questions." "Students should solve the sample papers provided by CBSE at home in fixed time as that of CBSE exams in order to check their writing speed and skill and improvise accordingly," she added. Emphasising the importance of time management, Mamta Mishra, PGT, said "students should answer the questions keeping the word limit for the answer in the mind and provide to-the-point answers." Mishra further added that "students must practice solving and writing sample papers in limited time (2hours) at home so that they can figure out their mistakes and work on them." Highlighting the importance of self-evaluation, Durgesh Bhati, PGT, said, "students should self-evaluate their answers after solving the sample papers and seek the guidance of teachers if they find difficulty in the framing of the answers as that is one of the most important aspects of subjective papers." "Students should be consistent with their revision of exams and practice framing and writing answers as much as possible," she added. Students should prepare a strategy to attend each section in the question paper and effectively manage time. While preparing for exams ,students should also keep a check on their physical and mental health and should follow a healthy routine. Students must keep themselves hydrated as exams are scheduled in the summer months of April and May, say experts. CBSE Board Exams: Weightage of Term 1 and Term 2 exams Recently, the CBSE has issued a warning about a fake notification being circulated on social media regarding the weightage distribution of term 1 and term 2 board exams in the final results. The fake circular claimed that the term 1 exams carry 30% weightage and the term 2 exams 70% in final board exam results. However, the CBSE has denied it. We advise students to focus on the preparations for their term 2 exams and not waste their time on fake news as any development regarding the board exams will be communicated by CBSE itself. ALSO READ- CUET 2022: Confusing syllabus, students face challenges as registration begins Live TV The terror waged in Palma put pressure on Mozambique to accept the deployment of foreign troops The town of Palma in northern Mozambique was the scene of a horrific attack by Islamist militants a year ago, which left dozens of people dead, forced thousands to flee their homes and put a massive nearby gas project on hold. BBC Africa correspondent Catherine Byaruhanga has been speaking to some of those who survived the assault to see what has changed. Fear still pervades Palma. Before the well co-ordinated assault began, the coastal town was packed and bustling - full of those who had come to find work in the area's burgeoning gas industry. It was also full of thousands of people who had fled violence in other areas of Cabo Delgado, the mainly Muslim province where an Islamist insurgency began in 2017. The militants are known locally as al-Shabab. They have no link to the Somali group of that name, but have since pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) group. Today, French energy giant Total's multi-billion dollar gas project remains closed. Some of those who have begun to return home are too afraid to talk to the BBC over the phone, even though the militants have been expelled. Antonio, one of the contractors who had gone to the town to work in the gas industry, is not hopeful about the future. Private security firm Dyck Advisory Group, contracted by the military, evacuated many people by helicopter Despite the deployment of regional troops to fight al-Shabab, the 36-year-old, whose name has been changed to protect his identity, says he can't see himself returning. "I don't think myself that I can go back there," he told me over Zoom from his home in southern Mozambique, where he is still struggling to find a job. He remains traumatised by the events that, four days into the siege that began on 24 March, saw the militants break through the gate of his work compound where he, his brother and other contractors - some from Zimbabwe and South Africa - were hiding in pre-fabricated buildings. "I heard the gun shooting. [Shouts of] 'Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!' And then when I opened my curtains, I saw one guy standing by the main gate. They were wearing green clothes with a red cloth on their head." Story continues The fighters could not open the door to his room but 16 men, including his brother and three cousins who had locked themselves into a safe room, were discovered. "They started screaming: 'Oh we found people, we found people, come, come!'" he remembers. Nine militants then marched the men out into the bush and beheaded them. Antonio, who was eventually rescued by helicopter from the compound by private security firm Dyck Advisory Group, says the bodies of his brother and cousins have never been found or returned to the family. "Al-Shabab are ghosts, there is no stopping them," he says. This sentiment sums up the difficult nature of tackling militants who are able to melt into the local community and countryside. Insurgency continues The terror waged in Palma did put pressure on Mozambique to accept foreign assistance. Last July, about 2,000 troops from Rwanda and 1,000 soldiers from various southern African countries arrived in Cabo Delgado. Over several weeks, they rooted out al-Shabab fighters from many of their strongholds. But that has just meant the jihadists have moved to the thick jungles and neighbouring regions, from where they stage smaller hit-and-run attacks. "It's changed the nature of the insurgency - it's changed the nature of the war, but the war continues," says Eric Morier-Genoud, a Mozambique analyst and reader in African history at Queen's University, Belfast. Wesley Nel, who is South African and among several foreigners caught up at the siege at Palma's upmarket Amarula Hotel resort, agrees. In a desperate attempt to flee, he and about 100 others made a dash in cars from the hotel towards the ocean. But the militants were waiting and his brother Adrian was killed in the ambush. "Every two or three days the insurgents are attacking. This is not over. It seems like nobody cares. If you're in Africa nobody cares"", Source: Wesley Nel, Source description: A South African who survived the assault on Palma, Image: Wesley Nel "Every day I recall that moment of the convoy, trying to escape and my brother getting shot [what] is difficult is still seeing that it's happening. "Every two or three days, the insurgents are attacking. This is not over. It seems like nobody cares. If you're in Africa, nobody cares." It was the plight of those caught up in the hotel - white foreigners pleading for help to be rescued - that really caught the attention of the world's media. Veteran Ugandan journalist Charles Onyango-Obbo, who recently visited Palma, says life there is slowly returning to normal, though many buildings still lie in ruins. The Amarula is one of those that has been extensively repaired; the hotel has partially reopened and hopes to be fully up and running soon, he says in his piece for The East African newspaper. Is this an indication that Total will return? The Rwandan forces have secured Palma as well as the strategic port town of Mocimboa da Praia, which has an airport and harbour necessary for Total's gas projects on the nearby Afungi peninsular. Ukraine a game-changer Total's Mozambique manager, Maxime Rabilloud, recently visited. But given what happened last year - and the backlash Total faced for not doing more to help rescue people during the attack - the company is being cautious. Many people depend on fishing for their livelihoods in Mozambique's far north It has always said it is the government that is responsible for security. "Everything will depend on the re-establishment and sustainability of security," Total told the BBC. Nearly 770,000 people have been displaced by fighting in the region and the government is still discouraging them from returning to areas that have been liberated, as it does not think they are safe enough. Dr Morier-Genoud notes that Mr Rabilloud was careful to say it was not enough just to secure the area where the gas facilities were being built - the whole district needed to be safe. But he says the conflict in Ukraine could be a game-changer for Mozambique, as there is now a huge demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG), which may push Total to make big efforts to restart the project. "I would not be surprised if we get more international troops in - [and] more means for that," he says. "If it is the aim to stave off Europe from Russian gas, then all LNG gas will be necessary, and that means the project in northern Mozambique, which is massive." More on the insurgency: Two groups of students clashed at the Jawaharlal Nehru University's Kaveri Hostel in Delhi on Sunday allegedly over serving of non-vegetarian food in the mess on Ram Navami, with police saying six students were injured in the violence. The two groups, however, claimed that over 60 students were injured from both sides. Several purported videos of the violence surfaced on social media, with one them showing a student, Akhtarista Ansari, bleeding from the head. Officials have not confirmed the authenticity of the videos. The JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) alleged that Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad members stopped students from eating non-vegetarian food in the hostel mess and ?created a violent atmosphere?. However, the right-wing ABVP denied the charge and claimed that ?Leftists? obstructed a puja programme organised at the hostel on Ram Navami. Both sides accused each other of pelting stones and injuring their members. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Manoj C told PTI that a total of six students have received injuries and have been sent to a hospital. "There is no violence as of now. We are all positioned here with our team. On the request of the university, we have come here. We are trying to maintain peace,? he said. "Presently, the situation is peaceful. Both student groups are protesting peacefully. Appropriate legal action will be taken on receipt of a complaint. The situation is peaceful," the senior police officer added. The JNUSU alleged that the ABVP, the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), used ?muscle power and goondaism" to create a ruckus, manhandled the staff and asked them not to prepare any non-vegetarian items. They were forcing and attacking the mess committee to change the dinner menu and exclude the usual non-vegetarian items in it for all students," it alleged. "JNU and its hostels are meant to be inclusive spaces for all and not one particular section," it said. A student said that the ABVP asked the Kaveri Hostel mess committee not to prepare non-vegetarian food for the dinner, but the members refused to comply, saying that students have the choice to have non-vegetarian or vegetarian food on Sundays. In the evening, when the mess committee members were having a meeting with the mess manager, ABVP activists barged inside and started attacking them with (Ram Navami) flag stick. Later, residents of Kaveri Hostel sent an SOS message to student office-bearers who reached there but were attacked with stones and sticks,? he said. The ABVP, however, rejected the JNUSU's allegations and claimed that ?Leftists? disrupted a pooja and havan organised by students on the occasion of Ram Navami. Some unaffiliated students had organised a pooja and havan programme on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami at 3:30 pm at the Kaveri Hostel. This pooja was joined by a large number of common students of JNU. The Leftists came to object, obstruct and prevent the pooja. They have created a false ruckus on the issue of ?Right to Food' (Non-Vegetarian Food),? they said. The ABVP alleged that the posters of the pooja had been put up three days ago and since then, the members of the Left and the Congress-affiliated National Students' Union of India (NSUI) were threatening and saying they won't allow it to be held. There is no angle of the non-veg food. Ten to 12 activists of ABVP have been left injured. When students were coming out after the pooja, they were caught unawares as student from the Left outfits started pelting stones and attacking us with sticks," said the ABVP. The incident brought back the memories of January 5, 2020 violence on the campus when a mob of masked men had stormed the campus and targeted students in three hostels, unleashing mayhem with sticks, stones and iron rods, hitting inmates and breaking windows, furniture and personal belongings. At least 28 people, including JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh, were injured as chaos reigned on the campus for nearly two hours. The Delhi Police had came under attack for not acting when the mob was running riot on the campus, and especially for naming student union leaders, including Ghosh, in the two FIRs related to vandalism on the campus. New Delhi: Precaution dose of Covid-19 vaccines will be available to all aged above 18 years at private vaccination centres from today (April 10, 2022), the Union Health Ministry announced on Friday. All those who are more than 18 years of age and have completed nine months after the administration of the second dose, would be eligible for precaution dose. This facility would be available in all private vaccination centres," said the ministry said in a statement. The health ministry also said that over 2.4 crore precaution doses have also been administered to healthcare workers, frontline workers and those aged above 60 years, while 45 per cent in the 12-14 years age group have received the first vaccine dose. Who is eligible for the precautionary dose? Anyone who is 18 years or above is eligible to take the precautionary dose of vaccine against Covid-19. When to take the precautionary dose? Those who have completed 9 months after the administration of the second dose would be eligible for the precaution dose at private vaccination centers. Which vaccine will be given as the precautionary dose? The individuals will be inoculated with the same Covid-19 vaccine as the first and the second dose as the mixing of vaccines is not allowed in the country. However, final guidelines on vaccinating all above 18 years are yet to be issued. How to book an appointment for the precautionary dose? The government on Saturday informed that the individuals are not required to register on the CoWIN portal again for the precaution dose as all due beneficiaries are already registered on CoWIN. What is the cost of the booster dose? Vaccine majors Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech on Saturday said they have decided to cut prices of the precaution dose of their respective Covid-19 vaccines to Rs 225 per shot for private hospitals after discussion with the government. "We are pleased to announce that after discussion with the central government, SII has decided to revise the price of COVISHIELD vaccine for private hospitals from Rs 600 to Rs 225 per dose," SII CEO Adar Poonawalla said in a tweet. The Centre on Saturday also told the states that the private vaccination centres can charge up to a maximum of Rs 150 per dose as service charge over and above the cost of the vaccine. Live TV New Delhi: Chaos reigned at the Delhi-Gurugram expressway on Saturday as a crane breakdown threw the traffic out of gear for hours. Vehicles were reported standing still in the jam that began in the afternoon and was eased late in the evening. "Today due to breakdown of a heavy duty crane on NH48 in Delhi just before Airport Terminal 3 Exit, there was a major traffic congestion on NH 48 (Gurugram to Delhi side) since afternoon," read an official communication from Gurugram Police. Traffic Alert :- Traffic congestion has been reported on NH-48 at Panchgaon chowk towards Delhi. Our traffic officials present on the spot to facilitate the traffic. . @gurgaonpolice https://t.co/mi2SZ6GMnm pic.twitter.com/8n5k64b87s Gurugram Traffic Police (@TrafficGGM) April 9, 2022 Gurugram Traffic Police diverted traffic at multiple places - including at Panchgaon, where traffic was diverted to KMP. Rest of the traffic was diverted to MG Road, and elsewhere. The police through a statement said it has intimated commuters to avoid the stretch through social media and offered other routes they can take. The jam was caused after a hydra crane caught fire on the highway near Mahipalpur. Traffic Alert pic.twitter.com/1Togq8O1oq Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) April 9, 2022 No one was injured in the incident, they said, adding, that they are trying to remove the crane which has blocked two lanes of the four-lane highway. The removal of crane off the road was proving difficult because of its burnt tyres, they said, which are being replaced with new ones. More than 15 mechanics are repairing the crane, as the traffic situation remains heavy, the Delhi police said in its statement. Live TV New Delhi: Employees State Insurance Corporationhindustant (ESIC) PGIMSRs, ESIC Medical Colleges and ESIC Dental Colleges are looking to recruit eligible individuals on direct recruitment basis. This recruitment drive is being conducted to fill 218 vacancies in the organisation. Out of the 115 vacancies, 103 vacancies are in Medical Institutions and 15 vacancies are in Dental Institutions. Candidates need to note that the application procedure is currently underway and the deadline for the same is May 11, 2022. However, candidates residing in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti District and Pangi Sub-Division of Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep can submit their applications by May 18, 2022. ESIC Recruitment 2022: Vacancy details Total vacancies- 218 Vacancies in Medical Institutions- 103 Vacancies in Dental Institutions- 115 ESIC Recruitment 2022: Application fees The application fee is Rs 500 for SC/ST/PwBD/ Departmental Candidates (ESIC Employees). Women Candidates and Ex-Servicemen are exempted from payment of the application fees. ESIC Recruitment 2022: Selection process The candidates will be selected on the basis of the interview. Candidates can check the complete selection process here- Detailed notification ESIC Recruitment 2022: How to apply Candidates will have to take a print out of the application form and sed the duly filled and signed application along with self-attested copies of certificates to "The Regional Director, ESI Corporation, DDA Complex Cum Office, 3rd and 4th Floor Rajendra Place, Rajendra Bhawan, New Delhi-110008. Live TV Story by: Prateek Kaushik New Delhi: A school in Ghaziabad's Indirapuram in Uttar Pradesh was shut for three days after two students tested positive for Covid-19. One student of Class 3 and another of standard 9 of St. Francis School in Indirapuram have tested positive for the coronavirus infection, following which the offline classes have been suspended till April 13, 2022. The classes will be held virtually from April 11-13 to break the chain, Rony Thomas, Principal of St. Francis School said in a mail on Sunday (April 10). The cases came to light after the family of the two students-- who had not been attending offline classes for three days-- were contacted. The school administration then decided to close the school as a precautionary measure and urged parents to follow the necessary Covid-19 protocols. The school will now hold physical classes after the Easter Holidays, the Principal added. Live TV New Delhi: Sage Kalicharan Maharaj, who was arrested in December for making derogatory remarks against Mahatma Gandhi, on Saturday said that he has no regrets and standby what he said against Bapu. I stand by my statement. I said it thoughtfully and have no regrets. I hate the person who spoke ill about great men like Chattarapati Shivaji Maharaj, Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj and Rana Pratap and I have no regrets, Kalicharan Maharaj can be seen speaking in a video released by news agency ANI. #WATCH Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh | I stand by my statement. I said it thoughtfully and have no regrets: Kalicharan Maharaj on his earlier alleged derogatory remarks against Mahatma Gandhi (09.04) pic.twitter.com/TsWAeSdlHJ ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) April 10, 2022 Kalicharan Maharaj was arrested by the Chhattisgarh police on December 30 for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Mahatma Gandhi. The religious leader, who was taken in custody with others was arrested in Madhya Pradesh's Khajuraho. The saint allegedly made controversial statements against Mahatma Gandhi and praised his assassinator Nathu Ram Godse during an event 'Dharm Sansad' publicly in Raipur. The police then registered the FIR under section 505(2), 294 IPC in the Tikrapara Police station. Kalicharan was granted bail by the Chhatisgarh court on Friday after three months of his arrest in the sedition case. A similar incident was reported to have taken place in Haridwar during an event held from December 17 to 20. The video clippings were circulated on social media, which said that "Hindus should arm themselves like those seen in Myanmar, every Hindu must pick up weapons and conduct a `Safayi Abhiyan`." The three-day event was organised by Yati Narasimhanand, a controversial religious leader who has been accused in the past of inciting violence. Live TV Washington/Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted from office in a no-confidence vote in parliament in the early hours of Sunday after three years and seven months in power. A new government will be formed most likely under opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif, after parliament reconvenes on Monday (April 11) to vote for a new prime minister. The nation of more than 220 million people lies between Afghanistan to the west, China to the northeast and India to the east, making it of vital strategic importance. Since coming to power in 2018, Khan`s rhetoric has become more anti-American, and he expressed a desire to move closer to China and, recently, Russia -- including talks with President Vladimir Putin on Feb. 24, the day the invasion of Ukraine began. At the same time, U.S. and Asian foreign policy experts said that Pakistan`s powerful military has traditionally controlled foreign and defence policy, but Khan`s sharp public rhetoric had an impact on a number of key relationships. Here is what the upheaval, which comes as the economy is in deep trouble, means for countries closely involved in Pakistan: INDIA The nuclear-armed neighbours have fought three wars since independence in 1947, two of them over the disputed Muslim-majority territory of Kashmir. As with Afghanistan, it is Pakistan`s military that controls policy in the sensitive area, and tensions along the de facto border there are at their lowest level since 2021, thanks to a ceasefire. But there have been no formal diplomatic talks between the rivals for years because of deep distrust over a range of issues, including Khan`s extreme criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his handling of attacks on minority Muslims in India. Karan Thapar, an Indian political commentator who has closely followed India-Pakistan ties, said the Pakistani military could put pressure on the new government in Islamabad to build on the successful ceasefire in Kashmir. Pakistan`s powerful army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said recently that his country was ready to move forward on Kashmir if India agrees. The Sharif dynasty has been at the forefront of several dovish overtures towards India over the years. AFGHANISTAN Ties between Pakistan`s military intelligence agency and the Islamist militant Taliban have loosened in recent years. Now that the Taliban are back in power in Afghanistan, and facing an economic and humanitarian crisis due to a lack of money and international isolation, Qatar is arguably their most important foreign partner. "We (the United States) don`t need Pakistan as a conduit to the Taliban. Qatar is definitely playing that role now," said Lisa Curtis, director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security think-tank. Tensions have risen between the Taliban and Pakistan`s military, which has lost several soldiers in attacks close to their mutual border. Pakistan wants the Taliban to do more to crack down on extremist groups and worries they will spread violence into Pakistan. That has begun to happen already. Khan had been less critical of the Taliban over human rights than most foreign leaders. CHINA Khan consistently emphasised China`s positive role in Pakistan and in the world at large. At the same time, the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which binds the neighbours together was actually conceptualised and launched under Pakistan`s two established political parties, both of which are set to share power in the new government. Potential successor Sharif, the younger brother of three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, struck deals with China directly as leader of the eastern province of Punjab, and his reputation for getting major infrastructure projects off the ground while avoiding political grandstanding could in fact be music to Beijing`s ears. UNITED STATES US-based South Asia experts said that Pakistan`s political crisis is unlikely to be a priority for President Joe Biden, who is grappling with the war in Ukraine, unless it led to mass unrest or rising tensions with India. "We have so many other fish to fry," said Robin Raphel, a former assistant secretary of state for South Asia who is a senior associate with the Center for Strategic and International Studies think-tank. With the Pakistani military maintaining its behind-the-scenes control of foreign and security policies, the change of government was not a major concern, according to some analysts. "Since it`s the military that calls the shots on the policies that the U.S. really cares about, i.e. Afghanistan, India and nuclear weapons, internal Pakistani political developments are largely irrelevant for the U.S.," said Curtis, who served as then-U.S. President Donald Trump`s National Security Council senior director for South Asia. She added that Khan`s visit to Moscow had been a "disaster" in terms of U.S. relations, and that a new government in Islamabad could at least help mend ties "to some degree". Khan has blamed the United States for the current political crisis, saying that Washington wanted him removed because of the recent Moscow trip. Washington denies any role. Live TV New Delhi: Kartik Vasudev, a 21-year-old boy from Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) who went to Canada to pursue higher education, was shot dead in Toronto on April 7. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds at the Glen Road entrance of Sherbourne Subway Station and was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. It was just three months ago that Kartik left for Canada to pursue his dream of getting higher education and working in digital marketing. He had enrolled at Seneca College in Toronto and his offline classes were yet to begin. He had been studying online till now. The Seneca community is saddened to hear of the tragic death of Kartik Vasudev, a first-semester Marketing Management student. Our thoughts are with Mr. Vasudev's family, friends and classmates. Counselling support is being made available to students and employees. Seneca College (@SenecaCollege) April 8, 2022 Talking to PTI news agency, his father Jitesh Vasudev and mother Pooja remembered how their child had charted out his journey to Canada, something he had been planning and researching since clearing class 10. "He had a lot of dreams and used to say he would go to Canada to fulfil all dreams," his mother Pooja said. "Right after completing Class 10, he shared with us that he wanted to go to Canada. He was a good student. He scored very good marks in classes 10 and 12, and even during graduation from Delhi," Jitesh Vasudev, who works in a multinational company in Noida, said. "He had been researching everything related to Canada for the last three years and took IELTS also. He wanted to work in digital marketing in future. He had been working for an Instagram account also. He was good at his work," he added. He said owing to Kartik's inclination and passion to follow his dreams, the family, which lives in the Rajendra Nagar area of Ghaziabad, near Delhi, had also supported him in pursuing his dreams abroad. "He was supposed to go to Canada in December last year. The flight tickets had been booked but the visa was not arranged. The money was wasted. His visa came in a few days later and once again flight tickets were booked and he finally went on January 4," the father said. He said the family is not very rich but he assured Kartik of supporting him financially. "That's why we were wonderstruck when he told us that he wanted to work part-time. But he insisted that a lot of students there do it. He worked at Burritos (a Mexican restaurant)," Jitesh Vasudev said. It was a one-and-a-half-hour journey from his residence. He would take a bus, then a metro and then again a bus to reach his workplace, he said. "He had joined work just around a fortnight ago but according to the work system there, he was paid after two weeks. Just a few days ago he got his first salary. He wanted to buy an iPhone with it and he did. He was very happy," the father added. The family said it was the first time Kartik was living away from his family. His mother said Kartik never had a problem with anyone nor did he talk of any trouble to him in Canada. "He was a sweet child, never raised his voice. His manager at work also appreciated him," she said. (With agency inputs) Live TV Five persons sustained burn injuries during a Ram Navami procession on Sunday when the iron rod of a saffron flag fixed to an autorickshaw came in contact with an overhead wire in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara city, a police official said. A man and woman sustained serious injuries, and the former has been rushed to Nagpur for further treatment, while all others have been admitted in the local district hospital, Additional Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Uikey told PTI. "The injured were in an autorickshaw with sound amplifiers etc. The incident took place in Char Fhathak, some 100 metres from where the procession, with almost 10,000 in attendance, started," he added. Live TV Srinagar: Northern Army Commander Lt General Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday (April 10) reviewed the prevalent security situation in the Kashmir valley. Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi was briefed by Lt Gen DP Pandey, GOC Chinar Corps on the prevalent security situation and measures instituted to counter adversaries design. The Army Commander also interacted with senior officers of the Chinar Corps. He lauded the strong counter infiltration grid along the Line of Control (LoC). Further, he appreciated the strict control exercised by the formation to abide by the ceasefire understanding between the DGMOs of both India and Pakistan. The Army Commander visited two formation headquarters engaged in counter terrorist operations in the hinterland. On being briefed on operational aspects, he complimented them for the conduct of operations with precision while ensuring zero collateral damage. He reiterated the credo of the use of minimum force and just conduct by the soldiers involved in counter terrorist operations. He also appreciated the efforts at breaking the cycle of violence for sustainable peace and stability in Kashmir. The Army Commander was also appreciative of the excellent Soldier Citizen connect, activities, which have resulted in overall reduction in the terrorist recruitments. The Army Commander will visit forward areas on April 11 where he would interact with the troops deployed on the LoC. Live TV Special Agent Dan Johns has seen it all. After 15 years in the FBI, 10 of them dedicated to working with crimes against children, Johns has no shortage of horror stories related to child victimization, many of which occurred on the internet. Johns gave a public presentation about keeping children safe on the internet Thursday night at Saint Patrick Church in Carlisle. His topics included social media, internet predators, gaming and sextortion. He shared his own workplace encounters with victimization, tactics predators use and rules parents can enforce to keep their children safer on the internet. Developing a culture of safety on the internet is kind of paramount because there are people out there who are targeting these children, Johns said. He said the FBI has seen a spike in NCMEC Cybertips (used to report the online exploitation of children) in recent years and attributes a portion of that spike to the COVID-19 pandemic with the vast majority of victimization occurring on phones. Our goal is to tell our kids that there are people out there that do this, Johns said. This happens, this exists, and we have to know it happens. Johns said offenders are very good at what they do, and shared a quote on the board that he heard from a man who had spent a lifetime targeting children on the internet. The quote read, Given enough time, I will get any kid to send me nudes. Tactics He said predators look for a quick in with children and a quick breakdown. One way they do this is by utilizing multiple personas online. Johns said they may first appear as an overtly creepy old man just to see if the child will communicate with them. If the child does, that child might continue talking to less creepy personas. More sophisticated offenders will create loop videos to make it appear as though the child is communicating with another child, Johns said. Some will even memorize the video timing and script. He said predators will also side with children against the childs parents, isolating them. Theyll also use one victim to victimize another, and often invoke shame in the children to keep them from speaking up. Johns said hes seen all these approaches and more through his time undercover. These individuals absolutely would have broken me down because their tactics are so effective, he said. Safety measures Johns then turned his attention to what parents can do with these understandings. Our goal as parents is to harden our children to be a slightly harder target, he said. Predators will draw children from mainstream communication sites with safety measures to less popular sites with less security. They want the child to stick around on the online platform that the offender brought them to, Johns said, and if parents can get their children to leave, predators will often not pursue the child and instead search for another easy target. Johns outlined several rules that he recommended parents enforce for the safety of their children on the internet. He recommended that parents dont allow their children to use apps they dont understand, as these are likely newer apps with less safety measures. He also said parents could allow their child to select and utilize just one social media app that they, the parent, could monitor and limit. The more time they spend on [social media] the more likely they are to be victimized, Johns said. He also said that online friends should be people the child knows in person (and not just virtually) and that children shouldnt ever leave one site to talk with somebody on another. If someone is trying to get you to another platform, theres usually a reason for that. Its definitely not going to benefit the child, he said. Another consideration for parents would be the prohibition of phone in bedrooms and bathrooms, as Johns said thats where victimization mostly occurs. He said predators often dont care if the parents are home while speaking with the child. Johns said perhaps one of the most important things to instill in children is kindness. We want our kids to model kindness and how do they model kindness? From us, he said. If kids were kinder to each other there would be less vulnerable victims present. The less vulnerable kids are, the less victims we have, Johns said. Maddie Seiler is a news reporter for The Sentinel and cumberlink.com covering Carlisle and Newville. You can contact her at mseiler@cumberlink.com and follow her on Twitter at: @SeilerMadalyn Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the 14th foundation day celebration of Umiya Mata Temple at Gathila, Junagadh in Gujarat on Sunday at 1 pm via video conferencing, Modi said on Twitter. The event has been organised to celebrate the foundation day as well as the occasion of Ram Navami. At 1 PM tomorrow, on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami I will address 14th Foundation Day celebrations of Umiya Mata Temple at Gathila, Junagadh. This Temple Trust is at the forefront of several community service initiatives. https://t.co/lf3s7ujqfV Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2022 At 1 PM tomorrow, on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami I will address the 14th Foundation Day celebrations of Umiya Mata Temple at Gathila, Junagadh. This Temple Trust is at the forefront of several community service initiatives, Modi announced on his Twitter handle. The inauguration of the temple was also done by him in 2008 when Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Based on suggestions given by the Prime Minister in 2008, the temple trust has expanded its scope into various social and health-related activities as well such as free cataract operations and free ayurvedic medicines for economically weaker patients. Umiya Maa is considered the clan-deity or `kuldevi` of the Kadava Patidars. Meanwhile, the country is all geared up to celebrate the festival of Ram Navmi, an imperative Hindu festival to mark the birth of Lord Rama. He was born in Ayodhya. For the unversed, Lord Ram was born during the Madhyahna period, Madhyanhna means in the middle of the Hindu day. It is considered to be the most auspicious time to perform Rama Navami's prayers. Live TV Gurdaspur: The private schools in Punjab will remain closed on Monday (April 11) to protest against the arrest of the managing director (MD) of a private school in the Gurdaspur district following the alleged rape of a four-year-old girl student. Following the call of Federation of Private Schools and Associations of Punjab, private educational institutes in the state will remain closed on April 11 to mark their protest against the arrest of the MD of a private school in Gurdaspur after a four-year-old student was allegedly raped on the premises last month. The crime against the student has been condemned by all the organisations in Punjab but the arrest of the school administration is not justified and thus all the private institutes including schools, colleges and universities will remain closed on April 11. Addressing a press conference, Anil Chopra, President of CBSE Affiliated Schools Association (CASA), said that it is a matter of great shame for our society where even children are not safe from violence. "The recent rape of a 4-year-old girl in Gurdaspur is a heinous incident. The death penalty to the culprits will send the right message to society," the representatives of CASA and Confederation of Unaided Schools and Colleges of Punjab said. They said that the police should investigate the case of the alleged molestation of the 4-year-old student Gurdaspur, adding that the "innocent" administrator should also get justice. Representatives and office-bearers of private educational institutions from different parts of Punjab including CASA and President of Confederation Jodhraj Gupta, Narottam Singh, General Secretary Dr. Anoop Bori, Joint Secretary Sanjeev Maria, Polytechnic President Rajesh Meyer participated in the press conference along with others. All the representatives claimed that the Gurdaspur SSP has not found any evidence against the MD and other administrators of the school and their arrest had been made under public pressure. This action cannot be justified in any way, they added asking the police to check the camera footage and other evidence so that the culprits can be caught. Vice President Gupta and other members alleged that the police had arrested the president of the school under pressure, but if the police did not release the school president immediately, then the main culprits will go scot-free. Live TV Amritsar: The residents of Jatti Umra, situated near Amritsar and the ancestral village of Shehbaz Sharif, the front runner for the post of Prime Minister of Pakistan and younger brother of three-time Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif offered prayers in village Gurdwara urging the Almighty that the Sharif family may once again get the reins of the neighboring country in their hands. A local medical practitioner Dr. Dilbagh Singh told Zee News, We held prayers for the Chardi Kalan for Shehbaz Sharif and prayed that he would be the next Prime Minister of Pakistan. Dilbagh Singh's father late Massa Singh was a friend of Mian Muhammad Sharif, father of Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif. Sharif family had migrated to Pakistan before the partition. Both Shehbaz and Nawaz Sharif were born in Pakistan. In 2013, Shehbaz Sharif visited his ancestral village in the capacity of Chief Minister of Pakistani Punjab and had also inaugurated several development projects in his village. Sharif family had also been giving employment to people from their ancestral village in India in their factories in Dubai. Former sarpanch of the village Dilbagh Singh said they were very happy for Sharif running for the top post and were hopeful that with the help of Pak parliamentarians he would be declared the next Pakistan PM on Monday (April 11). Expressing hope for the resumption of Indo-Pak trade and an amicable solution to the contentious issues between the two countries, another local resident Balwinder Singh said, Nothing could have been better than Shehbaz Sharif getting the command of Pakistan, since their roots are in India they would like to resolve all the issues with India across the table. The villagers gathered at the local Gurdwara and offered prayers for the Chardi Kalan of Shabaz Sharif. The villagers are also eager to extend an invitation to Shehbaz Sharif to visit his ancestral village once he becomes Pakistan PM. "First he visited here as Chief Minister of Pakistan's Punjab and now we will like to see him visiting here as Prime Minister of Pakistan, it will be a matter of pride for the whole village," said Dilbagh Singh. Live TV The ruling Shiv Sena has become pseudo-secular as a worker from that party has printed a calendar in Urdu in which founder Bal Thackeray is addressed as janab, Maharashtra BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday. He was talking to reporters while campaigning for Kolhapur North Assembly bypoll scheduled for April 12. "The Shiv Sena has become pseudo-secular. However, we are not against any religion or their beliefs," the former chief minister claimed. Fadnavis condemned the MSRTC staffers' protest outside NCP chief Sharad Pawar's home on April 8 but also attacked leaders from some parties for blaming the BJP for the incident. "Every party has brainless people who make some or the other statement. The BJP will attack from the front, not in this manner, if at all it has to. Since the media knew about the attack and not the police, some ruling parties are trying to divert attention by blaming the BJP," Fadnavis said. He said the BJP would win the Kolhapur North bypoll as the party was banking on its chemistry with people rather than poll arithmetic. He also accused the MVA of "terrorising" people in north Maharashtra and wondered if this area had become like West Bengal, a state that has, of late, seen many incidents of political violence, including several people being burnt to death in Birbhum there. The former CM hailed wrestler and Kolhapur-resident Prithviraj Patil for winning the 'Maharashtra Kesari' tournament and said his party will provide Rs 5 lakh for the latter's training. Live TV Srinagar: At least one terrorist was killed in an encounter in Srinagar on Sunday while another was trapped, said Jammu and Kashmir police. "One of the terrorists involved in a recent terror attack on CRPF Personnel was killed in Srinagar encounter and other is trapped. Encounter is going on, said IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar. A joint team of Police and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Beshembar Nagar in Srinagar just a few kilometres away from Lal Chowk after getting input about the presence of terrorists in the area. "As the joint team of forces cordoned the suspected spot, the terrorists fired upon the forces which were retaliated, and encounter started, the officer said. The killed terrorist was involved in the recent attack on a CRPF personnel. According to PTI, three security force personnel were also injured in the encounter. The slain ultra was involved in the attack on the CRPF in the Maisuma area of the city on April 4 in which a trooper of the force was killed and another was injured, said Kumar. Notably, it was the 34rth encounter in Jammu and Kashmir since January this year. Earlier in 33 encounters Security forces managed to kill 45 terrorists. Live TV New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh Government, which had earlier said no private schools will be able to raise fees, has eased restrictions for the private schools and approved a 5% hike in fees for this academic year 2022-23, said the official notice In a recent order, issued by Additional Chief Secretary (secondary education) Aradhna Shukla said private schools can increase their fees from the academic session 2022-23. The order further reads that the schools can only raise the fees by 5 per cent and the fee structure of the academic session 2019-20 will be kept as the base. The letter has already been sent to the District Inspectors of Schools (DIoSes) along with other secondary education department officials for implementation. The order comes after Yogi Adityanath's governments order banning hike in private school fees this year was challenged in court. Earlier, the UP government issued an order in January prohibiting a hike in fees for the private schools for the academic year 2022-23 due to the Covid pandemic crisis. The order, however, was challenged in Allahabad High Court following which, the Lucknow bench of the court advised the UP government to reconsider its decision on fee hike as schools reopened after a Covid-19 induced two-year halt. The petitioner has challenged the state governments decision of January 7, 2022, whereby it put a ban on private schools to enhance fees. Meanwhile, with a focus on 100% education for all, Uttar Pradeshs Yogi 2.0 government recently launched the School Chalo Abhiyaan in the state. The programme aims to ensure 100 per cent enrollment of students in primary schools. Live TV US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would meet virtually on Monday, the first of its kind between the two leaders that would coincide with the maiden India-US 2+2 dialogue under the Biden Administration, the White House said on Sunday. "President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Will meet virtually with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India on Monday, April 11 to further deepen ties between our governments, economies, and our people," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced. During the virtual meet, Biden and Modi will discuss cooperation on a range of issues, including ending the COVID-19 pandemic, countering the climate crisis, strengthening the global economy, and upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, she said. The two leaders will advance ongoing conversations about the development of an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and delivering high-quality infrastructure, Psaki said. "Biden will continue our close consultations on the consequences of Russia's brutal war against Ukraine and mitigating its destabilising impact on global food supply and commodity markets," she said. Biden last spoke to Prime Minister Modi with other Quad Leaders in March. This meeting will precede the US-India 2+2 Ministerial between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of India, said the White House Press Secretary. Washington: Actor Will Smith has responded to being banned from Academy events for 10 years after slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars ceremony. The Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, on Friday, voted to ban the The Pursuit of Happiness star from all the Academy events for 10 years. Minutes after the decision was announced, Smith responded by saying, "I accept and respect the Academys decision," to Page Six." The Board of Governors has decided, for a period of 10 years, from April 8, 2022, Mr Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards," the Academy announced on Friday, through an official statement. The statement continued, "We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast." Smith, 53, will keep the Oscar he won this year for his role in King Richard. For the unversed, while presenting the best documentary feature award at the 2022 Oscars, Chris Rock made a joke about Smith's wife Jada Pinkett Smiths shaved head. Rock said he couldn't wait to see Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia areata, star in G.I. Jane 2 which led Smith to go up on stage and slap Rock. Smith returned to his seat and shouted, "Keep my wife`s name out of your fu**ing mouth!" A few minutes after the incident, Smith was announced Best Actor at the 94th Academy Awards. While accepting his first-ever Oscar for best actor (leading role) in `King Richard`, Smith apologized to the Academy and fellow nominees but did not mention Rock. However, after receiving backlash for his disorderly behaviour, Smith issued an apology to Chris Rock and Academy on his social media handle.On March 29, there was a short virtual meeting between Smith, Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson, initiated by Smith. A few hours later, Smith announced his resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, claiming he "willfully accept any and all consequences for my conduct." New Delhi: In the upcoming week starting from (Monday) April 11, banks in India will remain closed for a total of four days. Bank customers should take note of the important bank holidays before stepping out from home to visit a bank branch. However, it is also crucial to note that banks will remain closed in specific cities and towns on non-weekend holidays. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) notifies banking holidays, which could vary from state to state on non-weekend holidays. In the week starting April 11, banks will remain closed from April 14 to April 16 on various occasions celebrated in different parts of the country. Heres the list of festivals falling between April 14 and April 16: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti Mahavir Jayanti Baisakhi Vaisakhi Tamil New Year's Day Cheiraoba Biju Festival Good Friday Bengali New Years Day (Nababarsha) Himachal Day Vishu Bohag Bihu Date Wise Bank Holidays: April 14 (Thursday): - Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti, Mahavir Jayanti, Baisakhi, Vaisakhi, Tamil New Year's Day, Cheiraoba, Biju Festival, and Bohag Bihu. - Banks will remain closed in most parts of the country. However, lenders will remain open in Meghalaya and Himachal Pradesh. April 15 (Friday) - Good Friday, Bengali New Year's Day (Nababarsha), Himachal Day, Vishu, and Bohag Bihu. - Banks will remain shut in all the Indian states, barring Rajasthan and the newly created union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. April 16 (Saturday) - Banks will remain shut only in Assam so that bankers can celebrate the festival of Bohag Bihu. April 17 (Sunday) - Sunday is a banking holiday, and all banks will remain closed on the day. Also Read: Elon Musk creates a new poll 'Delete the w in Twitter?' Voters respond THIS On the other side, on second and fourth Saturdays and on Sundays, banks are closed across all states in the country. The RBI places bank holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, Holiday, and Real-Time Gross Settlement Holiday and Banks Closing of Accounts. Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra available in a new colour: Check price, features and more Live TV #mute New Delhi: Tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has recently joined Twitter as a board member, has asked its followers if the company`s San Francisco headquarters should be converted into a homeless shelter. In a series of polls on the micro-blogging site, the Tesla CEO asked Twitteratis whether Twitter`s San Francisco headquarters should be converted to a homeless shelter since "no one shows up anyway". "Convert Twitter SF HQ to homeless shelter since no one shows up anyway," Musk wrote on the platform. The poll has received over 10 lakh votes in around 9 hours and over 90 per cent of the users have responded with a `Yes` on the ongoing poll. However, replying to the post a user wrote: "Yes. And make the CEO`s office a master bedroom". Meanwhile, another user wrote, "I have a feeling you planning to run for next election 2024. Y or N?" Recently, Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal announced that the platform has appointed Musk to its board of directors. Also Read: BMW cars worth Rs 1 crore each as gifts to employees! Indian IT firm rewards loyalty in style Musk, who acquired a 9.2 per cent share in the micro-blogging platform for nearly $3 billion, is limited from buying more than 15 per cent of Twitter`s stock. Also Read: FM Sitharaman to meet PSBs' heads on Apr 23 to nudge them for credit expansion Live TV #mute New Delhi: Kangana Ranaut who is currently hosting the reality OTT show 'Lock Upp' spoke about her 'scandal' with a married man on the show and fans are relating it to her reported affair and controversy with Hrithik Roshan. Although the actress didn't mention the actor's name, on the show, she admitted that she had gotten involved with a married man in the past. Speaking to Munawar Faruqui about a picture featuring his alleged wife and kid, Kangana told him, "Every girl falls into the charm of married men. I speak from personal experience. I am not talking about you, but maybe it happens because they (married men) are domesticated and they are more understanding. They are responsible and have that aura around them that charms young women." She further added, "I am not talking about you but many girls will relate, girls who are at a young age. Mere saath kafi bada scandal ban gayi. Aisa lagta hai biwi se aap hi bacha sakte ho, but biwi ki sun lo to kaan se khoon nikal aaye (It became a big scandal in my life. The young girls feel they can save the married man from his wife. But, if you hear the wife's story, you'd be shocked)." In the latest episode of Lock Upp, Queen K or host Kangana Ranaut had interacted with the contestants on Judgement Day. She spoke to contestants about the pros and cons of their game and gave them advice on it. Towards the end of the show, Kangana asked Munawar Faruqui about his big secret and hinted at reports and pictures that claimed Munawar has a child. The comedian said that he does not want to talk about it as he is not ready. Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed a new Army General Alexander Dvornikov, commander of Russia`s Southern Military District, to lead the war in Ukraine as Moscow`s military failed to capture Kyiv. Dvornikov has been named theatre commander of Russia`s military campaign in Ukraine. There is speculation that Russia`s general has a goal of representing Putin with some battlefield progress ahead of the `Victory Day` on May 9, CNN reported on Sunday citing Military analysts and US officials familiar with intelligence assessments. May 9 `Victory Day` is the most significant day in Russia as it marks the anniversary of the Soviet Union`s triumph over Germany in the Second World War. The European official described the "Victory Day` as a "self-imposed deadline," and added that it could lead the Russians to make additional mistakes or potentially can lead Russian forces to commit more atrocities, as allegedly happened in the Bucha. According to UK military intelligence update on Saturday, Russia`s departure from northern Ukraine shows evidence of non-combatants being disproportionately targeted. United Kingdom`s Ministry of Defence says that the Russian troops were withdrawn from northern Ukraine, according to CNN reported on April 8. Meanwhile, Ukraine`s Air Force gave information that 13 Russian aerial targets have been destroyed on Saturday, according to Ukraine`s local media outlet. "Ukrainian airforce: 13 Russian aerial targets destroyed. Russia lost five UAVs, four missiles, three aeroplanes, and one helicopter on April 9, according to the Air Force Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces," The Kyiv independent tweeted. A day earlier, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Saturday. Johnson said that he has travelled to Ukraine to meet President Zelenskyy in person and show solidarity with the Ukrainian people. "Today I met my friend President @ZelenskyyUa in Kyiv as a show of our unwavering support for the people of Ukraine. We`re setting out a new package of financial & military aid which is a testament of our commitment to his country`s struggle against Russia`s barbaric campaign," Johnson tweeted. Live TV New Delhi: After weeks of political tussle, midnight cabinet meetings and emotional appeals. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan still failed to keep his government and lost the crucial no-confidence motion against him on Saturday-- becoming the first prime minister in the history of the nation to be ousted due to no-trust. As many as 174 members of the Pakistan National Assembly voted in favour of the motion in the 342-member House while members of Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were absent during the voting. Imran Khan becomes the first Pak PM to lose a no-confidence motion In the past, a no-confidence motion has been introduced against two Pakistan Prime Ministers- Benazir Bhutto and Shaukat Aziz but both the leaders comfortably won the vote in the assembly. Bhutto, the first woman PM of Pakistan, won the vote in 1989 with 125 votes while Aziz escaped the no-trust vote and managed to keep his government with 201 votes. However, Imran Khan, the third PM to face the no-trust motion, lost the motion to become the first Pak leader to lose such a vote. The voting on the motion took place after midnight in which as many as 174 members voted in favour of the motion in the 342-member House while members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were absent. The foreign conspiracy angle Imran Khan sought to link the opposition`s move to oust him through a no-trust vote with "foreign conspiracy" and named the United States in some of his speeches. However, the United States rejected his allegations. In his speech to the nation, a day before the no-trust vote, Khan alleged that he had seen coded documents by the US representatives saying if Imran Khan remains in power, the country will not forgive Pakistan. No Pak PM could complete a full-tenure No Pakistan Prime Minister could ever complete the full five-year term ever in history so far. The first-ever elected PM of the country was assassinated, then the military coups and a series of resignations. New Delhi: After Imran Khans historic ouster as the Pakistan Prime Minister by no-trust vote, the joint opposition's candidate for the top post, Shehbaz Sharif Sunday (April 10) asserted that the new government in Pakistan wants to "move forward" and not indulge in "politics of revenge". Sharif made the remarks while addressing the National Assembly soon after 174 lawmakers voted in favour of the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan, making him the first PM of the nation to be ousted through a no-trust vote. "I don't want to go back to bitterness of the past. We want to forget them and move forward. We will not take revenge or do injustice; we will not send people to jail for no reason, law and justice will take its course," news agency PTI quoted the President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) as saying. Pakistan will pick a new Prime Minister on Monday when the National Assembly reconvenes to elect a new head of the government. Shehbaz Sharif is former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif's younger brother. Both have been accused of corruption and have dismissed the charges as "politically motivated" by the Imran Khan-led government. Imran Khans downfall After a day full of drama, Imran Khan was finally defeated through the no-confidence motion moved by the Opposition. Khan vacated the Prime Minister's official residence minutes before voting was held on the crucial no-trust motion in the National Assembly, a senior leader from his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party informed. As per reports, Supreme Court was opened at midnight in case the no-trust motion was not taken up in the lower house of the Parliament. Speaker Asad Qaiser and Deputy Speaker quit before the no-trust vote and handed over the reins of the National Assembly to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's Ayaz Sadiq. 174 lawmakers in the 342-member house voted in favour of the motion, paving way for Pakistan to get a new PM. (With agency inputs) Live TV Islamabad: The ouster of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has brought jubilation among its citizens ranging from ecstatic to happy reactions. "I would like to thank Allah for the victory. Our leaders will now lead the country to the path of progress," said a Pakistani national who was celebrating outside the Pakistan National Assembly over the defeat of Imran Khan in the vote of confidence on Saturday midnight. Many Pakistani citizens were seen dancing and shouting slogans against Imran Khan terming him "chor Niazi".The full name of Imran Khan is Imran Khan Niazi and incidentally, he shares this name with General AAK Niazi who surrendered before the Indian Army in the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. "Today`s victory is the victory of labourers. The biggest thing is that Pakistan has been relieved of a `bad person` (referring to Imran Khan), said another Pakistani national. Imran Khan has become the first Prime Minister of Pakistan to lose a no-trust vote in the National Assembly. Despite several attempts to block the no-confidence motion here in the National Assembly, the voting took place after midnight in which as many as 174 members voted in favour of the motion in the 342-member House while members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were absent. The voting took place after a high political drama in the National Assembly with the Supreme Court overturning the decision of the Deputy Speaker to reject the opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion against the ruling PTI-led coalition. Meanwhile, Senators who participated in the no-confidence motion also expressed their happiness over the result. "This is the victory of the Constitution, democracy. I feel that this will continue and will lead to the upliftment of minorities and society," said Mir Kabir from National Party."This is the victory of Pakistan and its Constitution," said Syed Agha Rafiullah from Pakistan Peoples Party. Notably, no Prime Minister has completed full five-year tenure in Pakistan`s 75-year history. Pakistan, a parliamentary democracy for most of its history, has had a total of 29 prime ministers since 1947. "It was all the prayers of the community that the country got rid of misgovernance of Imran Khan and countries breathe a sigh a relief. This is the day of happiness for the people of Pakistan," said a member of the National Assembly. "Pakistan became independent in the month of Ramzan, today again we gained freedom from the misgovernance of Imran Khan," said another MNA.PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz tweeted that "The nightmare for my beloved Pakistan is over. Time to heal & repair." PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique welcomed the nation back to "Purana (old) Pakistan".Activist Ammar Ali Jan said that "a clumsy attempt to sabotage the constitution has been defeated," adding, however, that "the struggle for people`s rights continues". Journalist Cyril Almeida simply tweeted: "The hybrid regime is dead". "Imran Khan sets yet another new Pak record! Becomes the first PM to be ousted through a vote of no confidence,"quipped journalist Hasan Zaidi. Lawyer Reema Omer termed it "an ignominious end to a "hybrid" project that took democracy many steps back". Live TV Ukraine said it was seeking another round of European Union sanctions against Moscow and more military aid from its allies as it braces for a major Russian offensive in the east of the country. FIGHTING * Russian forces fired rockets into Ukraine`s Luhansk and Dnipro regions, Ukrainian officials said, completely destroying an airport and wounding at least five people. * Two people were killed and several injured in the Ukrainian town of Derhachy in the northeastern Kharkiv region, regional governor Oleh Synyehubov said. * British military intelligence said Russia was seeking to strengthen troop numbers with personnel discharged from military service since 2012, as losses mount from the invasion. CIVILIANS * Residents of the besieged region of Luhansk in eastern Ukraine will have nine trains to use on Sunday for evacuation, Luhansk regional Governor Serhiy Gaidai wrote on Telegram. * Donors including Canada and the European Commission pledged a on Saturday combined 9.1 billion euros in donations, loans and grants to support refugees fleeing the war. FOREIGN LEADERS * Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he had held spoken on the phone with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the possibility of additional sanctions on Russia. PRAYERS AND PROTESTS * Pope Francis on Sunday called for an Easter truce in Ukraine, and in an apparent reference to Russia, questioned the value of planting a victory flag "on a heap of rubble". * The head of Russia`s Orthodox Church called on people on Sunday to rally around the authorities as Moscow pursues its military intervention in Ukraine. * Around 600 pro-Russian protesters in a 350-car motorcade set off on a demonstration in Hanover in the north of Germany, where there was also a counter-demonstration of around 700 people supporting Ukraine in the city centre, local police said. ECONOMY AND BUSINESS * Ukraine has banned all imports from Russia, one of its key trading partners before the war with annual imports valued at about $6 billion, and called on other countries to follow and impose harsher economic sanctions. * Russian bank VTB can no longer exercise any control over its European subsidiary in the wake of new sanctions, German regulator BaFin said. Live TV Kyiv: Ukraine is ready for a tough battle with Russian forces amassing in the east of the country, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered fresh financial and military support during a surprise visit. At a meeting in Kyiv, Johnson told Zelenskiy that Britain would provide armored vehicles and anti-ship missile systems, along with additional support for World Bank loans. Britain also will continue to ratchet up its sanctions on Russia and move away from using Russian hydrocarbons, he said. The support aims to ensure that "Ukraine can never be bullied again, never will be blackmailed again, never will be threatened in the same way again," Johnson said. Johnson was the latest foreign leader to visit Kyiv after Russian forces pulled back from areas around the capital just over a week ago. Earlier in the day, the Ukrainian leader met Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Kyiv, warning in a joint news conference that while the threat to the capital had receded, it was rising in the east. "This will be a hard battle, we believe in this fight and our victory. We are ready to simultaneously fight and look for diplomatic ways to put an end to this war," Zelenskiy said. Ukranian negotiator Mykhailo Podolyak said Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin would not meet until after the country defeated Russia in the east, which would bolster its negotiating position. "We are paying a very high price. But Russia must get rid of its imperial illusions," he said, according to the Interfax Ukraine news agency. Air-raid sirens sounded in cities across eastern Ukraine, which has become the focus of Russian military action after the withdrawal from around Kyiv. Ukrainian officials have urged civilians in the east to flee. On Friday, officials said more than 50 people were killed in a missile strike on a train station in city of Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region, where thousands of people had gathered to evacuate. Russia`s invasion, which began on Feb. 24, has forced around a quarter of the population of 44 million to leave their homes, turned cities into rubble and killed or injured thousands. The civilian casualties have triggered a wave of international condemnation, in particular over deaths in the town of Bucha, a town to the northwest of Kyiv that until last week was occupied by Russian forces. "We will never forget everything we saw here, this will stay with us for our whole lives," said Bohdan Zubchuk, a community policeman in the town, describing his life before and after the war. British military intelligence said that Russia`s retreat from the region revealed "disproportionate" targeting of civilians. Russia has denied targeting civilians in what it calls a "special operation" to demilitarize and "denazify" its southern neighbor. Ukraine and Western nations have dismissed this as a baseless pretext for war. AT LEAST 52 DIE AT STATION Friday`s missile attack at the station in Kramatorsk, a hub for civilians fleeing the east, left shreds of blood-stained clothes, toys and damaged luggage strewn across the station`s platform. City Mayor Oleksander Honcharenko, who estimated 4,000 people were gathered there at the time, said on Saturday that the death toll had risen to at least 52. He said he expected just 50,000 to 60,000 of Kramatorsk`s population of 220,000 to remain as people flee the violence. Ukraine said 4,532 people were evacuated from its cities on Saturday, down from 6,665 the day before. Russia has denied responsibility, saying the missiles used in the attack were only used by Ukraine`s military. The United States says it believes Russian forces were responsible. Reuters was unable to verify the details of attack. The Ukrainian military says Moscow is preparing for a thrust to try to gain full control of the Donbas regions of Donetsk and Luhansk that have been partly held by Moscow-backed separatists since 2014. The British Defence Ministry said air attacks are likely to increase in the south and east as Russia seeks to connect Crimea - which Moscow annexed in 2014 - and the Donbas, but Ukrainian forces are thwarting the advance. Russia`s military said on Saturday it had destroyed an ammunition depot at the Myrhorod Air Base in central-eastern Ukraine. FOREIGN LEADERS VISIT Johnson and Nehammer visited Ukraine a day after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Video posted on Twitter showed Johnson and Zelenskiy, flanked by soldiers, walking through central Kyiv to a memorial marking the 2014 Maidan Revolution. The EU on Friday adopted new sanctions against Russia, including bans on the import of coal, wood, chemicals and other products. Oil and gas imports from Russia so far remain untouched. Zelenskiy urged the West to adopt a complete embargo on Russian energy products and supply more weapons to Ukraine. "Russia can still afford to live in illusions and bring new military forces and new equipment to our land. And that means we need even more sanctions and even more weapons for our state," he said in a late-night address. The visits by foreign leaders were a sign that Kyiv was returning to some degree of normality after the Russian retreat. Some residents have begun to return to the capital, with cafes and restaurants reopening, and Italy said it plans to re-open its embassy in the city later this month. Live TV Moscow: Mikhail Sheremet, Crimea`s representative in Russia`s lower house of Parliament, has proposed that Moscow suspend gas supply to the European Union`s member countries. "The European Union is continuing its disrespectful and humiliating policy towards Russia. In response to their unfriendly actions, I think we should respond with tough sanctions - temporarily halt energy supplies until the European counterparts realize that an aggressive policy towards Russia is harmful and punishable," Sheremet said in an interview with Sputnik. He added that the EU made a "fatal mistake" by choosing the US as its "best friend." In 2021, Russia`s imports to the EU amounted to about 45 per cent of gas, 27 per cent of crude oil and 46 per cent of coal, according to the European Commission. On February 24, Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine after the breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk appealed for help in defending themselves against Ukrainian provocations. In response, the EU rolled out a comprehensive sanctions campaign against Moscow, which includes airspace closures and restrictive measures targeting numerous Russian officials and entities, media and financial institutions. Live TV The opposition parties have nominated Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) as their joint candidate for Pakistan`s Prime Minister`s election, scheduled on Monday, local media reported. The National Assembly will elect a new prime minister of Pakistan on Monday after Imran Khan was ousted through a no-confidence motion. PML-N have collected more than one nomination papers for the election from the NA secretariat, as per media reports. The member parties of the joint opposition will also submit nomination papers for Shehbaz Sharif. According to a report, PTI has not yet requested the nomination papers for the prime minister`s election. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto is likely to be appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Meanwhile, Imran Khan has not commented publicly on his ouster but before the vote, he had called for protests. "I am going to struggle," he had said in an address to the nation on Friday. "I tell all of my supporters across Pakistan, on Sunday, after Isha (evening) prayers, you all have to come out of your homes and protest peacefully against this imported government that is trying to come to power," he had said. (With agency inputs) Live TV Islamabad: "We welcome (you) back to the purana Pakistan," top Opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Sunday, as he took a jibe at ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan following the adoption of a no-confidence vote against him. Khan, who came to power in 2018 with promises to create a 'Naya Pakistan', was unceremoniously removed from the office, becoming the first premier in the country's history to be ousted through a no-trust motion. Despite the government's hectic efforts to avoid voting on the no-confidence motion against Khan, the joint Opposition succeeded in its month-long efforts to oust Khan from the prime minister's office as 174 members of the 342-member National Assembly voted against him after a day of high drama. "I would like to congratulate the whole nation and this House, as for the first time in the history of the country, a no-confidence motion has succeeded and we have made history," Bilawal said. Speaking on the occasion, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman recalled the significance of April 10, adding that on this day, the country approved the 1973 Constitution. "On April 10, 1986, Benazir Bhutto ended her self-imposed exile and arrived in Lahore to launch her struggle against Ziaul haq," said Bilawal as he recalled his mother. He said that on April 10, 2022, the person who was declared "selected" by the Opposition and proved himself to be an "undemocratic burden" on the country saw the end of his rule. "Today, on April 10, 2022, we welcome [you] back to the purana (old) Pakistan," said Bilawal, who is likely to be appointed the next foreign minister. Chairman PPP @BBhuttoZardari congratulates over historic success of #NoconfidenceVote tonight and recalls on 10th April, this House had approved the Constitution of Pakistan and on the same date, 10th April #SMBB had landed in Lahore by ending her exile during Zia's dictatorship. pic.twitter.com/dNrV2pV3Se Pakistan Peoples Party - PPP (@PPP_Org) April 9, 2022 Bilawal, the lawmaker from Larkana, said that he had joined the National Assembly only three to four years ago, adding that whatever he has learned during this time is probably more than he had learnt throughout his life. "I have a message for the Pakistani youth that they should never give up on their dreams as nothing is impossible. Democracy is the best revenge. Pakistan Zindabad," said Bilawal. (434) 978-7261 Albemarle County has signed an agreement with a Richmond law firm for a temporary county attorney. Former County Attorney Greg Kamptner retired April 1, and the Board of Supervisors decided to hire a search firm to find his replacement. In March, after multiple closed meetings about the position, the board agreed to sign a contract with Sands Anderson, a Richmond-based law firm, for interim county attorney services for at least 90 days. Supervisors say the search for a more permanent county attorney is still on. This is a short-term agreement to make sure that we have expert advice available at all times during the interim, until we complete our successful search process, Supervisor Ann H. Mallek said. There are, I think, a fairly limited number of highly skilled, local government-experienced attorneys and were just making sure we can find one for us. Cynthia Hudson will be the primary attorney from Sands Anderson who will work with Albemarle. Hudson served as the Chief Deputy Attorney General for Virginia prior to joining Sands Anderson in 2020, according to the firms website. She previously was the city attorney for Hampton, Virginia, for eight years, and worked as the deputy city attorney for seven years prior. According to the agreement, it is estimated that Hudson will work 75 hours per month for a total cost of $87,000. Board Chair Donna Price and supervisors Jim Andrews and Bea LaPisto-Kirtley declined to comment on the agreement and county attorney search because they said it was a personnel matter. There could be more searches in the countys future. At a budget work session last week, the county Director of Human Resources Mia Coltrane said so far this fiscal year there have been 22 retirements and an additional 10 staff members have already announced they will retire soon. Another 49 employees are eligible for either full or reduced retirement. Albemarle is not the only Virginia locality having a hard time finding high-level staff. Charlottesville, has had a revolving door of city managers over the last four years, and is under a contract with Robert Bobb Group, a firm out of Washington, D.C., to perform the duties of interim city manager. Michael Rogers from the firm was appointed by City Council in January to serve in that role. Haskell Brown has been working as Richmonds interim city attorney since November 2019, after Allen Jackson, who held the role for nine years, retired. Brown had previously been a deputy city attorney for Richmond. Portsmouth is now on its second interim city attorney, both coming from the Portsmouth city attorneys office, after the city council fired the previous city attorney in September 2020. Goochland, Gloucester, Nelson and Stafford counties, among others, are looking to fill county administrator positions, while Petersburg and Harrisonburg join Charlottesville in trying to find new city managers. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. New Delhi: Shehbaz Sharif, who is the front-runner for prime ministership in Pakistan after Imran Khans removal, is a senior Pakistani politician. He is the president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Sharif, who served as the opposition of leader in the Pakistan National Assembly from 2020-22, is the younger brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. He is likely to become the prime minister on Monday in the assembly sitting. Also Read: Imran Khan becomes first PM in Pakistan's history to lose trust vote Born in an industrial family in Lahore, Shehbaz Sharif is a graduate of the Government College University. He initially joined his family`s steel business and became the president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industries in 1985. Political Career Shehbaz Sharifs political career began in the 1980s under the dictatorship of Zia-ul-Haq when elder brother Nawaz Sharif was inducted into the Punjab Provincial Cabinet as Finance Minister. Sharif, who by then began taking an active interest in politics, entered the Punjab Provincial Assembly in 1988. He was elected to the National Assembly in 1990. In 1993, he again stood for a Provincial Assembly seat and became leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly. He became the Chief Minister of Punjab for the first time after the 1997 elections. However, his term was cut short by Pervez Musharraf`s military coup of 1999 after which he became the CM of the Punjab province again in 2008, returning from almost a decade long political exile. Shehbaz Sharif was elected unopposed as the President of PML-N in February 2018 following his elder brother, and then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s disqualification from holding key positions after being implicated in the `Panama Papers` Chief Minister of Pakistans Punjab Shehbaz Sharif has also been the Chief Minister of the crucial Punjab province of Pakistan for three terms. Having made a reputation as an administrator, Shehbaz Sharif had staked claims for the Prime Minister`s chair in August 2018 but lost majority after Bilawal Bhutto-led PPP abstained from the PM vote in the last hour. Also Read: No Prime Minister in Pakistan could ever complete full term, is the post jinxed? Sharif had then settled as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. Corruption charges against Shehbaz Sharif Like his elder brother, Shehbaz Sharif also faces serious corruption charges. In December 2019, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) froze 23 properties belonging to Shehbaz Sharif and his son, Hamza, accusing them of money laundering. He was arrested by the NAB in the same case in September 2020 and incarcerated pending trial. Live TV Charlottesville City Council will make a decision on how millions of dollars will be used for the city during a special meeting Tuesday when they vote whether to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. The city has held budget specific work sessions, forums and public hearings in addition to regular City Council meetings since January. In these meetings, councilors and city staff have discussed budget priorities and various amendments to the original budget plan. On Tuesday, councilors will consider several factors prior to voting to approve a budget, some of which have changed since the original budget presentation. While City Council initially advertised in February that it could raise the real estate tax rate by up to 10 cents per $100 of assessed value, the tide seems to be moving to a much lower increase of one cent per $100 of assessed value. This is, in part, because of an anticipated $12 million surplus from the current fiscal year. We typically have not tried to factor into our thinking a surplus that we expect in the fiscal year that were presently in, Mayor Lloyd Snook said at a recent meeting. That surplus is typically not fully known. The proposed city budget is more than $216.17 million, a 12.46% increase from the current fiscal year. City departments submitted a total of $94.4 million in base budget requests for the next fiscal year, 7.4% more than fiscal year 2022s adopted departmental budgets. Unlike past years, there were no restrictions on department budget submission this budget cycle. In addition to the base budgets, departments submitted $10.7 million in new requests and $1.05 million was added to the proposal to fund seven new full-time positions to help fill needs in key areas including Neighborhood Development Services, Human Resources and Public Works. The police department budget is proposed to increase more than $1.3 million and includes a 7.1% raise in salary expenditures. Councilors have been less than enthusiastic about raising the real estate tax rate due to rising real estate assessments in the city at an average of 11.69%. However, a 10-cent increase was originally thought to be one of the only ways to fund the renovation and expansion of Buford Middle School, a project known as reconfiguration. Recent funding scenarios the city is considering could allow the city to fund the project without the 10-cent increase. Snook continues to oppose any increase in the real estate tax rate at all because of the rising assessments. However, the other four councilors have voiced support for a one-cent increase that would allow the city to build a funding pool for future projects, including schools projects. At a work session Thursday, there was general agreement among councilors to put $250,000 towards the real estate tax relief fund to counteract any negative effects the increase could have on low-income families, and to put funds raised by the increase into the capital improvement program. Councilors have voiced general support for a 0.05% meals tax rate increase, with most councilors, except Vice Mayor Juandiego Wade, wanting to keep the personal property tax rate the same. Schools reconfiguration has been at the center of city budget discussions and debate this year. The renovation would bring 57-year-old Buford Middle School up to modern standards and better support students with more natural lighting in classrooms, more spaces to collaborate and a more secure campus. Bufords renovation is the first phase of a multi-pronged reconfiguration project for the school system thats been in the works since 2009. In the project, the upper elementary school would be eliminated, sixth-graders would join seventh and eighth grades at Buford and fifth-graders would go back to their elementary schools for one more year. Interim City Manager Michael C. Roberts recommended delaying the reconfiguration project but councilors are looking for ways to get the project completed, even if it is scaled back. The $76 million price tag has been controversial. Councilors seem to be moving toward support of a $68.8 million model of the project that would be funded over the next several years through the citys capital improvement program and bonds. The proposed budget fully funds Charlottesville City Schools $62,925,964 funding request, which is a 6.7% increase from the current year. The proposed capital improvement program budget includes additional funds for reconfiguration. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Gordon bats for empowering PH sugar industry amid importation bid Following a proposal by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to import sugar, Senator Richard J. Gordon has recommended to develop the Philippines' sugar industry and help the farmers earn more through innovation. "[Dapat] palakasin ang capability at capacity ng ating sugar farmers para lumakas ang kanilang produkto at mabigyan sila ng tamang presyo na hindi naman masyadong mataas at magsu-suffer ang consumers. The balance must be made na hindi dapat mag-import," Gordon pointed out in an interview by a local radio station in Bacolod. "Maraming sugar sa Negros pero wala akong nakikitang candy factory. Dapat iyong ating sugar products, nagagamit natin para magkaroon ng value added iyong mga sugar planter natin," he added. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), more than 50% of sugar production in the country is coming from Negros Island. Led by the United Sugar Producers Federation (UNIFED), sugar producers had recently expressed alarm over Sugar Order No. 4 issued by the SRA on April 5 that seeks to bring in 350,000 metric tons of raw and refined sugar in the country. Last February, Agriculture Secretary William Dar defended the government's move to allow importation of sugar and said that the decision was based on the data showing deficiencies in some commodities including sugar. ? However, Gordon stressed the plan to import such product will make the sugar farmers suffer. "Hindi natin namamalayan na talagang nahihirapan ang mga tao natin at dapat iyan ay pigilan na talaga. Dapat hindi natin pabayaan ang sugar industry. Anumang bansa ay talagang pino-proteksyunan ang mga farmers ng gobyerno," he said. As a strong supporter of the sugar industry, Gordon has co-authored Senate Resolution No. 22 which urges the President not to adopt a liberalization policy for the sugar sector in order to safeguard the interest of more than 84,000 sugar farmers and 720,000 industry workers. The Resolution was transmitted to the Office of the President on November 14, 2019. "Ang importante diyan ay iyong work ethic at iyong trabaho ng mga sugar farmer na nagtatanim sila para makapaglagay tayo ng produkto sa market. Kung kailangang pagbigyan naman ang sugar industry na makabawi sa presyong tama sapagkat sila ang nagsu-supply ng sugar sa bayan, bakit hindi natin tulungan?" Gordon concluded. After nearly two decades, Many Hands Trading is letting go. Owners Carl and Melissa Posto began liquidating inventory Saturday, April 9, starting a sell-off of the international and handmade goods that drew shoppers to the downtown Corvallis store they described as an eclectic and funky choice for gifts and souvenirs. Kristi Komar, a Corvallis resident who said shes shopped at Many Hands since it opened in the early 2000s, said she couldnt define what exactly Many Hands was an international gift shop? Source of art from around the world? Whatever it was, she said, it would be hard to replace. My favorite store is closing! Komar said. Inside, about 100 people shuffled shoulder-to-shoulder in aisles filled with colorful fabrics and ornate bowls. A sign in a window of the shop at the corner of Southwest Madison Avenue and 3rd Street promised shoppers 25% off storewide. Jaidyn Hall had only been in a few times before hearing about Many Hands closing. She took a look at the long line where customers tried to buy clearance items, she said, and left empty-handed. Hall said shes new to the state, moving to Corvallis for classes at Oregon State University. But its by far my favorite store since I moved here, she said. 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. A senior at the same university, Mari Friedman, walked away with a mesh basket shaped like a hen. She said shed been to the store numerous times over the years ahead of birthdays and holidays. Friedman said her mom has a birthday the week of April 11 and the basket would fit in with the womans chicken-themed kitchen. Its a go-to place for gifts, she said. Many Hands opened under the ownership of importer, retailer and nonprofit booster Margaret Wilson in 2005, first as a seasonal storefront and business arm of the Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center. Wilson in a phone interview reflected on the business growth and move from Northwest Monroe Avenue a block away, home now of Oregon Coffee & Tea, to the larger storefront at 259 SW Madison. I purchased everything and we had all volunteers, she said. But the Multicultural Literacy Center parted with Many Hands, spinning off the business, Wilson said, and she sold. Im just so sad, she said. Many Hands reorganized as an assumed business name in 2014, operated by the Postos under a limited liability corporation, Pacificraft. Melissa Posto declined to comment on the closure. We had a good run in Corvallis, she said. The Postos also run Oodles World Wide, a store in McMinnville, Oregon. Outside of Many Hands on Saturday, Victor Chavez leaned against the tan-colored bricks and waited for his wife, Cecilia, and son Erik to check out and join him outside. He estimated theyd been in the store for more than an hour and a half. Chavez said Cecilia had shopped at the store for a decade or more and predicted shed buy something Sasquatch-related. She did she showed off a tiny wooden Sasquatch and a bowl in which family members can leave their keys. Well sure miss it, Cecilia Chavez said. Alex Powers (he/him) covers business, environment and healthcare for Mid-Valley Media. Call 541-812-6116 or email Alex.Powers@lee.net. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 5 Angry 0 The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. SUNDAY Book launch, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Willamette Park, 1350 SE Goodnight Ave., Corvallis. Local poet and essayist Charles Goodrich has a new book of poems, "Watering the Rhubarb." Goodrich will read poems from the book, and special guests will perform music. The event is co-sponsored by the Spring Creek Project and Grass Roots Books & Music, which will have books available for purchase. MONDAY "Resilience and Self-Care for Caregivers," 2 p.m. Mondays, April 11 through May 16, Zoom. Learn self-care skills to dramatically improve your overall mental, physical and emotional health. Small group format facilitated by J. Anna Looney. Sponsored by Samaritan Evergreen Hospice. Free registration: 609-468-2270 or cmbmannalooney@gmail.com. TUESDAY Academy for Lifelong Learning, 1:30 p.m., online. Matthew Graham, associate professor of the Oregon State University Micro-Femto Energetics Lab, will present "Capturing Electron Physics in the Twinkling of an Eye." How can we best harvest photocarriers in emerging nanomaterials to enable higher solar efficiencies and faster optoelectronics? The lab develops novel spectroscopy methods that resolve electron dynamics with both micron spatial resolution and femtosecond time-resolution. These methods resolve electron dynamics in next-generation solar cells and optical sensing devices to identify new materials that outperform conventional silicon-based technologies. ALL invites nonmembers to attend one or two classes at no charge to see if they are interested in becoming a member; email admin@academyforlifelonglearning.org if you are interested in doing that for this class. Corvallis Community Band spring concert, "Blossom by Blossom, Spring Begins," 7:30 p.m., LaSells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th St. Conducted by artistic director Jim Martinez, the program will include pieces celebrating spring and the renewal of live performances by the band. Featuring the debut of a commissioned number by local composer Rob Birdwell. The concert is free, and no tickets are required. Information: 541-740-7882. WEDNESDAY Academy for Lifelong Learning, 1:30 p.m., online. Jacki Hedlund Tyler, assistant professor of history and director of social studies at Eastern Washington University, will present "The Origins of Settler Colonialism in the Pacific Northwest." The settlement of Oregon by white colonists was neither an organic process nor a natural extension of the United States. Hedlund Tyler will draw on research from her book, "Leveraging an Empire: Settler Colonialism and the Legalities of Citizenship," to address the formation of Oregon as a settler colony, and the forced removal of American Indians from their traditional lands. Learn more about the complex early history of the region. ALL invites nonmembers to attend one or two classes at no charge to see if they are interested in becoming a member; email admin@academyforlifelonglearning.org if you are interested. THURSDAY Academy for Lifelong Learning, 9:30 a.m., online. David Fenner, adjunct faculty, Middle East Center at the University of Washington, will present "Afghanistan: The Graveyard of Empires?" Fenner will explore the long and contentious history of Afghanistan, reaching as far back as the attempted conquest of this mountainous region by Alexander the Great, bringing the discussion right up to todays tragic headlines. A resource list will be provided for those who would like a deeper dive into the long historical record and who also want to lend a hand. Bring your questions and observations about this complex and oft-embattled land. ALL invites nonmembers to attend one or two classes at no charge to see if they are interested in becoming a member; email admin@academyforlifelonglearning.org if you are interested. Items for this calendar are pulled from the user-generated calendar that runs on our websites. For further information, write to jane.stoltz@lee.net. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Vietnam should restart its nuclear energy program by 2030 to reach the goal of carbon emission neutrality that it has committed to achieve by 2050, said experts. "Restarting the nuclear power program by 2030 is the only way to achieve our net-zero carbon commitment by 2050 (as committed at COP26)," former head of the Vietnam Institute of Energy Nguyen Manh Hien said at the second Vietnam Clean Energy Forum Thursday. In 2009, Vietnam had announced plans to build two nuclear power plants in the south-central province of Ninh Thuan at a cost of several billion dollars, but the National Assembly shot down the proposal in 2016 saying the nation could not afford it then. Tran Chi Thanh, head of Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute, said the nuclear energy program "must restart soon", but did not specify a date for doing so. It takes about 15-20 years to complete a nuclear power plant, including planning, constructing and test runs. Thanh also recommended that previously chosen sites for nuclear power plants are not abandoned, saying it was hard to find a suitable location. This is not the first time that energy experts are recommending that Vietnam treads the nuclear path. In a previous report, experts of Vietnam Energy Magazine under the Vietnam Energy Association exhorted the government to restart the nuclear energy program as soon as possible. The renewed focus on nuclear energy has happened after Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh committed that Vietnam would reach carbon emission neutrality by 2050. The country is yet to incorporate nuclear energy into its official planning. It finds no mention in the National Electricity Development Plan for 2021-2030 (with vision to 2045). However, Chinh has said that proposals for nuclear energy will continue to be developed and submitted for consideration later. Giang A Pao took his son, who would keep smacking his head on the ground when happy, to the Vietnam National Children's Hospital to find out the cause. In March 2021, the 33-year-old in the northern Bac Kan Province heard the term autism for the very first time. "Then I started to know why my son was acting strangely," he says. Cam Thi Huyen in the northwestern Son La Province was scared of her autistic son's unpredictable actions. One time, when two years old, he suddenly ran into the middle of the road, forcing the driver of a container truck to slam hard on the brake almost causing the vehicle to flip over. Thankfully, the vehicle stopped in time and the boy was unharmed. Truong, Cam Thi Huyen's four-year-old son, in Hanoi where was getting treatment for autism in 2020. Photo courtesy of Huyen In a rural area where the Thai ethnic people predominate, issues about a child being slow to pick up how to walk or speak is often overlooked. Truong, Huyen's son, is a prime example. He did not walk until the age of two while neurotypical children begin between eight and 19 months. Neighbors encouraged her saying he would walk and speak "sooner or later". But a mothers instinct told her something was unusual, and she took him to Hanoi for an examination when he was 31 months old. "That was when I discovered about autism," the 32-year-old says. She was befuddled and did not know if it could be cured or what she could do to help her child. Tran Thi Hoan in Plei Kan Town in Kon Tum Province, 18 km from the Laos-Cambodia border, did not know why her grandson was so mischievous. From the moment he learned to crawl, Phuoc threw bowls and chopsticks around the house and broke baby crawling barriers to find a way out. He did not listen to instructions no matter how hard Hoan tried. When he was slightly more than two, she took him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication and repetitive and narrow behaviors, interests and activities. It has a wide range of symptoms and varying degrees of severity. Doctors determined Truong and Huys condition to be severe, but said it could be improved with active intervention. Phuocs condition is categorized as medium, meaning prompt and long-term intervention can reduce his distracted behaviors and improve focus. Autistic children are often terrified of various noises like pouring water and indulge in behaviors like banging their heads on the wall when they are distressed. "Children with autism have these characteristics because their brains develop differently from neurotypical childrens," Ha Thi Nhu Quynh, a special education teacher in Hanoi, explains. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ASD affects 2-7 percent of children worldwide, and boys four times more than girls. There is no official data on children with ASD in Vietnam, but according to 2019 data from the General Statistics Office, there were 6.2 million people with disabilities aged two and over, accounting for about 6.5 percent of the population, which includes approximately a million people with autism. According to a 2020 statistic, autism accounts for 30 percent of children with disabilities in schools. "These figures do not accurately reflect reality because many children are undiagnosed or do not attend school," Pham Thi Kim Tam, president of the Vietnam Autism Network and administrator of an online forum for parents with autistic children with 36,000 members, says. The number of children brought to the Vietnam National Children's Hospital in Hanoi for autism evaluation and treatment is increasing by 10-20 percent every year. One-third of the 22,000 children who visit a psychiatric specialist at the hospital each year are diagnosed as autistic. Its department of psychiatry has special education classes for autistic children, with some 400 provided with intervention each year, mostly those with a severe condition or hailing from remote areas. Many parents, especially in mountainous regions, are slow to recognize their children's symptoms, according to Quynh. Even when a baby shows autistic symptoms, it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis due to a lack of doctors or specialists with the necessary qualifications. Schools and the availability of qualified specialized teachers are also major concerns, and the result is many non-specialist teachers, including those with no expertise, are hired to teach autistic children. A family in Hanoi's Soc Son District complained that its twins were diagnosed with different levels of severity but intervention by the district medical center was exactly the same for both for nine months. "This was a waste of our children's golden years as well as our money," their mother says. Since she is lives in the Central Highlands, Hoan was unable to find a special education school for her grandson to attend. After more than a year of deliberation, she and her daughter decided to pack their belongings and travel to Hanoi for Phuoc to study at a special education center in Dong Anh Province. After 10 months the boy's communication skills have greatly improved. Though he completed the program, Hoan decided to keep her grandson at the center until the pre-primary stage so that he could further improve his skills. Hoan says: "All the savings my daughter, who works as a factory worker, had accumulated over the years has been spent on Phuoc's special education classes in the capital. But to us, it is worth it". As for Truongs parents, they are sad to see their child has missed the "golden period" of intervention. Huyen sent her child to four schools, two in downtown Son La Town and two in Hanoi, after the boy was diagnosed with autism. But the boy has not made much progress. In addition to parents' lack of knowledge about ASD, social prejudices also prevent autistic children from integrating into society. "Many parents have told me that when their child was diagnosed with autism, people around them said they had probably committed many bad deeds in their life and so it is karma that their child ended up with the disorder," Tam says. People, due to ignorance of ASD, also blame parents for not bringing up their children well, as Huyen has found out. Often while returning from school by bus Truong hits her and all she can do is hug him and try to calm him down. When something triggers him, he runs out in the middle of the street unmindful of the dangers, and she can only sit in the middle of the road and console him. To keep her son safe, she uses a cloth to tie his hands to her before letting him down from her motorbike. Some people do not understand his behaviors and her reactions, and blame her for not educating him properly and allowing him to behave badly. Others, upon learning the child has autism, say, "You should not have let him spend too much time with the phone". Such misconceptions about the disorder are widespread, with many thinking it is caused by excessive use of electronic devices or can be "cured". Pao suspects his son's condition was one of the reasons his wife abandoned him. When he was working as a construction worker in Algeria, his wife would frequently send him videos of Huy banging his head against a wall and his forehead covered in bruises and wounds. Then he learned his children had been neglected, and promptly returned home. He and his wife went to court a month later and divorced, and he has been raising his three children since then. Huy, 6, on a mud road in the rural district of Ba Be in Bac Kan Province in March, 2022. Photo courtesy of Pao Pao, unable to bear the thought of parting from Huy, arranged for him to attend the Education Center for Disabled Children in Bac Kan Province. He applied to work as a security guard at the education center the first year to stay close to his son. After a year he felt assured about leaving the child alone at the center and looking for a job elsewhere. "Each autistic child lives in its own world different from its parents," Tam, who has a 20-year-old autistic child, explains. She hopes parents will not be discouraged or give up halfway through a difficult journey as their children make slow progress. Early and continuing intervention is by far the most effective way to help autistic children develop and, in many cases, become self-sufficient in adulthood. After more than three years of intervention, Phuoc was able to return home to attend regular kindergarten in August 2020. He is currently in first grade and is absorbing information quickly, even faster than some of his classmates. His grandmother says: "However, his condition has not completely gone away. When he is angry, he growls and is unable to speak in full sentences. In addition, he still has poor social skills in comparison to his friends". Huyen is eager for Truong to return to school after nearly a year of staying at home. "Sometimes I wish the pandemic never broke out and my family had enough money to send my child to special education school on a regular basis. Maybe he might be reading and writing better now". Pfizer alone plans to make four billion doses this year. Photo by AFP/John Macdougall After two years of racing to vaccinate the world against Covid-19, the number of available doses now surpasses demand in many areas. Yet a yawning gap remains in vaccination rates between the richest and poorest countries. On Friday, Gavi, which co-leads the Covax global distribution scheme, is holding a summit calling for more funds to address the issue of inequality in vaccine access. Huge production More than 13 billion doses have been produced since the pandemic, 11 billion of which have been administered, according to the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA). Science research group Airfinity expect nine billion more doses to be produced this year. Pfizer alone plans to make four billion doses. Yet demand could fall to six billion doses this year, IFPMA's director general Thomas Cueni said. "Since mid-2021, global vaccine production has exceeded global vaccine demand and this gap has continuously risen," Cueni told AFP. By next year, production could exceed demand by 1.3 to 3.1 billion doses, he added. Many richer nations are now approaching oversupply. European Union and G7 countries had a surplus of 497 million doses at the end of last month. There are fears that doses could go to waste. Covid vaccines have a relatively short shelf-life -- AstraZeneca's jabs have a six-month expiry date, the Novavax vaccine has a nine-month shelf life in the EU. Airfinity says 241 million doses have passed their sell-by date so far during the pandemic. Billions unvaccinated Nevertheless, billions of people remain unvaccinated around the world, most of them in developing nations. Covax, an international public-private partnership co-led by WHO and Gavi, has delivered 1.4 billion doses to 145 countries -- far short of the planned two billion doses by end-2021. World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that inequality in vaccine access could lead to the emergence of new, possibly more contagious variants. The WHO wants 70 percent of every country's population vaccinated by July. But records are uneven. Nearly 80 percent of France's population, for example, has received two doses. But only 15 percent of the population on the continent of Africa is fully vaccinated, according to Oxford University data. An average of 42 percent of the population of 92 low- and middle-income countries participating in Covax have had two doses. "Vaccine inequity is the biggest moral failure of our times and people and countries are paying the price," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said earlier this year. Covax says it now has enough doses to vaccinate around 45 percent of the population in the 92 countries receiving donations. But 25 of those countries lack the infrastructure for an effective immunisation campaign. Making matters worse, many developing countries are being donated doses too close to their expiry date. UNICEF's supply division director Etleva Kadilli said that in December almost more than 100 million doses had been refused, "the majority due to product shelf life". Gavi has ruled that doses must be valid for at least 10 weeks on arriving in countries. Patent gridlock Countries like South Africa and India have long called for the World Trade Organization to suspend intellectual property rights for vaccines and anti-Covid treatments, so they can massively boost production. After fierce opposition from pharmaceutical giants, a first compromise was reached between the United States, European Union, India and South Africa last month. But several key countries like Switzerland have yet to sign on. Doctors Without Borders also says there are "key limitations" in the deal, such as covering only vaccines and geographical limits. Pharmaceutical companies argue that patents are not the real problem. Cueni of IFPMA, a big pharma lobby group, said the problem was now logistics. "What we need is money to have storage, transportation, more trained health workers, campaigns to counter misinformation: these are the real challenges and not the patent waiver," he said. New variants Current vaccines target the virus that swept the world in 2020. While they greatly reduce the risk of serious illness from Covid, they only provide partial protection -- particularly against newer variants such as the now dominant Omicron. Several vaccine manufacturers have begun testing jabs that target Omicron. They have hit delays but could be available in a few months, if approved by health authorities. And despite the billions yet to receive a first dose, the United States, Britain, France and Israel have started rolling out a fourth, starting with the most vulnerable. On Wednesday, the EU's medicines watchdog approved a second booster for people aged 80 years and over. "No country can boost its way out of the pandemic," Tedros has warned. ELKO Elko County Manager Amanda Osborne has received special recognition as a finalist for the 2022 Cashman Good Government Award for leading the countys response during the COVID-19 pandemic as human resources director and then county manager. When the pandemic struck, Amanda was the countys HR director. Since the county had no health department, it fell to her to lead the response, said Sharon Byram, who spoke on behalf of the Nevada Taxpayers Association and the Cashman family. She kept employees working, whether in the office or at home, and organized and led the proactive response team in bringing forth information and options for the citizens of Elko County, Bryam said as she presented the award on April 6 before the Elko County Board of Commissioners, which nominated Osborne. During this period, she was named county manager. Her leadership in that role has brought innovation and quick turnaround on projects, leading the way and inspiring other rural counties to follow her lead, Byram said. She also said Osbornes vision has always been as a watchdog for the citizens and employees while having to work with a Board of Commissioners that not always supported the path in which the state mandated. Osborne thanked everyone for the recognition, and said obviously I would not have been able to do all the things that we accomplished during the pandemic without our team. She also thanked all the community partners who helped with the pandemic response. The Nevada Taxpayers Associations selection committee chaired by Tim Cashman reviewed the 18 nominations statewide before determining the finalists and winner. Osborne was one of the five finalists, and another finalist was the University of Nevada, Reno and Great Basin College Winnemucca Building Project. Cashman stated at a presentation in Reno on March 30 that GBC established a shared services collaboration with UNR that resulted in $100,000 savings in direct project administration costs. Similarly, UNRs experience with alternate construction delivery enabled Great Basin to utilize a construction manager-at-risk approach saving a total of $3.5 million in project costs, compared to 2020 State Public Works Board estimates, he said. Our Place Women and Family Shelter, Washoe County Human Services Agency, was the overall winner of the 2022 Cashman Good Government Award. Osborne was the only individual among the five finalists that also included the Sparks Police Department HOPE Team, the Clark County Recorders Office Information Technology Unit. The Cashman Good Government Award originated in 1997 to recognize extraordinary public service efforts that make a difference in shaping Nevadas future, including public employees who promote efficient and timely delivery of services to all in a cost-effective, fiscally responsible manner. Love 4 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 ELKO Put your amateur sleuthing skills to the test when you attend Elko High Schools upcoming play, Murders in the Heir. The interactive murder mystery starts a four-performance run on April 14 and is the second production for the EHS Drama Club this year. Its the conclusion to a busy second semester for the Drama Club, said adviser and teacher Jeanine Hoskins. The Drama Club performed their fundraiser Dinner in Oz in February and immediately plunged into planning and rehearsals for the latest production. The Drama Club and Drama class students brought the idea of a murder mystery to Hoskins earlier in the school year, initially wanting to use the genre for their dinner theater. However, Hoskins said she promised it for the spring production. They did not let me forget. They really wanted to do this. Murders in the Heir appealed to Hoskins for its humor and ability to expand for double casting. But the script also allows for more than one ending to occur at each performance. It could be a different ending every night, which made it appealing to me and the students, Hoskins said. During intermission, the audience votes on who they think killed the plays victim, Simon Starkweather III. Technically, there could be a different killer every night. It has been a little bit challenging because every student has to memorize and practice the lines and blocking for that scene, she said. Its been perfect, Hoskins added. Each student brings a different personality to the killers lines. Its made it super fun. Hoskins praised the members of the Drama Club and the Drama class for rising up and meeting the challenge. They even rehearsed four days out of their spring break. The enthusiasm for theater reaches out to students who also participate in band, speech and debate, Choraliers and sports, observed assistant director Jo Brown. They still made the commitment to come and be part of the Drama Club four days a week, including spring break and at least two Saturdays. And they all did it with a smile. Thats the amazing part, Jo Brown said. Showtime is 7 p.m. on April 14 and 15 at the Elko High School Performing Arts Auditorium. Two more performances are slated for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on April 16. The Saturday morning show will be American Sign Language interpreted by ASL volunteers. Tickets will be sold at the door, $10 for the general public and $5 for students. The cast and crew of the play encouraged the public to make plans to attend as many shows as possible to get the most out of the experience. This play is interesting and I think that you should come see it, said cast member Andrew Wodesky. Its fun [and] entertaining. Theres twists in it. He said this was his first year participating in drama club, giving him and other members a chance to get to do things like this and get to entertain a bunch of people. When audience members vote on the top suspect, the play changes direction at each performance, said Prop Master Hailey Siebold. There will always be a different outcome and it will never be same, Siebold said. Its very funny and has a lot of comedy in it. Cast member Richard Fericks agreed that the interactive aspect makes each shows ending a surprise. The more shows you come to, the greater chance youll see a different mixture of how things are, Fericks said. Its a great show. Its got laughs, its got darkness, obviously as a murder mystery. Its a real good show and I encourage you to watch it. This play is very unique and very different in their own ways, said sophomore Lydia Wellman. She said each show would be unique due to the two different casts. All of them have different jokes in the way they say them. Its going to be very fun. Wellman is the on-stage director of the play, Gene Culpepper, who interrupts the show and makes the cast break character. I think its very funny I get to do that. I love my part, she said. Hoskins said for the first play, the Club received community support from several individuals and businesses, including Kinross Bald Mountain for set design and Franklin Building Supply and the Bowers family who helped ease the cost of lumber for our set. We are grateful. Kinross sent a crew to build the sets, which turned into lessons in theater construction, Hoskins added. They spent several days and evenings working alongside and teaching the students to safely build flats. Thanks also went to Kelly Moon, Dawn Bartlett and Karen Rogers for running sound and lights during the performances. Next year, students can take Theater Tech, a new class focusing on the technical side of productions at EHS. It will be formatted as a Career and Technical Education course, Hoskins added. The play is the first theatrical production inside the new Performing Arts Building, which has come with a huge learning curve to manage the lights and sounds, Hoskins said. Audience members should expect some flashing lights and loud thunder sounds during the play, but the effects are pretty fun, she added. After the success of Dinner in Oz, Hoskins said the Club gained more students and supporters, including Jo Brown, who joined the current production as the assistant director in charge of costumes and set design. Jo Brown said she became involved after hearing amazing things about Hoskins and the Drama Club from her daughter who is a freshman at EHS. It was also a dream come true for Brown, who loves participating local theater productions. For years Ive been looking for a chance to work with the drama department because drama is vital for our kids, she said. She said she also wants to bring theater to children with autism, and praised the cast for accepting other students who have been diagnosed with ADHD, autism or depression. We have got such an amazing cast. Neurodiversity helps these kids cope in so many ways. Nobody makes a big deal. Everything is normalized. These kids are so amazing with that. In addition to Kinross, Hoskins said other community organizations have reached out to support the club, including Ghost Light Productions who volunteered to conduct a workshop for Drama students and Great Basin College Theaters Bartlett who works as Theater Technician II. Its been nice that we have the entire community come together for these kids, Hoskins said. Because thats what its about, its about the kids. Theater does amazing things for them. Emma Katharine Brown, who has acted in multiple productions, including Februarys Dinner in Oz, said portraying characters helps her work through her anxiety rehearsing and acting in front of others. Drama Club [means] a lot practice to help me be a lot less anxious and less fearful of the stage, Emma Brown explained. It lets me be something Im not, escape to a fantasy world and perform for people. Its like putting on a book in front of their very eyes. Prop master Hailey Seibold said those inspired to get involved in theater should go for it. You get to make memories. You get to meet new people. You get to find a different part of yourself and its a different experience. I thought maybe Id feel weird doing drama the first time, but I realized this is me, Seibold continued. I can escape my life and go be something else or I can act my emotions out and I can change my emotions. I get to have new friends and experience a different part in life and a new chapter. Senior Abby Carrillo said she has always been interested in acting and singing, but EHS didnt have a Drama Club until this year. I was very excited to hear my senior year that I was finally going to take Drama Club with my twin and little sister, she added. Carrillo agreed that the agreed that the Club members are very welcoming. They talk to you a little bit and it makes you more open, Carrillo explained. Slowly you become more social. Assistant Prop Director Kendall Neff joined the Drama Club this year. She said she learned how much work goes into pre-production of a play and working behind the scenes was pretty cool. I never knew there was so much stuff behind the plays, Neff continued. I didnt know there was lights and sounds, so its been really cool to experience. Laila Bowers, who portrayed Dorothy in Dinner in Oz, plays an attorney in Murders in the Heir. She said her experience this year in both productions has been nothing but smiles. I love acting and I love all the opportunities that come with Drama Club and Im in the Drama class at Elko High School, she said. Ive learned so much about the theater and the technical [side] of theater. I love drama and I love acting, Bowers continued. Its fulfilling my younger self and my dreams of becoming an actress. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Press Release April 10, 2022 Lacson to Supporters: Stop Being 'Silent,' Make Yourselves Heard More at: https://pinglacson.net/article/lacson-to-supporters-stop-being-silent-make-yourselves-heard It's time to stop being silent and to start making yourselves heard. On this note, independent presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson called on his and vice presidential bet Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III's supporters to be more assertive in helping them convince voters to elect the most qualified, competent and experienced candidates. "Thank you 'Pure Love', 'True Friends', 'Lacson Sotto Support Group' for organizing your 'Supporters Rally' and making it happen today. It's time to stop being silent. Get out of your echo chamber to be heard by the people. No balloons, no umbrellas, no props. Just pure love," Lacson said on his Twitter account Saturday evening, after he and Sotto attended the supporters' rally at the Quezon Memorial Circle. Lacson and Sotto - along with their families - received a rousing welcome from the supporters who organized the event that started in the afternoon and lasted past 8 p.m. During the rally, Lacson said there is much work to do with just one month left in the campaign period. The supporters can make a difference by convincing their families and neighbors to vote for the most competent, qualified, and experienced candidates, he stressed. "Hindi pa natatapos ang ating gagawin. Pag uwi natin ngayong gabi, marami pa tayong dapat gawin para sa May 9 sa araw ng eleksyon. Kausapin natin ang ating mga kamaganak at ating mga kapitbahay at sabihin natin sa kanila kung sino ang pinaka-qualified, pinaka-competent at pinaka may karanasan. Kami po yan ni Senate President Sotto (Our work is not finished. Once we go home tonight, we have much to do in preparation for May 9. Let us talk to our families and neighbors and ask them to vote for the most qualified, experienced and competent - that's Senate President Sotto and me)," he said. Meanwhile, Lacson and Sotto reaffirmed their commitment to good governance by signing a pledge for a corruption-free government before their supporters at the rally. "Kami, ang tambalang Lacson-Sotto, ay taimtim na nanunumpa, na kapag kami ay nahalal bilang Pangulo at Pangalawang Pangulo ng bansa, ay pangangalagaan namin ang inyong tiwala; titiyakin naming walang bahid ng katiwalian ang aming panunungkulan, upang hindi masayang ang inyong boto (We, the Lacson-Sotto tandem, solemnly swear that if we are elected President and Vice President of the Philippines, we will ensure our administration will not be marred by corruption, thus making sure your votes for us are not wasted)," they said in their pledge. "Ang lahat ng plataporma na aming inihain ngayong kampanya, ay aming tutuparin ng buong husay at katapatan; Uunahin at isasaalang-alang namin ang kapakanan ng Bansang Pilipinas at ng mamamayang Pilipino (We will fulfill our promises to implement much-needed programs of government. We will put the interest of the Philippines and the Filipino first)," they added. LAS VEGAS (AP) A 16-year-old high school student has been jailed in Las Vegas and will be prosecuted as an adult on sex assault and attempted murder charges following an after-school attack on a teacher, authorities said Friday. Las Vegas police said the female teacher was punched and choked into unconsciousness and the student fled the Eldorado High School campus before another school employee found the teacher and summoned police and medical help. The woman was treated for multiple injuries, police said. The student was arrested by school police several blocks from the campus that serves about 2,000 students several miles east of downtown Las Vegas. His name and the name of the teacher were not immediately made public. On Friday, school administrators issued a statement to parents calling the attack an isolated incident, and Clark County School District Superintendent Jesus Jara sent a message to employees calling safety our top priority. I am devastated, and the CCSD family hurts for the teacher assaulted at Eldorado High School, Jaras message said. Our hearts are heavy because of the violence committed against her, and we pray for her full recovery. But the violence was only the latest for the sprawling district, the nations fifth-largest with more than 300,000 students and more than 18,000 teachers at about 336 schools including more than 70 high schools in an area the size of New Jersey. The district began a weeklong spring break after classes were dismissed on Friday. On Wednesday, a 17-year-old boy was arrested after a loaded gun was found on the floor of a school bathroom at a northwest Las Vegas high school. On March 29, a campus police officer fired three gunshots at a moving car that had struck a girl amid a report of a fight in a parking lot at a downtown Las Vegas high school. Four teenage non-students were in the car. The driver and a passenger received minor wounds, and the girl struck by the car was not seriously hurt. A day earlier, a 36-year-old mother was arrested near a Henderson high school and accused of trying to kill two schoolgirls by driving her vehicle into them to prevent them from fighting her daughter after an on-campus dispute. Police said the injured girls had broken bones but were expected to recover. In early March, 11 people were arrested, including an adult who allegedly entered a southwest Las Vegas high school campus during several days of student fights, social media threats, classroom lockdowns and an unproved report of a gun. In February, video posted to the internet showed a female high school student attacking a girl who was seated at a desk, pummeling her with about 35 punches to the back and side of her head. Jara, who was abruptly fired by the school board in October and reinstated about three weeks later with no public explanation, issued a recent public plea for an end to violence. He blamed it on "the stress, anxieties and isolation of the (coronavirus) pandemic. Since schools began in August, campus police have reported 3,000 assaults and fights, and confiscated more than 25 guns, the school district police chief said. As I have said previously, Jara said in his message on Friday, violent acts, assaults, and bullying will not be tolerated ... and those who choose to engage in these activities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. School police Lt. Bryan Zink said the teen arrested after Thursdays attack was taken to the Clark County jail and would face charges as an adult. Las Vegas police said he was booked on attempted murder, sexual assault, battery, kidnapping and robbery charges. It was not immediately clear when the teen would face a judge or if he had an attorney. The charges against him could put him in prison for the rest of his life. Las Vegas police said in a statement that investigators determined he entered the teachers classroom to talk about his grades. At some point, the (student) got violent and began punching the (teacher) and strangled her until she lost consciousness, the statement said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 4 Angry 2 President Nguyen Xuan Phuc offers incense in commemoration of Hung Kings at the Hung Kings Temple Relic Site on Nghia Linh Mountain, Phu Tho province, April 10, 2022 The incense-offering ceremony took place at the Hung Kings Temple Relic Site on Nghia Linh Mountain, where the kings performed rituals devoted to rice and sun deities to pray for bumper crops. President Phuc, Party and State officials, and leaders of Phu Tho province offered incense and flowers in tribute to the Hung Kings, praying for the nation's peace and prosperity. Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Bui Van Quang spoke highly of the great contributions of the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of Van Lang - the first State in Viet Nam, while praising the ancestors' resilience in protecting the nation. Following the incense-offering ceremony, President Phuc and the delegates laid a wreath and offered incense at the tomb of the 6th Hung King, and paid tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh and martyrs at the relief featuring the late leader's talk with soldiers from the Tien Phong (Vanguard) Division stationed at the relic site. On the occasion of the death anniversary of the Hung Kings, tens of thousands of Vietnamese people from across the country and abroad paid homage to the national founders at the temple complex. Legend has it that the eldest son of Lac Long Quan (son of Kinh Duong Vuong) and Au Co (the fairy daughter of De Lai) was made king. He named the country Van Lang and set up the capital in Phong Chau (modern-day Viet Tri city), beginning the 18 dynasties of the Hung Kings. The kings chose Nghia Linh Mountain, the highest in the region, to perform rituals devoted to the rice and sun deities to pray for bumper crops. To honour their substantial contributions, a complex of temples dedicated to the kings was built on Nghia Linh Mountain, and the tenth day of the third lunar month serves as the national commemorative anniversary for the kings. Later the same day, Phuc attended the ground-breaking ceremony of the provincial cultural and art house at the Hung King Square in Viet Tri city, which is expected to be a destination for tourists to the city. Phu Tho is home to two examples of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity the worship of Hung Kings and Xoan singing./. VNA At the event (Photo: VNA) An executive board comprising 85 members was also elected during the event. In the previous tenure, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the KVA worked with its chapters, the Embassy of Vietnam and localities to help Cambodians of Vietnamese origin get vaccinations and distribute supplies and aid packages to pandemic-hit families. Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Huy Tang hailed contributions of the KVA to protecting legitimate rights of its members and supporting Vietnamese-Cambodians in the recent past. He urged the association to step up the work and call on people to adhere to regulations and nurture the Vietnam-Cambodia ties in the coming time./. An initial batch of 921,600 doses of COVID-19 vaccines financed by the Australian Government arrives at Noi Bai International Airport (Photo: VOV) A representative from the Australian Embassy in Vietnam revealed that the further batches of the vaccine are set to be delivered over the next few weeks. So far, Australia has committed to sharing more than 7.2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for children in Vietnam. These COVID-19 vaccine doses are anticipated to strengthen Vietnam's COVID-19 containment efforts by expanding vaccination coverage to protect young people nationwide. This delivery completes Australias commitment to share 7.8 million COVID-19 vaccine doses with Vietnam, along with Australia's comprehensive COVID-19 vaccine support package worth US$60 million for the nation./. On Saturday, April 9, the Government of Ukraine decided to withdraw the corporate rights and financial assets seized from the market at the beginning of the war by MR Bank (formerly Sberbank) and Prominvestbank (both Kyiv-based), subsidiaries of the Russian Sberbank of Russia and VEB.RF, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko has said. "We made a decision today to withdraw corporate rights and financial assets that are fully or partially owned by residents of Russia. We are talking about Sberbank of Russia and the Joint Stock Commercial Industrial Investment Bank," she said on the air of the national telethon on Saturday evening after a government meeting. Svyrydenko said this decision, in fact, is the practical implementation of the law on basic principles for the forced seizure in Ukraine of objects of property rights of Russia and its residents. "Ukraine is recovering part of its financial assets in the form of debt rights, funds in accounts, government bonds, certificates of deposit [NBU]. Therefore, of course, the next decision should be the decision of the National Security and Defense Council, but this important step already done today," the first deputy prime minister said. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine supported a decision to impose a complete embargo on imports of goods from the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Economy said on Sunday, citing First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko. "Such a decisive step by Ukraine can serve as an example for our Western partners and will encourage them to increase sanctions against Russia. Including the energy embargo and the isolation of all Russian banks," she is quoted as saying. According to the Ministry of Economy, the embargo on Russian imports will block foreign exchange earnings in the Russian Federation by $6 billion annually. As reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on April 6 instructed the government to formalize the termination of trade between Ukraine and Russia. According to the State Customs Service of Ukraine, last year the trade turnover between the countries increased by 38.7%, to $10.09 billion from $7.28 billion. In particular, imports increased by 45.9%, to $6.65 billion from $4.56 billion, while exports by 26.5%, to $3.44 billion from $2.71 billion. According to the State Statistics Service, imports from the Russian Federation to Ukraine increased last year by 33.9%, to $6.08 billion, while exports to the Russian Federation increased by 26.2%, to $3.41 billion. The main import items from the Russian Federation last year were oil and oil products $3.43 billion (an increase of 33.5%), engineering products $418.3 million (21.7% up), plastics and polymeric materials $351.6 million (61.7% up), ferrous metals $301 million (64.7% up), products of inorganic chemistry $161.6 million (83.6% up), aluminum and aluminum products $137.6 million (54.5% up), rubber $126.4 million (34.8% up), glass and glass products $115 million (65.7% up), and various chemical products $99.1 million (85.6% up). This list also includes nickel and nickel products $94.1 million (83.3% up), means of land transport (except railway) $84.5 million (56.3% up), electric machines $81.7 million (28.4% up), ferrous metal products $73.5 million (58.3% up), organic chemical compounds $70.2 million (19.5% up), cardboard and paper $59.3 million (38.2% less), and essential oils $53.4 million (9.2% up). In the overall structure of Ukraine's imports, Russia accounted for 8.4%, exports 5%. The government of Canada will send 1 billion Canadian dollars to help Ukraine through a special administrative account of the IMF, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced. "Yesterday (April 8), at the request of several member countries, in particular Canada, the International Monetary Fund approved the creation of a special administrative account for sending direct financial assistance from donor countries to help Ukraine. The Canadian government will be the first to send 1 billion Canadian dollars through this account," Shmyhal said at a government meeting on Saturday. In addition, the prime minister said that the government would approve a draft agreement to attract concessional funding from the Canadian government in the amount of 500 million Canadian dollars, which will go to the budget to finance the urgent needs of the army and citizens. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is preparing a EUR4 billion financing program that will help EU member states take in Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war, as well as ensure the development of critical social infrastructure. "The new EIB program, pending approval by the EIB's Board of Directors, aims to finance the development of key social infrastructure for the provision of public services to refugees, including housing, schools, hospitals and kindergartens. The financial support will be complemented by advisory support, helping local authorities in EU Member States with free technical assistance to assess local needs rapidly, and plan, prioritize and prepare the related investments," the bank said on its website. "The EIB pledged the support for refugees at Stand Up for Ukraine, a global fundraising event in Warsaw to support the victims of the Russian aggression," the report says. "We are all devastated by the terrible destruction inflicted on Ukraine and its people, millions of whom are fleeing their country in search of peace and security. The horror we are witnessing strengthens our determination to act. With our initial Solidarity Package for Ukraine, and this new EUR4 billion program for EU Member States, we will support Ukraine and help communities welcoming the refugees, ensuring they can offer them vital social facilities housing, schools, hospitals. I am deeply grateful to President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for their leadership and for mobilizing the international community for Ukraine. The world must live up to the exemplary courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people and help them and those who support them," EIB President Werner Hoyer said. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said after a meeting with Prime Minister of Great Britain Boris Johnson that this country is ready to assume patronage over Kyiv and Kyiv region regarding post-war reconstruction after the war. "Boris Johnson was very specific today, and in answering my questions. As always. And we have already decided with him what kind of assistance the UK will provide to the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. The British are ready to take patronage over the restoration of Kyiv and Kyiv region," Zelensky said in a traditional video statement on Saturday night. Oil embargo for Russia should be first step for all democracies Zelensky The oil embargo for Russia should be the first step of all democratic states, the entire civilized world, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said in a traditional video statement on Saturday evening. "Among the priorities for our diplomacy, for all contacts with our partners is the introduction of more painful restrictions on Russia's cash flows. First of all, this concerns the oil business," he said. According to Zelensky, "the democratic world can definitely refuse Russian oil and make it toxic to all other countries. It is oil that is one of the two sources of Russian self-confidence, their sense of impunity." "Another source, gas, will also be blocked over time. This is simply inevitable. Not only for safety, but also for environmental reasons," he said. However, Ukraine, the President said, has no time to wait. "When tyranny started aggression against everything that supported peace in Europe, you need to act immediately. You need to act on principle. And the oil embargo should be the first step. Moreover, at the level of all democratic states, the entire civilized world," he said. "Then Russia will feel it. Then it will be an argument for them, to seek peace. Stop senseless violence," the president said. More news: https://t.me/interfaxuk_eng https://t.me/interfaxua https://t.me/interfax_uk RTHK: Polls open in French presidential election French President Emmanuel Macron faced a tough test on Sunday seeking re-election in a vote projected to produce a tight run-off with far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Polls opened in mainland France at 0600 GMT after an unusual campaign overshadowed by the war in Ukraine that analysts warned could lead to unpredictable outcomes, with turnout a major factor. French overseas territories already voted on Saturday to take account of the time difference, starting with the tiny island of Saint Pierre and Miquelon off the coast of Canada, and then territories in the Caribbean followed by French Pacific islands. "It's important to vote, that's when you choose between the good and the bad. After all, the president will run your life," said Annette Tehariki, a 57-year-old voting in French Polynesia. Polls predict that Macron will lead Le Pen by a handful of percentage points in round one, with the top two going through to a second-round vote on April 24. Far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon is snapping at their heels in third place and still fancies his chances of reaching the second round at the expense of Le Pen or even in what would be an extraordinary upset President Macron himself. Although her opponents accuse her of being an extremist bent on dividing society, Le Pen has with some success during the campaign sought to show a more moderate image and concern with voters' daily worries such as rising prices. Macron by contrast has campaigned relatively little, by his own admission entering the election campaign later than he would have wished due to the war in Ukraine. French television channels will broadcast projections of the final results, which are generally highly accurate, as soon as polls close at 1800 GMT on Sunday. If Macron and Le Pen as forecast reach the second round, analysts predict that their clash will be far tighter than in 2017 when the current president thrashed his rival with 66 percent of the vote. "There is uncertainty," said French political scientist Pascal Perrineau, pointing to unprecedentedly high numbers of voters who were still undecided or who changed their minds during the campaign as well as absentee voters. Analysts fear that the 2002 record of the number of French voters boycotting a first round of 28.4 percent risks being beaten. Early voting patterns seemed to confirm such forecasts, with voter turnout by midday at 25.48 percent, three points below the level recorded at the same time in the 2017 election, the interior ministry said. "It's a duty and a right to vote, we decide who gets elected," said Mohammed Idriss, a 68-year-old retired soldier voting at the French consulate in Pondicherry, India. "If you don't vote you're not a good citizen." But in the Paris suburb of Pantin, Blandine Lehout, a 32-year-old actress, said none of the candidates deserved her vote. "For the first time in my life I'm not going to vote," she said. "I'll vote in the (June) parliamentary election, but in this election, I hate them all. We're at a stage where they frighten me." Some 48.7 million voters are registered across France to vote in this election. The stakes are high for Macron, who came to power aged 39 as France's youngest president with a pledge to shake up the country. He would be the first French president since Jacques Chirac in 2002 to win a second term. If he does, he would have a five-year mandate to impose his vision of reform which would include a crack at raising the pension age in defiance of union anger. He would also seek to consolidate his number-one position among European leaders after the departure of German chancellor Angela Merkel. A Le Pen victory would be seen as a triumph for right-wing populism, adding to election victories last weekend by Hungarian premier Viktor Orban and Serbian leader Aleksandar Vucic, who both have cordial ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2022-04-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Your browser does not support the video tag. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said in a traditional evening video statement that the icon of St. Nicholas "Wet," the first miraculous icon of Kyivan Rus, will return to Ukraine. "One more news for today. Long-awaited for many of our people. One of our main shrines will return to Ukraine. One of the most respected shrines of St. Sophia of Kyiv is the icon of St. Nicholas 'Wet.' This is the first miraculous icon in Kyivan Rus. We worked for a long time to return it," Zelensky said. This icon was taken out of Ukraine during the Second World War. "And it will be at home, in St. Sophia. I am grateful for this decision to the hierarchs, clergy and believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the United States. I want the return of this shrine to become an important symbol for all of us. A fundamental symbol. A symbol that we will return to Ukraine everything that is ours. All Ukrainian. Let us get all our people back. And we will definitely return justice, full control over our land," he said. More news: https://t.me/interfaxuk_eng https://t.me/interfaxua https://t.me/interfax_uk President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for supporting the StandUpForUkraine initiative, as well as providing financial assistance. "Had a phone conversation with Justin Trudeau. Thanked for supporting the StandUpForUkraine initiative, for CAD 1 billion of financial assistance and $500 million of additional defensive support. Stronger together!" the president said on Twitter on Saturday evening. As reported, on April 8, the draft federal budget of Canada 2022 (starts on July 1), presented by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland in Parliament on Thursday, provides for the continuation of active financial support for Ukraine, in particular, the allocation of CAD 500 million (almost $400 million) of military assistance and CAD 1 billion (nearly $800 million) of loans. Trudeau later said that he and Zelensky discussed the StandUpForUkraine initiative, as well as ways to support Ukraine. " Good to speak with President Volodymyr Zelensky again today. We discussed the situation on the ground, the StandUpForUkraine event that took place today, and what more Canada and countries around the world can do to support Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression," the prime minister said on Twitter. The German manufacturer Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) has offered Ukraine to buy 100 Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers, the German edition Welt reports, citing its own sources in the Ukrainian government. It is noted that the corresponding proposal of the company was redirected by Ukraine to the Federal Ministry of Economics of Germany. "The cost of 100 howitzers, including training kit and spare parts, is 1.7 billion euros. We are talking about the Panzerhaubitze 2000. As an alternative, KMW also offers howitzers in an unmanned version on the Boxer armored personnel carrier for 1.2 billion euros. No comments from the manufacturer in not received in the near future," the statement said. It clarifies that tank-like howitzers are not usually found in the front ranks of an army, but follow, for example, main battle tanks for support from the background at longer ranges. "For self-defense, a self-propelled howitzer can also attack the target directly, like a main battle tank with a horizontal barrel. After firing off the ammunition, howitzers usually change position so as not to become a target themselves," the journalists of the publication emphasize. They note that the Panzerhaubitze 2000 can fire at a distance of more than 30 kilometers. Their delivery to Ukraine, according to Ukrainian government sources with reference to the KMW proposal, will be carried out according to the ring scheme. "The Bundeswehr will provide Kiev with 100 of its howitzers as soon as possible. The resulting gaps will then be filled by the military industry in the second stage," the publication specifies. They add that the first new howitzers can be delivered 30 months after the signing of the contract, that is, not earlier than in the second half of 2024. "The full delivery will not be completed until 2027. The Ministry of Economy, which, according to the Ukrainian version, received the offer, did not wish to comment on the request and referred to the fundamental confidentiality of individual decisions on arms exports. Any such decision must be approved by the Federal Security Council," the statement said. journalists. Negotiations between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia on building security guarantees for Ukraine will take place after the military clash in Donbas, Adviser to the Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Mykhailo Podoliak has said. "To say that they will meet in a week, in two [the presidents of Ukraine and Russia], no, it will not happen like that. Ukraine is already ready for big battles. Ukraine must win them, including in Donbas. And after that, Ukraine will receive a more substantial negotiating position, having which it can dictate certain conditions. After that, the presidents will meet. It may take two weeks, three," Podoliak said on the air of a nationwide telethon on Saturday night. According to him, Ukraine is now paying a very high price to receive strong security guarantees in the future, but will not back down from this. "I want everyone in Ukraine to understand: yes, it is hard, we are losing people and infrastructure every day. We pay a very high price. But Russia must get rid of its imperial illusions. Ukraine is the only state in the world today that will do this. And how much time it takes does not matter. We will do everything to get certain, I emphasize, very powerful security guarantees in order to permanently close our borders from the imperial ambitions of countries like Russia," he said. "And the President of Ukraine will start negotiations when we have absolutely clear positions for this," Podoliak said. "Ukraine has already proved that today there is one state that is ready to pay any price for the world to return to the ideals of freedom. This is Ukraine. We have no other way. Irpin, Bucha... everything has already come to the point that we must put an end to such regimes, which is Russia," he said. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in Ukraine, some 177 children have been killed and 336 wounded, the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) has said. "More than 513 children suffered in Ukraine as a result of the Russian armed invasion into our state. At the same time, according to the data received by juvenile prosecutors, 177 children were killed and more than 336 were wounded. Now children in Donetsk region have suffered the most, namely 108 children, while 93 children in Kyiv, some 76 children in Kharkiv, some 51 children in Chernihiv, some 40 children in Mykolaiv, some 35 children in Luhansk, some 22 children in Zaporizhia, some 29 children in Kherson, some 16 in the capital, some 16 in Sumy, some 15 in Zhytomyr regions," the PGO said on the Telegram channel on Sunday. Estonia has donated more than ten tonnes of accessories for overhead power lines to Ukraine to ensure the uninterrupted operation of Ukrainian electric power systems, the Estonian Ministry of Economy and Communications has said. "Estonia has sent various overhead power line accessories to the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy to ensure the smooth operation of Ukrainian electricity systems. The aid shipment was collected in cooperation between the public sector and the Estonian Association of Electrical Contractors (EETEL)," the ministry said in a statement published on Sunday. They said that "a consignment weighing more than ten tons, consisting mainly of high-voltage aluminum wires, control cables and other overhead lines, went to Ukraine." Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko met with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Kyiv on Saturday and discussed with him the issue of increasing economic and sanctions pressure on Russia. "During the conversation, I noted the need to increase economic pressure on Russia more severe sanctions, the termination of economic relations with the aggressor. In particular, the oil and energy embargo on Russian energy resources. For Russia invests the funds received in weapons, in the army, in war. It invests to the destruction of Ukraine and peaceful Ukrainians," Klitschko said on Telegram on Saturday evening. According to him, the Russian actions in Ukraine must be stopped by a joint position and efforts of partners, military, economic and political assistance to Ukraine. "Ukraine is counting, in particular, on the support of its partners for its membership in the EU," Klitschko said. The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine due to the war unleashed by Russia has reached 7.1 million, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on April 6, which previously estimated this figure at 6.5 -6.7 million. More than a quarter of Ukraine's population has been forced to leave their homes. To date, more than 4.3 million refugees have left Ukraine, making this the fastest growing refugee crisis since World War II, the report on its website says. According to the UN map, there are about 2.9 million IDPs in western Ukraine, 1.4 million in the central regions on the right bank of the Dnipro River, 1.3 million to the northeast of Kyiv, south near Kyiv and north of Odesa and Mykolaiv 357,000 each and on the left bank of the Dnipro River in Zaporizhia and Kherson regions 857,000. As of April 9, according to the Ministry of Social Policy, about 900,000 IDPs were officially registered in Ukraine. UNHCR also reports that as of 13:00 Kyiv time on April 9, the number of people who left Ukraine since the beginning of the war has reached 4.5 million people. The flow to leave is gradually slowing down: if in the first 19 days of the war 3 million people left Ukraine, then it took six days to increase by another half a million, then nine, and for the last half a million, eleven days. UNHCR clarifies that 2.59 million left for Poland, 755,300 for Romania and Moldova, 419,100 for Hungary, 404,400 for Russia, 314,500 for Slovakia, and 19,100 for Belarus. At the same time, these data do not take into account the return flow to the entrance. According to the data, in particular, of the Polish border guard service, as of the morning of April 8, since the beginning of the war, 2.573 million people have crossed the Ukrainian-Polish border, while in the opposite direction 516,000, or about 20% of those who left. This allows us to roughly estimate the number of refugees from Ukraine at 3.6 million, while the UN currently predicts it at 4 million. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba calls on scholars from all over the world to investigate the causes of the atrocities of the Russian army in Bucha (Kyiv region), since the tragedy was preceded by years of propaganda that incited hatred between peoples and dehumanized Ukrainians. "Bucha did not happen in one day. For many years, Russian political elites and propaganda have been inciting hatred, dehumanizing Ukrainians, nurturing Russian superiority, and laying ground for these atrocities. I encourage scholars around the globe to research what led to Bucha," Kuleba said on Twitter on Sunday. Ukrainian military shoots down Russian SU-34 aircraft that was trying to bombard Mykolaiv The Air Force servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine shot down a Russian SU-34 fighter-bomber that was trying to attack Mykolaiv on Sunday, the South task force reports. "An anti-aircraft missile unit of the Air Force Command shot down a Russian SU-34 fighter-bomber that was trying to attack Mykolaiv," the report said on Sunday. It clarifies that the invaders are trying to improve their position in Mykolaiv direction, but the Ukrainian troops continue to destroy the enemy, pushing it out of their positions and destroying enemy resources. In addition, Ukrainian intelligence officers in the area of responsibility of the East task force discovered another warehouse with ammunition of Russian fascists. The gunners successfully inflicted a fire defeat on the range in Novomayorske in Donetsk region. NAIROBI, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan police confirmed Sunday that they are interrogating a terror suspect who was found surveying the newly built Nairobi Expressway. The suspect, identified as David Mulinge Kasimbi, was found at a place deemed off-limits to pedestrians, according to a security report. "Upon interrogation, he was unable to give a satisfactory account of himself," the police report said. The police said some sections of the road are no-go zones for pedestrians and are being protected by armed security officials. The 73.5 billion shilling (about 638 million U.S. dollars) 27-km thoroughfare, built under a public-private partnership program, is expected to cut travel time from the south to west of Nairobi to about 20 minutes, down from up to two hours currently during peak time. The latest arrest came at a time when security has been heightened following reports that al-Shabab has dispatched an unknown number of suicide bombers to launch terror attacks in Kenya. Ukrainian law enforcers have confirmed the death of 1,222 residents of Kyiv region at the hands of Russian invaders, Prosecutor General of Ukraine Iryna Venediktova said in an interview with Sky News. "As of the morning of April 10, we found the bodies of 1,222 residents who died during the Russian occupation of Kyiv region. This is only in Kyiv region," she said. According to her, the Prosecutor General's Office has launched 56 criminal proceedings under articles of war crimes and crimes against humanity. NATO countries should decide which bloc they gravitate towards, Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk believes. "If the choice is the 'Anti-Hitler,' I apologize 'Anti-Putin' coalition, then we are glad to see you and will consider you our brothers in arms and friends. If your country wants to belong to the 'the axis unification,' be prepared for negative consequences. If you want to 'sit on two chairs,' then this will not happen you still have to make your choice, only on worse terms," Stefanchuk said, speaking at the spring session of the permanent committees of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. According to the website of the Verkhovna Rada, Stefanchuk stressed that right now the moment of truth is coming. According to him, Europe and NATO will either move on with Ukraine and prosper, or gradually return to the 13th century with Russia. Stefanchuk recalled that Ukraine has been paying a terrible price for 45 days, but does not abandon European and Euro-Atlantic integration. "We expect that NATO, in all its actions, will be equally committed to the principles that it wrote down in its founding act of April 4, 1949, namely its desire to live in peace with all peoples and governments, with full determination to defend freedom, the common heritage of their peoples and their civilization based on the principles of democracy, individual freedom and the rule of law," the politician said. The Verkhovna Rada Speaker thanked for the assistance that the NATO countries have provided and continue to provide. He focused on the need for new quality assistance. "Give us not only what you have left, but also what we are asking for ... We are already tired of asking for a closed sky and for the provision of heavy weapons. I will say this, every day of closed skies will save hundreds of lives of peaceful Ukrainians and dozens of lives of our children. Every day of closed skies over Ukraine will give confidence tomorrow to every resident of the EU country and other countries of the world," Stefanchuk stressed. On Sunday, Russian invaders again launched a missile attack on the airport in Dnipro, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration Valentyn Reznichenko said. "The orcs have become more frequent today with their attacks. We have "arrivals" again. In Zvonetske, they hit an infrastructure facility. Rescuers are working there now. We are clarifying the data on the destruction and the number of victims. And a second attack on the airport in Dnipro. There is no longer a living place left of it. Both the airport itself and the infrastructure nearby have been destroyed. And the missiles fly and fly," Reznichenko wrote on Telegram on Sunday. He specified that the number of victims as a result of the shelling of the airport is being clarified. Later, Reznichenko said that as a result there are "six wounded rescuers, they are in hospitals." One girl is seriously injured, she is being operated on now. The rescue unit came under enemy rocket fire while clearing rubble at the site of the morning attack," he said. In addition, today in Synelnykivsky district a man exploded, who picked up a cluster munition. This is the fourth death in the region due to such ammunition. Finland is ready to tighten sanctions against the Russian Federation in connection with the aggression against Ukraine, Prime Minister Sanna Marin said in an interview with Yle Ykkosaamu. "Every day people die in Ukraine. We have to make the war stop. We have to be prepared to be flexible in our own daily lives," she said. "Finland supports tougher sanctions, including those covering energy policy," she explained, adding that rising energy prices would not deter sanctions. "45 days of war is 45 days more than necessary. Russia is waging a dishonorable war, cruel and inhumane, and it must stop," Marin said. Kuleba: If talks with Russia help prevent bloodshed, as in Bucha, or attack, as in Kramatorsk, this opportunity should be seized Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that if negotiations with the Russian Federation help prevent at least one such bloodshed as in Bucha, or an attack, as in Kramatorsk, this opportunity should be seized. "It is extremely difficult to even think about sitting down at the negotiating table with people who commit or seek justification for all these atrocities and war crimes that have caused such monstrous damage to Ukraine. But I understand one thing: if sitting down at the negotiating table with the Russians helps me prevent at least one such bloodshed as in Bucha, or at least another such attack as in Kramatorsk, I must seize this opportunity Whatever I feel, if I have the opportunity to save a human life, a village, a city from destruction I will take this opportunity," Kuleba told NBCnews on Sunday. The Russian Federation has been continuing its full-scale armed aggression against Ukraine for the forty-sixth day, the enemy is trying to complete preparations for an offensive operation in the east, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "Measures are underway to regroup, build up the command and control system and logistic support of the enemy troops. The occupiers are moving battalion tactical groups from the eastern and central military districts to the areas of Belgorod, Voronezh and Kursk regions bordering Ukraine," the Facebook message says. There are no significant changes in the position and activities of the Russian troops in the Volyn, Poliske and Siverske directions. In the Slobozhanske direction, the invaders continue to partially block the city of Kharkiv. They do not abandon attempts to break through the defenses of the Ukrainian troops in the area of the city of Izium, they are conducting reconnaissance of possible directions for further actions. The General Staff does not exclude the buildup of efforts by the enemy in the direction of Sloviansk, part of the forces - to Barvynkove. There is a possibility of intensifying hostilities for the city of Kharkiv. "The enemy has a number of problems in the material and technical support of the group of troops of the Western Military District. This is the lack of spare parts, certain types of artillery ammunition, as well as the imperfection of the system for storing and supplying material and technical means," the report says. In the Donetske and Tavriyske directions, the Russian troops are concentrating their main efforts on taking control of the settlements of Popasna, Rubizhne, Nizhne and Novobakhmutivka. The occupiers do not abandon their attempts to take the city of Mariupol under full control. In order to strengthen the air defense system in the Donetske direction, the invaders moved a division of medium-range anti-aircraft missile systems S-350 Vityaz to the Taganrog area of Rostov region. On Monday, April 11, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host press conference titled "What will Ukraine's victory mean inside and outside country." Participants include: Director of the Institute for Global Strategies Vadym Karasiov; political expert Kostiantyn Matviyenko; Director of the Ukrainian barometer sociological service Viktor Nebozhenko (8/5a Reitarska Street). The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. Lucas Stasevskij, Finnish cellist and film director of Ukrainian origin, laureate of international contests and founder of the world-famous band Game Music Collective, played on the ruins of the Irpin Cultural House. The performance is a part of the project Echoes of Destruction by the Slavuta creative association . Each performance played at the iconic sights of the destroyed Ukrainian cities has a goal to bring the spirit of culture and life with the help of art, to show to the world community the inviolability of Ukraine, which defends its freedom. Also, to feel and think about the scale of total destruction made by the Russian army not only to the human life and infrastructure, but to the eternal values of mankind. "We have not yet rebuilt the walls, but in this way, we bring life to the destroyed cities. Besides the melody of Bachs First Suite played on the ruins of the Irpin Cultural House makes you to think why Russians, who are proud to be the heirs of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov, destroys the culture of another people in such a barbaric way, emphasizes Lucas Stasevskij. Mayor of Irpin Oleksandr Markushyn published and commented on a fragment of that video: Irpin Cultural House... Meaning what has left of it. It was a heart of the cultural life of our city. I promise to do everything to recover it. EgyptAir carried 680 Egyptian Coptic pilgrims on Thursday evening to visit the holy sites in Jerusalem, after pilgrimage trips had been suspended for two years due to the pandemic, sources at EgyptAir said. Israel's Supreme Court has upheld a long-standing expulsion order against eight Palestinian hamlets in the occupied West Bank, potentially leaving at least 1,000 people homeless, an Israeli rights group representing the villagers said Thursday. Photo taken on March 18, 2022 shows the scenery of Band-e-Amir Lake in Bamiyan province, Afghanistan. The picturesque Band-e-Amir was a popular tourist destination in the past but the U.S. sanctions on Afghanistan have ruined people's joy here. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) BAMIYAN, Afghanistan, April 9 (Xinhua) -- The picturesque Band-e-Amir was a popular tourist destination in the past but the U.S. sanctions on Afghanistan have ruined people's joy here. Mohammad Sadat, 25, from the capital city of Kabul, came to enjoy the natural beauty and clean atmosphere in Band-e-Amir lakes. He said economic problem and poverty "have ruined the lives of Afghans and without money you can't come here for fun." There are few tourists in Band-e-Amir, which is part of Afghanistan's national park situated in the central Bamiyan province, and is comprised of six natural lakes and separated by natural dams made of travertine. "The business here in the past was hustle-bustle. The people of Bamiyan had restaurants and hotels here to serve the visitors but unfortunately all have almost closed and there is nothing this year," said Mostafa, another visitor from eastern Nangarhar province. In the wake of the withdrawal of the U.S. troops from Afghanistan and the Taliban's takeover of the country's power in August last year, Washington has frozen some 9 billion U.S. dollars of Afghan assets, which has worsened the war-torn country's already fragile economy. In a decree issued in February, U.S. President Joe Biden allocated 3.5 billion U.S. dollars from the frozen Afghan assets to the 9/11 victims' families and earmarked another 3.5 billion U.S. dollars as humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. The decision, which has further exacerbated Afghanistan's economic woes, has been widely condemned in Afghanistan. More than 22 million Afghans out of the country's some 35-million population, according to aid agencies, are facing acute food shortages and the war-torn country would face a humanitarian catastrophe if not assisted. The natural lakes of Band-e-Amir and giant Buddhas statues have made famous the central Bamiyan province worldwide and attracted thousands of tourists from home and abroad. Although the security situation has been considerably improved in Afghanistan, the economic condition has worsened due to the U.S. economic sanctions imposed on the country. "I visited Band-e-Amir in the past years and the area was crowded with tourists. But this year, the number is only handful due to poverty although the security situation has improved and the travelers face no security problem on the way to the natural lakes here," Mohammad Nadir, another tourist from Nangarhar province, told Xinhua. Photo taken on March 18, 2022 shows the scenery of Band-e-Amir Lake in Bamiyan province, Afghanistan. The picturesque Band-e-Amir was a popular tourist destination in the past but the U.S. sanctions on Afghanistan have ruined people's joy here. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) Tourists stand by Band-e-Amir Lake in Bamiyan province, Afghanistan, on March 18, 2022. The picturesque Band-e-Amir was a popular tourist destination in the past but the U.S. sanctions on Afghanistan have ruined people's joy here. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) Photo taken on March 18, 2022 shows the scenery of Band-e-Amir Lake in Bamiyan province, Afghanistan. The picturesque Band-e-Amir was a popular tourist destination in the past but the U.S. sanctions on Afghanistan have ruined people's joy here. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) A 500-million-euro ($530 million) Lithuanian-Polish natural gas transmission pipeline was inaugurated Thursday, completing another stage of regional independence from Russian energy sources. Pope Francis has stepped up his pleas for negotiations to end the fighting in Ukraine. Francis told the public in St. Peter's Square on Sunday that ``this cruel and senseless war'' continues after more than a month, representing ``a defeat for all.'' He lamented that parents are burying their children, and ``the powerful decide and the poor die.'' Once again, he didn't cite Russia by name as the aggressor. Referring to reports that about one-half of all the children in Ukraine have been displaced by the conflict, Francis said that ``war doesn't just devastate the present but also the future of society.'' The pontiff reiterated his condemnation of war as barbarous and sacrilegious. He said that ``humanity must understand that the moment has come to abolish war, to cancel war from the history of man before it cancels man from history.'' Search Keywords: Short link: Cairo has been named the second most trending destination in the world, and ninth best destination for city lovers in 2022, according to the world's largest travel guidance platform Tripadvisor, while Hurghada was also named 10th most popular destination. Tripadvisors methodology for The Travellers Choice Best of the Best Awards focuses on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings from travelers on their platform over the 12-month period between 1 November 2020, and 21 October 2021, the website said. Key areas such as accommodations, restaurants and popular activities in each city are all taken into consideration. Cairo is an ancient city and modern metropolis, says Tripadvisor, adding that the Egyptian capital known as the City of the Thousand Minarets is a splendid place to explore Egyptian history and culture in addition to being one of the biggest cities in the Middle East. Tripadvisor lists key landmarks such as the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Al-Azhar Mosque, Khan Al-Khalili bazaar, Sharia Al-Muizz Li-Din Allah street and the Cairo Citadel among some of the top locations to visit in Cairo. It adds that the Egyptian capital is great also for its cultural, archaeological and historical tours, and suggested a private half day trip to Giza Pyramids Sphinx with camel riding. In a separate ranking for popular destinations, Hurghada came in 10th. Its stunning coral reefs and turquoise waters that are perfect for windsurfing have made Hurghada, on Egypt's Red Sea Coast, a busy resort town, said Tripadvisor. Within easy reach of the stunning Giftun Islands and the Eastern Arabian Desert, Hurghada has seen enormous amounts of development in the past decadeand yes, it does seem overrun with tourists at times. But it is a relatively easy beach escape for Europeans, and some of the world's best diving and snorkelling sites are just offshore, the website said. This comes at a time when Egypts tourism sector has been struggling to recover amid pressure from the Omicron wave of the coronavirus pandemic, and most recently the Ukraine-Russia war, from where Egypt receives a major part of its tourism share. Egypts tourism sector had picked up momentum in the second half of the 2021 thanks the return of Russian tourists to Sinai in August and also the international events held such as the glitzy ceremonies of the Pharaohs Golden Parade in Cairo in April and the opening of the Avenue of the Sphinxes in Luxor in late November. The sector had begun to recover following the setbacks caused by the spread of COVID-19 in early 2020. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Egypt received 3.5 million tourists in the first six months of 2021, representing revenues of $3.5 to $4 billion, almost equal to all the revenue gained in 2020. Search Keywords: Short link: EgyptAir will resume its daily direct flights to Russia starting on Saturday, Association of Tours Operators Russia (ATOR) announced on Thursday. According to the statement by ATOR, EgyptAirs booking system stated that the flights will depart Cairo International Air at 9:30am local time and will arrive at Moscows Domodedovo airport at 03:55pm. The 5 hour and 25 minute flight will be on board a Boeing 737-800. The statement also noted that a one-way flight from Moscow to Cairo will cost USD 447. ATOR said that Egypts national air carrier suspended its flights to Russia in early March due to problems with insurance, but those problems have been resolved as the Egyptian Ministry of Finance acted as a guarantor for the insurance of EgyptAirs aircraft. Last week, Egypts parliament approved a law that allows the finance minister to provide EgyptAir with an insurance guarantee covering risks including wars or hijacking that flights to Russia might face. EgyptAir has not released a statement on the resumption of the flights yet. When Ahram Online checked, its current schedule for Saturdays flights to Moscow gives an error. Nevertheless, according to Google Flights, EgyptAir has a daily flight from Cairo International Airport to Domodedovo airport starting on 11 April on board a Boeing 737 with a cost of $411 for the one-way trip. The trip will depart Cairo International airport at 9:30am local time and will land at Domodedovo airport at 3:55pm Russias Ria Novosti news agency reported on Friday that the first direct flight by Russian airlines Aeroflot arrived in Cairo International Airport from the Russian city Sochi. Ria Novosti also reported that Russian airline Russia, which is a subsidiary of Aeroflot, will launch in April flights from Sochi to 17 foreign destinations, including Cairo. Ria Novosti added that the airline will launch daily flights to Cairo on domestically produced Superjet aircraft. Due to the Russia-Ukraine war, two Russian airlines Aeroflot and Ural Airlines have recently suspended flights temporarily to and from Egypt and several other countries due to the circumstances that prevent the performance of flights." On Monday, Russia announced it decided to lift coronavirus restrictions on 9 April on flights to 25 countries including Egypt. On 1 April, Egypts Ambassador to Moscow Nazih El-Najari met with the Head of the Russian Federal Agency for Tourism Zarina Docguzova where they discussed ways to resume flights between Egypt and Russia normally despite the sanctions. According to the Russian embassy in Cairo, El-Najari and Docguzova discussed the possibility of using the Russian Mir payment system in Egypt to enable electronic payment between the two countries. Egyptian officials have repeatedly said in the past few weeks that the decisions to suspend flights to Egypt from Russia and Ukraine due to the war in Ukraine were a big hit to the Egyptian tourism sector as both countries are main exporters of tourists to Egypt. According to Russian Ambassador to Egypt Georgy Borisenko, about 125,000 Russian tourists visited Egypt during the first two weeks of 2022 and that 700,000 Russian tourists visited Egypt in 2021. Search Keywords: Short link: With war singeing the European Union's eastern edge, French voters will be casting ballots in a presidential election whose outcome will have international implications. France is the 27-member bloc's second economy, the only one with a UN Security Council veto, and its sole nuclear power. And as Russian President Vladimir Putin carries on with the war in Ukraine, French power will help shape Europe's response. Twelve candidates are vying for the presidency -- including incumbent and favorite President Emmanuel Macron who is seeking a new term amid a challenge from the far-right. Here's why the French election, taking place in two rounds starting Sunday, matters: NATO Russia's war in Ukraine has afforded Macron the chance to demonstrate his influence on the international stage and burnish his pro-NATO credentials in election debates. Macron is the only front-runner who supports the alliance while other candidates hold differing views on France's role within it, including abandoning it entirely. Such a development would deal a huge blow to an alliance built to protect its members in the then-emerging Cold War 73 years ago. Despite declaring NATO's "brain death'' in 2019, the war in Ukraine has prompted Macron to try and infuse the alliance with a renewed sense of purpose. "Macron really wants to create a European pillar of NATO,'' says Susi Dennison, Senior Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. "He's used it for his shuttle diplomacy over the Ukraine conflict.'' On the far-left, candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon wants to quit NATO outright, saying that it produces nothing but squabbles and instability. A NATO-skeptic President Melenchon might be a concern, especially for Poland, which has a 1,160-kilometer border with the territory now controlled by Russia. Several other candidates want to see either diminished engagement with the alliance or a full withdrawal. Although unlikely, France's departure from NATO would create a deep chasm with its allies and alienate the United States. EUROPEAN COOPERATION Observers say Macron's re-election would spell a real likelihood for increased cooperation and investment in European security and defense, especially with a new pro-EU German government. Under Macron's watch, France's defense spending has risen by (euro)7 billion euros ($7.6 billion) with a target to raise it to 2% of gross domestic product -- something that leaders including Putin are watching closely. In his second term, Macron would almost certainly want to build up a joint European response to Ukraine and head off Russian threats. A FAR-RIGHT ALLIANCE? This election could reshape France's post-war identity and indicate whether European populism is ascendant or in decline. With populist Viktor Orban winning a fourth consecutive term as Hungary's prime minister days ago, eyes have now turned to France's resurgent far-right candidates -- especially National Rally leader Marine Le Pen who wants to ban Muslim headscarves on streets, and halal and kosher butchers, and drastically reduce immigration from outside Europe. "If a far-right candidate wins, it could create some sort of alliance or axis in Europe," said Dennison, of the European Council on Foreign Relations. "Le Pen has been tweeting pictures of herself shaking hands with Orban in recent days. She is championing a Europe of strong nation-states." That axis might include Poland's President Andrzej Duda, a right-wing populist and ally of Donald Trump. It has alarmed observers. "Over 30 percent of French voters right now say they are going to vote for a far-right candidate. If you include Melenchon as another extreme, anti-system candidate, that's almost half the entire voting population. It is unprecedented,'' Dennison said. Far-right candidate Eric Zemmour has dominated the French airwaves with his controversial views on Islam in France and immigration. However, even centrist Macron ruffled feathers in Muslim countries two years ago when he defended the right to publish cartoons of the prophet Muhammad. That came during a homage to a teacher beheaded by a fundamentalist for showing the cartoons to his pupils as part of a class on free speech. A FRIEND OF AMERICA The US often touts France as its oldest ally -- and from Russian sanctions to climate change and the United Nations, Washington needs a reliable partner in Paris. France is a vital trans-Atlantic friend for America, not least for its status as continental Europe's only permanent UN Security Council member wielding veto power. Despite the bitter US-France spat last year over a multibillion deal to supply Australia with submarines -- which saw France humiliated -- President Joe Biden and Macron are now on solid terms. "Macron is obviously the only candidate that has history and credentials in the US relationship. All the others would be starting from scratch at a time of great geopolitical uncertainty,'' said Dennison... Unlike Macron, an Elysee in the hands of Zemmour or Le Pen would likely mean less preoccupation with issues that the U.S. considers a priority such as a climate change. "They might not prioritize the large economic cost of keeping the Paris Climate Agreement alive and the potential to limit global warming to 1.5%,'' Dennison added. MIGRATION IN THE CONTINENT In light of a huge migrant influx into Europe last year, France's position on migration will continue to strongly impact countries on its periphery and beyond. This is especially so because of its geographical location as a leg on the journey of many migrants to the U.K. A migrant vessel capsized in the English Channel last November killing 27 people, leading to a spat between France and the U.K. over who bore responsibility The British accused France of not patrolling the coast well enough, yet Macron said this was an impossible task. Observers consider France not to be particularly open to migrants within a European context and see Macron as a relative hardliner on migration. But Le Pen or Zemmour would likely usher in tougher policies than Macron if they either emerge victoriously, such as slashing social allocations to non-French citizens and capping the number of asylum seekers. Some candidates have supported a Trump-style construction of border fences. Search Keywords: Short link: France on Saturday was preparing for the first round of presidential elections projected to produce a run-off rematch between incumbent Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen that will be far tighter than their duel five years ago. All further political activity by candidates was banned on the final day before polls open in mainland France at 0600 GMT on Sunday, after a campaign overshadowed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. French overseas territories began voting earlier to take account of the time difference, starting with the tiny island of Saint Pierre and Miquelon off the coast of Canada whose voters cast ballots from 1000 GMT Saturday. Territories in the Caribbean followed a few hours later, with Pacific island voters set to cast their ballots from 1800 GMT and then finally the Indian Ocean territories before polling stations open in mainland France. Polls predict that Macron will lead Le Pen by a handful of percentage points in round one, with the top two going through to a second round vote on April 24. But analysts warn that the outcome remains highly volatile with uncertainty remaining over turnout and some observers fearing a quarter of the electorate may stay away in a possible record boycott of the vote. Far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon is snapping at their heels in third and still fancies his chances of reaching the second round at the expense of Le Pen or even -- in what would be an extraordinary upset -- President Macron himself. Although her opponents accuse her of being an extremist bent on dividing society, Le Pen has with some success during the campaign sought to show a more moderate image and concern with voters' daily worries such as rising prices. Macron by contrast has campaigned relatively little, by his own admission entering the election campaign later than he would have wished due to the war in Ukraine. French television channels will broadcast projections of the final results, which are generally highly accurate, as soon as polls close at 1800 GMT Sunday. 'Strange campaign' If Macron and Le Pen as forecast reach the second round, analysts predict that their clash will be far tighter than in 2017 when the current president thrashed his rival with 66 percent of the vote. "There is an uncertainty ahead of the first round," said French political scientist Pascal Perrineau, pointing to unprecedently high numbers of voters who were still undecided or who changed their minds during the campaign as well as absentee voters. Analysts fear that the 2002 record of the numbers of French voters boycotting a first round of 28.4 percent risks being beaten, with the 2017 absentee rate of 22.2 percent almost sure to be exceeded. Some 48.7 million voters are registered across France to vote in this election. "We have experienced a strange campaign that was at odds with what we experienced in the past presidential elections," Frederic Dabi, director of the Ifop polling institute, told AFP. The stakes of the election are high for Macron, who came to power aged 39 as France's youngest president with a pledge to shake up the country. He would be the first French president since Jacques Chirac in 2002 to win a second term and thus cement a place in the country's history. If he wins he would have a five-year mandate to impose his vision of reform which would include a crack at reducing the pension age in defiance of union anger. He would also seek to consolidate his position as the undisputed number one in Europe after the departure of German chancellor Angela Merkel. A Le Pen victory would however be seen as a victory for right-wing populism and send shockwaves across Europe and markets. 'Republican front illusion' The candidates of France's traditional parties, the right-wing Republicans and the Socialists on the left, are facing a debacle on election night, continuing a shake-up of French politics that began when Macron took power. Greens candidate Yannick Jadot, the Republicans' Valerie Pecresse and the flagging Socialist nominee Anne Hidalgo appear certain to be ejected in the first round. Far-right former TV pundit Eric Zemmour made a stunning entry into the campaign last year but lost ground, and analysts say he has aided Le Pen by making her appear more moderate. Even with the outcome of the first round still the subject of some uncertainty, attention is already turning to the second round and who the defeated first-round hopefuls will back. Analysts question whether Macron would enjoy the same support from a broad anti-far right "Republican front" coalition that helped him win in 2017 and allowed Jacques Chirac to demolish Marine Le Pen's father Jean-Marie in 2002. "The Republican front hasn't been what it used to be for a while," the director of the Jean-Jaures Foundation, Gilles Finchelstein, told AFP. Search Keywords: Short link: Here are the latest developments in the war in Ukraine: Third prisoner swap underway Kyiv says 26 Ukrainians are returning home following a prisoner exchange with Russia. "On the order of President (Volodymyr) Zelensky, the third prisoner exchange took place today. Twelve of our servicemen are returning home, including one female officer," deputy prime minister Iryna Vereshchuk says on Telegram. Fourteen civilians including nine women were also on their way home, she added. Johnson offers more arms British Prime Minister Boris Johnson pays an unannounced visit to Kyiv and pledges armoured vehicles and anti-ship missiles to Ukraine. "It is because of President Zelensky's resolute leadership and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's monstrous aims are being thwarted," Johnson says after meeting Zelensky, according to a Downing Street statement. Zelensky in turn calls on the West to "follow the UK" in providing military aid to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia. Ukraine 'must win' in east before talks Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhaylo Podolyak says Ukraine must score a victory in the Donbass region before any potential meeting between Zelensky and Putin. "Ukraine is ready for big battles. Ukraine must win them, including in the Donbass. And once that happens, Ukraine will have a more powerful negotiating position, which will allow it to dictate certain conditions," he said on national television, as quoted by Interfax-Ukraine. "After that the presidents will meet. It could take two weeks, three," he added. Five killed in Russian shelling Russian shelling killed five civilians and wounded five others in two eastern Ukrainian cities Saturday, the Donetsk governor said. Four of them died in the city of Vugledar, and one in the town of Novomikhaylovka, Pavlo Kyrylenko said in a Telegram post. Global event raises 10.1 bn euros A global pledging event for Ukrainian refugees called "Stand Up for Ukraine" has raised 10.1 billion euros ($11 billion), European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen says in Warsaw. "The 'Stand Up For Ukraine' campaign has raised 9.1 billion euros for people fleeing bombs, inside and outside Ukraine, with an additional billion pledged by EBRD (the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development)," she says. Ukraine 'still ready' for talks Ukraine is "still ready" to continue negotiations with Moscow, which have stalled since the discovery of atrocities in Bucha and other areas near Kyiv, President Zelensky says. "We are ready to fight and to look in parallel to end this war through diplomacy," he says at a news conference with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who was visiting the capital and Bucha. 4.4 million flee Ukraine war More than 4.4 million Ukrainian refugees have fled their country since Putin ordered an invasion on February 24, the UN refugee agency says. Ninety percent of those who have fled are women and children, as the Ukrainian authorities do not allow men of military age to leave. Evacuations from Kramatorsk resume Evacuations resume from the town in eastern Ukraine where a missile strike killed 52 people at a railway station as civilians fled a feared Russian offensive. Zelensky describes Russia as an "evil with no limits" after the attack and calls for a "firm global response". US President Joe Biden accuses Russia of being behind the attack, calling it a "horrific atrocity", while French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian deems it a "crime against humanity". Russia's defence ministry accuses Kyiv of carrying out the attack, saying it wanted to use fleeing residents "as a 'human shield' to defend the positions of Ukraine's Armed Forces". Russia warns of YouTube reprisals Russian officials warn of reprisals after video hosting service YouTube blocks the channel of the lower house of parliament due to US sanctions. Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of the lower house of parliament, the State Duma, says Washington is breaching the rights of Russians. EU in talks with ICC prosecutor The European Union is to discuss its support for war crimes probes in Ukraine in meetings over the next two days with the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, the European Commission says. Karim Khan, of The Hague-based court, is to meet EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Sunday in Luxembourg, then take part in a meeting of EU foreign ministers in the city on Monday. Odessa curfew A curfew starts in Ukraine's southern city of Odessa on Saturday evening to Monday evening over a "missile strike threat" from Russia, and after the shelling of the train station in Kramatorsk. Germany reaches 'limit' in arms to Ukraine Germany has almost exhausted its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons from its army reserves, but is working on direct deliveries from the arms industry, German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht says. "For deliveries coming from the Bundeswehr's stocks, I have to say honestly that we have reached a limit," she tells German daily Augsburger Allgemeine. Berlusconi 'disappointed' in friend Putin Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi tells a public meeting of his right-wing Forza Italia party he is "deeply disappointed and saddened" by the behaviour of his old friend Putin over the Ukraine invasion. Search Keywords: Short link: The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates on Saturday held the Israeli government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett fully and directly responsible for the current Israeli escalation of violence in the occupied West Bank, WAFA reported. In the latest Israeli escalation in the West Bank, occupation forces shot and killed a Palestinian man and injured 10 others in the city of Jenin. The Israeli escalation is an attempt to replace the negotiated political solution to the conflict with other solutions that reflect the real absence of the Israeli peace partner, and which reflect Israels denial of the political rights of the Palestinian people, foremost of which is their right to self-determination and the embodiment of its independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, said the ministry in a statement. "There is no alternative to a negotiated political solution to the conflict on the basis of international legitimacy and its resolutions. All alternatives that Israel is trying to impose on the Palestinian people will fail," the statement added. Israeli forces on Sunday carried out fresh raids into Jenin, a bastion of Palestinian militant groups and the home of gunmen who launched recent deadly attacks. At least 10 people were wounded in clashes in Jenin, as well as in Jericho and Tulkarem, the Palestinian health ministry said Sunday, while the Palestinian Prisoners Club announced 24 arrests in various West Bank cities. "Troops are currently operating in the city of Jenin," in the north of the West Bank, a territory occupied since 1967 by Israel, the Israeli army said in a brief message. The military operation came after a gunman from Jenin went on a shooting rampage in a popular Tel Aviv nightlife area on Thursday evening, killing three Israelis and wounding more than a dozen others. Israel said Friday it had killed the alleged attacker, Raad Hazem, 28. A total of 14 people have been killed in four attacks in Israel since March 22, including another shooting spree on March 29 in Bnei Brak, an Orthodox Jewish city near Tel Aviv, which was carried out by a Palestinian attacker also from Jenin. Some attacks have been carried out by assailants linked to or inspired by the Islamic State group. Over the same period, at least 10 Palestinians have been killed, including assailants, according to a count by AFP. Search Keywords: Short link: Finland says that a shipment of art works from Russian museums has been returned to Russia after it was seized under European Union sanctions against Moscow. Finland's customs service said late Saturday that the Foreign Ministry granted a special permit to return the consignment with a total insured value of around 42 million euros ($46 million). It said that trucks carrying the art works from the Hermitage Museum and the Pavlovsk State Museum in St. Petersburg, among others, left Finnish territory on Saturday afternoon. The shipment was seized at the Vaalimaa border crossing at the beginning of April. The works were en route to Russia after loan to museums in Europe and Japan. Experts say that art works loaned from Russia typically travel overland via Finland. Russia has demanded the return of all works on loan to ``unfriendly'' nations that imposed sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine. Search Keywords: Short link: Methamphetamine known as El Chapo is a highly addictive and destructive synthetic drug that is gaining public notice in Egypt for its role in fueling a series of horrifying murders over the past few years. A series of violent murders shocked Egyptian society in 2021. Their common factor, in addition to taking place mostly within families, was the presence of methamphetamine, commonly known as crystal meth or in Egypt as El-Chapo, after the infamous Mexican cartel leader Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. Ahram Online has compiled this timeline through a cursory survey of Egyptian media. (Warning: Extreme graphic and violent details, reader discretion is advised) In March 2020, the Qena governorate woke up to a horrifying mass murder when a 35-year-old man killed his two elder brothers and injured his younger brother after taking El Chapo and fought with them. The media labelled the mass murder as the brothers massacre, but it soon fell out of the public eye due to coronavirus pandemic. In March 2021, in a village in the Sohag governorate, an eight-year-old girl was stabbed brutally by her addicted cousin who wanted to steal her golden earrings to buy El Chapo. In late April 2021, in a village in the Ismailia governorate, a father killed his own 10-year-old son by electrocution, allegedly when the boy refused to listen to his orders. According to the neighbors, the father an El Chapo addict had become extremely violent to the level that his wife left him. Then in May, during the Holy Month of Ramadan, a baker killed his wife and six children in a Fayoum village after verbal fight during the Suhor meal. The graphic bloody details in the murder shocked society. The murderer, who attempted suicide after his crime, did not only turn to have mental issues but he also was addicted to both Strux and El Chapo drugs. Strux is another, but unrelated, synthetic drug available on Egyptian streets. In June, a man in his 30s killed his girlfriend in Ismailia governorate after beating her to death. The man admitted in front of the authorities that they both were addicted to El Chapo. One month later, also in Ismailia, a university student killed own his father who worked as a mechanic after a fight between them over his addiction to El Chapo. In October, the whole nation was shocked by a viral video online showing a man decapitating another man in the street in the daylight and walking with the victims head dangling in one hand on an Ismailia street before his arrest. The man, who turned to be addicted to El-Chapo, was sentenced to death in January. The murders with the traces of El-chapo continue in 2022 till the early weeks of March with the same similarities that the preparator is close personally to the victim or victims and the murder is itself extremely brutal. In almost all of the above cases, the murderers and victims alike came from the working classes in mostly rural areas outside Cairo, shattering the myth that meth is a rich persons drug. Under the influence of El Chapo or methamphetamine, a person may take decisions or commit actions, he would not do normally and as a result later he may not even remember even what he had done, Professor of Clinical Toxicology at Faculty of Medicine in Cairo University Dr Nabil Abdel-Maksoud explained to Ahram Online. According to Abdel-Maksoud, those murders are the result of excessive physical force brought about by the poor decision making capabilities under the influence of meth, which is a very highly addictive drug. The end will be a criminal one, either the addict will harm himself or harm those around him and usually they are those who are the nearest to him from the family, he said. A crystal-clear dangerous history Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant that appeared for the first time in 1893 in Japan, but won its infamous reputation as a Nazi drug during World War II. During the war, the German army issued the drug to its soldiers under the name Pervitin so they could stay up for days without sleep or fatigue. The drug helped contribute to the Germans early battlefield successes, but also helped fuel war crimes by mentally exhausted troops Meth gives huge abnormal power and activity to the person who takes it and thus this person may have huge physical power that his body itself may not tolerate, Abdel-Maksoud explained Ahram. Even for the Nazi government, the violence produced by the constant use of Pervitin was too much that it ordered the reduction of doses for its soldiers. Fast forward to the 1980s, the use of meth as a drug exploded in the United States, followed by a proliferation to the rest of the world. Icy new route: A short history of meth in Egypt Egypt began to witness a spread of synthetic drugs 2009, with nearly 700 types having been recorded so far. However, the most deadly and addictive so far has been El-Chapo, which is known as ice by the security forces. The story of how it came to Egypt is quite different than that of other drugs. Egypt has known drugs since the 19th century as they were smuggled from Palestine and Lebanon as well as from the Mediterranean, former minister of interior aide for drug enforcement and retired police general Sameh El-Kilany told Ahram Online. He explained that most drug traffickers now have changed their methods, using routes through the Red Sea, Sudan or Libya. Nevertheless, in case of ice, it did not come through those routes, but through a group of our Egyptian expats from Sohag governorate working in the Gulf, specifically from Kuwait from nearly seven years ago, he said. Working in Kuwait as contractors and labourers, they began to use the drug as a stimulant to give them more energy, bringing it back into the country in small batches, according according to the retired police general. The ice that arrived in Egypt from Kuwait can be traced back to the infamous Golden Triangle area in South Asia, spanning the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. According to recent reports on world drug trafficking, the Golden Triangle is now one of the worlds leading areas for the production of synthetic drugs, meth in particular. The first time this drug surfaced publicly in Egypt was in Upper Egypt and this was a strange thing considering the history of drug movement in the country, he told Ahram online. It moved from Sohag to Assuit then to Cairo and other governorates, he explained, adding that it was a completely new route he had never seen before, despite working over 38 years in counter-drug activities. Egypt takes pride that its Anti-Narcotic General Administration (ANGA), under the Ministry of Interior, is the oldest drug control agency in the world, having been established in 1929. It is noteworthy that many of ANGA meth busts have been in Sohag, according to statements by the Ministry of Interior over the past year. It has become a hot zone. But the deadly drug is not only smuggled into the country, it is also manufactured locally in underground labs which increases the challenge for the ANGA to stop its spread despite its initial expensive price. Spread in Egypt: Different factors to deadly results According to Egypts National Fund for Drug Control and Treatment of Addiction there has been a noticeable increase in the use of the synthetic drugs in Egypt, reaching 17 percent in 2021. Seven percent out of the 17 percent of the people admitted to the fund asking for help last year were addicted to meth, Dr. Amr Osman, the director of the fund and assistant to the minister of social solidarity, told Ahram Online. According to Osman, the reason behind the noticeable rise in use of meth in Egypt is related to fact that the synthetic drugs in general have spread during the coronavirus lockdown, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC). The social impact of the pandemic driving a rise in inequality, poverty and mental health conditions particularly among already vulnerable populations represent factors that could push more people into drug use, the UNs World Drugs 2021 report issued in June 2021 said. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the traditional drug trafficking routes through ports for example could not operate, thus drug traffickers and dealers began to head domestically to produce drugs thus the recent spread of synthetic drugs including meth, Osman told Ahram Online. Nevertheless, the direct reason behind its recent increase in Egypt according to Former Police General Sameh El-Kilany may not be the pandemic, but rather the simple market rule of supply and demand. The drug depends on its price and whenever its price is reduced it spreads more and more, meth is spreading now because its price is getting cheaper, he said, giving the example of how one gram of cocaine was sold for EGP 3,000 but now it is sold for a price between EGP 500-1000. Dr Nabil Abdel-Maksoud has a different view on how meth began to spread after it began to be was locally produced, despite its high price. El Chapo began to be locally produced, not with pure methamphetamine but rather with small amount of meth as it is hard to get while other cheaper drugs and materials like glue and acetone [inhalants] are added to mix, he explained, adding that the user cannot differentiate between the ingredients as the final product looks identical to the infamous crystal shape of meth abroad. Nevertheless, it was expensive, but a little less expensive. One gram of meth is sold for EGP 1,000 while one gram of cocaine is sold for at most LE 1,000. But one gram of cocaine is sold for one personal use only while one gram of meth can be used by several people as one person can inhale it once or twice then loses control [and others can continue using it,] the professor of toxicology said. One gram of meth can be enough for 10 people with each can paying EGP 100 and distributing it among themselves, he elaborated Despite the three experts emphasising different factors affecting meths recent spread in Egypt, they all agree on the most important factor: it is highly addictive and can turn a healthy person into an addict with only one use. Is there a way to treat a highly addictive drug like meth? The short answer is yes, but the long one that it is very complicated according to both Dr Nabil Abdel-Maksoud and Dr Amr Osman There is not one definite treatment for the type of drug that directly attacks the humans nervous system from the first use, but medicine can help the patient till the body gets rid of it and its use stops, according to Dr Abdel-Maksoud. Dr Amr Osman believes the nature of the synthetic drugs make it more complicated and already many of those addicts have other psychological problems that can be treated and help the patients to overcome their need for drugs. Each drug in Egypt usually starts as something small then gets bigger till it becomes a public phenomenon and some of these drugs disappear like a drug called phantom that no one can recall publicly, retired police general Sameh El-Kilany told Ahram Online. Drugs are like a fashion, some of them rise and fade for newer drugs, he said, expressing hope that El Chapo may fade soon. Search Keywords: Short link: WASHINGTON, April 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on Saturday that he had tested positive for COVID-19, joining dozens of others who have contracted the coronavirus after attending the annual Gridiron Club dinner last week. Vilsack, 71, tweeted that he's both vaccinated and boosted and that "thankfully my symptoms are mild." "If you have yet to get vaccinated and boosted, please don't wait," he added. Attorney General Merrick Garland, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, and House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced their positive tests days after attending the elite Gridiron Club and Foundation dinner in downtown Washington, D.C. last Saturday. At least 53 individuals who attended the white-tie event had tested positive for COVID-19, according to Gridiron President Tom DeFrank. "All guests at the Gridiron Club dinner were required to show proof of vaccination. We understand that some of our guests have reported positive tests since the dinner," DeFrank said in a statement obtained by U.S. media outlets. "We wish them a speedy recovery." Leana Wen, professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University (GWU), tweeted that the Gridiron Club dinner "was probably a #covid19 superspreader." The total number of COVID-19 cases in the United States has exceeded 80 million, with over 985,000 related deaths, according to the latest data from Johns Hopkins University. The highly contagious Omicron subvariant BA.2 has recently become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the nation. Jonathan Reiner, professor of medicine at the GWU Medical Center, tweeted that the coronavirus outbreak at the Gridiron Club dinner "illustrates how massively transmissible BA.2 is, and how much of a mistake it was to summarily drop all mitigation while we're still in the pandemic phase of this virus." "It is not safe now to gather in large numbers in confined spaces without masks," Reiner warned. "It's irresponsible to require people to figure this out on their own." Egypts Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine El-Qabbaj and the Egyptian Centre for Strategic Studies (ECSS) will launch the first-ever research project on the Cost of Terrorism in Egypt during a seminar on Monday, an official press release read. The research focuses on the root causes of terrorist activities "that targets destroying state institutions, society, the civic and political dynamism of citizens, values and assets of society," the press release said. The project encompasses four key axes political, economic, social and cultural with each axis examined in terms of the cost of terrorism, its causes and ways to counter it. [Terrorism] posed an existential threat to Egypt, particularly with terrorist activities peaking in 2014 and 2015, causing Egypt to be placed on the list of countries most vulnerable to terrorism, the press release added. The seminar will discuss the preliminary findings of the research and response strategies to enhance the pillars of the modern state. It is the first in a series of symposia meant to expand dialogue on the project. The project will also tackle the ideologies and extremist values of terrorist groups that serve as a base to legitimise their acts of terrorism. Representatives of the concerned ministries that support the research project as well as professors and experts concerned with the same field of study will attend the seminar. ECSS General Manager Khaled Okasha and Gamal Abdel-Gawad, a member of the ECSS advisory board and head of the project will be among the speakers. Howaida Adly, professor of political science at the National Center for Social and Criminal Research and Abdel-Fattah El-Gebali, an economic expert and the chairman of the Media Production City will tackle the economic and social cost of terrorism during the first session of the seminar. This will be followed by a commentary by Ahmad Zayed, professor of sociology at Cairo University and member of the Senate. The session will be moderated by Gamal Abdel-Gawad. The second session of the seminar will see remarks by Moustafa El-Feki, the political thinker and director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Professor Samir Morcos, the Egyptian writer and thinker, and Professor Fouad El-Saeed, a researcher specialising in political culture studies will address the political and cultural dimensions of terrorism during the second session. Abdel-Moneim Said, head of the ECSS advisory board, will moderate the second session. In recent years, Egypt has adopted a comprehensive framework to confront terrorism and extremist thought, which is based on security as well as awareness-raising mechanisms. Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has repeatedly called for reforming religious discourse in order to end religious misconceptions and eradicate extremist thought. Egypt has also pushed for serious and urgent cooperation in Africa to combat cross-border terrorism, founding the Sahel and Sahara Counterterrorism Centre in Cairo to coordinate the efforts of the 20 Sahel-Saharan states (CEN-SAD) to face such threats. Search Keywords: Short link: The Senate Egypt's consultative upper house of parliament proposed in a plenary session on Sunday that an independent authority be set up to forge a new strategy aimed at controlling the country's runaway population growth in line with the countrys 2030 vision for sustainable development. The Senate's proposal came at the end of a two-week discussion of a study prepared by Senator Soheir Abdel-Sallam on the problem of overpopulation in Egypt and what measures are necessary to contain it. Senate Speaker Abdel-Wahab Abdel-Razek said a report on Senator Soheir Abdel-Sallam's study will be referred to President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, including several recommendations for the problem of overpopulation. "In this report, prepared by the Senate's committees on health, population, human rights and social solidarity, we recommend that an independent entity by the name of "The National Authority for Population and Family Planning" be established to replace the existing National Population Council which was created in 1985," said Abdel-Razek, adding that "the new independent authority will be granted adequate powers in order to be able to take serious and collective action in the area of tackling overpopulation." "This authority will be affiliated with the presidency rather than with the Ministry of Health and Population and with the president of the republic named as its chairman, the prime minister as deputy chairman and all concerned cabinet ministers and public figures with expertise in the area of population policies as members of the authority's council of trustees," said the report. Minister of Wakfs (religious endowments) Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa told the Senate that there is a pressing need for more serious action on checking population growth in Egypt. "In this respect let me indicate that mosques affiliated with the Ministry of Wakfs will use doctors to raise awareness of the issue of overpopulation, birth control and the family planning," said Gomaa, adding that "Egypt is increasing by two million or two million and half every year and this is too much and a big burden for a country struggling to offer high-quality services to its citizens." Senator Soheir Abdel-Sallam's study which the Senate began discussing on 28 March warns that Egypts population will reach 128 million by the year 2030 and 183 million by the year 2050. This runaway growth of population poses a serious threat to the countrys future, economic development, and national security, said the study, asking that the role of the National Population Council be restructured and replaced by an independent and more powerful entity by the name of the National Authority for Population and Family Planning, in addition to the fact that new and urgent measures that can reduce population growth to just 110 million by 2030 should be adopted. "Egypt's 2030 vision on sustainable development seeks to control population in Egypt to stand at 110 million at that year," said the study. The study said all workers currently affiliated with the National Population Council and other concerned ministries which cover population issues shall join the new authority under one umbrella to maximise the benefit from their performance and experience. The study also argued that population growth in Egypt had significantly slowed down in the 1990s when the National Population Council was affiliated with the presidency, but it began to increase rapidly after the year 2000 when the council was affiliated with the Ministry of Health. "So we recommend that the new National Council for Population and Family Planning be affiliated with the presidency to be able to achieve the serious objective of controlling population growth in Egypt," said the study. Search Keywords: Short link: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Sunday that Egypt has allocated areas for producing green hydrogen in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone). Madboulys comments came during his reception for Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal Frans Timmermans, where they discussed means of boosting cooperation between Egypt and EU in the field of the green energy. Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad also attended the meeting. The premier stressed Egypts keenness on reinforcing its partnership with EU, especially in the field of energy, noting that President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi is paying special focus to the key sector. Egypt is working on upgrading its energy strategy to include green hydrogen as a source of power, including providing additional investment incentives. The Egyptian PM also welcomed the EUs decision to provide a 100 million Euro grant to support Egypts food security. For his side, Timmermans said the consequences of the Ukrainian crisis pushed the EU countries to expedite their transition to renewable energy and diversify the sources of the green energy. Frans Timmermans is currently in a visit to Cairo, which began on Saturday. In a meeting with Egypts FM Sameh Shoukry on Sunday, Timmermans agreed with the top diplomat and president designate of COP27 to reinforce cooperation on LNG gas and green hydrogen supplies between Europe, Africa and the Gulf. In a joint statement following the meeting between Shoukry and Timmermans, the two officials stated Egypt and the EU agreed to develop a Mediterranean Green Hydrogen Partnership encompassing hydrogen trade between Europe, Africa and the Gulf. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi agreed with President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen on ensuring regular coordination to formulate joint initiatives and efforts within the framework of tackling global repercussions of the Ukraine crisis. In a phone call on Sunday, El-Sisi and Von der Leyen discussed means of dealing with the global repercussions of the crisis, especially regarding supplies of the various forms of energy as well as food security and supply-chain disruptions, Presidential Spokesperson Bassam Rady said in a statement. Good phone call with @AlsisiOfficial We discussed cooperation on food security, energy and climate in the context of the Russian war in Ukraine. The EU is supporting the Egyptian people to ensure food security. Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 10, 2022 On Wednesday, the EU announced that it will provide Egypt with a grant worth 100 million in response to the surging food prices on the heels of Russias war on Ukraine. This came only few days after Egypt called on France as the current EU president to provide economic and political support to help Egypt mitigate the impacts of the global crisis. Egypt, which mainly relies on Ukraine and Russia for wheat imports as well as tourism, has been working to mitigate the impacts of the crisis by diversifying wheat imports and tourism markets. In March, Egypt also officially requested support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to implement the countrys comprehensive economic programme shortly after the government let the Egyptian pound depreciate by 14 percent the highest decline in five years in light of the crisis. Amid a hike in the global prices of oil and gas due to the crisis and the EUs plan to reduce its reliance on Russian natural gas, European countries are also believed to look at Egypt as a major alternative, given that the country has achieved self-sufficiency in natural gas since 2018. In March, German Ambassador to Egypt Frank Hartmann said Germany aims to reduce its dependency on Russian gas by two-thirds by the end of this year, seeking out alternate sources, including Egypt. In a meeting with the Egyptian press, along with Head of the European Delegation in Egypt Christian Berger, Hartmann pointed out that Egypt can export electricity to Europe through an undersea cable going to Greece given Egypts surplus in electric capacity. Enhancing Egyptian-EU relations During her phone call with El-Sisi, Von der Leyen voiced the EUs appreciation for its special and strong relations with Egypt, affirming the unions keenness to continue boosting cooperation with the country at all levels, Rady said. This comes in light of the joint interest between the two sides in dealing with all the challenges facing the Middle East and Africa, given Egypts pivotal role in the region, she added. El-Sisi also affirmed Egypts keenness to boost relations with the EU as a strategic partner in all fields and to maintain coordination and consultations on regional and international issues and challenges facing the two sides. The Egyptian president also called for expanding the scope of cooperation with the EU in all fields, according to Rady. Furthermore, El-Sisi and Von der Leyen expressed satisfaction over the overall development in the institutional cooperation between Egypt and the EU on the political, economic, and developmental levels. This comes especially in light of El-Sisis latest visit to Brussels, during which he affirmed the need for continuing coordination and enhancing dialogue to support the friendly relations between Egypt and the EU given the joint challenges that they face, the spokesperson stressed. El-Sisi visited Brussels in February to attend the Sixth European Union-African Union Summit. During the visit, he held meetings with EU leaders as well as a number of heads of state and government. The president held separate meetings with Von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel, during which they discussed the Libyan crisis, counterterrorism cooperation, efforts to face irregular migration, and enhancing Egyptian-EU relations. El-Sisi also discussed during his meeting with Von der Leyen in Brussels the latest developments in the fields of renewable energy, infrastructure and green transformation in light of Egypts hosting of the UN Conference of Parties on Climate Change (COP27) that is scheduled for November in the Red Sea city of Sharm El-Sheikh. In January, Von der Leyen affirmed in a phone call with El-Sisi the EUs interest in coordinating the president over critical regional and international issues, including the hosting of the COP27. Egypt has been coordinating with international partners to build on the success of the COP26 that was held in Glasgow, UK and turn climate-related pledges into actions, especially regarding adaptation, carbon emission reduction, and funding for developing countries to face climate change. Search Keywords: Short link: 98,000 newborns have been medically examined as part of the presidential initiative for detection of genetic disorders in newly-born infants, a statement by the Ministry of Health and Population said on Sunday. The initiative was launched in July 2021 with the goal of producing a healthy generation of children free from the harms caused by disabilities, the ministry said in a statement in February In the initiatives first phase, which is still ongoing, newborns are screened for 19 genetic diseases in the health ministrys hospitals. In the second phase, screening will be expanded to all newborns nationwide, the health ministrys Spokesperson Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar said. According to Wael Abdel-Razek, head of the health care and nursing sector, the diseases being screened for include congenital hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, folic anemia, cystic fibrosis, hereditary hyperlipidemia, phenylketonuria, tetraplegic deficiency Hydropetrin, organic acidity, elevated blood isovaleric acid, elevated blood propionate/methylmalone, maple urine disease, blood tyrosine elevation-type 1, hypergalactosemia, elevated urine homocysteine, elevated blood arginine, elevated blood citrulline, ornithine deficiency Carbamoyl transporter, fatty acid oxidation and biotinidase deficiency. The screening is carried out by taking a blood sample from the child's heel, and analyzing it at the Egyptian Centre for Diseases and Control (ECDC), Abdel-Razek explained. The centre houses a laboratory equipped with the latest world-class technology in the field of detecting genetic diseases, Abdel-Razek said, pointing out that if a case tests positive, the child is referred for an additional examination to confirm the authenticity of the results so the child can start receiving the necessary treatment, in line with the protocols set by the initiative. To date, 25 centers have so far been allocated to treat genetic diseases for newborns, among a larger network of centres currently being expended across all governorates, Director of the Initiative for Early Detection of Genetic Diseases Dina Abdel-Salam said. These centers will provide free treatment and routine follow-up services for children suffering from any genetic or hereditary diseases, she added. The initiative will also focus on providing ongoing support and counseling sessions to parents looking to have children to eliminate any actions or behaviors that may contribute to the development of genetic diseases among newborns, she said. Abdel-Salam noted that ECDC affiliated medical centers are strategically located nationwide and can be found across the following governorates: Cairo, Alexandria, Beheira, Ismailia, Daqahliya, Minya, Menoufiya, Sharqiya, Port Said, Fayoum, Qena, Assiut, Gharbiya, Beni Suef, Giza, Damietta and Aswan. The centres will also provide free detection and treatment services to all children with metabolic diseases of all age groups and will work on ensuring the provision of the necessary medication and foodstuffs free of charge, she concluded. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt has cancelled mandatory COVID-realated declaration forms to ease procedured for arrivals at all airports starting Sunday. In a statement, the Ministry of Health and Population's department of preventive medicine said all travellers from abroad will no longer have to fill out declaration forms upon arrival. The government has recently launched the Visit Egypt online website, which allows incoming travellers to register their COVID-19 vaccination certificates on the website two days ahead of their trip in order to reduce processing time upon arrival. The Egyptian Health Quarantine Department will assign a QR code to travellers who meet COVID-related requirements. The goal of cancelling the paper forms is to make life easier; the world is dealing with these issues digitally all a passenger needs is to fill the required details on the [Visit Egypt] platform, Health Ministry Spokesman Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar told Ahram Online. Returning to routine cleansing The health ministrty also cancelled exceptional COVID-focus disinfection of planes after each flight, with a return to normal santisation procedures. In case a suspected or confirmed coronavirus case was detected onboard, the plane will be disinfected under the supervision of the quarantine department in accordance with World Health Organisations guide to hygiene and sanitation in aviation. Abdel-Ghaffar said the decision comes as the country is witnessing improvement in the epidemiological situation as indicated by the ministrys weekly update on the pandemic nationwide. The average daily coronavirus infection and deaths tolls in Egypt have continued to decline this past week, with the country reporting an average of 400 infections and seven deaths per day, according to the latest weekly update issued by the ministry on Saturday. Egypt, which relies on tourism revenues as a vital source of foreign currency, has been taking measures to support the tourism sector's recovery amid challenges posed by the pandemic as well as the Russia-Ukrainian war. Search Keywords: Short link: Related Egypt police arrest man who reportedly stabbed Coptic priest to death in Alexandria In a statement issued hours following the murder, Sheikh El-Tayyeb stated that killing a soul is considered one of the major sins in Islam that result in Gods wrath and punishment. He quoted the Quranic verse "whoever killed a soul, except for a soul slain, or for sedition in the earth, it should be considered as though he had killed all mankind; and that whoever saved it should be regarded as though he had saved all mankind." Egyptian security forces arrested a 60-year-old man who reportedly stabbed the 56-year-old Coptic archpriest to death in the city of Alexandria on Thursday evening. According to the Church, investigations are underway to determine the stabbers identity and motives. El-Tayyeb also called on everyone to be aware that this murder and similar incidents paves the way for religious wars between people of the nation, noting that Egypt survived these types of wars thanks to God Almighty and its people as well as its leaders." The head of Egypts most influential and oldest Sunni organization demanded everyone foil such schemes. In the end of his statement, El-Tayyeb presented Al-Azhars condolence to the family of Priest Arasanios Wadid and to Christians praying to God to protect Egypt and keep its people safe. President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi issued on Saturday directives to widen the scope of interactive educational programmes aiming to link Egyptian youths abroad to their homeland, Presidential Spokesperson Bassam Rady said. During a meeting with Minister of Emigration and Expatriate Affairs Nabila Makram, the president was briefed on the situation of Egyptian students in Ukraine and issued directives to take all necessary measures to ensure their safety. Egypt has been exerting great efforts to bring its nationals home from Ukraine. Prior to the Russian invasion, around 6,000 Egyptians lived in Ukraine, including 3,000 students studying in the countrys universities, especially in the field of medicine. Over the past three weeks, scores of Egyptian expats have already crossed the borders into Romania, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The minister also reviewed Egyptian expats contributions to the countrys economic and social development. Furthermore, Makram spoke about the Life-Saving Boats Initiative, which aims to fight irregular migration. The president also ordered the minister to step up efforts aiming to encourage Egyptian expats to invest in the real estate sector in Egypt. Additionally, the minister reviewed the preparations being held for hosting the Egypt Can with Industry Conference and updates on the presidential Speak Arabic Initiative, which aims to solidify the Arab-Egyptian identity among Egyptians abroad. Search Keywords: Short link: Israeli troops on Sunday shot and killed an unarmed Palestinian woman in the occupied West Bank and Palestinians set fire to a shrine revered by Jews, Israeli and Palestinian officials said. It was the latest episode of violence during the holy month of Ramadan. Tension has been escalating as Ramadan this year converges with major Jewish and Christian holidays. Protests during Ramadan last year boiled over into an 11-day war between Israel and Gaza militants. The Israeli army said it fired at the woman's lower body after she approached a military checkpoint near the West Bank city of Bethlehem and ignored calls to stop and warning shots fired into the air. The Palestinian Health Ministry said the woman, who was in her 40s, later died from her injuries in a hospital. Palestinian assailants often carry out attacks at checkpoints in the West Bank. But Palestinians and human rights groups say the military often uses excessive force and in some cases has injured or killed people who were not involved in violence. The Israeli military confirmed the woman was found to be unarmed and said the incident was under investigation. Earlier, Brig. Gen. Ran Kochav, the chief military spokesman, told Israeli Army Radio that some 100 Palestinians marched toward Joseph's Tomb in the West Bank city of Nablus late Saturday and set it ablaze before they were dispersed by Palestinian security forces. Images on social media showed parts of the tomb inside the shrine smashed and charred. Joseph's Tomb is a flashpoint prayer site. Some Jews believe the biblical Joseph is buried in the tomb, while Muslims say a sheikh is buried there. The army escorts Jewish worshippers to the site several times a year, in coordination with Palestinian security forces. The incident drew condemnation from Israeli leaders. ``The vandalism of Joseph's Tomb is a grave event and a serious violation of freedom of worship in one of the holiest places for every Jew,'' Defense Minister Benny Gantz tweeted. The incidents come as Israeli forces continued to operate in the northern West Bank city of Jenin and the surrounding area, home to two of the Palestinian attackers who staged deadly attacks against Israelis in recent weeks. Jenin is considered a stronghold of Palestinian militants. Israeli forces often come under fire when operating in the area. Even the Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the occupied West Bank and coordinates with Israel on security matters, appears to have little control there. Late Saturday, Israel announced that it was tightening restrictions on movement in and out of the city, though it continued to allow laborers to enter Israel for work. A raid on the hometown of one of the assailants on Saturday sparked a gunbattle that left at least one Palestinian militant dead. Jenin governor Akram Rajoub denounced the ongoing Israeli activity in the area, called the measures ``an expression of collective punishment'' meant to disrupt the lives of Palestinians rather than thwart attacks. The army said the forces were making arrests, gathering intelligence and preparing the homes of the attackers for demolition. ``We will be at every place at any time as needed to cut off these terror attacks. Israel is going on the offensive,'' Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told a meeting of his Cabinet. In Sunday's raid, the military said a ``violent riot'' broke out as forces were operating in the village of Yabad, home to one of the attackers. It said forces opened fire and ``neutralized'' one Palestinian who threw an explosive at them. It was unclear what his condition was. Forces arrested at least eight suspects and found Israeli military ammunition and uniforms in one of the suspect's homes as well as illegal arms, the military said. Four attacks by Palestinians in recent weeks have killed 14 people in one of the deadliest bursts of violence against Israelis in years. Search Keywords: Short link: The deal is worth 750,000 Kuwaiti dinars ($2.5 million) and will encompass technical, economic and environmental feasibility studies for the construction of a 570 km railway system linking Egypt and Sudan, according to the ministry. Al-Mashat signed the agreement as a part of the activities of the joint annual meetings of Arab Financial Institutions that are currently being held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The KFAED is a Kuwaiti public institution that relies entirely on its own resources for the provision of loans and other kinds of development assistance, according to the fund's website. The KFAED has contributed $3.6 billion to the funding of 54 development projects in Egypt since 1980, in addition to 14 technical grants equal to $48.6 million. The Egyptian Ministry of Transportation announced in February that the preliminary studies of Egypt-Sudan railway lines have been completed. The new railway line between the two countries was first proposed in 2010 and was revived in 2018 as a platform for the export of Egyptian products to Sudan, Central Africa and the rest of the African continent. Following the visit, a high-level transport coordination committee between Egypt and Sudan was formed to follow up on the building of the railway. Egypt and Sudan established a joint railway committee in 2008 to promote railway connections between the two countries. Russian shelling killed five civilians and wounded five others in two east Ukrainian cities Saturday, the local governor said. "Today, five people were killed after Russian shelling in the region of Donetsk," the Donetsk governor Pavlo Kyrylenko posted on Telegram. Four of them died in the city of Vugledar, and one in the town of Novomikhaylovka, he added. The fighting has become increasingly fierce in the region, where authorities have urged residents to evacuate before a feared Russian offensive. On Saturday, the Ukrainian army announced on Facebook that it had "destroyed four tanks, eight armoured vehicles and seven enemy vehicles", as well as "a plane, a helicopter" and drones. Further north, in the Kharkiv region, "at least two people were killed in Slatyne as a result of a (Russian) shelling and another injured", mayor of the neighbouring municipality of Dergachi, Vyacheslav Zadorenko, wrote on Facebook. Search Keywords: Short link: Weekend bombardments in eastern Ukraine killed 10 civilians and wounded 11 others around Kharkiv, the region's governor said Sunday. Saturday's bombardments hit four towns around and to the southeast of Kharkiv, Oleg Synegubov posted on Telegram, adding that one of those killed was a child. "In the course of the day, the occupiers bombarded the civil infrastructure at Balakliya, Pesochin, Zolochiv and Dergachi," he added. "At the current time we know of 10 people killed, including a child, and 11 wounded." Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, had a population of around 1.5 million before the war. Located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the Russian border, it has been the site of fierce fighting since the start of the invasion on February 24, but has not been captured by Moscow's forces. In recent days, Russian troops have pulled back from Kharkiv region towards the east and south of Ukraine. Search Keywords: Short link: Pope Francis opened Holy Week Sunday with a call for an Easter truce in Ukraine to make room for a negotiated peace, highlighting the need for leaders to ``make some sacrifices for the good of the people.'' Celebrating Palm Sunday Mass before crowds in St. Peter's Square for the first time since the pandemic, Pope Francis called for ``weapons to be laid down to begin an Easter truce, not to reload weapons and resume fighting, no! A truce to reach peace through real negotiations.'' Francis did not refer directly to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but the reference was clear, and he has repeatedly denounced the war and the suffering brought to innocent civilians. During the traditional Sunday blessing following Palm Sunday Mass, the pontiff said leaders should be ``willing to make some sacrifices for the good of the people.'' ``In fact, what a victory would that be, who plants a flag under a pile of rubble?'' During his Palm Sunday homily, the pontiff denounced ``the folly of war'' that leads people to commit ``senseless acts of cruelty.'' ``When we resort to violence ... we lose sight of why we are in the world and even end up committing senseless acts of cruelty. We see this in the folly of war, where Christ is crucified yet another time,'' he said. Francis lamented ``the unjust death of husbands and sons`` ... ``refugees fleeing bombs'' ... ``young people deprived of a future'' ... and ``soldiers sent to kill their brothers and sisters.'' After two years of celebrating Palm Sunday Mass inside St. Peter's Basilica without a crowd due to pandemic distancing measures, the solemn celebration returned to the square outside. Tens of thousands pilgrims and tourists clutched olive branches and braided palms emblematic of the ceremony that recalls Jesus' return to Jerusalem. Traditionally, the pope leads a Palm Sunday procession through St. Peter's Square before celebrating Mass. Francis has been suffering from a strained ligament in his right knee that has caused him to limp, and he was driven in a black car to the altar, which he then reached with the help of an aide. He left the Mass on the open-top popemobile, waving to the faithful in the piazza and along part of the via della Conciliazione. Palm Sunday opens Holy Week leading up to Easter, which this year falls on April 17, and features the Good Friday Way of the Cross Procession. Search Keywords: Short link: Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will visit Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday, the first European leader to meet him since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Vienna said Sunday. "He is going there, having informed Berlin, Brussels, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky" to encourage dialogue, said a spokesman for Nehammer, who was in Ukraine on Saturday. The spokesman confirmed he is the first European leader to meet Putin since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Nehammer took the initiative himself and organized the meeting during his stay in Ukraine, wanting "to do everything so that progress towards peace can be made" even if the chances are minimal, he added. He intends to talk to the Kremlin about "war crimes" in the town of Bucha outside Kyiv, which he visited on Saturday. Dozens of bodies dressed in civilian clothes were discovered there a week ago, shocking the world, following the withdrawal of Russian troops. Moscow has firmly rejected any involvement. Nehammer, who returned to Vienna on Sunday, also met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit. "It is important that, within the framework of our neutrality, we support Ukraine both at a humanitarian level and politically," the spokesman said. Austria is a member of the European Union, but does not belong to NATO. Vienna has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and this week expelled four Russian diplomats. Search Keywords: Short link: Ukraine on Saturday said 12 Ukrainian soldiers and 14 civilians were returning home following a prisoner exchange with Russia. "On the order of President (Volodymyr) Zelensky, the third prisoner exchange took place today. 12 of our servicemen are returning home, including one female officer," Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said on Telegram. Fourteen civilians including nine women were also on their way home, she added. She did not say how many Russians had been exchanged for the Ukrainians. Russia's rights ombudsman Tatiana Moskalkova said 14 Russian sailors had returned home Saturday. "Thanks to the coordinated actions of Russian military staff, 14 sailors from the Azov Concord civilian vessel have been released and are being evacuated to a safe space," she said. Moskalkova claimed Ukraine had since the start of the war on February 24 been "holding the crew of the ship in the port of Mariupol, where the exit to the sea was mined". Mariupol, a key port on the Azov Sea, has suffered the worst destruction and death toll since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion. Two other exchanges of soldiers and civilians have taken place between Kyiv and Moscow since the start of the conflict. Search Keywords: Short link: The World Bank issued dire forecasts for Ukraine as Russia's invasion impacts both the country and its neighbors, warning in a report released Sunday of an even bleaker economic outlook if the conflict drags on. Ukraine's economy will collapse by 45.1 percent this year, the bank predicted, far worse than the 10 percent to 35 percent downturn the IMF projected last month. Russia will see an 11.2 percent decline in GDP, and the World Bank said the entire region is suffering economic consequences from the war, which began in late February and has caused more than four million Ukrainians to flee to Poland, Romania and Moldova. The conflict also has caused prices of grains and energy to soar. "The results of our analysis are very sobering. Our forecasts show that the Russian invasion in Ukraine has reversed the region's recovery from the pandemic," said Anna Bjerde, World Bank vice president for Europe and Central Asia. "This is the second major shock to hit the regional economy in two years and comes at a very precarious time for the region, as many economies were still struggling to recover from the pandemic," she told reporters. The Washington-based institutions expect emerging and developing countries in the Europe and Central Asia region to contract by 4.1 percent this year, a sharp reversal from the three percent growth projected before the war, and twice as bad as the pandemic-induced recession in 2020. Worst-Case Scenario Ukraine faces the starkest outlook, with its economy under "severe strain" from shrunken government revenues, businesses that have closed or are only partially operational, and trade in goods that is severely disrupted. Grain exports and other economic activity have "become impossible in large swaths of the country due to heavy damage to infrastructure," Bjerde said. The bank's forecasts assumed the war would continue for a few more months, but cautioned that they "are subject to significant uncertainty." In a more pessimistic scenario, which reflects an escalation of the conflict, there would be a larger negative impact on the euro area, increased Western sanctions, and a financial shock due to eroding confidence. The region's economy would contract by nearly nine percent -- worse than the 2008 global financial crisis -- with a 20 percent decline for Russia and a 75 percent collapse for Ukraine, the report said. Another cause for concern is a projected increase in poverty in Ukraine. The proportion of the population living on $5.50 a day is expected to rise to 19.8 percent this year from just 1.8 percent in 2021, according to the World Bank. Collateral Damage Even if the region avoids the worst-case scenario, Eastern Europe alone is expected to see its GDP plummet by 30.7 percent rather than grow by 1.4 percent, as projected before the invasion. The region also has been impacted by the sanctions imposed on Russian ally Belarus for its role in the war. The report warns that Moldova is likely to be one of the countries hardest hit by the conflict, not only because of its geographic proximity to the war, but also its inherent vulnerability as a small economy closely linked to Ukraine and Russia. In addition, this part of Europe is dependent on natural gas to meet its energy needs. Search Keywords: Short link: After decades of laying beside the sacred lake at Luxors Karnak Temple, a team of Egyptian restorers and archaeologists succeeded in re-erecting the restored Hatshepsuts obelisk on Saturday. The obelisk was carved from granite and originally erected at Karnak Temple, but a destructive earthquake in antiquity caused it to collapse on top of the debris accumulated on the Udjat hall built by Queen Hatshepsuts father, King Thurmose I. At the beginning of the 20th century, French Egyptologist George Legrain removed the upper part of the obelisk and laid it down beside the artificial sacred lake inside the temple complex. Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquites Mostafa Waziri said that the obelisk had to be re-erected as the studies carried out on it revealed that the obelisk was under threat because of the location it had been moved to. The restoration and re-erecting of the obelisk was carried out according to the latest scientific methods and in collaboration with the Engineering Authority of the Armed Forces, which provided the necessary equipment. The obelisk is 11 metres tall and weighs 90 tonnes. It is decorated with scenes depicting Queen Hatshepsut and her relationship with the deity Amun as well as showing his different names and titles. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypts Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly approved Egyptian citizenship to 17 foreigners for bank deposits in Egyptian banks in accordance with the latest amendments passed in 2019 to laws that govern citizenship and residency regulations for foreigners. According to the decree, Egyptian nationality was granted to a Palestinian, a Briton and 15 Syrians after having met the requirements for bank deposits in Egypt. In December 2019, the cabinet announced amendments to laws regulating citizenship and residency for foreigners that would allow Egyptian citizenship to be granted to foreigners in three ways related to investments. The first is though buying properties owned by the government or other public figures for at least $500,000 or by setting up an investment project of at least $400,000 or through a direct deposit in a foreign currency of $750,000 which goes as direct revenue into the state treasury, or by a refundable cash deposit with no interest in a special account in the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE). The cabinet has assigned a unit to review citizenship requests by assessing the rules and procedures as well as the needed data and documents to make decisions about them. The cabinet also launched an official website called Egyptian Citizenship by Investment to give support in English and Arabic for those interested in getting the Egyptian citizenship by investments. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry announced they agreed on Sunday with European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans to reinforce cooperation on LNG gas and green hydrogen supplies between Europe, Africa and the Gulf. Shoukry is also the president designate of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), while Timmermans is the VP responsible for the European Green Deal and climate change negotiations. In a joint statement following the meeting between Shoukry and Timmermans in Cairo on Sunday, the two officials stated Egypt and the EU agreed to develop a Mediterranean Green Hydrogen Partnership encompassing hydrogen trade between Europe, Africa and the Gulf. The statement also alluded to the geopolitical situation as an impetus for the agreement, in an indirect reference to the Russian invasion to Ukraine and its implications on the gas and oil market The Egyptian government has already signed several MoUs with international companies over the past weeks to expand green energy, especially green hydrogen. Timmermans is currently on a visit to Cairo that started on Saturday where he met Egyptian officials, including ministers, to discuss the preparations for COP27, which will be hosted in Egypts Sharm El-Sheikh next November, as well as the investment opportunities in green energy in Egypt. The two officials also agreed in their meeting that the impact of the current geopolitical situation worldwide should not result in backtracking nor lowering the level of ambition on climate action, deprioritising climate responses or diminishing the fiscal space available to developing countries. Shourky and Timmermans also discussed prospects for enhanced bilateral and regional cooperation frameworks between Egypt and the European Union on issues that are fundamental to accelerate the transition to sustainable and resilient, net-zero emissions economies, including the potential for supporting further renewable energy generation, green hydrogen, climate change adaptation and sustainable and integrated management of water and other resources in line with Egypt's 2030 Strategy and Climate Change Strategy 2050, as well as the European Green Deal. In the joint statement, the EU reconfirmed its openness to exploring bilateral partnerships and further cooperation through investments, exchange of expertise and technology in mutual interests as Egypts significant potential in driving an inclusive green transition. The EU Global Gateway and the flagships of the Economic and Investment Plan will be key tools to mobilise tailored support, the statement said, adding that the implementation of ambitious climate policies and targets in Egypt will be essential to structure and boost this enhanced partnership. Both parties emphasised in their meeting the importance and centrality of the role of various partners and stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society and youth in addressing the global climate agenda, and reiterated their full support to an inclusive climate response that promotes dialogue and active consultations. The two officials agreed to encourage mobilisation of climate finance and accelerating the delivery of the $100 billion pledge to developing countries, especially in Africa, for adaption to the climate change, Egypt has been calling out the inadequate climate finance in developing countries, especially in Africa, urging developed countries to help them adapt to climate change. The $100 billion pledge was announced during the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) to support developing countries for adaptation to climate change by $100 billion up till year 2020, but failed to reach its target. Shoukry and Timmermans discussed the preparation for COP27 in November and related issues like mechanisms for implementing the European Green Deal and supporting the process of just transition with a focus on the African continent. Both sides agreed to reinforce cooperation, to defend multilateralism and to spare no efforts to deliver ambitious outcomes at COP27, building on what was achieved in Glasgow to keep warming limited to 1.5 degrees and support developing countries in adapting to the impacts of climate change. According to the statement, both officials agreed that the implementation of the pledges and announcements made during COP26 in Glasgow should now be the priority including in the context of the 2022 Ministerial Roundtable meetings which were held in Dubai from two weeks ago. Search Keywords: Short link: KYODO NEWS - Apr 10, 2022 - 10:35 | All, Japan Over 20 percent of major Japanese companies that do business in Russia have decided to halt such operations following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine that triggered Western nations' economic sanctions against Russia, a survey by a credit research firm showed. In the Teikoku Databank Ltd. survey of 168 major Japanese firms that operate businesses in Russia, 37 companies said they plan to stop operations there as of March 15 amid a worsening environment due to disruptions in logistics and supply chains. Twenty-eight out of the 37 firms were manufacturers such as makers of cars and heavy construction equipment. No company planned to pull out of the Russian market completely, the survey showed. While some big-name Japanese firms such as Toyota Motor Corp. and Fast Retailing Co. have joined a growing list of global companies including McDonald's Corp. and Apple Inc. in halting local operations, the majority of the 168 Japanese businesses have been left in limbo as the outlook for the war remains unclear. The companies will run reputational risk if they continue to operate in the country as such a move may be considered as support for the invasion, while they also face the Russian government's threat to nationalize assets of businesses withdrawing from the country, the research firm said in a report. "The number of firms halting operations in Russia is expected to increase further" due to those risks, Teikoku Databank said. Out of the 37 companies halting their Russian operations, 22 opted for suspension of transactions including shipping products to the country, while seven firms chose to stop the production of goods. Four decided to suspend local operations such as stores. In March, Toyota halted operations at its plant in St. Petersburg due to supply chain disruptions and ordered its Russia-based staff home, while Fast Retailing said it will temporarily close all 50 of its stores in the country. Speaking to Japanese lawmakers by video link in late March, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked Japan to ban trade with Russia to stop what he called the "tsunami" of its invasion into his country. Globally, over 600 companies have announced their withdrawal from Russia or suspension of Russian operations, according to the Yale School of Management. Related coverage: Japan nonlife insurers halt contracts for firms operating in Russia Japan to phase out Russian coal imports after war in Ukraine 55% of Japan firms based overseas impacted by Ukraine crisis: poll KYODO NEWS - Apr 10, 2022 - 19:34 | All, World, Japan The new chief of a Myanmar pro-democracy organization in Japan on Sunday called on its people to band together for the Southeast Asian country's shadow government formed after a military coup more than a year ago. "Let's remember the people who lost their lives through the democracy movement," said Saw Ba Hla Thein, the head of the Japanese representative office for the National Unity Government, before holding a silent prayer at a fund-raising event in a park in central Tokyo, attended by more than 1,000 people. Having worked on human rights issues for many years, Saw Ba Hla Thein, of Myanmar's Karen ethnic minority, said, "I really want people in Japan to support the NUG and its Japan office" in his first major public appearance since assuming the top post in February. The NUG is ramping up its efforts to gain recognition as Myanmar's legitimate governing body to restore democracy in the country now controlled by the military, following years of a quasi-democracy. It has set up offices in multiple countries outside Myanmar, including Australia, the Czech Republic, France, South Korea and the United States. Formed two months after the coup on Feb. 1 last year, the NUG is mostly comprised of members of the National League for Democracy party led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The party won majority seats in parliament in the 2020 general election before being forced out of the country's leadership by the military junta. Suu Kyi, who has been detained again by the military since then, serves as state counselor under the shadow government, along with its president Win Myint. Since the coup, Myanmar's military has killed about 1,700 peaceful demonstrators and other citizens and left some 520,000 people displaced, most of whom are women and girls, according to U.N. and other data. While reports of atrocities in Ukraine following Russia's invasion in late February have drawn much attention from the international community, supporters of the shadow government say that the junta's ongoing acts of brutality toward civilians in Myanmar should not be overlooked. "I hope more and more Japanese people take an interest in democratization in Myanmar," said the NUG group's new leader, who came to Japan three decades ago and was recognized as a refugee by the Japanese government in 2006. Related coverage: Myanmar's military chief vows to "annihilate" anti-coup forces Myanmar dismisses U.S. labeling of Rohingya repression as genocide Never forget tragedy in Myanmar amid Ukraine crisis, expats say KYODO NEWS - Apr 10, 2022 - 12:17 | All, Japan A total of 62.9 percent of people in Japan with foreign roots were questioned by police over the past five years, preliminary results of a recent Tokyo Bar Association survey showed, with the group saying the outcome is evidence of biased behavior by officers. The survey on racial profiling drew responses from 2,094 people with roots in foreign countries. The association said it conducted the poll after receiving complaints that many such people had been questioned by police apparently due to their appearance. Among individuals who were approached by the police over the past five years, 50.4 percent were stopped "two to five times," while 10.8 percent were questioned "six to nine times" and 11.5 percent "10 times or more," according to the survey conducted between Jan. 11 and Feb. 28. A total of 70.3 percent of those individuals said they "felt uncomfortable" with the police questioning, while 85.4 percent said the police approached them upon recognizing they have roots in other countries. Most of those people believed officers had such an awareness because of their appearance. A Japanese law governing police officers on duty allows them to question people if there are reasons to suspect they have committed an unusual act or crime. But 76.9 percent of people who were questioned by police officers in the survey said there was no reason for being treated with suspicion. In a free description section, some wrote that after officers learned of their foreign nationality, they showed "overbearing behavior" toward them. The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo had warned on its official Twitter account last year that it had been receiving reports of "suspected racial profiling incidents" with several foreigners "detained, questioned and searched" by the police. Related coverage: Tokyo lawyers to collect info on police treatment of foreigners Vietnam intern arrested for killing acquaintance in northern Japan Vietnamese trainee in Japan demands apology for 2 years of abuse A rescue drill to evacuate visitors from sky trams was held on Friday in a famed scenic spot in Zhangjiajie in central China's Hunan Province. BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is finding fault with China again, nonsensically bashing it for not condemning Russia's military action in Ukraine and hyping up Beijing's threat to NATO's security. The U.S.-led military alliance has not yet sobered up to the reality that it primarily caused the Ukraine crisis and deterioration of European security. Instead, NATO has chosen to shift the blame and play victim. Ironically, while accusing China of "coercive diplomacy," the bloc has been busy coercing other countries to take sides. And the claim that China is spreading disinformation during the Ukraine crisis is disinformation itself. As typical smokescreens of the West's astute political footwork to smear China, labels such as "China threat" and "coercive diplomacy" are simply nonsense. Over the years, the U.S.-led military alliance has been a troublemaker in peacemaker's clothing, repeatedly meddling in regional and international affairs under the cloak of "human rights, democracy and peace." Its military operations, launched directly or indirectly under the guise of "humanitarian intervention" and "anti-terrorism," have wreaked appalling havoc on Syria, Afghanistan, Libya and the former Yugoslavia, among other regions. The fallout from the operations -- innumerable civilian casualties, property loss and crisis-ridden governments -- amounted to actual humanitarian disasters. As a relic of the Cold War, NATO, which should have disbanded long ago, has instead wantonly expanded eastward by leaps and bounds, disregarding Russia's legitimate security concerns and driving it to the corner of confrontation. Following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict, NATO countries hurriedly joined Washington to obstruct a political settlement, fan the flames and magnify regional conflict, provide Ukraine with money and weapons, and pummel Russia with sweeping and indiscriminate sanctions. NATO now reaps what it sows. An escalated conflict is corroding Europe's security and economy and widening divisions worldwide. In the end, it is the ordinary people who bear the brunt. What the bloc has long sought is to retain hegemony and seek absolute security with no regard for the interests of others. To this end, self-serving politicians within the alliance have been rehashing the "China-threat" hyperbole as a handy political tool to manufacture fear, issue sanctions and whip up ideological confrontation in pursuit of their own geopolitical agendas. Such attempts to carry forward the Cold War "legacy" of bloc confrontation and zero-sum games and portray China as the next "archenemy" have imperiled world peace and security and are deeply anachronistic in today's multi-polar world, where multilateralism and globalization are the norm. Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict, China, with an objective and just attitude, has been working actively toward realizing a cessation of hostilities as soon as possible, averting a humanitarian crisis and restoring peace and stability. Beijing takes no interest in drawing ideological lines or engaging in bloc politics to create confrontation and division. It adheres to an independent foreign policy of peace and reaches its own conclusions on an issue's merits. The world does not need a new Cold War. NATO should discard its Cold-War mentality and work with Russia, Ukraine and other countries to build a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture through dialogue and negotiation. This file photo shows locals ferry jerrycans on a donkey-cart in Ethiopia's Somali Regional state, Gode District, Ethiopia, Sept. 1, 2017. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) More than one million cattle have died due to the ongoing severe drought in Ethiopia's Somali region. ADDIS ABABA, April 10 (Xinhua) -- More than one million cattle have died due to the ongoing severe drought in Ethiopia's Somali region. The drought, which is said to be the worst drought that hit Ethiopia's southeastern Somali region in 40 years, has severely affected the region's pastoralist community, state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC) quoted Somali region president Mustafa Muhammed as saying. Noting that the drought has affected nine zonal administrations across the region, Muhammed warned that the already dire situation would further exacerbate if the drought condition persists. He called for swift and concerted efforts to prevent the drought-induced humanitarian catastrophe in the region, which is Ethiopia's second-largest in terms of geographical area. This file photo shows a girl carrying jerrycans in Ethiopia's Somali Regional state, Gode District, Ethiopia, Sept. 1, 2017. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) had recently warned that the shortages of water and pasture are devastating livelihoods, forcing families from their homes across the regions in southern and south-eastern Ethiopia. "Livestock are dying, crops are failing, and an estimated 5.7 million people wake up hungry every day in southern and south-eastern Ethiopia as the Horn of Africa grapples with the most severe drought since 1981," the WFP had said last week. According to the WFP, in total, some 6.8 million people have been affected by the drought, which also affects parts of Ethiopia's Oromia and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Regions (SNNPR). The WFP warned that immediate and scaled-up assistance is critical to avoiding a major humanitarian crisis in the drought-affected areas of Ethiopia and helping communities become more resilient to extreme climate shocks. It said 130 million U.S. dollars is urgently needed to provide this assistance over the next four months, responding to the needs of 3.5 million of the most drought-affected people. BOGOTA, April 9 (Xinhua) -- At least three soldiers were killed and six others wounded in an ambush while patrolling near the municipality of Ituango in Antioquia department, the Colombian army said Saturday. "On the night of Friday, April 8, a military vehicle ... was attacked by explosives embedded along the road apparently by terrorists from the organized armed group Structure 18," the Command of the Seventh Army Division said in a statement. The six wounded soldiers are recovering in a regional health center. The attack has been attributed to dissidents of the now disbanded guerrilla group the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), said the army. The FARC guerrilla group was demobilized in 2016 and is currently an opposition political party. And yet some dissident members did not turn in their weapons and continued operations. "(We) will file the corresponding complaints with the Attorney General's Office for the use of illicit means and methods of war, which violates international humanitarian law," the statement said. Photo taken on April 6, 2022 shows a sculpture and flags at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.(Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) The U.S.-led military alliance has not yet sobered up to the reality that it primarily caused the Ukraine crisis and the deterioration of European security. Instead, NATO has chosen to shift the blame and play the victim. BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is finding fault with China again, nonsensically bashing it for not condemning Russia's military action in Ukraine and hyping up Beijing's threat to NATO's security. The U.S.-led military alliance has not yet sobered up to the reality that it primarily caused the Ukraine crisis and the deterioration of European security. Instead, NATO has chosen to shift the blame and play the victim. Ironically, while accusing China of "coercive diplomacy," the bloc has been busy coercing other countries to take sides. And the claim that China is spreading disinformation during the Ukraine crisis is disinformation itself. As typical smokescreens of the West's astute political footwork to smear China, labels such as "China threat" and "coercive diplomacy" are simply nonsense. Over the years, the U.S.-led military alliance has been a troublemaker in peacemaker's clothing, repeatedly meddling in regional and international affairs under the cloak of "human rights, democracy and peace." Its military operations, launched directly or indirectly under the guise of "humanitarian intervention" and "anti-terrorism," have wreaked appalling havoc on Syria, Afghanistan, Libya and the former Yugoslavia, among other regions. The fallout from the operations -- innumerable civilian casualties, property loss and crisis-ridden governments -- amounted to actual humanitarian disasters. As a relic of the Cold War, NATO, which should have disbanded long ago, has instead wantonly expanded eastward by leaps and bounds, disregarding Russia's legitimate security concerns and driving it to the corner of confrontation. Following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict, NATO countries hurriedly joined Washington to obstruct a political settlement, fan the flames and magnify regional conflict, provide Ukraine with money and weapons, and pummel Russia with sweeping and indiscriminate sanctions. NATO now reaps what it sows. An escalated conflict is corroding Europe's security and economy and widening divisions worldwide. In the end, it is the ordinary people who bear the brunt. What the bloc has long sought is to retain hegemony and seek absolute security with no regard for the interests of others. Photo taken on April 7, 2022 shows the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. The meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs was held at NATO headquarters on April 6 and 7. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) To this end, self-serving politicians within the alliance have been rehashing the "China-threat" hyperbole as a handy political tool to manufacture fear, issue sanctions and whip up ideological confrontation in pursuit of their own geopolitical agendas. Such attempts to carry forward the Cold War "legacy" of bloc confrontation and zero-sum games and portray China as the next "archenemy" have imperiled world peace and security and are deeply anachronistic in today's multi-polar world, where multilateralism and globalization are the norm. Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict, China, with an objective and just attitude, has been working actively toward realizing a cessation of hostilities as soon as possible, averting a humanitarian crisis and restoring peace and stability. Beijing takes no interest in drawing ideological lines or engaging in bloc politics to create confrontation and division. It adheres to an independent foreign policy of peace and reaches its own conclusions on an issue's merits. The world does not need a new Cold War. NATO should discard its Cold-War mentality and work with Russia, Ukraine and other countries to build a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture through dialogue and negotiation. NAIROBI, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Six family members were killed in a suspected arson attack in central Kenya on Saturday night, local police confirmed on Sunday. A woman, her three children and two grandchildren died in a fire that engulfed their house, which had been apparently bolted from outside, central regional police commander Manase Musyoka said. "We have launched investigations into the incident," he said on the phone. "We are yet to establish the motive of the attack." Investigators said the remains of the victims were found at the door, an indication that they had tried to escape. Musyoka said one suspect, a sister of the deceased woman who has reportedly been arguing over matrimonial property, was arrested in connection with the incident and is helping the police with investigations. KABUL, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's counter-narcotics police have arrested a drug trafficker and seized 300 kg opium in the northern Takhar province, the Taliban-led caretaker government said on Sunday. The police made the arrest in Kalafgan district of the province and seized 300 kg of opium from the culprit, it said in a statement. Afghanistan's Taliban-led caretaker government has vowed to fight against poppy cultivation and opium trade in the war-torn Asian country. On Thursday, two people were arrested for carrying 1,200 kg opium in the northern Kunduz province. Switzerland will have to reduce consumption of Russian gas in the event of interruptions in its supply to Europe, Thomas Hegglin of the Swiss Gas Industry Association (VSG) said, Trend reports citing the AWP financial agency. According to Hegglin, despite this, the country will have an advantage over other countries due to gas supplies from Azerbaijan and North Africa. "We must be prepared for this. The shortage of Russian gas supplies cannot be fully compensated within Europe, at least in the short term, and without reducing its consumption," he noted. "However, even in this scenario Switzerland will have an advantage, because it will be able to continue to receive gas from the south - from North Africa through Italy, as well as from Azerbaijan." If there was a shortage in Switzerland, the Confederation would take management measures, the VSGs expert stressed. "The measures include switching to fuel oil for consumers dual-fuel (in which fuel oil can be replaced by natural gas), calls for savings and limiting requirements for large consumers. However, Swiss gas supplies are now largely secure. There should be enough gas for its industry, even though prices are at an exceptionally high level," Hegglin further noted. "However, securing gas supply in the coming winter could be a big challenge. That is why the Federal Council already decided on the measures at the beginning of March. Thus, it is expected that gas companies will be able to start joint purchases of gas, storage capacity and liquefied natural gas (LNG)," he added. Solutions for next winter According to Hegglin, VSG intends to propose a possible solution to the Federal Council, together with the responsible departments and authorities. The EU wants to reduce imports of Russian gas by two-thirds by the end of the year compared to the previous year. More than 40 percent of imported gas comes from Russia: in particular, Germany depends on Russian imports. In comparison, gas consumption in Switzerland is very low and accounts for about 15 percent of the country's total energy demand. Azerbaijani gas supplies to Europe via the Southern Gas Corridor began on December 31, 2020. For the first time in history, Azerbaijan exported its natural gas to the European market through pipelines. With direct access to the European market, which is the world's largest importer of natural gas, Azerbaijan has diversified its export opportunities. TAP, which is the European part of the Southern Gas Corridor, will annually supply eight billion cubic meters of gas to Italy and one billion cubic meters of gas to Greece and Bulgaria. To date, Azerbaijans gas exports to Europe via TAP have reached 10.9 billion cubic meters. Banaskantha: Union Home Minister Amit Shah today inaugurated the Border View Point at Nadabet in Banaskantha district. At the same time, many leaders including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel participated in this event. At the launch of the viewpoint, Home Minister Shah said, "Whenever there is a problem in front of the country, the BSF never shies away from showing valour. BSF has always done the best. With one Mahavir Chakra, 4 Kirti Chakras, 13 Vir Chakras, 13 Shaurya Chakras and an immortal saga of innumerable sacrifices, the BSF has moved on to the goal. The country is proud of you. The Nadabet View Point will once again put the stories of our heroes in front of us. There is also a feeling of patriotism in the minds of the children by coming here. This will also boost tourism.'' This will be the first border point in Gujarat, where the viewer gallery, photo gallery and weapons and tanks will also be showcased like the Bagha border. Yes, and only BSF jawans will be able to perform in Nadabet. Not only this but there will not be a retreat ceremony like the Bagha border here. The point of Nadabate has been built 20-25 kilometres before the Indo-Pak border. Yes, and Nadabet is located at a distance of about 240 kilometres from Ahmedabad. In such a situation, the tourist will be able to touch the barbed wires on the border and in addition to this, they will also be able to enjoy the sunset from the foreign birds and watchtowers. With all this, different activities can be done by tourists here. Yes and this viewpoint is the story of those Bravehearts who have sacrificed for their duty. Tragic incident in Ladakh, 4 labourers killed in under-construction bridge collapse Power cut for hours during board exams, Students forced to study by mobile torch Cloud of crisis looms large over Sri Lanka, people are seeking refuge in India Chennai: 19 nationals from Sri Lanka, who are suffering from financial problems, crossed Jaffna and Mannar and reached Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu by boat. Earlier on Friday, a family of four persons, including two children, had also reached Dhanushkodi. The Sri Lankan Tamils said that due to the severe economic crisis, it has become very difficult to live in Sri Lanka and there has been a steep rise in the prices of essential commodities there. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since gaining independence from Britain in 1948. India has recently announced a $1 billion loan to Sri Lanka as financial assistance to tackle the economic crisis. The Indian High Commission on Wednesday announced the sending of two more fuel ships to Colombo under a loan. A consignment of rice from India to Sri Lanka is also being sent. Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin on Thursday informed the Centre that Tamil Nadu is ready to send essential items like rice and life-saving medicines to Sri Lanka keeping in mind the welfare of Tamils. All they need is permission for distribution through the Indian High Commission there. So far, 39 Sri Lankan Tamils, including women and children, have reached the Indian coast to seek asylum. Sri Lanka is currently facing an economic threat. In view of this, many people are reaching the Tamil Nadu border to seek refuge in India. Power crisis in Andhra Pradesh, delivery in flashlight Our government is giving strength to farmers: PM Modi Farmer initiated future of children! Less space for school, donated 4 bighas of land Home Just In Aasis Beats knows Nepal can contribute to the global music industry. Now, he is ensuring the world knows it too Looking at photos of his favourite music producers with gold and platinum plaques, Aasis Giri always wondered if he would ever have those plaques in his house. To give himself a chance, he worked hard. Sitting in front of his laptop for days and nights, Giri, more popularly known as Aasis Beats in the musical world, learned the art of sample making and music production and in the span of five years has had his name in over 500 songs with artists from all over the world, one of which has recently awarded him a platinum plaque. It felt really good to see your work being liked by people which results in things like these, says Aasis. But, Aasis Beats is not done yet. He wants to continue to get better and work with people from all over the world. By doing so, he wants to show the musicians around the world that Nepalis have the ability to work with the best in the world. He also wants to inspire a young generation of Nepali producers and pave way for them to become successful in the future. Theres so much talent here in Nepal. Just need the right mentorship and should know how to market themselves, says the 25-year-old. Learning by doing Aasis Beats has always been captivated by music. He learnt how to play the piano in school and got into hip-hop at an early age. But, it was during the last years of his teens when he was introduced to FL Studio, a digital audio workstation, after which he was obsessed with beat and sample making. The sound of melodies and drums captivated me. The more time I started to spend on FL Studio, the more it got addictive. That is when I started to follow all the popular music producers, he says. Watching how producers like Young Thug and Metro Boomin worked, Aasis Beats started to emulate them and started playing around with sound at FL Studio. By the time he was 20, he knew he was ready and started to produce beats to sell abroad. I used to make samples and sell them for a few dollars. People buying that gave me the drive to do this regularly. Earning money meant Aasis Beats could also upgrade his equipment. With an upgrade in equipment, his music also evolved. And, that gave him the confidence to approach international artists. During his free time, he messaged popular artists and their close friends. One of them was the late Nicky Bondz. He sent these people samples of his work and those who like it would approach to work with him. He mentored me and taught me what people look for. I am thankful to him and his help. Earning by fun Aasis has worked with musicians from across the globe. The platinum plaque Aasis Beats has in his room is for the single Satellite that he produced for Bondz. The song sold over a million times on apple music and over a million streams on Spotify too. Once that happened, he started to get offers for other collaborations. Artists around the world started to like his samples and the way he produced music and for the past five years, this has been a full-time gig for him. Initially, I didnt care about money. I was in it because I was captivated by samples. But, as I started to work, my work started to get recognised and people started to use my samples. When I started to work with big artists, I got royalties, credit and recognition. After that, there was no going back, says Aasis Beats. But, it was not as rosy. During his initial phase, he suffered setbacks. His messages hardly got any response. Channelling the frustration, he worked even harder and persisted and that bore fruit gradually as his samples have also been used by universal music and he is now working with people producing a Netflix series. Giving it to his own grounds While Aasis Beats has done a lot of work internationally, in Nepal, he is still unknown. The main reason is he has not worked on a lot of projects here in Nepal. Why? Because he knows that having a stable economic life by doing music alone is not possible in Nepal. People ask me to produce beats for Rs 500. That is not fair to me and my skills. But, that said, he says he does work on projects that he likes as he feels that Nepali music has a lot of potential. Aasis Beats does feel that Nepalis are not using their potential. The music that many producers are making here is recycled sound. Its great here, but internationally, these sounds have already been in use for a decade. If anyone wants to go international, they should stop using old samples and create their own. He says using the samples is not wrong, but using the sample to create something new or creating a new sample altogether will give young producers a chance to make a mark internationally. I tell this to everyone I meet because I believe that there is a lot of talent and if they use it well, they can bring home a Grammy. Making a mark Along with that, Aasis Beats also says people need to give emphasis on placement and market their sound to the right audience. I think 50 per cent of what I do is business. If I dont market it to the right people, however good my music is it wont sell. This is why he has started to use TikTok to promote his song. He also wants to put up tutorials on the platforms to help young people know the ins and outs of music productions and how to distribute the music they produce. Aasis Beats believes that the rap scene in the country needs to evolve too. With so much potential being wasted, he feels that these young guys need to move away from the dis culture and work on bringing good music to years of people. He feels Nepal needs a paradigm shift in this. To take your music globally, we need to change the landscape here. Sure, the sounds people like here will remain, but we need to keep exploring and using our creative minds to create something that will sell not only in Nepal but also all over the world. It is never easy for parents to see their child go through any problem. Yet, for Sunita Maleku Amatya, finding that her 28-month child was autistic was not easy. Amatya is an anesthesiologist at Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, yet she says being a medical professional did not make her process to make peace with it any easier either. But, rather than waiting for help, she took the initiative to learn about autism and even opened a non-governmental organisation AutismCare Nepal Society (ACNS) in 2008 for other parents like her struggling with autism in Nepal. Following this, she has been a key person in influencing the campaigns about autism in Nepal and in making autism among the 10 classified disabilities here. Talking with Onlinekhabar, Amatya shares her experiences and insights on what autism is, its status in Nepal and all things the country is yet to address. Excerpts: What is the status of autism in Nepal? How do we see that changing in todays scenario? In the world, some 2 per cent of children are diagnosed with autism whereas according to the US governments CDC, it is one in 54 children. We do not have the number, but there is a worrisome rate at which cases of autism in Nepal are being reported. Post-Covid, the cases have increased and now, there are four to fives cases being diagnosed a day from just one healthcare clinic in Nepal. By the end of the month, there are more than 120 cases of children being suspected and diagnosed with the autism spectrum. The undiagnosed cases are still a variable. But, given the increase in awareness levels among the people, the positive aspect is that the age of diagnosis among children has decreased from the earlier seven to eight years of age to one to three years. This is good because it is the ideal diagnosis time. Signs can be diagnosed in children as early as eight to nine months but they are easy to miss signs. By two years of age, a childs regular development, reciprocal as well as social behaviour can be confirmed to be within the autistic spectrum or not. The early diagnosis is also essential for the development of young children as their behaviour can be intercepted early with stimulation and behaviour therapy that helps the child to navigate through life. Parents and caregivers can facilitate them better as well, which will help them throughout their life. They might not be cured of autism but when they are given early intervention, they can be more independent and self-reliant, with minimal intervention from others. The first meeting of the Autism Inclusive Club in Lalitpur, on Monday, February 24, 2020. How has the discussion around autism in Nepal changed in the past decade? When we first started the ACNS, some 14 years ago, there was no awareness or no organisation even talking about autism in Nepal. Today, the scenario has changed and people know what autism is and that it is a spectrum disorder. There are many dialogues and organisations in the field, yet there are still many lapses that need to be addressed by all the stakeholders. Compared to the time when my son was diagnosed, parents today have more information and places to seek help for autism in Nepal. My husband and I went to a Delhi-based autism centre to learn about it and did a three-month training. Today, the ACNS is providing the same training and a diploma course for parents too. Also, parents now have understood that they need to speak and let others know if they do not want to be judged by society and comfort their children. There is a network of parents in various parts of Nepal that are initiating and promoting awareness of autism in Nepal. What are some of the common misconceptions about autism in Nepal that people need to change? Children within the autism spectrum indeed have cognitive differences, but that does not mean they are dumb or stupid. It is just that they have an uneven cognitive development that does not match their age; they learn differently than others. In fact, there are people with Aspergers syndrome who have high functioning brain development. They are good at specific tasks where they have a fixed set of work to do, in fact, even better, more productively and honestly. And, dialogues have started around the inclusion of autistic people in the workplace. We need to give them predictability cues to help them foster better communication flow. Meanwhile, it is also not true that they cannot attend normal schools; my child is one example. But for that, we need more flexible schools that incorporate therapeutic sessions and have trained teachers. And regardless of their performance, parents and teachers should not put the same level of expectations of their brain functioning and academic results in school. We need to take a more individualistic approach. What are the major problems that stakeholders working on autism in Nepal are facing? The number one problem with autism in Nepal is the lack of skilled human resources as they need skills in multidisciplinary areas and therapy techniques. Though there are needs and opportunities, we have a more unmotivated younger generation who are unaware that they can make a career in this field. Having said that, those who come for autism in Nepal are harder to sustain. For our organisation itself that has invested and trained the people, the human resources are lacking because we lack funds to pay them. We are still struggling to give services to those who need help today. Another problem is a lack of discussion among the public and the normalisation of the dialogues within families. We also lack flexible schools and trained teachers that can facilitate the children. What about the parents and caregivers? Are there enough dialogues about autism in Nepal among them? Not at all, we have not even started to talk about it. When a child is diagnosed with autism in Nepal, it is the mother who becomes their primary caregiver, irrespective of their background. We are also not okay with leaving the child with somebody else either. So, it is more likely that the burden is more on the mother from taking care of the child to facing the judgements and social stigmas as well as taking care of other families and their needs or even putting the child over her career. On top of all, they are struggling with their childs condition and come to terms with it. They are more likely to develop anxiety, depression and social exclusion from friends, families and even partners. They need as much care as the child; only then can they give better care to the child. I was lucky that rather than leaving my job, I got a supportive family who helped me in taking care of our son every step of the way. Recently, initiatives like Care for Carers have started dialogues around it. Our parent-child training programme has been an outlet for our stakeholders and also allows them to feel a level of empathy. But, we need a more constructive nationwide system. What else is there that Nepal can do for autistic children? Catering to 100 per cent of children and curing them is an unrealistic dream. Yet, we can curate a plan to make a separate package to cater to the different needs of people suffering from autism in Nepal. We need to design a nationwide early intervention and awareness system. Then, we need to make sure the children should be able to go to schools near them. Another major problem that has not been discussed is the number of orphaned autistic children. For all this, local government units can emerge as the solution to the problems. Their roles are today limited to giving documents for ID cards. But, just having the budget and power is not enough; they need to be aware and have knowledge about what the locals need. Oppo Reno 7 Pro is one of the three smartphones released in the Oppo Reno 7 lineup recently. Though the phones were released long ago in China, it now has been finally launched in the Indian market as well. The phone is yet to arrive in Nepal but is expected soon. Today, we will be discussing Reno 7 Pro, the best offering in the Reno 7 series. Oppo Reno 7 Pro is the successor of Oppo Reno 6 Pro which was released last year. It comes with some upgrades from the previous version, in particular, design and display. However, it might be difficult for the product to compete in the market given its high price for the same or similar features. Though there was no official release of the Reno 6 Pro from Oppo in Nepal, various outlets such as Daraz online shopping made the phone available to purchase here. The same is likely with Oppo Reno 7 Pro also. Lets get into the details of the phone. Specifications Dimensions Height: 158.2mm Width: 73.2mm Thickness: 7.45mm Weight: 180 grams Display 6.50-inch, AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 920 nits (peak) Screen-to-body ratio 92.8% Sim Dual sims Resolution 1,080*2,400 pixels OS Android 11, ColorOS 12 Chipset MediaTek Dimensity 1200 Max 5G GPU ARM G77 MC9 Storage 256GB SD card slot No RAM 12GB Camera Front: 32MP, f/2.4 Rear: 50MP, f/1.8 8MP, f/2.2, 119 degrees FOV (Ultrawide) 2MP, f/2.4 (macro) Sound Loudspeakers with stereo speakers 3.5mm headphone jack Battery 4500mAh, li-po, non-removable 65W Fast charging Reverse charging Sensors Geomagnetic sensor Colour temperature sensor Proximity sensor Optical sensor Accelerometer Gravity sensor Gyroscope pedometer Price (Expected) Rs 70,000 Design and display Photo: Oppo Oppo Reno 7 Pro flaunts a new boxy look as it appears. The phone has flat edges and round corners. The phone has a glass front and glass back along with an aluminium frame build. Major upgrades have been made in terms of the design of this phone. Oppo is using wear-resistant coated ceramic and metal on the phone to make the cameras more noticeable and protect them at the same time. This innovation also adds an elegant touch to the device. Photo: Oppo Oppo also claims to be the first in the industry to use hot-bent optical fibre technology. It allows light to quietly glow around the camera piece in the form of a 3D orbit breathing light. The light informs the users of incoming calls, new notifications, and more. The back of the Oppo Reno 7 Pro is designed in a way that reflects lights and produces beautiful colours. The back is also smudge-free. The phone weighs around 180 grams and is 7.45mm thick making it comfortable on the hands and inside the pocket as well. Photo: Oppo There is a 6.50-inch AMOLED display on the phone with a resolution of 1,080*2,400 pixels. The display on the phone supports a 90Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ feature for a smooth and dynamic view. It can also achieve a peak brightness of up to 920 nits. The display also covers about 92.8% of the body, giving an immersive viewing experience to the users. The display on this phone is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. There is no mention of IP certification on the phone. Cameras Photo: Oppo Oppo Reno 7 Pro goes with a triple camera setup instead of the quad-camera setup seen on the Reno 6 Pro. The main 50MP Sony IMX766 camera on the back is accompanied by an 8MP, with 119 degrees FOV ultrawide and a 2MP macro lens. There is also a colour temperature sensor and an LED flashlight housed together on the camera module. On the front, there is a 32MP camera with an aperture of f/2.4. The cameras on the phone have exciting features for the users. The phone offers shooting modes like the photo, video, night, expert, panorama, portrait, time-lapse, dual-view video, slow-motion, text scanner, extra HD, macro, movie, sticker, and Google lens. The main camera on Oppo Reno 7 Pro can record videos in 4K resolution but only in 30fps and does not support video stabilisation in this resolution. The camera only supports video stabilisation in 1080p @ 30fps, which is the same for the front camera as well. The main camera also can record videos in slo-mo and has zoom features that are not available on the front camera. Performance and memory Photo: Oppo Oppo Reno 7 Pro runs on Android 11 with ColorOS 12 on top. The phone is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 1200 Max 5G (6nm) chipset and the graphics are handled by ARM G77 MC9. There is a 12GB LPDDR4X RAM onboard the phone which can be further expanded by 7GB. This can help in boosting the performance of the phone and can be extremely handy during intensive gaming and heavy-duty multitasking. The phone also features an AI frame rate stabiliser that is said to prevent frame-rate loss and lagging during gaming. The phone features 256GB of internal storage and there is no option of expanding the memory with a microSD card. Battery life, connectivity and others Photo: Oppo Oppo Reno 7 Pro features a 4500mAh, non-removable li-po battery which supports 65W SUPERVOOC fast charging. This fast charger gets the phone fully charged in just 31 minutes and the company claims even five minutes of charging can provide four hours of video playback time. Oppo Reno 7 Pro supports two sim cards, out of which only 1 supports a 5G network. The phone also supports dual-band Wifi, Wifi6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for further connectivity. The phone supports a Type-C cable for charging and connecting with other devices. For audio, there are stereo speakers on the phone and also a 3.5mm headphone jack. The price of the Oppo Reno 7 Pro is INR 39,999 and we can expect a price range of around Rs 70,000 when the phone is available here. A crushing drought thats gripped California for years is on track to get even worse over the coming months. Much of the states freshwater comes from mountain snowmelt, which makes the lack of snow this past winter a worrisome development for Californias reservoirs and waterways. MUST SEE: A lake that provides power to millions just fell to a historic low Winter started out with a glimmer of hope in the Golden State as prolific snowfall across the Sierra Nevada rocketed the region to more than 400 per cent of its normal snowfall for the month of December. 4 The regions fortunes abruptly reversed as the winter progressed, though, and the mountains endured a tremendous snowless streak. The Sierra Nevada saw less than 10 per cent of its normal snowfall from January through March. 5 The bulk of Californias precipitation falls during the fall and winter, with communities often going months without seeing meaningful precipitation between May and October. Adding insult to injury, hot temperatures washed over California early this spring. Temperatures soared well above 30C as early as the beginning of March. Years of lacklustre rainy seasons and long, hot dry seasons have exacted a compounding toll on the states resources. California finds itself lurching from one season to the next in a worse spot than it began. 1 MEAGER WINTER SNOWS COULD HURT CALIFORNIAS MAJOR CROPS Another long stretch of worsening drought will have far-reaching effects on agricultural interests across the state. Farmers throughout the Central Valley face the prospect of a significant burden from the ongoing drought and lack of winter snowfall in the mountains. California is a major grower of produce like almonds, lettuce, and strawberries. 7 The enormous expanse of farmland across central California accounts for the vast majority of the states water consumption during very dry years. Much of that water comes from snowmelt that pools up in reservoirs downstream. Snowmelt is a significant source of freshwater for lower elevations across California. The states reservoirs are heading into the heart of spring at less than half of their total capacity, and the underwhelming snowpack in the mountains will stress the regions freshwater resources even further. Story continues WATCH: A 'MEGADROUGHT' COULD BE UNDERWAY IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES Click here to view the video ONGOING DROUGHT COULD MAKE FOR ANOTHER BAD WILDFIRE SEASON While the effects on freshwater reserves and agriculture will have far-reaching impacts, the most tangible effect of Californias stunning droughts are the wildfires that have ravaged communities across the state in recent years. While theres no direct correlation between snowpack and the severity of a wildfire season, the extreme lack of precipitation paired with intense heat has desiccated vegetation and allowed one horrendous blaze after another to break out. 6 About two-thirds of Californias 20 most destructive wildfires on record have occurred since 2017, with seven of those fires unfolding in 2020 and 2021. These deadly blazes have consumed hundreds of thousands of hectares of land and burned tens of thousands of homes. 2018s Camp Fire was the most destructive wildfire in California history, killing 85 people when it almost entirely destroyed the town of Paradise. This years ongoing and widespread drought, bookended by the major early-spring heat, will put the state in a bad position heading into the summer months and the heart of wildfire season this autumn. With files from The Weather Network meteorologist Kevin MacKay. Thumbnail courtesy of Unsplash. (Bloomberg) -- In Silicon Valley, where board seats at public companies rarely trade hands, Twitter Inc. is the unruly exception. The social network has rotated through waves of directors in recent years as it dealt with slowing growth, executive turnover, contentious activist investors and unending political strife. Most Read from Bloomberg Now the board has Elon Musk. Over the last few months, the worlds wealthiest person went from being one of the loudest voices on Twitter to the companys largest shareholder and board member. That transition has left employees and analysts guessing about Musks plans for the $37 billion company. It also puts a spotlight on Twitters mostly quiet board, which will now have to contend with the mercurial celebrity businessman. Hes launched rockets into space. And helped solve the worlds energy crisis, said Matt Navarra, social media consultant and industry analyst. Hes about to discover tackling content moderation on social media platforms is harder than both those things. Musk will be an unusual addition to the Twitter board. He isnt an expert in advertising, which is how Twitter makes money, and he has a habit of tangling with regulators, who are a constant concern for any large social media platform. Jack Dorsey, Twitters former chief executive, is set to depart the board later this year when his term expires. Unlike Dorsey and Musk, the remaining 10 board members keep relatively low profiles. They dont tweet nearly as often, and one hasnt tweeted at all. Shares of Twitter have jumped more than 17% since Musk disclosed his holdings, a sign that investors believe that he will have both the inclination and the influence to help the company hit its ambitious growth targets. Last year, under pressure from activist investor Elliott Management Corp., Twitter set a goal of reaching 315 million daily active users and doubling its revenue by the end of 2023. Story continues But some analysts doubt that the kind of publicity that follows Musk will be good for Twitter. This acquisition doesnt change what Twitter needs, said Tom Forte, senior research analyst at D.A. Davidson. It increases its stature and profile, but that hasnt been where Twitter has come up short. The story of Twitters leadership up until this point is an eventful one. Dorsey, a Twitter co-founder, started his second stint as its CEO in 2015, when the board consisted of mostly Silicon Valley insiders, and only one woman. He pushed to diversify Twitters directors, and the following year the company replaced two early investors on its board with PepsiCo Inc. executive Hugh Johnston and Martha Lane Fox, a British internet entrepreneur. In a statement, a Twitter spokesperson said, We've been open about the need to diversify our board, and that commitment still stands today. The company has added two female members in the last two years. In 2020, as Twitters stock price languished, activist investor Elliott Management targeted the companyand Dorsey in particular. Elliott pushed for Dorseys ouster, complaining that he was also running Square, another public company. In March of 2020, Elliott took a board seat at Twitter, as did private equity firm Silver Lake. Elliott was represented by Jesse Cohn (who left last year), and Silver Lake by Egon Durban. Dorsey appeared to have won a reprieve, but in 2021, he stepped down as CEO, handing the reins to Parag Agarwal, Twitters chief technologist. At the same time, Salesforce.com Inc. executive Bret Taylor became the board chairman. Despite all that upheaval, the boards most chaotic era may be yet to come. Musks appointment to Twitters board is very likely to bring controversy and theatrics, Navarra said. Musk, 50, has dropped some hints about his plans at Twitter. Since Jan. 31, when he quietly began acquiring Twitter shares, Musk criticized the company for failing to adhere to free speech principles. More recently, he promised that Twitters next board meeting is gonna be lit. He added an image showing him smoking marijuana on Joe Rogans podcast, an incident that prompted a Pentagon review. (Musk also runs Space Exploration Technologies Corp., a government contractor.) Some analysts expect that Musk will play an active role in Twitters product development and policy movesincluding, potentially, its decision to remove Donald Trump from the platform permanently in 2021. (Facebook and YouTube temporarily froze the former presidents account.) Musk could try to convince the company to take it a little easier on content moderation, said Ali Mogharabi, senior equity analyst at Morningstar Investment Service, who predicted that the billionaire would push to reactivate Trumps account. However, its unclear how much power Musk could exert over that decision as a lone board member controlling about a 10th of the company. Several Twitter employees said they were concerned about Musks positions on content moderation, as well as allegations of racism at a Tesla factory. The employees asked not to be identified discussing private company information. Another Twitter staffer called those upset about Musks appointment a loud minority. Most people at Twitter learned that Musk would get a board seat only minutes before the move was announced publicly, according to multiple people at the company. Musk will field questions directly from employees when he joins Agrawal at a company all-hands meeting next week. From now on, staffers may get a more detailed look at decision-making at Twitter via Musks own feed. Boards frequently limit how much their members can speak about the company, and often have codes of conduct and confidentially agreements, said Karen Brenner, executive director of law and business initiatives at New York Universitys business school. But those constraints likely wont work for Musk, Brenner said. He has shown that he believes he can speak as freely as he wants and flout whatever rules are in place. Whatever mysteries surround Musks plans for Twitter, they probably wont stay mysterious for long. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. A voter arrives to drop off her ballot, Aug. 4, 2020, at the Mesa Community College polling place, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. At long last, that hallowed day has arrived. This historic moment when Arizonas conspiracy crowd can rise, with one voice, and proclaim, aHA! Yes, it seems that Arizonas elusive election fraud has finally been uncovered. The Arizona Republican Party was jubilant at the news, delivered in Attorney General Mark Brnovichs interim report on the findings of the Maricopa County election audit. BREAKING NEWS: Arizona Audit w/ @KelliWardAZ. AG @GeneralBrnovich has determined widespread FRAUD in the Maricopa County 2020 election, the Arizona Republican Party breathlessly reported. BREAKING NEWS: Arizona Audit w/ @KelliWardAZ AG @GeneralBrnovich has determined widespread FRAUD in the Maricopa County 2020 election. Read the 12-page report here: https://t.co/3qea5k1jlD #AmericasAudit #SaveAmerica pic.twitter.com/6chgmOsklk Republican Party of Arizona (@AZGOP) April 7, 2022 State GOP Chairwoman Kelli Ward was practically orgasmic. Perp walks & prosecutions on the way! #ElectionIntegrity, she tweeted. Ward even made a video about it (with a fundraising plea, no doubt, still to come). Story continues The report says the Election Integrity Unit review has uncovered instances of election fraud, Ward reported to the party faithful. Yes, election fraud by individuals who have been or will be prosecuted for various election crimes... Wow. Thats big. The words fraud and prosecuted are finally being used. Widespread election fraud = 9 cases in 3.4 million votes Wow is right. Especially if you read the footnote accompanying the 12-page report's lone sentence about election fraud the one that references a report on all the fraud that Brnovichs Elections Integrity Unit has uncovered in the 2020 presidential election. All nine cases. There are the six felons who somehow allegedly managed to vote while in Pima County jail. And there are three women who returned their recently deceased mothers early ballots. Two of them live in Maricopa County, one in Cochise County. So. Nine cases of election fraud. Out of 3.4 million votes cast. Somethings widespread, all right, and rather fragrant, as well. But it isnt fraud. Within hours of Brnovich's report, Republican legislative hopeful Steve Zipperman had already pumped out a fundraising plea. "Attorney General Brnovich has released a letter to Senator Fann (click below for full text), declaring that there WAS Election Fraud in the 2020 election...," wrote Zipperman, one of three Republicans hoping to replace Sen. Karen Fann. "As the ONLY Arizona Senate Candidate for LD-1 who declared that there WAS Election Fraud in 2020, Steve was attacked for his conviction. Steves insight, courage, and motivation to restore voter confidence in Arizona is essential." No word on Steve's ability to read a footnote. Or maybe he intentionally omitted the fact that we are talking about nine whole cases of election fraud. Not even Brnovich the Senate candidate who is slipping in the polls and desperately chasing Donald Trumps endorsement could bring himself to claim Arizona's election was stolen, though he came as close as he possibly could. (Which is to say, not close at all). He claimed there are serious vulnerabilities in Arizonas electoral system, but he couldnt point to a single instance of a phony vote as a result. The only 'vulnerability' is Brnovich's Senate campaign The only truly serious vulnerability here is Brnovichs Senate campaign prospects, which is why I suspect that the attorney general who in 2020 had no problem with Arizonas election now suddenly ... does. In November 2020, as politicians all around him were diving for cover, Brnovich went on national TV to proclaim that there was simply no evidence that Donald Trump was robbed in Arizona. Then he went on to certify the election. It came down to: People split their ticket, he told Fox Business Neil Cavuto. People voted for Republicans down ballot, and they didnt vote for President Trump or Martha McSally. So, thats the reality. And yet here is Brnovich now, when there still is no evidence that Donald Trump was robbed. It is frustrating. Its frustrating to all of us," he said on Steve Bannon's podcast on Thursday. "Because I think we all know what happened in 2020, he told Bannon. I assure you Steve, I understand how serious this is. I understand why people are frustrated. More frustrating still is what is happening in 2022. Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter at @LaurieRoberts. Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona election fraud has finally been uncovered BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's economic growth could fall to 1.4%-1.5% this year, from 2.7% in 2021, with an average of around 590,000 people on reduced-hours lay-off schemes over the course of the year, Labour Minister Hubertus Heil said in an interview with Bild am Sonntag. "We will still be growing," Heil said. "But this all subject to the proviso that the war does not spread further and that energy supply remains in place," he added. The government would provide further aid and support for lay-offs where possible to safeguard jobs if the situation worsened, Heil said. Germany plans to offer more than 100 billion euros ($108.8 billion) worth of aid to companies hit by fallout from the war in Ukraine, according to a document seen by Reuters on Friday. Finance Minister Christian Lindner is also planning to submit a supplementary budget to parliament in coming weeks to reflect the economic impact of the war, which would likely be worth at least 24 billion euros. (Reporting by Victoria Waldersee; Editing by Alex Richardson) Square Enix is developing a new mainline Kingdom Hearts game, the publisher announced on Sunday during an event in Tokyo celebrating the franchises 20th anniversary. Kingdom Hearts IV sees series protagonist Sora return after 2019s Kingdom Hearts III concluded the story arc that began with the original game in 2002. The trailer Square Enix shared over the weekend opens with Sora waking up in a city called Quadratum. Its a Tokyo-like metropolis rendered in a realistic graphical style thats a significant departure for the series. After a new character named Strelitzia introduces herself to Sora, the city is attacked by a towering monster. As Sora runs off to face the threat, the trailer appears to seamlessly transition to gameplay. We see Sora complete an impressive parkour sequence that involves a collapsing building. After the title card, the trailer reintroduces Donald Duck and Goofy, who are searching for their lost friend. Theres no word on a release date for Kingdom Hearts IV. But at the same event, Square Enix announced Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, a new mobile title that fans in select markets will be available to beta test on Android and iOS this August. By Vafa Ismayilova Azerbaijan has made public the number of Ukrainian citizens, who arrived in the country since February 24, 2022. Some 6,163 citizens of Ukraine have arrived in the country since the mentioned date, Azerbaijani State Migration Servicemen Spokesperson Elnur Kalantarli said. In late March, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said that about 20,000 Azerbaijanis left Ukraine due to the strained situation in the country. Azerbaijan earlier called Moscow and Kyiv for dialogue to end the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov made the remarks in an address to the UN Human Rights Council meeting on March 2. "Ongoing humanitarian crisis requires urgent measures to help those affected. Azerbaijan provided humanitarian assistance and calls on both sides to dialogue," he said. The minister expressed Azerbaijan's regret over the situation in Ukraine. Bayramov noted that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected, underlining that human rights must be constantly observed. "Azerbaijan regrets that the ongoing situation in Ukraine leads to human casualties, especially among the civilian population," he said. Sheridan, Wyoming--(Newsfile Corp. - April 10, 2022) - TERAREUM LLC has created the first community driven token (TERA) to work as the native token for an eventual launching of a Centralized Cryptocurrency Exchange by end of Q3 2022. TERAREUM To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8203/119130_0bba2263a42a4a19_001full.jpg Terareum.io is a centralized multifunctional Web3 exchange for computer desktop, IOS and Android mobile / cellular applications. Terareum exchange provides users with deep encryption, multi-layer security and a transparent platform to trade, swap, buy and sell cryptocurrency. The unique deposit / withdrawal feature enables users to securely access funds globally. The United States, Dubai and India will have access to this feature initially at launch. TERAREUM LLC is a registered business in Wyoming, USA - and in India as TERAREUM DIGITAL INDIA SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED. The application for the Dubai, UAE crypto license is currently being processed. Brandishing a highly professional and diverse Development Team, spearheaded by Milton John Mathew, Founder & CEO, Dr. Ramana Dharmisetty, MD Co-Founder & CFO, Senior Advisor Dr. Wilman Olmedo, MD and Senior Advisor Dr. Praveen Buddiga, MD as well as Social Media Director R.D. Price - TERAREUM (TERA) is rapidly gaining popularity with smart cryptocurrency investors for its transparency and delivery rate. TERA is a deflationary cryptocurrency on the Ethereum blockchain whose smart contract algorithm is to decrease supply with every transaction, thereby increasing demand for the token. Terareum (TERA) is currently available to swap with Ethereum on Uniswap as well as on many exchanges as a trading pair TERA / USDT such as MEXC, Bibox, BitMart, BKEX, XT.com and others reaching millions of investors globally 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. TERAREUM TECHNOLOGY The technology behind Terareum is multi-platform propelling it to be more than just a crypto exchange with the development of many utilities such as an NFT Exchange, payment integrations, Terareum Card, Tera-Blockchain and the first to come - Terapool.io which is the first of its kind platform in the crypto space that is created to launch new projects with new innovative technologies on a turnkey basis. Story continues "Terapool.io (crypto launchpad) is going to be a gem. We are proud of the development team working long hours. Fully functional platform will be ready in 7 weeks. Then followed by testing and launch." - Milton John, CEO Contact Details: Company: TERAREUM LLC Token Symbol: TERA Website: https://terareum.com Email: support@terareum.com Telegram: http://t.me/terareumllc Twitter: https://twitter.com/terareum PR Contact: Name: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karmakar-somnath/ Website: https://newscoverage.agency/ Email: touch@newscoverage.agency Telegram: https://t.me/somnathNCA To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/119130 Saturdays chilly and overcast weather wasnt exactly welcoming, but the University of Mary Washingtons multicultural fair still made a triumphant comeback. The annual fair was shelved the past two years because of the pandemic. Saturday marked the 32nd multicultural fair held by the university. Fredericksburg resident Margaret Bowker stood under one of the various vendor tents where she was selling itemsjewelry, trinkets, woven basketsmade in Kenya as part of a nonprofit. Bowker and her husband, both former college professors, started the nonprofit to stay active in retirement. They make the trip overseas to purchase the items, then sell the art at various fairs and festivals. Saturday was the fourth time she set up at the UMW multicultural fair. She was glad to be back. I wouldve come if it hadnt been canceled the last two years, Bowker said as visitors wandered along the brick walkway, some with children and others with their dogs. Bowker, like others, noted the crowd seemed smaller than its been at past multicultural fairs. Still, visitors had plenty to enjoy. There were dance teams, cloggers, bands and other performers. A massive bounce house was set up in one area, where visitors also could find typical fair foodhot dogs, barbecue, funnel cakes. The vendors also offered variety for visitors, everything from posters and colorful clothing to stylish temporary henna tattoos. Maheen Tajuddin spent the day inking the henna designs on visitors hands, something shed done for 15 years before the pandemic put the fair on pause. While she plies her trade at other festivals, Tajuddin said she was glad to return to the UMW fair. UMW freshman Olivia Mallory, who helped as a volunteer for the fair, lives locally and has attended the fairs in the past. She was happy to see the fair return. I like this. Im enjoying it, she said, pointing out the variety of vendors and the music as highlights. While the cool, overcast weather hampered the event, rain was limited to periods of drizzle. Mary White, who works in the UMW registrars office, said she was excited to have the fair back again. She did note that the crowd was smaller and fewer vendors had set up shop. She figured the weather was a factor in lower attendance. But White wasnt deterred. I think next years going to be bigger, she said. This is our comeback. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. RICHMOND, Va. (AP) It's a crime that siphons untold billions from the economy but many people have never heard of it. Business Email Compromise scams involve criminals hacking into email accounts, pretending to be someone they're not and fooling victims into sending money where it doesn't belong. Although they get far less attention than the massive ransomware attacks that have triggered a powerful government response, BEC scams have been by far the costliest type of cybercrime in the U.S. for years, according to the FBI. The huge payoffs and low risks associated with BEC scams have attracted criminals worldwide. Some flaunt their ill-gotten riches on social media, posing in pictures next to Ferraris, Bentleys, and stacks of cash. Almost every enterprise is vulnerable to BEC scams, from Fortune 500 companies to small towns. Even the U.S. State Department got duped into sending BEC scammers more than $200,000 in grant funds meant to help Tunisian farmers, court records show. "The scammers are extremely well organized and law enforcement is not," said Sherry Williams, a director of a San Francisco nonprofit that recently fell victim to a BEC scam. Losses in the U.S. due to BEC scams in 2021 were nearly $2.4 billion, according to a new report by the FBI. That's a 33% increase from 2020 and more than a tenfold increase from just seven years ago. And experts say many victims never come forward and the FBI's numbers only show a small fraction of just how much money is stolen each year. BEC scammers use a variety of techniques to hack into legitimate business email accounts and trick employees to send wire payments or make purchases they shouldn't. Targeted phishing emails are a common type of attack, but experts say the scammers have been quick to adopt new technologies, like "deep fake" audio generated by artificial intelligence to pretend to be executives at a company and fool subordinates into sending money. In the case of Williams, the San Francisco nonprofit director, thieves hacked the email account of the nonprofit's bookkeeper, then inserted themselves into a long email thread, sent messages asking to change the wire payment instructions for a grant recipient, and made off with $650,000. After she discovered what happened, Williams said, her calls to law enforcement went nowhere. The FBI told her the local U.S. attorney's office won't take her case. She flew to Odessa, Texas, where the bank that initially received the stolen money was located. The money by then was long gone and the local detective was powerless to help. Williams asked her U.S. senators for help and later learned the Secret Service was investigating, but she said it hasn't given her any updates. Crane Hassold, an expert on BEC scams and former cyber analyst with the FBI, has heard of federal prosecutors declining to take BEC cases unless several million dollars were stolen, a minimum threshold that speaks to how out of control the problem is. "There's so many of them they can't possibly work them all," said Hassold, now director of threat intelligence at Abnormal Security. The Justice Department has launched months-long operations in recent years that have netted hundreds of arrests worldwide. "Our message to criminals involved in these types of BEC schemes will remain clear: The FBI's memory and reach is long and wide-ranging, we will relentlessly pursue you no matter where you may be located," said Brian Turner, executive assistant director of the FBI's Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch. But security experts say the wave of arrests has had little impact, and the FBI's own numbers show that BEC scams continue to grow at a rapid clip. Sophisticated BEC scams targeting businesses and other organizations started taking off in the mid-2010s. It was also around that time when ransomware attacks in which hackers break into networks and encrypt data started to grow in frequency and severity. For years both BEC scams and ransomware attacks were treated largely as a law enforcement problem. That's still true for BEC attacks, but ransomware is now a key national security concern after a series of disruptive attacks on critical infrastructure like the one last year against the biggest fuels pipeline in the U.S. that led to gas shortages along the East Coast. The National Security Agency's hackers have taken action to disrupt ransomware operators' networks. The Justice Department set up a special ransomware task force to better organize the law enforcement response. And U.S. President Joe Biden has pressed the issue directly with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, where many ransomware operators are located. Nothing close to those efforts has been deployed against BEC fraud despite the huge financial losses. If the U.S. were to launch a whole-of-government response to BEC fraud, it almost certainly would focus heavily on Nigeria. Nowhere are BEC fraudsters more active than in Africa's most populous nation, where scammers have able to operate almost unchecked for decades. Ramon Abbas, a well-known social Nigerian media influencer who went by Hushpuppi, had more than 2 million followers on Instagram before he was arrested in Dubai. Abbas' social media posts showed him living a life of total luxury, complete with private jets, ultra-expensive cars and high-end clothes and watches. "I hope someday I will be inspiring more young people to join me on this path," read one Instagram post by Abbas, who pleaded guilty in the U.S. to international money laundering related to BEC and other cybercrimes last year. His sentencing is currently set for July. ___ Federal law requires Supreme Court justices to recuse themselves from cases in which their impartiality might reasonably be questioned. Unlike other judges, however, Supreme Court justices decide themselves whether their impartiality is up for questioning. This just trust me approach poses obvious ethical problems. Look no further than Associate Justice Clarence Thomas and his wife, Virginia Ginni Thomas. Ginni has a long history of far-right activism. She has not only called to overturn President Bidens election but she also claimed that the United States is under existential threat from transsexual fascists and the deep state. It is her First Amendment right to hold these views, however cartoonish. But her deep ties in Washington could land her right in the middle of issues Justice Thomas is supposed to judge impartiallyespecially the January 6 coup attempt. According to newly revealed documents, Ginni Thomas sent at least 21 text messages to Mark Meadows, then President Donald Trumps chief of staff, between the 2020 presidential election and the violent Capitol insurrection. In these messages, she called Bidens win the greatest Heist of our History and urged Trump not to concede. She also claimed she was communicating with Jared, presumably Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner. On January 6, Ginni Thomas herself attended the Stop the Steal rally that preceded the insurrection, although she denies playing a role in the violent storming of the Capitol. The congressional committee thats investigating the January 6 insurrection is looking into Ginni Thomas text messages and may call her to testify. Cases related to the investigation could potentially reach the Supreme Courtand Justice Thomas. One January 6 case has already come before the Supreme Court. Justice Thomas didnt recuse himself. Instead, he cast the sole vote favoring Trumps attempt to block records that could prove damning about his role in the insurrectionand damaging to Mrs. Thomas as well. There are between 150 and 200 cases per year in which justices recuse themselves. Yet Justice Thomas own history of recusals is thinand hes never recused himself when his wife has known political connections to the case. Thats a huge conflict, since Mrs. Thomas holds powerful positions in many far-right organizations. Until recently, the website for her Liberty Consulting Group boasted that she could give access to any door in Washington. According to a New Yorker investigation, Mrs. Thomas is one of the directors of the Center for National Policy, a dark-money outfit that plays matchmaker for big donors and far-right activists. Shes a co-founder of the far-right activist group Groundswell. And shes consulted with countless conservative organizations. Members of these organizations have had several cases before the high court, the New Yorker reports. For instance, Frank Gaffney of the Center for Security Policywhere Ginni Thomas was a paid consultantfiled an amicus brief in favor of the Trump administrations Muslim Ban. Justice Thomas didnt recuse himself from ruling on that case. Nor did he recuse himself when other groups Ginni Thomas collected income from challenged the Affordable Care Act. Or when the court ruled on political fundraising, which his wife has done prolifically. Legal experts say Ginni Thomas political work is, at best, very damaging to the appearance of impartiality for her husband. At worst, some say it is even cause for his impeachment. Whatever else, respected judicial ethicist Stephen Gillers states plainly, Clarence Thomas cannot sit on any matter involving the election, the invasion of the Capitol, or the work of the January 6 Committee. It isnt just Clarence Thomas reputation thats at risk. Its the entire Supreme Courts. Public approval of the court has fallen to its lowest point in more than 20 years. Justice Sonia Sotomayor blames the stench of partisanship, while Chief Justice John Roberts worries that the role of the Supreme Court in our constitutional system is at stake. Justice Thomas, unfortunately, appears unconcerned. While his colleagues fretted about partisanship, he gave a keynote speech to the right-wing Heritage Foundationwith Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell by his side. Our democracy is supposed to rely on the consent of the governed, so even the appearance of partisanship at the nations highest constitutional court puts its legitimacy at risk. Democrats on Capitol Hill have proposed legislation to impose a code of ethics on the Supreme Court for years. If Justice Thomas cant be moved by personal ethics or his colleagues concerns to act appropriately, then lawmakers should settle the matter for him. Karen Dolan directs the Criminalization of Race and Poverty Project at the Institute for Policy Studies. She wrote this for InsideSources.com. Two iconic Colorado attractions will once again offer in-person Easter sunrise services. After two years of virtual services due to the pandemic, Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison and Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Canon City will throw open their gates and welcome attendees at the crack of dawn or even earlier on Easter Sunday, April 17. Music will kick off the morning at 5:30 a.m. at Red Rocks, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, before the Rev. John Yu of Denvers True Light Community Church delivers the sermon at 6 a.m. Gates will open at 4:45 a.m. Cowboy preacher Grant Adkisson will address the crowds at the Royal Gorge, 4218 County Road 3A, beginning at 6:30 a.m., accompanied by the Canyon Cowboy Church worship team. Gates will open at 5:30 a.m. Guests can walk across the bridge or take the park shuttle until 6:20 a.m. Lawn chairs are welcome. Contact the writer: 636-0270 Keepers at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are mourning the loss of one of their longest-tenured residents, officials said in a news release. Honey, a 29-year-old female Asiatic black bear, was euthanized Friday after a veterinary exam showed serious age-related conditions. The exam came after she began showing signs of sudden illness and pain earlier that morning, officials said Saturday. Honey and her sister, Beezler, arrived at the zoo when they were just shy of 18 months old, and many keepers and millions of guests were able to witness their progression through adolescence, adulthood, and finally, advanced age. Caring for Honey and Beezler was what made me realize I really love bears, said Erika Furnes, an animal keeper for the bears. They inspired me to champion an Asiatic black bear research and recovery program in Vietnam, which will receive funding thanks to our Zoo members this year. At the time of Honeys passing, she and Beezler were thought to be the oldest Asiatic black bears in human care. Her lifespan was on par with the median life expectancy of females of her species, which is 29.3 years. Described as a sweet old lady who could at times be super assertive, Honeys personality was distinctly different from her sister, keepers said. Honey was the more laid-back of the two, said Furnes. She was a slow eater, which I could relate to, since Im the slowest eater in my family. Beezler would often get to treats first, but when Honey really wanted something, she would stand up to Beezler and protect her portion with her paws. The sisters enjoyed a close relationship and typically could be seen together, officials said. Keepers usually found them sleeping near each other in the morning. On Honeys final day, Beezler could be seen cleaning her sisters paws, according to the release. Keepers are watching Beezler closely as she adjusts to life without her sister. She received a lot of special enrichment (Saturday), including water in her pool and fresh mud puddles to wallow in. Keepers will continue to give her extra attention in the coming days and weeks, to help make the transition easier for her, the release stated. Keepers and officials praised Honey as a wonderful ambassador for her species. The sisters did their jobs perfectly, which is to make people fall in love with them, Furnes said. By Trend The Brussels meeting of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, hosted by the President of the Council of the European Union (EU) Charles Michel, was devoted to the discussion of security issues in the South Caucasus, professor of the faculty of international relations of the University named after Suleyman Demirel, professor and doctor Timuchin Kodaman told Trend. According to him, one of the highlights of the meeting was the agreement on activities of Joint Border Commission. "Significant progress was made at the meeting in Brussels. The reference to peaceful negotiations and the creation of a commission on the delimitation of the state border is regarded as a success of Azerbaijani diplomacy. The continuation of negotiations on the basis of the five points put forward by Azerbaijan as basic principles once again confirms the strong position of Azerbaijan. The non-use of the term "Nagorno-Karabakh" is the result of Azerbaijan's successful foreign policy under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. The fact that Azerbaijan's proposals are at the center of attention of the meetings held within the framework of the normalization of Azerbaijani-Armenian relations is a clear example of Azerbaijan's successful foreign policy. Azerbaijan has restored its territorial integrity and is taking successful steps both in domestic and foreign policy," he said. A Teller County sheriff's deputy suspected of burglary, felony menacing and trespassing has been arrested and fired, according to the Teller County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Mark Bisset, who was off duty when the incident occurred, was arrested Saturday morning, the sheriff's office said. According to court documents shared on the sheriff's office Facebook page, the arrest stems from an alleged incident in which Bisset rode a four-wheeler to a property in the Indian Creek subdivision in Florissant and threatened the property owner. The property owner, who called 911, told deputies that Bisset seemed intoxicated, had two beers in his shirt pocket and a revolver in his hip holster. Bisset had also stated that he was a Teller County sheriff's deputy, and reportedly said he would "kick anyone's ass," according to court documents. The man called 911 again 40 minutes later to report that Bisset had returned to his property, this time on foot, and was reportedly carrying an "assault style rifle." According to court documents, Bisset allegedly told the man: "open the door, or I will kill you." When the man opened the door to the home, Bisset allegedly forced his way inside, where he came into contact with three other people. He insulted one of them, and allegedly threatened to shoot him if stepped outside, court documents state. Court documents did not say whether Bisset knew the victims prior to the incident. The Sheriff's Office said in a statement on Facebook Saturday evening that Bisset was terminated, effective immediately. "The Teller County Sheriffs Office will not tolerate or condone this type of behavior. This in no way reflects on the mission, integrity and dedication of its employees. This was a decision that Mr. Bisset made alone and off duty," the statement said. Fire crews quickly extinguished a grass fire early Sunday that forced evacuations just west of the Colorado Springs Airport. At about 1:45 a.m., a police officer on patrol noticed the blaze, which was burning near Fountain Boulevard and Aeroplaza Drive. and spreading quickly due to high winds, officials said. Police began evacuation notices for homes in the fires path as crews mobilized to battle the blaze, which reportedly grew to 3 acres before firefighters doused it. No injuries, arrests or structural damage were announced. El Paso, Teller, Pueblo and Fremont counties among several other areas in Colorado are under a red flag warning for high fire danger from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. By Trend Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in a phone talk with his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah on Friday discussed and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, Trend reports citing IRNA. Amirabdollahian and his Kuwaiti counterpart held a telephone conversation on Friday evening. Exchanging congratulations on the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, the two sides discussed and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest including bilateral relations, and regional plus international developments. Expressing the Islamic Republic of Irans readiness to expand bilateral relations with Kuwait and conduct regional dialogues, Amirabdollahian stressed that the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes practical regional cooperation besides dialogue within the framework of the priority of the policy of comprehensive development of relations with neighbors. Iran considers regional cooperation to be in the interest of regional security, progress, and development, he added. Referring to the establishment of a temporary ceasefire in Yemen, he noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomed the establishment of a ceasefire in Yemen, and further emphasizes the need to completely lift the humanitarian blockade and send humanitarian aid to Yemen. Elsewhere in his talks, Amirabdollahian explained the latest situation in the Vienna talks to lift sanctions. Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, for his part, while congratulating the holy month of Ramadan to the Iranian government and nation, stressed his country's will to develop relations with Iran. He expressed hope that the continuation of the ceasefire would pave the way for Yemeni talks and resolve the Yemen crisis. Pointing to the need to set a water border and exploit joint fields, he expressed Kuwait's readiness to resume legal talks between the two states. Inviting Amirabdollahian to visit Kuwait and discuss the process of expanding bilateral relations and regional developments, he stressed Kuwait's supportive stance on regional talk. Jerd Smith is editor of Fresh Water News. She can be reached at 720-398-6474, via email at jerd@wateredco.org or @jerd_smith. The big business of retail marijuana is flexing its financial might to influence politics in Colorado, across the country and in our nations capital. The industrys big bucks are approaching a critical mass as more states follow Colorado down the path to legalization and as Congress eyes what was once unthinkable, ending the federal prohibition on marijuana. RTHK: Macron and Le Pen look set for presidential run-off France's incumbent leader Emmanuel Macron and far-right challenger Marine Le Pen are heading for an April 24 presidential election runoff, projections showed after first round voting on Sunday. Macron garnered 28.1-29.5 percent of votes in the first round while Le Pen won 23.3-24.4 percent, according to separate estimates by pollsters Ifop, OpinionWay, Elabe and Ipsos. That would set up a duel between an economic liberal with a globalist outlook in Macron and a deeply eurosceptic economic nationalist who, until the Ukraine war, was an open admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Socialist candidate Anne Hidalgo, who polled ninth with just under 2% of votes, backed Macron. "So that France does not fall into hatred of all against all, I solemnly call on you to vote on April 24 against the far-right of Marine Le Pen," she said. Conservative candidate Valerie Pecresse also said she would vote for Macron, warning of "disastrous consequences" if he did not win the runoff. But rival far-right candidate Eric Zemmour will call on his supporters to back Le Pen, Marion Marechal - who is an ally of Zemmour and Le Pen's niece - told BFM TV. Not for two decades has a French president won a second term. Barely a month ago, Macron appeared near certain to reverse that, riding high in polls thanks to strong economic growth, a fragmented opposition and his statesman role in trying to avert war on Europe's eastern flank. But he paid a price for late entry into the campaign during which he eschewed market walkabouts in provincial France in favour of a single big rally outside Paris. A plan to make people work longer also proved unpopular. By contrast, Le Pen for months toured towns and villages across France, focusing on cost-of-living issues that trouble millions and tapping into anger towards the political elite. A more than 10 point lead Macron had enjoyed as late as mid-March narrowed and voter surveys ahead of the first round showed his margin of victory in an eventual runoff whittled down to within the margin of error. "I'm scared of the political extremes," said pensioner Therese Eychenne, 89, after voting for Macron in Paris. "I don't know what would become of France." The hard left's Jean-Luc Melenchon polled third on Sunday, with an estimated 20 percent, the projections showed. A Le Pen victory on April 24 would constitute a similar jolt to the establishment as Britain's Brexit vote to leave the European Union (EU) or Donald Trump's 2017 entry into the White House. France, the EU's second largest economy, would lurch from being a driving force for European integration to being led by a euro-sceptic who is also suspicious of the Nato military alliance. While Le Pen has ditched past ambitions for a "Frexit" or to haul France out of the euro zone's single currency, she envisages the EU as a mere alliance of sovereign states. Who next holds the Elysee Palace will depend on how those who backed Macron and Le Pen's rivals cast their ballots. In past elections in 2002 and 2017, voters on the left and right have united to block the far-right from power. However, surveys suggest that the so-called "republicain front" has crumbled, with many left-wing voters saying they are loathe to endorse a leader they deride as arrogant and a "president of the rich." "We want change, so why not give her a chance (in round two)?" technician Alex Talcone said in the Paris suburb of Bobigny after voting for hard-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon. (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2022-04-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Oliver Varhelyi, the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, said on Saturday he would hand over the questionnaires for European Union membership to Georgia and Moldova on Monday, Trend reports citing Agenda.ge. Varhelyi added the questionnaire had already been given to Ukraine on Friday by Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. The EU Commissioner explained the questionnaires would help the European Commission to prepare opinions on EU applications of the applicant countries. The European Council invited the European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union, to submit its opinions on the EU membership applications of the Republic of Moldova and Georgia. Georgia officially applied for EU membership on March 3, with Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili signing the countrys membership application. The controversial former Arizona sheriff pardoned by former President Donald Trump and a one-time top Trump legal advisor are getting behind Republican Laurel Imer, a primary candidate running in Colorado's open 7th Congressional District. Thanks for visiting ! The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Thank you for your support! Question: We have been bothered by robocalls from AT&T, sometimes two or three times a day. The caller ID varies from unknown cell phone, or some local business. Today it appeared to come from Forsyth County; a few days ago it appeared to come from Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Who can we complain to? T.W. Answer: Scammers have the technology and ability to spoof phone numbers. The Federal Communications Commission defines number spoofing as when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. They can make it appear that the call is from a business or someone in the same area where you are located. Many times the caller is located overseas making it very difficult to catch them. Here are some tips from the FCC about what to do when you get a call that is likely a robocall or scammer: If you dont recognize the number, dont answer the phone. If you answer it and realize its a robocall or a scam, hang up immediately. If the caller tells you to push a button to stop the calls, dont do it, hang up. Never give any kind of personal information to an unknown caller. Never assume an unexpected call is legitimate. Hang up and call back using a number you can verify on a bill, a statement, or an official website. Be suspicious. Con artists can be very convincing: They may ask innocuous questions, or sound threatening, or sometimes seem too good to be true, the FCC said. Scammers may pose as a law enforcement officer or a representative of such companies as Duke Energy, Amazon or AT&T and tell you youll be arrested for failing to show up for jury duty or you have an overdue payment. Sometimes, theyll claim that if you give them the numbers off a gift card or transfer money through electronic sites such as Bitcoin, the situation will be closed. Dont give them any money or information. Law enforcement will never demand immediate payment. Make sure you know who is on the other end of the call. If they tell you that they are from a company you do business with, hang up and call that business using a number from their website or on correspondence youve gotten from them. Never give any personal information, including bank information, credit card information, or a Social Security number to an unknown caller. Hang up. The Winston-Salem Police Department recommends the following: If you do somehow find yourself on the line with a suspected scammer, Get the callers name (or alleged name); get the number they called from and/or email address; and contact law enforcement authorities and file a police report. If you havent already, you can sign up for the Do Not Call Registry on the Federal Trade Commissions website, FTC.gov. You can file a complaint with the FCC on its website, FCC.gov and to the FTC. Occasionally, robocallers do get caught and hopefully will pay the price for the error of their ways. According to FCC.gov, in the February meeting the FCC proposed a $45 million fine against a robocaller for making pre-recorded calls without consumer consent. The telemarketer apparently made hundreds of thousands of calls with false claims about the pandemic to induce people to purchase health insurance. Melissa Hall Winston-Salem Journal Email your questions to mike.kernels@greensboro.com. Include Ask a Reporter in the subject field. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy A global pledging event for Ukrainian refugees called Stand Up for Ukraine has raised 10.1 billion euros ($11 billion), European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said in Warsaw on Saturday, Trend reports citing Al Arabiya. The Stand Up For Ukraine campaign has raised 9.1 billion euros for people fleeing bombs, inside and outside Ukraine, with an additional billion pledged by EBRD [the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development], von der Leyen said. The event convened by the EU and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sought to raise money for internally displaced people in Ukraine and refugees, organizers said. Artists including Elton John, Alanis Morissette, Billie Eilish, Annie Lennox and Chris Rock joined the campaign alongside global leaders pledging for their countries. RALEIGH When Ted Budd won a surprise endorsement from former President Donald Trump last year, he was a little-known congressman running for a Senate seat in North Carolina against some of the states most recognizable Republicans, including a former governor. As he enters the final stretch before the states May 17 primary, Budd is again hoping for a boost, banking on the power of Trumps endorsement to put him on top of a field that includes a dozen other Republicans. We feel weve got strong momentum, Budd told The Associated Press. Whether its grassroots, trend lines in polling or fundraising, we think were in a very good place. Budds candidacy will serve as an early test of whether Trumps backing is powerful enough to lift someone from relative obscurity to the GOP nomination for a critical Senate seat. A strong showing by Budd could provide clues about how Trump-backed candidates in other states, including Georgia, that vote in quick succession after North Carolina, will fare. The race will be a test of the Trump effect on North Carolina among North Carolina Republicans, I think not just for North Carolina but nationally, said Mike Rusher, a political consultant who previously worked for the state GOP. Democrats have made inroads across the South in recent years, winning a presidential election in Georgia in 2020 for the first time in 28 years and picking up two Senate seats. North Carolina has experienced similar demographic changes, driven by an influx of new residents to the Raleigh and Charlotte areas. But for now, Democrats have struggled to make the same progress in the states presidential and Senate races. Barack Obama was the last Democratic presidential contender to carry North Carolina in 2008, and a Democrat hasnt won a Senate seat since Kay Hagan the same year. Trump returned to the state on Saturday for a rally in rural Johnston County, just southeast of Raleigh, where he hyped Budd as a great guy and a tremendous person. Some people didnt know him, but now they know him, he said. Trump was a boon to North Carolina Republicans in the 2020 campaign, boosting turnout so that GOP candidates with few exceptions won races up and down the ballot even as Trump himself only narrowly eked out a win. Budd is running for the seat of retiring Republican Sen. Richard Burr of Winston-Salem against former Gov. Pat McCrory, who is viewed as a moderate and has kept some distance from Trump while backing his economic policies. A dozen other Republicans are also seeking the nomination, including former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker of Summerfield, who has resisted Trumps entreaties to drop out. The winner is expected to take on presumptive Democratic nominee Cheri Beasley, a former state Supreme Court chief justice, in Novembers general election. Like nearly all statewide races, the general election should be close, and a Democratic victory could thwart GOP hopes of retaking the Senate majority. While McCrory entered the race as its best-known candidate, Budd and his advisers are increasingly optimistic that his position is strengthening in the races final weeks. Budd credited Trumps endorsement as the single biggest factor to help advance and get attention on this campaign. He has also benefited from millions of dollars in super PAC spending on his behalf, including from the Club for Growths political wing. The groups ads heavily feature Trumps endorsement, casting Budd as a reliable conservative while highlighting McCrorys past criticism of the former president and slamming him as a disloyal, liberal loser. McCrory became governor in 2013 but lost reelection after he signed a bathroom bill targeting transgender people that cost the state billions. Saturdays rally comes amid questions over whether Trumps influence is fading amid stumbles in other states. Last month, he withdrew his endorsement of Rep. Mo Brooks, who was struggling to gain traction in Alabamas Senate primary. Last year, his endorsed candidate in Pennsylvanias Senate race, Sean Parnell, dropped out amid allegations of abuse by his estranged wife. As aides have warned that he is setting himself up for failure by offering too many endorsements, Trump has held off picking sides in several competitive Senate contests, including in Missouri and Ohio, where early voting is underway. Seeing Walker as a potential spoiler, Trump has tried to no avail to pressure him to leave the race a tactic he has used successfully in other contests to bolster his favored candidates chances. The top vote-getter must garner more than 30% of the vote to avoid a runoff. Otherwise, the top two finishers advance to a runoff in late July. Look, we appreciate President Trump and the work that he did for our country, but it doesnt mean that he makes the right decisions and sometimes he gets bad counsel, Walker said in an interview. And in this particular incident, he has hitched his wagon to the wrong horse. McCrory, meanwhile, dismissed recent polling suggesting he had lost his early edge, saying theres time for a counterattack. This race is going to be a dead heat. Its neck and neck right now, and its amazing that were even in that position, considering $7 to $8 million have been spent against us from a special interest group in D.C., McCrory said in an unnamed reference to Club for Growth Action. Many voters have yet to make up their minds, with early in-person voting beginning April 28. John Dismukes, 48, of Carolina Beach describes himself as 100% undecided. Im looking at all three of them, he said. Billy Shomaker, a retired commercial pilot from Beech Mountain, said he supports Budd regardless of Trumps endorsement. I like President Trump. I dont like everything he does, said Shomaker, 68. Trumps preferred candidates in North Carolina havent always been successful. In 2020, political newcomer Madison Cawthorn comfortably won a GOP congressional primary runoff over Trumps pick. But Trump soon embraced Cawthorn, who won the general election at age 25 and became one of the ex-presidents strongest supporters. Now, Trump is returning the favor, featuring him as a rally speaker and endorsing him for reelection even as Cawthorn has faced backlash over recent incendiary comments. McCrory said he had other events to attend Saturday and wouldnt have shared the stage with Budd, Cawthorn or Trump even if offered. Trump says I dont represent his values, McCrory said, referencing the former presidents words when he endorsed Budd 10 months ago. I agree with the policies of Trump. But yeah, we maybe have different opinion on values. The centerpiece of an auction to benefit the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is a handcrafted cedar-strip canoe, lovingly built by a grandfather who cherishes the memory of his late 4-year-old grandson running through the canyons and proclaiming he felt like he was walking on the moon. The nonprofit Friends of the Missouri Breaks Monument are having an online fundraising auction April 15-30 to help support its stewardship work. The auction features the canoe, made and donated by Len Kopec of Augusta, one of its longtime supporters and a frequent visitor to the Breaks. In summer of 2020, we had a wonderful family trip down the river through the Missouri Breaks Monument, Kopec said in a news release. We all were thrilled and excited by the amazing sights and challenges of the trip, but none of us more so than my 4-year-old grandson, Abel. After Abel ran through the slot canyon and scrambled to the top of Neat Coulee, he declared that he felt like he was walking on the moon. Kopec said family members commented about how lucky Abel was to be starting these kinds of adventures at such a young age, and "how lucky we all were to be able to enjoy the unspoiled landscape essentially for free." I silently gave thanks to the wise folks who saw that places like this were protected and open to us all to enjoy, and to the advocates and stewards who make sure that future generations will be able to do the same, Kopec said. He said Abel died shortly thereafter in a car accident. I built this canoe in his memory so that others may share with each other the wonder and awe that the monument has to give, and to give back a little to the Friends of the Missouri Breaks Monument so that they can continue to advocate for and protect the Breaks, he said. All proceeds from the auction will go to the Friends and support the organizations work on the monument. Kopecs canoe is on display at the Lewis & Clark Tap Room in Helena until the end of April. The auction will go live at 8 a.m. April 15 and will run until 5 p.m. April 30. People can view the auction items and bid at https://us.givergy.com/missouribreaks. Friends executive director Mikayla Moss said the canoe means a lot to her organization. The Breaks can touch people in unimaginable ways, and to know how much joy Abel found there is exactly the reason that we continue to work to protect it, she said in a news release. We want to thank Len and his family and join them in celebrating Abels life and the limitless wonder that the Breaks can provide. In a telephone interview Friday, Kopec, 71, a "retired hobbyist" who worked construction, said he has built 10-12 canoes and estimated each takes about two months to build. But when asked of the estimated cost, he said he has never sold one. Instead he gives them to family. Kopec said he has seen similar canoes online for as much as $7,000, but says as an amateur, he did not think his would go for that much. Kopec spoke of using the time to build the canoe as an aid to help him with the grief of losing Abel. When something like that happens there is hardly anything you can do to make it better, he said, adding he decided to donate the canoe to help him work through it and "keep his memory alive. He built his first canoe while a high school freshman using plans from a Mechanics Illustrated magazine. Kopec said he and a friend launched the boat and five days later called his parents to tell them where they were. He was 60 when he built his next canoe, he said. The canoe was made with a cedar post inlay that came straight from the monument during a Friends volunteer event in 2021. As the group removed an old barbed-wire fence from the landscape to improve wildlife habitat, Kopec saw potential in the old cedar posts for a special addition to the canoe. After stripping the wood, he was able to inlay the bands into the canoe as a token of the monument that the craft can carry on all of its journeys. Greg Wiens of Lewis & Clark Tap Room said he has noticed "an incredible amount of people stopping to admire the canoe." "My office is directly across the hallway from where it's currently being displayed and I can hear people stopping to talk about it all the time," Wiens said in an email. "It's a really gorgeous piece of wood working, and it's really eye catching, even to folks who don't have any interest in canoeing." A few of the other items up for bid are a multi-day guided river trip with Upper Missouri River Guides, a discovery flight over the Breaks donated by the Montana Pilots Association, and a canvas print by Helena photographer Kevin League. Many other individuals, businesses and organizations have donated items for the event. More information about the Friends of the Missouri Breaks Monument is available online at missouribreaks.org. Staff Writer Phil Drake contributed to this news release. He can be reached at 406-231-9021 or philip.drake@helenair.com. Love 5 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 DECATUR A Decatur drug dealer linked to a drug supply deal in which one of his customers died has been sent to prison for five and a half years. Marvin L. Guy, 24, took a plea deal negotiated by his defense attorney, Chris Amero, that saw him plead guilty in Macon County Circuit Court to a charge of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance. Guy had been due to face trial in February on a charge of drug-induced homicide until his attorney struck the plea deal with prosecutors, agreeing to a maximum sentence cap of seven years. Guy was sentenced when he appeared in court April 6. The 32-year-old victim in the case, a Decatur man, had died June 19, 2020. Commenting after the sentencing, Macon County States Attorney Scott Rueter said prosecutors had a good case against Guy, but it was not airtight. We had a fairly decent case, but to resolve the matter without the risk of possibly losing at trial, we thought this was a fair negotiation, Rueter added. We were in close contact with the victims family and they approved of this. Rueter said the legal standard for proving drug-induced homicide is not as high as first degree murder, where the prosecution must establish an intent to kill. But he said there are many other legal barriers to overcome in a successful prosecution, such as proving who actually supplied the drugs that led to a fatality. Obtaining of illicit substances is done in private because people typically don't want to disclose it, he said. And so proving who the actual delivery was made by can be difficult. Judge Jeffrey Geisler, passing sentence, agreed to recommend Guy for substance abuse treatment while he is incarcerated. Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. ROCKFORD A jury convicted a man of a federal murder charge Friday in the shooting death of a northern Illinois sheriff's deputy. Floyd E. Brown, 42 of Springfield, was found guilty of the second-degree murder of Jacob Keltner, attempted murder of a federal officer, assault and weapons charges. He was acquitted of first-degree murder. The 35-year-old Keltner was a McHenry County deputy working with a U.S. Marshal's Service fugitive task force serving Brown an arrest warrant when he was killed on March 7, 2019. Brown was wanted in a string of downstate burglaries. Brown testified Thursday, admitting he shot his AK-47 assault rifle through his hotel room door after he heard the sound of a gun being cocked when the task force knocked on the door. Prosecutors said he then jumped from a third-floor window and shot Keltner, who was positioned outside. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 CHICAGO - Illinois state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, who doubles as the mayor of Calumet City, is under federal criminal investigation for tax issues involving his campaign funds, according to a law enforcement source and records obtained by the Tribune. The U.S. attorneys office issued a grand jury subpoena in January to the Illinois State Board of Elections seeking records on three campaign funds controlled by Jones, according to a copy of the subpoena provided to the Tribune via an open records request. The subpoena, dated Jan. 7, was pursuant to an official criminal investigation and sought quarterly campaign reports dating back to 2015 for the funds Jones for Mayor, Jones for State Representative, and Citizens for Jones, which is a political action committee that Jones heads. The grand jury asked for underlying data supporting the quarterly reports, as well as emails or other communications that election officials had with Jones or the funds, and any and all complaints filed against the committees, according to the subpoena. The FBI was the underlying investigative agency on the investigation, according to the document. The law enforcement source told the Tribune that authorities are investigating tax issues stemming from the transfer of money between Jones and his campaign funds as well as other potential financial matters. No charges have been filed. A graduate of Bloom Trail High School with a degree in criminal justice from Loyola University Chicago, Jones is the latest member of the Illinois General Assembly to face a federal investigation. The investigation comes to light as Jones, a Democrat from Calumet City who has represented the 29th legislative district since 2011, is running for reelection in a contested race in the June 28 primary. He was elected mayor of Calumet City last year and before that was the first Black alderman of the suburbs 3rd Ward. Jones, who was participating remotely Friday in the final day of the General Assemblys spring session, said he had no comment in a statement sent to the Tribune on Friday. Meanwhile, campaign records show Jones wife, Saprina Jones, resigned as chairperson of the Jones for Mayor committee less than two weeks ago, as did the committees treasurer, Daniella Drummond. Jones filed amended articles naming himself to both positions. On Wednesday, Jones political action committee submitted a series of amended campaign committee statements for the years 2019, 2020 and 2021, that contained updated loan repayments that were incorrectly reflected as expenditures instead of debts and removed inadvertently reported contributions. The changes, according to the filings, were Per State Board of Elections notice. The election board on Thursday supplied the Tribune with copies of the hundreds of pages of records it sent to the U.S. attorneys office in response to the January subpoena. Among the documents were previously undisclosed details of a 2017 hearing on a complaint alleging Jones improperly reported tens of thousands of dollars in loans to and from his campaigns and spent political cash on personal expenditures. The complaint, filed by Calumet City Aldermen DeAndre Tillman and James Patton, outlined a series of questionable expenditures by Jones campaigns, including outings to Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs games, and nearly $7,000 spent between 2014 and 2016 at a south suburban Hooters restaurant. Payments to the Jones Foundation, a charity Jones founded and is currently headed by his wife, were also illegally reported, according to the complaint. The records show Jones was represented at the June 2017 hearing by high-powered Democratic election attorney Michael Kasper, who argued it was not unusual to spend that much money at the Hooters given that it was over 33 months and that the complainants characterization that it amounted to an excessive number of visits was a subjective term. Following the hearing, the board ruled there was not enough evidence to support most of the allegations, the records show. Jones was not fined and was told instead to amend his campaign filings to come into compliance. While the details of the 2017 hearing were kept private under state campaign rules, the Jones Foundation came under public scrutiny around the same time when an investigative report in The Daily Southtown detailed the charitys inconsistent filing of financial documents, borrowing from Jones political campaign committee and unpermitted solicitation of donations. Jones refused to comment for that story, though in a letter to the state attorney generals office he defended the organization and threatened legal action against the Southtown reporter. Days later, he announced on social media that he was stepping down from his role on the charitys board, though he did not explain why. Over the past few years, two members of the House, Democrats Luis Arroyo and Edward Acevedo, both of Chicago, were recently convicted in separate cases, while another, Annazette Collins, also of Chicago, is awaiting trial on tax-related counts. In the state Senate, former state Sen. Tom Cullerton, a Democrat who was also village president of Villa Park, resigned and pleaded guilty last month to ghost payrolling charges, while ex-Sen. Terry Link, a Democrat from Waukegan, and the late Democratic Sen. Martin Sandoval of Cicero were also forced out of office and later convicted of federal crimes. Chicago Tribunes Gregory Pratt contributed. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 MEADOWVIEW, Va. Wrapping her hands around a warm mug of coffee, Sarah Scyphers steals a minute from her busy morning schedule to gaze out her kitchen window, catching the morning sun shining on the hills that surround her Meadowview home. Its another day on the farm for the working mother, who scrambles along with her husband, Aaron, to get their two children ready for school while she packs lunches for the school day. Before leaving for work in a nearby town, Scyphers pulls on her farm boots and heads to the barn to turn heifers out to pasture and feed the dogs. I wouldnt know how to function without having something other than my family to feed, laughed the cattlewoman, who, along with her family, operates Springlake Livestock, a registered Hereford herd and commercial cow-calf operation. Her farm life is a true agrarian lifestyle, said Scyphers, 39, a third-generation farmer raised on her familys Floyd, Virginia, farm. Not only is Scyphers a positive influence in her home, she also finds every opportunity to be an advocate for agriculture in her community. A member of Farm Bureau since she was in college, Scyphers was among only 16 agricultural leaders throughout the country to participate in the American Farm Bureau Federations Womens Communications Boot Camp last month in Washington, D.C. The intensive training opportunity is for any female Farm Bureau member who wants to build the skills needed to communicate about agriculture. Farm Bureau is a grassroots, nonprofit agriculture organization whose purpose is to make the business of farming more profitable and the community a better place to live and work. Scyphers studied beside participants from as far away as Arizona, Michigan and Missouri. It was very empowering to be in the same room with these women who all have different stories to share, she said. It truly was a boot camp. The program facilitators gave us hard questions that challenged and required us to think about how we can best communicate our messages about agriculture with different media. The intensive four-day training featured hands-on sessions related to public speaking, working with media and messaging. The Boot Camp experience empowers women leaders by giving them the communication skills to share information with elected officials, connecting with influencers on the local, state and national levels. They also can join social media campaigns that spotlight modern agriculture. Scyphers said the participants learned how to be comfortable making presentations, using talking points and writing concise messages. Its an area thats not been focused on in the past, she said. Best of all, the training will be a big benefit in her own job as program specialist at Farm Credit of the Virginias Knowledge Center in Abingdon. I can take those skills from Boot Camp and help teach local Farm Bureau members and other producers how to share their messages across multimedia platforms, such as television, radio and print and even legislators, said Scyphers. Advocating for agriculture is one of the most important things anyone involved in the industry can do. Not only does it show others in your community what youre doing, but it puts out a positive message and builds personal relationships. Advocating for agriculture During the Boot Camp training exercises, Scyphers chose to engage in a platform focusing on broadband infrastructure. What she learned reinforced the importance of high-speed internet on farm operations and how to advocate for better services in her own community. The topic is particularly important to her since the family struggles with inadequate internet services at the farm, something that impacts the family in their everyday operations. We are what I call an internet desert, she said. We have no high-speed internet or broadband, said Scyphers. Because she and her husband work day jobs, they would like to rely on calving cameras in the barn to alert them if a cow is having difficulty giving birth. Currently, services at their home do not support this option. Broadband and high-speed internet have become almost as essential as electricity and water, Scyphers said. Farmers rely on broadband access to follow commodity markets and communicate with their customers and even operate businesses from their homes. Early days Women have always played an important role in farming, whether physically working in the fields or making decisions at the kitchen table. The Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) indicates that more than half of all farming operations in the United States had at least one woman operator in 2019. Scyphers has taken an active role in agriculture since she was a youth, working alongside her father and grandfather and other family members. At an early age, she became the caregiver of the familys sheep. Taking care of the sheep was a way I contributed to our family operation and was able to take ownership in one of our farm enterprises. It really made me realize that I wanted to stay in agriculture in some form. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in animal and poultry science, she later earned her masters degree in education and began teaching agriculture. After teaching for two years in North Carolina, she relocated to Holston High School in Damascus, where she taught agriculture for a decade before moving to Farm Credit in the Knowledge Center. In addition to her recent honor, Scyphers won the Virginia Young Farmer Discussion Meet in 2014 and the Virginia Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award in 2016, both awarded by Virginia Farm Bureau. Raising a generation Sharing her passion for the land is something that just comes natural to her. The couples children, Isaac and Hannah, are learning from their parents how to be good stewards of the land. Working beside their parents, the children feed livestock, open gates and care for the farm animals. Among their many chores, 10-year-old Hannahs job is to fill the syringes with medicine when her parents vaccinate cattle, and 12-year-old Isaac helps out by using an applicator gun to apply dewormer solutions when livestock are isolated in a head gate. Following in their parents footsteps, the children participate in local 4-H and FFA organizations, showing their market steers, registered heifers and market lambs and hogs. For me, I dont think there is any better way to live your life and raise your kids than on a farm, said Scyphers. Farmers are the lifeline to the rest of the country and the world. If you want to see someone who is selfless, look at a farmer. They put the needs of their livestock and their crops before themselves every single day. Even on the bad days, Scyphers still sees the benefits of farming. Some days, you question why you do what you do, but the positives always outweigh the negatives. There are a lot of things about agriculture that are great, and there a lot of things about agriculture that are really tough. But when it comes down to it, at the end of the day, its a lifestyle. To quote a friend, were not only raising crops, were raising the next generation of farmers to be passionate about agriculture. Carolyn R. Wilson is a freelance writer in Glade Spring, Virginia. Contact her at citydesk@bristolnews.com. ABINGDON, Va. Two local artists have combined their quilting skills to benefit an Abingdon nonprofit organization. Mary Warner of Bristol, Virginia, and Marty Gail of Abingdon, both huge talents in their own rights, collaborated together to make and donate their handmade quilt to Holston Mountain Artisans to be raffled off by the end of the year. Andrea Rhoten, director of the Abingdon cooperative, said money raised from the raffle will support ongoing programs and classes at the cooperative. Both artists, whose years of quilting exceed more than 50 years combined, say their donation is a good way to give back to the cooperative that has served the region for more than 50 years. Together the women began their work on the quilt in late 2020 and finished it last month. Gail machine-sewed the quilt pieces together for the top portion of the quilt before Warner attached the layers and hand-stitched the fabrics, a process that took her 50 hours to complete. The queen-size quilt is made from all-cotton fabrics, a blend of blues, grays and browns. The colors work well together. Its got neutral colors and can go well in any room, Gail said. The quilt, named Grassy Creek, was designed by Bonnie Hunter of Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, as a mystery quilt, put together by clues frequently provided by the designer until the quilt is completed and the design is revealed. You dont know what the quilt will look like until the very end, said Gail. A label sewn on the underside of the quilt tells the story. Raffle tickets are $5 each or $20 for a book of five. The Grassy Creek quilt can be seen at Holston Mountain Artisans in the next few weeks before it travels through town to be on display at various locations in town. Check the Facebook page for Holston Mountain Artisans for locations where the quilt will be displayed. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the cooperative and designated locations throughout the year. The raffle will be conducted in December during Santas Workshop at the cooperative. About the quilters Gail, originally from Ohio, started quilting when she was in the late 20s. After a 10-year hiatus, she became reconnected with the craft when she moved to Abingdon in 1997. After quilting for 35 years, Gail estimated she has made as many as 300 quilts, mostly baby quilts. Many of her quilts are donated to the Childrens Advocacy Center of Highlands Community Service in Bristol, Virginia. She is a member of First Frontier Quilters in Kingsport and Wolf Hills Quilters in Abingdon. Warner also has been quilting for numerous years. While traveling with her husband, a diplomat with the U.S. State Department, she was introduced to quilting by a friend in the Dominican Republic who helped her pass the time while on bed rest during her second pregnancy. She taught me basic hand stitches she had learned from her grandmother. It was a good way to learn, Warner said. With no internet or quilting classes available, the beginner quilter resorted to using her imagination to gain quilting knowledge. By the time the couple moved to Australia in 2003, the self-taught quilter had access to quilting classes and shops. The quilter later moved to Malawi, a country in southeast Africa, one of the least developed countries in the world. She was able to teach quilting to the ladies who needed it as a means of survival. It was an amazing feeling to have helped these women who were so appreciative to learn the skills. I saw them go from having little or no skills to buying their own fabrics and supplies and being able to sell their quilted items, she said. Holston Mountain Artisans is located at 214 Park St. in Abingdon. Check out the cooperative on Facebook, or visit www.holstonmtnarts.org. New spring hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Carolyn R. Wilson is a freelance writer in Glade Spring, Virginia. Contact her at news@washconews.com. LENOIR The Caldwell Chamber of Commerce will host its annual meeting as an in-person event on Tuesday, April 12, at 5:30 p.m. at the HUB Station Auditorium in Hudson. It is an honor to bring this important event to our members, our community, and our partners," said Bryan Moore, president and CEO of the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce. "We are thrilled to announce that the annual meeting sold out in less than 10 days, and that is a sign of our community having a desire to get together for these important events." The 2022 annual meeting will feature a welcome message from Mayor Janet Winkler, from the Town of Hudson, and presenters from event sponsors, including Google Lenoir, Duke Energy, Sattler Corporation & Rygid AV. The Chamber will present a short business meeting, and attendees will hear from committee chairs across multiple disciplines and programs offered by the Chamber. Mark Poarch, president of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, will present the keynote speech. After a two-year hiatus, the Chamber will present three special community leader awards. Sheila Triplet-Brady will receive the 2022 Visionary Award for her service to the community and the Chamber is excited to bring back the Duke Energy Citizenship - Man and Woman of the year L.A. Dysart Awards. This year's recipients are Jane Prestwood and Dr. John Tye. By Trend Pakistan conducted successful flight test of Shaheen-III surface to surface ballistic missile. The test flight was aimed at re-validating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system, Trend reports citing ISPR. Launch was witnessed by Lieutenant General Nadeem Zaki Manj, Director General Strategic Plans Division, Dr Raza Samar Chairman NESCOM, Lieutenant General Muhammad Ali Commander Army Strategic Force Command, senior officers from Strategic Plans Division, scientists and engineers of Strategic Organizations. Director General Strategic Plans Division, congratulated the scientists and engineers on achieving dynamic design and development capabilities and expressed his full confidence in Pakistans Nuclear Deterrence Capability. President, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee and Services Chiefs congratulated the scientists and engineers on this achievement. Nepal is a yam between two boulders, according to an old adage. A landlocked country located mostly in the Himalayas, Nepal is shoehorned between two massive neighbors, China to the north and India to the south. India has traditionally held sway over Nepalese affairs. But Chinas influence is increasing. If history is any guide, Nepal should beware. Buffer states sandwiched between powerful rivals can be in quite a precarious position. States in the international system first and foremost seek to survive. Though states have other goals as well, none can be pursued if a state ceases to exist. States must therefore, arguably, privilege the goal of ensuring survival over all other objectives. But not all states are successful in doing so. Over the past 200 years, nearly a third of all states have died (been eliminated, at least temporarily, from the international system). Maps of Europe at one time included independent states such as Hanover and Saxony (both were eventually subsumed by Germany). Poland was dismembered in 1795, and after reemerging following World War I, dismembered again in 1939. Some states suffer a violent death. Which tend to be most at risk? Political scientist Tanisha Fazal has found that buffer states (states that are geographically located between two rivals) account for over 40% of state deaths. Such states become vulnerable when caught in a security dilemma between competing rivals in which an advance by one rival is viewed as a threat to the other, leading to countermeasures and tit-for-tat responses that can spiral into military conflict. Buffer states are cursed by geography, placed between competing adversaries who may seek to seize control over their territory before their rival does. Ukraine suffers from the unfortunate geographic reality of being a buffer state between Russia and NATO/the EU/the West. Each side is sensitive to the other potentially gaining influence over Ukraine. Such concern is particularly acute for Russia, in part given Russias shared border with Ukraine. Putin hopes to preserve a layer of protection from what appears to be an encroaching rival. Rivals do not always overtake buffer states. They may face constraints, such as domestic problems, that divert resources and attention. Or rivals may at times align with one another to meet a common threat, as Britain and Russia did prior to World War I when Germany began to increase its power, and not want to upset such cooperation by competing over a buffer state. Or a buffer state itself could find an ally to ward off rival competition over its territory. But if rivals are unconstrained and uncooperative there may be little that a buffer state can do. Buffer states may look for stronger allies to keep out rival competition. But other states will be reluctant to align with buffer states knowing that they could get dragged into conflict. Ironically, states that need allies the most might have the hardest time finding them. Prior to being partitioned in 1795, Poland attempted to appeal to Britain. But Britain did not want to jeopardize its other alliances by coming to Polands aide. An expectation of there being strong nationalist opposition to occupation could perhaps prevent a stronger state from overtaking a buffer state. Sensing that the costs of invasion would be high, predatory states would be kept at bay. In her research on state death, though, Fazal found that anticipation of nationalist opposition does not tend to constrain rivals competing over buffer states. In regard to the partition of Poland in 1795, for example, she found that Polands partitioners dealt with the fear of Polish nationalism by doubling down on their efforts to crush the Polish nation rather than being deterred from taking action. Putin should have perhaps expected a strong nationalist response from Ukrainians. The Maidan Revolution in 2014 demonstrated that the Ukrainian people would not meekly accept their homeland falling under Putin sway. He went ahead with the invasion nonetheless. So what, if anything, can buffer states do? Unfortunately, geographic realities are hard to change. Whether or not a buffer state is invaded may be largely out of their control. There may nonetheless be hope for those overtaken by their neighbors. Though expected nationalist resistance to invasion might not prevent a state from seeking to overtake a buffer, strong resistance may lead to resurrection in the event of state death. Research on state death has shown that strong nationalist resistance can significantly increase the likelihood of a state reemerging. Almost all of the states that died from the end of World War I until now have since been resurrected in one form or another. Buffer states are in an unenviable position. But perhaps at times, a buffer states status can be used to its advantage. Nepal is located precariously between China and India, two domineering rivals. It also has had longstanding diplomatic relations with the United States. During the Cold War, as pointed out in The Economist (a magazine and website), Nepal was able to leverage its position to extract favors from all sides, obtaining help for building factories from China, roads from India, and help with health care from the United States. Rather than the yam being squished between the two surrounding boulders, seeds of growth were planted. Ukraine was not able to prevent Russia from invading. And the Ukrainians may not be able to prevent the Russian military from overtaking Kyiv. But, through resistance, Ukraine can survive. French philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseaus advice to fellow buffer state Poland prior to the 1795 partition is again relevant you cannot possibly keep them from swallowing you, Rousseau noted, see to it, at least, that they shall not be able to digest you. David R. Dreyer is a political science professor at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Email him at David.Dreyer@lr.edu. This is Peter Hitchenss Mail on Sunday column Since last Wednesday, when no-fault divorce became law south of the border (Scotland did this in 2006), civil marriage in England has become little more than a middle-class foible. Families are temporary arrangements, easily scattered. Why should most people bother with a commitment so readily torn up that it isnt worth the paper its scribbled on? I say civil marriage because I believe there are still couples from all layers of society who make serious pledges of lifelong marriage in religious weddings. But civil marriage is now less binding than a car lease. It offers no guarantee of stability to those who marry, let alone to their children, the real victims of this trend in the law. In fact, these are the two fascinating things about modern marriage law in the West. It virtually ignores the dreadful damage divorce does to children. It correctly claims to liberate adults but at what price to their offspring, who are in so many cases made miserable, not liberated? And it turns normal law upside down. It sides with the contract-breaker rather than with the person who wants to keep his or her word. Try telling your mortgage lender that you dont actually owe them any money any more, even though you solemnly promised to pay it back, because your relationship with them has irretrievably broken down. This has been getting worse for many years. The clever, slick BBC TV drama The Split, starring Nicola Walker, portrays the smooth, moneyed industry that now feeds off marital break-up. But now it is terminal. Why is that? I have long thought that both the state and business do not much like families. Families have private lives and pass on opinions and stories that contradict all the official dogmas. Families like to have weekends and evenings off rather than working the whole time. Families spread and sustain old-fashioned ideas such as inheritance, continuity, thrift and providence. Families can stand against the hypnotic power of advertising and political propaganda. Families have ferociously strong bonds of loyalty. People who are in families are harder to push around and brainwash than isolated individuals. The old Soviet state specifically made war on proper families. Marriage was a scrap of paper easily dissolved. Children were, literally, taught to put the state above their parents. They were trained to worship the obscene child traitor Pavlik Morozov, idolised for betraying his mother and father to the secret police. There was still a statue to this horror in Moscow until 1991. The young used to be paraded in front of it and told to revere him, even though he probably never existed. But here its been more subtle. If you make what was once a binding oath easy to get out of, you will in the end undermine its power. The strong possibility of break-up has been inserted, by the State, into every marriage ceremony. So when difficulties come, people swiftly think of divorce as the remedy. The first thing that happens is that there are more divorces. The next is that it becomes increasingly difficult to be critical of divorce because divorcees take it personally. Then this settles down, and there are fewer marriages in the first place. And so we get a stronger state, greedier commerce and more and more lonely, unhappy children who tragically think it is all their fault. Some cold, hard facts they dont tell you about Ukraine Here are some facts about the Ukraine crisis you may not be aware of. I have listed them to try to cool down the hot temper of so much of the debate about this issue, which threatens to widen and deepen an appalling war. Q. How long have Western countries been giving military aid to Ukraine? A. The US has been giving Ukraine generous foreign and military aid since 1991, when Ukraine became a country. In the decade after 1991, Ukraine received almost $2.6 billion. In the years leading up to Russias annexation of Crimea in 2014, it was getting roughly $105 million per year, including military financing, most given long before any threat of Russian invasion. The US began supplying weapons in 2018. Britain began giving military aid to Ukraine in 2014, in the form of advisers and training. Q. Did anyone ever try to solve the problem that some of Ukraines Russian-speaking citizens did not want to be in Ukraine a main reason for hostility between Moscow and Kiev after 1991? A. Yes, right from the start. On August 26, 1991, two days after Kiev declared independence from Moscow, the then Russian president Boris Yeltsin said that the old Soviet borders between Russia and Ukraine would have to be redrawn to deal with this problem. He retracted this within a day, almost certainly thanks to pressure from the United States. By May 1992, 250,000 of Crimeas roughly two million mostly Russian people had signed a petition asking for a referendum on independence enough to trigger a vote under Ukrainian law. On May 5 that year, Crimeas parliament voted 118 to 28 to secede from Ukraine. But the Kiev government prevented a referendum from taking place. Q. Would it have been possible to change the borders of Ukraine peacefully to avoid this obvious problem? A. Yes, as European borders are not sacrosanct. The US and the UK, along with dozens of other countries (though not Ukraine), have recognised Kosovos breakaway from Serbia in 2008. The whole of the former Yugoslavia has been scissored into many new states, mostly recognised by the majority of nations. Ukraine, for instance, was among the earliest countries to recognise Croatias 1991 breakaway from Yugoslavia, then a highly controversial step. Q. What is the biggest political snub in modern history? A. In March 2007, Vladimir Putin warned very specifically against further expansion of Nato. Just a year later, President George W. Bush announced that he wanted Ukraine to join Nato, wholly aware that his action would infuriate Moscow. It did. Q. Is Russia alone in committing alleged atrocities in Ukraine? A. No. More than one allegation has been made, supported by apparent video evidence, of Ukrainian soldiers killing or maiming captured and helpless Russian prisoners of war. It must be stressed that these claims have not been proven. However, it is incontestable that both Russian and Ukrainian forces were guilty of military actions leading to the deaths of civilians, including children, during the war which has raged since 2014 in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Q. Could the current war have been avoided? A. Very much so. President Volodymyr Zelensky was elected largely on a promise to seek peace, which he courageously did in 2019. But political rivals and hard-Right militias both opposed him. On a visit to soldiers on the front line, he told one Rightist who lectured him: You cant issue me ultimatums. Im the president of this country. I am 42 years old. Im no sucker. I came here to tell you to move your weapons away from the front line. But in the end, Mr Zelensky gave in to the pressure, and the peace deal withered away. Q. Whatever happened to the United Nations, which is supposed to prevent or end wars such as this? A. I have no idea. It seems to have evaporated. If you want to comment on Peter Hitchens, click on Comments and scroll down Some cold, hard facts they dont tell you about Ukraine Here are some facts about the Ukraine crisis you may not be aware of. I have listed them to try to cool down the hot temper of so much of the debate about this issue, which threatens to widen and deepen an appalling war. Q. How long have Western countries been giving military aid to Ukraine? A. The US has been giving Ukraine generous foreign and military aid since 1991, when Ukraine became a country. In the decade after 1991, Ukraine received almost $2.6 billion. In the years leading up to Russias annexation of Crimea in 2014, it was getting roughly $105 million per year, including military financing, most given long before any threat of Russian invasion. The US began supplying weapons in 2018. Britain began giving military aid to Ukraine in 2014, in the form of advisers and training. Q. Did anyone ever try to solve the problem that some of Ukraines Russian-speaking citizens did not want to be in Ukraine a main reason for hostility between Moscow and Kiev after 1991? A. Yes, right from the start. On August 26, 1991, two days after Kiev declared independence from Moscow, the then Russian president Boris Yeltsin said that the old Soviet borders between Russia and Ukraine would have to be redrawn to deal with this problem. He retracted this within a day, almost certainly thanks to pressure from the United States. By May 1992, 250,000 of Crimeas roughly two million mostly Russian people had signed a petition asking for a referendum on independence enough to trigger a vote under Ukrainian law. On May 5 that year, Crimeas parliament voted 118 to 28 to secede from Ukraine. But the Kiev government prevented a referendum from taking place. Q. Would it have been possible to change the borders of Ukraine peacefully to avoid this obvious problem? A. Yes, as European borders are not sacrosanct. The US and the UK, along with dozens of other countries (though not Ukraine), have recognised Kosovos breakaway from Serbia in 2008. The whole of the former Yugoslavia has been scissored into many new states, mostly recognised by the majority of nations. Ukraine, for instance, was among the earliest countries to recognise Croatias 1991 breakaway from Yugoslavia, then a highly controversial step. Q. What is the biggest political snub in modern history? A. In March 2007, Vladimir Putin warned very specifically against further expansion of Nato. Just a year later, President George W. Bush announced that he wanted Ukraine to join Nato, wholly aware that his action would infuriate Moscow. It did. Q. Is Russia alone in committing alleged atrocities in Ukraine? A. No. More than one allegation has been made, supported by apparent video evidence, of Ukrainian soldiers killing or maiming captured and helpless Russian prisoners of war. It must be stressed that these claims have not been proven. However, it is incontestable that both Russian and Ukrainian forces were guilty of military actions leading to the deaths of civilians, including children, during the war which has raged since 2014 in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Q. Could the current war have been avoided? A. Very much so. President Volodymyr Zelensky was elected largely on a promise to seek peace, which he courageously did in 2019. But political rivals and hard-Right militias both opposed him. On a visit to soldiers on the front line, he told one Rightist who lectured him: You cant issue me ultimatums. Im the president of this country. I am 42 years old. Im no sucker. I came here to tell you to move your weapons away from the front line. But in the end, Mr Zelensky gave in to the pressure, and the peace deal withered away. Q. Whatever happened to the United Nations, which is supposed to prevent or end wars such as this? A. I have no idea. It seems to have evaporated. The Slovak government is negotiating with Ukraine on the supply of Zuzana self-propelled artillery mounts to Kyiv, the Slovak publication Niezalezna.pl reports. "Bratislava and Kyiv are discussing the details of a contract for the sale of 16 155-mm Zuzana self-propelled artillery mounts," the report says. It specifies that the crew of the howitzer consists of four soldiers. Zuzana can hit a target at a distance of up to 39.6 km. In addition, these self-propelled artillery mounts have automatic reloading, which makes it possible to achieve a rate of fire of up to five rounds per minute. The stock of the howitzer is 750 km, the maximum speed is up to 80 km/h. "The introduction of these sets into service will not be a big problem for Ukrainians, since a few years ago Ukraine purchased 26 152-mm DANA M2 self-propelled howitzers from the Czech Republic. The Zuzana sets themselves are simply a modernized version of the DANA artillery system, adapted, among other things, according to NATO standards. Other users of the Zuzana and DANA systems are, in particular, Georgia, Poland and the Czech Republic," the publication said. A number of Slovak media, citing Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad, also report on the ongoing discussion of the possibility of supplying Kyiv with MiG-29 fighter jets, which are in service with the Slovak Air Force. MATTOON The cause of a structure fire Saturday is under investigation. Mattoon Fire Chief Jeff Hilligoss said in a news release that firefighters were dispatched at 8:11 p.m. to the area of 33rd Street and Marshall Avenue to a report of smoke and flames coming from a structure. Crews arrived at 607 S. 33rd St. to find smoke coming from the home and immediately deployed a hose line and began an aggressive interior attack while another crew began searching the residence for any occupants, Hilligoss said. The fire was quickly knocked down and under control within 10 minutes. The search of the residence found no occupants inside. There were no injuries reported. Hilligoss said the home sustained significant heat, smoke, and water damage, and is considered uninhabitable. The Mattoon Fire Department was assisted at the scene by Coles-Moultrie 911, Mattoon Police Department, Charleston Fire Department, Red Cross, and Ameren Illinois. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 CHICAGO - An Illinois judge issued a temporary restraining order Friday that prevents Chicago Public Schools from taking employment action against six teachers for refusing to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or undergo weekly testing. CPS is the only school district left in the state thats still enforcing this. None of the rest of the school districts that are in this case are trying to get vaccination or testing compliance out of teachers, said downstate attorney Tom DeVore, who represents the six CPS teachers. They should drop it. CPS issued a statement late Friday on Sangamon County Circuit Judge Raylene Grischows decision: The district disagrees with the courts decision and will continue to fight against this lawsuit and the TRO, as we believe our current health and safety protocols are in the best interest of our students, staff and school communities. The district said it intends to appeal the decision and will ask for the restraining order to be stayed. CPS announced an employee vaccine mandate in August, with allowances for medical or religious exemptions. The district later relaxed those rules, but said partially vaccinated and unvaccinated staff members had to test weekly for COVID-19. CPS says about 8.5% of its staff some 4,100 employees are required to test, according to district data. Grischow already issued a temporary restraining order against the district in February as part of a challenge to Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzkers school COVID-19 policies such as universal masking, quarantining for unvaccinated close contacts of an infected person, and testing for unvaccinated staff members. DeVore, a Republican candidate for Illinois attorney general, said after that temporary restraining order was entered, two of his six clients continued to work at CPS without testing weekly. The other four teachers still tested, DeVore said. They continued to test because they were waiting for the process to go through the appeals court, and they were scared during that period of time, he said. The appellate court dismissed Pritzkers appeal of the temporary restraining order as moot because rules from the Illinois Department of Public Health requiring masking and other COVID-19 protocols had been allowed to expire. The Illinois Supreme Court declined to hear the case, vacating the temporary restraining order. DeVore said the two CPS teachers who refused to test were told last month by the district to comply with the rule or risk being placed on a nondisciplinary administrative leave of absence without pay. CPS didnt end up taking action against these teachers, DeVore said. He said Friday he is prepared to add 13 CPS employees to his lawsuit. Legal pressure from DeVores fight with CPS over its coronavirus mitigation strategies helped spur the district to drop its mask requirement for most students and staff last month. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Most everyone who drives is going to be in a wreck at some time. In the next columns, core issues will be discussed to try to give readers guidance on what they should do to be fairly treated for their valid claims for property damage and personal injuries. Here are the key issues: 1. When are you required by law to contact the authorities to investigate a wreck? 2. How do you assure you are properly reimbursed for your property damage and personal injuries if you are not at fault in the wreck? 3. Why is it important to document that you received timely and necessary medical treatment if you are injured? 4. Do you need a lawyer to help you? Maybe not. Helpful tips will be provided on how to get limited lawyer guidance for minor injury claims just to be sure you do not misstep. And a good rule to determine when it may be time to hire a lawyer for a (standard) contingent fee contract to represent you on your claim. 5. What liability insurance policies may provide additional coverage dollars if your injuries are more serious, and how do you identify them? Some may not be readily apparent. 6. What are medical care liens? Medical care providers can have valid liens which the law requires you to pay out of your recovery. But medical care lien holders may reduce their liens, when justified, which can fairly increase your net recovery. What reductions would be justified? When you are in a wreck North Carolina law requires a driver in a collision to contact the authorities when any person is injured OR there is property damage of $1,000 or more. Most any bump or ding on a bumper is going to result in damage greater than $1,000. So, one should almost always contact the authorities to investigate the wreck, whether one has a personal injury or not. No one likes to deal with the unexpected time it takes to investigate a wreck, but the investigating officer may suggest you go to the emergency room to be examined for your injuries, which may not be apparent to you, particularly musculature injuries. These are real and often lasting injuries, not feigned in any way, which may not be fully apparent to the most honest people until hours later. And which often surprise us, the truth be told. If the officer tells you to go to the ER, do it. It helps you medically to get appropriate treatment. But it also validates you were, in fact, injured. If you decline the recommendation to go to the ER and you complain later, which happens more than you realize, the insurance adjuster for the at-fault party may legitimately ask whether you were injured in the wreck to the extent you now claim. What if the cause of the wreck is not fully clear? What if the at-fault party claims later you could have been partially at fault as well? The law on this issue may surprise you. North Carolina is one of three states that follow the unconditional contributory negligence rule. (Instead of a comparative negligence standard.) If the facts suggest you are even 1% at fault, except in limited cases, you are not entitled to recover. But an impartial officer will record what the parties said at the scene about how the wreck happened. This goes a long way toward locking in the facts to avoid, shall we say, creative memories of the at-fault party later about what you did which allegedly contributed to the cause of the wreck. Next time: Additional commonsense steps to take to be sure you get a fair resolution of your claim. Remember: An informed choice is a smart choice. Postscript: My thanks to all of you who called in to the free Ask-A-Lawyer Day event sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Association on March 4. This event was the subject of our last column in late February. Thousands and thousands of citizens called in to get free advice and direction from NCBA lawyers in private practice across the state. This 15-year Lawyers Serving People service event is one of the most successful lawyer service programs in the country. Mike Wells is a partner with Wells Law, PLLC in Winston-Salem. Contact him at mike@wellslaw.us or 336-283-8700. Q: Panhandlers continue to leave their trash and garbage at the intersection of Interstate 40 and Hanes Mall Boulevard. There is also a makeshift plastic flower memorial in that area which has been there for weeks. Is there an ordinance to keep this from reoccurring, and if so, how is it being enforced? C.G. Answer: Its a perpetual problem, said George Stilphen, the coordinator of Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful. He said that litter sometimes piles up around where people are standing. There is also the problem of people throwing trash out of their cars while waiting at stoplights. Stilphen said that city mowing crews pick up the litter before mowing. A crew will check the area and clean up the trash, he said. Is there a law against littering? The answer is yes. There is a city ordinance and a state law against littering. Winston-Salem City Ordinance Section 62-8 (b) states that it is unlawful to throw trash or garbage down on public property, streets, alleys, public park or recreation area. N.C. General Statute 14-399 states that it is illegal to throw trash or garbage on public property or private property you do not own. If you throw 15 pounds or less of trash on public property you may be found guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. The punishment is a fine of between $250 and $1,000. You may also have to perform eight to 24 hours of community service, usually picking up trash. The fines and punishment increase with the amount of trash thrown out. In order for a law enforcement officer to issue a littering citation, they would have to see the person throw out trash. There are ways, however, you can report people leaving trash where they shouldnt. The N.C. Department of Transportation has a program called Swat-a-Litterbug. It is available as an app you can download to your smart phone. You can also make a report online from a computer or by calling 800-331-5864. After it has been reported, upon receipt of the reported information, NCDOT will mail the registered owner of the vehicle that was reported a formal notification, signed by the N.C. State Highway Patrol, that informs them about the littering offense, the penalties of littering and urges them to help keep North Carolina clean, the Swat-A-Litterbug websites states. Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful has several programs throughout the year to clean up streams, and other areas. For more information about what you can do you clean up around Winston-Salem, go to the Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful page on the City of Winston-Salems website (www.cityofws.org). Earth Day youth art contest The Piedmont Environmental Alliance will hold a youth art contest as part of its Earth Day celebration. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade can submit art or writing about why Earth Day is important to them. Students must sign up on or before April 15. They can drop off their artwork at the PEA office, 426 Old Salem Road, Winston-Salem, or at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds on April 22. The Earth Day Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 23 at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds. Admission is free. For more information, go to www.peanc.org/EDF. Email: AskSAM@wsjournal.com Write: Ask SAM, 418 N. Marshall St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Two local legislators are defending legislation that allows law enforcement agencies to withhold the names of its officers and deputies who kill or severely injure someone on the job. The Triad Abolition Project criticized the law, saying it further erodes public confidence about the actions of law enforcement officers. Last summer, the N.C. General Assembly approved legislation designed to get rid of undisciplined officers at law enforcement agencies throughout North Carolina while emphasizing mental health assistance for other officers. The legislation created both public and confidential databases that monitor officers histories and required officers to report excessive force by colleagues. Under the legislation, local agencies are required to create an internal data collection when officers fire their weapons or are subject to citizen complaints. Legislators took action and Gov. Roy Cooper signed the bill amid the national focus on racial inequity and police shootings of Black people. Those incidents include the May 2020 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody and the fatal shooting in April 2021 of Andrew Brown Jr. in Elizabeth City by Pasquotank County sheriffs deputies. However, a provision added with the states 628-page budget last November further reinforced the concealment of the officers identities and any discipline imposed on them. State Sen. Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth, voted for both measures. The law does not prohibit the public from finding out any information regarding critical incidents, Krawiec said. It only applies to select databases used by law enforcement agencies, Krawiec said. Individual agencies would still have the ability to share information that is of public interest and North Carolinians can still petition the court to release body camera footage. If any law enforcement officer is involved in a critical incident, its vitally important that a thorough investigation takes place, without the officer first being tried in the court of public opinion, Krawiec said. State Rep. Lee Zachary, R-Yadkin, who represents a part of Forsyth County, had an excused absence on Nov. 18, 2021, when the N.C. House voted to support the state budget. Zachary said he would have supported the provision regarding the officers because it is consistent with other state personnel laws. Those laws protect the confidentiality of public employees and teachers, he said. If the allegations are actionable, they can be sued or charged criminally, Zachary said. Then that is open to public disclosure. State Sen. Paul Lowe Jr., D-Forsyth, said he didnt know that the provision protecting the confidentiality of officers was part of the state budget legislation. Lowe said he and other senators had only a few minutes to read that legislation before they voted on it. If Lowe had known that the provision existed, he would have voted to remove it, he said. I dont know if most people (state senators) knew it was in there, Lowe said. The Forsyth County Sheriffs Office will follow the law and not release the names of its deputies involved in use-of-force incidents, Capt. Gary East has said. Davie County Sheriff J.D. Hartman also said that his agency will adhere to the law. Sheriffs in Yadkin, Davidson and Surry counties couldnt be reached for comment. Capt. Danny Bottoms, a spokesman for the Stokes County Sheriffs Office, said he hadnt spoken with Stokes Sheriff Joey Lemons about the law. State Rep. Evelyn Terry, D-Forsyth, also had an excused absence when the N.C. House voted on the state budget legislation. Terry said the provision protecting the officers privacy can be manipulated to create ill will irrespective of ones views on how to regulate law and order to maintain civility. Terry said she would have voted for the legislation because the state budget supports public safety, but she also supports the need for transparency regarding the actions of law enforcement officers. The Triad Abolition Project opposes the law protecting the identities of officers. Law enforcement (officers) regularly harass, injure, maim and kill members of our communities whom they deem expendable and less than human, the organization said in a statement. The impunity with which they carry out this violence should not be further reinforced by protecting them with confidentiality in these incidents. There is no chance for accountability without transparency and truth, the organization said. This law makes transparency and truth impossible and further strengthens the criminal legal systems freedom to brutalize the most oppressed among us. Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. EFG Hermes Holdings investment bank arm, the leading investment bank franchise in Frontier Emerging Markets (FEM), has appointed Saud Altassan as Chief Executive Officer of EFG Hermes, Saudi Arabia. Altassan joins from Bank of America where he was Head of Investment Banking, KSA. Altassan brings more than 15 years experience to the role, including leading successful international and local teams on both the buy and sell side. Prior to joining Bank of America, he was CEO of Swicorp, the private financial services group specialising in private equity, asset management and investment banking in Mena. Earlier in his career Altassan also held M&A roles at NCB Capital's Investment Banking joint venture with Goldman Sachs and at Banque Saudi Fransi in Project Finance and Syndication. Avenues for growth We welcome Saud Altassan to the firm, said EFG Hermes Holdings Group CEO Karim Awad. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia represents one of the investment banking divisions most important avenues for growth. It is exciting to have someone with Altassans depth and breadth of experience leading this increasingly important part of EFG Hermes franchise. In his new role, Altassan will lead on expansion strategies in the dynamic and ever-growing Saudi market. His on-the-ground expertise and leadership in the bulge bracket are both well-known and respected in the Mena financial industry, making him a perfect fit for EFG Hermes today. I look forward to the teams continued success under his stalwart guidance. Saudis capital market is the largest in the region and evolving fast, said Mohamed Ebeid, Co-CEO of the Investment Bank at EFG Hermes Holding. Not only has the Tadawul reached a market capitalisation of around $3.27 trillion with 215 stocks now listed on the main index and 25 stocks listed on the parallel index, but GCC countries, led by Saudi Arabia, now account for 7.6% of the influential MSCI Emerging Market (MSCI EM) Index just five years ago it was only 1.6%. Saudi Arabia on its own accounts for 4.36% of the MSCI EM index today. Similarly, Saudi Arabia will soon be included in the FTSE Emerging Markets Governments Bond Index. Investors of all types are looking at the region with fresh eyes, which is why this is an exciting time to be part of EFG Hermes Saudi growth story. Brand positioning I am proud and delighted to be joining one of the most reputable financial services institutions in the region, added Altassan. I have followed EFG Hermes development in Saudi over the last decade and have always been impressed by the depth of coverage of the market, advisory capabilities and clear-sighted client commitment. EFG Hermes has relentlessly built up its brand positioning over the years, and thanks to its unrivalled track-record across FEM it has become the advisor of choice for major international, regional as well as local Saudi institutions. As Saudi Arabias capital markets develop, deepen and demand a greater range of capital markets skills, I am convinced there is no franchise better equipped than EFG Hermes to navigate the intricate interplay between international capital and local opportunities. Working with my highly capable colleagues across the firm, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead our Saudi efforts. I look forward to joining EFG Hermes leadership team and building on the great foundation and growth potential in the business during this exciting phase of market development and growth in the kingdom.-- TradeArabia News Service Any discussion of Americas historical narrative, its challenges and triumphs, must include how it has responded to the corresponding fear. It is the primordial instinct that serves as the most dependable ally for those in opposition to the proposed change. Pick any historical data point secession from Great Britain, the Civil War, womens suffrage, World War II, the civil rights movement, LGBTQ equality and chances are fear lurked in the shadows. Fear transforms varying communities into a monolithic, reactionary lot of unhealthy uniformity. Those possessing a different perspective become the sworn enemy of an opposition held hostage by largely unexamined beliefs wrapped in a binary construct. It is other Americans who represent the existential threat, whose worldview in some cases, and phenotype in others, suggests the erosion of America, as some envisioned. This erroneous thinking is invariably based on whole-cloth acceptance of an incomplete narrative. The America of the 21st century is not the America to which the founders pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor. The collective greatness and courage exhibited by the artisans of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution does not mitigate that their initial vision limited the full benefits of citizenry to roughly 16% of the population (white, male, gentry class). They were unable to hear the pleas of Abigail Adams, who wrote to her husband John for him and other members of the Continental Congress in 1776 to remember the ladies. Nor could they hear those at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 who roundly condemned what Southern planters referred to as the peculiar institution. As a result, America did not enjoy the riches of democracy for all its citizens until 1965, with the passage of the Voting Rights Act. Though the preamble of the Constitution begins, We the People, many at the nations origin were systematically excluded from some of the most inclusive words in the American lexicon. As former Texas Rep. Barbara Jordan offered to the House Judiciary Committee during the impeachment of President Richard Nixon in 1974: Earlier today, we heard the beginning of the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States: We the people. Its a very eloquent beginning. But when that document was completed on the seventeenth of September in 1787, I was not included in that We the people. I felt somehow for many years that George Washington and Alexander Hamilton just left me out by mistake. But through the process of amendment, interpretation and court decision, I have finally been included in We the people. Jordan is alluding to the need for those not included in the self-evident truth of equality to periodically ask: Why am I not part of the we in We the people? Fear blinds us to the myriad pursuits many have taken to realize Americas promise in order to bask in a time period that falsely represents personal comfort. It presents itself as the rational response against the inevitability of progress. Fear grants us permission to justify what would otherwise be unjustifiable. In 1917, it was fear that led Congress to put aside its constitutional protections of free speech by passing the Sedition and Espionage Acts. Moreover, fear provided comfort and aid in support for internment camps for German Americans during the first world war and Japanese Americans in the second. As fear comforts our reflexive impulses, it has yet to offer a policy solution that has made better people, let alone aided our collective quest to form that more perfect union. Fear has no regard for the question that each generation must ask and answer for themselves, first posed in 1787 by Elizabeth Willing Powell to Benjamin Franklin immediately after it was announced that the Constitution had been signed. Powell asked: Well Dr. Franklin, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy? Franklin, never missing an opportunity to deliver a pithy response, replied. A republic, if you can keep it! Franklins reply has echoed throughout the generations reminding us that it was not fear, but a courageous commitment to maintain our civic virtue of liberty and equality that has brought us to the present moment. While fear omits, though it painstakingly states otherwise, whatever change is being proposed, the American ideal has remained intact. What Yoda opined a long time ago, in a galaxy, far, far away, remains applicable: Fear is the path that leads to the dark side. The Rev. Byron Williams (byron@publicmorality.org), a writer and the host of The Public Morality on WSNC 90.5, lives in Winston-Salem. RALEIGH Over the past decade, North Carolinas tax code has undergone a dramatic transformation. Once rated by the Tax Foundation as having one of the nations worst business-tax climates, our state now has one of the best. Our top marginal tax rate on personal income, once the highest in the Southeast at 7.75%, is now 4.99%. Our corporate tax rate, also once the regions highest at 6.9%, is now 2.5%. Because lawmakers didnt just cut tax rates but reformed the system itself broadening some tax bases while restructuring others North Carolina has continued to experience healthy revenue growth. Indeed, despite repeated and panicky predictions of shortfalls by progressives, the states revenue has generally exceeded its (wisely conservative) revenue forecasts, giving it the capacity to fund core services while shoring up its savings reserves to guard against future budget crises. So far, so good. But what should policymakers do next? Theres a range of possible answers. Under the state budget plan enacted last year and signed by Gov. Roy Cooper, North Carolinas personal income tax rate will drop to 3.99% by 2027 and its corporate rate will phase out entirely by 2029. Some Republican lawmakers want to speed up those rate reductions. Others want to get rid of the personal income tax entirely, while still others want to do the same with North Carolinas franchise tax, an outdated system that taxes firms doing business in the state based not on their net income but on their net worth. To offset expected revenue losses from these tax reductions, there is talk of ridding the income tax code of most remaining credits and carve-outs, or of expanding the sales tax to additional services sold at retail such as accounting, legal advice and medical care. On the Democratic side, Gov. Roy Cooper and his legislative allies would roll back most of the tax cuts of the last decade if they could. In particular, Cooper would dearly love to save the corporate tax and, indeed, to raise its rate substantially on most businesses while retaining the ability to offer generous incentives to politically favored companies. Unless something very surprising happens this November, however, these Democratic fantasies will remain just that. Speaking of political realities, North Carolina made a fateful decision long ago to fund public schools and roads primarily with state taxes rather than local ones. So what most other Americans pay for with their property taxes, North Carolinians pay for with income, sales and gas taxes. Republicans need to keep that in mind as they fashion their tax-reform priorities. North Carolinas personal income tax is projected to raise $14.3 billion during the fiscal year that ends this June. The state sales tax is projected to raise $9.6 billion, the corporate tax $1.1 billion, and the franchise tax $840 million. Given continued spending discipline and even moderate revenue growth, we can do away with the corporate tax as scheduled, or even accelerate the phase-out, without imperiling core services. Pursuing other ambitious reforms, however, will require tough choices. For North Carolina to join the likes of Florida, Tennessee and Texas in abolishing income taxes altogether, for example, wed either have to more than double our sales tax collections (likely by taxing many services at high rates), require local governments to raise property or sales taxes drastically to take on new funding responsibilities or some combination of the two. Well, OK, I omitted two more options. One is to assume that the economic growth induced by abolishing our income tax would produce offsetting sales taxes at current rates. Thats mathematically impossible. The other is to cut General Fund spending in half. Thats politically impossible. Im in favor of additional pro-growth tax cuts such as slashing capital-gains taxes and pulling business-to-business transactions out of the retail sales tax (they were never retail sales in the first place). Still, our highest priority should be to protect the tax cuts already enacted and scheduled. Not very exciting, perhaps, but prudent. John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. Follow Hood on Twitter @JohnHoodNC You have questions. I have some answers. Q: I started watching Ordinary Joe and it seems to have disappeared. Will it return? And if it not, why? A: The series about the different paths a mans life could have taken had a first season of 13 episodes, all of which aired. But the ratings were disappointing, and NBC decided not to order a second season. Those 13 episodes are available on streaming service Peacock. Q: Whatever happened to the series Blood & Treasure? Its episodes in 2019 showed promise. A: While it looked as if the adventure drama could quickly come back to the CBS schedule, COVID-19 concerns in 2020 reportedly delayed production. CBS announced plans for a second season in the 2021-22 season. But as of late March the network did not have a date set for its return. Its possible it will show up in May, since that was the month that the first season premiered. The first season is available on streaming service Paramount+. Q: We loved the series The Gilded Age and are wondering if the house interior shots were in actual homes or were they just sets? A: Creating 1880s New York City for the delicious HBO drama involved a variety of techniques including visual effects, set construction, location shooting and the use of historic places for interiors and exteriors. House Beautiful tallied 18 different historic homes used in the Gilded first season all of which can be visited and toured in person. Among those used for interiors are Newport, Rhode Island, sites including the Breakers, the Elms, Chateau-sur-Mer and the Hunter House. The series, by the way, has been renewed for a second season. Q: I vaguely remember a sitcom from the 1970s that featured a family in the then Soviet Union. Am I correct or imagining? A: Ivan the Terrible, which aired briefly on CBS in 1976, starred Lou Jacobi as Ivan, a Moscow waiter sharing a small apartment with eight other people and a dog. The reference book Total Television calls it forgettable but at least it was memorable to you. Q: If I remember correctly, there was an episode of Bonanza that guest starred a young Wayne Newton. He was driving a wagon and he sang Scarlet Ribbons Am I right? A: Yes. That was in the 1966 episode The Unwritten Commandment. Newton played a young man named Andy Walker and reprised the role later that year in a Bonanza Christmas episode. Reach Rich Heldenfels at P.O. Box 417, Mogadore, OH 44260, or brenfels@gmail.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Quality or quantity? When it comes to employees addressing the workforce shortage, the Midwest could benefit from both. Every area is affected by the workforce shortage, but especially jobs in agriculture, said Cyndi Hanson, dean of workforce development at Northeast Community College. "We say one in three jobs in this region is connected to agriculture." Leaders at the college based in Norfolk understand that as the worker shortage grows, companies are turning to technology to fill the void. They also realize the need to prevent technological malfunctions and hacking within those systems. The Ruraltech Training Program to Boost IT and Cybersecurity Skills in the Agricultural Workforce program will prepare workers to manage and protect technology utilized by large companies, cooperatives and even small farms. Agricultures dependency on precision ag makes the Northeast program vital. The college received a three-year grant worth $450,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the program. Helping move meat Another response to the workforce shortage, specifically in the meat packing industry, is the startup company Marble Technologies. The team consists of meat scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs. They are piloting intelligent automation equipment to address the bottleneck in the meat supply chain. Agriculture in general is facing labor shortages, but it is particularly acute in meat processing, said Jordyn Bader. Its been a longstanding problem but has finally come to a tipping point where its an issue that has to be resolved. Bader, a native of Ainsworth, is cofounder and director of industry partnerships for Marble. She explained in a Nebraska Women in Agriculture webinar in February that Marble is focused initially on developing technology to sort and pack meat products into boxes, a role that requires substantial labor in meat processing facilities. Because meat products are not uniform, the machines must adapt to variability by relying on their decision-making capability. We are putting brains on equipment to automate processing tasks, Bader said. Incorporated in November 2020, Marble Technologies has locations at Cambridge, Massachusetts and Nebraska Innovation Campus. Marbles first product is being tested with several large meat processors and could be made available commercially yet this year. The environment of meat processing facilities poses a challenge for integrating technology. Bader elaborated that the cameras must withstand cold and wet conditions while also being protected against daily hot, high-pressure power washing. She also noted that the design must be compact to fit in tight spaces. According to Bader, meat packing plants can be short 100 to 300 employees on any given day. Marble is aimed at reducing the pain point of labor shortages in meat processing facilities, Bader said. Marble Technologies intends to reduce the amount of physical labor required in meat packing plants, enabling employees who perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks to be redeployed to other, higher-need areas. Making matches Technology may be a solution for some aspects within the workforce shortage, but human workers are still necessary even in todays high-tech society. For people seeking ag-related employment or employees, Hansen Agri-PLACEMENT may be the solution. The company, located in Grand Island, has built a worldwide recruiting network for ag production and business operations. From Kerry Glandts perspective as a recruiter, employers value skill sets, stability and a reference set. You are not building strong experience or references if hopping from job to job, Glandt said. For those who want to get involved in agriculture but lack fundamental experience, he recommends finding a starter job in the field to build stability and experience. In addition to the worker shortage, Glandt has also seen a desire for people to return home. More people have transitioned back to the farm from corporate or manufacturing positions. People who drifted and are working 500 plus miles from their family or in-laws and havent been able to visit in the last year want to get back closer to family and perhaps aging parents, Glandt said. Whether seeking a job closer to home, starting fresh out of college or changing occupations, recruiters carefully match potential employees with employers, along the way helping job seekers take a snapshot of their skill sets and fine-tune their resume. There is no cost for businesses to post openings. Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Nebraska voters are inundated with advertisements, yard signs and text messages from political candidates. Much of the messaging, particularly among this year's crop of gubernatorial candidates, has centered on topics such as illegal border crossings or critical race theory. But other topics, and ones that hit closer to home, are top-of-mind for Nebraska voters. Nebraskans who responded to a Lee Enterprises survey said they cared most about attracting and retaining workers, affordable housing and school funding. The survey, which was conducted online from late February to mid-March, asked participants to rate a dozen topics on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 the most important. Nearly 900 individuals responded. Other important issues were slowing the loss of nursing homes and hospitals in smaller communities and addressing prison overcrowding or criminal justice reform. Rankings differed by region, although only slightly. In Omaha-area replies, prison overcrowding and criminal justice cracked the top three. Meanwhile, school funding topped the priority list made by Lincoln and Southeast Nebraska residents, with climate change also landing higher. Jeri Lundblad of Omaha said affordable housing and the loss of nursing homes in small towns are important to her. She said some of the topics she hears candidates talking about are like "dog whistles." Instead, the 68-year-old wants to hear candidates talk about issues that affect her and her community. "I find those issues that are broad topics are not anywhere specific enough to help," said Lundblad, a registered Democrat. Saving nursing homes in rural communities is important, she said, because many of the elderly in those places have nowhere else to go. Concerning prison overcrowding, she said the problem won't be solved by building more facilities if the people who are released from prison haven't had adequate training or rehabilitation. Some issues are related, Lundblad said. If you want to attract and retain workers, she said, you should be able to provide them with affordable housing options. Many political candidates are trying to appeal to their voter base by addressing hot-button issues, said John Hibbing, a professor of political science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Meanwhile, what actually appeals to voters could vary. Real-life issues, such as what the Legislature has been addressing, are ones that affect Nebraskans daily, Hibbing said. Hearing candidates talk more about those issues, he said, would be better than what's in campaign ads. Hibbing said he was surprised to see that property taxes consistently ranked low in the survey. Overall and among Omaha respondents, property taxes came in at No. 8 out of 12. In Lincoln, property taxes were 10th on the list. It makes sense, he said, that attracting and retaining workers ranked high. That could relate to fears of "brain drain" and the state losing residents, he said. "Getting jobs was the issue," Hibbing said. "Now, it's getting people to fill the job." Lisa Lee of Lincoln said she saw most of the items in the survey as priorities for the state, whether they affect her directly or not. Lee said the No. 1 problem is a shortage of workers. Having more people to fill jobs would be a boost to the economy and state revenue, she said. Other priorities for Lee, a 60-year-old lifelong Republican, are climate change and prison reform. Addressing the climate is complicated, she said, but she thinks solutions are out there. As for prison reform, Lee said it needs to be talked about, but it's going to take more than just adding beds. Lee said it's concerning to see top Republican candidates for governor "worrying more about a border problem." While she thinks that is an issue, the best course of action from a Nebraska perspective would be having members of Congress act on reform. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Willa is still waiting to go to Washington. And the man who will help take her there is a capable tour guide. As a boy, Littleton Alston would wander the U.S. Capitol, run around the National Mall, wade in its reflecting pools, visit all the free museums then bike back across East Capitol Avenue to his own neighborhood, its storefronts still burned out or boarded up from the 1968 riots after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. On each trip, he carried something home with him. It made me realize, in a concrete way, that there was a larger world. It showed me a different world; there wasnt rats, there wasnt garbage, there wasnt people acting stupid. Hed make the trip day after day during the summer. He found himself drawn to the public artwork, particularly the statues and sculptures, like those that loomed so much larger than him in the Capitols Statuary Hall. It was like a wonderland. It opened up a world for me that my neighborhood didnt have, that my education didnt have. It began an education for me, really. And it would lead, 50 years later, to a studio in midtown Omaha, where Alston last week finished packing up the 7-foot, 500-pound Willa Cather sculpture that he brought to life. He wrapped her in protective padding, built a plywood-and-pallet crate around her. Now theyre both waiting for word on when hell get to introduce her to his childhood draw, Statuary Hall. But theres room for only so many statues. The towering Cather bronze sculpted by the first African American artist to contribute to the Statuary Hall Collection in its 160-year history will unseat J. Sterling Morton, famous for starting Arbor Day but getting better known for his pro-slavery position. After 85 years in the Capitol, Morton will head home to Nebraska City, in the same wooden crate that will carry Cather to Washington. And his welcome there hasnt been wholly warm. * * * Littleton Alston learned about Cather as most of America did in junior high. But in 2018, after the Nebraska Legislature voted to send Ponca Chief Standing Bear and Cather to Washington, and recall William Jennings Bryan and Morton, he learned even more. Serious, scholarly research: Immersing himself in her words, and those written about her. Sensory, too: Visiting her hometown, and her childhood home, and surrounding himself with her images. He saw parallels in their paths. They were both born in Virginia, but they both considered Nebraska their home. Alston has taught at Creighton University since 1990, and his work is on display across the state, and the country. Charles Bessey at the state Capitols Hall of Fame. Bob Gibson at Werner Park in Papillion. St. Ignatius at Creighton. Martin Luther King Jr. in Illinois. Hell soon have Gale Sayers at Omaha Central High School. For the Cather piece, he started with drawings of the author, then smaller, three-dimensional studies sculpted in clay. Those show structure and proportion how the statue is standing, the play of the light but not much detail. And then he progressed to slightly larger pieces, 2-foot maquettes, which gave him room to add finer touches, such as the tilt of her hat, or the pins she wore. When I get to the large size, Im able to put a tremendous amount of detail in. Ive worked out all of those questions in the smaller sizes. But he wanted more than her resemblance. He was trying to freeze the feelings and thoughts and contemplation of another artist. Am I capturing her? She has a very complex face. I wanted to represent her in the process of thinking and creating. You know how someone looks at you when they have an idea? Did he replicate the glimmer in her eye, the strength of her jaw, as he wanted to? The Willa Cather National Statuary Hall Selection Committee thought so; it approved Alstons final version, and a Colorado foundry has since cast his Cather statue in bronze. But shell remain a secret until shes not, said committee chairman Ron Hull. The board wants the Washington unveiling to be an event, and that will be the first time the public will see it. The committee was charged with raising the roughly $200,000 to commission the statue and found a benefactor in the late Senior U.S. District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp, who donated most of it and identify a new home for Morton. The Cather group watched the Standing Bear Selection Committee begin Nebraskas changing of its guard, installing the Ponca chiefs 9-foot statue at the Capitol and sending Bryan to his new home in Seward, in fall 2019. But it was told 2020 was an election year, so it would likely have to wait until 2021 to move Cather to Washington. And then the pandemic paused everything. The Capitol closed to the public, and only reopened late last month. Hull hopes Cather goes to Washington soon. Theyre planning a reception for a couple of hundred people, celebrating all things Nebraska, but the dedication date isnt up to them. The Speaker of the House will set the schedule. The last word weve had, two weeks ago, is that it cannot happen until this fall, Hull said. Theres an awful lot of stuff going on in Washington, as you know. * * * A bidding war broke out for William Jennings Bryan after Standing Bear replaced him in Statuary Hall. Lincoln wanted him on Centennial Mall, but Seward won out, and he found a new home under the roof of the National Guard Museum. But when Hulls committee sought proposals for Mortons new home, only Nebraska City stepped up. It made sense, he said at the time. Morton belonged there. Hed moved to Nebraska City in 1854 and settled in as a farmer, newspaper editor, member of the territorial legislature, territorial secretary and, later, President Grover Clevelands agriculture secretary. But he became famous for launching Arbor Day in 1872. Nebraskans planted an estimated 1 million trees that first year. It became an official state holiday two years later, and has since spread to all 50 states. Nebraska City is home to Arbor Lodge, Arbor Day Farm and Arbor Day celebrations. The committee in Nebraska City that proposed bringing Morton home found a spot for him on the east side of the Otoe County Courthouse the states oldest public building and began raising the $5,000 cost of hauling him out of D.C. But then plans changed. County commissioners started getting calls and emails from those opposed to the location, given Mortons flagrant pro-slavery and anti-Black civil rights views. Among their concerns: It might not be a good look to plant Morton, who didnt think Black men should be allowed to vote, that close to the building where people register to vote, said Sara Crook, a Nebraska City native, Peru State professor and member of the Cather committee. So to avoid a political conundrum and controversy, they looked for other locations to put the statue, she said. Mortons views were held by many in the middle of the 1800s. Hes been called a man of his time. But that doesnt mean he was right, she said. I think he was wrong. The Nebraska City committee found itself needing a Plan B. Questions were raised, and certainly we didnt want to have a situation where it was going to be controversial, said member Doug Friedli. But they didnt want to hide that side of Morton, either, he said. They found a new home for him at the Morton-James Library, which was paid for, and named after, Mortons son. Its a good fit for a couple of reasons, he said. First, Morton will be inside, protected from the elements. But more importantly, the library will provide resources that tell the rest of his story and not just the part about the trees. Well be able to tell all sides of his life. Were really pleased to have that opportunity, so if people want to research various aspects of his life, its going to be there. Alston is aware of Mortons past. But hed rather look forward, and talk about how his statue will elevate Nebraskas image to those who visit the Capitol. Cather deserves to be there, he said. I do think its poetic justice that Willa will have her day in the sun. Reach the writer at 402-473-7254 or psalter@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSPeterSalter Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. An Adams County grand jury that investigated the fatal August shooting of a Juniata man at the hands of the State Patrol found the agency's SWAT team committed no criminal conduct in the standoff that proceeded Brooks Hacker's death. In fact, the 16-member jury's findings indicate law enforcement exhibited remarkable restraint in the four-hour affair, during which Hacker fired 79 rounds from a 9 mm handgun toward his girlfriend and police, including one shot that struck and injured a Lincoln-based trooper. The jurors, whose identities are permanently sealed, heard nearly 16 hours of testimony from Hacker's relatives, Adams County Sheriff's deputies, State Patrol investigators and the forensic pathologist who examined the 35-year-old's body in the aftermath of the Aug. 11 shooting. In the end, the jury deliberated for less than an hour, returning a no true bill in the incident, finding "no criminal conduct on the part of any individual that caused or contributed to the cause of death of Brooks Alan Hacker," according to the 391-page grand jury report filed in Adams County. Sheriff's deputies responded to the house Hacker shared with his girlfriend after an argument between the two had escalated and Hacker began shooting toward her as she stood in their backyard near Fifth Street and North Brass Avenue in the Adams County town, about seven miles west of Hastings. The girlfriend, the first of about a dozen witnesses to testify, told the grand jury that Aug. 10 had been "a real normal day" in the hours and even minutes before her argument with Hacker, who had been "laughing and joking" as the two went to Sonic for dinner earlier in the evening. She said Hacker, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and muscular dystrophy, "religiously" took his daily medications for both conditions and he had taken them Aug. 10. Grand jury records Though they are available for public review, grand jury transcripts are not allowed to be copied under current Nebraska law. In this case, the court in Adams County required the 391-page transcript be reviewed in person, allowing only hand-written notes. But Hacker, who had been drinking for much of the evening, left their residence to smoke a cigarette for an unusually long time before returning as "a completely different person," she said. Within an hour, she said, he was shooting at her. He did not follow her as she retreated farther into the backyard because "he physically couldn't" due to the severity of his muscle disease, which caused progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass, the girlfriend said. "I wish he would have," she told the jury. "Because he probably would have fallen and that would have been the end of the entire incident. He'd still be alive." First responders from the Adams County Sheriff's Office and State Patrol established a perimeter around the residence, providing cover as the girlfriend ultimately ran to safety. She was taken to the nearby fire hall, which law enforcement used as its command post throughout the incident. For much of the next four hours, from about 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Aug. 11, the State Patrol devised a plan to subdue Hacker peacefully while weathering sporadic gunshots he fired from inside the house, troopers told the jury. Hacker, at times, would go as long as 30 minutes without firing a round before firing in spurts of three or four shots, State Patrol Sgt. JJ Pederson testified. Over the course of the standoff, Hacker struck three law enforcement vehicles with shots and repeatedly targeted officers themselves, who were staged more than 50 yards away from the house, according to testimony. "You didn't feel the shots were haphazard?" an alternate juror asked. "You felt they were directly toward police officers?" "I do," said Kevin Mauck, the chief deputy in Adams County. As gunfire continued, a State Patrol negotiator made contact with Hacker over the phone. Nicole Saathoff first called Hacker at about 11 p.m. as she was still on the way to Juniata from the agency's Grand Island headquarters, she told the jury. From the beginning, she said, Hacker was agitated and brief. He told Saathoff he would kill himself before ending their call. On her second attempt, he made a similar threat. "At that time, he said he was going to either kill himself or he wanted the police to shoot him," Saathoff told the jury. "That he did not want to come out." Saathoff's phone calls with Hacker continued for 3 hours. He had repeatedly vowed to die that night, Saathoff testified. And, as the night went on, he turned his attention to the law enforcement surrounding him, threatening to shoot more officers, and striking a trooper at 1:31 a.m. Sgt. Ryan Henrichs, a 21-year State Patrol veteran, was at home in the Lincoln area when he was dispatched to Juniata, where he gathered for a briefing in an armored vehicle near North Bowen and Fifth Street early Aug. 11. Henrichs told the jury that troopers had been briefed on Hacker's physical disabilities and mental health diagnosis and had prioritized deploying nonlethal weapons, such as pepper-ball guns, as they tried to apprehend him. The operators split into two teams, with Henrichs leading one unit behind an armored vehicle on Fifth Street, northeast of the house. From there, he watched Hacker exit the front of the house and use the garage as cover, blocking Henrichs' line of vision, the trooper said. As he looked down the sight of his rifle toward Hacker, he saw a muzzle flash, and felt a bullet pierce his left arm. "I tried to pick my gun back up and shoot back," he told the jury. "I couldn't get my left arm to work." Henrichs rolled back behind the armored vehicle and started to apply a tourniquet. Hacker moved back inside the house. No officer fired a shot and wouldn't for another hour. "We make our own decisions to shoot," Henrichs said. "Nobody tells us to shoot. Nobody tells us not to shoot. ... So I can't answer what anyone else would have done." "You didn't have to make an order to fire on the suspect?" the alternate juror asked. "I would never do that in my career," the sergeant said. As Henrichs was taken by ambulance to Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings, the patrol's sniper team made a decision. "Provided another opportunity, we had to put a stop to this individual's behavior," Trooper Kyle Gaudreault recalled to the grand jury. In front of the house, the ground teams devised an entry plan, Trooper Alan Eberle Jr. said. They utilized a small robot to get a better view of the back of the residence, and they got set to deploy tear gas and a rubber projectile to subdue Hacker, Eberle said. As the troopers prepared to move in, just before 2:30 a.m., Hacker received a phone call from his girlfriend's mom, who was getting set to leave her home in Lincoln to comfort her daughter at the fire hall in Juniata. The woman called Hacker in an effort to serve as a personal negotiator, she said. She tried to talk him down. She told him to put the gun down in another room and to lie down on the floor, she said. "He goes, 'I can't go back to jail and they're not going to let me out of this,'" she testified. "And then the phone went dead." She told the jury Hacker's grandmother, who raised him, had suffered from muscular dystrophy, but his had progressed much faster. "And I think he just he did not want to see himself end up like that," she said. "He was just he was done with the pain." As the State Patrol moved in, Hacker opened the front door again, firing shots toward the armored vehicles. Gaudreault, the assigned sniper, had left his post to change the battery in his radio. Investigator Jonathan Schwarz, the other member of the sniper team assigned to protect Gaudreault, was still stationed in the tree line where they were posted, about 120 yards away from the house. He had watched Hacker shoot Henrichs an hour before. And he watched through the scope of his Colt M4 as Hacker started to fire toward troopers again. "So I fired three rounds into the doorway," Schwarz told the jury. One of them went through Hacker's arm and into his chest, nicking a rib and severing an artery, before exiting through his back, the pathologist told the jury. Hacker was pronounced dead at the scene. "I just he obviously displayed deadly force toward our troopers," Schwarz said in his testimony. "And so I had to stop that threat." The grand jury, after deliberating for 55 minutes, agreed. Reach the writer at 402-473-7223 or awegley@journalstar.com. On Twitter @andrewwegley Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. OMAHA The Black-owned enterprise Carver Legacy Center opened for business Monday in a historic savings and loan building at 24th and Lake streets in North Omaha. More than 75 people watched as the two couples who founded and own the Carver Legacy Center cut a ceremonial ribbon on the building theyve renovated. The couples Willie and Yolanda Barney and Martin and Lynnell Williams also had a soft opening for three businesses that will operate there. The first businesses to open were the Carver Business HUB, the Revive Omaha Store and Carver Legacy Financial Services. The store will sell products and services of local Black-owned businesses. The HUB will connect Black-owned businesses to networking and business development resources and education with a number of partners, including the Williamses DreamBusiness firm. The HUB will be the new home of the Barneys Revive Black Business Network. And Carver Legacy Financial Services is a joint venture with American National Bank that offers business and home loans. Plans call for a full-service bank branch eventually. The enterprises are located in the historic Carver Savings and Loan Building, where the first Black-owned financial institution in Omaha opened in the 1940s. The Revive Store will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays. Currently, products and services from nine businesses are offered there, including popcorn, inspirational and Christian gifts, hand-made candles, biscotti, childrens clothing and shoes that are custom-designed in Omaha and made in Italy. The HUB and Carter Legacy Financial Services generally will be open by appointment only. Willie Barney said the openings represent the second of three phases for the center, which aims to help African Americans in North Omaha and throughout the city build wealth through owning businesses and homes. The first phase took place in 2020. The Barneys and Williamses acquired the Carver Building and began renovating it. American National Bank, led by executive co-chairs John and Wende Kotouc, began offering Carver Legacy Accounts to give people a way to invest in African American businesses and North Omaha. Deposits in those Carver accounts are being committed to African American community development, including businesses, individual home purchases and home construction, as well as for-profit and nonprofit real estate development, John Kotouc said. On Monday, Barney said deposits in Carver accounts have grown to $9 million in the 18 months since the Carver Legacy Center was announced. He said about $1.5 million in loans have been made. There was a festive atmosphere Monday outside the center as many elected officials joined businesspeople and community leaders for the ribbon-cutting and tours. State Sen. Terrell McKinney, whose district includes North Omaha, said the center will help shift focus to economics and wealth building in the area. Itll go a long way for the North Omaha community, to build up some economic empowerment for residents down here, he said. So we can decrease the amount of poverty thats here, be able to support each other and do great things in this area. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Big telecommunications companies including Frontier and AT&T are asking the state for millions in the most recent round of broadband expansion grants, according to the list of applications submitted to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. Many of these companies have already received tens of millions from federal programs to improve service in Wisconsin and across the country. Critics are wary of giving them more public cash. My fear is that companies like Frontier, Charter and AT&T will simply use this money to substitute for their existing capital expenses, Barry Orton, a professor emeritus of telecommunications at the UW-Madison, wrote in an email. As they have multiple times in the past, they could cherry-pick service areas based on revenue expectations, leaving their less lucrative Wisconsin customers unserved and underserved yet again. Past federal programs like the FCCs Connect America Fund distributed hundreds of millions of dollars to large telecommunications companies with the intention of upgrading service in areas without high-speed internet. But the programs were poorly designed and poorly enforced, said Christopher Mitchell, director of the Community Broadband Networks Initiative, a Minnesota-based think tank that aids communities telecommunications efforts. For example, the Connect America Fund only required that projects provide internet speeds of 10 megabits per second of download speed and 1 megabit per second of upload speed, a standard that has quickly become obsolete. Fiberoptic lines Burying fiberoptic lines in the ground for high-speed internet is expensive, and national companies have little financial incentive to make that investment in rural areas with few potential customers. Experts like Orton and Mitchell accuse those big telecommunications companies of using the federal funds in more populous profitable areas rather than rural ones, saying the federal grant programs were too lax. In the current grant round in Wisconsin, Frontier, which declared bankruptcy in 2020 and is being sued by the Federal Trade Commission for deceptive business practices, is asking for more than $20 million. The company has already received nearly $185 million from the federal government to upgrade its internet service in Wisconsin. Frontier is widely reviled by its customers for providing poor service. It finishes near the bottom of a ratings survey of telecommunications companies by Consumer Reports, and the Better Business Bureau gives the company a grade of F. It applied for nearly $35 million from the state in a grant round last year, but received nothing. Frontier emerged from bankruptcy as a new company with a new leadership team committed to building critical digital infrastructure across the country, company spokesperson Brigid Smith wrote in an email. Were focused on supporting a digital society, closing the digital divide, and working toward a more sustainable environment. AT&T, which has received more than $45 million from the federal government to improve broadband in Wisconsin, asked for nearly $10 million from the state in this round of grants. AT&T has met the obligations in these programs, including expanding service in underserved areas and (has) committed to work to close the digital divide, company spokesperson Jim Greer wrote in an email. Charter/Spectrum asked the state of Wisconsin for nearly $200 million in broadband expansion grants, the largest request this round. The company has received more than $160 million in federal funds for internet projects in Wisconsin. It also received about $1 million in state grants in the past two years, committing to spend about $3 million of its own funds on those projects. The fact is we have a very solid track record of keeping our promises on state broadband grants in Wisconsin, company spokesperson Kim Haas wrote in an email. TDS, which has received nearly $80 million from the federal government for internet projects in Wisconsin, asked for more than $22 million from the state. TDS has leveraged federal funding, grants, and invested millions in capital to improve internet access to nearly 50,000 rural, hard-to-serve, addresses over the last 10 years alone, company spokesperson Missy Kellor wrote in an email. We are expanding broadband access to more than 35,000 rural addresses in Wisconsin. Work still needs to be done Despite all the federal money thats already been distributed, much work still needs to be done to bring high-speed internet to the entire state, said Gail Huycke, a community development outreach specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension who focuses on broadband expansion. Unfortunately, the infrastructure expectations were not very high when a lot of the past dollars were distributed, she noted in an email. Although companies met the requirements laid out at the time they received funding, that infrastructure may no longer be viable. I have worked with numerous communities where large sums of (federal funds) were utilized but the service is now failing, and it needs to be replaced. Last year, Wisconsin PSC chair Rebecca Cameron Valcq told the state legislatures budget committee that nearly 400,000 households in the state, most of them rural, still lack access to high-speed internet access. At the time, Valcq estimated the cost of bringing it to all of them could be about $700 million. The state of Wisconsin has tried to fill the gap by increasing the funds it puts towards broadband expansion grants the past few years. To date, the state has awarded about $178 million in broadband expansion grants, according to the PSC. About $158 million of that has come during Democratic Gov. Tony Evers tenure. The current state budget funds an additional $129 million in grants over the next two years. For this most recent, $100-million round of broadband expansion grants, the state received nearly $500 million in requests, the PSC announced. The grants are awarded based on several criteria, including whether a project is in an area unserved or underserved by internet providers, PSC spokesperson Jerel Ballard said. The PSC also takes into account things like scalability, impact, matching funds, applicant capacity and performance, service affordability, economic development and public-private partnership, Ballard added. In the previous round of state broadband expansion grants announced last October, the big telecommunications companies got little to nothing. Compared to the large national companies, smaller, local phone companies and co-ops have generally done a decent job getting homes and businesses connected to high-speed internet, Mitchell said. And small carriers and co-ops are often the ones filling the community gaps where large carriers have chosen not to go, Huycke noted. This round of grant winners will be announced in early summer, PSC spokesman Matthew Sweeney said. The Badger Project is a nonpartisan, citizen-supported, investigative journalism nonprofit in Wisconsin. This article first appeared on The Badger Project and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 BURLINGTON A Burlington teenager has been accused of going through a neighbors dresser, and allegedly stealing money and property from the residence in the past. Joseph I. Uballe, 17, of the 100 block of West Chestnut Street, was charged with a felony count of burglary of a building or dwelling and a misdemeanor count of criminal trespass. According to a criminal complaint: At 8:58 a.m. Thursday, an officer was sent to a residence on West Chestnut Street for a burglary in progress. It was advised that Uballe was going through his neighbors residence and drawers. In speaking with Uballe, he said that he woke up late that morning and went to his neighbors house to ask for a ride to school. He hopped over the balcony to get into the residence and entered through an unlocked door. Unable to find anyone, he went to a bedroom when he heard a noise coming from the dresser. There was a Ring camera on the dresser making noise. A man then spoke to Uballe through the Ring camera and told him to get out of the residence. In speaking with the man, he said that his Ring camera will notify him when it detects motion. He viewed the camera stream and saw Uballe with a flashlight going through his dresser drawer and shelving units in his bedroom. He said that Uballe was not allowed in the residence due to him stealing money and property from there in the past. Officers viewed the camera footage and saw Uballe rummaging through the drawers with a flashlight. Uballe was given a $400 cash bond in Racine County Circuit Court on Friday. A preliminary hearing is set for April 13 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave., online court records show. Response Plus Holding (RPM), a leading provider of healthcare services, has expanded in the UAE setting up a new Dubai branch of its Health-Tech Training centre. RPMs new centre will provide BLS (basic life support), ACLS (advanced cardiovascular life support), and PALS (paediatric advanced life support) first-aid courses. The Health-Tech Training centre has been accredited as the only establishment to offer the Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) course and the All-Hazards Disaster Response (AHDR) course; both of which are accredited by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technician, recommended for all pre-hospital care providers (i.e. doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics). Enhancing teaching methods American Health and Safety Institute has partnered with the Health-Tech Training centre, which is approved by Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services. The primary aim is to enhance teaching methods and improve participants' learning by providing expert support for professional development. Major Tom Louis, CEO of Response Plus Holding, a subsidiary of ADX-listed Alpha Dhabi Holding, said: With demand growing in the global market for health services, comprehensive support of medical and non-medical training is essential. RPM is prepared to supply expert resources to train the community with tailored and accredited courses. We are firmly established in Abu Dhabi, training 25,000 candidates annually, and excited to pave the way as an industry leader with even greater numbers across the UAE and internationally, in line with our expansion strategy. Health-Tech Training, founded in July 2014, is accredited by the prestigious American Heart Association, Highfield, and the European Resuscitation Council, NAEMT (National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians). Hands-on approach The courses it offers are designed and delivered with a hands-on approach with application of the latest technology and learning tools. This new branch aligns with the strategic plan for further expansion of additional centres across the UAE and internationally, specifically Kochi (India), Dammam (KSA), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and Muscat (Oman).-- TradeArabia News Service April 4-8 This list is not comprehensive. Municipalities are listed as they appear on the criminal complaint. Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. To see mugshots of the accused, visit journaltimes.com/gallery. Additional information about the complaints can be found at: journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts. Joseph M. Ammons, Milwaukee, misconduct in office, manufacture/deliver THC (less than or equal to 200 grams, possession with intent to deliver/distribute a controlled substance on or near a jail), deliver illegal articles to inmate. Cedric D. Atkins, 4800 block of Indian Hills Drive, Mount Pleasant, robbery of a financial institution. James W. Baumeister, 1500 block of Packard Avenue, Racine, criminal damage to property, carrying a concealed knife. Jovany Benitez-Torres, 900 block of Villa Street, Racine, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of THC, carrying a concealed weapon. Alex D. Boughton, 4200 block of Marquette Drive, Racine, obstructing an officer. Deonjae V. Boutwell, 1700 block of Flett Avenue, Racine, possession of THC, obstructing an officer. Jennifer Lynn Boyle, 1200 block of Hagerer Street, Racine, battery by prisoners, misdemeanor bail jumping, resisting an officer, disorderly conduct. Jina Rae Caminata, Waukesha, possession of drug paraphernalia, possess/illegally obtained prescription. Michael D. Canady, 400 block of Three Mile Road, Racine, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct, misdemeanor bail jumping. Mark C. Cannon, Milwaukee, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia. Shinda (aka Sosa) N. Crowell Jr., 5600 block of Castle Court, Racine, manufacture/deliver cocaine (between 1-5 grams), misdemeanor battery, disorderly conduct, possession of THC. Yaniel Cruz, 3000 block of 17th Street, Racine, misdemeanor battery (domestic abuse assessments), disorderly conduct (domestic abuse assessments). Abigail Rose Derengowski, 1200 block of North Ohio Street, Mount Pleasant, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor bail jumping. Tia D. Eggerson, 2500 block of Loraine Avenue, Racine, misdemeanor theft, strangulation and suffocation, burglary (commit battery on a person), misdemeanor battery, disorderly conduct. Shaquellie T. Evans, 100 block of Riverside Drive, Racine, possession of a firearm by a felon (firearm mandatory minimum enhancer), attempting to flee or elude an officer, possession of THC. Terrence J. Foster, 3600 block of Monarch Drive, Racine, possession of a firearm by a felon. Kawakte Francis, 2000 block of De Koven Avenue, Racine, burglary of a building or dwelling, felony theft (movable property between $2,500-$5,000), criminal damage to property. Isidro Jorge Gonzalez, 200 block of Howland Avenue, Racine, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence (2nd offense), operating with prohibited alcohol concentration (2nd offense). Rogelio Govea, 1400 block of Blake Avenue, Racine, felony bail jumping. Lakiya A. Gresham, 1400 block of Thurston Avenue, Racine, disorderly conduct. Andrew B. Hamilton, Plymouth, possession of a firearm by a felon. Haver D. Hicks, 900 block of Grand Avenue, Racine, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence (1st offense, with a minor child in the vehicle), felony bail jumping. Michael (aka Bobby Wilson) T. Hunter, 4300 block of 39th Street, Kenosha, second degree sexual assault. Xavier D. Jackson, 1300 block of Maple Street, Racine, attempt first degree intentional homicide (use of a dangerous weapon, firearm mandatory minimum enhancer), first degree recklessly endangering safety (use of a dangerous weapon, firearm mandatory minimum enhancer), possession of a firearm by a felon (firearm mandatory minimum enhancer), felony bail jumping. Danielle D. Johnson, Milwaukee, uttering a forgery, misdemeanor theft (false representation less than $2,500). Latoya A. Knowlin, 1700 block of Ninth Street, Racine, possession with intent to deliver narcotics, possession with intent to deliver cocaine (less than or equal to 1 gram), possession of THC, resisting an officer. Derrell C. Little, 1000 block of English Street, Racine, criminal damage to property (domestic abuse assessments), disorderly conduct (domestic abuse assessments). Kimanzi F. McCray, Milwaukee, possession with intent to deliver other schedule I controlled substances (between 10-50 grams), attempt to flee or elude an officer, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence (2nd offense), operate motor vehicle while revoked. Amy M. Polentini-Jabs, 600 block of 6th Street, Racine, felony personal ID theft (financial gain), financial transaction card (fraudulent use less than $2,500). Elieser Ramos, 3400 block of 16th Street, Racine, substantial battery (domestic abuse assessments), felony bail jumping. James Allen Rhodes Jr., South Milwaukee, operate motor vehicle while revoked, failure to install ignition interlock device, misdemeanor bail jumping. Dorian R. Roberson-Hawthorne, Milwaukee, carrying a concealed weapon. Efrain De Jesus Rivera, 4000 block of Maryland Avenue, Racine, misdemeanor theft, criminal damage to property, felony bail jumping. Lakiya A. Sims, Chicago, Illinois, disorderly conduct. Daniel L. Smith Jr., 1400 block of South Emmertsen Road, Mount Pleasant, possession with intent to deliver/distribute/manufacture THC (less than or equal to 200 grams), felony bail jumping. Ashlie Danielle Steffenhagen, Trevor, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence (4th offense, general alcohol concentration enhancer). Dakota J. Thibedeau, 300 block of North Kendrick Avenue, Burlington, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor bail jumping. Jermaine M. Thomas, Milwaukee, threat to a law enforcement officer, obstructing an officer, disorderly conduct. Joseph I. Uballe, 100 block of West Chestnut Street, Burlington, burglary of a building or dwelling, criminal trespass. Robert A. Rodriguez Vazquez, 1500 block of Laura Avenue, Racine, disorderly conduct. Daniel P. Vogt, 300 block of West Main Street, Waterford, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct (use of a dangerous weapon). Willie E. Warfield, 4000 block of Erie Street, Racine, receiving stolen property (between $2,500-$5,000), possession with intent to deliver/distribute/manufacture THC (less than or equal to 200 grams, possession with intent to deliver/distribute a controlled substance on or near a school), maintaining a drug trafficking place, disorderly conduct. Gregory L. Wells, 400 block of Cliff Avenue, Racine, deliver of schedule I or II narcotics (possession with intent to deliver/distribute a controlled substance on or near a school), maintaining a drug trafficking place. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 MOUNT PLEASANT The Mount Pleasant Police Department is searching for the driver of a vehicle that hit a pedestrian Saturday evening. The pedestrian is in critical but stable condition at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa, the MPPD reported. Their injuries were described as serious. The crash occurred just before 8 p.m. on the 800 block of Newman Road, about a block west of Highway 31 and south of Spring Street. No description was given for the suspect vehicle. According to a release from the MPPD: The caller, who reported the crash, reported the suspect vehicle took off immediately after striking the pedestrian. Agencies involved in the response included the Mount Pleasant Police Department, South Shore Fire Department and Wisconsin State Patrol. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 CALEDONIA Like almost every business across the country right now, St. Monicas Senior Living has been experiencing staffing shortages. The gaps were particularly obvious in the kitchen and dining room. But after the facility brought a special new staff member last month, the time it takes for food to be served to residents has now been shortened from 30 to 15 minutes. No, the new staff member is not The Flash. Its Robby, a Servi Robot made by Bear Robotics. Bear Robotics is a robotics and artificial intelligence company founded in 2017 to address the increased pressure faced by the foodservice industry around wages, labor supply and cost efficiencies. The companys robots tackle jobs in restaurants, corporate campuses, ghost kitchens, senior care facilities and casinos across North America and Asia. The nonprofit assisted living and memory care facility at 3920 N. Green Bay Road first implemented the robot March 21. Its not meant to replace humans, but instead supplement them, said St. Monicas Administrator Stephany Lichter. Robby assists people during mealtime by carrying trays, bringing food out from the kitchen and busing tables during clean-up. The St. Monicas community gave the robot its nickname, Robby. St. Monicas staff have said the facility is the only senior community to have a robot like this in southeastern Wisconsin and possibly the state. How Robby works Lichter said with employing Robby, she wanted to give the existing staff the tools they need to do their jobs more efficiently and with less stress. We had a really high turnover rate, Lichter said. I cant get anybody to work anymore. We were always down two people and werent able to run some operations. Staff were always picking up extra hours. An engineer mapped out the dining room, dish room, where the cook is, and the robots own charging station and programmed that into Robby. Staff simply tap a touchscreen, telling the robot where to go. Robby stops when he senses something in his way. Robby has three tray tiers that hold up to 66 pounds and his battery life can last up to 12 hours. While Robby is great for transporting items, humans still have to load and unload the items when he stops. Instead of running back and forth from kitchen to dining room waiting on or delivering food, servers are now able to stay in the dining room longer to better assist the residents such as refilling coffee. We used to see residents hands up all the time, asking for more coffee, Lichter said. Now, we dont see that anymore. Robby has proven to be cost-effective; the facility rents the robot for about $3 per hour. Lichter appreciates that Robby wont quit or show up late to work. He also wont cause any spills or otherwise do the job wrong. What you program it to do is what it does, Lichter said. The way of the future Lichter said St. Monicas community members and staff are very excited about their new robot. Staff is considering adding more robots elsewhere in the building, such as helping with cleaning or the front desk screening process. This is because St. Monicas is always curious about new technology and seeing if theres something the facility can implement to make things better or safer for residents, she said. Lichter noted that by implementing Robby, she also wanted to keep residents happy. These are the people that matter to me, so I want to make sure they get good service, Lichter said, motioning to the residents in the dining room. I think the most exciting part is, the community members, they have not seen this. This is Jetsons stuff. Robotics is the way of the future. Server Kelly Wheatley said she enjoys being free to bring coffee to the residents. She appreciates that Robby takes transporting the heavy load of plates off her hands something she wouldnt have time for anyway, she said. Robby keeps them (the residents) entertained, Wheatley said. Otherwise they get a little impatient just sitting there. They love watching it. Server Addrin Nicki Brown said she enjoys spending more time with the residents as a result of implementing Robby. Were done a little early to interact with them more, Brown said. Its been very successful. St. Monicas resident Elaine Weber articulated shes noticed fellow residents enjoying Robby, enjoying the opportunities for more coffee and noticed that Robby is something residents seem to be relating with. But Weber herself is a little hesitant about the new robot. We should be with human beings, not electronics, Weber said. I hope we dont lose any human beings out of it. Thats the No. 1 thing. Otherwise, its been fine. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. 1. Yes. Raising the bar for future developments will boost the citys housing market. 2. Yes. It will help in newer areas, but more needs to be done to change Killeens image. 3. No. The new standards will just slow down homebuilding and drive away developers. 4.No. The ordinance will do little more than drive up the price of new homes in the city. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say what the effect will be until they have been in place for a while. Vote View Results KEARNEY Kearneys Central Avenue is scattered with successful small businesses, and Simply Blessed Boutique is one of them. A family business, the boutique joined Kearneys downtown last fall at 2207 Central Ave. The shop is run by Emily Malcom and her mother and sister, Michele and Mia Malcom, as co-owners. I love the community of Kearney, everyone is so supportive, Emily Malcom said. I love it down here, and I love being able to meet with my customers. Originally from Minden, Malcom comes from an entrepreneurial family. She said her parents helped inspire her to pursue business herself. She conceived the idea to open a clothing boutique in 2018 as a way to combine her interests in both fashion and marketing. Supported by her family, Malcom launched Simply Blessed Boutique in the spring of 2019 as an online-only store. The boutique achieved success early on with exposure through The Bachelor contestant Michelle Young. From that summer until opening the first storefront in the fall of 2021, the Malcoms were busy nearly every weekend hosting craft shows around Nebraska. For each pop-up, they assembled and disassembled the whole boutique for only a day or two at a time. The 24-year-old entrepreneur graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in business and has gladly accepted the challenge of the ever-changing fashion and marketing world. After originally selling only online, Malcom has benefited from having a storefront. Now [customers] can come in in Kearney and I can put a name to their face and start building relationships. Simply Blessed Boutique already has sold on a national level, but Malcom has even larger goals. The main focus right now is growing online, so building up our social media and ultimately expanding and being able to compete with the big online retailers, Malcom said. Thats my dream, and hopefully someday build my own distribution center and really just focus on the online [retail]. Malcom also said she may eventually plan to open additional storefronts across Nebraska as a part of that expansion. Mia Malcom has been especially instrumental in helping with expansion on social media including hopping on the trend of using TikTok for business purposes. Until she takes the business to the next level, Malcom will continue to make the commute from Minden to Kearney Monday through Saturday to welcome customers to Simply Blessed Boutique. For me to feel fulfilled in my business, I like to meet people and establish a connection and serve directly to you, Malcom said. I just want to make you feel better when you walk out of the store. The Dubai Government Workshop (DGW) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al Futtaim Auto Centres to enhance services by creating a warehouse at the DGW headquarters to store spare parts, tyres and batteries. The strategic move has been aimed at ensuring swift and superior services and enhancements for vehicles and vehicle spare parts. Fahad Ahmed Al-Raeesi, CEO of DGW highlighted the importance of facilitating agreements with the private sector, especially with established companies like Al Futtaim Auto Centres, whose collaboration can ensure more effective creative and technical vehicle maintenance. He further emphasised how the MoU was an extension of a successful relationship between the two companies. Fast and easy delivery Al Raeesi further added: The establishment of a warehouse for Al-Futtaim Auto Centres within the DGW Headquarters will allow fast and easy delivery of high-quality services, spare parts, and many other technical elements. This strategic relationship entails both technical and logistic cooperation in vehicle maintenance and repair. We are confident about the success of this agreement and will continue to seek new ways to advance our relationship with Al Futtaim Auto and strengthen our service quality to suit client needs. Jawahar Ganesh, Managing Director, After-sales, at Al-Futtaim Auto Centres, said: Our cooperation with the DGW is the result of a strong and longstanding relationship. We are constantly working towards expanding this relationship and wish to further enhance the services we provide to our clients. We are very delighted by the signing of this MoU and the benefits it is set to bring to all key stakeholders. The joint initiative between DGW and Al Futtaim Auto Centres is intended to facilitate collaborations between the private and public in the vehicle maintenance and technical repairs sector. It is in line with the workshops strategic vision to offer services of the highest quality to its clients.-- TradeArabia News Service KEARNEY Monty McCollough has dabbled in music and the theater for 40 years. He describes himself as more of a comedian than a serious actor. But when he directs The Living Last Supper next week at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, he will leave comedy far behind. On the surface, McCullough, also the producer, describes the play as 12 guys dressed up in period costume in poses like you see in the da Vinci painting. But as he talks, the laughter fades. He becomes serious, humble and profoundly moved. McCollough is the person (the instigator) who brought the 90-minute dramatization of the Last Supper to Holy Cross when he moved back to Kearney 26 years ago. He had seen it for the first time in 1977 at his church in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. It was written by the Rev. Ernest K. Emurian, a Methodist pastor who wrote 80 hymns, 50 folk ballads and more before his death in 2004. The play is based on the account of the Last Supper that appears in Mark, Chapter 14. The Upper Room The Holy Cross altar will be transformed into the Upper Room. The disciples will be gathered around the table as in the da Vinci painting. A narrator will explain why daVinci grouped the disciples in groups of three. After Jesus says, One of you will betray me. Jesus sits down. Each disciple then speaks briefly about being called to be a disciple, his life over the past three years and what he has seen, He then asks the unthinkable question: Is it I who will betray him? Periodically, the story will pause, and a musical interlude will let the congregation contemplate what it has heard. At the end of the drama, the disciples rise, two by two, and stand in front of the table. The narrator then tells how each disciple died. Some were hanged. Some were crucified. Nearly all met death in a fearsome way. Its kind of a history lesson, McCollough said. Its very emotional. You realize that all the disciples betrayed Jesus. Judas got the recognition, but all of us betray Jesus in our own way. We all realize, I betrayed Jesus, too. Im a sinner and I need forgiveness. The show must go on Its the 10th time that Holy Cross has put on Lord, Is it I? Previous performances were done every year between 1996-99, then repeated in 2002, 2007, 2012, 2016 and 2018. The first year, we offered it on Maundy Thursday, and the place was full. People were sitting in the narthex. We realized we needed to do this for two nights, Gene Beerbohm, a cast member, said. McCollough cast the play in January and began rehearsals in February. Thirteen male church members, including five newcomers, will play the disciples. Beerbohm, who will portray Judas, is the only man who has appeared in every performance since 1996. Nobody wanted to play Judas at first, so I thought, why not? he said. The most difficult part to cast is Jesus. People are not eager to play him, McCollough said. They dont feel up to the part. McCollough himself once played Jesus years ago, but this year, Kyle Lierman has that role. MCollough is slowly inserting younger men into the cast. Leonardo daVinci painted lots of old white guys in his painting, bearded men with white hair, McCollough said. Thats kind of strange. The disciples were young, in their 20s or early 30s. Life expectancy back then meant that by age 40 or 50, you were considered old, so as men have dropped out of the cast, I have tried to recruit younger men. Behind the scenes The production has matured since 1996. The first time around, I got a hold of some church ladies to do some sewing, McCollough said. They purchased white fabric from Hobby Lobby to make the disciples robes, and to create the long white tablecloth. They pushed together tables from fellowship hall to create the long table. For other props, someone donated old stoneware dishes. McCollough put white towels over plastic coolers and topped them with a jug to represent the foot-washing that Jesus did before the Last Supper. Each year after the performance, McCollough packs everything in the plastic coolers. He stores each disciples garment in a separate 16-gallon- sized garbage bag and stores everything in the church storage room. As for the set, volunteers will turn the Holy Cross altar into the Upper Room starting Monday. The initial performance in 1996 was staged in front of the white walls behind the altar. Scenes of Jerusalem were set in front of the stained-glass windows above the altar. Now, the altar looks like artistic depictions of the original Upper Room. Bob Heiden and his father Norm sketched what they envisioned and built a frame using 2x4s. Beerbohm and his wife Jan painted that backdrop to look like the Upper Room. On Tuesday evening, about six to 10 men will work for several hours to set everything up, including removing the pulpit. Ten microphones will be used, with four at the table and several more spread among the musicians. Music highlights Music is critical to the drama, too. McCollough and Jolene Berke, director of music ministry at the church since 2018, selected it. Along with traditional Lenten hymns, there also will be violin, electric bass, clarinet and cello solos. This is Berkes first year directing the music, but she has been a member at Holy Cross since 2005, and her husband Neil will play Andrew for the third time. I chose the music based on the abilities of the performers, she said. I also thoughtfully considered meaningful material for the Lenten season, as well as what would add more meaning and depth to drama. This year, a musical prelude will be offered 5:30-6 p.m. both evenings. Hearts Alive, a premier ensemble at the church, will perform. The preludes final selection will be an original hymn written by Ron Crocker, a church member and a retired professor emeritus at the University of Nebraska at Kearneys College of Fine Arts and Humanities. Berke also selected a piece titled Is It I? from an Easter cantata, Sacrifice of Glory, by Dave Clark and Russell Mauldin. The words are so meaningful, and its kind of the crux of The Last Supper Drama, in that every disciple is questioning who will betray Jesus and essentially asking, Is it I? she said. In past years, McCollough has heard attendees say things like, In Sunday School, I heard about the disciples, but they were real people, werent they? People realize these were real things that happened, not just a story. Curious, McCollough researched the 12 apostles and learned that they carried on ministry individually in places like Egypt and Britain. All but John was martyred. Some were crucified, beaten and stoned. Their ministry did not end. They carried on, he said. Added Beerbohm, It really makes one think about Holy Week, and how the betrayer really is all of us. The La Crosse-based chain of MOKA coffee, tea and espresso shops plans to open a drive-thru location by sometime this summer at the former Oma coffee shop and cafe at 234 N. Leonard St. in downtown West Salem. A Coming Soon MOKA sign went up last week outside the former Oma coffee shop, which closed last August with the owner citing difficulty in hiring enough employees. MOKA, which has 17 locations, has operated a bakery since late last year in part of the Oma building, where it makes its own baked goods, said Greg LaPoint, MOKAs chief operating officer. The bakery, which isnt open to the public, makes such things as cinnamon rolls, cookies, muffins, scones, banana bread and other seasonal items. MOKA also serves hot food such as breakfast burritos and breakfast sandwiches that are made elsewhere. MOKAs bakery will continue to operate in part of the former Oma building. Our goal is to start serving coffee (and other items) out of West Salem by sometime this summer, LaPoint said. The timetable for doing so depends on how soon enough employees can be hired, he said. Plans are for a drive-thru location, with no inside seating. For more information about MOKA, visit its Facebook page. Nearly four years after Anna Ledebuhr started it as a pop-up shop and online sales business, Coulee Boutique opened April 1 in its new, much larger storefront at 19865 E. Gale Ave. on the town square in downtown Galesville. The womens boutique had been across the street, at 19871 W. Gale Ave., since November 2018. Coulee Boutique and The Treasure Chest gift shop announced in January that they were swapping spaces. The Treasure Chest also will continue to use the third floor of the building that it occupied since 2003, to showcase larger items and home decor. I wanted to expand offerings while remaining accessible, Ledebuhr said of moving to the new location. And everything is under one roof now, said Ledebuhr, whose office and some of her merchandise storage space had been in a second nearby building. Ledebuhr said she tentatively plans to hold a celebration on June 11 to mark four years in business and the move to the new location. Coulee Boutique mainly sells womens clothing and accessories, but also carries gift items. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday. The boutique also has online sales. For more information, call 608-484-4122 or visit www.couleeboutique.com or Facebook. Megan Wurzel has started Skyward Counseling LLC, a private mental health counseling practice, in Suite 100 in the Wieser Professional Building at 33 S. Walnut St. in downtown La Crescent. Wurzel opened the new practice in January. Previously I worked as a mental health counselor for two different agencies in La Crosse/Onalaska, she said. Ive been practicing as a mental health counselor in the area since 2013. She is a licensed counselor in both Minnesota and Wisconsin and offers individual and family counseling for children, teens and adults. She has a bachelors degree in psychology and a masters degree in clinical psychology, both from Purdue University. I am a mother of two boys, Wurzel added. For more information or an appointment, call 608-860-1585, email megan@skywardbehavioralhealth.com or visit www.skywardbehavioralhealth.com or Facebook. The Sparkle Heads apparel store at 610 Main St. in downtown La Crosse has closed. Physical store is permanently closed you can order off my website or find me at biker rallies and events, the stores owner said in a Feb. 19 post on its Facebook page. The store opened last September, eight years after the business began. Its best known for making or customizing such things as bandanas and jewelry. For more information, visit Sparkle Heads Facebook page. Were you a fan of the former Daves Pizza restaurant at 113 S. Main St. in downtown Viroqua? If so, youre in luck. The new Daves Pizza food truck made its debut Wednesday in the Nelson Agri-Center parking lot in Viroqua, serving pizza, breadsticks and cheese bread. For more information, visit its Facebook page. Steve Cahalan can be reached at stevecahalan.reporter@gmail.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 March 2022 has been a busy month for the Tomah Knights of Columbus Council 4125 as it continue its mission of community service and charitable contributions and living up to the four pillars of the core beliefs of the Knights of Columbus: charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Knight and Family of the MonthThe Knight of the Month for April 2022 is Brother Tony Felber, a Knight for over 60 years and past Grand Knight and state deputy. Brother Tony managed hall rentals for years as well as coordinated council and Fourth Degree dinners and events. Still today at the age of 90, he manages the schedule for the Lenten soup suppers, collects sheets from local hotels for the Diocesan orphanage in Peru, is a member of the Fourth Degree Honor Guard and takes communion to the home bound and those in nursing homes. An elder of the council, Brother Tony is always willing to help wherever he can. The Family of the Month for April 2022 is Brother Knight Eamonn and Rose McCann. Eamonn is not a member of the Tomah council but is a member with his home council in Colorado. Eamonn is a sales representative for an electronics company and Rose is an officer in the US Army Reserve, recently returning from a deployment to Kuwait. The McCanns moved to Tomah in 2018 when Rose was assigned to Fort McCoy. They are parishioners of Queen of the Apostles Parish and have both served as catechists for religious education and recently started serving in prison ministry. Roses brother James is the newest member of Council 4125. DonationsCouncil 4125 authorized donations for two Queen of the Apostles softball teams. A generous donation was made to the Ukrainian relief fund. There are over 1,000 Knights of Columbus members in Ukraine. The money purchased goods for the refugees pouring into Poland. An Eau Claire woman, Ukrainian-born Valentyna Pavsyukova, along with American friends, founded the Chalice of Mercy in 2007. They are collecting materials, especially medical supplies to be sent to Ukraine. Council 4125 gave a large contribution to the Monroe County Right to Life group. Jeanne Doll heads this charity that sells roses on Mothers Day and has a booth at the Monroe County Fair. Men of ChristReawakening the Catholic Man-A Life Rooted in Virtue, was the theme of the largest Catholic mens conference held on Saturday, March 26, drawing 2,500 participants. Religious education director Brother Jon Burbach reports that the conference was well received by Tomahs 13 attendees. The speakers were: Fr. Burke Masters, current chaplain for the Chicago Cubs, Dr. Peter Kreeft, professor of philosophy at Boston College and the Kings College, Fr. Cajetan Cuddy O.P., Dominican House of Studies, Washington D.C. and Archbishop Jerome Listecki of Milwaukee. The conference was streamed via internet to more than 40 locations. Men of Christ started around a kitchen table some 15 years ago where four men envisioned an event where men could come together, learn from great speakers and disconnect from the secular world for one full day to experience the fullness of the Catholic faith. The first conference was held in 2007 and every spring since during Lent. Future efforts by Council 4125A call was put out for the July 8-9 Feed My Starving Children program for volunteers to help package meals. KC members are gearing up for the annual Tootsie Roll Drive on April 29, April 30, and May 1. District Deputy David Dechant spearheads this important charity event. State charity raffleThe annual KC State Council Charity Raffle is under way. First prize is a 2022 Ford F150 XLT SuperCab or $50,000. Second prize is a Harley-Davidson motorcycle or $25,000. There are 98 third through 100th prizes of $500 each. Proceeds from this raffle allow the state KCs to pay out a half million dollars for charity work each year. Forty percent of the gross sales are returned to the councils to help local victims of accidents, illness and fires. Contact Brother Tom Baumgarten, the local chair of the state raffle, at 608-372-5614 to purchase a $5 ticket. The drawing takes place at the Knights of Columbus state conference on May 2 at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Brother Tom needs tickets turned in by April 14. Family PromiseTia Hewuse is the new director of Family Promise. Family Promise serves families with children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, with the mission of helping homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response. Queen of the Apostles Parish is one of several church groups that hosts Family Promise, a national nonprofit organization. The Queen of the Apostles Parish hosted a family for the week of February 13-20. The family (father, mother, and five children) were housed overnight at the KC Hall on Juneau Street. The parents were off to work during the day, and the children attended school. The KC Hall in Tomah will also host families for the weeks of May 15-22, August 14-21 and November 6-13. Spaghetti supper and bingoThe Knights of Columbus Hall on Juneau Street is a busy place every first Saturday of the month. KC members start serving a generous portion of spaghetti with garlic bread at 5 p.m. The $6 dinner comes with coffee, milk, water or juice. Patrons enjoy playing Bingo starting at 7 p.m. Desserts are available to purchase at the mid-break. There is a 50-50 raffle. March attendance was 108. The monthly spaghetti supper and bingo is an excellent fund raiser for Council 4125 and allows money to go to numerous local charities. Soup and sandwichMembers of Tomah Council 4125 take turns serving a light meal after the 6 p.m. Thursday night Stations of the Cross at St. Marys Church during Lent. The Stations of the Cross is a 14-step Catholic devotion that commemorates Jesus Christs last day on Earth as a man. The 14 devotions, or stations, focus on specific events of his last day, beginning with his condemnation. The stations are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station, recalling and meditating on a specific event of Christs crucifixion and death. State bowling tournamentThe Tomah Knights sent two top-notch teams to compete in the 105th Annual Wisconsin State Council Knights of Columbus Bowling Tournament at Sun Prairie on March 19 and 20. The Tomah Cranberries team consists of Kevin Kuderer, Gary Borden, Keith Harkner and Jim Weinzatl. The KZSS team members are Joe Klug, Paul Zastoupil and Brian Sabel. Team Leader, Brother Jim Weinzatl reports that Gary Borden and Joe Klug burned up the lanes. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Last summer, Megan Messa began researching the experiences of fellow Viterbo University students who worked as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was a perfect person to do so because she certainly had profound and unique experiences of her own. It was mind-bending when a patient who is bedridden and cant talk becomes extremely aggressive, said Messa of her work as a CNA in a nursing home memory unit. They are humans too, and their condition was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. You could see first-hand their continual decline because they werent getting the social interaction they needed. This and many other stories and testimonials were collected as part of Messas research. She found that many participants found sharing to be meaningful, often hearing comments such as thank you for hearing my stories, no one has asked before. I thought my experiences were worth sharing and I wanted other peoples stories to be heard as well, said Messa, a Hayward local who will graduate from Viterbo in May with a degree in nursing and a minor in religious studies. In addition to the traumatic things I heard, they also shared how they got through it and if it still affects them. Those type of experiences can be a lot for young adults to deal with, especially for those who werent necessarily equipped or ready. Messa began this research as part of Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship with Viterbo faculty member Matthew Bersagel Braley. The origins of this project began early in the pandemic when we shifted to online teaching and many students ended up taking on more shifts as CNAs, often in short-staffed facilities in their home communities, Bersagel Braley said. I asked them to reflect on those experiences in final papers for my ethics and medicine courses. It was humbling, heartbreaking, and inspiring to read about the central, but underappreciated, role of our students in caring for vulnerable members of their communities under extremely difficult circumstances. This research will continue with additional and more diverse experiences drawn from students across the country thanks to a $28,000 grant Bersagel Braley received from the Louisville Institute. The project, From Whence Does Their Help Come? The Religious Nones as Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic, explores the resources college-age CNAs are drawing on to make sense of their role as caregivers during this time including their religious and spiritual views. It will be carried out by an interdisciplinary faculty and student research team including students Messa (the lead student researcher), Lexi Oestreich, Jerica Mueller, Faith Meltz, and Raghad al-Khazraji and faculty members Tyler Flockhart, sociology, and Silvana Richardson, nursing. While publishing academic journal articles and a book are long-term goals, Bersagel Braley sees the real value of the project in helping CNAs share their stories in ways that can shape conversations in nursing schools, care facilities, and even congregations about ways to support aspects of CNA care work that are less visible and often go unacknowledged. Messa, who has accepted a nursing position at Duke University Hospital upon graduation from Viterbo, recently spent a week in North Carolina collecting more CNA experiences as part of the project. She said being a part of this project has greatly enhanced her education. This is something I care deeply about, and it lines up closely with my values, she said. I think this proproject has been incredibly valuable, and not something every college student gets to experience. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Knowing the origin of the fruits and vegetables being packaged at Kwik Trip gives kitchens operations manager Bob Karr a sense of security. It used to be pre-packaged everything, said Karr. Now, its a fully integrated process. The produce operation switched to in-house a year ago and is the latest chapter in Kwik Trips embrace of vertical integration as a defining business model. Customers can purchase a Snickers bar or bottle of Pepsi at Kwik Trip, but most of whats on sale at a typical Kwik Trip store is processed by the company itself. Kwik Trip production director Brad Clarkin said vertical integration is foundational to how Kwik Trip does business. We produce it, we ship it, we sell it, Clarkin said. The entire production takes place at Kwik Trips 130-acre manufacturing campus in La Crosse. In addition to the kitchens operations, where prepared meals (cheeseburgers, pizzas, salads, take-home meals, etc.) are made, Kwik Trip runs its own sweets bakery, bread and buns bakery and dairy plant. The operations produce a substantial quantity of food and beverages. On a recent Thursday, for example, the kitchens operation put out 25,000 sandwiches, 14,000 salads, 50,000 burritos, 7,000 parfaits, 30,000 take-home meals and 26,000 produce cups. Karr said the inventory is shipped as soon as its produced. He said if something is produced on a Thursday in La Crosse, it will be on a retail store shelf no later than Saturday morning. Its less than two days from the time we make it to when it goes to retail, Karr said. We want to get everything from a raw state to retail as soon as possible. The dairy is also a busy place. Director of dairy operations Jeremy Nickelatti said Kwik Trips facility is more than double the size of an average Class I dairy with 15 milk trucks arriving every day. All the milk comes from four dairy cooperatives in Wisconsin and Minnesota located within 250 miles of La Crosse. He said milk is never held in a silo for more than 72 hours, and is often processed faster than that. It can go from a cow to a table within 24 hours, Nickelatti said. Vertical integration goes beyond milk and other dairy products. The dairy already manufactures its own gallon and half-gallon containers and will make the smaller containers in-house by the end of August, when a 45,000-square-foot expansion is complete. At the sweets bakery, director of bakery operations Jamie Gay oversees production of a wide variety of baked goods, ranging from cookies to muffins to donuts. Glazers are shipped out fresh daily and appear on store shelves the same day theyre made. Production lines allow 400 Glazers, 240 cookies and 130 muffins to be produced every minute, and more than 43 million Glazers were produced in 2021. Gay said a motivated group of employees is critical to keeping the product line moving. We have daily improvement meetings to talk about what we did yesterday and what were doing today, she said. Were always into continuous improvement and what we need to do to improve safety and make things more efficient. We have a lot of good workers here. They care about their jobs. Clarkin said vertical integration gives Kwik Trip a competitive advantage over other convenience stores. At the core, its all about the quality, Clarkin said. We can get our arms around quality. We own it. He said vertical integration also has distribution advantages and has allowed Kwik Trip to mitigate many of the recent supply chain bottlenecks. We can be quicker. We can react quicker based on guests demands and guests needs, he said. Distribution is critical to Kwik Trips policy of selling fresh products, Clarkin said. Kwik Trip limits itself to stores where trucks can deliver its products within a day. Clarkin said Kwik Trip has yet to reach the maximum extent of its geographic footprint. It already operates over 800 stores in nearly 400 communities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois and will add a fifth state when Kwik Trip opens two stores in Michigans upper peninsula later this year. The company also anticipates opening 25 new stores in Wisconsin, nine in Minnesota and nine in Iowa in 2022. Clarkin said the eastern Dakotas could be added in 2023. In 2023, you will see us expand into the I-29 corridor of the Dakotas, he said. It will be a good new market. Take-home meals As Kwik Trip expands geographically, its also expanding its fresh food offerings. The company recently took a major plunge into the take-home meal market. Meals are individually packaged with cooking instructions on the label and include offerings such as chicken penne, macaroni and cheese, fettucine alfredo, turkey dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy, spaghetti and meatballs, and beef stroganoff. Its a segment of our business we didnt have two years ago, Clarkin said. Its certainly something new were working with raw proteins. Its something that nobody in our industry has successfully executed, but there is a demand out there for this. Our history is that we try a lot of new ideas. Clarkin said the launch into take-home meals and fresh produce processing required a 120,000-square-foot addition that includes a fry line, a grill line and sous vide line. He said there is still room for future expansion at the present campus and that the company is committed to maintaining production in La Crosse. I would contend that as retail continues to grow, we are absolutely mindful on how we can support that growth out of La Crosse, Wisconsin, he said. Kwik Trip dates back to 1965, when the company was founded by Don Zietlow, who still serves as president and CEO. The company employs 33,000 people (4,200 at La Crosse production facility) and remains privately held and family-owned. Clarkin credits Kwik Trips growth to offering choices to consumers that arent found elsewhere in the convenience store industry. Theres definitely a different feel, Clarkin said. You maybe dont appreciate it as much until you go outside the area, and then you come back and say, Man, I missed this. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The highly contagious bird flu that has resulted in the euthanizing of millions of captive birds across the state has now spread to a flock in northern Wisconsin. A case of "highly pathogenic avian influenza" was found in a commercial poultry flock in Barron County the fourth captive flock in the state found to be infected, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said Saturday. All birds on the property are going to be euthanized to prevent further spread of the disease, the DATCP said. This strain of the bird flu, called EA H5N1, is deadly to captive and domesticated birds such as those found in farms, zoos and in peoples homes but is not as dangerous to the wild birds that are spreading it throughout the state. Last week, the state Department of Natural Resources said the strain was found in several wild species of birds in Dane, Columbia, Grant, Milwaukee and Polk counties, meaning wild birds are actively spreading the virus in Wisconsin. So far, the strain has been found in flocks in Jefferson, Rock and Racine counties. All of the birds in those flocks have been euthanized to prevent further spread. In just one of those depopulations, nearly three million chickens were euthanized. Bird flu does not pose a public health concern because the virus is not spreading to humans. Cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees kills the virus, DATCP said. But the continued spread of the disease in Wisconsin could threaten birds in zoos, pet birds and the egg and poultry industry. Dane Countys Vilas Zoo closed its bird exhibits March 22 because of the outbreak. On Friday, DATCP announced that it is suspending all poultry shows, exhibitions and swap meets throughout Wisconsin until May 31 to try to prevent the spread. What to watch for The DNR is asking residents to call if they see waterfowl, raptors such as eagles, or avian scavengers such as crows, ravens and gulls displaying tremors, circling movement or holding their heads in strange positions. Residents are also asked not to touch sick or dead birds. Anyone can report birds with signs of avian flu by emailing DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wi.gov or calling 608-267-0866. DATCP is encouraging residents with their own flocks to call (608) 224-4872 during business hours or (800) 943-0003 after hours and weekends if they spot signs of infected birds, which include: Sudden death without clinical signs. Lack of energy or appetite. Decrease in egg production; soft, misshapen eggs. Purple discoloration of wattles, comb, and legs. Difficulty breathing. Runny nose, coughing, sneezing. Stumbling or falling down. Diarrhea. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 President Joe Biden released his budget blueprint that includes a total of $5.8 trillion in federal spending in fiscal year 2023, which begins in October. Based on that plan the deficit for the year would be $1.15 trillion. That is not acceptable. As part of a news release announcing the budget, the White House boosts about a decline in the deficit, saying, the strongest economic growth in four decades, powered by the American Rescue Plan, has also contributed to a historic decline in the deficit by fueling strong revenue growth and allowing the Administration to responsibly phase down emergency pandemic-related spending. That is not saying much, considering how much money was handed out in COVID stimulus funds. Some of the initial unemployment funds for individuals and businesses were needed to overcome the COVID shutdowns. But many of the subsequent stimulus funds were not really necessary. So boosting that the deficit is going down it not saying too much. In America there is a movement going on now for states to establish a convention of states, where under the Constitution if enough states come together they can impose fiscal restraints on the federal government. The Wisconsin Legislature is one of at least 16 states that has signed on to hold a convention of states, and 34 states are needed. But it shouldnt take a convention of states to have a balanced budget. The president should propose a balanced budget, with money going into reserves for when emergencies come up. That is how states have to operate. That is how businesses and regular people have to operate. That is how the federal government should operate as well. Its not as though its impossible. It was possible under President Bill Clinton. Granted times were different when Clinton was in office from 1993 to 2001, but the economic policies in place then show that is it still possible to operate without a deficit. As a nation we need to continue to fulfill promises to people, which includes funding Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. But in addition there is a lot of discretionary spending and fat that can be taken out. Former President Donald Trump wasnt any better than Biden in regards to addressing the deficit. That was not acceptable, either. The presidents job is to establish what the priorities should be for spending and then push for Congress to pass it. The budget shouldnt start with a deficit on day one. Down the road, that deficit will catch up with America and all of us if it is not managed. Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Zain Bahrain, a leading telecom provider, has launched its new prize draw for prepaid customers who recharge their lines through digital channels such as the Zain App, Zain website, My Zain page, or Benefit Pay. Weekly prizes of $500 are up for grabs, with a grand prize of $5,000 to be awarded at the end of the campaign. In addition to the weekly and grand prize, prepaid customers can enjoy recharging their accounts with a wide variety of denominations which suit their budgets and benefit from extended validity of up to 210 days. Finally, all customers can also play the Spin & Win game on Zain Mobile App after each recharge and get the chance to win valuable telecom prizes. Zain Bahrain Director, Consumer Marketing & Sales Ammar Al Ketbi said: Zain Bahrain has always been at the forefront of digitalization. Our latest offering aims to encourage customers to explore our outstanding digital customer experience offerings. These channels help to simplify the delivery of our services so that customers can save time and get on with their day-to-day activities. It also supports the Kingdom of Bahrains wider efforts to create a digital economy, in line with its Economic Vision 2030. Customers who recharge their prepaid line via any of Zain Bahrains digital channels will be automatically entered into the draw. The competition will run from March 15 to June 12, with the grand prize draw being held on June 14. TradeArabia News Service A security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands has raised concerns in the South Pacific Ocean area. Some nations worry the deal could launch a buildup of Chinas military there, threatening neighboring countries. The Solomon Islands government said an early version of its agreement with China will be cleaned up and signed soon. The early version was approved last week. The draft agreement was leaked online. It says that Chinese warships could stop at the islands. It also would permit Chinas armed police and military to protect Chinese projects on the islands. And the agreement says China must approve what information is shared about joint security plans. The Solomon Islands is home to about 700,000 people. The nation changed its diplomatic relations from Taiwan to mainland China in 2019. The move was rejected by many in the country and was one reason for violent riots last November. Both China and the Solomon Islands have strongly denied the deal will lead to the establishment of a Chinese military base. The Solomon Islands government said the agreement is necessary because of its limited ability to deal with violent uprisings like the one in November. But Australia, New Zealand and the United States have all expressed concern about the deal. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described the agreement as gravely concerning. David Panuelo is the president of nearby Micronesia. He wrote a letter to Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare asking him to rethink the agreement. He noted that both Micronesia and the Solomon Islands were battlegrounds during World War II. I am confident that neither of us wishes to see a conflict of that scope or scale ever again, and most particularly in our own backyards, Panuelo wrote. The Solomon Islands police minister answered on social media. He said that Panuelo should be more worried about Micronesia being destroyed by the ocean because of climate change. Sogavare has called foreign criticism of the security agreement insulting. Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the agreement aims to maintain the safety of peoples lives and property, and does not have any military overtones. Jonathan Pryke is the director of the Pacific Islands Program at the Lowy Institute, a policy research group in Australia. He said he thinks that leaders have overreacted to the agreement. Its clearly getting everyone very animated in the West and very alarmed. But I dont think it markedly changes things on the ground, Pryke said. He added that the deal could be seen as the first step toward China establishing a military base. But he noted there would need to be many more steps taken before that could happen. Im Jonathan Evans. Nick Perry and David Rising reported on this story for the Associated Press. Jonathan Evans adapted this story for Learning English. Words in This Story draft n. a version of a document that is made before a final version gravely adv. seriously confident adj. having a feeling or belief that something can be done or that something is true; scope n. the area that is included in or dealt with by something overtone n. an idea or quality that is suggested without being said directly animated adj. intense; fully of energy; suggesting possible tension More than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, United States health officials are discussing how to best protect Americans from the ever-changing coronavirus. On Wednesday, a group of vaccine advisers to the Food and Drug Administration spent hours debating questions about changing vaccine shots and doing future booster campaigns. They did not reach any exact decisions. The questions facing the experts included: How often should vaccines be updated against new strains? How effective should vaccines be to get government approval? Should vaccine updates be coordinated with international health authorities? Background The FDA recently approved a fourth shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines for anyone 50 or older and for some younger people with severely weakened immune systems. The move is part of an effort to get ahead of another possible surge. But the FDAs vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks said at the meeting we simply cant be boosting people as frequently as we are. He called the latest booster update a temporary measure to protect Americans while government officials decide whether and how to change current vaccines. Marks cautioned that reduced vaccine protection, new variants and colder weather in the autumn could raise the risk of more surges. Future booster shots? One area where experts appeared to agree is that vaccines should be judged on their ability to prevent severe disease that leads to hospitalization and death. Dr. Mark Sawyer of the University of California, San Diego, said, We need to focus on the worst case, which is severe disease... By that measure, the current vaccines have held up well. During the last omicron-driven surge, two vaccine doses were nearly 80 percent effective against needing a breathing machine or death and a booster pushed that protection to 94 percent, federal scientists recently reported. But only about half of Americans eligible for a third shot have gotten one. And many experts said it was not the best idea to continue asking Americans to get boosted every few months. An expert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested that the 80 percent protection from severe disease could become the standard for vaccines. I think we may have to accept that level of protection and then use other methods, said Dr. Amanda Cohn, CDCs chief medical officer. Presentations at the meeting by government health officials and independent researchers explored the difficulty of predicting when the next major COVID-19 variant might appear. Trevor Bedford of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center said a major new strain like omicron could arrive anywhere from every 1.5 years to once a decade, based on current data. Process for updating vaccines All three COVID-19 vaccines now used in the U.S. are based on the original coronavirus that appeared in late 2019. Updating the vaccines will be a difficult job, likely requiring communication between the FDA, manufacturers and international health authorities. To get the vaccines to market quickly, the FDA used shorter ways to judge effectiveness, mainly looking at the early vaccine effects on the immune systems antibody levels. A number of experts said they wanted better data from studies that follow patients over time to see who gets sick or dies. But that approach would likely take too much time. Dr. Ofer Levy of Harvard Medical School said, its going to be hard to generate all the data we want in short order when a new variant emerges. Robert Johnson, a representative for the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) described the small amount of time that manufacturers could have to remake, study and mass produce an updated vaccine by September. If youre not on your way to a clinical trial by the beginning of May, I think its going to be very difficult to have enough product across manufacturers to meet demand, he said. The process for updating yearly flu vaccines offers a possible plan, as laid out by a representative from the World Health Organization. Twice a year, WHO experts recommend updates to flu vaccines to target new strains. The FDA then brings those recommendations to its own vaccine panel, which votes on whether they make sense for the U.S. But COVID-19 has not yet fallen into a predictable pattern like the flu. And as the coronavirus evolves, different strains may become stronger in different parts of the world. Several experts said they would need more meetings with more data and proposals from the FDA to decide on a plan. Oveta Fuller of the University of Michigans Medical School said, Weve never been here before. Were all working together to do the best we can and its very complex." Im John Russell. And Im Mario Ritter Jr. Matthew Perrone reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for Learning English. _____________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story booster n. a substance or dose used to renew or increase the effect of a drug or immunizing agent surge -- n. a sudden and large increase variant -- n. something that is slightly different from the standard form focus v. to concentrate attention or effort eligible adj. qualified to participate or be chosen approach -- n. a particular manner of taking such steps standard n. something set up and established by authority as a rule for the measure of quantity, weight, extent, value, or quality generate v. to bring into existence: pattern n. a reliable sample of traits, acts, tendencies, or other observable characteristics evolve -- v. to undergo evolutionary change In June 2021, an anonymous report began to spread among Canadas university system. It accused six professors and employees at Queens College in Ontario of lying about their ancestry for personal gain. "Queen's College is currently overrun with white Canadians making false claims to Indigenous especially Algonquin identity," the document reads. As a result, it said, the six were getting special treatment from the school and should be dismissed from their positions. The report also said that there were other college employees who falsely claim to be Native Americans, although it did not name any. The college rejected the accusations which led to wider protest. A group of 100 Indigenous scholars quickly condemned Queens College in a written statement. It said the school employs whites presented as Indigenous professionals who claim, both trauma and healing that never belonged to them. It argued that the school should require evidence of such claims, saying some are based on a single, old, family story or less. The scholars criticized the school for permitting such people to gain from lying about their ancestry and experiences. The protest letter demanded that Queens College and all higher-education centers establish ethical employment guidelines. It said they must include a process to confirm the ancestry claims of job seekers. Not only a problem in Canada The problem does not stop at the Canadian border, Native Americans say. In 2015, Dartmouth College learned that the director of its Native American Program was not a member of an officially recognized tribe. The college dismissed the worker from that job and placed her in another. University of California professor and book writer, Andrea Smith, has said she is Native American for many years. Her claim has been debated for almost as long. The New York Times wrote a long story about Smith and the ancestry issue last year. In 2021, reporter Jacqueline Keeler began investigating people who claim to be Indigenous. Keeler, a Native American, says she has identified about 200 people she suspects are frauds --- people who say they are something that they are not. Keeler works with tribes, historians and researchers to uncover truth in claims of Native ancestry. The team examined ancestral evidence from as far back as the 1600s. Then Keeler produced a list of names of professionals who, she says, falsely claim to be Native. VOA examined the list, which includes artists, writers, actors and many university workers. VOA is not publishing the list, as it cannot independently confirm what it reports. Some people have criticized Keeler for leading a witch hunt. But she has strong support in Native circles. "I don't think Jackie intends to do anything with it," Ben Barnes, chief of the Shawnee tribe in Oklahoma, told VOA. Natives have been protesting such fraud in U.S. universities for a long time, he said, adding that he thinks of the list as a place for Natives to come together and say, 'Hey, you're not crazy. Long history of frauds Outside of university life, many people have tried to profit from false Native American identity. That is one reason Native Americans try to fight against frauds. One well-known actor, Iron Eyes Cody, often played Native Americans in movies and television programs from the 1950s to the 1980s. He was actually Italian American. In the U.S., tribes are considered independent nations that have the right to govern themselves. Most require proof of ancestry to join a tribe. Admission may require knowledge of the tribal language, culture and history. Native Americans say that people considered frauds often make up stories about their ancestors. Frauds shaping policy In March, the University of Michigan began an online discussion about frauds in media, arts, politics and education. It was called Unsettling Genealogies. Kim TallBear, a Canadian professor, took part in the event. She raised special concern about frauds who become well-known in their professions. She said some become thought leaders who help the government make policy. David Cornsilk is an expert on the Cherokee Nation. He said the issue is damaging public trust in universities. University employers must be willing to investigate people they are considering for hire, he said. Ben Barnes, the Shawnee leader, appears to agree. "If someone asks me if I'm a resident of the state of Oklahoma, I pull out my driver's license," Barnes said. "Why is asking somebody to show their tribal identification card a problem?" In March, the National Indigenous University Senior Leaders' Association (NIUSLA) and the First Nations University of Canada (FNU) held an online discussion. Organizers called on attendees to explore the best ways to validate identity claims. FNU President and NIUSLA co-chair Jacqueline Ottman said the process of self-identification is not working. She offered what might prove a simple solution: ask university job seekers for permission to investigate their backgrounds. It may become more difficult for some people to claim indigeneity, but these processes will ensure that indigenous peoples are rightly identified and stepping into these positions. Im Dan Friedell. And Im Susan Shand. VOAs Cecily Hilleary wrote this story. Susan Shand and Dan Friedell adapted it for Learning English. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, and visit our Facebook page. Quiz - Native Scholars Work to Prevent Fraud at Universities Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story anonymous n. not named or identified scholar n. a person who has studied a subject for a long time and knows a lot about it trauma n. a very difficult or unpleasant experience fraud adj. a person who pretends to be something they are not in order to trick people witch hunt n. the act of unfairly looking for and punishing people intend v. to plan or want to do something crazy adj. not sane or unable to think clearly admission n. the act of admitting or giving permission to enter a place or school resident n. a person who lives in a place license n. an official document or card validate v. to show something is legal or official ensure v. to make something sure, certain or safe Frances Greens and the party of far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon have reached an agreement to join forces against newly reelected President Emmanuel Macron ahead of next months parliamentary election. Both parties agreed Monday not to compete against each other in the two rounds of voting on June 12 and 19. Melenchon came in third in the first round of last months presidential election. He is now hoping for a comeback in the upcoming legislative elections as the head of what he hopes will be a coalition of leftist parties who have spent the past five years in Macrons shadow. Melenchon's third place in April with 22% of the vote in the first round of voting gave him leverage in trying to rally other parties on the left behind him for the legislative vote. President Joe Biden is crediting the assembly line workers at a Javelin missile plant for doing lifesaving work in building the antitank weapons that are being sent to Ukraine. He says the missiles are stifling Russias invasion as he is making a pitch for Congress to approve $33 billion so the U.S. can continue to hustle aid to the front lines. Bidens Tuesday trip to the Alabama factory that makes the Javelin weapons system is drawing attention to a growing concern as the war drags on: Can the U.S. sustain the cadence in shipping vast amounts of arms to Ukraine while maintaining the healthy stockpile it may need? Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a global leading management consulting firm, has announced global sales of $11 billion for year-end 2021, with underlying revenue growth of 25% at constant exchange rates. More than 98% of this growth is organic. BCGs global workforce grew by 10% to 25,000, up from 22,500 the year before. Christoph Schweizer, Global CEO, highlighted strong demand from clients related to their climate & sustainability agenda as well as digital & artificial intelligence (AI) as two of the firms key growth drivers. We are recruiting 8,000 new staff this year, including significant numbers of climate and sustainability and AI experts to join our consulting teams, said Schweizer. We have benefited from our multi-year commitment to invest in developing world-class capabilities. Increasingly, we are bringing those capabilities together to support clients on their path to net-zero, and in the past few months BCG has also launched major partnerships with SAP and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). BCG made significant progress on the firm's own path to net-zero and will be issuing its annual sustainability report at the end of April with more details. Since 2020, BCG has invested $240 million to broaden and deepen its climate partnerships, advance its thought leadership, and expand its capabilities. BCG served as the consulting partner for COP26 and is supporting critical climate efforts for the World Economic Forum and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. The firm is also a founding partner of Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, a new fund investing in companies developing cutting-edge technologies to achieve net-zero emissions. Im also very proud of the way our team has partnered with clients in every sector to help them navigate through a very challenging period. We are enabling our clients to harness the potential of digital transformation, advanced analytics, and AI at scale to build resilience and prepare for future opportunities, said Schweizer. Business updates and highlights Ukraine Humanitarian Support: Today, BCG launched a virtual hub for Ukrainian talent, which provides job opportunities at BCG. The firm continues to address the humanitarian crisis with many initiatives and by supporting NGOs. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: BCG has a long-standing commitment to DE&I and today, 44% of BCG staff are women. BCGs Executive Committee comprises 35% women, with members from more than ten countries. Women also lead BCG in three of the worlds largest economies (North America, China, and UK). In addition, the number of managing directors and partners who are women continues to grow at almost three times the rate of managing directors and partners who are men. 51% of the firms new hires in the U.S. are from ethnic minority backgrounds. The firm has launched ethnic diversity networks in Europe, Australia, and Africa. Social Impact: BCG invested a record $320 million in social impact work through FY2021. The firms efforts included 1,300 social impact cases in 2021, including advancing education in Africa with Teach For All, building resilience in Egyptian food systems, and supporting COVAX with its Covid-19 vaccine program. TradeArabia News Service BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (AP) A teenage girl shot to death in south Mississippi will be laid to rest in a custom-designed TikTok-themed casket as she aspired to be a star on the social media app. Alexis Pierson, 14, died in the April 5 shooting at her home in the Bayside Park area of Hancock County, The Sun Herald reported. Alexis, also known as Lexi, was a student at Hancock Middle School. Casey Lawhon, owner of In Memory Casket Wraps, chose the TikTok theme after talking with her stepfather. Her dream is to be TikTok famous," Lawhon told the newspaper. "I try to portray the person as best as I can. The casket will be black with splashes of teal and hot pink. It will also feature a picture of Alexis, as well as an illustration of the teen and her friends with the phrase, Dancing in the Sky. Lawhon will also create a poster to be placed on an easel at the funeral. The wrap and easel will cost up to $1,400, and Lawhon asked the community on Facebook if they wanted to donate to the cost for the family. The cost was covered in about an hour. Just before the shooting, a child and a 15-year-old who were next door walked over to hang out with the teen girl and her 10-year-old brother, Hancock County Sheriff Ricky Adam told WLOX-TV. Guns were on a bed when one of the children picked one up. Thinking it was empty, a child pointed the gun toward Alexis and pulled the trigger, the sheriff said. A bullet struck Alexis below her left eye, and she did instantly. The sheriff said the investigation has determined the shooting was not intentional. Nevertheless, the case will be presented to Hancock County Youth Court so it can be determined whether the facts should lead to any charges. Adam said questions are being asked, such as how the children got access to guns. Adam said its too soon to tell if charges will be filed against any adults. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, The Sun Herald. Saudi Arabia will let up to 1 million people join the Haj pilgrimage this year, greatly expanding the key event to participants from outside the kingdom after two years of tight Covid restrictions, state media said. Pilgrims to Makkah this year must be under age 65 and fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, the ministry of Hajj and Umrah said in a statement carried by the SPA news agency. Pilgrims coming from outside the kingdom will be required to submit a negative Covid-19 PCR test result performed within 72 hours of the time of departure to the kingdom, it stated. The ministry said these measures were being implemented to ensure that the maximum number of Muslims worldwide can perform Hajj and visit the Prophet's Mosque in a safe and spiritual atmosphere. Last year, the kingdom had limited the annual Haj, one of Islam's five main pillars, to 60,000 domestic participants, compared to the pre-pandemic 2.5 million. Hence this year it has authorized one million pilgrims, both foreign and domestic, to perform Hajj this year. Visits to the holiest sites of Islam in Makkah and Madinah for the week-long Haj, and the lesser, year-round Umrah pilgrimage, previously earned the kingdom about $12 billion a year, according to official data. The number of pilgrims coming from specific countries for this year's Hajj will be in accordance with the quotas allocated to each country and in consideration of compliance with all health recommendations, stated the ministry. The ministry has instructed that all pilgrims must follow the health instructions and comply with all precautionary measures to preserve their health and safety while performing the Hajj rituals. Employers are free to provide this benefit at their own expense. But only 1 in 4 U.S. workers, including federal employees, can take paid time off to care for a newborn or a newly adopted or fostered child. Thats problematic for many reasons, including the abundant evidence that paid leave boosts healthy childhood development and economic security. President Joe Biden has sought to expand access to paid family leave, initially through his Build Back Better package, which is now on hold. He reasserted his calls to do so in his March 2022 State of the Union address. Based on our extensive research regarding the connections between social policies and the happiness of families, were certain that expanding access to paid leave to more employees would make them happier. Children and unhappy parents Parents also experience more depression, loneliness and stress. Some scholars argue that a lack of government support for raising kids is causing this happiness gap. Only 6.3% of 3-year-olds and just over 33% of 4-year-olds nationwide are enrolled in a state-funded preschool program, although free early childhood education is becoming more common. Likewise, just nine states and the District of Columbia now provide paid family leave for new parents. In other words, most U.S. families are still being left behind. And without universal free pre-K or paid family leave, many parents are largely on their own in terms of finding and paying for private child care for young children. Paid family leave of at least a month can help parents to develop more fulfilling family relationships. For example, it can allow parents to spend more time reading and singing to their child, which benefits cognitive development. The effects of paid leave on the relationship between parents depends on who is taking the leave. If only mothers take family leave, then gender inequality in housework increases. But when fathers take paid leave, couples share their housework responsibilities and child care more equally. This is because when both parents take a leave after the arrival of a new child, they are more likely to establish household routines that result in an equal sharing of household tasks. One study found that when fathers were encouraged to take a parental leave, their participation in household tasks increased by 250%. When parents are free to take more time off work to care for their infants and newly adopted children with fewer financial costs and little fear of job loss and especially when dads are encouraged to take time off both children and their parents are happier. Global perspectives Through our research spanning 27 countries, weve found that parents in wealthy countries with weak safety nets such as the U.S. tend to be less happy than their counterparts in countries like Denmark where the government provides everyone with more support. This is one reason Finland, Norway and other nations with strong welfare states consistently rank at the top of the World Happiness Report, an annual assessment based on Gallup World Poll data. The U.S. ranks lower than would be predicted in that report given its economic standing, while the opposite is true in the case of Denmark, Canada, New Zealand and other welfare states. Weve also found that when governments step up their spending on social programs and adjust tax burdens to make the rich shoulder more of the costs of running the government, economic inequality declines. At the same time, the happiness levels of low-income and high-income people become more similar. Higher social spending especially increases the happiness of women with small children and people who are cohabiting but unmarried. Other international research shows greater economic and mental health benefits of paid leave for low-income families. Recent research by other scholars who study countries that have invested heavily in social welfare policies like paid family leave further supports our findings. Respondents in the worlds most generous welfare states were more satisfied with their work, health and family life than people in places with weaker safety nets. As one notable example, a recent study that one of us co-authored showed that the Japanese governments investments in generous paid leave for families with small children, access to child care, child allowances and free health insurance for children, as well as increased benefits for older adults, were associated with modest gains in overall happiness. These policies made significant differences for women with small children and older people, who became happier between 1990 and 2010. Losing benefits can decrease happiness In addition, there is evidence of what can happen when government benefits that meet many peoples needs are taken away. In the former German Democratic Republic, satisfaction generally rose between 1990, just before its transition to a free-market economy from a communist state, and 2004 in terms of the freedom to buy goods and services. On the other hand, that same study found that satisfaction in the place that also used to be called East Germany plummeted concerning health, work and child care. People had been guaranteed access to health care and child care, as well as job security, under communist rule but all of that changed when that system collapsed. Federal paid leave gives families a chance to find their footing after the arrival of a new child, without having to quit their job or take unpaid time off. It should come as no surprise that such a safety net would make families not only economically more secure, but happier too. ___ Get the best of The Conversation, every weekend. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Hiroshi Ono receives funding from Japan Society for Promotion of Science. Kristen Schultz Lee does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. ___ MILWAUKEE A bicyclist convicted of killing an immigration lawyer who confronted him after a road rage incident in downtown Milwaukee has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. Moments before the shooting, Edgecomb had punched Cleereman in the face as Cleereman and his wife were stopped at a light in the car she was driving, the Journal Sentinel reported. Edgecomb testified the car had struck him on his bike along Brady Street a few blocks back, and that Cleereman yelled at him using a racial slur. Staffing, transparency in decision-making and communication to families have been recommended as areas for improvement at One City Schools, according to a report released to the public by the school Sunday. The report, compiled by the Wisconsin Evaluation Collaborative, outlined three recommendations in its executive summary of a yearslong evaluation of the charter school: Provide more staffing support and planning time for teachers; develop additional processes to obtain family and staff voice in decision-making; and improve communication channels to staff and families. Not all One City Schools teachers had planning time or substitute or float teachers to help in the classrooms and teacher turnover also had an adverse effect on the school; staff and family members did not understand how and by whom decisions were made at the school, and parents as well as teachers had few opportunities to be part of the decision-making or troubleshooting process; and safety issues and troubleshooting processes were not always promptly shared with parents, according to the report. Addressing recommendations CEO and founder of One City Schools, Kaleem Caire, said he received the report in December and One City has begun to implement the recommendations. Caire said COVID-19 played a pivotal role in the lack of staff, planning time, transparency in decision-making and communication with families. Pandemic-related concerns caused some teachers to leave the school at the start of the 2021-22 school year, but One City is now fully staffed, with two teachers per classroom up to grade 2, he said. He also attributed the lack of teacher planning time and access to substitute teachers to the pandemic an issue faced by schools and districts across the country amid COVID-19. One City has restructured its instruction leadership team to allow for biweekly meetings to keep teachers and staff abreast of decisions, and is in the process of creating department chairs to provide teachers and staff with more leadership opportunities, Caire said. He also pointed to changes in student drop-off and pickup due to COVID-19 as the main reason communication to families faltered. Prior to the pandemic, One City families were used to seeing and communicating with their teachers every day, he said. After the pandemic, parents began dropping their children off at school at the sidewalk like you would your dry-cleaning at your local dry cleaners. Caire said he hopes, as the pandemic continues to wane, parents of One City students will be able to communicate again with teachers as they had prior to COVID-19 and that the current weekly newsletters, regular text messages, announcements and monthly calendars dont seem to be adequate. More data to come The report is a part of a four-year evaluation process, broken up into phases, which began in 2020 and is funded through 2024. UW-Madison researchers in partnership with the Wisconsin Evaluation Collaborative interviewed teachers, staff, including leadership staff, and families between January 2021 and September; observed preschool and elementary classrooms; sent surveys to staff, teachers and families; and analyzed documents from One City Schools including reports, newsletters and administrative documents to compile the first phase of the report. The Wisconsin Evaluation Collaborative, housed within the Wisconsin Center for Education Research at UW-Madisons School of Education, conducts pre-K-12 education program evaluations in partnership with school districts and education-based community organizations, among other groups. One City Schools is currently undergoing an expansion to become a full K-12 charter school by the 2024-25 school year. Students in grades 4K through 4 are currently learning on the third floor of the schools new facility, purchased by One City Schools in March 2021 through a $14 million donation from American Girl founder and philanthropist Pleasant Rowland. Caire has said his plan for the 157,000-square-foot office building, on the campus of WPS Health Solutions in Monona adjacent to South Madison, is to build a full K-12 charter school with an enrollment of nearly 1,000 students. One City Schools first opened as a preschool serving six students in South Madison in September 2015. Its Fisher Street location will remain open to serve students in early childhood education, who may later attend the K-12 school. Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Republicans could hold six of Wisconsins eight House seats next year under the states new district maps, but Democrats could capitalize in future years on a surprising change: The GOP now holds only a 2-point advantage in the district once held by Paul Ryan. The Wisconsin Supreme Court earlier this year ruled that Gov. Tony Evers maps best align with the courts previous ruling that the states next 10-year maps include minimal changes to existing boundaries, meaning the new boundaries dont differ all that much from previous districts. Five of the states eight congressional districts are currently held by Republicans. Some of the most significant changes were made to the 1st Congressional District, which is currently held by Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Janesville. For the first time since 1990, the district no longer includes Waukesha County, an area that has often leaned Republican, while it added the Milwaukee suburb of Cudahy, as well as Whitewater and Beloit to the west. The University of Virginia Center for Politics Sabatos Crystal Ball estimates that former President Donald Trumps 2020 support in the district drops from 54% under the previous map to 50% with new boundaries. While there were minimal changes to the 3rd Congressional District, the departure of Democratic Rep. Ron Kind, who has done well in a district that Trump carried in the last two presidential elections, could leave that seat open to a potential GOP victory. Former President Barack Obama carried Kinds district by nearly 11 points in 2012. I think we will end up with a 6-2 split after the 2022 elections, and that really owes to the political context of this year, said UW-La Crosse political science assistant professor Anthony Chergosky. I think if this were a different political context then we could end up with a 5-3 or even a 4-4 split. That just shows the extent to which these maps are favorable for Republicans, he added. A 4-4 split is possible but it would take an exceptionally good year for Democrats to pull that off. Of course we know thats a combination of the way the lines are drawn as well as the geographic clustering of Democratic voters in Madison and Milwaukee. All told, Evers map moves a little over 322,000 people into new congressional boundaries, meaning almost 94.5% of the states residents remain in their current district, according to the governors office. A Marquette Law School analysis of the new maps using the results of the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections and the 2018 gubernatorial election as a baseline found the 1st Districts Republican margin falls from a 10-point Republican lean to a 2-point GOP advantage. Thats by far the biggest change in partisan composition of the eight congressional districts. While Steils district is more competitive, Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabatos Crystal Ball, said the first-term congressman is expected to fare well this fall, due in part to challenges often faced by the party in the White House. That could change down the road if the political environment favors the Democratic Party. You could imagine maybe at some point over the course of the decade that Democrats could challenge Bryan Steil, but I dont think its going to be a problem in the context of 2022, Kondik said. In an environment like 2022, its going to be hard for Democrats to challenge in really any Trump-won district outside of maybe the ones they already have if they have strong incumbents in those districts. Districts to watch Sabatos Crystal Ball rates the 1st District as likely Republican, while the 3rd District is considered to lean Republican. The states other six districts are considered safe for their respective party. Regardless of what the final congressional district map looks like, I am running for re-election to the 1st Congressional District to continue my work to get our way of life back, stop rising costs and cut runaway spending, Steil said in a statement. Democratic candidates Albert Namath and Ann Roe are currently running in the Aug. 9 primary to face Steil in the Nov. 8 general election. Kondik said Wisconsins 3rd District is a very prime Republican pickup target due in large part to Kinds decision not to seek another term. The districts overall boundaries have seen little change and the Marquette Law School analysis found the new maps maintain the districts 2-point GOP lean. That incumbent factor is now gone, said Preya Samsundar, Midwest regional spokesperson for the Republican National Committee. Depending on the district, depending on the congressman in the seat, that cushion in terms of guaranteed points that you can expect differs, but that cushion for Democrats is now gone. Its why the third district is one of the top five districts for Republicans to flip this cycle and one of the top five races to watch on a national level. For Kind, who has held his seat since 1997, its a sentiment hes heard before. If I had a nickel for every time Ive heard Republicans say, This is the year were going to take Ron Kind out and turn the district Republican, Id be a very rich man, Kind said. For 26 years theyve taken a run at me and the Super PACs have taken a run at me and Ive always been able to carry the district. With the right candidate, Democrats can hold on to the seat. Kind has endorsed state Sen. Brad Pfaff, D-Onalaska, in the race for his seat this fall. Pfaff will face fellow Democrats Rebecca Cooke, Brett Knudsen, Deb McGrath and Mark Neumann in the primary. Republican candidates running for the seat include Denise Hurless and Derrick Van Orden. The states six other districts the Democratic-leaning 2nd and 4th districts, and the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th districts, which lean Republican maintain their large partisan makeups, according to the Marquette Law School and Sabatos Crystal Ball. From a good government standpoint, you could say that its a win to go from one competitive district to two competitive districts, but were still left with three quarters of our districts being utterly uncompetitive and that is a huge concern for me, Chergosky said. Final maps? The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the Democratic governors legislative maps last month, kicking the matter back to the state court. The federal justices also accepted Evers congressional boundaries, denying a request from the states Republican congressional lawmakers seeking to block those boundaries. Congressional Republicans have filed a motion for reconsideration with the states high court on the congressional boundaries, but UW-Madison Law School associate professor Robert Yablon said its highly likely the governors maps will stand for the Nov. 8 election. I just dont expect that at this really late stage, as were approaching the April 15 date for nomination petitions to start circulating, that (the court) is going to change course now, Yablon said. The state Supreme Court is expected to rule any day on legislative boundaries, but it remains to be seen whether the court returns with Evers maps backed by additional evidence, shifts over to boundaries drawn by legislative Republicans or others, or pursues a new avenue. With the U.S. Supreme Courts focus on districts in the Milwaukee area and Evers maps already determined by the state court to most closely follow the least-change guidelines, Mel Barnes, staff counsel with Law Forward, said its possible the new maps dont end up being much of a departure from the governors previous boundaries. I cant imagine that the court would be eager to tinker with that after making this decision and considering all the evidence, so one thing they also could decide to do is make some changes in the Milwaukee area, but leave the rest of the state intact from the original maps proposed by the governor, Barnes said. No matter what maps the state Supreme Court chooses, Yablon said its almost certain that the matter will see additional litigation. Whats more, Marquette Law School Poll director Charles Franklin said another possible scenario still out there is that lawmakers could simply revisit the redistricting process if a Republican governor is elected this fall and returns the state to full GOP control. The Legislature and the governor can redistrict any time they want, Franklin said. Theres nothing problematic from a legal point of view of doing redistricting more than once during a decade. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Demolition of the Downtown Madison office building that houses Paisans restaurant could begin as early as this summer if the owners plan is successful, making way for a possible new 14-story building with commercial and residential space. Greg Rice, who represents the owners, submitted a notice Friday stating he intends to apply to tear down the 12-story building at 131 W. Wilson St. despite objections from Paisans restaurant. The building has closed and reopened twice over the last several months due to ongoing structural concerns. On Monday, architect Kirk Keller will introduce a development proposal for 131 W. Wilson St. at a Bassett Neighborhood meeting. The concept is a 14 story building built to the Capitol View Preservation Limit with underground parking, commercial space on floors 1 and 2, residential space on floors 3 through 14, and outdoor open space in front of the building along West Wilson, according to the meetings agenda. This building is past its useful life and is in need of demolition, Rice wrote Friday in the demolition notice to neighbors, the local business association and the City Council member representing the area. The public notice is the first step in getting city approval for the demolition. Next, Rice needs to file an application, which would be considered by city committees and need final approval from Madisons Plan Commission. Rice, who is president of Executive Management Inc., which owns the property, is shooting for that process to be complete by the end of June, according to the notice. Walter Borowski, co-owner of Paisans Italian Restaurant, called the demolition notice a terrible development in the ongoing saga of repercussions stemming from a degrading underground garage in the building. This is just another opportunity for Greg Rice and EMI to cause havoc for Paisans, Borowski said. The city ordered the property shut in September due to structural concerns raised in an engineering report and occupants of the building constructed in 1971 reportedly feeling a shaking or swaying inside. Temporary supports were installed in the parking garage, allowing it to reopen in October. But the owners failed to keep up with the required inspections, causing another closure of the building in December. The building reopened in January after the citys Building Inspection Division said common spaces were safe. Borowski said he and the other Paisans owners have invested a lot of money into the restaurant because they expected it to be a long-term investment. He said Rice and the building owners have not done anything to ameliorate the problems that they have caused by their inaction, and now are giving up. Rice had not responded to a request for comment. Its unclear whether the demolition request will be successful. Ald. Patrick Heck, 2nd District, a member of the Plan Commission, said hes not sure if the demolition request will receive pushback from the community. I dont have a good sense of whether it will be controversial or not, he said. This is very early in the process. Borowski said he believes the Plan Commission wont allow the demolition unless commissioners know what will happen to the property afterward. He said the planning process for such a project takes a long time, and as far as he knows, none of thats happened. Rices demolition notice did not provide information about what owners would plan to do with the property after the building is demolished. Rice plans to submit the formal application with the city by May 16 so the demolition request can be considered at the Plan Commissions June 27 meeting. On that timeline, the teardown would start in the summer and extend into the fall, said Matt Tucker, director of the citys Building Inspection Division. State Journal reporters Lucas Robinson and Logan Wroge contributed to this report. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The Madison School Board has appointed a renaming committee to change the name of Jefferson Middle School, after changing the name of James Madison High School last year. This will eliminate recognition of the two authors of the most important documents in the history of the United States: the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. It will do so because of their reprehensible practice of owning slaves. In doing so, the Madison School Board is joining the Republican Party in undermining the principles of our democracy the Republicans by distorting and lying about our history, and the School Board by trying to eliminate it. The United States is a country of documents. As Gordon Wood, one of the most important early American historians, wrote: Lacking any semblance of a common ancestry, Americans have had to create their sense of nationhood out of the documents the declarations and constitutions and bills of rights and the principles embodied in them that accompanied their eighteenth-century Revolution. Unlike Germany and France, we do not share a common ethnicity. We have something better. We Americans have declarations of our intentions as citizens. The documents were written by flawed men who had a vision. If the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are spoken of with reverence, it is a reverence they have earned over almost 250 years. The men who wrote the documents created a country with the greatest freedom in the history of the world for its citizens. Two heroes of mine, Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King, understood. They did not denigrate these documents, they embraced them and held them up to Americans to decry the gap between their ideals and our reality, when it came to equal treatment of our citizens. Frederick Douglass, in 1852, before an all-white female audience, said about the Declaration, The principles contained in that instrument are saving principles. Standby those principles, be true to them on all occasions, in all places, against all foes, at whatever the cost. Then, he chastised the audience for its history of slavery. Martin Luther King, in his Letter from a Birmingham Jail, wrote about the courageous young people who sat in at segregated lunch counters, they were really standing up for the best in the American dream and taking the whole nation back to those great wells of democracy, which were dug deep by the founding fathers in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. In one of the most important speeches of the 20th century, Kings I have a dream, speech, he declared, when the architects of our Great Republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. In his moving tribute at John Lewis memorial service, former President Barack Obama paid the ultimate tribute to Lewis, saying that, when the dream of racial quality is realized, John Lewis will be a founding father of that fuller, fairer, better America. Embrace the dream, respect the documents that hold us together, even shakily at times, and continue the work to realize that dream. We may disagree on whether James Madison and Thomas Jefferson were great men. For our country to survive, we must agree that they wrote great documents. The time the Madison School Board could save by not changing the names of the schools for which they are responsible, they might devote to other subjects. They might consider whether East High School has a safe learning environment. Police have been called almost daily to intervene in fights and other issues at the school. Some conflicts are so serious, frequent and injurious that many parents held their students out of school because of concerns for their safety. QUOTE If the authors of our founding documents are denigrated and eliminated, their words will be forgotten. These are the words that hold us together. Research demonstrates that good teachers make an enormous difference in the learning of their students. The School Board members should ask their teachers whether they are working in an environment conducive to teaching and learning. We need an environment in which our young citizens can study the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. If the authors of our founding documents are denigrated and eliminated, their words will be forgotten. These are the words that hold us together. If Douglass and King embraced the words and the visions of Jefferson and Madison despite their flaws, surely we can join them. In the words of Martin Luther King, let us embrace and help realize the promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. Peterson is president emeritus of Western Colorado University. He served in the administration of former Wisconsin Gov. Patrick Lucey and was chief of staff for former UW-Madison Chancellor Donna Shalala: hpeterson@tds.net. Go back to the office if you can. Dine at a restaurant if you can afford it. Shop at your favorite store or take in a ballgame. Its past time to get back to normal or something close to that as the pandemic wanes, hopefully for good. Many people are already living their lives in much the same way they did before COVID-19 struck in early 2020. But Madison and Dane County have been much slower to relax their guard. That needs to change based on health guidelines at the workplace, in social settings and at City Hall. The Madison City Council is finally talking about returning to in-person or hybrid meetings, something most local governments across Wisconsin did long ago. This council has never had a meeting in person, and it has really hampered their opportunity to build relationships with each other and their relationships with staff, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said last week. I think its long past time to meet in person. Shes right. Two council members last month even proposed a harassment policy to address increasing incivility among council members in recent years. Meeting face to face in the same chambers should help ease tensions. That doesnt mean societys heavy use of digital technology during the pandemic has been all bad. Online meetings have increased public participation in local government decisions, which invigorates our democracy. Popping into a virtual meeting from home is much easier for citizens than having to drive Downtown, find parking and sit sometimes for hours in the City Councils chambers waiting to speak for three minutes. Easy online access to government meetings must continue, even if some tweaks are needed to keep things moving. More options for public officials make sense, too. While in-person meetings are best, occasionally joining a meeting via computer shouldnt warrant scorn. Public officials have busy work and family lives, too. And if theyre granted some flexibility, theyll be more likely to seek public office in the first place, giving voters more choice. Too many important elected positions go uncontested now. Private business is having a similar problem a shortage of workers. Offering options for how and where employees do their jobs could increase applicants and retention. Working from home still makes sense for some people, based on their duties. It can improve efficiency and performance while reducing traffic, gas consumption and pollution. Yet our city especially Downtown needs the buzz of workers, shoppers, diners and events to thrive. Only a third of Downtown workers, as of February, had returned to their offices for regular hours, according to an estimate by Downtown Madison Inc., a booster organization. That needs to increase for our city to thrive. A big help came March 1 when Dane County dropped its latest mask mandate. Foot traffic on State Street and the Capitol Square surged, according to merchants. It was a welcome return to more vibrancy and interaction, including political activity and causes. Everybody should do their part to keep the momentum going while respecting public health precautions. The pandemic may not be over. Well see if more variants emerge. What is clear is that the virus has fallen sharply and is far less potent for the vaccinated. Dane County, to its credit, leads the state in getting shots. So engage more in person, as your job and health allow. Technology is great, but it will never replace the need for sharing space together. Wisconsin State Journal editorial board The views expressed in the editorials are shaped by the board, independent of news coverage decisions elsewhere in the newspaper. STAFF MEMBERS SCOTT MILFRED, Editorial page editor PHIL HANDS, Editorial cartoonist COMMUNITY MEMBERS JANINE GESKE SUSAN SCHMITZ WAYNE STRONG WARSAW, Poland (AP) Air travel authorities in Poland are warning travellers of possible flight delays and cancellations at Warsaws airport due to a protest and some flight controllers quitting their jobs. The protest is in reaction to changes made in January to the functioning of the flight regulatory body, the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency, as well as to allegations that it was not properly ensuring airspace security. The controllers have also criticized the new salary system, although it allows those most experienced to earn up to 45,000 zlotys ($10,500) a month. Of Warsaw's Frederic Chopin Airport's 216 flight controllers, 44 quit last month and some 130 area threatening to quit in April. A new head of the regulatory body was appointed March 31 and negotiations are continuing. On Saturday, a number of arrivals and departures were delayed by an average of 30 minutes at the airport. A spokeswoman for the airport, Anna Dermont, said the situation was the result of shortages in the control tower's staff. Poland's Civil Aviation Authority has posted a warning that flights may be delayed or cancelled in the coming days. The state auditing body, NIK, has found irregularities in the air navigation regulatory bodys work, saying there were internal tensions, while controllers complained of overwork. In mid-March, airspace over eastern Poland was reserved only for military training and defense purposes, due to Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of Poland's eastern neighbour, Ukraine. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Cassia County ag scholarships East Cassia and West Cassia Soil & Water Conservation Districts will award $500 college scholarships to students attending college or planning to attend college this fall and majoring in an ag-related field of study. Recipients are not eligible for this scholarship more than once. Cassia County residents receive priority. Completed applications must be received either by email to ewcswcd@gmail.com, by postal mail to East Cassia or West Cassia SWCD at 1361 E. 16th St., Burley, ID 83318, or hand delivered to their temporary office in the Cassia County Courthouse room 201 by May 26 to be considered. Applications are available on our website under the Educational Programs tab or sent through email by calling the office at 208-572-3375. April NARFE meeting The National Active and Retired Federal Employees will be holding their regular meeting on Monday at 11:30 a.m.. at Loong Hing Restaurant at 1719 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls. The speaker for the meeting will be Mike Kestie with the Office of Aging. All actively employed or retired federal workers and their spouses are eligible. This meeting will answer any questions you may have regarding your benefits. You can enjoy the company of your peers. If you have any questions, please call 208-732-0360. Library awards and scholarships The Idaho Library Association accepts nominations for its 2022 statewide awards and scholarships with a deadline of June 3. Awards are given for public library, librarian, paraprofessional, trustee, school librarian, friend, and special services to libraries. Scholarships are given to individuals pursuing a library science degree or engaging in library-related continuing education. To see the criteria, apply for a scholarship, or nominate a library, individual, or group for one of the awards, visit the ILA website at www.idaholibraries.org/Idaho-Library-Awards. Contact the committee at ilaawardsubmission@gmail.com with questions. Annual Idaho Writers Conference Presentations by authors, editors, and agents highlight the Idaho Writers Guild Writers Conference on May 20-21 at the Boise Center, 850 W Front St., Boise. Jennifer Dornbush, screenwriter, author, and forensic specialist, will present a crash course on crime writing. Author Tiffany Rosenhan leads a presentation on the power of creativity and perseverance. In contrast, author Kate Baray speaks about the business of series writing in genre fiction. Mystery/suspense/thriller writer and forensic artist Carrie Stuart-Parks tells how to write page-turning tension. Screenwriter Lance Thompson will talk about ghostwriting, and freelance writer Troy Lambert will discuss plotting basics and self-publishing. Kevin Mullane will speak about the importance of stories in non-fiction, and author Sherry Briscoe will discuss writing the cozy mystery. John Roedel, an improvisational comedian, writer, and poet, will be the keynote speaker. Editor Cristen Iris will discuss publishing models. There will also be an agent/editor panel, reception, networking, and vendors. For the full slate of speakers and their bios, visit www.idahowritersguild.com.Conference participants will also have the opportunity to pitch to agents. To register, visit www.idahowritersguild.com. Participants can also register on the day of the conference. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A more transmissible variant of the coronavirus is spreading in Idaho, and all over the world. But this time, more than two years of experience and research have given us tools to fight it. There is disagreement among scientists about the likely impacts of the BA.2 omicron subvariant in places where most people have some immunity whether from vaccines or prior infections. Idahos new COVID-19 cases are all omicron at this point. The state doesnt differentiate between omicron BA.1 and omicron BA.2 in its coronavirus data dashboard, but BA.2 is now the dominant coronavirus in the Northwest region that includes Idaho, as well as nationally. One thing is clear: Idaho has resources to deal with COVID-19. Some resources are limited. Some are plentiful. Heres what to know about them, and where to find them. The ultimate coronavirus hack: Getting vaccinated Breakthrough cases happen people can still be infected by the coronavirus despite being vaccinated. Its just like the annual flu shot, in that sense. But with a COVID-19 vaccine, youre less likely to get infected and much, much less likely to be hospitalized or killed. Go to vaccines.gov/search to find your nearest vaccination site. At this point, a huge segment of Idahos population has already been infected. In the early weeks of omicrons spread in Idaho in January, about 47% of Idahoans were estimated to have at least some antibodies from prior or current infection, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC data from blood donations estimates that about 94% of Idahoans age 16 and up had some detectable antibodies in their blood, either from vaccination or infection, as of December. But recovering from an earlier variant doesnt necessarily protect a person from the variants circulating now or in the future. And subsequent infections can be more severe. Visit healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/covid-19-vaccination to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines. Federal authorities have authorized and recommended a second booster shot for certain people. (Anyone age 12 and up can receive a first booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine.) CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky recently told NBC News that a second booster isnt necessary for everyone, at this point. In particular, people who recovered from recent omicron infections likely had their immunity boosted by the coronavirus itself, she said. About 54% of Idahoans age 5 and up are fully vaccinated, according to state vaccine data. (That does not include a booster dose.) The national average is about 70% of people age 5 and up. Need a COVID-19 test? You can DIY, or get a lab test for more accuracy Tests that go through a laboratory process to find traces of the virus are more accurate than at-home rapid tests. Both kinds of tests are readily available. The do-it-yourself option: Through the U.S. Postal Service, you can receive up to eight free tests per household. Go to special.usps.com/testkits to order your tests, at no cost. They will be delivered to your address by mail. Pharmacies and retailers now stock a variety of COVID-19 rapid tests. New federal rules say health insurers must cover the costs of up to eight over-the-counter tests per month, per person. Getting reimbursed isnt necessarily simple, though; your insurer can require documentation and paperwork. Dont have health insurance? As part of the federal plan for COVID-19 response, community health and rural health clinics receive a supply of self-test kits for distribution to people who are uninsured, and may be at higher risk. Go to to find your nearest clinic. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, you qualify for a certain number of free tests per month. For example, Idaho Medicaid will pay for up to 12 tests per month, per person. The laboratory option: Do not go to hospitals or emergency rooms solely to get a COVID-19 test. Urgent care clinics, such as Primary Health Medical Group, continue to offer lab tests, which are more accurate than home test kits. Look up a testing site near you. Your health insurance companys website might have a directory. At high risk of severe COVID-19? Theres a preventive drug Certain high-risk people age 12 and older can receive a medication that is authorized for pre-exposure protection against COVID-19. The medication is called Evusheld. It is a combination of two long-acting monoclonal antibodies, tixagevimab and cilgavimab. It is generally intended for people who cant take a vaccine for medical reasons or whose immune systems arent likely to mount an adequate response to COVID-19 vaccines. Monoclonal antibody treatments which were created to help patients recover from COVID-19 are no longer believed to be effective against new variants. However, Evusheld is different; it can prevent infection by giving patients the protective antibodies their own bodies cannot produce, according to drug maker AstraZeneca. Tests and treatments were free. Now, you might have to pay. The U.S. Congress is in negotiations over funding for coronavirus tests and treatments. During the past two years, federal funds reimbursed health care providers and pharmacies for patients who were uninsured. That removed the cost barrier for people in need of tests and treatment. But funding cuts now would mean some people who need COVID-19 testing or treatment may have to pay out of pocket. If you have health insurance, ask your plan administrator or call the phone number on your insurance card to find out if youll have a copayment. If you dont have health insurance, visit hhs.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-care-uninsured-individuals for guidance on what to do if you need COVID-19 health care. Youre sick, and your COVID-19 test is positive. Now what? There are a few options for treatment. Theyre meant for people at high risk of severe illness. While monoclonal antibodies that were useful last year dont seem to work against BA.2, the recently authorized monoclonal Bebtelovimab has shown evidence that it works. Monoclonals must be given within the first few days of illness, and they must be prescribed and administered by a health care provider. But there are now oral antiviral drugs authorized for use as an early treatment for COVID-19 the drugs Paxlovid and Lagevrio (molnupiravir). Go to covid-19-therapeutics-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com to see the approximate supply of drugs near you. (Data may be inaccurate or slow to update.) The medications arent available over the counter, though they have to be prescribed, and theyre most effective shortly after you develop symptoms. Because of limited supply, health care providers are expected to limit their use to people at high risk of severe illness. What if COVID-19 symptoms dont go away? Most people will survive the coronavirus disease. Most survivors will have a full recovery. But many Idahoans will have long-term issues chronic illness or a post-viral syndrome, dubbed long COVID. People in the latter category who become long haulers may need to seek specialized health care. The options for treatment vary depending on where you live and what health care providers you have available to you. St. Lukes Health System operates a COVID-19 clinic in Boise that offers care for patients with long COVID. Go to stlukesonline.org for details. In addition, hundreds of Idahoans have found support groups on social media. Visit healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/covid-19-long-hauler for links to several online support groups, and other resources for COVID-19 long haulers. Canary in the coal mine? No, its coronavirus in the poop water Trying to get ahead of a COVID-19 surge in your community, or in a place you plan to visit? Laboratories test samples of wastewater to give cities and states an early warning system for COVID-19 surges. The amount of coronavirus shed in human waste can vary based on many factors but when the concentration of virus in municipal sewage goes up, it usually means the area is about to see a rise in positive COVID-19 tests. Idahos veteran population is changing. Theyre aging. Theyre becoming more diverse, as more women, people of color and LGBTQ service members enter the military. And theyre seeking different kinds of treatments, such as long-term and mental health care, in different parts of the state. New recommendations to overhaul and modernize health care that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides to those who have served were sent to the Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission last month. They show that more veterans are expected to enroll in VA services in most areas of Idaho, and that mental health care, long term assisted living care and outpatient services are in high demand with a trajectory thats not expected to change anytime soon. Increased demand for inpatient and surgical services was also noted for the southwest and northern part of the Gem State. Compiling the recommendations was no easy feat. The VA conducted a nationwide assessment of its health care system, analyzed extensive internal data, interviewed leaders at every VA medical center across the country, held listening sessions with veterans and consulted with veterans service organizations. The ultimate goal? Building a 21st century health care network with the right facilities, in the right places, to provide the right care for all veterans, including underserved and at-risk populations, according to the VA. This is not something thats going to happen in the next week or months, but these recommendations that they have made will come to fruition over the next number of years, said David Wood, the Boise VA Medical Center director. The report emphasized the changing dynamics of how to place services near population centers where the most veterans can access care and building partnerships with other health care providers while investing in telehealth offerings for locations like rural Idaho. We strive to achieve this through different avenues to meet rural health (veterans) needs, said Bret Bowers, spokesperson for the Mann-Grandstaff VAMC in Spokane, in an email statement. For example, veterans can access care in Sandpoint through a rural health clinic five days a week, and the VA operates a mobile medical unit that goes to different locations in Idaho to improve access, he said. There are also programs through the VAs Office of Connected Care that can provide veterans with technology like iPads to set up and access telehealth services, Bowers said. What happens next with the VAs recommendations? President Joe Biden, the U.S. Congress and the AIR Commission a bipartisan body whose members are appointed by the president and approved by Congress will review the recommendations and determine whether they will be accepted and implemented, according to the VAs website. Veterans are encouraged to attend public hearings the AIR Commission will host as it travels around the country to visit VA facilities during this review period. After that, the AIR Commission will transmit the recommendations, with any necessary changes, to Biden. The Biden administration will then determine whether to submit those recommendations to Congress for funding consideration. That process could take several years. The recommendations that affect Idahos three local VA markets fall into two of the VAs Veterans Integrated Service Networks, or regional systems of care: VISN 19, which covers eastern Idaho, and VISN 20, which covers southwestern and North Idaho. Here are a few changes outlined in those reports that veterans in each area of the state should know about. Proposed changes that would affect eastern Idaho veterans Veterans in eastern Idaho largely rely on care from the Pocatello and Idaho Falls VA clinics and the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center, which could see major renovations and upgrades under the VAs recommendations to the AIR Commission. For the Pocatello clinic, the report recommends adding more home-based primary care services, which allows veterans to receive care in their own home for things like chronic illness or mobility issues that might make it harder to get to a doctors office. It also recommends fully staffing the physical therapy services at the Pocatello clinic for the first time. The Pocatello (clinic) was built with dedicated space for physical therapy, but it has not been activated due to lack of funding for necessary full-time (employees), the report said. Total market veteran demand for physical therapy is projected to increase significantly, so staffing the program will reduce the need to rely on physical therapy services in the community. The report also details extensive upgrades for the Salt Lake City VA, which was first built in 1949 and was last renovated in 1988. The upgrades include adding a new tower for new hospital beds, as well as building a new standalone nursing home to help with the increased demand for long-term care and decrease the reliance on that kind of care from private companies in the area. Proposed changes that would affect southwestern Idaho veterans Wood said many of the recommendations outlined in the report to the AIR Commission for the Inland South Idaho Market, which includes medical facilities in Salmon, Twin Falls, Mountain Home, Boise, Caldwell and eastern Oregon, largely follow goals that his market is already actively working toward. Some of the biggest changes in the southern Idaho market will include the expansion of the Caldwell VA Clinic and the closure and relocation of the Twin Falls VA Clinic. To better distribute care across the Treasure Valleys VA facilities, the report recommends expanding the outpatient clinic in Caldwell. The addition of physical therapy and audiology services in Canyon County will alleviate some of the demand for those services at the Boise VA, the report said. We are actually in the process right now of designing and planning to build over this next year a new Caldwell community-based clinic that will be double the size of the current clinic, Wood said. It plays into the recommendations that were delivered to the commission. Almost all the recommendations that were made related to our market are really where we are going and where we have been going for some time. He said the VA hopes to open the expanded Caldwell facility in 2023. Developing partnerships for primary care and telehealth options for veterans who use VA facilities in the Ontario/Weiser areas would also help decrease demand for services at the Caldwell clinic and the Boise VA, the report said. In Twin Falls, the community-based outpatient clinic will be relocated to a larger building to expand primary care options and mental health services, Wood said. The current facility is undersized at 4,200 square feet, and the land it sits on, which is owned by the city, prevents it from being renovated and expanded at its current location. The renovation will include new, state-of-the-art equipment that could help recruit and retain doctors and nurses to the area, the report and Wood said. We havent gotten far enough along that we actually would know what the location (will be), he said. I would anticipate that it would be over twice the size of the current clinic and expand the current services that are there as well, like with the Caldwell (clinic), it would continue to expand the number of telehealth-type services that are offered there. In Boise, the recommendations call for expanding the dental clinic at the Boise VA. The demand for those services is expected to increase by 55.6% by 2029, and there is limited capacity to meet the growing demand without expansion, the report said. The report said significant changes could be coming to the Salmon VA clinic in central Idaho. Due to fewer veterans enrolling there than what is required for a full community-based outpatient clinic, it recommends the Salmon VA clinic be reclassified as a smaller clinic with fewer services. The report said the VA will continue to study the sustainability of the site. Proposed changes that would affect North Idaho veterans Many of the significant recommended changes to the Inland North Market affect Spokanes Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center or the Walla Walla Medical Center, although the VA also operates facilities in Coeur dAlene, Lewiston and Sandpoint. The report recommends the Walla Walla Medical Center reduce primary care and mental health services, which may result in the VAMC being reclassified as a (community-based outpatient clinic), the report said. VA has experienced an ongoing challenge recruiting and retaining clinical staff. Some of the specialty care veterans have received in Walla Walla may be transferred an hour away to Richland, Washington, where there is a larger veteran population that uses the VA. For Spokanes Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, the report suggests establishing more strategic collaborations with other local hospitals and clinics for inpatient and surgical services, and discontinuing those services in Spokane due to low demand. The report also recommends consolidating the administrative teams from Walla Walla and Spokane into one team to save money. The report recommends adding audiology services to the Coeur dAlene facility. Opening audiology services in CdA Idaho would improve access for many veterans and reduce the number of veterans requesting community care due to drive time to the Spokane VAMC Audiology Clinic, Bowers said in an email. It would further improve the timeliness of care offered here at the Spokane VAMC Audiology Clinic. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 When Republicans who oppose federal marijuana prohibition vote against your legalization bill, you probably are doing something wrong. That is what happened last week, when the House of Representatives approved the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act by a vote of 220 to 204. The ayes included 217 Democrats but only three Republicans, two fewer than voted for the MORE Act when the House passed it in 2020. The meager and waning GOP support for the bill suggests that Democrats want credit for trying to legalize marijuana but are not really interested in building the bipartisan coalition that would be necessary to accomplish that goal. The 2020 vote was the first time that either chamber of Congress had approved legislation that would remove marijuana from the list of federally prohibited drugs. But as expected, the MORE Act went nowhere in the Republican-controlled Senate. The Senate is now evenly divided between the two parties, with Democratic control depending on Vice President Kamala Harris tie-breaking vote. So even if Democrats unanimously supported a legalization bill, they would still need the support of 10 Republicans to overcome a filibuster. Democrats seem determined to ignore that political reality. Both the MORE Act and the legalization bill that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) plans to introduce this spring include unnecessarily contentious provisions that are bound to alienate Republicans who might otherwise be inclined to resolve the untenable conflict between federal prohibition and the laws that allow medical or recreational use of cannabis in 37 states. According to the latest Gallup poll, 68% of Americans think marijuana should be legal, including 83% of Democrats and 50% of Republicans. Even Republicans who are not crazy about the idea should be able to get behind legislation that would let states set their own marijuana policies without federal interference. Such legislation can be straightforward. The Respect State Marijuana Laws Act of 2017, sponsored by then-Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-California), consisted of a single sentence that said the federal marijuana ban would not apply to conduct authorized by state law. Its 46 co-sponsors included 14 Republicans 11 more than voted for the MORE Act last week. The Common Sense Cannabis Reform Act, which Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) introduced last May, is 14 pages long. So far it has just eight co-sponsors, including four Republicans, but that still means it has more GOP support than Democrats managed to attract for the 92-page MORE Act, which includes new taxes, regulations and spending programs. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) thinks Congress never should have banned marijuana because it had no constitutional authority to do so. He nevertheless voted against the MORE Act, objecting to the new marijuana crimes its tax and regulatory provisions would create, with each violation punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The 163-page preliminary version of Schumers bill doubles down on the MORE Acts overly prescriptive and burdensome approach. It would levy a 25% federal excise tax on top of frequently hefty state and local taxes, impose picayune federal regulations and create the sort of social equity programs that gave pause even to Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida), the MORE Acts lone Republican co-sponsor. GOP support for marijuana federalism is clear from the fact that 106 Republicans voted last April for the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act, which would protect financial institutions that serve state-licensed marijuana businesses from federal prosecution, forfeiture and regulatory penalties. The SAFE Banking Act would already be law if it had not been blocked by Schumer, who insisted that his own bill take priority. Instead of building on the Republican appetite for letting states go their own way on this issue, Schumer is effectively telling GOP senators their views dont matter. That makes sense only if he is more interested in scoring political points than in reversing a morally, scientifically and constitutionally bankrupt policy that should have been abandoned long ago. Jacob Sullum is a senior editor at Reason magazine. Syndicated by Creators.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Workers walk over London Bridge towards the City of London financial district during the morning rush hour, in London, Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. For many in the U.K., the pandemic may as well be over. Mask requirements have been dropped everywhere and free mass testing is a thing of the past. The sense of freedom is widespread even as infections soared to record levels in Britain in March, driven by the milder but more transmissible Omicron BA.2 variant thats rapidly spreading around Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere. Credit: AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File For many in the U.K., the pandemic may as well be over. Mask requirements have been dropped. Free mass testing is a thing of the past. And for the first time since spring 2020, people can go abroad for holidays without ordering tests or filling out lengthy forms. That sense of freedom is widespread even as infections soared in Britain in March, driven by the milder but more transmissible omicron BA.2 variant that's rapidly spreading around Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere. The situation in the U.K. may portend what lies ahead for other countries as they ease coronavirus restrictions. France and Germany have seen similar spikes in infections in recent weeks, and the number of hospitalizations in the U.K. and France has again climbedthough the number of deaths per day remains well below levels seen earlier in the pandemic. In the U.S., more and more Americans are testing at home, so official case numbers are likely a vast undercount. The roster of those newly infected include actors and politicians, who are tested regularly. Cabinet members, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Broadway actors and the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut have all tested positive. A woman wearing face mask, walks in front of an open Parisian cafe, in Paris, France, Monday, March 14, 2022. For many in the U.K., the pandemic may as well be over. Mask requirements have been dropped everywhere and free mass testing is a thing of the past. The sense of freedom is widespread even as infections soared to record levels in Britain in March, driven by the milder but more transmissible Omicron BA.2 variant thats rapidly spreading around Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere. France and Germany have seen similar big spikes in infections in recent weeks, and the number of hospitalizations in the U.K. and France have climbed again. Credit: AP Photo/Francois Mori, File Britain stands out in Europe because it ditched all mitigation policies in February, including mandatory self-isolation for those infected. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's conservative government is determined to stick to its "living with COVID" plan, but experts disagree on whether the country is coping well. Some scientists argue it's the right time to accept that "living with COVID" means tolerating a certain level of disruption and deaths, much like we do for seasonal flu. Others believe that Britain's government lifted restrictions too quickly and too soon. They warned that deaths and hospital admissions could keep rising because more people over 55those who are most likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19are now getting infected despite high levels of vaccination. Hospitals are again under strain, both from patients with the virus and huge numbers of staff off sick, said National Health Service medical director Stephen Powis. "Blinding ourselves to this level of harm does not constitute living with a virus infectionquite the opposite," said Stephen Griffin, a professor in medicine at the University of Leeds. "Without sufficient vaccination, ventilation, masking, isolation and testing, we will continue to 'live with' disruption, disease and sadly, death, as a result." A shopper wearing a face mask to curb the spread of coronavirus walks out of a Marks and Spencer store on Oxford Street, in London, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. For many in the U.K., the pandemic may as well be over. Mask requirements have been dropped everywhere and free mass testing is a thing of the past. The sense of freedom is widespread even as infections soared to record levels in Britain in March, driven by the milder but more transmissible Omicron BA.2 variant thats rapidly spreading around Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere. Credit: AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File Others, like Paul Hunter, a medicine professor at the University of East Anglia, are more supportive of the government's policies. "We're still not at the point where (COVID-19) is going to be least harmful but we're over the worst," he said. Once a high vaccination rate is achieved there is little value in maintaining restrictions such as social distancing because "they never ultimately prevent infections, only delay them," he argued. Britain's official statistics agency estimated that almost 5 million U.K. residents, or 1 in 13, had the virus in late March, the most it had reported. Separately, the REACT study from London's Imperial College said its data showed that the country's infection levels in March were 40% higher than the first omicron peak in January. Infection rates are so high that airlines had to cancel flights during the busy two-week Easter break because too many workers were calling in sick. A doctor injects vaccination against the coronavirus and the COVID-19 disease to a man as other people line up for their vaccination inside the Sage Beach Bar and Restaurant in Berlin, Germany, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022. For many in the U.K., the pandemic may as well be over. Mask requirements have been dropped everywhere and free mass testing is a thing of the past. The sense of freedom is widespread even as infections soared to record levels in Britain in March, driven by the milder but more transmissible Omicron BA.2 variant thats rapidly spreading around Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere. France and Germany have seen similar big spikes in infections in recent weeks, and the number of hospitalizations in the U.K. and France have climbed again. Credit: AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File France and Germany have seen similar surges as restrictions eased in most European countries. More than 100,000 people in France were testing positive every day despite a sharp dropoff in testing, and the number of virus patients in intensive care rose 22% over the past week. President Emmanuel Macron's government, keen to encourage voter turnout in April elections, is not talking about any new restrictions. In Germany, infection levels have drifted down from a recent peak. But Health Minister Karl Lauterbach backed off a decision to end mandatory self-isolation for infected people just two days after it was announced. He said the plan would send a "completely wrong" signal that "either the pandemic is over or the virus has become significantly more harmless than was assumed in the past." In the U.S., outbreaks at Georgetown University and Johns Hopkins University are bringing back mask requirements to those campuses as officials seek out quarantine space. A man wearing a face mask to curb the spread of coronavirus walks past a health campaign poster from the One NGO, in an underpass leading to Westminster underground train station, in London, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. For many in the U.K., the pandemic may as well be over. Mask requirements have been dropped everywhere and free mass testing is a thing of the past. The sense of freedom is widespread even as infections soared to record levels in Britain in March, driven by the milder but more transmissible Omicron BA.2 variant thats rapidly spreading around Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere. Credit: AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File Nurse Marie-Laure Satta caresses her face during a pause in her New Year's Eve shift in the COVID-19 intensive care unit at the la Timone hospital in Marseille, southern France, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. For many in the U.K., the pandemic may as well be over. Mask requirements have been dropped everywhere and free mass testing is a thing of the past. The sense of freedom is widespread even as infections soared to record levels in Britain in March, driven by the milder but more transmissible Omicron BA.2 variant thats rapidly spreading around Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere. France and Germany have seen similar big spikes in infections in recent weeks, and the number of hospitalizations in the U.K. and France have climbed again. Credit: AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File People queue for coronavirus booster jabs at St Thomas' Hospital, in London, Monday, Dec. 13, 2021. For many in the U.K., the pandemic may as well be over. Mask requirements have been dropped everywhere and free mass testing is a thing of the past. The sense of freedom is widespread even as infections soared to record levels in Britain in March, driven by the milder but more transmissible Omicron BA.2 variant thats rapidly spreading around Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere. Credit: AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File Across Europe, only Spain and Switzerland have joined the U.K. in lifting self-isolation requirements for at least some infected people. But many European countries have eased mass testing, which will make it much harder to know how prevalent the virus is. Britain stopped distributing free rapid home tests this month. Julian Tang, a flu virologist at the University of Leicester, said that while it's important to have a surveillance program to monitor for new variants and update the vaccine, countries cope with flu without mandatory restrictions or mass testing. "Eventually, COVID-19 will settle down to become more endemic and seasonal, like flu," Tang said. "Living with COVID, to me, should mimic living with flu." Cambridge University virologist Ravindra Gupta is more cautious. Mortality rates for COVID-19 are still far higher than seasonal flu and the virus causes more severe disease, he warned. He would have preferred "more gentle easing of restrictions." "There's no reason to believe that a new variant would not be more transmissible or severe," he added. 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, the first group of patients who have recovered from COVID-19 leave a makeshift hospital converted from Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing in Shanghai on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Shanghai on Sunday discharged over 11,000 recovered COVID-19 patients and health authorities emphasized that they must be allowed to return home despite the lockdown that has severely restricted movement in China's largest city. Credit: Jin Liwang/Xinhua via AP Shanghai on Sunday discharged over 11,000 recovered COVID-19 patients and health authorities emphasized that they must be allowed to return home despite the lockdown that has severely restricted movement in China's largest city. "We hope their family and community will not worry about them or discriminate against them," said Wu Jinglei, director of the Shanghai Health Commission. The city of 26 million people reported 1,006 confirmed infections and nearly 24,000 asymptomatic cases in the last 24 hours. Shanghai has been under lockdown since March 28, and authorities said Saturday that the strict measures would be lifted in areas with no new cases in the last 14 days following another round of mass testing. The United States on Saturday advised its citizens to reconsider traveling to China due to "arbitrary enforcement" of local laws and COVID-19 restrictions, particularly in Hong Kong, Jilin province and Shanghai. U.S. officials cited a risk of "parents and children being separated." Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said in response that China was "strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to the U.S. side's groundless accusation against China's epidemic response." "It should be pointed out that China's anti-epidemic policies are science-based and effective, and we are fully confident that Shanghai and other places in China will prevail over the new wave of the epidemic," said Zhao. In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, a patient who has recovered from COVID-19, is disinfected as he leaves a makeshift hospital converted from Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing in Shanghai on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Shanghai on Sunday discharged over 11,000 recovered COVID-19 patients and health authorities emphasized that they must be allowed to return home despite the lockdown that has severely restricted movement in China's largest city. Credit: Jin Liwang/Xinhua via AP Meanwhile, Shanghai authorities said that they have secured daily supplies for residents from online platforms, according to state-owned newspaper Global Times, following complaints about deliveries of food and other basic necessities as the lockdown enters its third week. Residents have resorted to group buying of groceries because they are not allowed to leave their buildings. Posts circulating on social media platforms such as Weibo also show that some residents have not been able to have their food orders delivered, while others posted online that they're running out of food. Some people said that as soon as you go to the grocery shopping app, a day's orders are already filled. According to the Global Times, platforms such as JD.com as well as Alibaba's Ele.me delivery apps are working with authorities to ensure that everyone has access to vegetables, fruits and other produce. A medical worker conducts COVID-19 tests for residents after a confirmed case was found in the community on Sunday, April 10, 2022, in Shanghai. Credit: AP Photo/Chen Si Workers unload supplies including boxes of masks in Shanghai on Sunday, April 10, 2022. China's largest city of Shanghai will soon begin lifting lockdown in communities that report no positive cases within 14 days after another round of COVID-19 testing, authorities said Saturday. Credit: Chinatopix via AP Shanghai highlights the soaring human and economic cost of China's "zero-COVID" strategy that aims to isolate every infected person. Separately, Erjiefang, an area in capital Beijing, was classified as high-risk on Saturday after eight local COVID-19 infections were reported there over the past two weeks. And in Guangzhou, primary and middle schools will switch to online learning starting Monday after the metropolis of 18 million northwest of Hong Kong registered 23 local infections since Friday, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. An exhibition center was being converted into a makeshift hospital after authorities said earlier they would begin citywide mass testing. China is facing one of its worst local outbreaks since the pandemic began. China is still closed to international travel, even as most of the world has sought ways to live with the virus. Explore further Shanghai to start easing lockdown after another mass testing 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. WICHITA, Kan. (AP) A community task force reviewing the death of a Black teenager who was restrained for more than 30 minutes at a Kansas juvenile detention center found that an officer changed his answers on a form that otherwise would have led police to take the teen to a hospital instead of booking him into the detention center. An official who oversees admissions to the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center, Jodi Tronsgard, told the task force last month that the officer initially reported that there were signs that 17-year-old Cedric Lofton needed medical attention before the officer changed his answers, The Wichita Eagle reported. What I learned after the intake is that the officer had presented this form and initially said yes, that there were signs of acute illness that appear to need immediate medical care. Yes, there were signs of intoxication with significant impairment in functioning, Tronsgard told the task force on March 7. ...So, he was informed that if you answer yes to these questions, you have to leave and take the youth for a medical or mental health release. And then, hearing that, he goes and then responds no to these questions. Interim police Chief Lem Moore said he wasnt aware that the officer had changed his answers on the form until the newspaper asked about it. He said he has ordered a preliminary review of the case to determine if its possible the officer falsified information. If issues are found, a full investigation will be conducted, he said. Lofton's foster father called authorities in September seeking help because the teenager was hallucinating. Police initially tried to persuade him to go to a mental health facility, but body camera video shows him refusing to go and then resisting when officers tried to force him. Lofton then was taken to the detention center, where he was restrained after a struggle with staff members. He had to be resuscitated after he was held facedown, and he died two days later. Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett declined to charge the detention center workers in January, citing the state's stand-your-ground self-defense law. He said told the newspaper for Sunday's story that he also didnt have enough evidence when he reviewed the case to charge the officer with falsifying information on the form, but that he would be willing to examine any new information. Emails obtained by the newspaper show that Bennett raised concerns that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation agent who was investigating Lofton's death had a pro-police bias, and the agent was later removed from the case. The agent did not ask the police officers who took Lofton to the detention center about the changed answers on the admission form. Lofton's family's lawyer, Steven Hart, said the changed answers on the form raise additional questions about how police handled the case. That is the most disgusting display of a lack of professionalism or care, Hart said. Essentially, it was easier for them to drop him off than do what they knew was necessary and right. County officials have said the FBI is reviewing Loftons death. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 All Tristan Holdsambeck wants is to dispel the stereotype that people who live in RVs on public streets are drug dealers and thieves. I blame a lot of that on 'Breaking Bad,' he said, referring to the hit AMC show that portrayed RV residents as meth kingpins and murderers. It didnt help the cause, thats for sure." Holdsambeck, 21, was born and raised in Missoula and has lived in his aging motor home just off Reserve Street for over a year and a half. He has a full-time job as a mechanic in training and took a half hour of his lunch break to talk about what its like to live on the street. Housing prices have escalated at a far greater rate than wages in Missoula in recent years, and he said he just decided hed rather take home most of his paycheck than send over half of it to an apartment landlord. Getting hassled because of people's myths about his lifestyle is the worst part. Ive had another RV and my dads had like two different ones in the past, and we tried parking in other spots around town, he said. It seems like just about everywhere, youd only be there like a weekend or sometimes the first day we were parked there but the cops would come by. And apparently somebody had called in about two dudes in an RV, suspicious activity. Every time, hed open up his doors and show the cops he wasnt hiding stolen goods or manufacturing drugs. Im like, just because theres two dudes parked in an RV doesnt mean something shady is going on, he said, laughing. Holdsambeck said hes looked at renting an apartment, but he saw that prices surged in recent years as not enough units were available. Over the last year, I was hoping rent prices were gonna drop down but they didnt at all, he said. And then in the like, last four or five months they just skyrocketed. Im currently looking for some new housing. Missoula is a great place to retire, but if youre searching for housing it seems like theyre trying to upgrade in a hurry. So a camper seemed like the best option for him right now, and other than getting the cops called on him for no reason, its suited him. His tires bear the chalk marks of city officials who have marked his rig for towing, but he's simply moved it a few feet several times. Urban camping As technically illegal urban RVs and tents pop up in neighborhoods and public areas in and around Missoula, city officials are reminding the public that cops arent going to haul people away for living on the streets. In fact, it would be a violation of federal law to criminally punish homeless people for sleeping outside on public property if there are no available alternatives. Were mindful of the 9th Circuit Court ruling that told municipalities in the whole Ninth Circuit district were not to criminalize homelessness, explained city communications manager Ginny Merriam. So, writing tickets for camping or throwing people in jail for camping is not a best practice and that is not something that we are doing. "But were attempting to balance taking care of people as best we can with respecting their rights and respecting public safety as well. The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld the 9th Circuits decision as well. Merriam gave a presentation to the Mayors downtown advisory council on Tuesday. She outlined all the different options available to people without homes in Missoula, including the 40-tent Authorized Camping Site, the Temporary Safe Outdoor Space, the Poverello Center homeless shelter and other nonprofit facilities. I wanted you to know all that information so that the next person who says to you, 'It doesnt look to me like the citys doing anything about people who are living unsheltered,' you will be able to say 'no, in fact, there are several places people can go,'" she said. However, with the Johnson Street Emergency Winter Shelter closing on April 18, Merriam knows that the hundred or so people who stay there every night will simply not all find a bed. We all wish a magical thing would happen and we would have plentiful affordable housing for everybody, Merriam said. Thats probably not going to happen by April 19. But the city and the county continue to problem-solve and think through services that we need, in addition to additional housing, that will help people be more successful in being housed and staying housed. Police interactions Jay Gillhouse, a Missoula police officer who patrols the downtown Business Improvement District, spoke about the departments interactions with people who are unhoused on public property. There are limitations of law enforcement and what we can do, he said. When a problem comes up, as a police department we are trying to divert this to other community resources and get social work involved and build these bridges and give a designated area where they're going to have the least amount of community impact. However, he said, the department has complex interactions with people who live in RVs on public streets. Where the gap is, is with recreational vehicles and when all else fails and we just dont have anybody, he explained. There are a number of individual circumstances with RVs and people who are service-resistant and they will not move. "And we have a stalemate between a community and an individual experiencing homelessness and we are lacking the amount of resources within this community to be able to appropriately address that. In an interview with Newstalk KGVO radio station in Missoula last week, Missoula police patrol captain Jake Rosling said that the city has an action plan to deal with camps that inevitably pop up in the city. Police will try to assist those who are camping in vehicles or in campers to pull off the public-right-of-way or get them to different options. Most of the laws that people are actually violating by camping in or on city property or camping in the right of way are city ordinance violations that are not arrestable, Rosling said. I want to be clear that we don't want to arrest anybody for this stuff. And realistically, we can't. He said patrol officers try to be compassionate and point people to resources. Gillhouse noted that some of the citys ordinances that prohibit camping are no longer enforceable. Were lacking, I think, some of the laws in the city and were also lacking some resources within the community, he said. And we are lacking the amount of resources within this community to be able to appropriately address that." He said the city needs to keep having conversations about the issue. "Because theres definitely a gap in what we can do. And as law enforcement were stuck, Im stuck, in the middle being the enforcement. I also want to help on the social work end, too. County commissioner Juanita Vero asked Gillhouse if he had a magic wand, what law would help him. I believe our city ordinances are older than the Supreme Court ruling that is kind of guiding us at this point, Gillhouse explained. Our city ordinances that address the act of camping in the city and stuff like that were written before that guidance of those laws. "So I believe the city ordinances do need to be at least looked at and reviewed because Im not really sure of the constitutionality of them at this point, quite frankly, and thats the one thing that we do have to fall back on. Theresa Williams, the countys Crisis Intervention Team program manager, said Gillhouses hands are often figuratively tied. Jay gets stuck in a position of you know, I am law enforcement and we do have city ordinances, but at the same time he understands we cant just move the problem literally around the block, she said. And I also think he understands, and a lot of law enforcement and community members (understand), citing (people) just creates more barriers to help these people. "They already have all these barriers in the system. Citing just adds another element of even feeling more overwhelmed, more stuck and it takes even longer for people to get help. Gillhouse said that the city has provided a lot of legal alternatives for people in tents, but RVs are in a gray area. We have not addressed, at least to the point where we can really use anything, RVs, he said. People that have RVs, that is their home and they dont want to give that up. He said that since the Supreme Court ruling, the most the police can do is give people a citation for illegal camping within city limits. Then we come to the constitutionality of that, he said. How do we remove an RV from the street? We ask them to move around. A lot of times we try to just keep them on the move to minimize the impact on one neighborhood. We cant force them out. Thats where Im looking for people to brainstorm what possibilities do we have. Future options During a city council meeting this week, council member Daniel Carlino asked the citys housing initiatives specialist, Emily Armstrong, whether there is any effort to create a safe space for people to park cars and RVs that theyre living in. Actually, Ive been doing some research on safe parking programs across the country recently to explore how other places are doing it, Armstrong responded. Because I think, I mean, thats a need weve been hearing for a while, particularly for RVs and trailers. Her research shows that many safe parking programs in other communities might not translate to the main challenges in Missoula. But that is something were looking into, she said. Theres no set plan on developing it yet, but its something were starting to dig into to understand a little bit more and get a picture for what that looks like and how its been successful in other communities. She said some programs in California and other areas in the country have gone well. What Im finding is typically, its not necessarily one designated area, one parking lot or something, she said. Its typically like a business or a church or something will donate like three parking spots in their lot overnight. They can be used for safe parking every night and theres like a check-in process and an approval process and so its kind of scattered like that. She said making those places secure and safe is a critical element. Its definitely a challenge that I think weve been discussing city, county and community-wide for a few years, Armstrong concluded. Dispelling myths Holdsambeck, the RV resident in Missoula, said hes had problems with people stealing his property. Neighboring businesses thought that some thefts on their property were related to him, so they called the cops, assuming the guy in the RV must be responsible. He takes it all in stride. Granted, theres some people that stay in trailers and for reasons such that are a little bit more on the shady side, he said. It makes (RV residents) look bad to everybody else just because of the people that are abusing it. Jill Bonny, the executive director of the Poverello Homeless shelter, told the mayors downtown advisory committee last week that unsheltered community members are more likely to be the victims of crime rather than the perpetrators. Studies in the past have found the same thing. Theres an ongoing need for low barrier shelter capacity in our community and we just need to keep talking about it, she said. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 4 Sad 8 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. In his recent column, Montana has ability to sustain wolf population, (Missoulian April 4), Senator Steve Daines opened with the misleading statement: Idaho and Montanas successful recovery of the gray wolf was a significant achievement in species conservation. Actually, wolf recovery in Idaho and Montana was a federal achievement. Montanans played key roles in driving the successful conservation effort, but they relied on federal policies and funding not state government in Idaho or Montana. To insinuate otherwise is misleading political rhetoric. Nice opening, Senator. What strikes me most about the argument proffered in the Daines-Risch-penned article are two points however. First is use of the word sustain. Daines is a fifth-generation Montana resident. But, like preceding generations of his family, hes not a Montana-born native. His family has come and gone from Montana pursuing economic opportunities, and Steve was born in Los Angeles. He moved to Iowa where he met his wife, then to China where he helped build factories for Chinese workers and helped China become an economic powerhouse. In their comings and goings from Montana, Daines family also migrated Conrad-Billings-Bozeman within Montana. Thus, talk of sustaining something a family farm, Main Street business, community, or Montana wildlife must be seen in this light. America is a mobile society. Families move. People come and go. What does it take to steward and accept reciprocal responsibility for natural and human resources in Montana over generations? Ask Montana tribal nations for starters. The second point has to do with Daines phrase, mired in politics rather than informed by science. Daines received his undergrad degree in chemical engineering from Montana State University and used his education to build a remarkable career in business and politics inside and outside Montana. Yet the senator rarely focuses on science. He primarily addresses issues from business, economic, and political perspectives in keeping with his successful career. He appears to do the same in this column, using the word science to expedite political rhetoric. Montana HAS the ability to sustain wolf population. But will Montana do that? Daines friend, our current governor, draws national attention for buzzing across the state to kill restrained animals he can hang on his wall with other trophies. Montanas shift from a place with a long history of hunting being managed for sustenance toward a place where wealthy individuals come to execute trophy killings disturbs me. These actions, policies, and events threaten traditional ways of life here. I think of Steve Daines as a Montana boy. I believe he knows the difference between hunting and trophy killing. I think he has an inkling of what stewardship means and that its not always personally profitable in the short-term. It therefore remains on citizens to hold Daines feet to the fire. Its up to Montanans to demand policies that sustain Montana wildlife, resources, economy, and quality of life. Montana CAN sustain wolf populations, but we may need to revisit population targets and rely on federal oversight, not on the states passing political leadership. Hal Schmid is a researcher, writer and educator based in Missoula, and director of the Ma Hope Institute. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 12 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 3 Former HD 96 Montana State Representative, Tom Winter, is running for Montanas new United States House of Representatives seat in Montanas Western District. The new district includes the entirety of the Flathead, Missoula, Butte, and Bozeman. In a district where Ryan Zinke is running to recapture his former seat, it will be a tough fight for a Democratic challenger, but Tom has proven that hes up to the task and can be successful. In a tight race in 2018, Tom flipped a district that voted for Trump +11 to earn his seat in the state Legislature where he introduced 24 bills as a freshman lawmaker a Montana record. At the state level, he fought for progressive priorities like affordable health care including protections for pre-existing conditions, banning lifetime payment caps, and lowering the cost of prescription drugs. A union member himself, he fought for worker protections including minimum wage and overtime protections. He was an advocate of policies to strengthen our Democracy, including online voter registration. He introduced a bill to legalize recreational cannabis, which ultimately served as the basis of the successful voter initiative which legalized cannabis in Montana as of Jan. 1, 2022. Tom is strong on housing, introducing bills to address high property taxes for middle-class homeowners and protections for mobile home owners and tenants he will be instrumental in addressing Montanas housing crisis at the federal level. In addition to his passion, energy, and proven election track record in Montana, Tom is, above all, a normal and accessible guy. Ive skied with him on Big Mountain and have had a beer with him while talking about important societal and political issues. Ive watched him make himself accessible to Montanans from all walks of life, and have one-on-one conversations in low-key and everyday settings rather than simply lecture from a podium. This is who he is as a person, and though he will undoubtedly be busier in Congress, his down-to-earth and personable nature will give a voice to progressive Montanans in Washington D.C. Vote for Tom Winter on June 7, 2022, in Montanas Democratic Primary for U.S. House District 1. Nathan Dugan, a physical therapist, serves on the City's Climate Action Plan Committee, and co-founder of Shelter WF, a housing-focused organization that aims to build grassroots political momentum behind housing issues in Whitefish. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2 Texas Tech and Lubbock High School students and faculty, as well as the community at large, got a bit of global perspective this week, hearing from four experienced U.S. diplomats as part of the seventh annual Ambassadors Forum hosted by Texas Tech Universitys Office of International Affairs. Ambassadors Ronald Neumann, Deborah McCarthy, Molly Williamson and Kenneth C. Brill started by speaking to students at Lubbock High Thursday morning and finished the day taking questions from students and citizens during a public forum at the Texas Tech International Cultural Center. Neumann serves as the American Academy of Diplomacy board president and was former deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. He served three terms as ambassador to Algeria, Bahrain and finally to Afghanistan. McCarthy is an expert on U.S. foreign and national security policy with more than 30 years of diplomatic experience. McCarthy was the U.S. ambassador to Lithuania and served as the deputy ambassador at the U.S. Embassy in Greece as well as the U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua. She is a senior advisor at the State Department. Williamson is a retired U.S. Foreign Service officer, having served under six presidents and achieving the rank of career minister. She is a scholar with the Middle East Institute and the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, a consultant, and frequent guest lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, the Defense Institute of Security Cooperation and the National Joint Staff College. Brill was the president of The Fund for Peace (2010-2011) after completing a 35-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service. Brills overseas assignments with the Department of State included serving as ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. Office in Vienna, ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus, acting-ambassador and deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India, and political counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan. Story continues Besides their educational stops, the four diplomats took some time to speak with the media Tuesday morning, covering a wide variety of topics like the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, rising energy costs, climate change and cybersecurity, among others. Having served nearby in Lithuania from 2013 to 2016, during which Russia invaded Crimea in the eastern part of Ukraine, McCarthy is familiar with the situation in eastern Europe in a way that most people in the U.S., including across the South Plains, are not. During the Crimean invasion, she said, The reaction in the Baltics, those countries that had been formerly occupied by the Soviet Union, was remarkable palpable fear and a sense of never again, which obviously they are revisiting as we speak. I think we need to look at the Ukraine situation in terms of policy and people. Obviously, on the people side, were seeing the outpouring of refugees now over 2 million going to neighboring countries, including the country I was last posted in, and its extraordinary what they are doing to greet all these people, McCarthy said. On the policy side, as we speak, both Ukrainians and Russians are meeting in Turkey to try to hammer out some sort of diplomatic solution. Theyve tried on two other occasions. We obviously support that. As diplomats, we think that is the way to go. McCarthy explained that a diplomatic solution will be a challenge. I think it is going to be extremely difficult (to reach a diplomatic solution) - for one side is intent on conquering the territory, she said. When we spoke today to students at Lubbock High School, I spoke about how this is the biggest challenge since World War II. Its also about the values and the ideals that countries should uphold as responsible nations in the international order, and Putin is blowing it out of the sky, McCarthy said. This is now challenging the whole structure of 70 years of post-war settlement and institution building, and remember that Mr. Putin has laid out an agenda that goes beyond Ukraine, Neumann added. Youre looking at a really, really large challenge, and one in which we are constrained because we really dont want a nuclear war. Once you start a direct war between the United States and Russia, youve entered an uncertain world that we have not been in since the Cuban Missile Crisis in the Kennedy administration, he said. Williamson, who served in the U.S. Department of Energy, spoke to the rising cost of fuel in the wake of sanctions on Russia following the invasion. The top three oil producing countries No. 1 the United States, No. 2 Saudi Arabia, No. 3 Russia together produce a little bit more that 30 percent of the worlds daily oil consumption, Williamson said. You take any one of those elements out, youre in trouble. The world will feel the disruption, she added. If you were to suddenly have a massive interruption of the flow of 10 percent, the Russian component, of that 100 million barrels a day, prices are going to go up. People are going to get nervous, Williamson said. On the subject of fossil fuels, Brill related the situation in Ukraine with climate change. One of the things that troubles me about Russia and Ukraine is that its getting us to focus on a short-term issue, Im afraid, potentially at the expense of a really significant longer-term issue, Brill said. Theres a bigger power that we have to really be concerned about thats really an existential threat to the United States and to others, and thats climate change. Its a problem for all of us, and the only way to deal with it is through collaboration and cooperation, he said. Global issues require global responses, Williamson added. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Diplomats visit Lubbock for Texas Tech Ambassadors Forum Photo credit: Clive Mason - Getty Images Haas team principal Guenther Steiner estimates it costs the team between $500,000 and $1 million when one of the team's F1 cars goes hard into the wall. Aside from the financial damage it also creates an extra workload for the team. Mick Schumachers accident in Jeddah was one of the big ones, no doubt about it and it registered over 40 g's. How do you rebuild a wrecked F1 car? Formula 1 cars are assembled every Thursday at a race weekend and then stripped down on Sunday night for the journey to the next venue. However, sometimes in between even the best of plans, there can be a wrench thrown into the works when a driver puts the car into the wall. The most recent prominent example in Formula 1 came in Saudi Arabia, when Haas F1 Team driver Mick Schumacher suffered a violent accident during qualifying, causing severe damage to his VF-22. Haas team principal Guenther Steiner estimated it cost the team between $500,000 and $1 million (Steiner said this one was closer to $1 million), but aside from the financial damage it also created an extra workload for the team. On that occasion, Haas opted not to rebuild his car for the race, citing the risk of compromising its Melbourne prospects. Ultimately, the team will put the car back together again and make it ready to race. It is a process that takes some of the best mechanics in the world. Naturally the first thought (after a crash) is about the driver, and you hope hes okayhes part of the team, said Matt Scott, chief mechanic for the Haas team, on when a big accident happens. Once the green light has been given by the medics then attention swiftly turns to the work at hand. Our first idea of the state of the car is what we see on the TV shots, said Scott. The horrible shots of when the car is picked up and the whole rear drops off, or theyre lifting barriers out of the way and bits of car are missing. And its like ooh, argh. You can then start preparing the bits you require. Story continues Schumachers accident in Jeddah was one of the big ones, no doubt about it and it registered over 40 g's. Once the car is returned to the team. then an inspection can be undertaken to assess the level of damage. Photo credit: Clive Mason - Getty Images You can have components that look okay, but arent okay, or they might have been tweaked out of shape or had internal damage. Anything going through 40-g is going to have to go through a rigorous inspection process. You strip the car down, anything thats obviously recoverablenon-structural carbon partsthat look fine, we are happy to use. Anything mechanical that has taken a high loadwhich we can see from the data that we have availablewill be quarantined and returned to our base in Banbury, where well do NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) inspections. That test decides whether the part is fine, can be repaired, or if it must be scrapped entirely. As the components are expensive, and Formula 1 exists in a cost cap environment, there is due diligence before parts are considered completely worthless. One struggle early in the year can be with spare partsas there hasnt been the time to have the spares made to get them in stockand thus sometimes compromises have to be made. However teams do usually travel with several spare parts, including spare chassis, as accidents are part of racing. For a team such as Haas their work will be mirrored by power unit supplier Ferrari, which provides a gearbox technician and engine technician for each car. Usually in a major accident the original components will be removed, and taken back to Maranello for checks, with the spares used, as the equipment and tools needed for such an inspection cant be carried around the world. Photo credit: Clive Mason - Getty Images Post-accident the biggest element is whether the chassisie, the basic structure of the car made it out intact. If yes, that saves mechanics a lot of work. If not, theres a big job on hand. When you have an accident when you change the chassis youre talking about the fuel system, Scott says. Its inside the survival cell, and if youve got damage inside there then you have to start removing components and it becomes very time consuming. We are prepared for accidents, so you can have various sub-assemblies built, which makes it easier, but when you get into sub-assembles of some components that gets very time-consuming. If the chassis has been cleared then it becomes a more straightforward task for the mechanics. The damaged car is stripped down methodically and can then be rebuilt. You start at the chassis and build up from thatfront suspension, engine, the rear suspension and gearbox can be built together, that goes on the back of the engine, then the floor and the bodywork. Every person within the team has specific roles and responsibilities. They know what theyre doing and have an order in which it is done. Checks are then undertaken once complete, such as on the fluid systems and power unit, to ensure all of the data is as expected. For the mechanics, the added workload that comes with crash damage is undoubtedly undesired but it allows them to demonstrate their skill set. Its exciting, like the driver going out into qualifying, theyre doing their bestgoing for the fastest lap time, said Scott. And were there to build the car. And when you get into the situation where you have to deal with stuffthats when you feel you can make a big difference by pushing as hard as you can. And that's how you put Humpty Dumpty back together again. Australia, Vietnam look to bolster cooperation across the board Vietnam and Australia are stepping up efforts to foster bilateral comprehensive cooperation across a variety of fields in the lead-up to the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties in 2023. Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Nguyen Tat Thanh made the statement at a recent workshop featuring Vietnams external policy and shared future with Australia at Macquarie University in Sydney, which saw the attendance of around 80 Australian and international students under the Global Leadership Programme. Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Nguyen Tat Thanh addresses the workshop (Photo:VNA) The Vietnamese diplomat underlined independence in Vietnams foreign policy, the factor that helps solidify the nation's strategic position and soft power amid global uncertainties. Vietnam has become a strategic and comprehensive partner of 30 countries and an active member of more than 70 regional and international organizations, he went on to say. Economic partnership serves as an important foundation of the Vietnam-Australia ties, with last year's bilateral trade turnover growing 50% to 17 billion AUD ( close to US$12 billion) despite COVID-19. Both nations have closely cooperated in a host of major issues such as ensuring freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea and water security in the Mekong Delta. Besides, people-to-people exchange is seen as a highlight in bilateral ties as more than 27,000 Vietnamese students are studying at Australian universities. Thanh said he hopes that the two countries will maintain the growth momentum in a bid to take the strategic partnership to new heights on the basis of respect for each others sovereignty and political regimes. On the occasion, the ambassador also met with Vietnamese lecturers and students at Macquarie University. BEIJING, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held a phone conversation with his Philippine counterpart, Rodrigo Duterte. During the phone conversation, Xi said that he still has fresh memories about Duterte's first visit to China in October 2016, which he called an ice-breaking trip and a milestone in the history of bilateral relations. In the past six years, Xi said, the two sides have followed the important consensus reached between the two leaders, and have persisted in promoting good-neighborly friendship and cooperation, properly handling differences, working together for common development, and getting rid of interference in bilateral ties, which is demonstrating a new situation of vigorous development. The two countries have established a comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship, deepened the synergy between the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and the plan of "Build, Build, Build," and jointly promoted cooperation in major programs such as infrastructure construction, with bilateral trade volume doubled during the period, he added. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Xi said, the two sides have stood by each other, safeguarded the safety of the lives of the people in both countries and their health, and worked to maintain the stability of the regional industrial and supply chains. The two sides' properly handling of the South China Sea issue has provided an important foundation for the China-Philippines friendly cooperation, benefited the two people and also effectively safeguarded regional peace and stability, Xi said. Xi stressed that China maintains the continuity and stability in its policy toward the Philippines, and is willing to work with the country to promote sustained and sound development of the bilateral relations so as to reach new levels. The Chinese side stands ready to continue to provide COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines if needed, and strengthen bilateral cooperation in the research and development of specific drugs and in public health capacity building, Xi said. China is also ready to promote the construction of major projects and expand cooperation in trade, investment, education, as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges with the Philippines, he said. China will also import more quality products from the Philippines, encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the Philippines, and contribute to the modernization process of the Philippines, he added. Xi stressed that the development of the current international situation has once again proved that regional security cannot be achieved by strengthening military alliances. The Chinese side is ready to work with the Philippines and other regional countries to uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, take firm control over regional security, and jointly safeguard the hard-won peace and stability in the region so as to build a community with a shared future for mankind, he added. Editors note: The the second part in a series of columns. Morgantonian Edward Phifer sent a letter asking about race relations to people in the local Black community, including his friend John Fleming, who was born and raised in Morganton, but no longer lives here. Fleming graduated from Olive Hill High School in 1962 and Berea College in 1966, and earned his Ph.D. in American history from Howard University in 1974. He wanted to be a missionary, but as a Black man, he met numerous roadblocks from religious organizations. He became, instead, a museum director, curator and historian. He married Berea graduate Barbara Durr, who later earned her Ph.D., and is an author in her own right. Presently, he is working on a memoir about his time in the Peace Corps in Malawi, Africa. The letter below is one persons opinion. Fleming did not write it as a representative of his race. Furthermore, I condensed it significantly for word count and can only hope that in doing so, I did not change his meaning. Feb. 28, 2021 Dear Edward, I believe that you are a good man and have a good heart. I think your essay is your first step to rid yourself of unconscious bias and prejudice that we all share. We have had 400 years of becoming who we are today and it will not be erased in one or two generations. And it certainly will not be erased by people who do not even see that there is a problem that needs to be solved and cured. I certainly admire your efforts as reflected in your narrative. Your statement that times are better now for Blacks than any period since the Civil War, must be qualified. Better for whom? It is certainly better for me and my family, but I belong to a very small group of Black Americans who could be classified as in the upper 10 percent of Americans. The Black family is in worse shape than ever: 72 percent of all children are living with a single parent. What this means is that they are more likely to be living below the poverty level, less likely to perform at grade level starting in the lower grades and never being able to catch up, more likely to live in substandard housing, attend segregated schools and live in less desirable neighborhood. The destruction of the Black family over the last half century has had a devastating impact on the Black community. Up until the 1960s the vast majority of Black people lived in two parent households. [Many] Blacks owned their own homes until the crisis of 2008-9, [during] the subprime home mortgage collapse [that impacted] Black home ownership. [We] all know that legal segregation had to end, but few of us gave very much thought to the impact integration would have on the Black community: the destruction of black schools, businesses, many organizations, neighborhoods, etc. There was a consistent and deliberate policy to run highways through the middle of black communitiesa deliberate effort to infuse these communities with drugs. [The] omnibus crime bill of the 1990s increased the imprisonment of black men by the hundreds of thousands. While integration benefited many of us in a position to take advantage of new opportunities, it also left many behind with few role models (Black middle class escaped to the suburbs.) So I and many educated blacks are much better off financially, but large groups are not. Your paragraph on law enforcement made me think. While we all want police protection and not have to fear the police, our encounters with the police too often are negative. I cannot tell you how many times I have been stopped by the police for no reason. Even while in the middle of a caravan of cars, it was me who was pulled over by the police (driving while black). [B]efore the Civil War, Pattyrollers could stop any Black on suspicion of being a runaway. During Jim Crow, police were allowed to beat and kill Blacks with impunity. It was not until the iPhone and body cameras do we have any ideaJust imagine how many beatings and murders went undetected and were unpunished. I do not believe that most policemen are bad, but do believe that policemen tolerate bad apples. We need to understand that systemic discrimination is endemic to our way of life. I think you are right that within recent generations, Hollywood is making a special effort to show what a fully integrated American should look like. We are not there yet, but getting closer to the goal. I believe as you do, that we can achieve a truly integrated society. As you say, we can do it, but it will take time. Edward, I have a lot of respect for you and appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me. I look forward to continued conversation, and hopefully, in the near future, we will be able to talk over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Sincerely, John This letter troubled me. The early response to the letter by other people troubled me. How could I be part of publishing things that might cause people to get angry? Besides, things are better than before. My husbands and my family is multi-racial. At a local Black Lives Matter protest, white policemen talked and laughed with Black and white protesters who mingled on the street and did not respond to the rare, but occasionally angry words. Interracial friendships exist. Churches of a variety of denominations are eager to welcome people of all colors; people. Pastor George Logan, Black minister, of New Day Christian Church works for justice with white people. I love what Brian Stevenson says, he told me. Any kind of effective change requires proximity. So why bring up ancient history? Because more than 66 years later, Emmett Tills memorial sign is still being vandalized. Because African Americans of a food truck that comes to Morganton have received online angry, undeniably racist, comments. Because I dread publishing a letter written by one African American. In Februarys Burke Coalition for Reconciliation meeting at Calvary Lutheran Church, Allen Fullwood, a Black man who will turn 81 this month, admitted he was tired of the subject, too, as he told again what happened at the sit-ins so long ago. Here it is 62 years later, he said, and were still having to talk about it. Maggie McKinney is a member of the Morganton Writers Group. Ever since Russian tanks and troops poured into Ukraine, there has been a clamor for the Biden administration to do more on the military front establish a no-fly zone, provide fighter jets to Ukraine and even prepare to send U.S. troops into battle. The reports of Russian atrocities will increase the pressure for stronger action. But the case against U.S. escalation remains exactly as it was: irrefutable. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy portrays NATOs caution as a monumental disgrace. Rebuking the German parliament in March, he invoked the Holocaust: Every year politicians say never again. Now I see that these words are worthless. What is surprising is that even in the face of gruesome images and heartbreaking stories, Biden has rejected deeper involvement. He and most Washington policymakers understand that the only thing worse than the wanton savagery unleashed by Vladimir Putin would be the catastrophic effects of a nuclear attack. Making sure that doesnt happen is, and should be, Bidens highest priority. Its easy to say the U.S. and its allies should have stopped Adolf Hitler when he first engaged in aggression. But Hitler didnt have doomsday weapons. Putin does. As military strategist Bernard Brodie wrote in 1946, the year after the U.S. used two atomic bombs against Japan: Thus far the chief purpose of our military establishment has been to win wars. From now on its chief purpose must be to avert them. In the decades after World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union became the worst of enemies scheming and striving against each other in every corner of the globe. Both maintained enormous military forces. Both fought wars beyond their borders. But their relentless competition had clearly defined limits. At no point during the long history of the Cold War have Soviet and American military forces engaged each other directly in sustained hostilities, wrote historian John Lewis Gaddis in 1986. Why not? Because neither was willing to take the risk that a conventional conflict would end in Armageddon. Leaders embark on wars because they think they can win. But there can be no winner in a nuclear war. The Soviet Union is gone. But the regime that replaced it has reminded everyone what it can do. At the outset of the invasion, Putin warned that any country trying to stop him would incur consequences such as they have never seen in their history. Later, he said he had put Russias nuclear forces on alert. Whats not clear is where his red line is located. During the Cold War, the Soviets provided arms and other aid to the North Koreans and the North Vietnamese during our wars against them. We did the same for the Afghans during the Russian occupation. Our assistance to Ukraine so far falls within the established rules of the road. But setting up a no-fly zone would not, because U.S. warplanes would be shooting down Russian ones. Sending jet fighters to Zelenskyy would fall into a gray area but carries the danger of pushing Putin too far. Maybe hes bluffing about using nukes. But maybe hes not. The consequences of believing him and being wrong would be horrendous. But the consequences of not believing him and being wrong would be cataclysmic. The carnage wrought by Russia in Ukraine may seem so awful that failing to do whatever is necessary to stop it amounts to a moral outrage. But the lesson of the post-World War II era is that unbearable moral outrages must sometimes be borne. During the Cold War, the Communist rulers of the Soviet Union held half of Europe in bondage, crushing democratic movements wherever they emerged. They abused their own people, sending some 14 million to forced labor camps. The West had to accept these unconscionable barbarities rather than try to undo them and risk annihilation. The real urgency here is finding a way to end the war through a negotiated settlement. That inevitably will mean the world will have to ratify some illegitimate Russian gains. But theres no good alternative. In the realm of foreign policy, the choice is often between a terrible option and a worse one. The images of civilians who were murdered by Russian troops and left in the streets or buried in mass graves are painful to contemplate. But before we escalate in response, we should take a long look at another set of images: from Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Follow Steve Chapman on Twitter @SteveChapman13 or at www.facebook.com/stevechapman13. To find out more about Chapman, visit at www.creators.com. Butte-Silver Bows Behavioral Health Local Advisory Council is holding both a conference and fair centering on behavioral health awareness for Mental Health Month in May. The theme of both is Circle of Life. Circle of life is the chosen theme because mental health affects people of all ages, said the LACs secretary Demetrius Fassas. The fair, which will be at the Butte Plaza Mall on May 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is open to the public, and the conference, which will be May 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is geared toward behavioral health professionals. It will feature a variety of mental health providers like Butte 4-Cs and Action, Inc., with booths that people can visit to get more information or to sign up for initial services. Its a good way to hook people up with services and let them know what we offer, said the LACs chair of Mental Health Month, Annie Boucher. The fair will also feature a stage where people who struggled with mental health in the past can share their stories, he said. Its a stigma-reducing event, Fassas said of the fair. Its an open space for people to talk about things they were previously uncomfortable talking about. There are limited spots at the conference, and registration is open for mental health professionals who would like to attend the event. The lineup of presentations includes a wide variety of mental health-related topics, such as perinatal mood, behavioral health and peer support, adult mental health, teens in crisis, aging and mental health, grief and more. Fassas said the goal of the conference is to show different mental health providers what other mental health resources are available so there can be a better flow of resources for people seeking help with their mental health. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The behavioral health resources in Butte-Silver Bow are trying to better support people in the community struggling with behavioral health, from grants to events for mental health awareness month. St. James Healthcare received two grants that address mental health in and around Butte-Silver Bow, one of which wrapped up in March, the other which started in October. Behavioral Health System Crisis Redesign grant The former, called the Behavioral Health System Crisis Redesign grant, was awarded to St. James in 2019 for $34,200. The money was used by the newly formed Butte-Silver Bow Alliance for Improved Mental Health and Wellbeing to hire Bozeman-based firm JG Research and Evaluation to conduct an in-depth analysis of different mental health resources in Butte-Silver Bow, including Emergency Medical Services, St. James, as well as Community, Counseling, and Correctional Services, Inc., and a host of others. The final report looks at the crisis response system between 2019 and 2020. Its really a road map for what the Crisis Response System in the community should look like, said Scott Malloy, program director at the Montana Healthcare Foundation, which awarded the grant. Malloy said the grant was awarded right before COVID-19 hit, and really evolved with the pandemic. He explained although St. James is the funded partner and backbone of the grant, the planning and redesign of the crisis system was handled by many players in the Butte-Silver Bow mental health field, such as CCCS. Part of the goal of the analysis is to move Butte-Silver Bow to the Crisis Now model of mental health intervention, Malloy said. He said the Crisis Now model is comprised of four legs. The first leg, early intervention, involves a help line, or somewhere someone experiencing a crisis can call without needing face-to-face intervention, he said. The second leg, response, involves having a mobile crisis response team that can come to people experiencing a crisis rather than that person having to travel to receive care. The third leg, stabilization, requires a stabilization place, Malloy said. Prevention, the fourth leg, is recovery and peer support. Problems and possible solutions The analysis found: the available mental health resources in Butte-Silver Bow dont know about each other, there arent a lot of early intervention services for mental health in the area, and, although there are lots of resources that offer preventative care, they are under-staffed, according to Kathy Dunks, the Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health Systems program coordinator at Butte CCCS. Each mental health resource in Butte-Silver Bow offers one or more of the different legs of the Crisis Now model, but its important for one resource to know what other resources are available in the community to be able to effectively refer patients to the help they need, according to Dunks. Collaboration of all the services is huge, she said. Of all the behavioral health services Butte-Silver Bow has to offer, the only one that could be included in the research under the umbrella of early intervention was the Montana 211 call center through the Help Center, Voices of Hope and Missoula 211. Examples of early intervention resources are crisis response telephone lines, a same-day access program and a drop-in center, according to the report. Another resource, the 988 line, should be operational by July 16, 2022, according to the National Alliance for Mental Health, and will add to the areas early-intervention services. The 988 line was designated by the Federal Communications Commission as a nationwide mental health crisis and suicide prevention line. The overarching goal of the Crisis Now model is that people experiencing a mental health crisis will have somewhere to go other than the emergency room. Malloy said although the emergency room is the highest level of care, it isnt necessarily equipped to help people with mental health emergencies. The St. James Emergency Department is heavily relied on for immediate stabilization of people experiencing mental health emergencies, according to the Butte-Silver Bow Crisis System Analysis. After a patient goes to the emergency room, they can choose to utilize voluntary inpatient services for stabilization. Montana State Hospital, which has been struggling with inadequate staffing, is one of the places available for this. Soon after St. James was awarded the grant, the county reached out to CCCS CEO Mike Thatcher to ask if he would take on the contract for a Crisis Response Team and Mobile Response Unit, Dunks said. He brought Dunks out of retirement to head it up and hire a team, which shes been doing since May 2020. The response team employs two full-time and a few on-call response workers who service various places in the county, such as the Southwest Montana Community Health Center, Southwest Montana Veterans Home, and more. Malloy said the Crisis Now model would like to see the mobile Crisis Response Team expanded, which Dunks said is a topic of upcoming discussion. Dunks said the recent incident at Montana State Hospital has been hard both on her team and the people theyve referred there. A lot of really super-sick people we refer there tell us Please dont send us there, were afraid well get hurt. Dunks said. Its been really hard on my team, because both people hurt in the last incident were committed by my team. She also said the understaffing at Montana State Hospital is a large part of the problem, and that the recent incidents there arent a reflection of the quality of the staff, just a reflection of a staff stretched thin. Dunks said as of now, there arent any available beds in any adult mental health in-patient programs in the state, which makes stabilization placement for patients in crisis more difficult. Preventative mental health resources, like Western Montana Mental Health Center, AWARE, CCCS and Southwest Montana Addiction, Recovery and Treatment, are also understaffed, Dunks said. She said one way to solve the understaffing would be for these organizations to take better care of their staff. She also said preventative care in Butte-Silver Bow would be stronger if there was more case management to ensure patients stay on their meds and make their doctor appointments. In order to have a better flow of mental health resources for patients, Malloy said another big step Butte-Silver Bow has taken is posting for a behavioral health coordinator, which will be fundamental in making sure the components for the crisis system redesign are seen through to finish. Whats really exciting is the community of Butte-Silver Bow is driving these changes, Malloy said. Mary Windecker, executive director at the Behavioral Health Alliance of Montana said the agency received money from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to look into implementing Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in Montana, in partnership with the Montana Department of Corrections and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. CCBHCs have been implemented in several other states, Windecker said, and could be particularly helpful to rural areas in Montana because CCBHCs follow the same reimbursement model as federally qualified health centers. Whereas now, mental health services can only bill for the cost of service, CCBHCs bill for the cost of service, the costs of receptionists, and travel costs for mental health professionals treating patients in rural areas, much like doctors can. This would make mental health services a lot more accessible, especially to people in rural areas, Windecker said. The implementation of CCBHCs in Montana is still in the vetting process, and it will be at least a couple of years before they would become a reality, which could be helpful for the Crisis Response System in the state. Rural Community Opioid Response Program Implementation Grant St. James Healthcare was awarded a $1 million grant from the Health Resources Services Administration's Federal Office for Rural Communities Opioid Response Programs in October. The Rural Community Opioid Response Program Implementation grant, will be used to conduct needs assessments and develop plans, including prevention, treatment, and recovery interventions for opioid use disorder in several organizations in Silver Bow, Deer Lodge, Beaverhead, Madison, and Jefferson counties, according to a press release from SCL Health published in October. Katie Tiernan, the executive director of community impact for SCL Health, said the grant has a focus on pregnant and parenting women struggling with opioid addiction, but other people struggling with other addictions should feel welcome to utilize the services that will become available because of the grant money. Tiernan said the seed for SCL Health applying for this grant was the Meadowlark Initiative, a two-year grant St. James Healthcare got approved for in 2018. The Meadowlark Initiative awarded the hospital $150,000 to implement routine screenings and treatment for substance use disorders as part of pregnancy and post-partum care. It was really very eye-opening, Tiernan said. She explained pregnant and parenting women who struggle with addiction are hesitant to open up because theres a big stigma surrounding them. Theyre afraid to reach out, afraid to be judged, afraid their kids will be taken away, so we want them to have a safe place. Much like the Behavioral Health System Crisis Redesign grant, St. James is just one of many organizations in the area working in partnership on the grant. Tiernan said the grant will run for three years. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 2 Angry 0 Cell C and Telkom have criticised industry regulator Icasas decision to eliminate asymmetric mobile termination rates (AMTR), reports the Sunday Times. AMTR refers to how large mobile network providers like MTN and Vodacom pay a higher fee to providers like Cell C and Telkom for carrying their calls, than these smaller networks pay MTN and Vodacom. Icasa recently confirmed it will phase this out over the next 12 months although new entrants into the mobile network space will still benefit from AMTR throughout the next three years. Telkom believes that Icasas plan to handle termination rates moving forward is insufficient. While the findings document has indicated that AMTRs should be phased out within the next 12 months, Icasa has indicated that cost-based pricing should be applied (including asymmetry), Telkom said. The relative costs incurred by smaller and larger operators are likely to indicate that removing AMTR is unjustified. Cell C chief legal officer Zahir Williams added that AMTR had been essential for driving competition within the industry. Cell C has noted Icasas findings on its review of AMTRs and is assessing the business effect thereof, taking into account the challenges of smaller MNOs to effectively compete against large MNOs, said Williams. Icasa contends that its decision is justified, as it has already given small entrants this advantage for 12 years whereas international best practice suggests three or four years is sufficient. A controversial history Both MTN and Vodacom have been criticised for how they handled call termination rates, particularly once government had called for additional mobile operators in 1998. Soon after the governments announcement, Vodacom and MTN began hiking call rates. By the time Cell C launched in 2001, call termination rates had increased by over 500% for off-peak calls and over 1,100% for on-peak. Cell C said these termination rates hurt its development upon entering the market, as it had to pay a large portion of its revenue from voice calls to Vodacom and MTN. However, Vodacom contended that the increases had nothing to do with Cell Cs entry into the market. Icasa stepped in and regulated call termination rates in 2010. Johannesburgs electricity distribution provider, City Power, has said copper cable thieves have become heavily armed and target security guards in quieter parts of the city. Speaking to the City Press newspaper, City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena explained that they were dealing with well organised criminal syndicates. The power distributor said that most of Johannesburgs power outages are related to cable theft. Collateral damage such as substations exploding after cables are stolen cause lengthy outages and incalculable damage to local businesses. According to City Power, 21 cable theft cases were reported between Monday and Thursday this week. Last month it reported 140 such crimes. At the end of March, ten robbers armed with AK47s attacked Joburgs Cydna substation. They threatened security guards and stole 135 meters of copper cable worth approximately R121,500. The following day, criminals hospitalised a City Power security guard with a head wound sustained during a shoot-out in Kya Sands. Criminals shot dead two City Power guards in Carr Street, Newtown the following week. Mangena told City Press that an underground copper cable stolen in Randpark Ridge on Wednesday was worth over R500,000. On Thursday, law enforcement arrested a Kya Sands property owner when a copper cable worth R300,000 was found on his premises. In January, police minister Bheki Cele revealed in a written response to parliamentary questions that relatively few people arrested for cable theft by a specialist team had been convicted. A multidisciplinary task team established to fight cable theft had arrested 28 thieves since its inception in May 2020. However, only three had been sentenced to jail time. Two accused were found guilty and both sentenced to three years imprisonment, Cele stated. A third had been found guilty, sentenced to 12 years of direct imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm. Cele said the task team targeted organised and opportunistic cable thieves. He explained that syndicates target quantities that will return the most value, while opportunistic criminals target smaller amounts to satisfy their immediate needs. Cellucity CEO Sean Joffe has said that Samsungs competitors in South Africa will have to respond to the electronics giants aggressive smartphone trade-in promotion launched with the Galaxy S22 series. OEMs like Oppo, Xiaomi, Huawei will need to formulate a trade-in reply to remain relevant at the higher end of the market because this landscape has now changed forever, Joffe told MyBroadband. When upgrading your smartphone, trading in your old device is an effective way to make new and expensive phones affordable. Trade-in deals are now common practice among cellular retailers in South Africa. However, Joffe explained that this hasnt always been the case. It has taken Cellucity almost three years to get any meaningful traction with trade-ins, he said. But as the Trade-in values for these devices have risen in conjunction with new product launches with greater support from the OEMs, the adoption rates have climbed significantly, The time it took for trade-ins to become more commonplace was due to the belief that South Africa was a hand-me-down market. Joffe said this view has well and truly ended with the recent Samsung Galaxy S22 trade-in campaign, which saw nearly twice the engagement than the Galaxy S21s did. Samsungs campaign lets you trade in selected previous-generation flagship smartphones and get R10,000 off the price of a Galaxy S22 smartphone. Cellucity is a Samsung partner for the campaign. When planning the programme, we knew that there would be a growth of trade-in customers and expected this to be approximately 120%. We never expected 3,200%! Samsung South Africas integrated mobility director Justin Hume told MyBroadband. Everyshop is also one of the retailers capitalising on trade-ins and has found great success with the service. Trade-ins are a big focus as part of our overall strategy. Not only does this provide more affordability on new devices to consumers, but it encourages a responsible way to dispose of old tech, Everyshop marketing executive Stef Michael told MyBroadband. If phone trade-ins have become a significant part of regular business for new phone launches, it raises the question of what happens to the old phones. Old phones are graded and then distributed based on their model and quality after being traded in. Typically, A-grade devices might be resold in South Africa. However, A-grade devices make up a very small proportion of the overall volume. The balance will be sent overseas where they will be re-sorted and reconditioned for sale into other markets, said Joffe. This practice has proven so successful that Everyshop has also expanded trade-ins to products other than smartphones. In our business, we have extended trade-ins beyond just cellular and now also include laptops and other selected tech. We work with various partners to recycle, resell or donate products post-trade-in, said Michael. Trade-ins offer an effective way of disposing of old tech safely, providing substantial discounts for consumers, and ensuring that the market wont run short of lower-end phones. Its not surprising that it has become an important part of the market, stated Joffe. Now Read: Top tech companies to work for in South Africa Free books for Napa students There were flurries of books at Irene M. Snow Elementary and Shearer Elementary schools on March 18 when Napa Bookmine Literary Foundation handed out more than 1,300 books to first-grade students as part of its Books4kids program to promote reading and literacy. Each first-grade student, 131 in all, at Snow and Shearer received four new books and six used books to take home with them at no cost to the student, teacher, or school district. Titles and schools were selected in coordination with Napa Valley Unified School Districts director of curriculum and library services coordinator. The goal of Books4Kids is to increase the number of books in kids home libraries by distributing free books to every first-grade student in Napa County, according to Kelsey Frazier, executive director of the foundation. Studies indicate that children who are not reading at grade-level by the end of third grade are four times less likely to graduate high school in time, making access to books a critical issue for the well-being of young students here in Napa, Frazier said. By increasing access to books, both at home and in the classroom, were setting kids up for success and giving them a chance to fall in love with the magic of reading. Napa Bookmine Literary Foundation's mission is to promote literacy and provide educational and cultural programs to the Napa community. The Books4Kids program, launched in 2021, is supported by a grant from Arts Council Napa Valley as well as private donations from generous community members. For more information visit www.NapaBookmineLiteraryFoundation.org or email kelsey.frazier@napabookmine.com. A Cantata for Maundy Thursday The First Presbyterian Church of Napa 1333 3rd St.) will present John Partridges Cantata at 7 p.m. on Maundy Thursday, April 14. The cantata uses jazz, spoken word and song to tell the story of Jesus arrest, trial and crucifixion. Soloists Florida Stringer, Amber Marsh, Emily Evans, Eva Facey, Chad Williams and Scott Sherman will be joined by a 20-voice choir and an 11-piece jazz band under the direction of Mr. Partridge. The concert is free to the public, but an offering will be taken to offset the costs. The First Presbyterian Church of Napa is at 1333 Third St. A grant for Napa Wildlife Rescue Wildlife Rescue Center of Napa County (Napa Wildlife Rescue) has received a $30,000 grant for general support from the David and Jane Gotelli Family Fund. This fund was established at Napa Valley Community Foundation in 2018 as a permanently endowed Legacy Fund to support organizations that seek to improve or sustain the welfare of small animals throughout Napa County. These essential funds will be used to fill staffing gaps with paid hours, in preparation for the very busy baby season, according to Napa Wildlife Rescue board president, Carol Poole. We are very proud to support the important work of Napa Wildlife Rescue, said NVCF President Terence Mulligan. I saw their expertise and compassion first-hand a couple of years ago when a volunteer rescued a baby squirrel who had fallen from the redwood tree in my back yard. For more information, visit Napa Wildlife Rescue at www.napawildliferescue.org or email the Wildlife Administrator at wildlifeadmin@napawildliferescue.org. NWR may be contacted by mail at P.O. Box 2571, Napa, CA 94558. Donations may be made online at www.napawildliferescue.org/donate. For animals needing rescue or medical help, please call 707.224-HAWK (4295). See the pictures of the non-profits work and its day-to-day operation at www.facebook.com/Napa-Wildlife-Rescue-117530298358117. Among the 150 million names in the just-released 1950 federal census, I went in search of 3-year-old me, part of a young family I barely remember. I opened up 1950census.archives.gov, typed in Massachusetts, Middlesex County, Bernard Courtney. And there we were, the Courtneys of 72 Hillside Ave., Arlington. A census workers handwritten jottings about my family were riveting. I felt Id gone back to the dawn of time my time. My dad was listed as a Massachusetts native, 38 years, head of household, a high school teacher of business organization. Below his entry was my mom, but the name Dorothy confused me. I have a sister Dorothy, but not a mom Dorothy. Then I remembered. Mom had always gone by Louise, her middle name. She was further described as a 29-year-old housewife born in Mississippi. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. Although theyd married in 1942 after a six-week courtship at Fort Lee, Virginia, Mom and Dad were practically still newlyweds. After the rushed wedding, my dad shipped out for North Africa. My mom, an Army nurse, stayed behind. They didnt reunite until late 1945. Beneath entries for Bernard and Dorothy was me, Kevin F., and beneath me, my brother Joseph, age 1. I pondered these barebones entries as if Id found a passenger manifest for the Mayflower. This was my beginning in the new world. I was young and uninformed. In a way, my parents were too. None of us had a clue about the coming events that would shape and reshape us. In retrospect, the federal census of 1950 had captured a moment of Courtney family nirvana. My dad had returned safe from the war and resumed his teaching career. My parents had bought their first house. Children were being popped out. Werent we all living the 50s dream? Inspired by the census entries, I wanted to time travel and relive a typical Arlington day from my childhood a time when Joe and I pedaled our tricycles madly, bounced on a bed so hard we broke the frame and I fell in love with my kindergarten teacher. It was a sweet time. Then again, I was just a kid. If there were signs of family trouble ahead, I missed them. Ten years later when the 1960 census came around, we were living in New Jersey and Dad had become a high school principal. And Mom had given birth to Dorothy and Paul, making us a powerhouse family of six. That same year Dad fell in love with a young French teacher. Soon after Dad had moved out, Mom marched the four of us onto a Greyhound bus in New York City. We rode day and night and into the next day, landing in Alabama where her sister would help resettle us far from those cheating Yankees. Mom would tell mostly happy stories about those years in the Boston metro area. Shed make the radical transition from rural Mississippi to urban Massachusetts, shed brought children into the world, shed learned to drive. Shed done all she could to fit in. Unfortunately, the guy she married was something of a wild card. He had gambling issues. He had a poetic Irish soul that shone most brightly after a few martinis. Not the best guy to father four children, not the best guy for the long haul. Looking at the 1950 census entry for 72 Hillside Ave., you wouldnt pick up on any of that. We looked like an up-and-coming post-war family. A house in a leafy suburb. Two healthy children. A dad with career ambition. We were doomed as a family only we didnt know it Kevin can be reached at kfcourtney@yahoo.com. We do recognise Russias key decisive efforts in ending the war of 2020, as well as the diplomatic work done since then, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia Toivo Klaar said in an interview to Armenian News - NEWS.am. It was agreed to instruct Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and Azerbaijan to work on the preparation of a future peace treaty, which, according to the Statement of the European Council President, would address all necessary issues. Will the issue of the future status of Nagorno Karabakh be addressed in the future peace treaty among all necessary issues, as it's mentioned in the Statement? Was that issue discussed in the context of the possible talks on the future peace treaty? Indeed, during the Second Trilateral Meeting held in Brussels on 6 April, President Michel noted both President Aliyev's and Prime Minister Pashinyan's stated desire to move rapidly towards a peace agreement between their countries. To this end, it was agreed to instruct Ministers of Foreign Affairs to work on the preparation of a future peace treaty, which would address all necessary issues. I would not want to provide a list of what would be and what would not be part of such a treaty. Again, its ultimately up to the sides to agree on the content of such a bilateral peace treaty. From our side, I can certainly repeat our well-known position in favor of a comprehensive Armenia-Azerbaijan settlement, which would address all relevant issues. We know the differences between Armenia and Azerbaijan about the future of the region. These have been publicly stated on a number of occasions. We do hope that both sides will manage to turn the page of conflict in the region and engage constructively in these peace talks. During the second trilateral meeting, the EU reiterated its willingness to help the sides move in this direction. It was also agreed to convene a Joint Border Commission by the end of April, which would also have a mandate to delimit the bilateral border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Is the possible delimitation linked to the Nagorno-Karabakh issue and its future status? Has the last issue been discussed in the context of the border delimitation process during the trilateral meeting held in Brussels? As you saw in President C. Michels statement, in line with the Sochi Statement of 26 November 2021, it was also agreed to convene a Joint Border Commission by the end of April. Its mandate will be to delimit the bilateral border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and ensure a stable security situation along, and in the vicinity of, the borderline. President C. Michel reaffirmed the EUs readiness to provide advice and support. As you see, the Statement clearly speaks about the bilateral border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, as I said in reply to your previous question, we believe in general that a comprehensive settlement is needed that will address all issues that have been at the root of a conflict that has lasted more than 30 years. Armenia has applied to OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship to facilitate negotiations on a peace agreement. What formats will the talks on the peace agreement be held in? What's the EU position on the role of the Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship in this issue? As announced on 6 April, the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders agreed to instruct their Ministers of Foreign Affairs to work on the preparation of a future peace treaty. It is therefore our understanding that these talks will first and foremost be led by the two Foreign Ministers and, since we are talking about a future comprehensive solution, we believe many other agencies and representatives of the sides would need to be involved. Obviously, we know about Yerevans position on the role of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. Yesterday, the Polish OSCE Chairmanship also welcomed the meeting of the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan under the aegis of President of the European Council and launching of the process toward a possible peace agreement. The Chairperson-in-office also expressed readiness to assist in all efforts to ensure a stable and peaceful environment in the South Caucasus. The EU welcomes all the positive comments made in support of the Brussels Second Trilateral Meeting and its outcomes. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that the basis of the agreements reached during the trilateral meeting held in Brussels was set in the result of the meetings of Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani leaders. Lavrov called European colleagues to acknowledge this and not to create any obstacles. Lavrov also stated that in Charles Michels statement there was no word about Russia and this, according to the Russian Minister, speaks about the EU's intention to use Nagorno-Karabakh issue to express its Russophobic rhetoric. Lavrov stressed also that the bilateral commission on demarcation/delimitation will operate with the consultative engagement of Russia. How would you comment on these announcements? Indeed, we saw the comments made by Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov during his joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart A. Mirzoyan in Moscow today. Allow me to disagree with a number of these assessments. In particular, on the Joint Border Commission, let me recall that the statement issued by President Michel clearly mentions that undertakings and agreements reached in Brussels on 6 April were in line with the Sochi Statement of 26 November 2021. As I said on several occasions during interviews with media outlets in the region, we do recognise Russias key decisive efforts in ending the war of 2020, as well as the diplomatic work done since then. The EU has a natural interest in security, stability and prosperity in our neighbourhood and I see our efforts as being complimentary to any other engagement that is aimed at supporting Armenians and Azerbaijanis in achieving sustainable peace and security in the region, for the benefit of all populations. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told The Telegraph that the military leadership is working on plans for a permanent presence of troops on the alliance's eastern border in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. According to Stoltenberg, NATO is planning a reset that will change the role of troops in the Eastern European member countries of the alliance and they will become not just a deterrent in the event of a Russian attack, but a full-fledged deterrent. Decisions on this issue are expected at the NATO summit in June, he said. US Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley told a congressional hearing Tuesday that he could consider setting up permanent NATO bases in countries such as Poland, Romania and the Baltic republics to accommodate a rotating troop presence. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said this week that there is no decision yet on a permanent front-line or additional rotating force inside and outside, or a combination of both. Sri Lanka's president declares state of emergency amid mass protests Austria needs several years to give up on Russian gas Biden to sign new arms package for Ukraine worth at least $100 million Armenia's third President Serzh Sargsyan in France Square Resistance Movement to hold rally tomorrow in Vanadzor, women's march to take place in Yerevan 2nd Chamber of Istanbul Regional Court dismisses appeals by lawyers in Hrant Dink case European Parliament: Ankara deliberately 'destroyed' its chances of joining EU NEWS.am digest: Large scale protests continue in Yerevan, people forcibly arrested Scholz to take part in G7 Ukraine discussion with Zelenskyy Germany to supply Ukraine with seven self-propelled howitzers Resistance Movement rallies in France Square Al-Monitor: More niceties, zero progress in third round of Turkey-Armenia peace talks Apple, Google, Microsoft to introduce passwordless authorization before end of 2023 Japan may start letting tourists into country in June Investigative Committee: Criminal case opened into hooliganism committed by marchers in downtown Yerevan Six people injured in building explosion in Madrid Dollar, euro continue rising significantly in Armenia Swiss police seize more than 500kg of cocaine from cargo for Nespresso factory Law enforcement apprehend 59 people during Fridays civil disobedience actions in Yerevan Karabakh official: Azerbaijani truck committed deliberate crime in Artsakh Policeman hits woman during protest action in Yerevan Committee to Protect Journalists: Armenia law enforcement obstruct journalists covering Yerevan protests Armenia ruling force MP calls on police to inspect opposition 'shelters' where drugs may be kept Artsakh Police investigating Armenian car crash caused by Azerbaijani convoy Situation gets tense on Marshal Baghramyan Avenue in Yerevan, ex-president Kocharyans son also there Police apprehend 48 people during civil disobedience actions in Yerevan Police special forces forcibly remove Armenia ex-Police chief from opposition march in Yerevan Situation gets tense during opposition march in Yerevan Ararat Mirzoyan briefs US Senator McConnell on details of Armenia-Turkey normalization process Azerbaijan holding international regatta in occupied Armenian Mataghis town of Karabakh Many members of US Congress give green light for F-16s to Turkey Law amendments propose that Armenia councils of elders members will also be able to be elected community leaders Resistance Movement holding marches in Yerevan in 4 directions Armenia parliament holding special sitting Copper prices falling Armenia FM Mirzoyan, US Senator Menendez stress inadmissibility of provoking tension by Azerbaijan Oil rises in price Bishkek reports that Uzbekistan border guards shoot, kill 3 Kyrgyzstan citizens at border Azerbaijani military convoy throws Armenian taxi into gorge in Artsakh (PHOTOS) Armenia Police: All roads open in Yerevan, provinces Armenia FM in US, meets with International Republican Institute Eurasia regional director US Strategic Command chief warns of deterrence crisis against Russia, China Armenia ex-Prosecutor General, Investigative Committee former chief to remain in custody Newspaper: Armenia President reacts to oppositions struggle Mississippi becomes last US state to recognize Armenian Genocide Resistance Movement rally ends: Citizens remain on France Square Erdogan and Macron discuss Turkey-France relations and Ukraine CNBC: Elon Musk to become interim CEO of Twitter Saghatelyan: Tomorrow from 12:00 we will completely paralyze Yerevan from four directions Finland ready to cut off gas supplies from Russia Resistance Movement marchers return to France Square NEWS.am digest: Large scale protests continue in Yerevan, people forcibly arrested Greece accuses Turkey of stoking tensions in Aegean Sea Resistance Movement rally starts in central Yerevan US Embassy in Havana resumes issuing visas to Cubans Bloomberg: UK and Japan will help Asian countries reduce dependence on Russian oil Dollar, euro gain considerable value in Armenia FLYONE ARMENIA cancels Yerevan flights to, from Lyon, Paris until June 10 Annual inflation in Turkey reaches 69.97% in April Armenia population as of January 1 announced Poland builds 50 kilometers of fence on border with Belarus Azerbaijan promises Europe gas in the hope of loyalty to Baku's crimes Australia allocates $1.4 billion to modernize its Navy Peskov says events unrolling in Armenia are countrys internal affair Grigoryan: Discussions on setting up Armenia-Azerbaijan commission may be completed in near future Red Cross: No Azerbaijani detainees in Armenia Armenia official: Peace agreement with Azerbaijan also means solution to Karabakh issue Armen Grigoryan: There is need to get answers to questions in order to organize Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders meeting Security Council chief: Baku's statements on Armenia territories belonging to Azerbaijan do not contribute to peace Armenia official comments on Azerbaijan president's words about 'Zangezur corridor' Armen Grigoryan: Armenia and Azerbaijan could exchange enclaves FT: Erdogan used mediation between Russia and Ukraine Person dies after being hospitalized from one of tents at France Square in Yerevan Armenia to get 22.6M loan from International Bank for Reconstruction and Development Armenia ruling force MP: Oppositions goal is not saving Karabakh but changing of power President says Artsakh continues to maintain its vision for future, toward independence Oppositions uncrowded marches show lack of public support, says Armenia ruling force lawmaker Trade in Armenia increased by over $1 billion, PM says Scuffle breaks out during civil disobedience march in Yerevan, police attempt to apprehend opposition MP Pashinyan to Bennett: I am hopeful that Armenian-Israeli relations will flourish in near future Armenia ruling power legislator: This opposition has always run away from truth Civil disobedience motorcade being held in Yerevan EU to ban Russians from buying European real estate US defense industry facing problems due to supply of weapons to Ukraine Armenia FM holds discussion at Atlantic Council, speaks about process of normalization of relations with Turkey Newspaper: Armenia opposition MPs to lose their parliamentary mandates? Newspaper: Artsakh President says we would not have had so many casualties if war had started half year later Civil disobedience march kicks off in downtown Yerevan Civil disobedience actions resume in Yerevan Blinken tests positive for Covid Denmark, Finland support European Commission proposal on Russian oil sanctions Bulgaria to seek exemption from EU proposed Russian oil embargo Biden says he is ready for additional sanctions against Russia Switzerland braces for serious power shortage Uruguay freezes ambassador appointment to Ankara after Cavusoglu's gesture Czech Republic to seek exemption from proposed EU embargo on Russian oil imports Charles Michel on the likelihood of Moldova's EU membership Resistance Movement actions to resume tomorrow early morning Elon Musk is invited to UK Parliament for buying Twitter Disobedience march reaches France Square, rally starts Today marks the 30th anniversary of the brutal massacre of the civilian population of Maragha settlement of the Martakert region of Artsakh committed by the Azerbaijani army on April 10, 1992. As a result of the massacre, about 50 people, including 30 women, were tortured and brutally killed, and dozens, mostly women and children, were taken hostage, and the fate of 19 remains unknown to this day. The assault of the armed forces of Azerbaijan on Maragha was not caused by military necessity and was aimed exclusively at seizing the territory and annihilating the people living there. Dozens of Maragha residents were killed for the sole reason that they were Armenians. The massacre in Maragha, planned by the Azerbaijani authorities and conceived by them also as an act of intimidation, demonstrated Baku's genocidal plans towards the entire population of Artsakh. The fact that the commander of the Azerbaijani armed forces units, which committed the war crimes in Maragha, Shahin Tagiyev, was awarded the title of national hero of Azerbaijan, leaves no doubt that the mass killings of civilians was among the main tasks of the Azerbaijani armed forces. With this step, the Azerbaijani authorities confirmed that they bear full responsibility for the internationally wrongful acts committed in Maragha. The massacre of civilians in Maragha is an integral part of the genocidal policy systematically pursued by the Azerbaijani authorities for over 30 years, starting from the brutal pogroms in Sumgait up to the war crimes committed during the 44-day armed aggression in 2020. Only a strong and prosperous Artsakh that develops its statehood, has a status of an international legal subject and unites all Armenians around itself, can become the best guarantee of non-repetition of the tragedy of Maragha. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said that Iran and Russia have agreed that Russia will not interfere if an agreement is reached at the talks in Vienna, Mehr reports. Iran wants the sanctions to be lifted, but with dignity and stability, he said, adding that, however, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has always emphasized in meetings with all members of the cabinet that the focus should not be on Vienna, but that all institutions must act to neutralize the sanctions and promote the sustainable development of the economy and trade in the country. It was necessary to suspend the talks because we came very close to a conclusion with three European countries on technical issues, said the foreign minister, referring to the talks in Vienna. Before going to Moscow, I spoke with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister on the phone, and we conveyed the message of the Ukrainian Foreign Minister to friends in Russia that they want the war to end and negotiations to continue, he said. The West told us that since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the situation is such that even if we reach an agreement (in Vienna), Russia will not agree to this agreement. During the telephone conversation with Mr. Lavrov and during my visit to Moscow, we had very clear and transparent negotiations. Our agreement with the Russian side was that if our red lines are fully observed and at the talks in Vienna we reach an agreement on the lifting of sanctions at any time, Russia will not be an obstacle to reaching an agreement, the Iranian Foreign Minister said. . The American side has made excessive demands in the last two or three weeks. While much of the text has been agreed upon, the US is making proposals that contradict parts of the text. Sometimes they are interested in unilaterally putting forward and imposing new conditions outside the framework of the negotiations that took place in the area of lifting sanctions, he added. Finland and Sweden may soon join NATO. NATO officials told CNN that discussions about Sweden and Finland joining the bloc have become extremely serious since the Ukraine crisis escalated. Senior US State Department officials said the issue was raised at a meeting of NATO foreign ministers this week, which was attended by foreign ministers from Stockholm and Helsinki. The discussions underscore the extent to which the crisis has served to revitalize and unify NATO, officials said. Public opinion in both countries about joining a defensive alliance has changed significantly as the war in Ukraine continues. Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said her country's parliament intends to discuss possible NATO membership in the coming weeks, adding that she hopes these discussions will be completed by mid-summer. Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson did not rule out the possibility of membership in an interview with SVT at the end of March. Sweden is conducting a security policy review due to be completed by the end of May, and the government is expected to announce its position thereafter, a Swedish official told CNN. Sweden may make its position public sooner, depending on when neighboring Finland does. Finnish Ambassador to the US Mikko Hautala told CNN that the two countries are cooperating closely with each other, but each country will make its own independent decision. 30 years ago, on April 10, 1992, the Azerbaijani armed forces carried out an unprecedented massacre of peaceful population in the village of Maragha in the Martakert region of Artsakh, resulting in complete annihilation of the Armenian settlement with a population of about 5,000. The statement comes as follows: The war crimes in Maragha are documented in the reports of international human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, which state that the atrocities committed against Armenians resulted in the brutal murder of at least 50 people, and 30 women, 29 women and 9 children were taken hostage, the fate of 19 of whom is still unknown. The massacre in Maragha, which was the continuation of the pogroms of Armenians in Sumgait, Kirovabad and Baku, was another manifestation of the policy of ethnic cleansing and hatred against Armenians by the Azerbaijani authorities. The impunity of the masterminders and perpetrators of the massacres of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh and in the Armenian-populated cities of Azerbaijan, their glorification, and the anti-Armenian policy pursued for years laid the foundation for committing new massacres. Currently, the consistent targeting of the Armenian peaceful population in Nagorno-Karabakh and creation of humanitarian crisis by the Azerbaijani armed forces, as well as the incursion into the area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping forces since March 24, 2022, resulting in forcible displacement of more than 400 people, demonstrate the real objective of the official Baku - the complete ethnic cleansing of Artsakh. Today we pay tribute to the memory of the victims of the Maragha massacre. The Republic of Armenia reaffirms its commitment to ensure the right of the people of Artsakh to a free, secure, dignified life in their homeland, and emphasizes the urgency of the international community's efforts to prevent threats to existential security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi will visit Algeria as part of a plan to phase out Russian natural gas. Algeria will agree to increase gas exports to Italy by 50% as part of an agreement to be signed during the Prime Minister's visit, Bloomberg reports citing sources. Algeria may increase supplies to Italy by 9-10 billion cubic meters per year by the end of 2022. Italy received about 21 billion cubic meters from Algeria in 2021. This made it the largest source of imports after Russia, which supplied 29 billion cubic meters. An increase in exports is likely to see Algeria replace Russia as Italy's largest gas supplier. However, this may be an ambitious goal. Algeria's energy industry has been hampered in recent years by a lack of investment and political instability. The country is also trying to meet growing domestic demand as the population grows, leaving fewer opportunities for exports. Algeria's state-owned energy company Sonatrach said in early April that it only had "a few extra billion cubic meters" of gas. However, the company said it will step up gas exploration and likely be able to double production capacity in four years. The Former US Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group James Warlick gave an exclusive interview to Armenian News - NEWS.am. He touched upon the possibility of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the activation of mediation efforts by the EU, reffered to when and under what circumstances the issues of Nagorno-Karabakh status and the implementation of the right to self-determination could be on the table again. Ambassador Warlick commented also the announcement of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that the US and France have canceled the Co-Chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk Group. You have left the Minsk group 6 years ago. How much do you think the group has changed since then in terms of its role and productivity. Ever since it was founded the Minsk Group and the Co-Chairs have played an especially important role in bringing the parties together. It was a unique format as well as the part of the OSCE. It did bring together as Co-Chairs France, The United States and Russia, and even as relations between the US and Russia became strained over other issues, Nagorno-Karabakh was one of the issues where we generally saw eye-to-eye and could work together. I had very good cooperative relationship with my Russian counterpart and Im proud to say that we worked very well, collegially and cooperatively together. I hope that will be the case in the future. After the Second Karabakh war Aliyev keeps stating that the Minsk Group has exhausted itself and is no longer needed since the conflict, he says, doesnt exist anymore. Do you think that the Minsk Group mandate is not needed any longer? I think there still is a role for the Minsk Group. If not the Minsk Group and the Co-Chairs, then there needs to be another part of the international community that can take responsibility. I dont think that it should be left solely in the hands of Russia and I do think that the parties involved in the conflict need the kind of support that comes from the international community in working through the issues. I do believe that there is a role now: if you want to create a new kind of vehicle, I perfectly understand that, but that does need to be some sort of vehicle like the Minsk Group. Aliyev also says that the Minsk Group has been of no use over these years to the resolution of the conflict. How important do you think were the efforts of the Minsk Group for the negotiation process? I do think that the Co-Chairs and the Minsk Group managed to keep discussions underway and possibly avoided a serious conflict much earlier. As it turned out, there has been a conflict not surprisingly after these many years, but there continues to be a role for the implementation and decisions that need to be taken following the hostilities. I do believe that the Minsk Group can continue to play a role. The Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders agreed in Brussels to start preparation for peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan. There was no mentioning of the Minsk Group in European Council President Charles Michels final statement following the meeting. Russian Foreign Minister stated that the United States and France have canceled the format of the Co-Chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk Group refusing to communicate in this format with Russia. Does this mean that the Minsk Group is being pushed out of the process altogether? Thats a good question. Given the current tensions between the United States, France and Russia its not surprising that the Minsk Group cant operate now in a collegial and co-cooperative way. That doesnt mean it cant play a role in the future, I do believe that it could play a role. Now its the Council of Europe or another body wants to step in its place and I certainly welcome seeing the European Council Presidents step in such a way. That can work equally well, but as I said, its important that there be international community mediation in some way. There is a tension in Nagorno-Karabakh for almost a month, but the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group have made no one announcement about it up to now. In general, the Minsk Group has acted very passively after the Second Karabakh war. Dont you think that the Minsk Group itself didnt function at its full capacity during the past one and a half year? Its essentially comes back to the parties involved. If the parties dont want to have the Minsk Group, the Minsk Group cant be effective. The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan need to decide whether the Minsk Group can still play a role, and if so, what role that would be. I believe that the United States with France and Russia could play that role. What we dont want to see happen is that the conflict be lost among many other issues and the international community does no longer pay attention to what is happening in Nagorno-Karabakh or that Russia becomes the sole arbiter and mediator in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, that too will be unfortunate. I do believe there continues to be a role for the Minsk Group, and I believe that is an issue that needs to be further talked about in the OSCE and with the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan wants the peace talks with Armenia to be held on the basis of the 5 points that proposed earlier to Armenia. These points are mostly about recognizing of each others sovereignty and territorial integrity: no word about the rights of Karabakh people. How does this scenario comply with the vision of the settlement that Minsk Group Co-Chairs have always aspired to? I think, you come back to the basic principles that have been around for some time. They still form the basis for a lasting peace. Territorial integrity is an important part, and I understand that the Foreign Ministers have been tasked with just such a discussion on where borders are. But those arent the only issues that need to be addressed: there continues to be the issue of status that needs to be a part of the discussions. Im actually encouraged to see that the parties are engaging with each other, that the Prime Minister and the President met with each other, that the Foreign Ministers have established a group to begin these discussions. There will be a lot more issues: its not just about territorial integrity, its about resource share, communications. For the Armenians, of course, its about the status. Azerbaijan insists that Armenia should withdraw all territorial demands to Azerbaijan thus enforcing the territorial context to the conflict, while the Armenian side says its not about territory; its about the right to self-determination of the Armenian people on their historic land. During the years you were in office. What was your impression of the essence of the conflict? Its always going to be very difficult conflict to resolve because there is a natural tension between the issues of territorial integrity and status, and that same tension continues to be. But if its going to be a lasting peace, everyone knows that all of the issues need to be on the table for discussion and not simple the territorial integrity. I believe that Azerbaijanis have always understood that, that there are a lot of issues that need to be resolved. What we dont want to see is that they are resolved in the battlefield; this has to be done in negotiations. These negotiations will not be easy; they are going to take time, there are a lot of issues to work out, but it needs to be done for a lasting peace for both parties. All Co-Chair countries have announced that the status of Nagorno-Karabakh is unresolved. There is often an impression in Armenia that these statements conclude a status out of Azerbaijans control. Whats your impression - what status exactly do Co-Chair mean when speaking about the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh? Its an issue that the people of Nagorno-Karabakh need to be involved in. It has always been the case that the issue of territorial integrity needs to be resolved, but there will also need to be consultations and some form of referendum at the correct time by the people of Karabakh. I think thats still on the table and that can form the basis of status. I believe thats still a case and I believe that would be a part of discussions as the parties move forward. In one of your recent interview you said there will be no lasting settlement in Nagorno-Karabakh without the issue of status being addressed. When and under what circumstances can the issues of the Nagorno-Karabakh status and the implementation of the right to self-determination of the people of Karabakh be back on the agenda again? That needs to be on the agenda. I hope the Foreign Ministers are talking about it, because there cant be just the issues of establishing borders and redrawing map: there needs to be some discussion on the issue of status. I believe that Armenians are insisting on that and I believe that Azerbaijanis understand that this needs to be a part of discussions. If you want to start with delineation of borders particularly in light of the presence of Russian forces there and all of the changes that come in the wake of the conflict, thats understandable too. But it cant be done if you want a lasting peace to simply set aside simply set the issue of status. It does need to be one that is addressed by the parties. I think it will be in the course of the discussions. Whats the role of Turkey in the current phase of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, does Ankara seriously influence on this? Turkey has a very big influence on the conflict and we saw that in the Second war were Turkey did provide military assistance to Azerbaijanis that proves to be very effective against the Armenian forces. I do believe that there is a room for discussion between Turkey and Armenia: not about Nagorno-Karabakh in particular, but even with all the difficulties inherent in the Turkish-Armenian relationship I do believe that it would be important to have some confidence-building measures, small steps taken between Turkey and Armenia. That could eventually lead to better relationships; Im not talking about restoring diplomatic relations tomorrow, Im talking about the steps that can be taken. As these steps are taken, I do believe it does have impact on whats going on in Nagorno-Karabakh. How do you see the future of Nagorno-Karabakh and the final resolution of the conflict taking into account the current geopolitical realities? Ultimately, its going to need to be resolved between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan. They met several times in the last months; they should continue to have serious discussions between themselves on the way forward. I think they are doing the right thing to establish working groups to seek a resolution to many details that need to be resolved. I believe that there is still a role for international mediation helping the leaders to come together and to address the key issues that can lead to a lasting peace. What we dont want to see is the further conflict on the battlefield. The things that we have recently seen in Nagorno-Karabakh with the electricity and gas supplies turned off in winter; we dont want to see a humanitarian disaster there. My call is for the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to redouble their efforts at finding a lasting solution that can bring peace and security. Id like to see a day when the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan restored again and Armenians and Azerbaijan can live side by side in security. Can the final resolution of the conflict be reached without the operation of the OSCE Minsk Group Cu-Chairmanship? Sure it can. If the European Council wants to play a role, and the parties accept that, great. There could be others who can come in and mediate and others have tried in the past. There is no magic to the Minsk Group or to the OSCE, but I do believe there needs to be some kind of international mediation done. I think Armenia and Azerbaijan at the end of the day want also the blessings of the international community on whatever agreements can be reached between the sides. The University of Miamis Climate Resilience Academy, which will officially launch on Earth Day, April 22, constructs a novel functional academic framework that is collaborative at its core and highlights the University as a loadstar for leading positive hemispheric and global change to address issues of the climate crisis, sustainability, and resilience. As one of the nations top research institutions located in a community considered ground zero for experiencing serious impacts from climate change, especially in the area of sea level rise, the University of Miami is uniquely positioned to be a driver for solutions that will benefit society. Our Climate Resilience Academy will educate the next generation of scientists and advocates as we help deliver solutions to climate change, its impacts, and related stressors in partnership with industry, government, universities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders, said President Julio Frenk. The concept of resilience is foundational to the history and mission of the University, Frenk added. Far from just a byword, resilience is first and foremost how our people face the inevitable element of change. The formation of the new academy was propelled to fruition through a $5 million commitment from Eric T. Levin, a former University trustee and the former president of the Universitys Citizens Board, which represents business leaders throughout South Florida. The gift is part of the Universitys fundraising campaign, Ever Brighter: The Campaign for Our Next Century. The most ambitious in the Us history, the campaign is set to conclude in 2025 when the University celebrates its centennial. Quickly following the April 22 Earth Day launch, the University will host a symposium on April 25 to showcase ongoing climate resilience research, begin its search for a founding executive director to oversee the academy, and fine-tune plans for a new academic resilience course to be featured in the fall semester. Jeffrey Duerk, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, highlighted the academys unique design and its timeliness and value for the University and the South Florida community. The academyour first at the Universityis best described as an interdisciplinary functional structure that will bring together experts both from within the University and others through partnerships and relationships to ensure the necessary expertise to solve challenges that are by their very nature interdisciplinary. Modeled after the National Academy of Medicine and National Academy of Engineering, the Climate Resilience Academy brings together our best and brightest from across the University to not just pursue research but to gather and deploy their collective knowledge, Duerk said. Climate and climate resilience is certainly an immediate interdisciplinary challenge, he added, suggesting that the University is ideally suited to lead the effort to address it. If you look across our units, schools, colleges, and programs, there is a consistent theme of being at ground zero for climate change and the impacts of thatfrom the Rosenstiel Schools incredible expertise in terms of climate change, weather, and hurricanes to the College of Engineerings expertise in civil engineering and new technologies to the School of Architectures knowledge of building environments, Duerk pointed out, emphasizing that the expertise and interest crisscross the University like a thread. He noted in particular that University interest in migration as a global issueand Miamis own history as a magnet for so many immigrant groupsmay prove invaluable as the next migration crisis may well be propelled by climate change, both from continent to continent but also within more focused geographic regions where the Universitys departments of sociology, anthropology, history, and political science have deep expertise. Whats unique is when you stand high enough and look down on the University, this thread is fairly easy to trace throughout in terms of our understanding, appreciation, research, and scholarship on topics related to climate and climate resilience, Duerk said. The provost said the new academy aligns seamlessly with the Universitys aspirations to be hemispheric, excellent, relevant, and exemplary, and will deepen its dedication to support the local community. This new academy will make our expertise more overt and accessible and, most importantly, increase the awareness that the University not only harbors extensive expertise but also the profound desire to assist South Florida in finding solutions to pressing problems, Duerk emphasized. The provost pointed out that the academy will focus on three intersecting thematic platforms of researchinfrastructure and environment; human and societal health; and economic development. Levin has leveraged his experience as a financial strategist, investor, and consultant to offer his thoughts on establishing the academy and sharing information on what areas of focus and expertise potential partners in the private sector are hoping the University can address. Climate change is a big problemthe challenge of our lifetimeand its imperative to get others involved and be collaborative to tackle these big problems, Levin said. According to Levin, the University wanted to put its stake in the ground in terms of being a leader in this area, and the academy will not only focus the Universitys efforts in this area, but get business, government, nonprofits, and other universities involved in this endeavor. Rodolphe el-Khoury Rodolphe el-Khoury, dean of the School of Architecture, and Sharan Majumdar, professor in the Rosenstiel Schools Department of Atmospheric Sciences, led the planning process that established the foundations of the academy and defined its mission while building a team of collaborators within and beyond the University. "South Florida is particularly stressed by climate change, and we are a living lab even if we dont want to be, Majumdar noted. Rising sea levels, changes in weather patterns, and extreme heat, are affecting the health of humans and society, our living environment, and the economy. Building resilience to tackle these large and difficult problems needs experts across many disciplines to develop a unified, collaborative approach, and the Climate Resilience Academy will do this by bringing together the diverse talents of our students, researchers, and faculty across our schools and colleges, he added. The academy also serves to bring new talent to the University. It is meant to identify areas of potential growth and support academic units in mounting searches for joint faculty appointments that defy conventional disciplinary and departmental boundaries. Figuratively speaking, it is a United Nations for interdisciplinary and interinstitutional efforts, facilitating appointments, brokering deals, mounting big proposals, and shepherding complex projects that break the silos, remarked el-Khoury. Sharan Majumdar Majumdar and el-Khoury recognized Levins generous gift and University leadership for the vision to develop the initiativeespecially during the turbulent pandemic period. It has been an incredibly fulfilling experience to co-lead this stage of the academy's development together with Dean el-Khoury and inspiring to hear everyones keen ideas and interests in resilience, and their eagerness to train future generations of students and build partnerships to address these important local and global issues," Majumdar said. David Kelly, academic director of the sustainable business masters degree program and co-chair of the Sustainable Business Research Cluster, noted the economic benefits the academys efforts will yield. Companies are increasingly focused on adaptation and resilience to climate change, and the academy will work together with companies and municipalities to ensure that the most evidenced-based adaptation and resilience strategies are implemented, said Kelly. His own research has documented the substantial returns from resilience infrastructure investmentsa business development that will benefit the local economy and potentially the University through its many resilience-related projects already underway. Our research at the Climate Resilience Academy will use big data, causal inference, and other advanced statistical techniques to measure the economic impact of resilience investments, which will help direct limited resilience dollars to the most productive uses, said Kelly, also one of the principal instructors for the resilience course to be offered in the fall. Amy Clement, a professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the Rosenstiel School, serves on the advisory board for the academy and is one of a large cohort of faculty members who will collaborate to teach the fall class. The academy is part of a national trend where universities are recognizing that there are problems that are immediate and cant be solved by looking through the lens of any one discipline, Clement said. Climate is one of those, and Miami is one of those cities where theres no more delaying with the impacts of climate that are already here. Through her research, Clement has had extensive interaction with the public sector, nonprofits, and governments. Governments, in particular, have been very engaged because theyre the ones being tasked to do something about sea level rise, monitor and understand these trends and technologies better, and generate new designs for infrastructure, among other areas, she said. Those are all things that we could be responsive to at the University if we have the right frameworkand thats where the Climate Resilience Academy comes in, Clement pointed out. The University has an important role in figuring this out because theres no playbook for itthis is an unprecedented change that were experiencing in an unprecedented time. Clement highlighted that students will benefit from the internship opportunities offered through the academy partnerships. These partnerships will deliver very tangible internship opportunities, she said. Students are being nurtured for internships in a private and public sector that is waiting for them at the end of this academic chain. Ali Habashi, assistant professor of professional practice in the School of Communication; Derin Ural, associate dean of college affairs in the College of Engineering; and Sonia Chao, associate dean of research and co-director of the master of professional science in urban sustainability and resilience in the School of Architecture serve as the co-chairs of the education committee tasked with developing the innovative, problem-based, multidisciplinary first-year course to be offered in the fall that will empower students to become resilient themselves and enable them to spark change in society. The class will include an hour per week of asynchronous, pre-recorded lectures and approximately 2.5 hours of synchronous, problem-driven and discussion-based classes. It also will provide a multifaceted approach to building resilience that will include flipped learning. Whereas we already had a great awareness of resilience due to the multiple achievements in many of our schools and colleges, what this course does so handsomely is to help students understand that resilience is actually dependent on multiple factors that have to be layered onto each other in order to effectively consider how to drive positive change, explained Chao. Ural noted that course development was informed by a range of existing classes, such as Chaos introductory course for the urban sustainability and resilience masters degree program, as well as other innovative academic modalities offered at the University. The resilience class will become part of the Universitys PETAL initiative, or platform for excellence in teaching and learning. The pandemic has presented the growing need to be resilient, as individuals, as families, as communities, and especially as a University, Ural said. This class is designed so that students will be ready for these challengesthey will be resilient as human beings and resilient in their communities. Self-tests 'effective' as infections drop further Self-tests 'effective' as infections drop further Health officials on Sunday said the three-day voluntary self-testing exercise has been effective in detecting asymptomatic Covid patients in the community. The local Omicron outbreak, meanwhile, continued to ease, with the daily caseload dropping below 2,000. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reported 1,921 Covid infections in the past day, about 600 fewer than the day before. Of the latest infections, 1,033 were reported by people who took rapid antigen tests after officials asked all Hong Kong residents to self-test for three days in a row from Friday. The CHP's Albert Au said health authorities have received 2,202 reports from people whose rapid tests came back positive on Friday and Saturday, and the figure may further increase. "We'll need to see how many cases were found after the three-day programme ends. Preliminary speaking, it's effective as we have at least found some 2,000 cases," he said. "Nearly 70 percent of the 2,000 cases were asymptomatic. If they had not done the test, they would have continued to go out and had contact with other people without knowing they're infected. The transmission chain would have continued." He said there is an increase in the proportion of Covid cases confirmed through rapid tests compared with PCR tests, and that people have heeded the authorities' appeal to test themselves. Another 65 patients infected with Covid have died, including 53 on Saturday. One of the previously-unreported deaths was a man, 31, who had fainted at home last month. Meanwhile, Japan Airlines and Turkish Airlines have been banned from flying in from Tokyo and Istanbul for seven days after their flights each carried three or more Covid patients. Polls open in French presidential election Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte vote in the election. Photo: AP French President Emmanuel Macron faced a tough test on Sunday seeking re-election in a vote projected to produce a tight run-off with far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Polls opened in mainland France at 0600 GMT after an unusual campaign overshadowed by the war in Ukraine that analysts warned could lead to unpredictable outcomes, with turnout a major factor. French overseas territories already voted on Saturday to take account of the time difference, starting with the tiny island of Saint Pierre and Miquelon off the coast of Canada, and then territories in the Caribbean followed by French Pacific islands. "It's important to vote, that's when you choose between the good and the bad. After all, the president will run your life," said Annette Tehariki, a 57-year-old voting in French Polynesia. Polls predict that Macron will lead Le Pen by a handful of percentage points in round one, with the top two going through to a second-round vote on April 24. Far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon is snapping at their heels in third place and still fancies his chances of reaching the second round at the expense of Le Pen or even in what would be an extraordinary upset President Macron himself. Although her opponents accuse her of being an extremist bent on dividing society, Le Pen has with some success during the campaign sought to show a more moderate image and concern with voters' daily worries such as rising prices. Macron by contrast has campaigned relatively little, by his own admission entering the election campaign later than he would have wished due to the war in Ukraine. French television channels will broadcast projections of the final results, which are generally highly accurate, as soon as polls close at 1800 GMT on Sunday. If Macron and Le Pen as forecast reach the second round, analysts predict that their clash will be far tighter than in 2017 when the current president thrashed his rival with 66 percent of the vote. "There is uncertainty," said French political scientist Pascal Perrineau, pointing to unprecedentedly high numbers of voters who were still undecided or who changed their minds during the campaign as well as absentee voters. Analysts fear that the 2002 record of the number of French voters boycotting a first round of 28.4 percent risks being beaten. Early voting patterns seemed to confirm such forecasts, with voter turnout by midday at 25.48 percent, three points below the level recorded at the same time in the 2017 election, the interior ministry said. "It's a duty and a right to vote, we decide who gets elected," said Mohammed Idriss, a 68-year-old retired soldier voting at the French consulate in Pondicherry, India. "If you don't vote you're not a good citizen." But in the Paris suburb of Pantin, Blandine Lehout, a 32-year-old actress, said none of the candidates deserved her vote. "For the first time in my life I'm not going to vote," she said. "I'll vote in the (June) parliamentary election, but in this election, I hate them all. We're at a stage where they frighten me." Some 48.7 million voters are registered across France to vote in this election. The stakes are high for Macron, who came to power aged 39 as France's youngest president with a pledge to shake up the country. He would be the first French president since Jacques Chirac in 2002 to win a second term. If he does, he would have a five-year mandate to impose his vision of reform which would include a crack at raising the pension age in defiance of union anger. He would also seek to consolidate his number-one position among European leaders after the departure of German chancellor Angela Merkel. A Le Pen victory would be seen as a triumph for right-wing populism, adding to election victories last weekend by Hungarian premier Viktor Orban and Serbian leader Aleksandar Vucic, who both have cordial ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. (AFP) The intricate politics in Afghanistan often has several imponderables and surprises which tend to change the political course unannounced. The growing differences within the Taliban and also between the Pushtuns and the non- Pushtuns has been a cause of serious concern, especially following reports of Uzbek and Tajik leaders of the Taliban being harassed by their Pushtun colleagues. There have also been instances of detention of non-Pushtun Taliban cadres by the Pushtun cadres on some pretext or the other. Infighting between these cadres has been a regular phenomenon leading to speculation about the level and degree of bitter feelings among them. Against the backdrop of these developments, the Russian daily "Nezavisimaya Gazeta" recently mentioned of likely plans by the Taliban to attempt an assassination on the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (FNSA) leader Ahmad Massoud. The paper claims that this was reported to them by a source in the FNSA from among former officers of the Afghan special forces, who have joined the Front to counter the Taliban. According to the Russian daily, the source indicated that the threat to Ahmad Massoud was of serious nature and that it was necessary to seek help from the Russian special services to ensure the safety of Ahmad Massoud. "Nezavisimaya Gazeta" goes on to mention in the article, quoting few FNSA sources, that for several months now, Taliban intelligence has been trying to infiltrate their agents-saboteurs into Ahmad Massoud's inner circle. Once again, quoting the Afghan special forces source, "Nezavisimaya Gazeta" mentions that the Taliban's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), with the participation of Pakistani special services, is infiltrating its own agents into the ranks of the anti-Taliban resistance forces, tasked with the physical destruction of the FNSA leadership. The "Nezavisimaya Gazeta" source, while expressing pessimism about the Taliban's capability to undertake such penetrative operations, mentions that the support that the Taliban receives from the Pakistani counterparts, would certainly enable them to be more effective. The paper further mentions, referring to the source, that a combined effort by the Taliban's intelligence and sabotage unit alongwith their Pakistani counterparts could achieve success in their objectives. The source referred to the manner in which the Lion of Panjshir and father of Ahmad Massoud, the famous Ahmad Shah Massoud was killed on September 9, 2001 by the Al Qaeda. The Taliban had then announced in a message to the Northern Front that - "your leader is dead", as if to declare their success. Ahmad Shah Massoud had fought the Taliban and the Al Qaeda valiantly just as his son has been doing now. Since the end of March this year, the forces of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan have noticeably intensified military operations against the Taliban. By early April, the FNSA and its allies from other anti-Taliban groups (Afghan Freedom Front, National Liberation Front, National Resistance Council, etc.) carried out numerous attacks on Taliban militants in more than 10 provinces of the country. Although every anti-Taliban faction has its leaders, Ahmad Massoud remains today the main symbol of resistance to what the National Resistance refers to as "violent mullahs" and themost popular leader of the armed opposition in Afghanistan. Therefore, the FNSA fears that the Taliban would undoubtedly try to neutralise Ahmad Massoud in order to make a dent in the anti-Taliban resistance force. --IANS scr/ ( 561 Words) 2022-04-10-20:56:02 (IANS) Actor Amber Heard announced that she will be taking a break from social media for several weeks ahead of her April 11 defamation case trial with ex-husband Johnny Depp. The 'Aquaman' actor took to her Instagram handle on Saturday night and posted a long note for her fans announcing that she is taking a social media break. "I'm going to go offline for the next several weeks. As you may know, I'll be in Virginia where I face my ex-husband Johnny Depp in court," Heard noted. "Johnny is suing me for an op-ed I wrote in the Washington Post, in which I recounted my experience of violence and domestic abuse. I never named him, rather I wrote about the price women pay for speaking out against men in power," her statement further reads. The actress continued the statement, writing that she has "always maintained a love for Johnny" and that living out the details of their former life together in the public eye "brings me great pain." Heard, 35, continued the statement, writing that she has "always maintained a love for Johnny" and that living out the details of their former life together in the public eye "brings me great pain." "At this time, I recognize the ongoing support I've been fortunate to receive throughout these years, and in these coming weeks I will be leaning on it more than ever," she concluded the statement. The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star and 'Aquaman' actor were married in February 2015 and confirmed their split in May 2016. After filing for divorce later that month, Heard filed a domestic violence restraining order against Depp and brought photographic evidence of the alleged abuse she suffered, as per US magazine. According to The Hollywood Reporter, in 2018, Heard wrote an op-ed for Washington Post titled, "I spoke up against sexual violence -- and faced our culture's wrath. That has to change." Apart from describing a history of abuse from a young age, Heard mentioned experiencing domestic abuse, without mentioning Depp's name in the article. Three years later, Depp denied being violent with his ex-wife in court documents. He subsequently accused her of domestic violence as well. In March 2019, Depp filed a USD 50 million defamation suit against Heard over the article, with the complaint stating that despite Depp not being explicitly named, it would be clear Heard was referencing him in the piece, as per The Hollywood Reporter. He also claimed that Heard's article took a stake in his film career and reputation as a public figure, and caused him to lose out on roles too. In response to his libel lawsuit, Heard counter-sued Depp for USD 100 million, in August 2020. Heard argued that "her ex-husband retaliated, deploying social media bots against her and directing an effort to tarnish her career -- interfering with endorsements and acting gigs -- because of the statement she made in the op-ed," as per The Hollywood Reporter. Following a public statement from Depp's attorney Adam Waldman, which called Heard's statement "fake" and a "sexual violence hoax," Heard added defamation counterclaims. Reportedly, the case was set to take place ahead of Depp's UK libel trial against British tabloid The Sun for their description of the actor as a "wife-beater," but has seen numerous delays. The Sun libel case concluded in a November 2020 ruling that Heard's claims of being assaulted were "substantially true," before Depp appealed in December 2020. The Hollywood Reporter informed that in March 2021, two judges in Britain's Court of Appeal said the actor couldn't challenge the High Court's rejection of his libel lawsuit against the publication. Following the November ruling, Warner Bros. broke the ties with Depp. In August 2021, Depp said he was being boycotted by Hollywood and later that cancel culture had gotten "so far out of hand now that I can promise you that no one is safe" while appearing at the San Sebastian Film Festival. Heard requested Depp's US defamation suit against her be dismissed following the UK judgment, but a Virginia court ruled that the two cases and statements were "inherently different." As per The Hollywood Reporter, "Depp also attempted to have immunity over statements made about Heard, but a judge ruled he'd still have to face counterclaims." Heard and Depp tied the knot in 2015. The 'Aquaman' actor filed for divorce in May 2016, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in 2017. (ANI) Queen Elizabeth marked the first anniversary of her husband Prince Philip's death with an overwhelming tribute. According to the People magazine, The Queen, on Saturday, took to her official Twitter account to share a moving poem written by the UK's Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, alongside a video montage featuring special moments of Philip's life and their life together, including their royal wedding day and the arrival of their four children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alongside the poem, the Queen shared a heartfelt message to the post saying "Remembering His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh on the first anniversary of his death." The poem, entitled 'The Patriarchs - An Elegy,' begins, "The weather in the window this morning is snow, unseasonal singular flakes, a slow winter's final shiver. On such an occasion to presume to eulogise one man is to pipe up for a whole generation - that crew whose survival was always the stuff of minor miracle, who came ashore in orange-crate coracles, fought ingenious wars, finagled triumphs at sea with flaming decoy boats, and side-stepped torpedoes." "Husbands to duty, they unrolled their plans across billiard tables and vehicle bonnets, regrouped at breakfast. What their secrets were was everyone's guess and nobody's business. Great-grandfathers from birth, in time they became both inner core and outer case in a family heirloom of nesting dolls. Like evidence of early man their boot-prints stand in the hardened earth of rose-beds and borders. They were sons of a zodiac out of sync with the solar year, but turned their minds to the day's big science and heavy questions," read the poem. "To study their hands at rest was to picture maps showing hachured valleys and indigo streams, schemes of old campaigns and reconnaissance missions. Last of the great avuncular magicians they kept their best tricks for the grand finale: Disproving Immortality and Disappearing Entirely. The major oaks in the wood start tuning up and skies to come will deliver their tributes. But for now, a cold April's closing moments parachute slowly home, so by mid-afternoon snow is recast as seed heads and thistledown," Armitage concluded in his poem. April 9 marked one year since the 'Duke of Edinburgh' Prince Philip passed away at the age of 99, after being married to the Queen for 73 years. Meanwhile, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle were absent from the memorial service, owing to an ongoing legal fight with the Home Office over protection for himself and his family in the UK. (ANI) According to Deadline Hwang and actor Park Hae-soo were present together to discuss what fans might expect from the upcoming sophomore season of the show. "Gi-hun for sure. He will be back and I believe the Front Man will back too," Hwang said. Although the return of these characters was expected, this is Hwang's first public acknowledgement of their return. Gi-hun, played by the now-SAG Award-winning actor Lee Jung-jae, is the Squid Game protagonist that survives the gauntlet of deadly children's games whose return is teased at the very end of the first season. Meanwhile, Front Man is the brooding villain and boss of the deadly games that pit 456 cash-strapped players against each other for a humungous cash prize. Several weeks earlier, the Squid Game creator also teased Deadline about the possible return of HoYeon Jung, who plays the North Korean refugee contestant on the series, as her own evil twin sister. (ANI) American comedian Chris Rock, during his recent stand-up show in California mocked politicians and lambasted celebrities, only subtly referencing the controversial moment at the 2022 Oscars when Will Smith slapped him. According to Fox News, between the several digs he took at the royal family and even Hillary Clinton, the comedian said to the crowd that his hearing has returned however, he wouldn't further comment on the slap until he was properly paid. "I'm OK, I have a whole show and I'm not talking about that until I get paid. Life is good. I got my hearing back," Rock said, as reported by a local news outlet. At the conclusion of Friday's show, the comedian even received a standing ovation from the crowd. Earlier that same day, the Academy's Board of Governors announced they were banning Smith from all events and awards appearances under the Oscars title for 10 years. Responding to the band, in a statement, the actor said, "I accept and respect the academy's decision." The Academy failed to properly address Smith and the slap, which undoubtedly met the definition of assault, the board of governors said in a statement. Prior to that, Smith had announced his resignation from the Academy and has since publicly apologized to Rock. For the unversed, while presenting the best documentary feature award at the 2022 Oscars, Rock made a joke about Smith's wife Pinkett Smith's shaved head. Rock said he couldn't wait to see Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia areata, star in 'G.I. Jane 2' which led Smith to go up on stage and slap Rock. Smith returned to his seat and shouted, "Keep my wife's name out of your fu**ing mouth!" (ANI) "14 years ago today u left me. I feel it till today... miss u," she wrote. Alongside the note, Kajol dropped a picture with her father. In the image, the father-daughter duo can be seen sharing smiles. Kajol's sister Tanishaa, too, shared an emotional post on social media. Taking to Instagram Story, she posted a black and white picture of her late father and captioned it, "Miss you dad! 14 years seem like yesterday." Shomu Mukherjee was known for directing films such as Pathar Ke Insan, Sangdil Sanam, Lover Boy and Nanha Shikari. He died at the age of 64 in 2008. (ANI) The clash between Bihar's ruling allies, the JD-U and the BJP, is intensifying with leaders of both parties taking potshots at each other over various issues. On Saturday, JD-U Parliamentary Board President Upendra Kushwaha, and party's national President Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh slammed the BJP during an event to celebrate the birth anniversary of Emperor Ashoka. Kushwaha said: "Nitish Kumar is our leader. Without him, we will not take part in any alliance in Bihar." He also hinted at "a big conspiracy going on in the country to finish reservation". "The silence of the BJP on caste based census is extremely dangerous. When I was the Union Minister, a big leader of the BJP agreed on conducting a caste based census in the country. Now, they have stepoed back from this issue. If a caste-based census would not happen in the country, the reservation will be finished. There is a big conspiracy going on the take away reservation in the country," he alleged. Kushwaha said that the birth anniversaries of great leaders should be celebrated here. "There is an ill practice going on to defame the image of great people of the country. They often give statements on it. They are trying to start a new tradition in the country which is absolutely wrong. "A litterateur of the country had compared Samrat Ashok with Aurangzeb and the BJP government rewarded him with a prestigious award. We objected it on that occasion and demanded from the government to withdraw the award. Interestingly, they have not taken back the award," Kushwaha said. Kushwaha further said that BJP is taking credit for demanding a national holiday on the birth anniversary of the legendary Emperor. "I want to tell BJP and Sushil Modi that we were demanded for the first time to declare a public holiday and it was implemented during the government of Mahagathbandhan (JD-U, RJD and Congress) in Bihar," he said. Lalan Singh said: "Nitish Kumar became the Chief Minister of state due to the support of people of Bihar and not due to the obligation of anyone. "He has been working for every section of Bihar in the last 17 years. He has given reservation to women and most backward class people in the state." --IANS ajk/vd ( 391 Words) 2022-04-09-21:36:03 (IANS) Sudin Dhavalikar, a newly inducted minister and the first non-BJP MLA to be a part of the state cabinet headed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, on Saturday said he wants to be part of the BJP-led coalition government's vision for rebuilding temples destroyed during the Portuguese colonial era. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, when the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party leader was administered the oath to office, the former deputy Chief Minister also angled for the Archives and Archaeology ministry, which has been allocated Rs 20 crore specifically for the rebuilding of temples destroyed during the colonial era. "I had made a statement that three temples broken by the Portuguese have been rebuilt by the devotees and trustees. Wherever there is an empty place where these temples once were, that process should begin," Dhavalikar told reporters. "Some temples have been relocated. But the places in which the temples have been broken, if there are efforts to rebuild them then it is our duty to help such efforts. This is where there are no other structures at the site. It is our duty to upkeep what has been left by our ancestors," he further said. "The CM has made a provision of Rs 20 crore in his budget speech. As a Minister I would like to work on this," he also said. Sawant holds the Archives and Archaeology portfolio, but the chief minister is expected to allocate ministries to the three new ministers, including Dhavalikar, over the next few days. In his budget speech last month, the Chief Minister had said that restoration of such temples would help the state to bolster its tourism potential. "Our places of worship are symbols of our rich cultural heritage. At many places in Goa, we find several temples in dilapidated and neglected conditions. During the Portuguese regime, there was a systematic effort to destroy these cultural centres. Considering tourism development, we have made a provision of Rs 20 crore for reconstruction and restoration of these temples and sites," the Chief Minister had said in his budget speech. Several temples were destroyed in Goa by the Portuguese, who ruled Goa for a period of 451 years, until the region which was a part of the Portuguese Estado da India, was liberated by the Indian armed forces in 1961. Several Hindu deities were also secretly smuggled out of Goa by its followers to the neighbouring regions now in present day Karnataka and Maharashtra to escape religious persecution. --IANS maya/pgh ( 424 Words) 2022-04-09-21:44:02 (IANS) Delhi BJP spokesperson Naveen Kumar Jindal on Saturday claimed that Punjab Police personnel conducted a raid at his residence in the national capital in a bid to arrest him in a case that has been registered against him for allegedly tweeting an "edited video"of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. "Kejriwal has sent a private car bearing registration number PB 02 DQ 1204 to Punjab Police to arrest me. But I want to tell @ArvindKejriwal again today, that I'm not afraid of him. I will keep telling the truth to the public," Jindal wrote on Twitter. On April 6 at 9.43 p.m., the BJP spokesperson tweeted a video captioning it -- Eventually their truth came out. In the video, Kejriwal was allegedly heard saying: "Earlier, the money used to reach the Chief Minister... the whole system was made to facilitate the lower level people to take money.... The money collected from officers of all departments, police and revenue departments used to be sent to the top. Now, our Bhagwant maan takes money, I take money, Ministers take money and our MLAs also take money. There was a meeting of Tehsildars in Punjab, who have said that take money at the lower level and also send it to higher levels." Subsequently, an FIR was registered against Jindal on April 7 under sections 465 (Punishment for forgery), 469 (Forgery for purpose of harming reputation), 471 (Using as genuine a forged document or electronic record), 500 (Punishment for defamation), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 505(1)(b) (Statements conducing to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code and section 66 of the IT act at the SAS Nagar police station in Punjab. Jindal, while speaking to IANS, confirmed that he was not present in the house when four police personnel of Punjab Police landed at his residence here in the city. Meanwhile, Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta came into defence of his partyman and accused Kejriwal of misusing Punjab Police by sending it to the houses of those people who expose him and speak against him. He said Punjab Police is after BJP workers because they exposed the corruption of Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi, exposed the construction of Haj House in Dwarka, negligence during Corona pandemic, and exposed Rs 20 crore swimming pool being built at Kejriwal's house. --IANS uj/pgh ( 402 Words) 2022-04-09-22:10:05 (IANS) Several students and social activists were on Saturday detained while staging a protest outside the Uttar Pradesh Bhawan in the national capital demanding arrest of a Hindu seer, Bajrang Muni. The protest was called by All India Students Association (AISA), Campus Front of India, and Fraternity Movement, after which students in large numbers along with activists assembled outside the Uttar Pradesh Bhawan at Sardar Patel Marg in Chanakyapuri. The protesters raised slogans demanding arrest of Bajrang Muni, for allegedly making some objectionable remarks. "As the students continued to raise slogans outside the Uttar Pradesh Bhawan, they were stopped by the Delhi Police and later detained," AISA general secretary Prasenjit Kumar told IANS. The protesters were then taken to Mandir Marg Police station around 3.30 p.m. and later released at 7.15 p.m. in the evening, Kumar said. On April 2, an alleged hate speech by Bajrang Muni outside a mosque in Uttar Pradesh's Sitapur district went viral on social media, and later sparked an outrage. Six days later -- on April 8, the Sitapur police in Uttar Pradesh, in a statement on Twitter, said that a case under relevant sections has been registered and further steps are being taken on the basis of witnesses' statements. The 2-minute video containing the hate speech is said to have been recorded on April 2 when Bajrang Muni, who is the mahant of Maharshi Shri Lakshman Das Udasin Ashram in Khairabad town, was taking out a procession on the occasion of Navratri and Hindu New Year. Muni can be allegedly heard saying in the video that if any Hindu girl is teased by a man belonging to a particular community, he would himself rape a woman of that community. He also allegedly made some more objectionable remarks. Sitapur district Additional Superintendent of Police, North, Rajiv Dikshit, had said that legal action will be taken as per rules on the basis of the facts and evidence that surface during the probe. --IANS uj/pgh ( 338 Words) 2022-04-09-22:24:14 (IANS) The court has also sent the other 109 accused to 14-day judicial custody linked to the case that took place on Friday. The attack on Sharad Pawar's residence took place on April 8, when a group of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) workers tried to enter his residence and held a protest by hurling stones and slippers at his place. Mumbai Police have arrested 105 people and registered cases against them under different sections of IPC in connection with the protest. The incident was condemned by the Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray who directed the administration to take stern actions against those who ignited the violence saying that No one should act in a way that endangers law and order. Meanwhile, former Maharashtra chief minister and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday condemned the attack and called it 'a big failure' of the police department. (ANI) Ugandan soldiers celebrating after killing a person in Karamoja. What happened in Karamoja recently? On March 22, it was reported countrywide that three geologists and two Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) soldiers had been shot and killed by suspected cattle rustlers in Karamoja region of Uganda on March 21. The three geologists were on assignment collecting soil samples from Lokisilei village in Lotisan Sub County in Moroto District, and the two soldiers were their guides and guards. After they were murdered, the UPDF Commander Land Forces Lt. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of dictator Gen. Yoweri Museveni, went postal. As usual, he logged onto Twitter and spewed words of woe and braggadocio in the fashion of any tinhorn deputy dictator. My Karimojong brothers! We have begged you to stop your life of theft and violence. We have begged you to stop attacking your neighbors in vain. You have refused our pleas! Well, now we are coming and hell is coming with us," he tweeted. Many Ugandans shared his tweet, thinking it the usual ravings of a demented individual who is confident he will one day succeed his father as senior dictator. Nobody knew what was coming, and the carnage which followed confirmed the hell Gen. Muhoozi had promised. A few days after his ominous tweet, declaring violence against fellow Ugandans, the UPDF attacked and killed a reported more than 300 alleged cattle rustlers. This seemingly retaliatory strike was quickly ignored by the nations media, which have been long accustomed to being gagged or complicit in the conspiracy of silence surrounding the deaths and despoilation Gen. Musevenis regime has visited upon Ugandans. Mercifully, though, social media users exchanged information non-stop about the evil Gen. Muhoozi had unleashed. Many Ugandans, including members of Parliament, also shared a video showing Ugandan soldiers laughing while pointing at the burnt remains of a person in Karamoja; one of the soldiers brandished his weapons and said they would teach people in Karamoja a lesson, while another displayed a piece of the dead persons skull and even mimicked eating it. Then, by some quirk of fate, the truth came out in the shape of reports that conclusively indicate that it was not the Karimojong who had killed the five government workers, but yet-to-be identified armed Turkana and Matheniko criminal elements. A few days ago, the Ugandan Joint Security delegation led by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) in Moroto, Wopuwa George William, received two guns that are believed to have been used in the killing of the two Ugandan soldiers and the three geologists from the Turkana County government in Kenya. At the handover of gunseffectively the murder weaponsKenya apologized for the killings by Turkana pastoralists. Yacob Tirop, the deputy commissioner for Lokiriama county in Kenya, delivered the apology last Wednesday. "If it was not for Uganda, Turkana cows would have got finished and that's why we're pleading with Uganda to please allow the Turkana to return and graze their livestock in Karamoja," he said. The UPDFs Brig. Balikudembe said they will not allow the Turkana to return, until Kenya hands over the killers to Uganda for prosecution. However, nobody is talking about the more than 300 innocents, who were not involved in the murders, on Gen. Muhoozis orders. Two questions arise out of these happenings: One, was it a case of mistaken identity that led Gen. Muhoozi to shoot then ask questions later? Or, more invidiously, was it a case of premeditated murder? We know that billions of dollars has been poured into the Karamoja region over the years. It is where gold is located. Gen. Musevenis interest in the regions precious mineralsgold, limestone, and marblecannot be underrated. Many of the locals say that this interest is leading to disruption as land-grabbing occurs. A total of 10,615 square miles of land in Karamoja is licensed for mineral exploration and extraction activities, according to official data. Twenty-six companies currently have exploratory or mining rights in the region. In 2018, Chinese mining company Sunbelt was given 2 square miles of land to set up a $13 million dollar marble mining factory in Rupa sub-county. A year later, the company expanded its operations to cover an additional 2.5 square miles, ostensibly after a deal with local leaders who report to the Museveni junta. It is strongly believed by locals that the so-called investors in this region are really proxies for Gen. Musevenis regime. Was the killing of over 300 Karamojong meant to send a clear message? if ever try to rise up against our land grabbing, you shall be annihilated. Columnist Matogo can be reached via mugashop74@gmail.com Delhi Police has busted a fake job racket that used to dupe people on the pretext of providing them jobs in private airlines, and subsequently arrested five persons in this connection, an official said on Saturday. The accused were identified as Deepak a.k.a. Mama, Aniket, Sandeep, Avnendra and Pushpender. DCP (Crime branch) Rohit Meena said a complaint was received at Cyber North police station through National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) in which the complainant had alleged that he received a call from a person who informed that his resume had been selected for Computer Operator Job in Indigo Airlines. Thereafter, the victim was made to talk with another person -- impersonating as an HR manager and his interview was conducted over mobile phone. After the interview, he was directed to deposit Rs 14,225 in a bank account for uniform fee, salary account activation fee, passport fee etc. Following the directions, the complainant deposited the said amount in a bank account provided by the accused. After some time, when the complainant made a follow-up call regarding the job offer, he was told that due to some internal emergency, the company has stopped hiring. The complainant then asked to return his money but the accused switched off his mobile phone. Accordingly, on the basis of a complaint, the police registered an FIR under Section 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) at the Cyber North District, and an investigation was carried out. The police team in an operation spanning two weeks finally zeroed in on the location of accused persons in a flat in Noida and with their arrests recovered 57 SIM cards, 25 mobile phones, 33 debit cards, 4 Wi-Fi routers and fake job offer letters. Also, 13 bank accounts used to transfer money were also identified and are being scrutinised, the official said. During interrogation, it was revealed that one of the accused persons namely Pushpender was cheated through similar modus operandi a few years ago. Therefore, he along with other accused persons hatched a plan to dupe job aspirants in the same manner to earn quick money. --IANS uj/pgh ( 361 Words) 2022-04-09-22:34:02 (IANS) "Some people damaged the furniture donated by Anwar to a masjid adjacent to his house for giving a statement in support of triple talaq," Subhash told mediapersons He further demanded police to take stern action against the culprits and arrest them immediately. After the incident, Anwar alleged that Congress used Muslims as the vote bank and kept them away from the BJP. "It was the Congress party that always used Muslims as the vote bank and kept them away from the Centre-lead BJP. But the Modi government is taking measures for the welfare of Muslims and women are happy with the triple talaq," Anwar said. Meanwhile, Vikarabad SP said that the police officials will investigate the matter and take legal action against the culprits. (ANI) The ongoing controversies surrounding the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment irregularities, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the issue, is aggravating the internal feud within the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state. On Tuesday, Trinamool Congress' state general secretary and the party spokesman, Kunal Ghosh made a statement indirectly holding the party general secretary and erstwhile state education minister, Partha Chatterjee (currently the state commerce and industries minister), answerable for the WBSSC scam. On Saturday morning, a senior member in the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led cabinet, Firhad Hakim came forward in defence of Chatterjee, questioning the authority of Ghosh in raising such questions. "Kunal is a not a member of the state cabinet. Running the government is a joint-responsibility of all the cabinet members. I am also a member of the cabinet. I cannot speak about others. But this is not a matter just concerning Partha Chatterjee," state transport minister and the mayor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Hakim told the mediapersons. He also said that since running a department is a "mammoth affair", it is not always possible for the minister concerned to remain aware of every minute details. "I am the mayor of KMC. But it is not always possible for me to be aware which officer in the assessment department is resorting to immoral activities. Similarly, Partha Chatterjee has not connection with the WBSSC scam. There is a procedure of departmental enquiry which will be followed," Hakim said on Saturday. He also claimed that no Trinamool Congress minister is involved in any kind of corruption. "I am also a cabinet minister like Partha Chatterjee. So, if there is any scam on any department, the responsibility lies on all the members of the cabinet including me. We operate like a team and hence, cannot pass on the responsibility," Hakim said. On Friday evening, Ghosh gave a "clean chit" to the current state education minister, Bratya Basu but refused to express similar views about Chatterjee However, he made a surprising statement when media persons asked whether such irregularities could have taken place during Chatterjee's tenure. "This answer can be given by Partha Chatterjee only, who was the then Education Minister and also the party's General Secretary. I am unable to offer any comment on this," Ghosh said. However, on Saturday, Ghosh toned down on this issue. "My relationship with Chatterjee goes a long way. What Firhad Hakim has said is correct. I did not pass on the responsibility to anyone," Ghosh said on Saturday. --IANS src/pgh ( 431 Words) 2022-04-09-23:08:03 (IANS) US President Joe Biden has compared the Russian military campaign in Ukraine to the Chinese response to student protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989. During a recent visit to Warsaw, President Biden praised Ukrainians for showing "backbone" in their resistance against Russia, giving the example of "a 30-year-old woman standing there in front of a tank with a rifle". Elaborating on this remark, Biden said, "I mean, talk about what happened to Tiananmen Square. This is Tiananmen Square squared." Coming as it did in the run up to another anniversary of the month-long protests in the heart of Beijing in 1989, which culminated in their brutal dispersal by use of massive military and police force, Biden's remarks are a stark reminder of the need to commemorate the 1989 incidents with much greater focus. This analysis attempts to revisit the protests and capture some of the issues which underpinned and gave impetus to the students. The world's imagination was captured by the lone man who confronted a fleet of Chinese tanks at Tiananmen Square, just holding two shopping bags! This was on 5 June. However, the protests began much earlier in April and have a story to be told. The narrative of China in early 1989 was one of progress and sentiment of expression among the people for reform, both political and economic. A decade had passed after liberalisation and economic development which the people felt in better standards of living. There was much greater activism amongst the students for more jobs and better living conditions. By 1986-87, student-led protests and demonstrations demanding more individual rights and freedoms across China. This led to intra-party debate with the Communist Party of China (CPC) with Hu Yaobang taking a moderate line on how to deal with the student protests. Yaobang was forced to resign in January 1987 by the CPC angered by the idea that 'bourgeois liberalism' could take root in the Party. The party began the "anti-bourgeois liberalization campaign", aimed at Hu, political liberalization, and to stop the infiltration of western-inspired ideas. The campaign stopped student protests and restricted political activity, but Hu Yaobang remained popular among intellectuals, students, and Communist Party progressives. Two things are of relevance in the present discourse. When Hu died in mid-April 1989, the students came together to mourn him in Beijing. Notably, this phenomenon was replicated across several cities in China including Shanghai, Nanjing and Chengdu. For obvious reasons media attention remained on the gatherings in Beijing, the principal reason being that the Western media had gathered to cover the visit of Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev in mid-May 1989. That the students arose spontaneously could be seen in the sudden appearance of posters on university campuses eulogizing Hu with calls to honour his legacy. Within days, most posters were about broader political issues, such as corruption, democracy, and freedom of the press. The most significant aspect of the protest movement was that the students were joined by other social groups and sectors.Starting with the students, the protests witnessed participation of intellectuals, media, workers, and finally CPC cadres. This social uprising made its presence felt in several cities across China as mentioned earlier. The events of 1989 shocked the CPC as it revealed the disenchantment with the rule of the Party. The month-long protests culminated in a crackdown officially termed as the 'June Fourth incident'. Political turmoil between the spring and summer of 1989 is a more neutral phrase currently used by the Chinese to describe the events of the time and is a recognition that protests spanned both time and space. That hard power was used to crush the movement which was a natural outcome of the CPC's quest for internal Party stability and to ensure that popular discontent did not raise its head again. Any understanding of the character of the protests must refer to the student's response to the editorial in the People's Daily (26 April 1989). The editorial made public the Party's line on the protests that it should be dealt with strongly. This was the Deng Xiaoping line that now resonated throughout the CPC. Students were angry that they were being targeted by the State and felt that their demands were being brushed under the carpet. This set the ball rolling for many thousands of students from Beijing University to gather (27 April) at Tiananmen Square. It is noteworthy that for a short while, the Party showed its willingness to negotiate with the students, even though intra-party sentiment was increasingly moving in the direction of a hard-line position. Ultimately, over a month of hunger strikes and collective action took its toll on the CPC. With Mikhail Gorbachev landing in Beijing in mid-May 1989 for the Sino-Soviet Summit, the press also got the opportunity to cover more of the student protests. The crackdown by the Chinese state which began on the night of 3 June was decisive and swift. Martial law had been declared on 20 May and several PLA Divisions were moved by air and road into Beijing, showing the preparations already in hand to disperse the protestors. That process set off a chain reaction as more and more people joined the protestors. Several worked to prevent PLA troops from entering the city. More importantly, it was not all hunky dory for the PLA. Many commanders refused to join the operations and later reports surfaced of troops refusing to fire on the protesters. Maj. Gen. Xu Qinxian, leader of the 38th Group Army, informed his superiors that the protests were a political problem and should be settled through negotiations, not force.He was sacked, but the worry remained within the CPC of loyalty of the Army to the Party! Thus, revisiting the Tiananmen incident and protests of 1989 sends a clear signal that the events of that year were epochal for China. The impact of this was long-lasting and steps taken by Deng Xiaoping then to curb dissent and ensure complete Party control over the State and people. This is the crucial lesson that Xi Jinping has learnt from those events and has faithfully implemented these. History thus is not just a chronology of events but also a chronology of change. That is the crucial lesson for China watchers to learn from analysis of the Tiananmen Square incident and its aftermath. --IANS pgh/ ( 1056 Words) 2022-04-09-23:12:02 (IANS) Impressed by the artworks on Tibetan culture by an Indian artisan, a Netherlands national travelled thousands of miles away from his home to see the beautification of Lord Buddha idols with his own eyes in West Bengal's Siliguri. The founder-director of the Museum of Contemporary Tibetan Art, Emmen in the Netherlands, Lama Tashi Norbu is marking his presence daily at the studio of Utpal Paul, an Indian artist in Siliguri's PalPara since March 10 this year. Norbu said that he had been immensely impressed with Paul's excellent artwork on social networking sites a few months ago. Speaking to ANI, Norbu said, "I fell in love with his creations, the sculptures he has made on Tibetan culture. I wanted to see with my own eyes how he has made such excellent idols of Buddha." "I have ordered three different idols of Buddha- Manjusri- Buddha of wisdom, which is three feet long weighs six kg, Avaloketeshvava- Buddha of compassion (two feet long that weighs 2 kg) and Buddha Shakyamuni. We will exhibit them in the museum. I think the government should come forward to support the artisans like Utpal," he added. Meanwhile, Paul, the artist said that he had learnt about the Tibetan sculptures of gods and goddesses from some experts in Bhutan and Sikkim. "I have learnt about the Tibetan sculpture of gods and goddesses from the experts of Bhutan and Sikkim. I am happy that my work is getting recognition at the international level," he added. (ANI) The inauguration of the temple was also done by him in 2008 when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Based on suggestions given by the Prime Minister in 2008, the temple trust has expanded its scope into various social and health-related activities as well such as free cataract operations and free ayurvedic medicines for economically weaker patients. Umiya Maa is considered the clan-deity or 'kuldevi' of the Kadava Patidars. (ANI) Kerala Congress president K Sudhakaran urged the party high command to take action against the former Union Minister KV Thomas for praising the state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Thomas on Saturday attended a seminar organised by CPI(M) in Kerala's Kannur and lauded the Chief Minister for completing key infrastructure projects in the state. Speaking in the seminar, Thomas hailed Vijayan, saying he's one of the good CMs in the country. "Pinarayi Vijayan is one of the good Chief Ministers in the country. I am proud of Pinarayi Vijayan as the Chief Minister of Kerala. GAIL's pipeline in Kerala was completed because of his willpower," Thomas said. Angered at the remarks of the former Union Minister, Sudhakaran accused Thomas of "striking deals with the state Chief Minister". "He (Thomas) can say anything now. He is drifting away from the party lines. The state unit of Congress has sent a letter to the party high command, seeking action against him. Since he is an AICC member, the party should take action against him," said Sudhakaran. The Congress leader further accused Thomas of having "made some deals" with the Chief Minister. "Why did he not see greatness in Vijayan when he was the KPCC working president. Why didn't he see greatness in Vijayan when he represented Congress in Lok Sabha, state Assembly while also being Union Minister. He must have struck some deals that he is now seeing greatness in Vijayan now," said Sudhakaran. Congress had, incidentally, denied permission to Thomas to attend the seminar, but Thomas defied the party to attend the seminar. The CPI(M) Kannur district secretary MV Jayarahan and party workers received him at the airport Friday night. "I believe my colleagues will understand that my participation in this seminar will give strength to Congress. I want to tell the party workers that if they accept Rahul Gandhi's leadership, then they should participate in programmes against the policies of the Central government," he stated. The seminar of CPI (M) was organised in Kerala's Kannur from April 6 to April 10 and Thomas was invited to speak on Saturday on the subject of 'Centre-State Relations'. (ANI) The father of the Ghaziabad student who was shot dead in Canada's Toronto has appealed to the Central government for support in bringing the mortal remains to India. The student, Kartik Vasudev, was killed in a shooting incident outside the Sherbourne subway station on Thursday evening. Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Ritesh Vasudev, father of the deceased, said, "I received a phone call yesterday from the Indian consulate in Toronto. I was told that the consulate is looking into the request to bring the mortal remains to India. I was also told that processing the request could take nearly six days as required by the Canadian government." However, he said that he had replied to the tweet by Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, but he hasn't yet received any response from any government official. "I had reached out to the Minister of External Affairs on Twitter, saying that he (Kartik Vasudev) is my son and I want the support of the government of India to bring the mortal remains. But I've not received any response from him or anyone in the government yet," he said. Ritesh Vasudev also stated that he has been told that the Toronto police are investigating the shooting incident which led to the death of his son. "His friends are in touch with us. But they too have not received any response from officials in the police about the progress of the investigation. I've been told that postmortem will take another three days," Ritesh Vasudev said. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday expressed grief over the death of Kartik Vasudev. Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar also offered his "deepest condolences" to the family. "Grieved by this tragic incident. Deepest condolences to the family," Jaishankar tweeted. Earlier, the family had suspected robbery as a possible reason for the death of Kartik. "I think it is a case of robbery, somebody must have tried to snatch my son's bag... he had gone to Canada this January to study. He was also working part-time in a restaurant. When he departed for his work and left the metro subway, somebody shot at him," the deceased's father had said. (ANI) The SIDCUL Manufacturing Association had started this three-day Pharma and lab Expo on Thursday at the Vikas Bhawan, which was attended by the Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Premchand Aggarwal on its last day. Talking on the last day of function, at the exhibition on saturday Premchand Aggarwal, State cabinet minister of Uttarakhand said, "Being a regular part of such expos, I feel it would definitely benefit the foreign businessmen, local industrialists, and the unemployed youth of the state." "Being regularly supported by the government, this pharma industry (SIDCUL) manufactures medicines and contributes almost 21 per cent to the country's overall medicine requirements" he added. Expressing confidence in the government, Aggarwal also ensured that the government will keep on supporting the industry as always and therefore, would help generate more employment opportunities for the youth. "This SIDCUL industry has also contributed financially to the area in many ways," he said. Upon asking about the impact of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, he informed that he is yet to attend a meeting with Finance, where they will be discussing every aspect that has been affecting businesses. (ANI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers during a party meeting on Saturday opposed Baby Kumari, the party's candidate for the upcoming bypoll in Bihar Assembly constituency Bochaha and protested in front of the state BJP president Sanjay Jaiswal. The party workers stated that the old workers who have worked hard for the party in Muzaffarpur are being ignored. One of the party workers said, "Party workers who have actually worked hard for the party and the constituency are being cornered and on top of it they expect us to get votes for them." Another worker claimed, "Baby Kumari is a liar, she declared six months ago that she has got a road constructed, but in reality, there are huge potholes on that road." Earlier, the BJP had announced it will contest the by-election from the Bochaha Assembly constituency which was earlier held by its ally Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) led by Mukesh Sahani and announced former MLA Baby Kumari's name as its official candidate. Baby Kumari had earlier won the seat as an Independent in 2015 and later lent her support to the saffron party. In 2020, the seat went to VIP under the seat-sharing agreement among the four constituents of the NDA. Musafir Paswan had emerged the winner and the seat fell vacant after his death last November. Voting for the Bochaha by-poll will be held on April 12. (ANI) The State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday, carried out searches at multiple locations in the national capital, its neighbourhood Haryana as well as in Kashmir in connection with a terror funding case, said sources. Separate teams of the SIA, which was constituted recently with a mandate to investigate cases connected with terrorism and secessionism, are conducting searches at five locations in Delhi; one in Haryana's Faridabad and one in Anantnag district in Kashmir. According to the sources, the places raided by the SIA belong to suspected accused involved in terrorist activities and hawala or terror funding of terrorists. The SIA is learnt to have conducted raids at these locations where they got a tipoff regarding Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and other terrorist outfit supporters. The SIA raids followed a corroborative intelligence input against the movement of OGWs in the national capital. In February 2022, the SIA arrested 10 OGWs of JeM during raids in South and Central Kashmir. The members of the module were organised into sub-modules in the form of verticals so that in the event of detection of one member, the bigger network does not get compromised. The arrested members were mostly recruiting vulnerable school and college-going students as a few of them are students themselves. They were in close connection with the regular militants of the JeM outfit and had been under surveillance for quite some time. (ANI) As the Madhavpur Mela commenced in the village of Madhavpur near the sea in Gujarat's Porbandar today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday recalled his 'Mann Ki Baat' address wherein he termed the fair a unique celebration of India's cultural diversity and vibrancy and explained that it is an amalgamation of cultures of the eastern and western parts of the country. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi shared the video and said, "As the Madhavpur Mela commences, sharing what I said during last month's Mann Ki Baat about this unique celebration of India's cultural diversity and vibrancy." In last month's episode of the monthly radio broadcast 'Mann ki Baat', the Prime Minister stated that the 'Madhavpur Mela' is an amalgamation of cultures of the eastern and western parts of the country, calling the fair an example of 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat'. The week-long 'Madhavpur Mela' is held in the village of Madhavpur near the sea at Porbandar in Gujarat. He said that the fair "connects people with the eastern parts of India." The Prime Minister said that Lord Krishna was married to Rukmani, a princess from the North East. "This marriage took place in Madhavpur, Porbandar and as a symbol of this marriage, even today Madhavpur fair is held there. This deep relationship between the East and West is our heritage. With the passage of time with the efforts of the people, new aspects are now being added to the Madhavpur fair," he said. The Prime Minister said that in local parlance, the bride's side is called Gharati and now many Gharaatis from the North East have started coming to this fair.PM Modi also said that the beauty of the fair increases manifold when artisans associated with handicrafts arrive for the fair. "For a week, the Madhavpur fair with the amalgamation of cultures of the East and West of India creates a very beautiful example of 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat'. I request you to read and know more about this fair as well," the Prime Minister said. During his visit to Gujarat, President Ram Nath Kovind will be integrating the Madhavpur Ghed Fair-2022 at Madhavpur in Porbandar today. (ANI) With an aim to deliberate on new possibilities for cooperation in the waterways sector between nations, the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways along with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), is organising Waterways Conclave 2022 on April 11-12 in Assam's Dibrugarh. In line with the aspirations of PM Gati Shakti National Masterplan, Waterways Conclave aims for speedy development of multimodal projects in the North-eastern region to energise the economic activities and augment employment generation. Speaking to ANI, an official from the Ministry said that the waterways sector can potentially bring about an upsurge in our bilateral trade and investment through collaboration. "The Waterways Conclave will deliberate on the new possibilities for cooperation in the waterways sector between the nations. FICCI and ICC are the industry partner for the two-day conclave," the official told ANI. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and AYUSH Sarbanand Somowal, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will attend and address the session on April 12. Bhutan's Minister of Economic Affairs Lyonpo Loknath Sharma, Minister of State for Shipping of Bangladesh Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury will also address the conclave. Ministry official also told ANI that Waterways Conclave 2022 will also be attended by various stakeholders in the waterway's ecosystem such as policymakers, senior government officials, domestic and international investors, sector experts, infrastructure players, vessel owners and operators, cruise tourism industry, cargo passengers, representatives of major ports and the Governments of Maritime States in India. In addition, expert speakers shall address the conclave on both days.The conclave is planned with special sessions to deliberate on issues concerning the sector. " The expected outcome of the different sessions shall be to identify common goals and joint strategic initiatives, the roadmap for policies and strategies for the IWT sector's growth, infrastructural constraints in waterways logistics, and intervention to ensure seamless connectivity on waterways," the official informed. The Government of India has signed bilateral agreements with the Government of Bangladesh for strengthening and reinforcing inland water transportation and marine relations. In addition, the session shall discuss infrastructure and developmentrequirements for Waterways, including the paramount procedures to address technical challenges in maintenance.The conclave shall consider the opportunities to increase river cruise tourism and passenger transportation safety and embrace the finest international measures that benefit Indian conditions. The motive of the session is to attract domestic tourists to river cruises and promote cruise tourism. (ANI) The police recovered arms, ammunition and other incriminating materials from them, informed the Inspector General of Police. "Two Pakistani terrorists who were involved in a recent terror attack on CRPF personnel were neutralised in Srinagar Encounter. Arms and ammunition, other incriminating materials recovered: IGP Kashmir," Kashmir police tweeted. The encounter between the security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar started on Sunday morning. (ANI) Mumbai police on Sunday detained Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Yashwant Killedar and a taxi driver for putting a loudspeaker outside 'Shiv Sena Bhawan' in Mumbai and playing Hanuman Chalisa today on the occasion of Ram Navami. The police questioned them in connection with the incident. However, no case has been registered so far. Earlier today, the MNS leader played Hanuman Chalisa on a loudspeaker, following which the police stopped the leader. Speaking to the reporters here before being detained, Killedar said that the motive of the 'Rath' (his taxi) is to encourage the people to celebrate the festival in a "good way". "The motive of doing this early morning today is that we want to show that we have prepared a 'Rath', the ones who need it may contact us. We will send the 'Rath' to them. We want to encourage them to celebrate our festival in a good way," he said. The MNS leader further slammed the Shiv Sena for "abandoning" Hindutva and said that they did so for the sake of the Chief Ministerial post. "As far as playing Hanuman Chalisa in front of the Shiv Sena Bhawan is concerned, they have abandoned 'Hindutva' way back in time, Congress and NCP which Bal Thackeray opposed throughout his whole life, Shiv Sena formed a government with them. They have abandoned Hindutva only for the Chief Ministerial post. It is an attempt to wake them up," he said. (ANI) Amid a strong push by Prime Minister Narendra Modi government for 'Make in India' in defence, the Defence Ministry has formed a committee under a three star-rank officer to decide on the curtailed deal for buying predator drones from the US. As per the plans, India was earlier planning to acquire 30 of these high-altitude long-endurance drones equipped with strike capability, including missiles, which were to be equally distributed among the three services."A committee has been formed under a Lieutenant General-rank officer of the Integrated Defence Staff headquarters to decide on the number of Predator drones that the three services should buy to meet their requirements till the time indigenous development of similar equipment can be done," government sources told ANI. Sources said the three services have requirements for these drones which can be used for surveillance as well as attacking enemy targets from standoff distances. Almost all the defence deals planned through the import route had either been scrapped or put on hold by the Defence Ministry on the directions of the Prime Minister's Office in favour of indigenous weapon systems. India is operating two predator drones which were hired on lease from an American firm and they have been helping the Navy to keep track of activities in the Indian Ocean Region. The movement of Chinese research vessels and Anti piracy Escort Force is also constantly monitored by the two drones acquired on lease from the Americans. India has acquired 12 American P-8I anti-submarine warfare and surveillance planes for keeping an eye on the IOR and was working on getting six more of these planes. However, after the government's instructions on import programmes, the government would soon decide on the project too shortly. In line with the Prime Minister's directions, the Indian Navy is now charting an indigenous roadmap for all its requirements of weapon systems and equipment. PM Modi has been giving a lot of stress on indigenisation and also recently told armed forces and other stakeholders that only made in India systems can provide them with unique solutions. (ANI) An Atheist meet conference scheduled in Pune city on Sunday was postponed to April 24 due to a shortage of police personnel to provide security for the event, said the police. However one of the organisers of the event Nitin Hande claimed that Police have asked them to postpone this event to April 24 fearing "law and order problems" because of Ram Navami on the same day. According to Pune Police ACP Ramakant Mane, the organiser of the event had approached to inform about the event, following which the police asked them to postpone. "The organiser of the event had approached the Police station to inform us about the event, but we have asked the organiser to postpone it to some other day as currently, police are facing shortages of manpower to provide bandobast because of Ram Navami our personals are busy with the duty, thats why we have asked them to postpone the event," he said. The organiser stated that it was an indoor event that did not require security. "It's not any political event and there was going to be no speeches delivered in the event that would hurt any religious statement," he said. On the other side, Police in their reply letter dated April 9 to the organiser have stated that the organiser should take this event on April 24 instead of April 10. Meanwhile, the organiser must give the information about the speakers and the content of the speeches which would be delivered in the Atheist meet in writing so that it would be convenient for the police to give due permission on the request. It was the 7th edition of the annual Atheist meet that was organised by Bhagat Singh Vichar Manch Pune. The event was to be held in the SM Joshi specialist foundation auditorium which comes under the police jurisdiction of Vishrambaugh Police station of Pune city police. (ANI) Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Sunday said that a proper CID team has been constituted to investigate the alleged fraud in the recruitment process for the position of sub-inspector. According to the home minister, an exam has been conducted for the recruitment process of 545 sub-inspectors. "We have got some information from the public regarding the fraud in the recruitment process. We have appointed a CID team to look into the investigation of the matter," said Jnanendra in a statement. "An FIR has been registered in Kalburgi Chowk police station. As per the evidence, one person has been taken into custody," he added. The home minister said that the accused has been identified as Veeresh and has been taken into custody. He was also a candidate in the recruitment process. Allegedly, he scored 100 marks in the exam after attempting questions for 21 marks. "We will be investigating the OMR sheet of the candidate and strict action will be taken against those who try to take the law into their hands," said the home minister. The home minister further criticised former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for calling him incompetent. "I don't need a certificate from Siddaramaiah. How many deaths, and murders took place in his regime we know. They have taken back cases registered against PFI, and SDPI. So, we are well aware of his activities," added the home minister. (ANI) After the resignation of the cabinet minister of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, the new Cabinet of Jagan Mohan Reddy would be sworn in at 11.31 am on Monday, as per sources. Most likely seven to 10 ministers from the previous cabinet will be retained. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy "happily" welcomed the resignation of his cabinet as the YSRCP chief, he claimed that as part of preperation of upcoming state elections in 2024, it is a welcome move. After finishing the final Cabinet meeting on Friday afternoon, all 24 Cabinet Ministers submitted their resignation letters to Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy at Andhra Pradesh Secretariat on Thursday. The new ministers will take oath on April 11, as per sources. Reddy on Wednesday, handed over the final list of the 19 Ministers being dropped from the Cabinet to the Governor, sources had stated. In the current cabinet, there are five deputy CMs. Reddy is likely to have five new Deputy Chief Ministers as part of his strategy to strike a caste balance in the state. Currently, the five Deputy CMs represent Scheduled caste, Scheduled Tribe, Backward Caste, minority and Kapu communities. Also, there are 11 Ministers from upper castes, including four from the Reddy community, seven from OBC, five from SC, and one each from ST and Muslim communities. (ANI) Two Pakistani terrorists of the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were killed in Srinagar in an encounter with the security forces. They were involved in an attack on CRPF personnel in the Maisuma area of the city. Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, congratulated the joint teams of Police and CRPF for conducting the operation in a professional manner and neutralizing the wanted terrorists within the shortest possible time. The IGP Kashmir said, "This operation is one of the best examples of how the investigation of a terror crime case leads to an anti-terrorist operation and surely a big success for Srinagar Police." A specific input was generated by Srinagar Police regarding the presence of terrorists in the Bhishembar Nagar area of Srinagar and a cordon-and-search operation was launched by Srinagar Police and Valley Quick Action Team (QAT)- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the said area. During the search operation, as the joint search party proceeded towards the suspects' spot, the hiding terrorists fired indiscriminately upon the search parties which were retaliated leading to an encounter. In the initial exchange of fire, one terrorist was killed. Keeping in view the tourist movement and huge rush in the area, Police and CRPF exercised maximum restraint and carried out operations in a professional manner to avoid any civilian causality. Both the killed terrorists belonged to Pakistan and were identified as Mohammad Bhai -Abu Qasim Mir Shoaib Mudassir and Abu Arsalan -Khalid Aadil and carried fake Adhaar cards to conceal their identities. As per police records, both the killed terrorists were 'A' categorized and linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT. Killed terrorist Mohammad Bhai had been active since 2019 while Abu Arsalan had been active since 2021 in Central Kashmir. Both the killed terrorist had a history of terror crime cases including pistol-borne attacks and grenade throwing incidents. They were also involved in an attack on CRPF personnel on April 4 in the Maisuma area in which one CRPF Jawan attained martyrdom and another got injured. Incriminating materials, arms & ammunition were recovered from the site of the encounter. (ANI) As per Khar Police, the cases have been filed under sections 354D and 509 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 67 of the IT act. The accused used to text the woman police officer late at night. He had texted the victim at 12 AM on April 8. Fed up with the behaviour of the officer, the victim filed a complaint at the Khare police station. The accused has not been arrested yet, however, police have filed a case against him and an investigation has been started, added Khare Police. (ANI) According to police, the deceased was identified as Vitaly, a Russian national. Speaking to ANI over the phone call, North Goa, Superintendent of Police Shobhit D Saxena said, "Body of a foreign national found in the jungles of Bhatwadi in Corgao, North Goa on Sunday morning. The police team who reached the spot reported that the body was in a decomposed state." Clothes, bags, documents and mobile phones were investigated for further identification, the police said. The body was shifted to the morgue at Goa medical hospital for a post-mortem report and to ascertain the cause of death. (ANI) "Now the time has come for India to move towards natural farming. If India fulfils the demand for organic food all over the world, then India's economy will be transformed," said Shah while addressing the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India in Gandhinagar. He further said that the Dairy sector can play a big role in achieving India's ambitions in the field of Organic Farming. "Domesticating 2-3 cows can help organic farming in 30 acres of land." He added. The National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI), based in Anand district of Gujarat, is the apex organization for the cooperative dairy sector. Its members include federal dairy cooperatives of states and union territories. The primary objective of NCDFI is to facilitate the working of dairy cooperatives through coordination, networking and advocacy. "At present organic farming is taken up in an area of 38.09 lakh hectares in the country including 6.19 lakh hectares under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), 1.23 lakh hectares under Namami Gange Programme, 4.09 lakh hectares under BPKP (Natural Farming), and 26.57 lakh hectares under National Program for Organic Production (NPOP)," according to Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The government has been promoting organic/natural farming through dedicated schemes namely Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North East Region (MOVCDNER). Farmers are provided financial assistance of Rs 31000.(ANI) One cattle smuggler was killed and another injured during an encounter in Assam's Dhubri district on Sunday, police said. The police team of Nayahat outpost on Sunday morning caught the accused after getting a tip-off. In the early hours of Sunday, Police had intercepted a four-wheeler on suspicion of illegal cattle and contraband drugs transportation and asked the vehicle to stop. "The vehicle didn't respond to the police instructions and tried to flee from the area. The police team also chased the vehicle and firing was started from the vehicle. The police team had also retaliated and two persons in the vehicle were injured. One among the injured persons succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital," said Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Bilasipara, Birinchi Bora. One cattle smuggler managed to flee from the area and another surrendered. One cow in the vehicle was also killed in the counter firing and another cow was injured. Later, the police arrested the accused and the injured were shifted to the nearest hospital. Further investigation is underway. (ANI) After two Pakistani terrorists of the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were killed in Srinagar in an encounter with the security forces, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar, on Sunday had a crystal take on the operation and the decline in militancy in the valley. "Terrorists who carried out the attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel on April 4 belonged to Pakistan and were from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Both were gunned down. Our personnel become a soft target of militants. Militancy is declining and we'll ensure it dwindles further," said Kumar. As per police records, both the killed terrorists were 'A' categorized and linked with the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Killed terrorist Mohammad Bhai had been active since 2019 while Abu Arsalan had been active since 2021 in Central Kashmir. Earlier, two CRPF jawans suffered injuries in the terrorist attack at Maisuma in Lal Chowk in Srinagar on April 4, where one jawan, who was injured in the attack in Srinagar, succumbed to his injuries. (ANI) BJP National General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Arun Singh, state BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel and former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa will lead the teams. "State BJP leaders will tour the state in three teams. They will hold conventions of district-level and booth-level party workers. They will hold party conventions at nine places. BJP National General Secretary in charge of party affairs in Karnataka Arun Singh, State President Nalin Kumar Kateel and senior leader BS Yediyurappa will lead the teams," Bommai said in a press conference. This comes ahead of legislative assembly polls in Karnataka, which are scheduled to take place next year. Bommai said that the state government has decided to hand over the investigation into the JJ Nagar Chandru murder case to the Crime Investigation Department (CID). "Truth should come out. In this background, it has been decided to hand over the case to CID after conferring with State DGP and Bengaluru Commissioner of Police," said the CM. The JJ Nagar murder case revolves around the killing of 22-year Chandru on Tuesday (5 April 2022), who was stabbed by three people, following an argument. According to the IPS Kamal Pant, while returning back from an eatery on Mysore Road, Chandru's bike collided with another bike ridden by Shahid, which led to a quarrel between the two parties. "During the fight, Shahid had stabbed the victim on his right thigh and the assailants fled from the spot," Pant said. Chandru was shifted to Victoria hospital, where he succumbed to injuries. All the three accused were arrested. (ANI) In a joint operation, State Investigation Agency (SIA) and Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday conducted searches at various locations across Delhi, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir in connection with a terror funding case, informed the officials. The searches were done in order to filter out fundraising, and financial assistance by a terrorist mastermind of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), based in Pakistan to its cadres/associates across India to further terrorist activities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The said case relates to the raising of funds by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and other terrorist organizations based in Pakistan and sending of funds to India as a part of a criminal conspiracy to spread terrorism in the country. "On the basis of investigation and corroborated by technical evidence, it was revealed that a terrorist mastermind of proscribed terrorist organization Laskar-e-Toiba (LeT), based in Pakistan, has been facilitating and providing financial assistance to its cadres and associates to promote / further terrorist activities in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country," stated an official release. Technical evidence and banking transactions established the identifications of 3 people where one accused's location was found to be in Faridabad while the location of the other two was Anantnag. The officials also recovered incriminating materials such as digital devices, SIM cards, Mobile Phones and documents. Further investigations are underway. (ANI) Uttarakhand will soon begin the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in the state, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Sunday. Days after Dhami took oath as the Chief Minister of the state, he said that he will try to fulfill all the promises made by the party. Addressing a public gathering today in the capital city, Dhami said, "We will fulfill all the promises. We'll implement the Uniform Civil Code in the state. We have also launched '1064 Anti-Corruption Mobile App' where you can lodge complaints and I assure you that strict action will be taken." In March, the Uttarakhand government announced that it will form a "high-powered" expert panel to prepare a draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for the state. The decision was taken at the first state cabinet committee meeting headed by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, a day after the new government was sworn in. With this, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in March this year said that Uttarakhand would be the first state to implement the UCC. The Uniform Civil Code is a proposal in India to formulate and implement personal laws of citizens which apply to all citizens equally regardless of their religion, sex, gender and sexual orientation. Currently, the personal laws of various communities are governed by their religious scriptures. The code comes under Article 44 of the Constitution which lays down that the state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India. Notably, in BJP's 2019 Lok Sabha election manifesto, BJP promised the implementation of UCC if it comes to power. (ANI) Malayalam Actress Kavya Madhavan will not appear for interrogation on Monday in connection with the 2017 Actress Assault Case, said sources in the Crime Branch police. According to sources, she has sent a letter to the probe team that she can't appear for interrogation on Monday as she is in Chennai. Further, requesting the agency to interrogate her on Wednesday at her house in the Aluva region of Kochi. "The Crime Branch has not finalized the revised date for extortion yet," said sources. Earlier the Crime Branch had sent a notice to her asking to appear on Monday in the Aluva Police Club for interrogation. She is one of the witnesses in the case. Kavya Madhavan is the wife of Malayalam Actor Dileep who is the eighth accused in this case. He was also questioned by the probe team for two consecutive days last month. An actress working in South Indian Movies was abducted and allegedly molested inside a car by a group of men, who had forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17, 2017. (ANI) For decades, series creators have been tripping over The Wire and its first wave of imitators, trying to re-capture a strand or two of that inspired Baltimore mosaics scope and impact. 61st Street, premiering Sunday on AMC+, is merely the latest. But its also one of the good ones limited on one hand by familiar storytelling zigs and zags, but humanized on the other by terrific performances, led by Courtney B. Vance, doing some of his finest work in his trademark, paradoxical sweet spot: spectacular understatement. Advertisement Vance plays public defender Franklin Roberts, facing a grim cancer diagnosis he keeps largely to himself. Hes taking on the case of a lifetime. The series, for which Vance also receives producer credit, follows familiar narrative contours and criss-crosses. Everyone harbors a secret that must come out. Yet the show comes also with distinct ripples of moral ambiguity amid the ingrained racism, deep-seeded tribalism and pervasive civic corruption. Thats code for set in Chicago. Courtney B. Vance stars in the AMC drama "61st Street," filmed and set in Chicago. (James Washington/AMC / HANDOUT) Creator and showrunner Peter Moffat wastes no time in cranking up the pressure cooker in Episode 1. Seven of the first seasons eight episodes were made available for review; 61st Street has a second, eight-episode season ready to go for next year. Advertisement College-bound track star Moses Johnson, played by Tosin Cole, runs afoul of a Chicago Police Department sting operation near his South Side home. Lt. Brannigan (Holt McCallany, making a faded blueprint of a dirty cop vividly compelling) fires his weapon; one of the drug dealers hits the street, leaving Chicago with its latest Black victim of what 61st Street plainly depicts as a venal character taking a very, very bad shot. In a panic Moses flees, chased by a CPD officer (Patrick Mulvey) who dies in the pursuit. The headlines write themselves. The fuse is lit, again. Not unlike the earlier eight-episode state of Chicago crime drama, The Red Line (2019), 61st Street darts between storylines and Chicago institutions. Vances character, Franklin, represents Moses in the eventual murder trial. His wife Martha (Aunjanue Ellis, lately of King Richard, and excellent enough to make you want more of her characters story) is running for 5th Ward Alderman. For 17 years she has been the overwhelmingly primary caretaker of their son (Jarell Maximillian Sullivan), who is living with autism. One episode in 61st Street in particular grinds the viewers guts with this young mans encounter with the police, which leads to a fairly shameless cliffhanger. The narrative veers from politics to the courtroom to the prison ecosystem navigated by Moses and his incarcerated gangbanger father. Filmed in various South Side locations, always placing the actors underneath a shadow-casting elevated train line, 61st Street has a tendency to settle for a triggering sort of dread in its vignettes and incidents, restating for dramatic purposes the worst of what weve seen in real life in recent years. Yet as more than one character says, its all been going on a long, bloody time. Something happens pretty early on in the series, fortunately. The characters start edging toward shades of grey even when the writing sticks to archetypes. For every line you could do without a man cant theorize on an empty stomach, one drug dealer says you get a seriously tense and nuanced confrontation, such as the one between Ellis Martha and a grieving mother outside Marthas campaign headquarters. You Hyde Park liberals, the woman says to the aspiring alderman. All you care about is the life of a scholarship boy. In scenes like that, and there are plenty, 61st Street complicates its own storytelling, rewardingly, and reminds viewers that Chicago is not a monolith. With, among others, Michael B. Jordan executive producing, the show feels authentic enough in its dynamics and locales to ward off that clueless-in-Chicago feeling so many TV and film projects have generated. The intersecting storylines hold enough interest to pull you through the odd cliche and the occasional thesis line. And Vance, as a modest soul trying to outrun any number of clocks, really is a marvel. 61st Street 3 stars (out of 4) Rating: TV-MA How to watch: Premieres Sun. April 10 on AMC; also on AMC+ and ALLBLK streaming platforms. Advertisement Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic. mjphillips@chicagotribune.com Twitter @phillipstribune Big screen or home stream, takeout or dine-in, Tribune writers are here to steer you toward your next great experience. Sign up for your free weekly Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here. She collapsed during the event and was rushed to the AKG hospital where she breathed her last. Josephine was the Chairperson of the Kerala State Women's Commission for three years from 2017 to 2021. She was also the vice president and state president of the All India Democratic Women's Association. Senior woman leader, Josephine, also served as the Chairman of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) and the Chairperson of Kochi Development Authority. Josephine was forced to resign as the chairperson of the State Women's Commission following the complaints about her insensitive remark about a domestic violence victim. (ANI) Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia's convoy was stopped by a group of protesting former soldiers at his hometown in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior district, and he came out to give them a patient hearing. The former Army personnel on Saturday staged a protest against the Madhya Pradesh government's decision to abolish 10 per cent reservation in police for former army personnel. "Recently, the state government has announced plans to recruit police constables wherein it has not mentioned to provide 10 per cent reservation for ex-armymen. We have been getting the benefit of 10 per cent reservation since 1999, but the state government has stopped it," said Sunil Singh, a retired soldier, who lives in Gwalior. The former Army personnel blocked the road and protested before Scindia's convoy raising slogans such as 'Go back Scindia'. The police personnel deployed for his security tried to clear the way but a large gathering did not pay any heed and continued their protest. Later, the Union Minister came out of his car and heard their grievances. Scindia spoke with protesting former Army personnel for nearly 30 minutes and assured them that he will speak to the state government on the matter. After getting assurance from the Union Minister, the former Army personnel cleared the way for his convoy. "He has assured us that our demands will be fulfilled. He said he will talk to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on this matter," Singh told IANS. Scindia, who visits his hometown Gwalior on a regular basis, had arrived this time to meet the farmers whose wheat crop burnt in a fire incident a few days back. --IANS pd/khz/ ( 286 Words) 2022-04-10-19:00:06 (IANS) The accused, Brajagopal Goyala, son of a local panchayat member of Trinamool Congress, Samar Goyala has been charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Police sources said that on Saturday, the parents of the victim filed a complaint at Hanskhali police station against the accused. The girl's parents alleged that the accused invited the victim to his residence on April 4 to celebrate his birthday. It has been alleged that she was made to consume alcohol, and then was raped. Later, the victim was dropped back at her residence by a woman said to be a close associate of the accused. On the night of April 4, the girl experienced severe pain on lower abdomen and eventually died within a few hours, the same night. The victim's family took the assistance of the Child Line and finally was able to file an FIR on Saturday. On Sunday, the police arrested Brajagopal Goyala. The family members of the accused including the father and local Trinamool Congress panchayat member, Samar Goyal are absconding since Saturday night. --IANS src/pgh ( 228 Words) 2022-04-10-19:20:04 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden on April 11 (Monday) to review the ongoing bilateral cooperation, and exchange views on recent developments in South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region, and global issues of mutual interest. The White House said the leaders will also discuss ongoing Russia and Ukraine War. The virtual meeting will enable both sides to continue their regular and high-level engagement aimed at further strengthening the bilateral Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. The two leaders' virtual interaction will precede the fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue which will be led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar on the Indian side, and their US counterparts, Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The White House in a statement said Biden and Modi will discuss cooperation on a range of issues including ending the Covid-19 pandemic, countering the climate crisis, strengthening the global economy, and upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Biden will continue "close consultations on the consequences of Russia's brutal war against Ukraine and mitigating its destabilizing impact on global food supply and commodity markets". The leaders will advance the ongoing conversations about the development of an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and delivering high-quality infrastructure. Biden last spoke to Prime Minister Modi and with other Quad Leaders in March. Earlier on Sunday, Singh said that he would be leaving New Delhi on Sunday night for a visit to the US from April 10 to April 15. "I look forward to attend the Fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington DC. Also, I shall be visiting INDOPACOM headquarters in Hawai, during this visit," he said. Singh further stated the visit to the US will give him an opportunity to hold talks with his counterparts to deepen the India-US strategic partnership. He had stated that he is looking forward to fruitful interactions during the visit. --IANS sk/pgh ( 346 Words) 2022-04-10-20:28:05 (IANS) A Kenyan national was arrested at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here on Sunday for smuggling 18 kg heroin valued at Rs 27 crore, Customs officials said. The accused had arrived from Nairobi via Doha this morning. "The Kenyan national was intercepted on suspicion. We recovered 18 kg approx of white powder which tested positive for heroin. It was detected concealed in two pieces of his checked baggage," said the official, adding that he was charged under various sections of the NDPS Act and arrested, while the drug was seized. The Kenyan national was sent to Tihar jail after customs official produced him before a court and sought that he be sent to judicial custody, as he was not required for further interrogation. --IANS atk/vd ( 137 Words) 2022-04-10-20:50:02 (IANS) Taking to Twitter, Adhikari said that some people got injured in the incident. "In the Shivpur area of Howrah district, Ram devotees took out a procession and the constable and police officer thrashed them with sticks. Some people got seriously injured," Adhikari tweeted. He further asked, "Is following Sanatan Dharma prohibited in this state? @HMOIndia @jdhankhar1@HomeBengalDGP @WBPolice." In a series of tweets, Adhikari shared a number of videos and images of the incident that took place in Howrah. Meanwhile, Union Minister Dr Subhash Sarkar said that stones were pelted on a Ram Navami procession and also at his car in Bankura. "Stones were pelted on the Ram Navami procession in Bankura. It was done politically. They pelted stones at my car. I appeal to the police to identify and arrest the accused," he said. (ANI) After Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy reconstituted the new cabinet, YSRCP MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy expressed his disappointment for being overlooked for the ministerial post. "I had taken care of everything and worked round the clock for the party. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is the king for us, so I asked for the ministerial position in the cabinet reshuffle. However, the chief minister did not give me the post for many reasons," the Nellore MLA said. However, the MLA from Nellor Rural accepted the CM's decision saying that he will always continue to serve the party. "I have accepted his decision. As a soldier of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, I will always work for the party. I felt disappointed, but will respect his decision," he added. The newly formed cabinet has a mixture of senior and experienced leaders as well as fresh and young faces for balanced governance. In 2019, when CM Jagan formed his cabinet, of 24 Ministers, 56 per cent of them were from the SC, ST, OBC and minority sections of the society. Keeping the same motto of fair social representation, the CM has increased their representation in the cabinet to 68 per cent. In the previous cabinet, there were 5 SCs, 1 ST, 7 OBCs, 1 minority, and 11 Other castes MLAs as Ministers. In contrast, Chief Minister Jagan Reddy taking a landmark decision and proving his commitment, for the first time in the country, five Deputy Chief Ministers (DCMs) were appointed, out of which, four leaders from SC, ST, minority and BC were given a post each in 2019 and the same has continued in this cabinet. The new Andhra Pradesh Cabinet will be sworn in on Monday, a few days after all 24 ministers submitted their resignation to Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. This cabinet reshuffle holds importance ahead of the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections. (ANI) A new study has looked at multiple levels of biology within women with postpartum depression (PPD) to see how women with the condition differ from those without it. The study was published in the journal, 'Molecular Psychiatry'. 1 in 7 women and has negative mental health consequences for both mother and child. However, the precise biological mechanisms behind the disorder are unknown. "We don't have PPD figured out," said lead author Jerry Guintivano, PhD, assistant professor in the UNC Department of Psychiatry. "A lot of biological research focuses on candidate genes and hormones, and we do have a lead on some PPD-specific medications, but it's important to take multiple avenues to target this condition. Not every manifestation of PPD is the same," he added. That's why Guintivano led a team of researchers from the UNC School of Medicine to conduct the largest transcriptome-wide association study for PPD to date. Previous studies have only analyzed whole blood samples. This study took a deeper look and examined the different components of blood. They took blood samples from 1,500 racially and ethnically diverse women from across North Carolina who had given birth within the past six weeks, 482 of whom were diagnosed with PPD. Researchers used RNA sequencing, DNA genotyping, and assessment of DNA methylation - amounting to three levels of basic biology evaluation - to look for differences in components of the blood samples from women with PPD versus women without PPD. They found that B-cells had significant differences in women with PPD. B-cells are an important part of the immune system. They become activated when their receptor recognizes an antigen and binds to it. Activated B-cells then produce antibodies, and also secrete pro- and anti-inflammatory factors. "There's a really delicate interplay of the immune system during pregnancy," Guintivano said. "It has to prevent infection from a cold, and it also has to finely tune itself so it doesn't recognize the fetus as a foreign body and attack it. Then in the postpartum period, all these hormones and pathways reset to get back to pre-pregnancy," he added. In women with PPD, the UNC researchers found thousands of individual B-cell transcripts that were different from women without PPD, regulated in part by genetic variants and DNA methylation. To confirm those findings they conducted pathway analysis, which implicated altered B-cell activation and insulin resistance. "This is really just the first step in a long line of research that now needs to be done," Guintivano said. "This is the biggest study of its type but we still don't know why B-cells are changing. Are they reflecting another change in the body that is caused by or causes PPD? What is driving this B-cell behaviour?" he added. Guintivano said their next step is to conduct a longitudinal study that tracks women across a longer period of time to see how B-cells change through pregnancy and into the postpartum period. He says none of this research would be possible without many women being dedicated to research on PPD. "The women who participated in this study are new moms who came in during a very critical time when their babies are weeks old to participate in research to help other women, Guintivano said. "I want to thank them for that. We want to do their contributions justice with our research," he concluded.(ANI) A new artificial-intelligence-based approach can predict if and when a patient could die of cardiac arrest, a recent study led by researchers at John Hopkins University has found. The technology, built on raw images of patients' diseased hearts and patient backgrounds, stands to revolutionize clinical decision-making and increase survival from sudden and lethal cardiac arrhythmias, one of medicine's deadliest and most puzzling conditions. The new study was published in the journal, 'Nature Cardiovascular Research'. "Sudden cardiac death caused by arrhythmia accounts for as many as 20 per cent of all deaths worldwide and we know little about why it's happening or how to tell who's at risk," said senior author Natalia Trayanova, the Murray B. Sachs Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Medicine. "There are patients who may be at low risk of sudden cardiac death getting defibrillators that they might not need and then there are high-risk patients that aren't getting the treatment they need and could die in the prime of their life. What our algorithm can do is determine who is at risk for cardiac death and when it will occur, allowing doctors to decide exactly what needs to be done," she added. The team was the first to use neural networks to build a personalized survival assessment for each patient with heart disease. These risk measures have provided with high accuracy the chance for a sudden cardiac death over 10 years, and when it's most likely to happen. The deep learning technology is called Survival Study of Cardiac Arrhythmia Risk (SSCAR). The name has alluded to cardiac scarring caused by heart disease that often results in lethal arrhythmias and is the key to the algorithm's predictions. The team has used contrast-enhanced cardiac images that visualize scar distribution from hundreds of real patients at Johns Hopkins Hospital with cardiac scarring to train an algorithm to detect patterns and relationships not visible to the naked eye. Current clinical cardiac image analysis has extracted only simple scar features like volume and mass, severely underutilizing what's demonstrated in this work to be critical data. "The images carry critical information that doctors haven't been able to access," said first author Dan Popescu, a former Johns Hopkins doctoral student. "This scarring can be distributed in different ways and it says something about a patient's chance for survival. There is information hidden in it," he added. The team has trained a second neural network to learn from 10 years of standard clinical patient data, 22 factors such as patients' age, weight, race and prescription drug use. The algorithms' predictions were not only significantly more accurate on every measure than doctors, they were validated in tests with an independent patient cohort from 60 health centres across the United States, with different cardiac histories and different imaging data, suggesting the platform could be adopted anywhere. "This has the potential to significantly shape clinical decision-making regarding arrhythmia risk and represents an essential step towards bringing patient trajectory prognostication into the age of artificial intelligence," said Trayanova, co-director of the Alliance for Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Innovation. "It epitomizes the trend of merging artificial intelligence, engineering, and medicine as the future of healthcare," he concluded. (ANI) " 'Rhapsody in Blue' is one of the few pieces that's still in the American psyche enough (so that) when you make stuff up, they still know it's 'Rhapsody in Blue,' and you still can understand it and still can follow it," says Roberts. "So there's a unique connection we can build on as we play it for people all over the world." Illegal migrants from Africa were trying to cross the Mediterranean on two boats, both of which sank near the town of El Amra, Mosaique FM said on Saturday citing Mourad Turki, a provincial judicial official. According to Turki, 13 of the migrants died, while 37 were rescued. Another 12 migrants are missing. About a week ago, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said that nearly 100 migrants had died in the Mediterranean waters after the boat carrying them from Libya got shipwrecked. The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor said in its annual report earlier this year that about 1,864 migrants died or disappeared in 2021 compared to 1,401 in 2020. In recent years, the EU has been struggling with an ongoing migration crisis as people try to cross the Mediterranean, fleeing poverty and war in Africa and the Middle East. Numerous organizations and human rights groups have been engaged in the effort to rescue migrants stranded at sea and to bring them to Europe. (ANI/Sputnik) Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon has met with the EU special representative for Afghanistan Tomas Niklasson and emphasized the need for an increase in humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan, Afghan media reported citing Tajikistan President's official website. According to Khaama Press, Emamoli Rahman and Tomas Niklasson met in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe on Friday. Niklasson was in the country on a working visit. As per the website, both discussed Afghanistan's current political, military, and socioeconomic situation which directly affects the situation in the region. The call on the rising need for Afghanistan comes as over half of the Afghan population needs life-saving assistance while 95 per cent are under the poverty line. Expressing concern over the abject economic situation of the Afghan people post-Taliban came to power, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) said that millions of people in the country are facing economic challenges. "Humanitarian operations, although very important, are not sufficient and we need to focus on people's livelihoods, and the reason why we need to focus on people's livelihoods is, simply, we have millions of people today who are on the verge of economic collapse in addition to the millions of who are already suffering from the humanitarian situation and challenges. We would like to say clearly that if you want to reduce the humanitarian load in Afghanistan, we have to work on livelihoods," said Abdallah Al Dardari, UNDP resident representative in Afghanistan, reported Tolo News. Dardari said he does not consider humanitarian aid to Afghanistan sufficient and emphasizes that without economic development, Afghanistan will not be stable. Meanwhile, the World Food Program (WFP) on Twitter announced the continuation of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. WFP continues to help people in need across Afghanistan, helping 900,000 people in Badakhshan in the past three months alone, reported Tolo News. According to UN figures, 23 million people in Afghanistan are currently starving and 95 per cent of Afghans do not have enough food to eat three times in 24 hours. (ANI) Despite several attempts by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government to block the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly, Prime Minister Imran Khan was voted out of power as he lost the trust vote mandated by the Supreme Court's ruling. As many as 174 members voted in favour of the motion in the 342-member House while members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were absent during the voting. However, it took months of planning to move the motion against the country's premier. As per the Geo tv, by the end of 2021 -- Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) started cajoling Pakistan Muslim League (N) supremo Nawaz Sharif to move a no-trust motion against then Prime Minister Imran Khan On November 28, 2021- PPP stalwart Khursheed Shah, indicating an in-house change in the Parliament, said the Opposition would have enough numbers to oust PM Imran Khan. On December 24, 2021- PML-N leader Ayaz Sadiq also hinted the Opposition was preparing for in-house change. Later in January 11, 2022 -- PML-N stalwart Khawaja Asif said the government had lost the majority; an in-house change will be made. January 18 -- PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said a no-confidence motion against the Senate chairman would not oust the government and the Opposition wants to send the PM home. January 21-- Ayaz Sadiq said the Opposition is ready for a no-confidence motion against PM, the time would be decided later. On February 7, PML-N and PPP officially discussed no-trust motion against the premier. February 8 - Shahbaz presents the option of a no-confidence motion against Imran Khan to MQM-P. MQM-P leader Amir Khan announces to furnish the request before the party's coordination committee February 11 -- Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, on behalf of the Opposition, announces to bring a no-confidence motion against PM, as per Ge tv. Meanwhile, PTI government did not take the threat seriously and challenged the Opposition to table the no-confidence motion. March 8 - Opposition finally tables no-confidence motion. The next day, PM Imran Khan said PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari was his next target and that he wanted the Opposition to move the no-confidence motion against him. March 12 - Nawaz Sharif and disgruntled PTI leader Aleem Khan discussed the no-trust motion in London. Sheikh Rasheed and PML-Q leader Moonis Elahi trade barbs as cracks in the government's coalition appear visible. March 21- The Pakistan government filed a reference for the interpretation of Article 63(A) in the Supreme Court. March 27 - Imran Khan claims that the Opposition's no-confidence motion is part of a "foreign-funded conspiracy" hatched to oust him as PTI held a rally in Islamabad. March 28 - Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif tabled a no-confidence resolution against PM Imran Khan. PTI gets surety of support from PML-Q as Usman Buzdar steps down in favour of Pervaiz Elahi as new chief minister; government's ally BAP sides with the Opposition. Independent MNA from Balochistan Mohammad Aslam Bhootani quits the ruling coalition and sides with the Opposition. March 31 - Pakistan National Assembly session for the no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan adjourned till April 3. April 3 - NA Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri dismisses the no-confidence motion, terms it "unconstitutional" and wraps up proceedings. President Arif Alvi dissolves NA on PM Imran Khan's advice and the Supreme Court takes suo motu notice of political situation. April 7 - The Supreme Court restored the National Assembly, declared the government's decision to dissolve the assembly and Qasim Suri's ruling against the Constitution. It also orders NA Speaker Asad Qaiser to call an assembly session on Saturday. April 8 - A day before the house was set to vote on the no-confidence motion, Imran Khan said he will not tolerate the installation of a "foreign government" and will turn to the public for support if such a thing happens. April 9-10, 2022 -- PTI's elected speaker Asad Qaiser summoned the session for the vote on the no-confidence motion at 10:30 am. Imran Khan-led PTI tried delaying the vote throughout the session. However, minutes before the clock struck 12, Qaiser resigned and handed over his seat to Ayaz Sadiq to chair the session on the no-trust motion. After Sadiq took over the speaker's seat 174 members of the Opposition voted in favour of the motion leading to Imran Khan's removal from the Prime Minister's Office. (ANI) The consumers in the island nation said that rice prices have risen to unbearable levels. The minimum price of a kilo of rice in the general market has now exceeded Rs 200-240, Colombo Page reported. The government has been forced to restrict the import of several essential commodities - including food items which has pushed the price of essentials such as milk powder and rice much higher. Although the Ministry of Trade has stated that rice is being sold at concessionary prices by wholesale network Lanka Sathosa outlets, it was learned from several CWE outlets that imported rice was not meeting the demand, according to Colombo Page. It further reported that Sathosa outlets in many parts of the country are in short supply of essential consumer items including rice, dried chillies and other items. Consumers demanded the government should take steps to reduce prices by importing rice or setting a control price. Sri Lanka is battling a severe economic crisis, with food and fuel scarcity affecting a large number of the people in the island nation. The economy has been in a free-fall since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the crash of the tourism sector. Sri Lanka is also facing a foreign exchange shortage, which has, incidentally, affected its capacity to import food and fuel. The country is facing long power cuts. The country is also witnessing protests over the government's handling of the worst economic crisis in decades. Yesterday, a protest was held outside the US Embassy in Colombo against the Sri Lankan government. (ANI) China has set up three military bases on islands in the South China Sea, equipping them with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming gadgets while deploying fighter jets there, threatening nearby nations. The information was provided by US Indo-Pacific commander Admiral John C Aquilino who said "China has upgraded fully their potentialities and the expansion of military equipment is definitely undermining the region," reported The Singapore Post. Aquilino further added that the build-up of the military bases with missile arsenals, aircraft hangars, military systems and facilities on Mischief Reef, Subi Reef and Fiery Cross seems to have been completed but it endured to be seen if China would further engage in the construction of the military bases in neighbouring areas. Furthermore, the military facilities on the islands threaten all other nations who have stakes in the region and all the international sea and airspace nearby. Earlier in February, a moving army vessel of the Chinese People's Liberation flashed a military-grade laser at a plane of the Australian air force while supervising coastline maritime surveillance. This event does not occur in the South China Sea near China's coastline, but in the Arafura Sea, within the purview of Australia's absolute economic zone, off the country's north coast. From this one can establish, that this is the nearest military threat by the Chinese on Australia's coastline. Aquilino commented the confrontational actions were in clear contradiction to the Chinese president Xi Jinping's past affirmation that Beijing would not modify the artificial islands in disputed waters into military bases. The efforts were part of China's showcasing its power, he said. There was no instant response from Chinese officials. But after years of escalated military disbursement, China now brags the world's second-largest defence budget after the US and is constantly updating its force with weapons systems, counting on the J-20 stealth aircraft, hypersonic missiles, reported The Singapore Post. Aquilino also divulged that US navy reconnaissance aircraft in the South China Sea's Spratly archipelago during patrol was continuously cautioned by the Chinese that it unlawfully infiltrated and said it was China's territory. Moreover, Navy commanding officer Joel Martinez recalled an event in which a Chinese jet flew near a US aircraft in dangerous navigation in the contested region. The US flight crew cautioned the Chinese to follow aviation safety regulations, he said. China sought to bolster its massive territorial authority virtually over the entire South China Sea by constructing island bases on coral atolls nearly 10 years ago. Moreover, countries like the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and Brunei claim part of the sea from which an estimated USD 5 trillion worth of goods are transported every year. The recent move by the Philippine government to triumphantly move the conflict with China to international arbitration showcases that the littoral states of the South China Sea are not going to bow down to China's aggression. The Philippines has taken an aggressive stance against Chinese vessels violating its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the SCS, running patrols against Chinese vessels. In a bold move, the Vietnam government has started asserting itself against the Chinese dominance in the South China Sea. Hanoi commemorated (March 14) the 34th anniversary of a battle against the Chinese navy in the (Gac Ma reef/Johnson South reef) of the South China Sea (SCS), reported The Singapore Post. (ANI) Ali Muhammad Khan, the lone member of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) witnessed the complete session for the vote of the no-confidence motion against his leader Imran Khan on Saturday. Former Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Muhammad Khan was sitting alone in the National Assembly supporting PTI. In a pure democratic gesture, he sat till the proceedings of the no-confidence motion ended late mid-night, while Imran Khan skipped the no-confidence motion. Imran Khan has become the first Prime Minister of Pakistan to lose a no-trust vote in the National Assembly. Despite several attempts to block the no-confidence motion here in the National Assembly, the voting took place after midnight in which as many as 174 members voted in favour of the motion in the 342-member House while members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were absent. Notably, no Prime Minister has completed a full five-year tenure in Pakistan so far, according to reports. The voting took place after a high political drama in the National Assembly with the Supreme Court overturning the decision of the Deputy Speaker to reject the opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion against the ruling PTI-led coalition. Earlier, defending Imran Khan, he said, "Today is an important day for Pakistan." He said that a Muslim is not born to give up. "If he is forced to be enslaved, he will become Babur. He will emerge as Sultan Tipu. He will happily embrace martyrdom, but he will not accept slavery. I am happy and proud to stand with Imran Khan. He gave up his power but did not accept slavery. You all are happy today, May Allah keeps you happy. I have served as a soldier to Imran Khan and as a servant to Pakistan." Imran Khan sought to link the opposition's move to oust him through a no-trust vote with "foreign conspiracy" and named the United States in some of his speeches. However, the United States rejected his allegations. Imran Khan also gave calls for people to take to the streets while the joint opposition remained steadfast in its objective of defeating him. Ali Muhammad Khan also questioned the allegations of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) president Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Imran Khan, whom he considered a US agent and a Jew. "Why the US pulled up all efforts to remove him?" he questioned. No prime minister has completed full five-year tenure in Pakistan's 75-year history. Pakistan, a parliamentary democracy for most of its history, has had a total of 29 prime ministers since 1947. (ANI) Dvornikov has been named theater commander of Russia's military campaign in Ukraine. There is speculation that Russia's general has a goal of representing Putin with some battlefield progress ahead of the 'Victory Day' on May 9, CNN reported on Sunday citing Military analysts and US officials familiar with intelligence assessments. May 9 'Victory Day' is the most significant day in Russia as it marks the anniversary of the Soviet Union's triumph over Germany in the Second World War. The European official described the "Victory Day' as a "self-imposed deadline," and added that it could lead the Russians to make additional mistakes or potentially can lead Russian forces to commit more atrocities, as allegedly happened in the Bucha. According to UK military intelligence update on Saturday, Russia's departure from northern Ukraine shows evidence of non-combatants being disproportionately targeted. United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence says that the Russian troops were withdrawn from northern Ukraine, according to CNN reported on April 8. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Air Force gave information that 13 Russian aerial targets have been destroyed on Saturday, according to Ukraine's local media outlet. "Ukrainian airforce: 13 Russian aerial targets destroyed. Russia lost five UAVs, four missiles, three airplanes, and one helicopter on April 9, according to the Air Force Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces," The Kyiv independent tweeted. A day earlier, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Saturday. Johnson said that he has traveled to Ukraine to meet President Zelenskyy in person and show solidarity with the Ukrainian people. "Today I met my friend President @ZelenskyyUa in Kyiv as a show of our unwavering support for the people of Ukraine. We're setting out a new package of financial & military aid which is a testament of our commitment to his country's struggle against Russia's barbaric campaign," Johnson tweeted. (ANI) Following former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's loss in the no-confidence motion in National Assembly, Attorney General (AG) Khalid Jawed Khan and Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Raja Khalid Mehmood Khan announced their resignation. "I have served as the Attorney General for Pakistan since February 2020. For this honor and privilege, I remain profoundly grateful to Prime Minister Imran Khan," The Tribune Express quoted Khalid Jawed Khan as saying. "I have tried to serve the country to the best of my ability and conscience. I now deem it appropriate to tender my resignation," Khan added. While talking to a local media outlet, Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Raja said that the Constitution has been violated and he could no longer defend the government. He further stated that the no-confidence motion was dealt with in an unconstitutional manner which led to the constitutional crisis in-country, The tribune express reported. Earlier, Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri also tendered their resignations before the voting on no-confidence began. Meanwhile, the vote finally took place in the National Assembly past midnight with 174 members voting in favor of the motion in the 342-member House. During the vote, members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were not present. Now, the National Assembly will vote on April 11 (Monday) to elect a new Prime Minister.The Dawn newspaper said citing the presiding officer of the National Assembly, Ayaz Sadiq said that the nomination papers for the new prime minister may be submitted by 2 pm today (Sunday) and scrutiny would be done by 3 pm. He summoned the session on Monday at 11 am and said the new premier would be elected then. (ANI) The Balochistan government has asked the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to postpone the local government elections in the province till July 15, local media reported. The ECP last week announced holding the local government elections in the province, except in Quetta and Lasbela districts, on May 29. It announced the schedule for the filing of nomination papers and dates for withdrawal of nomination papers and the polling, Dawn newspaper reported. According to the Pakistani newspaper, the Balochistan Assembly adopted a resolution in its session the other day, calling upon the ECP to postpone the local government elections till July 15. Provincial Minister for Agriculture Mir Asadullah Baloch moved the resolution in the House which was supported by both treasury and opposition members. Meanwhile, the resolution was passed without any opposition. Citing the Official sources, Dawn newspaper reported that the secretary of local government Balochistan, Imran Gichki, has written a letter to the ECP commissioner and the provincial election commissioner and informed them the desire of the Balochistan government regarding the postponement of LG elections on the schedule announced by the ECP. However, the reasons were not explained why the government wanted to postpone the LG elections till July 15. Balochistan was the first province of the country which had held the LG elections in the province in 2014 and after completing the four-year term the LG government's institutions were dissolved in 2018. Since then the LG government institutions were being run by administrators appointed by the government. (ANI) Defence expert Qamar Agha, talking over the upcoming election in Pakistan following political uprest in the country which is to take place on July 3, 2022, said that Imran Khan has a good connection with some sections of the Pakistan army, and his speech related to Anti-Americans attracted the youth's attention. Speaking to ANI, Agha said, "Imran Khan may not be having good ties with Army Chief Qamar Bajwa, but a section of army is still backing him. It looks like he continues to have a lot of support within the army. Most of the people within the army don't like the Leader of the Opposition of Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif, Former Pakistan Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, or the Pakistan People's Party. These are the two political parties that demanded the supremacy of elected government however Imran is the one who openly says that he would be cooperating with the army." "Besides this, he is also exploring the sentiments of the people like Anti-American sentiments, trying to attract youth. He is also talking about 'Naya Pakistan'. It's still early to say what could happen, but it seems that voilence may also erupt in the upcoming election," he added. Referring to Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mahmood Qureshi's statement in Pakistan National Assembly during the proceeding of the no-confidence motion session where he raised the accidental missile firing from India and Kashmir issue, a defence expert said that Qureshi is an anti-Indian hawk and he always raise Kashmir issue. "If such a situation (accidental missile firing) would've arrived, Pakistan would've been disintegrated into war and Mahmood Qureshi understands this very well. Presently, Pakistan is not in a position to fight with India. It is a very weak state economically and otherwise also. Its military is also not that good as compared to India. They have already lost 2-3 major wars with India. Besides this Shah Mahmood Qureshi is a very anti-India hawk and he has a typical Muslim league mentality," Agha said. He further added, "During his foreign ministership, he took anti-India stand, particularly the Kashmir issue in regional and international forums. He has always maintained an anti-India position. He is a favorite of the Pakistani military establishment. He maintains good ties with the army. He harbors the aspiration to become the Prime Minister sometime in the future." Upon Rajnath Singh's visit to the US for 2+2 dialogue, Agha said, "This dialogue is going to be very important. The timing of this dialogue is also very important in a sense because the Americans are pressurizing India to come to support in Ukraine war. India has already taken a stand that is in the interest of the country and it is also in the interest of peace and stability. India is in opposition to war, and also wants a peaceful settlement of these disputes." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit the United States from April 10-15 for the fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington DC where External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will also join him. India and the US are set to hold the 2+2 dialogue between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, and their respective American counterparts on Sunday. "Rajnath Singh is a very seasoned diplomat and a very good administrator. So, he would be interested in bridging the gap between the two counties, but at the same time, he would promote India's national interest. America is a friendly country and we would like to have better ties with them so that this friendly cooperation would be further strengthened by his visit and military cooperation continue with that country. The visit would be important and many countries would be looking on his visit," added defence expert Agha. (ANI) Foo Fighters will play a show at The Cubby Bear this Friday to celebrate the premiere of their HBO series "Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways." Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett and Pat Smear will take the stage at 11 p.m. Oct. 17 following a screening of the premiere episodeset in Chicagothat airs at 10 p.m. Friday on HBO. The performance will feature the first-ever concert performance of their new single, "Something from Nothing," that they wrote during the Chicago leg of filming. Tickets for The Cubby Bear concert go on sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday online at http://itsh.bo/FFChicago. There's a two-ticket limit per customer and attendees must be at least 21 years old. All tickets will be held at will-call and are non-transferable. Ticket holders and their guests must check in at the same time, present government-issued photo ID and immediately enter the venue. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Tickets will be $20. "Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways" follows the band as they record their new album out Nov. 10, "Sonic Highways," in eight cities that hold significance to members. The series kicks off with their trip to Chicago and Steve Albini's famed Electrical Audio studio where they recorded "Something from Nothing." In each episode, Grohl interviews musicians, producers, club and studio owners from the city and delves into the city's musical history as it has influenced the Foos. Friday's Chicago-set premiere features The Cubby Bear, the Wrigleyville club at 1059 W. Addison St. where a young Grohl saw his first punk rock showa Naked Raygun show he says changed his life. As you hear in the video above, the band writes each of the eight songs after spending a week in each city before recording. HBO is working with Facebook to present a live stream of The Cubby Bear concert which they have dubbed, "Foo Fighters Sonic Highways: Live from The Cubby Bear." It will begin at 10:59 p.m. on the HBO Facebook page. If you just can't get enough of the Foo Fighters, the band is playing in residence on "Late Show with David Letterman" at 10:35 p.m. this week on CBS. Want more? Discuss this article and others on Show Patrol's Facebook page. Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesperson of the Taliban said that border tensions with Pakistan will be resolved through diplomacy. The statement comes after the tensions increased between Taliban and Pakistan. Recently, a Pakistani chopper was shot at the Durand Line in Nimroz province. The Pakistani side announced preparation for a military response, TOLOnews reported. Reportedly a Pakistani army general was injured in the chopper incident in Zakir village of Chahar Burjak district. According to TOLOnews, Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesperson of the Taliban said, "The Islamic Emirate wants good relations with all countries including neighbours and does not want to be involved in any kind of tension. Officials of the Islamic Emirate are attempting to solve this and all issues by negotiations and understanding." Meanwhile, sources told TOLOnews that both countries have assigned delegations to discuss the problem. The Pakistani government has yet to officially comment on the problem. (ANI) The ouster of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has brought jubilation among its citizens ranging from ecstatic to happy reactions. "I would like to thank Allah for the victory. Our leaders will now lead the country to the path of progress," said a Pakistani national who was celebrating outside the Pakistan National Assembly over the defeat of Imran Khan in the vote of confidence on Saturday midnight. Many Pakistani citizens were seen dancing and shouting slogans against Imran Khan terming him "chor Niazi". The full name of Imran Khan is Imran Khan Niazi and incidentally, he shares this name with General AAK Niazi who surrendered before the Indian Army in the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. "Today's victory is the victory of labourers. The biggest thing is that Pakistan has been relieved of a 'bad person' (referring to Imran Khan), said another Pakistani national. Imran Khan has become the first Prime Minister of Pakistan to lose a no-trust vote in the National Assembly. Despite several attempts to block the no-confidence motion here in the National Assembly, the voting took place after midnight in which as many as 174 members voted in favour of the motion in the 342-member House while members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were absent. The voting took place after a high political drama in the National Assembly with the Supreme Court overturning the decision of the Deputy Speaker to reject the opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion against the ruling PTI-led coalition. Meanwhile, Senators who participated in the no-confidence motion also expressed their happiness over the result. "This is the victory of the Constitution, democracy. I feel that this will continue and will lead to the upliftment of minorities and society," said Mir Kabir from National Party. "This is the victory of Pakistan and its Constitution," said Syed Agha Rafiullah from Pakistan Peoples Party. Notably, no Prime Minister has completed full five-year tenure in Pakistan's 75-year history. Pakistan, a parliamentary democracy for most of its history, has had a total of 29 prime ministers since 1947. "It was all the prayers of the community that the country got rid of misgovernance of Imran Khan and countries breathe a sigh a relief. This is the day of happiness for the people of Pakistan," said a member of the National Assembly. "Pakistan became independent in the month of Ramzan, today again we gained freedom from the misgovernance of Imran Khan," said another MNA. PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz tweeted that "The nightmare for my beloved Pakistan is over. Time to heal & repair." PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique welcomed the nation back to "Purana (old) Pakistan". Activist Ammar Ali Jan said that "a clumsy attempt to sabotage the constitution has been defeated," adding, however, that "the struggle for people's rights continues". Journalist Cyril Almeida simply tweeted: "The hybrid regime is dead". "Imran Khan sets yet another new Pak record! Becomes the first PM to be ousted through a vote of no confidence," quipped journalist Hasan Zaidi. Lawyer Reema Omer termed it "an ignominious end to a "hybrid" project that took democracy many steps back". (ANI) Former Prime minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesingheon Sunday accused the incumbent government of plunging the country into a deep economic and political crisis with its "incompetence in dealing with the financial challenges" while also stating that the utter failure has led to a situation where the people are standing in long queues. "It (economic crisis) never happened in our time...when our government was here there were no queues of the people to buy the basic necessities. There should have not been any reason for the people to come on the streets. But it's all happening because of the incompetence of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government in the country," former PM Wickremesinghe told ANI. Wickremesinghe also stated that when he was the PM in 2019 the country's economy was in healthy status with capital surplus but the incompetency of the current government has brought the people on the streets. "The dire economic situation has led to the political crisis, and what is happening is a disaster to the country. For two years, this government ignored all the signs of the looming economic issues. I remember when I left the office in 2019 we had a surplus budget and there was enough money to pay (for our imports)," former PM Wickremesinghe told ANI. On the issue of not going to the IMF for relief in connection with the ongoing economic crisis, Wickremesinghe slammed the incumbent government for not making timely interventions. He said that it will take a long time for any meaningful relief to come even if the government approaches the IMF. The government, meanwhile, has decided to send a delegation to the IMF soon. "I don't think that the government has enough resources left in the reserves and now they seek to borrow from the leading export companies to pay the bills. The line of credit for fuel extended by India will last till the second week of May," he said. adding that Sri Lanka will be in serious trouble afterwards. He said that India has helped Sri Lanka to the maximum. "We will have to see the outcome of the support of India while New Delhi is still helping in non-financial ways," said Wickremesinghe. Wickremesinghe charged that the government was not looking after the economy while suggestions were made for going to the IMF in 2020 and 2021. "The government did not go to the IMF on the advice of the central bank and the treasury and the people are now paying the price," he told ANI. Sri Lankan government is all set to meet the IMF soon this month in Washington DC, with the country's finance minister and central bank governor being part of the delegation. He also stated that no Chinese investment under this government has come to the country.(ANI) Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Sunday expressed its shock over state functionaries' conduct who are not addressing the legitimate concerns of Baloch students. They have been protesting in Islamabad against the disappearance of their missing colleague Hafeez Baloch, who was forcibly disappeared by Pakistani intelligence agencies. The Court also deplored the conduct of President Dr Arif Alvi. IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah asked President Alvi to dispel the impression of racial profiling of the Baloch students, reported Dawn. He was hearing a petition filed against the harassment of the protesting students. The students belonging to Balochistan and at present studying at the Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) apprehended that they would be harassed and abducted if they visited their hometowns. The court observed, "The most alarming and disturbing aspect observed by the Court during the proceedings in hand has been the conduct of the public office holders and the lack of empathy on their part. The students have endeavoured to be heard by the public functionaries but their conduct has remained indifferent." The court noted that "There cannot be a graver grievance for a citizen to feel that he/she is being subjected to racial profiling or is not being treated equally. The court deprecates the conduct of the public office holders as has been observed during the proceedings." The court directed the secretary to the president to place a copy of the order before him. The grievance regarding racial profiling cannot and must not be tolerated. In the case of students of Balochistan, such a grievance becomes more profound, reported Dawn. "The Chancellor of the University i.e. worthy President of Pakistan is expected to take appropriate action, in consultation with the Chancellors of other Universities, so as to demonstrably dispel any apprehension regarding racial profiling of students belonging to the province of Balochistan," it added. "But what is most alarming is the response of the State and its public functionaries. The Minister of Interior had met them pursuant to the Court's direction but the meeting appears to have been a mere formality," the court order said, adding, "The Chancellor of the University i.e. the worthy President has not met them as yet." The court noted that the grievances raised by the students were not only intolerable but they manifested one of the gravest forms of violations of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution, reported Dawn. Further hearing in the matter was adjourned till April 15. (ANI) China, whose revisionist and revanchist policies are universal, now has an eye on the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) including the nations on the East-African coast. According to a 'Pentagon' report', Beijing might seek to build more overseas military bases in countries with which it has long maintained good relations and shared common strategic interests with it. Pakistan is a fit candidate in Asia in this scheme of things, ports in countries like Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania are also on the Chinese wish list in Western IOR, reported Daily Sikh. Strategic thinkers in Pakistan consider the modernization of the Pakistan Navy, mostly sourced from China, besides setting the 'Balance of Power (BoP)' with India, aimed at protecting China's economic and political ambitions in IOR. The future role of the Pakistan Navy is, therefore, premised on achieving "Equalization of Sino-Indian Confrontation" in the IOR. This is in line with Islamabad's tradition of seeking short-term gains in pleasing external strategic benefactors, earlier it was the US and now it's China, reported Daily Sikh. Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe in a meeting (April 2019) with Pak Chief of Naval Staff Abbas Raza, termed China-Pakistan defence and security cooperation as an important pillar of bilateral relations. Notably, China and Pak exchanges and cooperation in the defence sector have intensified over the years. According to US media reports (January 2019), the strength of the Pak Navy has been enhanced and would further be strengthened after the completion and delivery of more advanced warships by China. With Chinese political and economic support, Pakistan has expanded its Navy and has been acquiring combat weapons including 'Babar', a cruise missile, which is typical of the Chinese C 862 Missile. There are also Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles such as 'Harappa' and 'Zarabu', which are also basically of Chinese design. Additionally, China's support to Pakistan also includes eight Type-S 20 Conventional Submarines. In 2017, China installed C 602 Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles on the Fast Attack Ships of the Pakistani Navy, reported Daily Sikh. Meanwhile, Gwadar Port is being touted as the 'game changer' through which Islamabad is seeking to challenge India's 'Maritime Renaissance' in the IOR. Increased Chinese military presence in Gwadar and the IOR would disturb the equilibrium in the Persian Gulf region and put Beijing at an advantage militarily at key choke points in the northern Indian Ocean. Additionally, the Gwadar Port would allow China to bypass the Indian Ocean. On becoming operational, the port and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), would connect the western region of China with an outlet in the Arabian Sea and support the development of its restive Xinjiang Province. China would use this route primarily, for trade transportation, in the future over its Southeast coast that is from the South China Sea (SCS) to the Persian Gulf. This, therefore, highlights the significance of Pakistan and hence the assistance for modernization of the Pakistani Navy to espouse the interests of China in IOR, reported Daily Sikh. An analysis of Chinese support to the Pak Navy reveals that China intends to: establish sea-lanes connectivity for its global trade, bypassing SCS, a shorter route to connect to the African continent and overcome its 'Malacca Dilemma'; use Pak Navy to ensure the security of interests in IOR once the CPEC fully operationalizes, and check increasing influence of Indian Navy in the IOR to further its and Pakistan's interests, reported Daily Sikh. (ANI) Macron enjoyed solid support in the beginning as he tried to achieve a diplomatic solution to the situation in Ukraine and led talks on economic sanctions against Russia, reported NHK World. However, his rival Le Pen's support base including low-income voters has edged up and is threatening Macron's aspirations for a second term. She vied for wider support with pledges to improve the economy and living standards in the face of soaring prices of goods such as fuel, reported NHK World. Voters in France are heading for the polls on Sunday for the first round of the presidential election which is held every five years. Twelve candidates are in the electoral, with the Ukrainian situation dominating debates among the candidates, besides bringing the economy on track from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The average of opinion polls as of Friday night shows that Macron, who is a centrist, kept his lead with 26 per cent support and Le Pen got 23 per cent. Jean-Luc Melenchon on the far left garnered 17 per cent support while, some polls show that about 30 per cent of voters are still undecided, reported NHK World. A preliminary result will be known on Monday. If no candidate receives a majority of votes, the two candidates who garner the most votes will qualify for a run-off on April 24. (ANI) Moscow [Russia], April 10 (ANI/Sputnik): Russian combat air force has destroyed 86 Ukrainian military facilities since the evening of April 9, Russian defense ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said on Sunday. "Operational and tactical aviation of the Russian air force hit 86 Ukrainian military objects. Among them are two control points, two ammunition depots, three fuel bases, three multiple-launch rocket systems, as well as 49 fortified strongholds and areas of concentration of Ukrainian military equipment," Konashenkov told reporters. (ANI/Sputnik) Reacting to the ousting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan from the post of Prime Minister through a no-confidence motion, American Author Sadanand Dhume said that Pakistan's democracy survived a great ordeal, Geo TV reported. While congratulating people for the success of the democratic process, Dhume said, "Pakistani democracy came out of the ordeal and survived." In the history of Pakistan, this is for the first time that any Prime Minister was ousted through a no-confidence motion. The voting on the no-confidence motion finally took place after midnight (April 10) in which as many as 174 members voted in favour of the motion in the 342-member House while members of the ruling PTI were absent. The voting took place after a high political drama in the National Assembly with the Supreme Court overturning the decision of the Deputy Speaker to reject the opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion against the ruling PTI-led coalition. Imran Khan sought to link the Opposition's move to oust him through a no-trust vote with "foreign conspiracy" and named the United States in some of his speeches. However, the United States rejected his allegations. Imran Khan also gave calls for people to take to the streets while the joint Opposition remained steadfast in its objective of ousting him from power. Once the voting was concluded and the result was announced, Opposition leaders delivered their victory speeches. Speaking on the occasion, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif said the country was witnessing a new day and thanked all the joint Opposition leaders for their efforts in uniting the parties against the government. "We cannot thank Allah enough for allowing us to see this new day," said Shahbaz. "We thank everyone for their sacrifices, and now, once again, a Pakistan based on Constitution and law is about to come into existence," the PML-N president said, hoping that the alliance would move the country towards progress, reported Geo News. Shehbaz Sharif said this might be the first time in Pakistan that the country's daughters and sisters were sent to prison, but maintained that he wanted to forget the past and move forward. "When the time comes, we will speak in detail, but we want to heal the wounds of the nation; we will not send innocent people to jails, and we will not take revenge," Shabaz Sharif said, noting that the law will take its course without interference. "Neither I, nor Bilawal, nor will Maulana Fazlur Rehman interfere. Law will be upheld and we will respect the judiciary," Shahbaz said, thanking Sadiq for chairing the historic session, reported Geo News. Meanwhile, Pakistan National Assembly Secretariat on Sunday shifted the schedule from 11 am to 2 pm on April 11, to elect the new Prime Minister after the ouster of former PM Imran Khan on Saturday midnight, reported Geo News. Earlier, the session had been adjourned till 11 am on Monday, April 11. (ANI) The UN's envoy has called for urgent steps from the Taliban regime to ensure that all Aghan girls are able to attend schools in Afghanistan. Deborah Lyons, the UN envoy, also raised her concerns about threats and restrictions on media in Afghanistan. She met Khairullah Khairkhwa, the Taliban's acting minister of Information and Culture. "@DeborahLyonsUN & Khairullah Khairkhwa @AfMoic spoke today on education & media freedoms. The UN envoy urged urgent steps for all girls to return to school. Concerned by threats & restrictions against media, she called on @AfMoic to engage journalists in a constructive dialogue", tweeted UNAMA News. The UN envoy's call has come in the backdrop of the Taliban extending the indefinite ban on the secondary education of Afghan girls. Since the Taliban took control of the administration in the country, the media freedom also continues to crumble in Afghanistan, with women journalists being hit the hardest, as four out of five of them no longer working. The de facto ban on girls' education in classes 6 and above was supposed to be lifted on the first day of Afghanistan's new Academic year. Taking to Twitter, UNAMA wrote on March 26, "Taliban decision on girls' education will cause irreparable damage to Afghanistan if not reversed. @DeborahLyons message to the Taliban today, meeting in Qatar with their Doha office head @suhailsaheen". The Taliban has announced that boys can continue their education normally but the doors of education will be shut for girls beyond grade 6 and above. (ANI) In a bid to find a solution to the current economic, political and social crisis in the country, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will be holding a crucial meeting with 41 MPs who recently quit the ruling dispensation. The meeting between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and President Rajapaksa is scheduled to be held at 7.00 pm this evening, reported Daily Mirror. The information of the decisive and crucial meeting was given by the former President and SLFP leader Maithripala Siriserna. Addressing the media at the party office today morning, he said the main objective of the meeting was to coerce President Rajapaksa to form an interim administration under an all-party Cabinet sans Rajapaksas with the least number of portfolios, reported Daily Mirror. "Before the interim administration is set up, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution must be re-introduced with added powers to curtail the executive powers of the executive presidency," he added. The entire country is demanding the removal of the Rajapaksa clan and President Rajapaksa from power in Sri Lanka. It seems that the protests and agitations against the President and the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) government will not subside as long as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa remains in power, reported Daily Mirror. "But it is a long process and takes time. The people need immediate solutions to their current grievances such as the power outage, the skyrocketing price of essential commodities, food shortage, the ever-escalating Cost of Living and many more. If we are to find immediate solutions to these pressing issues, first and foremost action must be taken to form a stable government," Sirisena said. The SLFP is of the view that an all-party interim government with no involvement of the Rajapaksa clan will win public confidence as there will be no unnecessary directives or orders from the executive with the re-introduction of the Constitutional provisions of the 19th Amendment. "To do this, the SLFP expects the support and blessings of all political parties represented in Parliament," Sirisena stressed. Sri Lanka is battling a severe economic crisis with food and fuel scarcity affecting a large number of the people in the island nation. The economy has been in a free-fall since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sri Lanka is also facing a foreign exchange shortage, which has, incidentally, affected its capacity to import food and fuel, leading to the power cuts in the country. The shortage of essential goods forced Sri Lanka to seek assistance from friendly countries. (ANI) Xiplomacy: Xi's security vision helps build a world of lasting peace Xinhua) 09:41, April 10, 2022 Photo taken on May 5, 2021 shows a wide view of the UNGA Interactive Dialogue to Commemorate and Promote the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace at the UN headquarters in New York. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) BEIJING, April 9 (Xinhua) -- To promote world peace and security, Chinese President Xi Jinping has been advocating a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. Back in 2014, while addressing the fourth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia held in Shanghai, Xi initiated the vision to tackle rising challenges facing the region. In the following years, the Chinese leader has evolved the concept and expounded it on various international occasions. The following are some highlights of his remarks in this regard. Sept. 26, 2017 While addressing the opening ceremony of the 86th Interpol General Assembly, Xi said "countries should adopt a concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and jointly respond to security challenges." He called for promoting global security governance in a more fair, reasonable and effective way. "Countries, while maintaining their own security, should take into account other countries' security," Xi said. File photo shows a media delegate viewing photos at the second edition of BRICS Media Joint Photo Exhibition in Cape Town, South Africa, July 18, 2018. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng) July 25, 2018 At a business forum at the 10th BRICS summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, Xi called on BRICS countries to promote common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. He also stressed that BRICS members should address issues that matter to all through consultation and oppose hegemony and power politics. March 26, 2019 At the closing ceremony of the China-France Global Governance Forum held in Paris, the Chinese president called for joint efforts and mutual assistance to address the peace deficit. It is advisable to uphold a new vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, discard Cold-War and zero-sum mentalities, reject the law of the jungle, and settle conflicts through peaceful ways, he said. A truck delivering containers prepares to enter the multimodal transport center in the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) local economic and trade cooperation demonstration zone in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Nov. 9, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) Nov. 10, 2020 While addressing the 20th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Beijing via video link, Xi said: "We need to safeguard security and stability and build a community of security for us all." "Security and stability are the number one precondition for a country's development, and thus concern the core interests of all countries," he said, adding that "We need to act on the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, address all forms of threats and challenges effectively, and foster a sound security environment in our region." Sept. 3, 2021 Addressing the opening ceremony of the plenary session of the sixth Eastern Economic Forum via video link, Xi called on all parties to form synergy to safeguard regional peace and stability. All parties need to narrow differences and build consensus through dialogue and exchanges, embrace the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and work for a harmonious and tranquil homeland for us all, Xi said. Workers load a container onto a train at Urumqi China-Europe Railway Express Hub in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 12, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Fei) March 8, 2022 Xi had a virtual summit with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during which the Chinese president urged advocation of a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. China supports France and Germany in promoting a balanced, effective and sustainable European security framework for the interests and lasting security of Europe, and by upholding its strategic autonomy, he said. The leaders also exchanged views on the current situation in Ukraine. China maintains that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter must be fully observed, the legitimate security concerns of all countries must be taken seriously, and all efforts that are conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis must be supported, he said. April 8, 2022 Xi held a phone conversation with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, during which the Chinese president stressed the importance to adopt the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. "The development of the current international situation has once again proved that regional security cannot be achieved by strengthening military alliances," Xi said. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Bianji) Warning signs are posted near a gate to the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station, in Plymouth, Mass., Tuesday, May 28, 2019. Pilgrim, which closed in 2019, was a boiling water reactor. Water constantly circulated through the reactor vessel and nuclear fuel, converting it to steam to spin the turbine. (Steven Senne/AP) One million gallons of radioactive water is inside a former nuclear power plant along Cape Cod Bay and it has got to go. But where, is the vexing question, and will the state intervene as the company dismantling the plant decides? Advertisement Holtec International is considering treating the water and discharging it into the bay, drawing fierce resistance from local residents, shell fishermen and politicians. Holtec is also considering evaporating the contaminated water or trucking it to a facility in another state. The fight in Massachusetts mirrors a current, heated debate in Japan over a plan to release more than 1 million tons of treated radioactive wastewater into the ocean from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant in spring 2023. A massive tsunami in 2011 crashed into the plant. Three reactors melted down. Advertisement Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth, Massachusetts, closed in 2019 after nearly half a century providing electricity to the region. U.S. Rep. William Keating, a Democrat whose district includes the Cape, wrote to Holtec with other top Massachusetts lawmakers in January to oppose releasing water into Cape Cod Bay. He asked the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to examine its regulations. Keating said in late March that Holtecs handling of the radioactive water could set a precedent because the U.S. decommissioning industry is in its infancy. Most U.S. nuclear plants were built between 1970 and 1990. If theyre listening, sensitive and work with these communities, its important, he said. Thats the message for future decommissioning sites. Holtec has acquired closed nuclear plants across the country as part of its dismantling business, including the former Oyster Creek Generating Station in New Jersey and Indian Point Energy Center in New York. Its taking ownership of the Palisades Nuclear Plant on Lake Michigan, which is closing this year. Pilgrim was a boiling water reactor. Water constantly circulated through the reactor vessel and nuclear fuel, converting it to steam to spin the turbine. The water was cooled and recirculated, picking up radioactive contamination. Cape Cod is a tourist hotspot. Having radioactive water in the bay, even low levels, isnt great for marketing, said Democratic state Rep. Josh Cutler, who represents a district there. Cutler is working to pass legislation to prohibit discharging radioactive material into coastal or inland waters. Holtec said Pilgrim already discharged water into the bay for 50 years while the plant was operating and environmental studies, conducted by the plant operators and now Holtec, have shown little or no environmental impact. Radiological environmental reports are shared with the NRC annually. We are working to provide scientific data, educate the public on the reality of radiation in everyday life, and working to have experts explain the true science versus the emotional fear of the unknown, spokesperson Patrick OBrien wrote in an email in March. Advertisement What are Holtecs options? Holtec could treat the water and discharge it in batches over multiple years, likely the least expensive option. Or, it could evaporate the water on site, as it says it has done with about 680,000 gallons (2,600 kiloliters) over the past two years. Evaporating the water would be more challenging to do now because the spent nuclear fuel is in storage, and couldnt be used as a heat source. Holtec would have to use a different likely more expensive method that would release gas. Or, Holtec could truck the water to an out-of-state facility, where it could be mixed with clay and buried or placed in an evaporation pond, or released into local waterways. Thats what Keating wants. Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station, another boiling water reactor, was shut down in Vernon, Vermont, in 2014. Its sending wastewater to disposal specialists in Texas and other states. Entergy operated and sold both Vermont Yankee and Pilgrim. NorthStar, a separate and competing corporation in the decommissioning business, is dismantling Vermont Yankee. Nuclear plants occasionally need to dispose of water with low levels of radioactivity when theyre operating, so a process to release it in batches into local waterways was developed early in the nuclear industry. In recent years at Pilgrim, the two largest releases were in 2011, with 29 releases totaling about 325,000 gallons (1,500 kiloliters), and 2013, with 21 releases totaling about 310,000 gallons. Advertisement The water from those releases was well below the federal limits for the amount of radionuclides in millirems a person would be exposed to in a year if they ate local seafood or swam in nearby waters, according to the NRC. NRC spokesperson for the Northeast Neil Sheehan said the limits are set very conservatively and are believed to be protective of the public and environment. He said its important to consider the role of dilution once the discharges mix with vast quantities of water any radioactivity is typically not detectable. A portion of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station is visible beyond houses along the coast of Cape Cod Bay, in Plymouth, Mass., March 30, 2011. (Steven Senne/AP) Why are people worried? In Duxbury, Kingston and Plymouth Bays, there are 50 oyster farms the largest concentration in the state, worth $5.1 million last year, according to the Massachusetts Seafood Collaborative. The collaborative said dumping the water would devastate the industry, and the local economy along with it. Diane Turco, a Harwich resident and longtime Pilgrim watchdog, questions if the water is heavily contaminated, especially from the pool that covered the stored, spent fuel for cooling and shielded workers from radiation. Isnt this a crazy idea for Holtec to use our bay as their dump? No way, she said. Others didnt know Pilgrims water went into the bay in previous years and they dont want it to happen again. Advertisement We cant change that, but we can change whats happening in the future, said Cutler, the state lawmaker. Its the first time it has ever been decommissioned, so to compare this to the past is a convenient excuse. Well, we did it in the past, that sounds like my kid. Towns on the Cape are trying to prohibit the dispersal of radioactive materials in their waters. Tribal leaders, fishermen, lobstermen and real estate agents have publicly stated their opposition as well. Sheehan, the NRC spokesperson, said the water is not different or distinct, compared to water released during the plants operations. Holtec would have to handle it the same way, by filtering it, putting it into a tank, analyzing the radio isotopes and calculating the environmental impacts if it was released in batches, he added. Who gets the final say? Holtec wouldnt need a separate approval from the NRC to discharge the water into the bay. However, Holtec would need permission from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency if the water contained pollutants regulated by the Clean Water Act, such as dissolved metals. If the water contained only radioactive materials regulated by the NRC, Holtec wouldnt need to ask the EPA for a permit modification, according to the EPAs water division for New England. Holtec has never given the EPA a pollutant characterization of the water associated with decommissioning, the divisions director said. Mary Lampert, of Duxbury, is on a panel created by the state to look at issues related to the Pilgrims decommissioning. She believes the state could use its existing laws and regulations to stop the dumping and plans to press the Massachusetts attorney general to file a preliminary injunction to do so. Advertisement The attorney generals office said its monitoring the issue and would take any Clean Water Act violations seriously. Holtec said this week its examining the water for possible pollutants but the lab results wont be available for awhile. The company expects to decide what to do with the water later this year. Discharge, evaporation and some limited transportation will likely all be part of the solution, Holtec added. The PTI requested the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the issue, Geo News reported. "Ex Focal person on PM Imran Khan on Digital, Dr Arsalan Khalid's home has been raided and they have taken all phones from his family. "He has never abused anyone on social media and never attacked any institutions," PTI tweeted, according to the Pakistani newspaper. Notably, Imran Khan has become the first Prime Minister of Pakistan to lose a no-trust vote in the National Assembly. Despite several attempts to block the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly, the voting took place after midnight in which as many as 174 members voted in favour of the motion in the 342-member House while members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were absent. Dr Arsalan recently worked as the focal person for the PM on digital media. Earlier, he was the secretary of PTI social media, according to PTI's official website. Imran Khan's media leader is a graduate of King Edward Medical University and an entrepreneur. He embarked on his journey with PTI and Imran Khan more than a decade ago. Ever since, he has been working actively for the party on social media. Dr Khalid has earlier led the PTI Lahore chapter on social media. After working as an operational lead for PTI's social media team, he was appointed as its secretary. He has led social media campaigns for multiple historic events, including the Digital Media Campaign for General Election 2018. (ANI) UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson walked alongside the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the street of Kyiv during Johnson's surprise visit to the war-hit nation. In a two-minute video shared by the Ukrainian government, the two leaders were seen walking through the largely empty city guarded by snipers and other heavy security. Yesterday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. Johnson said that he has travelled to Ukraine to meet President Zelenskyy in person and show solidarity with the Ukrainian people. "Today I met my friend President @ZelenskyyUa in Kyiv as a show of our unwavering support for the people of Ukraine. We're setting out a new package of financial & military aid which is a testament of our commitment to his country's struggle against Russia's barbaric campaign," Johnson tweeted. The Embassy of Ukraine to the United Kingdom tweeted a picture of Boris Johnson sitting alongside Zelenskyy in an office. This visit comes as the Johnson government has announced defensive aid to Ukraine with a new pound sterling 100m package. The new support will include more NLAW (Next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon) anti-tank missiles, additional Javelin anti-tank systems, additional loitering munitions, additional Starstreak air defence systems, and more non-lethal aid including ballistic helmets, body armour and night-vision goggles. This package amounts to over 100 million and has been designed in consultation with the Armed Forces of Ukraine to ensure that it meets their military needs. This builds on the 350 million of military aid and around 400m of economic and humanitarian support that the UK has already provided. As well as providing bilateral lethal aid, the UK Armed Forces - alongside Polish, US and international partners - have established an International Donor Coordination Centre in Stuttgart. This plays a leading role in the international effort and ensures that the military aid delivered to Ukraine is as coordinated and effective as possible. The team from 104 Logistics Brigade was established following the first International Donor Conference convened by the Defence Secretary in February. "Putin has steeled our resolve, sharpened our focus and forced Europe to begin to rearm to guarantee our shared security," said Johnson. (ANI) Expressing concern over the detention of the women protesting against the Taliban's ban on girls' education in Afghanistan, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for an inquiry into the fate of these protestors, reported local media. The development comes as more than 10 female protestors were detained in the Bamiyan province of Afghanistan, Tolo News reported citing some reports. According to the reports, the Taliban invited female students to a gathering to discuss the reopening of schools for girls beyond grade six, however, the gathering only focused on frozen assets of Afghanistan, which incited a strong reaction from the female participants. "We are very concerned to hear that some of the women involved in the incident and in the event in Bamiyan may have been detained by the Taliban. This of course reminds everyone of the incident over months ago when the Taliban detained women protestors and denied having them in custody and held them in abusive conditions for several weeks," the media outlet quoted Heather Barr, associate director of the Women's Rights Division at the HRW as saying. Calling for clarification over the fate of the women, she said"We have called on the international community, particularly the United Nations and other embassies to enquire urgently about what the situation is." A few female rights activists in Bamiyan have claimed that the female protestors were arrested after they protested against the gathering. "Three of the student protestors, who were detained last week on charges of tearing the banner of the Taliban, have been freed, but there is no information about the fate of another seven," said Somiya, a women's rights activist, according to Tolo News. "It is not important that the Taliban accepts this issue or not--takes responsibility for it or not--- what is important is that the detentions are contrary to Sharia and all types of human rights for the people of Afghanistan (as determined by the) international community as well as international organizations," said another women's rights activist Monisa Mubariz. However, provincial officials have dismissed the arrest of women protestors as rumours. Earlier, the Taliban regime issued a decree banning female students above grade six from attending classes. The girls were further told to stay home until the Islamic Emirate announces its next decision. The decision by the Islamic Emirate has drawn severe backlash across the world with the Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America condemning the Taliban's decision to deny so many Afghan girls the opportunity to finally go back to school. (ANI) Pakistan's Islamabad High Court has condemned President Arif Alvi and various state functionaries for not taking heed of the legitimate concerns of the Baloch students who are subjected to racial profiling and have been protesting in Islamabad against the disappearance of their fellow mates. While hearing a petition filed by rights activist Imaan Zainab Hazir against harassment of the protesting students, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah asked Alvi to tackle the issue of racial profiling of the Baloch students, reported Dawn. He said that the grievance regarding racial profiling cannot and must not be tolerated. Balochistan students who are studying at the Quaide-i-Azam University (QAU) expressed their concern that they would be harassed and abducted if they visited their hometowns. According to the court, "The most alarming and disturbing aspect observed by the Court during the proceedings in hand has been the conduct of the public office holders and the lack of empathy on their part. The students have endeavoured to be heard by the public functionaries but their conduct has remained indifferent," reported the newspaper. "There cannot be a graver grievance for a citizen to feel that he/she is being subjected to racial profiling or is not being treated equally. The court deprecates the conduct of the public office holders as has been observed during the proceedings," the court further noted. "The Chancellor of the University i.e. worthy President of Pakistan is expected to take appropriate action, in consultation with the Chancellors of other Universities, so as to demonstrably dispel any apprehension regarding racial profiling of students belonging to the province of Balochistan," it added. "But what is most alarming is the response of the State and its public functionaries. The Minister of Interior had met them pursuant to the Court's direction but the meeting appears to have been a mere formality," the court order said, adding: "The Chancellor of the University i.e. the worthy President has not met them as yet." The secretary Ministry of Interior was directed to reach out to the petitioners and the students of Balochistan at the QAU and take such actions as he may deem appropriate to ensure that concerns relating to security while visiting their hometowns are addressed. The court directed the registrar's office to send copies of the order to the secretary to the president and the secretary Ministry of Interior. Moreover, the court directed them to submit their reports before the date fixed. The next hearing over the matter was adjourned till April 15, reported the newspaper. (ANI) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan chaired the first parliamentary board meeting of his party after the Pakistani Parliament ousted him in a vote of no confidence in the wee hours of Sunday. As many as 174 lawmakers in the 342-strong lower house of parliament voted in favour of the no-confidence motion launched by opposition parties, thereby, making him the first Prime Minister of Pakistan to lose a no-trust vote in the National Assembly. "A meeting of the party's parliamentary board is underway under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Imran Khan," the Official Twitter account of 'Imran Khan Today' tweeted. Taking to Twitter, Imran Khan on Sunday continued with "external conspiracy" allegations, saying today is the beginning of a renewed struggle for independence. "Pakistan became an independent state in 1947, but today is the beginning of a renewed struggle for independence against an external conspiracy to change power. It is always the people of a country who protect and defend their sovereignty and democracy," the former Pakistan Prime Minister tweeted. PTI has decided to submit en masse resignations in the National Assembly, Pakistan's Samaa reported. Former Pakistan Federal Minister Fawad Chaudry said PTI will launch a movement against the new government. Notably, no Prime Minister has completed a full five-year tenure in Pakistan so far. The voting took place in the early hours of Sunday after a high political drama in the National Assembly with the Supreme Court overturning the decision of the Deputy Speaker to reject the opposition sponsored no-confidence motion against the ruling PTI-led coalition. Imran Khan sought to link the opposition's move to oust him through a no-trust vote with "foreign conspiracy" and named the United States in some of his speeches. However, the United States rejected his allegations. Imran Khan also gave calls for people to take to the streets while the joint opposition remained steadfast in its objective of defeating him. (ANI) Taking to Twitter, the economist said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government lacked understanding of the economic challenges and that there's been zero increase in average income in the country. In a series of tweets, he said Covid-19 gave temporary respite to the balance of payment (BOP) crisis as oil imports and domestic demand contracted due to the pandemic. "PM (Imran Khan) voted out of office by parliament after 3.5 years. He inherited a bad economy, but leaves it in even worse shape," Mian tweeted. "There's been zero increase in average income, and Pakistan never got out of the balance of payment (bop) crisis. Covid gave temporary respite to bop crisis as oil imports and domestic demand contracted due to pandemic, but with pandemic receding, is back in serious trouble," he said in another tweet. According to the Pakistani-American economist, the larger failure was an incapacity to understand Pak's macro challenges. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) inherited a currency crisis that was already months in motion, Mian said. "Yet the new government had done no planning. Precious time and reserves were wasted with silly schemes," he added. The Pakistani parliament ousted Imran Khan in a vote of no confidence in the early hours of Sunday, media said. As many as 174 lawmakers in the 342-strong lower house of parliament voted in favour of the no-confidence motion launched by opposition parties. (ANI) A week after taking the oath of office, Pakistan's Punjab Governor, Omar Sarfraz Cheema is likely to resign in the aftermath of the ouster of Imran Khan from the Prime Minister's seat following a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly. Once a new Prime Minister takes the oath of his position, the Punjab Governor will resign from his post, reported ARY News citing sources. In contradiction with the statement of the source privy to the matter, a spokesman for Governor Punjab has denied the reports of his resignation. According to the spokesperson, the Governor has left for Islamabad to attend a meeting of the PTI core committee and a final decision would be taken after consultation with party leadership. Notably, Punjab Governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema took the oath of his office on April 3 following the removal of Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar from the slot. Lahore High Court Chief Justice Muhammad Amir Bhatti administered the oath to him during a simple but dignified ceremony at the Governor's House in Lahore. The ceremony was attended by former Punjab chief minister Usman Buzdar, IG Punjab, chief secretary, Raja Yasir, Humayun Saeed and others, reported the news channel. Former Pakistan's Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar lambasted Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership after he was sacked from office and said he was asked to do "unconstitutional things". (ANI) Former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh on Sunday dismissed former Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi's criticism of India as "absolutely irrelevant". Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "We should pay absolutely no attention to what Qureshi has said. It is irrelevant as far as India is concerned." Singh's remarks came in response to Qureshi's statements on the accidental misfire of a missile from India and the Kashmir issue. Speaking on the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan government, Qureshi on Saturday said that the accidental firing of the missile from India into Pakistan in early March could have escalated into a full-fledged war between the two nuclear countries. Further talking about the Kashmir issue, he had said that India seeks to keep Kashmiris "bounded". Further speaking on the nomination of Shehbaz Sharif as Prime Minister candidate by the Pakistan opposition, Singh said that the nomination is a formality as his election as the Prime Minister is already decided. "This will be a formality. They have decided that Shehbaz will be the next Prime Minister. And I am sure they have also got the approval from Nawaz Sharif who is in London. They must be in touch with him," he stated. Singh, however, added that it will be interesting to watch the next step of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan. "What we have to watch is what former Prime Minister Imran khan does. Does he stay for assembly tomorrow? That is one option for him. Second, if he goes there, there will be big rumpus because he still has big people with him and the people who left him will also be there. They are not going to let the assembly function. This is my guess," he added. Singh further said that Imran Khan's next steps should be watched as what has been happening in Pakistan for the last four to five days has deteriorated the image of the country. On being asked about the impact of change in Pakistan's Prime Minister on India, the former minister said that it would not impact India as it is Pakistan's internal matter. "It won't impact India at all. It's their internal matter," he stated. Notably, Imran Khan has become the first Prime Minister of Pakistan to lose a no-trust vote in the National Assembly. Despite several attempts to block the no-confidence motion here in the National Assembly, the voting took place after midnight in which as many as 174 members voted in favour of the motion in the 342-member House while members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were absent. Following this, the opposition parties nominated Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) as their joint candidate while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) nominated Shah Mahmood Qureshi for the country's Prime Minister's election, scheduled on Monday, according to Pakistani media. (ANI) "The European Union is continuing its disrespectful and humiliating policy towards Russia. In response to their unfriendly actions, I think we should respond with tough sanctions - temporarily halt energy supplies until the European counterparts realize that an aggressive policy towards Russia is harmful and punishable," Sheremet said in an interview with Sputnik. He added that the EU made a "fatal mistake" by choosing the US as its "best friend." In 2021, Russia's imports to the EU amounted to about 45 per cent of gas, 27 per cent of crude oil and 46 per cent of coal, according to the European Commission. On February 24, Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine after the breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk appealed for help in defending themselves against Ukrainian provocations. In response, the EU rolled out a comprehensive sanctions campaign against Moscow, which includes airspace closures and restrictive measures targeting numerous Russian officials and entities, media and financial institutions. (ANI/Sputnik) Expressing concern over the "harassment" of Afghan refugees in Iran, the Amnesty International, a human rights organisation, has called it a "blatant act of violation of human rights", reported local media. In a conversation with Radio Free Afghanistan, Amnesty International campaigner in South Asia Samira Hamidi said that Iran's border guards force Afghan refugees by guns at borders and oust them from their country, reported Khaama Press. "Reliable sources have confirmed torture and sexual harassment of Afghan refugees by border guards of Iran. The footages that show discriminatory, violent, and shocking act of Iranians towards Afghans in the country are a blatant act of violation of human rights," the media outlet quoted Hamidi as saying. Hamidi added that Afghans are also facing issues regarding the extension of visas and payment systems and called on the international community to address the issue of Afghan refugees in Iran. Earlier, a viral video had been circulating on social media platforms that showed how Afghan refugees were being "harassed" in the neighbouring country Iran. The video circulated showed the Afghan refugees being tortured and misbehaved in public. However, refuting the reports of alleged harassment, Iran's embassy in Kabul in a press release said that the said report is a conspiracy to disturb bilateral relations with Afghanistan, reported Khaama Press. Moreover, the Taliban also summoned the diplomats of the Iran embassy in Kabul to discuss the situation of Afghan refugees in Iran, according to Tolo News. However, the Iran embassy's press counsellor has said that the Taliban should provide an environment conducive to avoiding the migration of people from Afghanistan. "Around seven to eight million Afghan nationals went to Iran. The Afghan government should facilitate an environment so the people (Afghans) will not go to Iran," the media outlet quoted Sayed Abas Badrifar, the Iran embassy's press counsellor, as saying. Meanwhile, since the Taliban took over, Afghanistan has not only seen a mass exodus but also the illegal crossings of Afghans into neighbouring countries like Iran via Nimroz province and Turkey. It also led to the killings of nearly 100 of them by the Iranian forces and were later deported to Afghanistan, reported Tolo News. (ANI) The state of Illinois will distribute $87.5 million to hundreds of school districts that were underpaid because of a coding error while seeking repayment from Chicago Public Schools, which mistakenly got the funds. The appropriation is part of the $46.5 billion spending plan lawmakers passed Saturday. The Illinois State Board of Education said a contractor made a coding error in the spring of 2018 during the initial implementation of a new state school funding formula. Advertisement As a result, 14 school systems are owed between $1 million and $5 million, while 565 are due up to $100,000 according to ISBE. In total, 762 school systems were underpaid over the past four years. Meanwhile, the state is trying to recoup the $87 million it mistakenly paid CPS, its largest school district. ISBE said 52 other school systems were overpaid by a total of $3,396 during the affected period, and it will try to recover funds from districts that received at least $10 more than they should have. Advertisement The error represents less than half a percentage point of the total funding that has been allocated statewide through Illinois funding formula during that time, State Superintendent of Education Carmen Ayala said in an email Wednesday. All affected organizational units will soon receive a letter from ISBE notifying them about how much they are owed by the state. In her email, Ayala said ISBE is in communication with CPS about an extended repayment period, so that classrooms are not impacted. CPS is in the middle of formulating its overall budget for the upcoming school year; this years was $9.3 billion. A CPS spokesperson said Friday in a statement the district is in discussions with ISBE and the General Assembly about the impacts on CPS and the state budget. ISBE spokeswoman Jackie Matthews said the coding error overstated the enrollment of students attending state-authorized charter schools in districts with more than one of these schools. The mistake only affected the CPS enrollment data since no other districts have multiple state-authorized charter schools, according to ISBE. The problem continued for years because the states formula takes into account the prior years calculations. There are about 58,000 CPS students enrolled in more than 100 charter schools. CPS counts 330,000 students districtwide. Matthews said ISBE identified the discrepancy while preparing a report requested in December by a panel tasked with reviewing the implementation of the state funding formula, which was signed into law by former Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2017. The Illinois State Board of Education is in communication with CPS about an extended repayment period," the state agency said. A classroom in CPS' Woodson South Elementary School in Bronzeville is shown in 2019. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) Ayala said ISBE put additional protocols in place to ensure accuracy moving forward and initiated the process to pursue an external audit of the formula, which is supposed to give priority to districts with poor property wealth. The formula miscalculation was raised Wednesday at an Illinois House Executive Committee hearing. Advertisement I heard about it one day last week and was like, What the heck is this? said House Majority Leader Greg Harris, a Chicago Democrat and lead budget negotiator. Rep. Avery Bourne, R-Morrisonville, wanted to know how CPS would return the money and how the error would affect the funding formula in the future. Harris said this is a big complicated question for which there are some big complicated answers that were gonna have to work through to figure out. Bourne suggested addressing the issue in an education appropriations committee. I think this has major implications that warrant a longer discussion, and I know this probably isnt the appropriate venue, but I think this could be a big issue now and down the road, she said. During debate over the budget on the House floor early Saturday, Harris noted that the miscalculation occurred on Rauners watch. Advertisement I just wish when the Rauner administration made this error they had corrected it so we would not find ourselves in this position today, he said. tswartz@tribpub.com dpetrella@chicagotribune.com kcullotta@chicagotribune.com Amid the ongoing political unrest in the country, five terrorists were arrested in Pakistan's Punjab by the Counter-Terrorism Department on Sunday on account of planning a terror activity in the province.As per the latest reports by Ary News, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on Sunday claimed to have arrested five terrorists in 19 intelligence-based operations across the Khanewal province. "The terrorists hailed from an outlawed organization and were planning to carry out terror activities in the province," a CTD spokesperson said. "The authorities recovered detonators, explosive material, hand grenades, safety fuses, cash, IEDs and other material from their possession," he further added. The spokesman said that the suspects have been shifted to an undisclosed location for further interrogation. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on Friday claimed to have arrested two alleged members of the outlawed Daish during a raid in Khanewal, Punjab, according to Ary News. Two members of the outlawed Daish were taken into custody from Punjab, Khanewal, quoted the CTD Spokesperson. The apprehended were identified as Imran Haider and Riaz Ahmed. "The CTD team also recovered hand grenades, weapons and banned literature from their possession. The terrorists were planning to attack important installations and worship places", the CTD spokesperson said to Ary News.The CTD Punjab has claimed to have conducted multiple intelligence-based and counter-terrorism operations previously to avert any untoward incidents. (ANI) According to an official, a contingent of police launched a search for the attackers following the incident, reported the Dawn newspaper. Further, three people were killed over an old enmity in the Lakki Marwat district of the province on Saturday. According to the police, two of the victims died on the spot while the other succumbed to his injuries while being taken to the hospital, reported the media outlet. (ANI) Imran Khan, however, has become the first Prime Minister of Pakistan to lose a no-trust vote in the National Assembly and be ousted from his seat. Pakistan's first prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan was elected on August 15, 1947. Barely four years in office before he was assassinated on October 16, 1951, in Rawalpindi, reported Geo News. After him, seven prime ministers resigned, five of the PMs faced dismissals, while the governments of four prime ministers were ousted through military coups. Nawaz Sharif and Yousuf Raza Gilani were the two who were disqualified due to their convictions by the Supreme Court, reported Dawn. Shaukat Aziz, Raja Pervez Ashraf and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi assumed the charge only to complete the remaining term after the disqualification and resignation of their predecessors. Moreover, Benazir Bhutto was elected as the first female prime minister of Pakistan in 1988 and after years of military rule in Pakistan by General Zia-ul-Haq. Her party survived impeachment in 1989. However, her government could not retain power and was sent packing by President Ghulam Ishaq Khan on August 6, 1990. Prime Minister Imran Khan was elected on August 18, 2018, and his term ended on April 10, 2022, after he became the first premier to be voted out from power. (ANI) "The two leaders will review ongoing bilateral cooperation and exchange views on recent developments in South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and global issues of mutual interest," MEA said. President Biden and PM Modi last spoke during the Quad Leaders meet in March. "The virtual meeting will enable both sides to continue their regular and high-level engagement aimed at further strengthening the bilateral Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," the MEA further said. The virtual meeting is scheduled to precede the fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue which will be led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of External Affairs (MEA) S Jaishankar on the Indian side and their US counterparts, Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The White House also confirmed the meeting saying that the two leaders will meet virtually to "further deepen ties between our governments, economies, and our people." "President Biden and Prime Minister Modi will discuss cooperation on a range of issues including ending the COVID-19 pandemic, countering the climate crisis, strengthening the global economy, and upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. "President Biden will continue our close consultations on the consequences of Russia's brutal war against Ukraine and mitigating its destabilizing impact on global food supply and commodity markets," she added. The Press Secretary also informed that the Leaders will advance the ongoing conversations about the development of an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and delivering high-quality infrastructure. (ANI) "President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will meet virtually with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India on Monday, April 11 to further deepen ties between our governments, economies, and our people," the White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement. The leaders will discuss ending the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening the global economy and bolstering "security, democracy and prosperity" in the Indo-Pacific. "President Biden and Prime Minister Modi will discuss cooperation on a range of issues including ending the COVID-19 pandemic, countering the climate crisis, strengthening the global economy, and upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," Psaki added. According to the White House, Biden will continue close consultations on the consequences of "Russia's war against Ukraine" and mitigate its impact on global food supply and commodity markets. PM Modi and Biden last spoke during the Quad Leaders meet in March. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a separate statement, informed that the two leaders will review ongoing bilateral cooperation and exchange views on recent developments in South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and global issues of mutual interest. "The virtual meeting will enable both sides to continue their regular and high-level engagement aimed at further strengthening the bilateral Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," the MEA said. The virtual meeting is scheduled to precede the fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. (ANI) According to the officials, attackers riding on a motorcycle hurled a grenade at the police post adjacent to a market, minutes before Iftar as the policemen were preparing to break their fast, reported the Dawn newspaper. No policeman was hurt in the attack, according to the officials. The police have registered a case against the unknown attackers. Further, two policemen were killed after unknown people attacked them in the Bannu district of the province on Friday night, according to the media outlet. Notably, attacks on police have recorded a surge in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recent months, according to The News International. As per official reports, 48 policemen were killed while 44 were injured in different attacks and encounters across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa last year, the Pakistani newspaper reported. (ANI) Confrontation between supporters of Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz turned into an arena of slurs and slogans against each party's leadership outside Avenfield flats in London, the residence of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. After the ouster of Imran Khan from the Prime Minister's seat, the outraged workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Sunday staged a protest at Nawaz Sharif's residence. Holding flags of Pakistan, during the demonstrations, PTI workers chanted slogans against the ouster of the PM. Meanwhile, supporters of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) also reached the Avenfield flats to show solidarity with Nawaz Sharif, the party supremo, reported ARY News. Police, in order to control the situation between the two groups, reached the Avenfield apartments. Nomination papers of Pakistan joint opposition candidate Shehbaz Sharif and PTI's Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been approved for the Prime Minister's election slated to take place on Monday. Earlier, Former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif submitted the nomination papers for the top seat. The nomination papers have been approved for the PM's election. Shehbaz Sharif is most likely to become the next Prime Minister of the country. According to sources, PML-N has collected more than one nomination paper for the election from the NA secretariat. The nomination papers will go under scrutiny at 3:00 pm and a list of the candidates will be displayed after scrutiny. The National Assembly session to elect the new premier will now be held at 2:00 pm on Monday (tomorrow), contrary to a previous schedule of 11:00 am. Security measures ahead of the Prime Minister's election are set in place. Strict security is in place around the D-chowk. Furthermore, roads leading to Parliament will be opened after the election of the new premier, as per the news channel. The voting on the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government began in the country's National Assembly late on Saturday night where 174 members have recorded their votes in favour of the resolution that ousted the Imran Khan. (ANI) Sri Lanka's parliamentary group of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on Sunday said that they have come up with a private member's bill to scrap the 20th amendment and remove the powers of the executive presidency. This decision was taken after a meeting at the Opposition Leader's office. Sri Lankan MP Harshana Rajakaruna said a constitutional amendment will be brought in to scrap the powers of the President, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported. "Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa will meet MPs of other parties shortly to get their support. We are confident of numbers as we will try to muster the support of some SLPP MPs as well as those who have decided to become independent," Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa invited 41 lawmakers who quit the government amid the nation's worst economic crisis to meet for talks on a caretaker government on Sunday. Dozens of lawmakers from Rajapaksa's coalition chose to sit in parliament as independents after accusing him of economic mismanagement, effectively stripping the government of majority support. Maithripala Sirisena, the leader of the Freedom Party that withdrew its support of Rajapaksa, said the rebels wanted Rajapaksa to put a unity government in place for the duration of the transitional period and curtail his executive powers in order to deal with the crisis. Sri Lanka plunged into chaos after a lack of essential items and rolling power cuts caused nationwide protests. The country relies on tourists for foreign currency to import food and fuel and months of pandemic restrictions have starved it of money. UN human rights experts on Friday had urged the Sri Lankan Government to guarantee the fundamental rights of peaceful assembly and of expression during peaceful protests, amid the country's severe economic crisis. "We are gravely concerned by the recent proclamation of a state of emergency as well as the order that blocked access to social media platforms," the experts said in a statement issued by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). They also condemned the excessive use of teargas and water cannon to disperse protesters, as well as the recent block of social media platforms. "We urge the Sri Lankan Government to allow students, human rights defenders and others to protest in a peaceful manner, and to freely share their political views and express their discontent, both online and offline." (ANI) Ship-building contracts between one of China's top state-owned shipbuilding firms, China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and Evergreen Marine Corp, a Taiwanese container shipping company, are reducing the costs of upgradation of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), a media report said. CSSC is a key producer of vessels for the rapidly expanding PLAN and is thought to be building its third aircraft carrier, Taipei Times reported. Taiwan's Evergreen Marine Corp has purchased 44 vessels from China since 2018, all but two of which were ordered from shipyards that produce Chinese warships, including CSSC, the report said citing a Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) report. CSIS, a Washington-based think tank said that while there is limited transparency on the flow of foreign capital in China's shipbuilding industry, "available evidence indicates that profits from foreign orders are likely to lower the costs of upgrading China's navy." The centre further said foreign companies in France and other US-allied countries also buy ships from CSSC, which the US has placed on an investment blacklist for US citizens and companies due to its Chinese military links. The report called the foreign contracts "a tangible threat to national security" for some democracies in the region, and said companies should consider US allies South Korea and Japan as alternative shipbuilding partners. The study included commercial satellite imagery from February showing at least three Evergreen hulls under construction near China's newest aircraft carrier at CSSC's subsidiary Jiangnan shipyard near Shanghai. Evergreen said in a statement that all of its container ship projects undergo international bidding and that its contracts with CSSC's commercial shipbuilding department were "completely different and separate" from CSSC's military department, Taipei Times reported. "We believe the civil commercial shipbuilding activities have nothing to do with national naval projects," Evergreen said, adding that it discloses information about its orders to investors and authorities. (ANI) Former Pakistan minister for information and broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry announced on Sunday that his party members would resign from the National Assembly on Monday if the nomination of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shahbaz Sharif is accepted. Fawad told the media that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman chief Imran Khan chaired a meeting of the party's core committee, where he reiterated that his ouster was part of a regime-change operation back by foreign powers, Geo News reported. "When decisions related to a country's internal affairs are made from outside, it's the biggest sign of its slavery." The former minister said that the PTI has nominated former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi as the candidate for the Pakistan prime minister's slot. He informed that the party's core committee said that all PTI members should resign from the assemblies. "We will start off by resigning from the National Assembly," he said. "And if Shahbaz Sharif's nomination papers are accepted, then we will tender our resignations tomorrow." In the wee hours of Sunday, 174 lawmakers in the 342-strong lower house of parliament voted in favour of the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan. The opposition parties have nominated Shehbaz Sharif as their joint candidate for the country's Prime Minister's election, scheduled on Monday. Taking to Twitter, Imran Khan on Sunday continued with "external conspiracy" allegations, saying today is the beginning of a renewed struggle for independence. "Pakistan became an independent state in 1947, but today is the beginning of a renewed struggle for independence against an external conspiracy to change power. It is always the people of a country who protect and defend their sovereignty and democracy," the former Pakistan Prime Minister tweeted. Imran Khan chaired the first parliamentary board meeting of his party after the Pakistani parliament ousted him in a vote of no confidence. Earlier, Imran Khan sought to link the opposition's move to oust him through a no-trust vote with "foreign conspiracy" and named the United States in some of his speeches. However, the United States rejected his allegations. (ANI) A second man died Monday morning after being wounded in an early Sunday shooting at a gathering in Elgin, authorities said. One person died earlier and four others were injured, authorities said. Advertisement Police officers were called to investigate a shooting in the 800 block of Congdon Avenue at 1:59 a.m. Sunday, according to Elgin police, who posted basic details about the shooting on Facebook and declined to answer questions by phone when reached by the Tribune Sunday morning. The preliminary investigation has revealed that several (people) were gathering at a residence and subsequently victims were struck by gunfire. One male adult victim has since succumbed to his injuries, officials posted on Facebook Sunday. The name of the deceased is being withheld and will be released by the Kane County coroners office pending an autopsy. Advertisement When officers arrived, they initially located five injured people who were taken to area hospitals. Officers later were notified about a sixth person suffering injuries as a result of the shooting, who went to a local hospital, police said in the social media post. The conditions of the remaining victims were not immediately clear. According to published reports, at least three of the victims initially had been in critical condition; authorities didnt say whether the first man who died had been among those in critical condition. Police classified the shooting as an isolated event. But they did not provide information about the shooter, including whether he or she was arrested or was among the wounded, or any details about what may have led up to the shooting. It was not clear how many people were at the gathering or if the people who were shot were targeted. Elgin detectives were investigating. Elgin police asked anyone with information about the shooting to call 847-289-2600 or text a tip to 847411 and include ELGINPD in the beginning of the text followed by the message or tip information. tatturner@chicagotribune.com A Sri Lankan activist named Warnakulasooriya Nisasa telecasted the event live in which protesters were seen shouting "Go Gota Go" slogans and burnt effigies of Gotabaya and Mahinda Rajapaksa. Protestors were seen buring effigies of Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Anti-China sologans were also rasied by the demonstrators. The protest saw the participation of various Sri Lankan groups including Italy SL Buddhists, SL Islamic forum of Milan, Muslim Association of SL in North Italy and others. In the Italian language, protestors called Rajapaksas corrupt, and traitors of Sri Lanka. They also accused the Rajapaksa family along with unreliable partners leading the country to a financial fiasco. They made an appeal to the EU and the Italian government to provide necessary assistance to the grave situation in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka plunged into chaos after a lack of essential items and rolling power cuts caused nationwide protests. The country relies on tourists for foreign currency to import food and fuel and months of pandemic restrictions have starved it of money. UN human rights experts on Friday had urged the Sri Lankan Government to guarantee the fundamental rights of peaceful assembly and of expression during peaceful protests, amid the country's severe economic crisis. "We are gravely concerned by the recent proclamation of a state of emergency as well as the order that blocked access to social media platforms," the experts said in a statement issued by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). (ANI) President Gottabaya Rajapaksa and former Prime Minister Maithripala Srisena-led Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) held a crucial meeting on Sunday evening to discuss the political and economic crisis affecting the country. "The main objective of the meeting is to coerce President Rajapaksa to form an interim administration under an all-party cabinet sans Rajapaksas with the least number of portfolios," said Maithripala addressing the media at the party office in the morning. Earlier, amid the ongoing economic crisis in the country, eleven coalition allies of the Sri Lankan government and the independent group of former ruling party parliamentarians led by Anura Priyadarshana Yapa on Friday have written to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa requesting the removal of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and the appointment of a new cabinet under a new PM. The letter carries the signatures of the President of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), former President Maithripala Sirisena, Member of Parliament (MP) Vasudeva Nanayakkara, MP Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and President's Counsel Wijayadasa Rajapaksha on behalf of the 42 MPs who left the government and sat in Parliament as an independent group, Colombo Page reported citing local media. The MPs left the government on Tuesday reducing the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to a minority government. The MPs have proposed the appointment of an all-party national executive council to resolve the crisis, and the appointment of a new prime minister and an all-party cabinet by parliamentary agreement, the report said. The letter also called on the President to work with the thus appointed Prime Minister and the Cabinet and hold elections within a limited time. The letter suggested that a committee of experts be appointed to determine the number of ministries and appoint an all-party cabinet accordingly, additionally proposing a short-term and medium-term solution to the crisis. Sri Lanka is battling a severe economic crisis with food and fuel scarcity affecting a large number of the people in the island nation resulting in massive protests over the government's handling of the situation. The economy has been in a free-fall since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the crush of tourism. Sri Lanka is also facing a foreign exchange shortage, which has, incidentally, affected its capacity to import food and fuel, leading to the power cuts in the country. The shortage of essential goods forced Sri Lanka to seek assistance from friendly countries. (ANI) White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Sunday said that Russia's appointment of a new military commander to lead the war in Ukraine "shows that there's going to be a continuation of what we've already seen on the ground in Ukraine," according to a media report. "And that's what we're expecting," CNN quoted Psaki as saying during an interview on Fox News Sunday. Psaki's remarks came as Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed a new Army General Alexander Dvornikov, commander of Russia's Southern Military District, to lead the war in Ukraine as Moscow's military failed to capture Kyiv. Dvornikov has been named theatre commander of Russia's military campaign in Ukraine. There is speculation that Russia's general has a goal of representing Putin with some battlefield progress ahead of the 'Victory Day' on May 9, CNN reported citing Military analysts and US officials familiar with intelligence assessments. Calling Dvornikov responsible for the "atrocities" seen in Syria, Psaki said that the US continues to work with officials to make sure Ukraine have the weaponry and assistance they need to be successful on the battlefield. "Just this week, our national security adviser, our secretary and our chairman of the Joint Chiefs had a two-hour call with their counterparts to go through item by item exactly what the Ukrainians were requesting, what they wanted, if we can't meet what they need. We're working with our allies and partners as we did with the S-300," she said, according to CNN. She added that the US administration found the Kremlin's admission of its forces suffering great losses "interesting," for a country that is slow to admit defeat. Calling the admission a reflection of "the courage of the Ukrainian leaders", she said, "it was significant." This comes after Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday briefly admitted that Russia had suffered a "significant" loss of its troops in Ukraine, calling the casualties "a huge tragedy" for the country in an interview with Sky News. Russian forces launched military operations in Ukraine on February 24, three days after Moscow recognized Ukraine's breakaway regions - Donetsk and Luhansk - as independent entities. Several countries including the UK, the US, Canada, and the European Union have condemned Russia's military operations in Ukraine and imposed sanctions on Moscow. These countries have also promised to help Ukraine with military aid to fight Russia. (ANI) China will take steps such as information sharing and conducting experience exchanges in infrastructure investment to deepen fiscal and financial cooperation between BRICS countries, Liu said during the meeting that was held virtually, reported Xinhua. "In recent years, BRICS countries have maintained strong cooperation momentum and made important contributions to optimizing global economic governance and boosting the resumption and high-quality development of the global economy," Liu further said. China is seeking to work with other member countries to achieve practical results in fiscal and financial cooperation to prepare for the 14th BRICS summit, which will be hosted by China this year, Xinhua said. The meeting was co-chaired by Liu and China's central bank governor Yi Gang and saw the participation of finance ministers and central bank governors from other BRICS countries. Earlier in March, media reports said that the surprise visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India was to make out a strong case for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence at the upcoming BRICS summit in China. China is scheduled to host the BRICS summit in Xiamen in June this year. BRICS is a multilateral forum consisting of five major emerging economies of the world, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. (ANI) The United States has expressed concern about violence in El Salvador and the implementation of the April 5 Criminal Code amendment by the Legislative Assembly criminalising reporting on certain gang activities. "The law lends itself to attempts to censor the media, prevent reporting on corruption and other matters of public interest, and silence critics of the Salvadoran government," the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. He stressed journalists must have the freedom to do their jobs without fear of violence, threats, or unjust detention. "We continue to support El Salvador in its efforts to reduce the proliferation of gangs. Since 2008, we have invested USD 411 million to improve citizen security and help the Salvadoran government combat gang violence. Examples include the construction of a state-of-the-art forensics lab in Nuevo Cuscatlan, and assistance to reclaim and renovate public spaces such as Parque Cuscatlan," Blinken said. He further said the US is deeply concerned by the spike in violence and homicides committed by the MS-13 and the Barrio 18 gangs in El Salvador on March 25, 26, and 27. "Gangs pose a threat to the national security of El Salvador and the United States. We urge El Salvador to address this threat while also protecting vital civil liberties, including freedom of the press, due process, and freedom of speech," the US State Secretary said. (ANI) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday agitated outside former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's residence in London after Imran Khan was voted out of power by opposition parties. A confrontation between supporters of Imran Khan-led PTI and PML-N turned into an arena of slurs and slogans against each party's leadership outside Avenfield flats in London, the residence of Nawaz Sharif. Holding flags of Pakistan, during the demonstrations, PTI workers chanted slogans against the ouster of the PM. Meanwhile, supporters of the PML-N also reached the Avenfield flats to show solidarity with Nawaz Sharif, the party supremo, ARY News reported. Police, in order to control the situation between the two groups, reached the Avenfield apartments. "Crowd in front of Avenfield chanting 'Terrain's dad is a thief, Qasim dad's is a thief, Salman's dad is a thief' terrain is Imran Khan's lovechild which @ImranKhanPTI doesn't own even after a New York court's ruling," said Santosh Kumar Bugti, former Information Secretary PML-N Balochistan. Jemima Goldsmith, the ex-wife of Imran Khan took a jibe at the ongoing political turmoil by commenting "purana Pakistan" in one of the protest videos surfacing online. This was an apparent reference to slogans being raised by the opposition parties after the ouster of Imran Khan. Prior to assuming office in 2018, Imran Khan had vowed to create a "naya Pakistan" --- one with zero corruption and a prosperous economy. However, as time went by there were fewer takers of this sloganeering. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday hailed the adoption of a no-confidence vote against Imran Khan as he asked the members of the Pakistan National Assembly to mark 10th April 2022, as an important date in the country's history. Addressing the Pakistani parliamentarians after the motion was passed against Imran Khan, Bilawal Zardari recalled what had happened on April 10 and said on this day, Pakistan approved the 1973 Constitution. "On April 10, 1986, Benazir Bhutto ended her self-imposed exile and arrived in Lahore to launch her struggle against former Pakistan President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq," he said, "Today [on] April 10, 2022, we welcome [you] back to the purana Pakistan," said Bilawal in the Pakistan National Assembly. "I have a message for the Pakistani youth that they should never give up on their dreams as nothing is impossible. Democracy is the best revenge," he added. (ANI) Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Parliament House on Monday to chair Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary party session at 12 pm (local time), reported local media citing sources. The schedule and venue of the PTI parliamentary party session have been changed and now it will be held at the Parliament House. Pakistani Parliament is also going to elect the country's new Prime Minister on Monday after Imran Khan was ousted from the PM post in a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly. PTI is also going to stage peaceful protests across the country after Isha prayer. The parliamentary party session could not be held today due to the participation of the lawmakers in today's protest, reported ARY News. Moreover, nomination papers of Pakistan joint opposition candidate Shehbaz Sharif and PTI's Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been approved for the Prime Minister's election. Earlier, Former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif submitted the nomination papers for the top seat. The nomination papers have been approved for the PM's election. Shehbaz Sharif is most likely to become the next Prime Minister of the country. According to sources, PML-N has collected more than one nomination paper for the election from the NA secretariat. The nomination papers will go under scrutiny at 3:00 pm and a list of the candidates will be displayed after scrutiny. The National Assembly session to elect the new premier will now be held at 2:00 pm on Monday (tomorrow), contrary to a previous schedule of 11:00 am. Security measures ahead of the Prime Minister's election are set in place. Strict security is in place around the D-chowk. Furthermore, roads leading to Parliament will be opened after the election of the new premier, as per the news channel. The voting on the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government began in the country's National Assembly late on Saturday night where 174 members have recorded their votes in favour of the resolution that ousted the Imran Khan. (ANI) Pakistan's National water supplies have dipped substantially low and are facing severe strain as, despite an early onset of summer in mid-March and April getting hotter than usual, the snow melting process in mountainous and hilly areas has not picked up the pace. Pakistan's water supply level is much below last year's levels. It is also below average supplies of the last five or 10 years. On Saturday, the country received 90,000 cusecs in all its rivers against the last 10-year average of 1,37,700 cusecs, a drop of 27.73pc. This crisis has forced Pakistan to kick off the Kharif season with a shortage of nearly 40 per cent in both of its water-producing systems -- 30pc in Indus and 10pc in the Jhelum arm, reported Dawn. Khalid Rana of the Indus River System Authority (Irsa), said, "The situation is more precarious in Mangla, which is hosting less than 1pc of its capacity." Mangla Dam, on Saturday, held only 354,000 acre-feet against over seven million of its capacity. The reason behind this is Mangla Lake is mainly rain-fed and there has virtually been no rain during March. The Met Office predicted five spells of rain, but only one took place leading to a shortage of water supplies. Rana said, "To make matters worse, 37 inches of snow fell this winter against the yearly average of 50 inches -- a drop of 26pc. Even those 37 inches seem to have fallen on higher altitudes, where the temperature needs to be more than the current 23 degrees Celsius to melt it. These trends -- less and high altitude snow and virtually no rain -- have created a crisis in the Jhelum arm," as per the newspaper. (ANI) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Monday expressed gratitude to the people of the country for supporting the protests against his ouster as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. "Thank you to all Pakistanis for their amazing outpouring of support and emotions to protest against US-backed regime change abetted by local Mir Jafars to bring into power a coterie of pliable crooks all out on bail. Shows Pakistanis at home & abroad have emphatically rejected this," Imran Khan tweeted. "Never have such crowds come out so spontaneously and in such numbers in our history, rejecting the imported govt led by crooks," he said in another tweet. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday took out rallies in several cities of the country to protest against party chairman Imran Khan through a successful vote of no-confidence the previous night. Earlier, Khan said that today marked the beginning of a "freedom struggle" against what he called a "foreign conspiracy of regime change". In an attempt to galvanise his supporters, he said "it is always the people who protected their own sovereignty and democracy". "Pakistan became an independent state in 1947; but the freedom struggle begins again today against a foreign conspiracy of regime change. It is always the people of the country who defend their sovereignty & democracy," he said in another Tweet. PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry had also called on the people to stage protests after Isha prayers while speaking to the media in Islamabad earlier in the day. He said that Khan not leading a massive movement would amount to a "betrayal with the country's politics and Constitution". The party later issued a schedule of the various protests that were planned for cities all over the country starting 9:30 pm, according to Dawn newspaper. The protest in the capital started from Zero Point, with PTI supporters gathering and waving flags while chanting slogans in the former prime minister's favour, the publication added. The voting on the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan-led PTI government began in the country's National Assembly late on Saturday night where 174 members recorded their votes in favour of the resolution that ousted the Imran Khan. (ANI) "Chowkidar chor hai", a slogan first raised in India by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was heard at a rally addressed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sheikh Rashid Ahmed in Punjab province against Imran Khan's ouster as the Prime Minister. Thousands of people gathered at Lal Haveli in Pakistan's Punjab province against Imran Khan's ouster. During the protest, the crowds referred to the Army as "Chowkidar" and called them "thieves" which was "stealing" Imran Khan's mandate. However, in a viral video, Sheikh Rashid, the former Interior Minister was seen trying to stop the protestors from raising the slogan against the country's Army. "Don't raise slogans... we will fight with peace," he said. In India, 'chowkidar chor hai' slogan was used extensively by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to target PM Modi during the poll campaigning for the 2019 general elections. Highlighting the National Assembly's mid-night decision, Sheikh Rashid said: "If you want to save your country then don't take a decision in the dark of night but in daylight." "On 29/4 there will be Eid. Be ready we will take the jail bharo movement from Lal Haveli daily. I myself will take it from Karachi," he said, adding that he "will tell all the Sindhis that they (then opposition) are thieves, docents and robbers." The voting on the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan-led PTI government began in the country's National Assembly late on Saturday night where 174 members recorded their votes in favour of the resolution that ousted the Imran Khan. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday took out rallies in several cities of the country to protest against party chairman Imran Khan's ouster as the prime minister through a vote of no-confidence. The National Assembly session to elect the new premier will now be held at 2.00 pm on Monday, contrary to a previous schedule of 11.00 am. Nomination papers of Pakistan joint opposition candidate Shehbaz Sharif and PTI's Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been approved for the Prime Minister's election. Shehbaz Sharif is most likely to become the next Prime Minister of the country. (ANI) A second man charged in the murders of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John, will enter a plea to voluntary manslaughter. (Provided by St. John Police) Lawyers have reached a plea deal to avoid a retrial for the second man charged in a 2019 Porter County double slaying from a drug deal gone bad, court records show. John Silva, 21, formerly of Hamlet, was charged May 22, 2020, in connection with the Feb. 25, 2019, deaths of Thomas Grill, 18, of Cedar Lake, and girlfriend Molley Lanham, 19, of St. John. Advertisement Silvas first trial last year ended with a hung jury. After months of negotiations, the agreement calls for Silva to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter, attempted robbery and welfare fraud. Advertisement The deal would be 20 years in prison with 10 years on probation. With 75% required by law for his jail sentence and roughly two years time served, that would mean about 13.5 years behind bars, his lawyer John Cantrell said Friday. (Co-counsel Mark) Gruenhagen and I were very pleased with this resolution, Cantrell said. Everyone thought it was fair. A judge would have to accept the agreement. Silvas hearing for the plea review and sentencing is set for May 20 before Porter Superior Judge Michael Fish. The judge canceled Silvas April 11 scheduled trial. Prosecutors said co-defendant Connor Kerner was the mastermind of the gruesome crime, convicted of killing both teens in his grandfathers Hebron garage, then loading their bodies into Lanhams Honda Civic and driving it about two miles away before torching the vehicle. During Silvas first trial, Grills brother, Daniel, testified Kerner owed Thomas Grill $15,000 and 37 pounds of marijuana. The plan was for Thomas Grill to exchange 1,000 THC cartridges with Kerner calling it even, he said. Both Grill and Kerner had planned to rob each other, lawyers said. Kerner later told an informant that Grill tried to rob him and when Grill turned around, Kerner allegedly shot at Grill, missing twice before hitting him. Grill fell to the ground and was begging for his life. Kerner advised that he panicked due to being out of bullets in the gun, the charging documents state. Kerner then beat him with a pipe wrench until he died. Advertisement Kerner then allegedly went outside to the Honda Civic where Lanham was and had her come into the garage, according to court documents. Kerner showed her Grills body and informed her that he was going to let her go, but if she told, he would kill her. Kerner advised that when she turned to leave the garage, Kerner shot her in the head, killing her, according to the document. Kerner was convicted and sentenced to 179 years in 2020, with the term cut on appeal to 154 years in October 2021. Silva was in the basement at the home in rural Hebron when the murders happened, then helped clean up the scene in the garage, prosecutors alleged. Prosecutors said he was there as backup for a potential robbery. His presence was instrumental for the killings, they argued. Defense lawyers said Silva was a victim of circumstance, arguing that no defendant would start an audio recording from the basement that captured the start of Thomas Grills murder and later give it to police to incriminate himself. Silva was originally charged with two felony counts of aiding, inducing or causing murder in the perpetration of a robbery and two felony counts of aiding, inducing or causing attempted robbery. Advertisement Amy Lavalley contributed. The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has taken out massive rallies in several cities across the country to protest against Imran Khan's ouster as the Prime Minister through a no-confidence motion last night. Protest rallies were held in various cities including Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, and Lahore with demonstrators shouting slogans against the Opposition. Earlier, Khan said that today marked the beginning of a "freedom struggle" against what he called a "foreign conspiracy of regime change". In an attempt to galvanise his supporters, he said "it is always the people who protected their own sovereignty and democracy". "Pakistan became an independent state in 1947; but the freedom struggle begins again today against a foreign conspiracy of regime change. It is always the people of the country who defend their sovereignty & democracy," he said in another Tweet. In Karachi, the city was lighted up for Imran Khan following his ouster. In Islamabad, the protest started from Zero Point, with PTI supporters gathering and waving flags while chanting slogans in the former Prime Minister's favour. Flow of traffic at Srinagar Highway was affected due to the rally with long traffic lines forming, according to Dawn newspaper. PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry had also called on the people to stage protests after Isha prayers while speaking to the media in Islamabad earlier in the day. He said that Khan not leading a massive movement would amount to a "betrayal with the country's politics and Constitution". The party later issued a schedule of the various protests that were planned for cities all over the country starting 9:30 pm, according to Dawn newspaper. Meanwhile, Imran Khan said that never have such crowds come out so spontaneously and in such numbers in our history, rejecting the "imported government-led by crooks." Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan also expressed gratitude to the people of the country for supporting the protests against his ouster as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. "Thank you to all Pakistanis for their amazing outpouring of support and emotions to protest against US-backed regime change abetted by local Mir Jafars to bring into power a coterie of pliable crooks all out on bail. Shows Pakistanis at home & abroad have emphatically rejected this," Imran Khan tweeted. The voting on the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan-led PTI government began in the country's National Assembly late on Saturday night where 174 members recorded their votes in favour of the resolution that ousted the Imran Khan. (ANI) Washington [US], April 11 (ANI/Sputnik): The World Bank expects the Ukrainian economy to shrink by 45.1 per cent this year as a result of the Russian military operation, while Russia will see its economy contract by 11.2 per cent in the same period. The DC-based lender's economic update for emerging markets in Europe and Central Asia said the conflict would hamper the region's industrial output, shaving 4.1 per cent off its GDP. "The region's economy is now forecast to shrink by 4.1 per cent this year, compared with the pre-war forecast of 3 per cent growth, as the economic shocks from the war compound the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic," the update released on Sunday said. In addition to Russia and Ukraine, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova and Tajikistan are all projected to fall into recession this year due to spillovers from the conflict, weaker-than-expected growth in the euro area and trade shocks. (ANI/Sputnik) Taking to Twitter, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said: "Dubai, UAE Call was for Pakistan but Pakistanis across the globe standing up for #ImranKhan." Meanwhile, in Pakistan, PTI has taken out massive rallies in several cities across the country. The cities include Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, and Lahore with demonstrators shouting slogans against the Opposition. On Monday, PTI chairman Imran Khan expressed gratitude to the people of the country for supporting the protests against his ouster as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. "Thank you to all Pakistanis for their amazing outpouring of support and emotions to protest against US-backed regime change abetted by local Mir Jafars to bring into power a coterie of pliable crooks all out on bail. Shows Pakistanis at home & abroad have emphatically rejected this," Imran Khan tweeted. "Never have such crowds come out so spontaneously and in such numbers in our history, rejecting the imported govt led by crooks," he said in another Tweet. On Sunday, the PTI supporters agitated outside former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's residence in London after Imran Khan was voted out of power by opposition parties. The voting on the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan-led PTI government began in the country's National Assembly late on Saturday night where 174 members recorded their votes in favour of the resolution that ousted Imran Khan. Meanwhile, Pakistan's National Assembly will vote on April 11 (Monday) to elect a new Prime Minister. (ANI) The Daily Beast U.S. MarshalsThe getaway car Alabama prison guard Vicky White used to escape with a murder inmate has been found about 100 miles away in Tennessee, a small breakthrough in the escalating manhunt for the missing pair.Vicky White, 56, and Casey White, 38, who are not related, had developed a special relationship before she signed him out of lockup a week ago under the guise of taking him to a court appointment that actually did not exist.Authorities say the two had unusual contact since 2020 tha The 2022 GMC Hummer EV pickup is an automotive platypus, and not just because the massive, nearly silent electric vehicle looks like a visitor from an alternate reality. Like the egg-laying, duck-billed aquatic mammal 18th-century British "experts" famously dismissed as a fraud put together with mismatched pieces of other creatures, the Hummer EV may seem like a box of contradictions, but its uniquely suited to its spot in vehicle evolution. Flamboyantly intended to attract buyers who spurned previous electric vehicles, its styling screams Hummer, the in-your-face brand that has became synonymous with extravagant fossil fuel consumption. But it doesnt have a tailpipe, much less climate-altering emissions. ELECTRIC F-150: Is the F-150 Lightning as Ford-tough as the gas model? Carmaker torture-tests EV to be sure EV PARTNERS: GM and Honda team up to build a new series of 'affordable' electric vehicles 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 electric pickup. As aerodynamic as a cinder block, it can accelerate to 60 mph in about 3 seconds supercar territory. As wide as a heavy-duty pickup, it slips nimbly in and out of tight spaces thanks to four-wheel steering that seems to shrink the truck to fit. Not your sociology profs EV As it launches a new family of electric vehicles, General Motors had to reestablish its chops for innovation, design and engineering. The $108,700 GMC Hummer EV checks every box. New EVs are often called would-be Tesla-killers, but thats a gross oversimplification. EV success doesnt consist of beating Tesla. It requires converting millions of buyers away from internal combustion vehicles. The GMC Hummer EV was developed not to snake customers from Elon Musk, but to kick the butts of conventional luxury-sport SUVs like the $157,500 Mercedes AMG G 63 and the $166,500 Porsche Turbo E-hybrid. 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 electric pickup. With up to 1,000 horsepower and more tricks up its sleeve than Dr. Strange, the Hummer EV pickup just may do it. Welcome to the multiverse of EVs, where some will be bare-bones transportation and others can legitimately call themselves "supertrucks." Story continues EV trucks: How big, how fast, how much? I recently spent a day driving Hummer EVs through the Arizona desert, highways and suburban Phoenix, including a spring hail and rain squall that turned an already-challenging dirt and rock slope into a muddy slip n slide. Theres nothing else like it, which is exactly the reason people have always bought Hummers. GM is convinced mixing that with the widely admired GMC brand, loads of technology, and a side order of social responsibility make the GMC Hummer the ideal vehicle to launch its leap into a new generation of EVs. Technically a pickup, the Hummer has a roomy five-passenger cabin and a 4-foot, 10-inch bed. It weighs an enormous 9,065 pounds actually 9,243 for the well-equipped model I tested. The limited Edition 1 model, already sold out, cost $108,700, has three electric motors that produce 1,000 horsepower and 1,200 pound-feet of torque. Four-wheel steering makes the 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 electric pickup extraordinarily maneuverable. Innovation abounds The Hummer has every feature you can imagine, and a few you probably cant unless youve seen the adorable commercial in which a legion of crabs bow down before the electric behemoths ability to move sideways. To name a few: Four-wheel steering. Air suspension for a smooth highway ride and up to 32 inches of water fording. Hands-free highway driving, including no-touch lane changes for passing. "WTF" performance mode, which tweaks the battery and other systems to produce the full 1,000 horsepower and 3-second 0-60 mph time. Bose-tuned audio for outstanding music, plus unique sounds crafted to communicate performance, off-road capability and more. GM builds the Hummer EV in its Factory ZERO in Detroit-Hamtramck. Production will expand beyond the $108K Edition 1 later this year, eventually including a "base" EV2 model expected to start at $79,995. That base model was initially expected to go on sale in 2024, but GM has accelerated the pace to introduce its new EVs. Theres a good chance the $99,995 EV3X model will hit the road late this year, ahead of the original schedule. 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 electric pickup. GMC Hummer EV pickup models and prices Hummer EV model range Edition 1: $112,700, being delivered now Hummer EV3X: $99,995, on sale in 2022 Hummer EV2X: $89,995, available 2023 Hummer EV2: $79,995, available 2024 Driving the GMC Hummer EV The Hummers power and all-wheel-drive capability get the headlines, but its four-wheel steering is the real star. It makes the big, heavy vehicle remarkably maneuverable, turning the rear wheels in the same or opposite direction as the front ones, depending on conditions. At high speeds, it makes lane changes and the like quicker and smoother. At lower speeds, it reduces the big trucks turning radius. In crab mode, it allows the Hummer EV to move almost sideways, to get out of a jam, as when one driver accidentally put two wheels over the edge of a steep slope driving off-road. Activating crab mode transformed a potentially ugly situation into a particularly effective tech demo. Except for the extreme of crab mode, the steering systems effects are almost unnoticeable. Like all well-engineered vehicles, the Hummer EV simply makes you think youre driving particularly well today. The Hummers power is almost overwhelming in WTF max-acceleration mode, which GM engineers endearingly insist stands for Watts to Freedom. Sure. 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 electric pickups on the trail in Arizona. In regular driving, throttle response is immediate. You can decelerate with the brake pedal, or by selecting one-pedal driving, which increases energy regeneration. I generally find myself using one-pedal driving in EVs that offer it. The Hummer EV pickup can tow up to 7,500 pounds and has a payload the weight of people and cargo in cab and bed of 1,300 pounds. Neither figure is particularly impressive, but look for GMCs upcoming electric Sierra pickup to focus on those characteristics. 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 electric pickup. Batteries, range and charging The Hummer EV pickup is so heavy it falls outside the Environmental Protection Agency's mandate to rate energy efficiency, but GM used the same procedure to come up with a range of 329 miles on a charge. Charging at 350kW/800v takes 12 minutes for 100 miles of range, and 42 minutes to go from 20% to 80% charge. The more common 150kW/400v DC fast chargers roughly double those times. Nearly 90% of EV charging happens at 240v in homes and public garages. That takes 16 to 24 hours for a 100% charge, depending on the charger. Off-road mastery Electric drivetrains are ideal for off-roading. They can deliver power more precisely to each wheel than conventional engines, adjusting to slip or grip with the speed of electrons rather than mechanical gears. The Hummer EV pickup has one motor for each rear wheel. Choreographing their minuet was one of the engineers biggest challenges. The front wheels are driven by a single motor and have a conventional electronic locking differential for traction. 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 electric pickup. The Hummer conquered rocks with ease, and with less sound than an internal combustion drivetrain. Selecting a drive setting that maximized grip and braking, I climbed and descended steep grades of sand and mud with ease, modulating the accelerator pedal minutely for steady, controlled progress. The Hummers massive weight will be a challenge in some off-road conditions, but its four-wheel steering allowed me to navigate tight corners and gaps that would stymie a conventional pickup the same size. The bumpers feature tow loops, but theres no facility to mount a winch on the bumper, a limitation for the most challenging off-roading. 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 electric pickup. Comfort, controls, questions The five-passenger crew cab is about the size of a GMC Sierra or Chevy Silverado full-size pickup. Its comfortable, with loads of headroom, a big center console and a flat rear floor. The side and rear windows all open. Combined with removable tinted clear plastic roof panels, that allows for open-air driving. Climate and driveline controls in the 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 electric pickup. Removed, the panels fit in the front trunk. The panels allowed a few drips from days precipitation into the cab in the early-production Hummer I drove. A substantial amount of water sluiced down when the doors were opened, too, portending unexpected cold showers. The roof panels are gray to reduce glare and heat. Removable panels are a fine idea, but I found the interior a bit noisy without a fabric cover that could muffle noise from the road, rain and hail. Exterior noises that might be drowned out in an internal-combustion engine can become issues in EVs, which are much quieter, even with carefully tailored electronic sounds to indicate performance. The 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 electric pickup has a 13.4-inch landscape-oriented touch screen. The controls are generally easy to find, understand and use. A 13-inch landscape orientation manages many functions. In addition to the expected steering wheel controls, the center stack has a dial for volume, but not tuning/track. Controls for climate, heated seats and steering wheel and some other functions get convenient toggles. The instrument cluster offers a wide variety of clear displays. The default background, an off-white topographical map of the moon, was too bright for my taste, but switching to the "night" setting's dark background fixed that. Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: GMC Hummer EV pickup aims for Mercedes and Porsche SUVs As he runs for reelection for a second term steering Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has morphed into a fundraising behemoth. The deadline to report March fundraising totals to Floridas Secretary of State isnt until Monday, but its already clear that the governor through his reelection campaign and Friends of Ron DeSantis, his political committee - has already hauled in over $100 million so far in the 2022 cycle. DESANTIS VS. DISNEY: WHAT'S AT STAKE The massive fundraising total dwarfs the leading Democratic gubernatorial challengers hoping face off and defeat the governor come November. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida, U.S. February 24, 2022. Reuters But the haul which comes from some of the biggest and most powerful donors in the GOP as well as from small dollar grassroots contributions not only across Florida but from coast to coast - also sends a signal to the rest of the potential 2024 Republican presidential field of DeSantis popularity, influence, and strength should he launch a White House campaign. Longtime Republican fundraiser and lobbyist David Tamasi told Fox News that theres plenty of interest in DeSantis among the GOP money class NO LET UP IN TRUMP'S FUNDRAISING PROWESS "DeSantis continues to be a top draw with the high-end dollar market. The trick will be to translate an expected November win into a monopoly," Tamasi said. Former President Donald Trump remains the most prolific fundraiser in the Republican Party. His Save America political action committee has brought in over $125 million since its launch soon after the 2020 election, and had over $110 million in its coffers as of the end of February. But just as hes a solid number two to Trump and ahead of the rest of the field of other potential contenders in the early 2024 GOP presidential nomination polls, DeSantis is also firmly in second place in the campaign cash dash. The nonprofit and nonpartisan Ballotpedia spotlights that DeSantis has reported raising nearly $110 million, according to figures filed with the Florida Secretary of State. Story continues TRUMP WINS CPAC 2024 STRAW POLL, WITH DESANTIS SECOND Tamasi, who raised money for former President Donald Trump in the 2016 and 2020 campaigns, noted that "any tier 1 presidential candidate must be able to demonstrate a robust fundraising capability with big donors and even more so now, small donors. We know Trump can raise from both and this haul shows DeSantis has the capability also. The question is who else can join this club?" DeSantis has seen his popularity surge among Republican voters in his state and around the nation over the past two years, thanks in large part to his combative pushback against COVID-19 restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic as well as his aggressive actions in the culture wars. "I am standing my ground. Im not backing down," DeSantis emphasized last November as he spoke at a major confab of Republican leaders and activists. "Weve done an awful lot in the state of Florida. We have a lot more to do, and I have only begun to fight." The governor has repeatedly deflected talk of a 2024 run, saying hes concentrating on his 2022 gubernatorial reelection and telling Fox News that the next White House race is "way down the road. Its not anything that Im planning for." Pompeo's 2024 deciding factors Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says any decision he makes on whether to run for the White House in the upcoming 2024 election cycle will be dependent on whether he believes "this is the moment" where he can best "serve America." And Pompeo, a former congressman from Kansas who served as CIA director and later as Americas top diplomat during the Trump administration, inferred in a Fox News interview in Manchester, New Hampshire on Thursday that his decision will not be dependent on whether his former boss or whomever else decides to jump into the next Republican presidential nomination race. POMPEO HINTS PRESIDENTIAL RUN NOT DEPENDENT ON WHAT TRUMP DOES Hours before Pompeo headlined the Hillsborough County GOPs annual Lincoln Reagan fundraising dinner, Trump indicated in an interview with the Washington Post that if he launches a 2024 bid to try and return to the White House, its doubtful that Pompeo, former Vice President Mike Pence, and DeSantis would also run. "If I ran, I cant imagine theyd want to run. Some out of loyalty would have had a hard time running," said Trump, who since leaving the White House over 14 months ago has repeatedly flirted with making another presidential bid. Asked about those comments and whether his own decision would be impacted by what Trump decides, Pompeo told Fox News, "The Pompeos have always used the simple fact of do you believe this is the moment where you think you can best serve America, this is the place you can have the most impact. That will be how we make our decision in the end." 2024 PRELUDE: PENCE'S MOVES PREPARE FORMER VP FOR POSSIBLE WHITE HOUSE RUN "Its the right way to think about someone who puts themselves forward to the people of the United States to run for office, whether it's president or back in home state Kansas," he emphasized. "All of those things, they turn essentially on your belief that youre the right person to sit in that place. And if you believe in that, you have an obligation to go do it." Will Haley's 2022 NH trip pay dividends in 2024 On her first trip back to New Hampshire in a year and a half, former ambassador to United Nations Nikki Haley was laser focused in supporting Matt Mowers bid for Congress. Haley, the former two-term South Carolina governor, headlined multiple events on Monday for Mowers, a former New Hampshire GOP executive director who later worked on Trumps 2016 general election campaign before serving in the State Department during the former presidents first two years in office. HALEY'S TRIP TO NEW HAMPSHIRE SERVES MULTIPLE PURPOSES And the trip by Haley, whom pundits considered a potential 2024 GOP presidential hopeful, generated more buzz about her possible national ambitions. Asked about 2024, Haley told Fox News "if we dont win in 2022 there will be no 24. Thats why were going around the country trying to make sure we do that." As for her timetable, Haley said "I dont have to make a decision until the first of next year. But I can tell you Ive never lost a race. Im not going to start now. Ill put a thousand percent into it and finish it." By Michel Rose PARIS (Reuters) -President Emmanuel Macron will not be able to count on French voters' traditional anti-far right front in the final runoff and will need to step up his campaign if he is to defeat Marine Le Pen, who has successfully softened her image. Although Macron was projected to win a better-than-expected first round score of 28%, improving on his 2017 result, Macron cannot count on victory: polls forecast a razor-thin margin of victory against Le Pen in the April 24 run-off. In past elections at national, regional and municipal levels, left- and right-wing voters have historically united to block the far right from power, a phenomenon known as a 'republicain front'. While all mainstream candidates, including those of the conservative Les Republicains and Socialist party, endorsed Macron for the runoff on Sunday night, it is not clear their voters will follow. Moreover, their low single-digit scores were so pitiful that their support may carry little weight. "Among politicians, the republican front is putting itself in motion. It remains to be seen whether voters will follow," said Mathieu Gallard, head of research at Ipsos France. An Ifop poll taken outside polling stations during Sunday's vote forecast Macron winning 51% of voter support in two weeks time, a clear indication the "republican front" is crumbling. Complicating Macron's task, Le Pen has largely dropped her more pugnacious anti-immigration, anti-European Union rhetoric, focusing more on cost of living issues. Another Ifop survey in March showed that fewer than half of all French now found her "scary". In her speech on Sunday, she painted herself as a unifying figure, who would heal France's "fractures" and halt the "chaos" supposedly brought about by Macron, a former banker who she said embodied the "power of money" and worked for the few. BATTLE FOR THE LEFT Meanwhile, Macron cannot take left-wing voters for granted. Story continues The third-placed candidate, Jean-Luc Melenchon, urged voters not to back Le Pen, but stopped short of endorsing Macron, increasing the uncertainty as to how the projected 21% of voters who backed the far-left firebrand will cast their ballot. Polls show many may decide to abstain. "Macron's politics ... has strengthened the far-right," voter Lea Druet, 27, told Reuters at Melenchon's campaign headquarters. She voted for Macron in 2017 and said she would abstain in this month's runoff. Other Melenchon supporters were still unsure. "I'll see how the next two weeks go. If the polls say 49-51, at that moment I will vote Macron," said Guillaume Raffi, 36, a music producer from Montpellier. Macron supporters and campaign insiders say the incumbent leader will have to spend more time campaigning on the ground than he did in the run up to the first round if he wants to counter Le Pen, who has tapped into anger against the rising cost of living and deep-seated discontent towards a distant elite. Macron has acknowledged entering the campaign too late as he focused on dealing with the fallout from the war in Ukraine. "In the second round, Emmanuel Macron will need to roll up his sleeves a bit more than he did for the first," the former French ambassador to Washington, Gerard Araud, wrote on Twitter. (Additional reporting by Layli Foroudi; Writing by Michel Rose; Editing by Daniel Wallis) New roles for two local law officers Two retired Marion County law enforcement officials have entered a new era. On April 5, Mike Rolls was sworn in as the new Williston Police chief. And on that same day, former Belleview Police Sgt. Ray Dwyer took the oath of office and assumed the role as the new commissioner for Seat 2 in the City of Belleview. Williston Police Chief Mike Rolls is sworn in on April 5 Rolls was a deputy at the Marion County Sheriff's Office for 31 years and retired as a major in August 2020. The next month, Rolls joined the Williston Police Department and began a new career as an officer, eventually rising to the rank of sergeant. Rolls takes over as chief for another veteran MCSO deputy: Chief Dennis Strow. Three hours after retiring in August 2011, Strow was in front of the city council in Williston and was selected chief. Voted officer of the year in 2021, Rolls was the first Black major at the MCSO and is Williston's first Black police chief. Strow's last day is April 22. Dwyer takes over for Gary Ernst, another former MCSO deputy. Ernst, whose term ends in November, is leaving the city. Belleview City Commissioner Ray Dwyer Retiring last month after 25 years as a police officer, Dwyer was selected by city commissioners on March 29 to fill Ernst's vacant slot. The former officer plans to run for re-election in November. Ocala Marine deploys to Norway for NATO exercise Cpl. Kristen Reynolds of Ocala, a 2019 graduate of Forest High School, is serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. She is currently deployed to Norway for Exercise Cold Response 2022, according to an email from Bryan J. Nygaard, Chief Warrant Officer 2, U.S. Marine Corps, Visual Information Officer, COMMSTRAT, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Nygaard is also an Ocala native. U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kristen Reynolds participates in a group discussion as part of a live fire training event during Exercise Cold Response 2022 in Bardufoss, Norway, on March 26. Reynolds is an expeditionary firefighting and rescue specialist assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing. Women of the World donate $11,346 to Hospice of Marion County Women of the World, a philanthropic organization in On Top of the World, recently held a fashion show and luncheon that raised $11,346 for Hospice of Marion County, according to a press release from Anna McGonigal, secretary for the Women of the World. Story continues Amy Waller, left, president of Women of the World, presents a check for $11,346 to Cindy Moore, outreach communities director, representing Hospice of Marion County. The event was held on March 16 at the Circle Square Cultural Center courtesy of their sponsor Guided Medicare Solutions, the release said. Four hundred women attended the event. Residents of On Top of the World donated 160 raffle baskets. Women of the World started more than 40 years ago with 15 members. The organization is dedicated to supporting charitable organizations in Marion County, the release said. Currently there are over 100 members. The list of supported charities includes Hospice of Marion County, Operation Shoebox, Arnette House, Helping Hands, Domestic Violence/Abuse Shelter, the local SPCA chapter, Tools for Teachers and Stuff the Bus, the release said. Ocalan chosen to perform with NYO Jazz 2022 Joel Newell of Ocala is one of 22 young musicians chosen from across the country for NYO Jazz, an intensive summer program that nurtures and showcases the talents of exceptional young American jazz instrumentalists ages 16-19, Carnegie Hall recently announced in a press release. Marion County Public Safety recognizes National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week The Marion County Board of County Commissioners recognized April 10-16 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week with a proclamation during its meeting on April 5, according to a press release from the Marion County Public Relations office. Members of the Marion County Public Safety team pose with Marion County vommissioners at the board meeting on April 5. County Commission, Ocala City Council issue proclamations for National Healthcare Decisions Day The Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the Ocala City Council issued proclamations April 5 recognizing National Healthcare Decisions Day, according to a press release from Hospice of Marion County. Our organization knows the importance of planning ahead for the unexpected medical crisis and appreciates that the Marion County Board of Commissioners and the Ocala City Council issued proclamations April 5 recognizing National Healthcare Decisions Day, Hospice of Marion County CEO Rick Bourne said in the release. Send items to calendar@starbanner.com This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: New roles for law officers tops list of good news in Ocala, Florida By Brenna Hughes Neghaiwi ZURICH (Reuters) - Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday, he said, adding he hoped to help build bridges between Russia and Ukraine and stop the "war of aggression". Nehammer's meeting would be the first face-to-face encounter between Putin and a European Union leader since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, triggering a broad Western effort to isolate Moscow. "I'm going to meet Vladimir #Putin in Moscow tomorrow," Nehammer wrote on Twitter on Sunday. "We are militarily neutral, but (have) a clear position on the Russian war of aggression against #Ukraine," he wrote, referring to Austria's position. "It must stop! It needs humanitarian corridors, ceasefire & full investigation of war crimes." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed to RIA news agency that Putin would be holding talks with Nehammer on Monday. The Russian leader has been largely shunned by Western leaders since the start of the conflict, though he met Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in the Kremlin in early March. Nehammer's planned trip to Moscow comes after he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv on Saturday. Nehammer told journalists that, with the Moscow visit, he aimed to act as a "bridge builder" between Russia and Ukraine, hoping to "do everything possible to make (the war) stop" and to "ensure that steps are taken in the direction of peace", Austrian news agency APA reported. However he added that the chances of achieving progress were slim, APA said. Neutral Austria has been providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine as well as helmets and body armour for civilians rather than weapons. Nehammer, a conservative, has been clearly moved by telephone conversations with Zelenskiy and says he wants to show support. Nehammer said on Twitter he had briefed other "European partners" regarding his visit to Moscow, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan "and of course also Ukrainian president" Zelenskiy. Story continues There was criticism for his planned visit in some German-language media, and from at least one Ukrainian official. Sergei Orlov, deputy mayor of the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol, told Germany's Bild such a visit was unacceptable at the present time. "The war crimes that Russia is committing right now on Ukrainian soil are still taking place," Orlov said during a TV broadcast. "I don't understand how a conversation can be held with Putin at this time, how business can be conducted with him." Russia has rejected allegations by Ukraine and Western countries of war crimes. It has said it is not targetting civilians during what it calls a "special operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" its neighbour. (Reporting by Brenna Hughes Neghaiwi; Editing by Alex Richardson and Frances Kerry) Ukraines IT sector boasted some of the highest salaries in the country, long before Russia invaded, with roughly 200-thousand workers providing critical services to tech giants and other major industries around the world. As the country enters its seventh week of the war, some of its top tech executives are making direct appeals to those same international firms to stick with them, even as fears of a brain drain consume the domestic market. We are showing [the world] that we can continue to work through any condition, said Sergiy Fitsak, Managing and Technical Director at Softjourn, a technology consultancy and software development firm. [Our message] is just believe in us. Continue to do business with us. Nearly 4.5 million Ukrainians have fled the country since the fighting began in February, according to the United Nations. That population decline has been slightly more pronounced in the tech sector, with 16 percent of the workforce, largely women, having relocated outside of the country, according to the IT Ukraine Association, a trade group representing the sector. The migration has been most noticeable in the eastern part of the country in cities that have sustained the heaviest damage. But even workers who once considered staying in western Ukraine are leaving, in part because of heavy recruiting from firms in other parts of Europe, looking to tap into the countrys tech talent, with promises of higher pay. [We are] fighting for brains with other neighbors and countries because as the war started, I saw a lot of advertising and companies aimed at the Ukrainian people, said Konstantin Vasyuk, Executive Director at IT Ukraine Association. There is a huge lack of [tech] specialists. In Europe, they have [a skills deficit] of 1 million people until 2025. Demonstrators maintaining thier protest in the city center of Kiev. A general view of Maidan (Independence Square), on January 26, 2014. (Photo by Luca Piergiovanni/NurPhoto) (Photo by NurPhoto/Corbis via Getty Images) Lessons from 2014 Despite worker displacement, Vasyuk said the domestic IT sector remains stable for now, in part because of workers who continue to support clients globally, from safer regions. With a majority of employees now operating out of western Ukraine, companies have managed to retain 77 percent of their international clients so far. Story continues Fitsak attributes that largely to contingency plans implemented in response to the events of 2014. A domestic uprising that led to the ouster of then President Viktor Yanukovych and Russian annexation of Crimea that ensued highlighted the critical need for a backup plan, he said. Softjourn installed backup generators at their offices in anticipation of blackouts, deployed laptops to all 250 employees, allowing them to continue working outside of the office. The firm moved all of its databases to the cloud, and installed additional security layers on every company device to protect from cyber attacks. This is not our first invasion, Fitsak said. Vasyuk said two years of remote work during the covid-19 pandemic, only heightened firms resolve and allowed for largely undisrupted workflow. On the frontlines Still, the latest war has injected an additional burden - that of coworkers fighting on the front lines. 7 percent of tech employees have either enlisted in the military or joined government cyber forces since the Russian attacks began in February. Those who stayed back, have scrambled to deploy their own skills where needed. Software firm N-iX, one of Ukraines largest tech companies, raised nearly half a million dollars to help the Ukrainian Army in its fight against Russia. In just over a month, the company has purchased more than a dozen vehicles to be used for humanitarian needs, donated ammunition and tactical clothing to the military, and purchased bulletproof vests for colleagues, according to CEO Andrew Pavliv. As images emerged of civilians killed at the hands of Russian soldiers, N-iX workers pulled together to develop a website to collect information on Russias war crimes. LVIV, UKRAINE - 2022/04/08: A laptop with portrait of Vladimir Putin, parts of office equipment and household appliances symbolizing those that Russian soldiers stole in occupied Ukrainian territories, spattered with red paint at the Consulate of the Russian Federation during a protest 'Russian army - is a mob of murderers, rapists and looters'. (Photo by Mykola Tys/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Others have gotten more creative. Vasyuk said some competing firms pulled their resources to develop chatbots that allowed users in messaging app Telegram to report the location of Russian troops. Geographic coordinates embedded in images were pulled and shared, to warn Ukrainians of impending military activity. Something new is being born For western countries, Ukraine remains a valuable lifeline as companies undergo a rapid transition to digital. Ukrainian code can be found in everything from Lyft maps that connect the platforms drivers and users, to applications for JP Morgan Chase (JPM) and Citigroup (C). That helped contribute to the 40 to 50 percent growth the industry saw during the pandemic. Pavliv has halted previous plans to expand his footprint to four Ukrainian cities this year, but he and Fitsak remain optimistic about the prospects for the domestic tech sector, in part because some employees who initially relocated outside of Ukraine have slowly started to return, even as the fighting drags on. Fitsak said he is looking beyond the war, to the countrys recovery. Hes convinced it will be driven by the tech sector. Something new is being born right now, he said. Its not just national pride to help rebuild the country. We want to do it for the rest of the world. Akiko Fujita is an anchor and reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @AkikoFujita Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance General Norton Schwartz, General Charles Bolden, Chairman Jeff Greene, Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends, At the Online Reception of the Chinese Embassy for the 2022 Chinese New Year, I said, "In the coming year of the tiger, lets not forget the Flying Tigers and many other touching stories." Today, it is my great pleasure to attend the opening ceremony of the photo expo to commemorate the Flying Tigers, a great chapter in the history of China -U.S. relations. Just now, I toured the photo expo, and saw many precious photos about that part of history. 81 years ago, as China went through the most difficult days in its War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, a group of American pilots, bold and fearless, righteous and honorable, flew high above the land of China. I wish to use this opportunity to pay highest tribute to the Flying Tigers and their families! The story of Flying Tigers is a story about the shared fight of China and the U.S. With over 35 million casualties, China was the Eastern main theater of World Anti-fascist War, and in those years, Flying Tigers fought heroically with the Chinese people. From the China-Myanmar border to the Taiwan Strait, from the Yangtze River to the Himalayas, Flying Tigers soared above the sky like eagles, and shot down over 2,600 Japanese fighter jets. They opened up the Hump, a dangerous airlift route dubbed the Skyway to Hell. Hump pilots, wrote a CBS correspondent, could plot their course to China by the line of smoking wrecks upon the hillsides. Every time they boarded the plane, they knew that they might never come back, but none of them ever winced. They chose to fight, together with the Chinese people, for peace, for justice, and for a better world. Their courage and sacrifice has been sewn onto the banner of victory of Chinese peoples war against Japanese aggression. Let me recognize Mr. Harry Moyer and Mr. Robert Moore. Both are Flying Tigers veterans. Salute to you! The story of Flying Tigers is a story of mutual assistance between China and the U.S. When coming to China, all Flying Tigers pilots carried a blood chit, in case they were downed by the enemy. On the chit it reads, This foreign person has come to China to help in the war effort. Soldiers and civilians, one and all, should rescue and protect him. This was a life-and-death pledge between the Flying Tigers and the Chinese people, who would spare no effort to rescue the U.S. pilots they found. Back then, the Chinese were short of food and clothing themselves, but they gave their best food and medicine to the U.S. pilots they rescued. When pilot Glen Beneda parachuted out of his plane, local villagers and Chinas New Fourth Army got him out of danger after nearly 60 days of rescue. After pilot Gabriel Disosway made an emergency landing, local villagers built a temporary 1000-meter runway overnight for the rescue plane to land on. In the Doolittle Raid in 1942, 64 of the 80 American pilots in the operation were rescued by the Chinese. In revenge, the Japanese invaders killed about 250,000 Chinese soldiers and civilians. But even in such a dire situation, the Chinese people were never scared away. We have a saying in China, "A drop of water in need shall be returned with a burst of spring in deed". We Chinese are a thankful nation, as shown by the story of the Flying Tigers. The story of the Flying Tigers is a story about the enduring friendship between China and the U.S. The dust of war has long settled, but the tale of the Flying Tigers has been told and retold, from generation to generation. Museums and parks have been built in many places in China to honor them. The descendants of many Flying Tigers veterans have also become strong champions of China-U.S. relations. China and the U.S. have also been working closely to search for the remains of U.S. troops who assisted China in World War II. Inspired by the spirit of the Flying Tigers, many non-governmental groups have pitched in this effort. In 2015, Chinese volunteers, who were self-funded, trekked for a whole of 10 days and 9 nights to reach the glaciers in Tibet. At an altitude of 4,100 meters, they found some remains of three U.S. airmen, comprising 28 bones, who died 72 years ago. The volunteers said, no matter how difficult it would be, we must take the heroes back home. The story of "Flying Tigers" is not just a shared memory of China and the U.S. It is a shining beacon in our friendship, and a glorious mark in the history of China-U.S. relations. Ladies and gentlemen, History should never be forgotten. It deserves to be remembered and honored by future generations. The following 81 years since the Flying Tigers have seen tremendous changes in both China and the U.S., and the world today is totally different from 81 years ago. The interests of China and the U.S. have long been intertwined, but China-U.S. relations are facing unprecedented challenges. To go for conflict and confrontation or live in peace, to get stuck in a zero-sum game or to carry out win-win cooperation, these are the questions of the century. The peace we enjoy today has been won by the blood and sacrifices of numerous people, and deserves to be treasured. No one has the right to stoke conflicts and confrontation. The only right choice is mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. We need to write more stories of cooperation like the Flying Tigers, for the wellbeing of the two peoples, and peace and stability of the world. Let me use the last sentence of General Claire Chennaults autobiography Way of a Fighter to conclude, "It is my fondest hope that the sign of the Flying Tigers will remain aloft just as long as it is needed and that it will always be remembered on both shores of the Pacific as the symbol of two great peoples working toward a common goal in war and peace." May the sign of the Flying Tigers remain aloft in times of peace! Thank you. Bella Hadid shared photos from late 2020 one week before she sought treatment for mental health issues and shared how proud she is for her "growth." (Photo: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images) Bella Hadid is celebrating her growth after struggling with her mental health. The model shared several photos and videos from late 2020 on Instagram, in which she sported orange and brown hair. In her post, she explained why she was sharing these particular images on her social media platform. Verified 1.5 years ago, she began. The week before I changed my whole life. She was smiling through the pain but giving absolute spiral-sitaaaaa. The 25 year old concluded the caption, But shes also giving GROWTH and Im proud. Hadids followers praised her for her candor. Ouai founder Jen Atkin wrote, Im so proud for real. Were all works in progress. Amanda de Cadenet, who works with Hadid as a member of the VS Collective, shared, Keep growing beloved @bellahadid. Eldest sister Marielle Hadid added, Love you so much. Proud of you! Hadid, who is the daughter of real estate developer Mohamed Hadid and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Yolanda Hadid, recently opened up to Vogue about what led her to seek help for her mental health issues at a treatment program in Tennessee in early 2021. My immediate trauma response is people-pleasing, she told the magazine. It literally makes me sick to my stomach if I leave somewhere and someone is unhappy with me, so I always go above and beyond, but the issue with that is that I get home and I dont have enough for myself. I became manic. I bleached my hair. I looked like a troll doll. Then I dyed it it looked like a sunrise. That should have been the first sign. Since attending the treatment program, Hadid said she now uses medication and talk therapy to manage her depression and other struggles. For so long, I didnt know what I was crying about, Hadid, who also suffers from chronic Lyme disease, added. I always felt so lucky, and that would get me even more down on myself. There were people online saying, You live this amazing life. So then how can I complain? I always felt that I didnt have the right to complain, which meant that I didnt have the right to get help, which was my first problem. Story continues Earlier this year, Hadid also spoke to WSJ Magazine about how she would send photos of herself crying to her mother or doctor in order to explain how she was feeling when she was unable to name her emotions. It was the easiest thing for me to do at the time because I was never able to explain how I was feeling, she said. I would just be in excruciating and debilitating mental and physical pain, and I didnt know why." Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Lifes newsletter. Better Call Saul fans have been left feeling frustrated by the official reveal of a big moment from the final season. The news was shared on the Breaking Bad prequel seriess Twitter page, which left many feeling excited. However, a large contingent of fans questioned why the news had to be announced as it would have proved a nice surprise for unsuspecting viewers when the show returns later this month. *Spoilers follow you have been warned* It has been revealed that Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul will appear in the final batch of episodes, reprising their respective roles of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. Fans have long hoped the pair would return in some capacity, especially as the gap between both shows closes, but creators Peter Gould and Vince Gilligan have remained coy on the subject for years. This has increased the frustration levels over the announcement one week before the final season is due to begin, with many calling the news a spoiler. A Better Call Saul spoiler has been announced one week before the final season begins (Netflix) I feel like things like this need to be kept a secret, one fan wrote, with another replying: Imagine watching and Walt and Jesse just showed up that would have been awesome. I figured there would be some overlap but it would have been nice to be surprised. Really wish you guys would have kept this under wraps, another fan wrote. Many others asked: Why would you tweet this? while others agreed that the surprise would have been nice. Find more reactions below: How are you finna spoil something so big just in a tweet a week befor the show premieres noooo Caleb Brown (@CalebBr69702175) April 10, 2022 Hmmm, I figured this would happen but the surprise still wouldve been nice Greggs (@Greggs_) April 10, 2022 Really wish you guys would have kept this under wraps. Daniel (@PharaohFrog) April 10, 2022 Better call Saul returns to AMC in the US on 18 April and the following day on Netflix in the UK. Venezuelan touring rock band, The Zeta, had all of their equipment, documents, and money stolen while in an Oakland, California coffee shop on Monday. Fans pitched in shortly after to help raise funds and replace their stolen belongings. CALIFORNIA POLICE ARREST SECOND SUSPECT IN CONNECTION WITH SACRAMENTO SHOOTING "The very first moment, its 100 percent shocking and you get so scared, because you have so much important stuff inside," said Dani Hernandez of The Zeta. The band said they had stepped away from the van for only five minutes. Stolen items included computers, music equipment, approximately $1,000 in cash, and personal documents. The band members' green cards, passports, and Social Security cards were also stolen. Their instruments, however, remained untouched. Oakland Police Department vehicles (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Justin Sullivan/Getty Images "It actually was such a little window of time, that we left the van to go and grab coffee," Hernandez said. The band had initially tried to track down their stolen items via their Apple AirPods tracking capabilities. They decided against it soon after due to concerns the robbers were armed. The band is currently in the states for their 45-day tour across the US. Their manager, Marshal Rones, organized a GoFundMe page to recover lost damages. The band estimates the total losses to be around $12,000 and raised more than $13,000 since the page was set up on Thursday morning. "We are all so beyond grateful and appreciative of you all. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you," said Rones to the band's fans on the GoFundMe page. CALIFORNIA DA OPPOSED EARLY RELEASE OF SACRAMENTO MASS SHOOTING SUSPECT: 'WE NEED TO STOP THE CHAOS' The band's main concern now is the handling of stolen passports due to the lack of relations between the US and Venezuela. "You know, to get your Venezuelan passport is such a task, its so hard," said Hernandez. No suspects have been detained. Police currently have one witness saying they say several people with a red SUV break into the band's van. An early morning shooting has left a man dead in Orange County. Deputies responded to a call of a man down at 1:39 a.m. in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Orange County on Sunday. The shooting happened near the intersection of Vagabond Lane and Rio Grande Avenue. When deputies arrived, they found a man in his 30s had been shot. EMS pronounced him dead at the scene. Read: Two teenage girls shot in drive-by shooting Saturday night, police say Deputies have not released any suspect information at this time. Channel 9 will update you on this story when more details are available. Read: 2 men shot after community event at park in Orange County Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said they are investigating after a device that was intentionally designed to look like an explosive was found in uptown Charlotte Sunday. Investigators said they rendered it safe. CMPD said it received a call about a suspicious package left unattended near the intersection of Trade Street and Tryon Street shortly after 11 a.m. According to the police report, it was located outside the Bank of America Corporate Center. Investigators are working to determine who planted a fake bomb in the heart of Uptown. We are now getting our first look at the suspicious package after an uptown worker shared this photo with me. @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/AKKqeKWRBj Genevieve Curtis (@GenevieveWSOC9) April 11, 2022 Officers arrived at the scene and began shutting down the area. They cleared everyone out and called CMPDs Bomb Squad Unit to investigate, police said. CMPD Major Brad Koch told Channel 9 the device found was intentionally designed to look like an explosive. Speaking to our bomb guys, they said if they were to make a training video on a device, this would be the type of device it was, Koch said. A 9-1-1 call of someone reporting the suspicious package was released Tuesday. ALSO READ: Man accused of shooting at police in uptown Charlotte released on bond The caller describes the fake bomb as no more than five inches long and wrapped in silver duct tape and electrical tape. I cant tell what is inside of it, I didnt want to get to close, the caller said. Over the two-minute and nine-second call, the reporting person attempted to describe every part of the suspicious package. WSOC-TV 911 Call for suspicious package in uptown Charlotte It looks like tape on it, it looks like something is on the inside of it. It looks a little clear, I cant tell if it is, but in the middle part it is something with black duct tape on it, the caller calmly said. It looks like on the side of it, it could be a battery, I dont know, but it is wrapped in duct tape, it looks more like a battery. The tip is like a brown. Story continues The investigation was alarming at first for those who were uptown Sunday afternoon. I see a few officers come by the truck. And they knocked on my door. And they said, listen I need you to evacuate the area. Im like whats going on? And they said, I need you to evacuate now, food truck owner Omari Campbell said. READ ALSO: Conventions bring business back to uptown, help tourism rebound Campbell said he normally sets up his Jamaican food truck at the farmers market but Sunday was the first time he decided to bring it uptown. It dont upset me at all because I believe caution is better than cure, Campbell said. The threat happened during a busy time in uptown. Charlotte FC played Atlanta United in a match at nearby Bank of America Stadium, and the Hornets final home game was at the Spectrum Center. The multiweek Charlotte SHOUT! festival also drew crowds that spanned across several streets uptown. When officers shut the streets down to investigate the suspicious package, Campbell said he lost business. Charlotte SHOUT! started at 12 p.m., he said. Once again from 12 p.m. to 2:30 - 3 p.m. I wasnt able to conduct business. And how much did that cost him? Easily, I would say, almost $1,000 for those three hours, Campbell said. ALSO READ: Epicentre in uptown Charlotte gets tentative sale date Major Koch said investigators dont know why someone would plant such a realistic-looking device. I dont know thats certainly, a lot of times we see people want to see the type of response police, Koch said. And public safety partners have and certainly, there was a vigorous and comprehensive response here today. CMPD said the bomb squad was able to successfully render the package safe. No other suspicious devices were found in the area, according to police. The investigation into this case is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 911. Charlottes FBI office is in touch with CMPD and is prepared to help in any way. (WATCH BELOW: Shards of glass from building rain onto sidewalk below in uptown Charlotte) Chris Rock says hes remaining silent about Will Smith slapping him at the 94th Academy Awards until hes compensated for his troubles. At a Friday comedy show in Indio, California, for his Ego Death World Tour, Rock addressed the people in the crowd who were anxious to hear more about the assault. Im OK, I have a whole show and Im not talking about that until I get paid, Rock said, according to the newspaper The Desert Sun. Life is good. I got my hearing back. Smiths assault of Rock, which occurred on live television, became the most talked-about Oscars moment in years. Rock has so far declined to discuss the incident in depth, saying hes still working through what happened and hinting that he may address it in a future comedy routine. I dont have a bunch of shit to say about that, Rock reportedly told attendees at a Boston show in late March, days after the incident. I had written a whole show before this weekend, he said at the Boston show. Im still processing what happened, so at some point, Ill talk about that shit. Itll be serious. Itll be funny, but right now, Im going to tell some jokes. At the Oscars, Smith stormed on stage and slapped Rock after the comedian joked that his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, could star in G.I. Jane 2, a reference to her shaved head. Pinkett-Smith has an autoimmune condition known as alopecia, which results in hair loss. She has spoken about her struggles with the condition on social media and on her Red Table Talk show. Since the incident, Smith has been banned from attending the Oscars for the next 10 years. He has also resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. A number of comedians, including Jim Carrey and Oscars co-host Amy Schumer, have denounced Smiths actions. Smith has issued apologies to Rock and the Academy. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... A woman in south Texas charged with murder for what law enforcement called a self-induced abortion has been released from jail and prosecutors have moved to dismiss the case against her following international outrage as abortion rights groups rally in her defence. Gocha Allen Ramirez, district attorney for the states 229th Judicial District, said in a statement shared with The Independent that his office will file a motion to dismiss the indictment against 26-year-old Lizelle Herrera on 11 April, finding that she cannot and should not be prosecuted for the allegation against her. Ms Herrera was released from Starr County jail in the Rio Grande Valley following protests outside the jail on 9 April. She was arrested and faced an indictment on 7 April for intentionally and knowingly [causing] the death of an individual by self-induced abortion, according to the Starr County Sheriffs Office. She was released on a $500,000 bond. The issues surrounding this matter are clearly contentious, however based on Texas law and the facts presented, it is not a criminal matter, Mr Ramirez said in a statement. Going forward, my office will continue to communicate with counsel for Ms Herrera in order to bring this matter to a close. It is my hope that with the dismissal of this case it is made clear that Ms Herrera did not commit a criminal act under the laws of the State of Texas. Rio Grande Valley-based abortion rights group Frontera Fund organised a protest outside the jail on Saturday demanding her release. The organisation has launched a legal defence fund for Ms Herrera, and reproductive health and abortion care groups across the state have mobilised to her defence. The circumstances of her arrest and the statute under which she has been charged remain unclear, with a murder charge marking an extreme advancement of anti-abortion efforts in a state that has outlawed abortion care at six weeks of pregnancy, before most women know they are pregnant, while relying on private parties for its enforcement through civil suits against people who aid and abet women who seek an abortion. Story continues But that law imposes civil, not criminal penalty; employees of the state are prohibited from enforcing it, and pregnant women seeking an abortion cannot be prosecuted. Another law establishes a state felony punishable by a $10,000 fine and up to two years in prison for providing medical abortion pills after 49 days of pregnancy. That law also prohibits pregnant women from being prosecuted. Texas also is among nine states that have outlawed abortion entirely, laws that ostensibly unenforced and deemed unconstitutional following the landmark 1973 US Supreme Court ruling in Roe v Wade. A 26-year-old woman was arrested and held in Starr County Jail in Rio Grande City, Texas on murder charges for what police called a self-induced abortion. (REUTERS) Fronteras founder and chair Rockie Gonzalez told Texas Public Radio that what is alleged is that she was in the hospital and had a miscarriage and divulged some information to hospital staff, who then reported her to the police. This is a developing story and we dont yet know all the details surrounding this tragic event, what we do know is that criminalizing pregnant peoples choices or pregnancy outcomes, which the state of Texas has done, takes away peoples autonomy over their own bodies, and leaves them with no safe options when they choose not to become a parent, she said. What law was Lizelle Herrera actually charged under in Texas? We don't have answers at the moment beyond the grand jury indictment. I had a chance to speak with @KatiePhang on the first episode of her new show on @MSNBC this morning to review some of what we know so far. pic.twitter.com/3u718Byjsn Pablo De La Rosa (@pblodlr) April 10, 2022 In reviewing this case, it is clear that the Starr County Sheriffs Department did their duty in investigating the incident brought to their attention by the reporting hospital, according to the statement from the district attorney. To ignore the incident would have been a dereliction of their duty, Mr Ramirez said. Prosecutorial discretion rests with the District Attorneys office, and in the State of Texas a prosecutors oath is to do justice. Following that oath, the only correct outcome to this matter is to immediately dismiss the indictment against Ms Herrera. Mr Ramirez added that the events leading up to this indictment have taken a toll on Ms Herrera and her family and that to ignore this fact would be shortsighted. Supporters of #SB8 have long insisted that it didn't punish the pregnant woman, just those who *facilitated* abortions. But by barring medically supervised abortions after six weeks, it forces those who can't travel to self-induce, which opens the door to prosecutions like this. https://t.co/8ZD1GrgBFJ Steve Vladeck (@steve_vladeck) April 9, 2022 Cathy Torres, organising manager for Frontera Fund, told The Monitor that her arrest is just another example of how the state legislature, the city government and anti-choice people just want to strip us of our bodily autonomy. They want to control the decisions that we want to make with our bodies, and thats just not right, she said. Frontera Fund intends to send a message to Governor Greg Abbott, Starr County officials, and hospital staff and leadership that broke patient confidentiality regarding Lizelles pregnancy outcome, according to a statement from the group. University of Texas School of Laws Steve Vladeck stressed that proponents of the states six-week abortion ban insisted that it did not punish pregnant women, but by barring medically supervised abortions after six weeks, it forces those who cant travel to self-induce, which opens the door to prosecutions like this, he said. The Independent has requested comment from Starr County law enforcement officials. We must know all the facts, in this case, to see whether a charge of murder is even warranted, said Domingo Garcia, president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, the nations oldest Latino civil rights group. This situation should not be turned into a sensationalized headline for political gain. Families should decide womens health and pregnancy issues with guidance by clergy, not by the criminal courts. Lizelle Herrera (Starr County Jail) Her arrest follows a wave of anti-abortion legislation from Republican state lawmakers across the US ahead of the Supreme Courts anticipated ruling in a case that could upend healthcare protections for women if Roe v Wade precedent is overturned. Legal organisation National Advocates for Pregnant Women said her arrest proves the true intent of those who are fighting to overturn Roe: the surveillance, control, and criminalization of pregnant people. It is a tragedy, and just the tip of the iceberg, the group added. No case in Texas has ever permitted the use of the states murder law to address abortion or pregnancy loss. This is unconstitutional. Last month, Planned Parenthood found that abortion providers in Oklahoma which sits north of Texas reported a 2,500 per cent increase in abortion patients with Texas addresses compared to the previous year. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, meanwhile, has signed a similar six-week abortion ban into law, and is poised to sign another measure effectively making all abortions in the state illegal. That measure would punish any Oklahoman who performs an abortion with a 10-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $100,000. On 8 April, a judge in Idaho temporarily blocked that states law banning abortion at six weeks. The reviews are in for the third instalment of the Fantastic Beasts franchise, and while the overall ratings are mixed, most critics have agreed on one thing: Mads Mikkelsen excels as the evil wizard Gellert Grindelwald. The Danish actor replaced Johnny Depp in the role after Depp resigned at the request of studio Warner Bros last year. The resignation came after Depp lost a libel case against The Sun over a 2018 article that called him a wife beater, in reference to his ex-wife Amber Heard. Previously, Mikkelsen said he would attempt to connect the bridge between what [Depp] did and what Im gonna do and then well see what lands. In Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Mikkelsen shows a dramatically different Grindelwald: the shock-white hair is gone, the pale eye has been toned down. With Depp, I couldnt understand why anyone would want to follow a wizard who comically looked like another bizarre invention out of the actors menagerie of eccentric characters hes played over the years, a review in Insider said. In contrast, Mikkelsen plays Grindelwald with a suave, charming charisma that convinces you of why anyone would be seduced by this alluring, handsome wizard and be suckered into fighting a war for him. The review added: Mikkelsen slips into the role of Grindelwald so naturally that its easy to forget Depp had ever played the role. Mads Mikkelsen in Fantastic Beasts 3' (Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures) Other critics concurred that Mikkelsens more relatable, charismatic Grindelwald is superior to Depps. Brian Truitt wrote for USA Today: Mikkelsen provides the Voldemort-level evil personality the Beasts movies have been lacking. While Depps take essentially playing Grindelwald as a wild-haired freaky cult leader was fine, Mikkelsens feels more dangerous, as he wields a public charm as crowd-pleasing, manipulative man of the people while hiding his inherent ruthless cruelty. The Guardians Peter Bradshaw agreed that Mikkelsen gives a subtler and more insidious performance than Depps, while Peter Debruge wrote for Variety that Mikkelsens iteration is more grounded and less cartoonishly menacing. Story continues In a review for The Telegraph, critic Robbie Collins suggested that Mikkelsen should have been cast from the start. Meanwhile, The Times said that Mikkelsen creates a believable romantic link between Grindelwald and Dumbledore something fans have been calling for since author JK Rowling first revealed the Hogwarts headmaster was gay 15 years ago. Mikkelsens simmering intensity adds a new layer of menace to the character but also suggests a credibly torrid romantic history with Dumbledore, the publications four-star review said. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is in cinemas Friday 8 April. The Veterans Honor Guard render honors Wednesday at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center ceremony honoring the transport of eight veterans' remains to Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. AMARILLO - Veterans and friends and family from across the Panhandle gathered Wednesday at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center to pay respects to eight veterans en route to their final resting place at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. These forgotten soldiers who had their remains unclaimed were identified as veterans by the Missing in America Project, in a rigorous effort to give proper military burial honors to those who served. Launched nationwide in 2007, the Missing in America Project is a nonprofit foundation that strives to locate, identify and lay to rest the unclaimed remains of American veterans. Since the project came to the Panhandle, 50 veterans have been recognized and laid to rest with the cooperation of local municipalities Veterans salute in honor as the remains of a Vietnam veteran are carefully transported Wednesday at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center's service, which honored those service members who were identified from the unclaimed cremated bodies found in storage in the region. Each year, MIAP in concert with entities throughout the nation, investigates unclaimed cremated remains to determine if any are veterans with the help of volunteers of the organization in a mission to give proper honors to those who served. Joel Carver, the Panhandle representative who oversees the recovery of unclaimed veterans in the area, spoke about his role and the process of MIAP. He said that he and other volunteers contact funeral homes, cemeteries and various municipalities to inquire about unclaimed remains, researching the named individuals to determine if they are veterans. According to Carver, only about 10% of the unclaimed remains are veterans. His group runs all the information that they have through a database one by one to determine veteran status and, if a veteran, to determine if their service was honorable. Joel Carver, the Panhandle representative for the Missing in America Project, opens the ceremony Wednesday at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center. People dont think, and I did not for many years, know that there were unclaimed veterans among us, Carver said. If we dig a little deep, if we do the research, we will find that there are several of them, unfortunately. Carver said that during his time with the organization, he had come across one veterans remains that had been in storage in Moore County for a decade. After doing intensive research, he found that the remains were of a veteran born in 1925 who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Story continues Once remains have been identified as veterans with honorable service, MIAP works with national cemeteries to find a place to lay their ashes to rest. Carver said his organization is seeking volunteers willing to help or donate to the project, and information can be found at https://www.miap.us/ . Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner spoke at Wednesday's event about the importance of identifying and honoring these veterans, as well as her involvement in the program. Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner speaks at the Missing In America Project's ceremony held at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center Wednesday, honoring eight newly identified veterans. Tanner said she became involved with the project in 2016, when Carver contacted her about identifying veterans among the unclaimed cremated remains in Potter County. She said that it took a while to identify individuals, but they found eight veterans in the first year and have found 48 in total since 2016. I cannot think of anything sadder than these veterans who died homeless and forgotten in a vault with nobody to claim them after fighting for our country, Tanner said. We do this for the veterans every year, and we will continue to do so until we have no more veterans unclaimed. This is our duty to honor their service. Tanner said her county was one of the first in the area to work with the project and had inspired other counties to follow suit with their success. She said 71 counties in the state are currently working with the program. Veterans in attendance for the Missing In America Project's ceremony stand in prayer Wednesday at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center. This is a good thing; this is an American thing and makes me feel really proud to be a small part of helping to honor these veterans, Tanner added. I am so glad that we get to do this for these great Americans. The veterans were to be escorted by the Patriot Guard and the Texas Department of Public Service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio for a military internment at 1 p.m. Friday. The eight veterans who are being transported to the national cemetery are: -David Alexander Navy Vietnam veteran -Melvin G. Atkinson Army Vietnam veteran Daniel La France Army Vietnam veteran Roger Long Army Vietnam veteran -Samuel Marez Army Vietnam veteran -William C. Miller Army Vietnam veteran -Buster Shufelt Army Vietnam veteran -Mark Rosta Air Force veteran This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: 8 forgotten Panhandle veterans honored, to be laid to rest FAA looks to hand out fines for two incidents worth $159,000 combined The Federal Aviation Administration said Friday that it is seeking the largest fines yet for passengers who disrupt flights after two incidents that occurred on airliners last summer. The FAA said it proposed a civil penalty of $81,950 against a passenger who struck a flight attendant on the head, tried to open a cabin door and headbutted, spit at and tried to kick crew members and passengers even after she was placed in flexible handcuffs. Travelers move through Salt Lake City International Airport on Aug. 17, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) The incident happened on an American Airlines flight last July. The FAA said the passenger was arrested when the plane landed in Charlotte, North Carolina. The FAA is seeking a $77,272 fine against a woman who tried to open a cabin door during a flight and bit another passenger repeatedly before she was restrained by the crew on a Delta Air Lines flight from Las Vegas to Atlanta last July. Neither person was identified. They have 30 days to respond to the accusations. The FAA said the fines are part of roughly $2 million in proposed penalties it has announced since Jan. 1. Airlines have reported a high number of incidents since early 2021 more than 1,000 this year alone with most of them involving passengers who refuse to wear face masks. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post FAA seeks biggest fines yet against 2 unruly passengers appeared first on TheGrio. China's fixed-asset railway investment came in at 106.5 billion yuan (about 16.7 billion U.S. dollars) in the first quarter of this year, as the construction of more rail lines began during the period, data from China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. shows. The figure is an increase of 3.1 percent from one year earlier, the company said. During the period, a total of 447 kilometers of new rail lines were put into production, including 233 kilometers of high-speed tracks. China plans to launch new rail lines totaling 3,300 kilometers this year, according to the Ministry of Transport. By the end of last year, the operating length of China's high-speed railway network exceeded 40,000 kilometers. PARIS (Reuters) - Emmanuel Macron will face far-right challenger Marine Le Pen in the runoff vote of France's presidential election on April 24, early projections showed. Here are quotes from the candidates: Marine Le Pen, far-right qualifier for runoff vote: "In this first round, the French people clearly wanted to make a fundamental choice between 2 opposite visions of the future: one of division, injustice and disorder imposed by Emmanuel Macron for the benefit of a few, the other a rallying together of French people around social justice and protection. "I intend, without delay, to sew back up the tears that a ripped apart France suffers from." Jean-Luc Melenchon, defeated hardleft candidate: "We know for whom we will never vote. You must not give a voice to Madame Le Pen. "I know your anger but do not give yourselves over to errors that will be difficult to repair." Valerie Pecresse, defeated conservative candidate: "I am deeply concerned for the future of our country, when the far right has never been so close to winning. "Emmanuel Macron has played with fire and put France at great risk. "Marine Le Pen's plan would lead the country into discord, impotence and bankruptcy. Eric Zemmour, defeated hard-right candidate: "I want to say finally, because I think of France above all, because it was the whole point of my candidacy, that I cannot stand idly by and watch the evils that threaten our country. "I have many disagreements with Marine Le Pen that I have discussed during this campaign. I won't list them again. "(Against Le Pen) is a man who ... didn't say a word about identity, security, immigration during his campaign and who will therefore do worse again if re-elected. That is why I call on my voters to vote for Marine Le Pen." Anne Hidalgo, defeated Socialist candidate: "So that France does not fall into the hatred of all against all, I solemnly call on you to vote on April 24 against the far-right of Marine Le Pen." (Compiled by Richard Lough; Editing by Alexander Smith) Miami Dades Florida International University joined three other public universities Tuesday when it launched a national search for a new president. Heres whats happening at each school and how a new state law will affect the searches: Florida International University The FIU presidential search committee met Tuesday for the first time and will gather again at 3 p.m. April 25. Richard Olson, the director of Extreme Events Research, and Eric Eikenberg, a political and environmental policy expert who heads the Everglades Foundation, are some of the committee members. FIU hired R. William Funk and Associates, a Dallas-based company that specializes in higher education recruitment. Anyone can attend a listening session from 10 a.m. to noon next Wednesday at the Graham University Center on the FIU Modesto A. Maidique Campus. READ MORE: FIU launches national search for its new president, Mark Rosenbergs permanent successor New privacy law will affect candidates Florida lawmakers recently approved Senate Bill 520, with its companion bill House Bill 703, to maintain confidential the names and other identifying facts of applicants for a state university presidency. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it into law in March. At the first meeting of the FIU presidential search committee Tuesday, FIU General Counsel Carlos Castillo told committee members the information would become public once the committee pushes through two or more candidates to the full board of trustees. At that point, a 21-day period would begin before the board issues final decisions. Critics of the new statute say it could further politicize academia. William Funk, head of the search firm contracted by FIU, told the universitys board of trustees he expects the law to benefit the applicant pool process. Were kind of the first users of the new law relative to the Sunshine laws governing presidential searches, so were going through that together, he said. We think that will be certainly a breakthrough because we find the very best candidates are often the most reluctant to go public about their candidacy. Story continues University of Florida University of Florida President Kent Fuchs announced Jan. 5 he would leave his post by the end of 2022, his eighth year at the helm of the school in Gainesville. READ MORE: Amid tensions with faculty over COVID and academic freedom, UF president to step down On March 29, UF Board of Trustees Chair Morteza Hosseini appointed the members to the presidential search committee. Members include Laura Rosenbury, dean of the UF Levin College of Law, and Lynda Tealer, the executive associate athletics director. UF selected SP&A Executive Search, a California company, to lead the initiative. Now that the search committee has been named, we will be working with SP&A, the search firm, to develop a timeline that will make sense, with the goal of having a new president by January 2023, said UF spokesman Steve Orlando. UFs independent student newspaper The Independent Florida Alligator confirmed March 15 that UF would abide by the new law, keeping the identities of applicants secret until 21 days before the search concludes. The University of Florida campus in Gainesville, where another political battle is brewing. Paul Ortiz, president of the United Faculty of Florida at UF, criticized the new rules. Their attempt to try to keep this more secretive is really going to hamper the climate of trust that an incoming president needs, he told The Alligator. University of North Florida University of North Florida President David Szymanski announced in August he would step down from his role Sept. 17 to become the CEO and Executive Director of UNF MedNexus. He served in the position for about three years. Pamela Chally became interim president Sept. 18. She spent 28 years at UNF, most recently as interim provost and vice president of academic affairs from 2017-19. The university, in Jacksonville, created its presidential search committee in September. The list of the committee members includes Paul McElroy, the former managing director and CEO of JEA, the local electric, water and wastewater utility, and Ann Hicks, a former president of the UNF Foundation Board The committee has sent an online survey and held events to seek community input. RELATED: USAID taps FIU to recruit Hispanics into Latin America/Caribbean posts, foreign service UNF hired WittKieffer, an Illinois-based search firm. During its next meeting Monday, the search committee will review the applicant pool and select at least two. The full board of trustees will interview those finalists by April 21. The Spinnaker, UNFs student newspaper, reported March 21 that on that day UNF would start shielding the candidate names, to adhere to the new state law that mandates privacy until the final stage. Our hope, on the search committee, is that [this law] will increase the number and quality of candidates for the office of president, John White, president of the UNF Faculty Association, professor and Board of Trustees member told the Spinnaker then. UNF will likely advance a candidate for confirmation to the Florida Board of Governors in late June. Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Gulf Coast University President Mike Martin announced Dec. 9 he would retire come December 2022, after about four years at the Fort Myers school. FGCU Board of Trustees Chair Blake Gable told the Florida Board of Governors on March 30 he intends to present the final candidate to the board of governors for confirmation in November. At this time, we are still in the preliminary phase of the search process, Pamela McCabe, an FGCU spokeswoman, wrote in an email to the Herald. RELATED: English professor sues UF, saying it stripped him of classes after criticizing COVID policy Gable already tapped the members of the presidential search committee and will announce the names soon, pending approval from the board of governors. Tentatively, FGCU scheduled the first committee meeting for April 13. FGCU already reviewed proposals from five search firms, and Gable expects the board of trustees to hire one of the firms at their meeting next Tuesday, McCabe said. The university will launch its presidential search website by mid-April. The Daily Beast Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/GettyAs the dust settles from the legal fight between the District of Columbias attorney general and the Trump family, its becoming clear to government watchdogs and the cases star witness that the former president has once again gotten off easy.On Tuesday, D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine declared victory after the multibillion-dollar Trump Organization and the former presidents inauguration committee agreed to fork over $750,000 for th Gabrielle Union (at the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party) turned heads with her bikini shoot. (Photo: Rich Fury/VF22/Getty Images for Vanity Fair) Gabrielle Union wasn't playing around about turning "Forty-FINE" on her 49th birthday last October. On Sunday the Cheaper By the Dozen star caused jaws to drop with a poolside photo shoot that sees her in full-on bombshell mode. "#SundayFunday," the Bring It On actress captioned a trio of photos in which she poses in a pool while rocking a bright blue string bikini and long, cascading curls. Awestruck commenters among them, Iman and Janelle Monae unleashed a slew of fire emojis in response. "Ma'am," wrote Tessa Tessa Thompson, neatly rhyming with Emmy winner Uzo Aduba's comment: "BAM." "WERK HENNY!!" added Taraji P. Henson of the stunning shoot, which also drew likes from Chrissy Teigen and Mindy Kaling. Outside of swimsuit shoots, Union has been busy using her platform to speak out against LGBTQ legislation in support of 14-year-old stepdaughter Zaya Wade, who is trans. Last month the actress spoke on the Keep It! podcast about calling on Disney, which produced her latest family comedy, to distance itself from Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law; the corporation has since come out in opposition to it. Video: Gabrielle Union on speaking out against Disney "I was very clear about my thoughts about Disney funding hate and oppression," Union said. "They might murder off my character, you know, in Cheaper by the Dozen. The sequel [might be] 'Zoey has died in a tragic accident.' The reality is, I don't know. I will never know how my name is spoken of in rooms due to me telling the truth, right? I have no idea. Luckily, there's enough other companies that are willing to hire me, knowing that I tell the truth and I will not be held back by fear." She continued to share how it's important for her and husband Dwyane Wade to put their money where their mouth is when it comes to the causes they care about. "We have this platform, and we are in a position to tell the truth," she said. "At some point, ya gotta say, 'I think I have enough money or things or power that I can be honest.' I don't know what that line in the sand is or how many billions someone needs to just tell the truth, shame the devil. I don't know what that barometer is for everybody. But we hit that number a long time ago." Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Lifes newsletter. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits he would have been disappointed had his side not responded to Manchester Citys 14-point advantage in January (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Wire) Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits he would have been disappointed had his side not produced a response to Manchester Citys 14-point advantage at the top of the table. A title challenge looked an unlikely possibility in January when Klopps side were so far adrift, even with two matches in hand. A run of 10 successive Premier League victories has set up an enticing Sunday showdown at the Etihad Stadium when Liverpool could go two points ahead with a win. But because of the high standards Klopp has set his team standards they almost always deliver the Reds boss considered their achievement in getting back in touch with their main rivals as nothing out of the ordinary for them. The 100 percent truth is that what we did was normal. If we hadnt tried I would be disappointed, he said. If you go into the season and the only thing you have is to win the league, then we are not that club, we cant be that club because of City and the other teams (also wanting to win it). So, not winning the league will be disappointing but there are other things to go for qualification for Champions League, other cup competitions, the Champions League. We knew it was 14 points but we didn't care Jurgen Klopp There is a lot to go for and for those you need momentum and you need rhythm. Whatever situation you are in, come early January its a situation, so work from there and dont suffer because of it. If the gap is too big then close it to one point. That was not about us, we just won the games but City didnt win all their games. That is what I expected from us. I dont expect us to win all the games, but to try constantly and thats what we did. We knew it was 14 points but we didnt care we just had to win as many points as possible until the end of the season that situation doesnt change. (PA Wire) Klopps record against City boss Pep Guardiola is the best of any of his contemporaries, winning nine and drawing four of their 22 encounters in the Premier League and previously in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich respectively. Story continues Even so, the German admits he will not be sad to see the back of the Catalan when he finally retires. I will not miss it, I know that, he said. All what I say about City I really mean. Pep is the best coach in the world, no problem with that, but I always wanted to be the coach of the team who can beat the best team in the world. Actually I achieved that as well somehow and now we have to make sure Sunday is the day. (Reuters) - The head of Russia's Orthodox Church called on people on Sunday to rally around the authorities as Moscow pursues its military intervention in Ukraine. Patriarch Kirill has previously made statements defending Moscow's actions in Ukraine and views the war as a bulwark against a Western liberal culture that he considers decadent. "Let the Lord help us unite during this difficult time for our Fatherland, including around the authorities," the Interfax news agency quoted Kirill, 75, as saying at a sermon in Moscow. "May the authorities to be filled with responsibility for their people, humility and the readiness to serve them even if it costs them their life," added the patriarch, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin. The patriarch's support for Russia's military campaign, in which thousands of soldiers and Ukrainian civilians have been killed, has angered some within the Orthodox Church at home as well as in churches abroad linked to the Moscow Patriarchate. On Sunday, he said that once the population unites around the authorities, "there will be genuine solidarity and the ability to repel enemies both external and internal..." Russia sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24 in what it called a special operation to degrade its southern neighbour's military capabilities and root out people it called dangerous nationalists. Ukrainian forces have mounted stiff resistance and the West has imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia in an effort to force it to withdraw its forces. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Frances Kerry) The big shareholder groups in CACI International Inc (NYSE:CACI) have power over the company. Generally speaking, as a company grows, institutions will increase their ownership. Conversely, insiders often decrease their ownership over time. Companies that have been privatized tend to have low insider ownership. With a market capitalization of US$7.1b, CACI International is rather large. We'd expect to see institutional investors on the register. Companies of this size are usually well known to retail investors, too. Taking a look at our data on the ownership groups (below), it seems that institutions are noticeable on the share registry. Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about CACI International. View our latest analysis for CACI International What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About CACI International? Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices. As you can see, institutional investors have a fair amount of stake in CACI International. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at CACI International's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters. Since institutional investors own more than half the issued stock, the board will likely have to pay attention to their preferences. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in CACI International. The company's largest shareholder is The Vanguard Group, Inc., with ownership of 9.5%. For context, the second largest shareholder holds about 9.5% of the shares outstanding, followed by an ownership of 5.8% by the third-largest shareholder. Story continues A closer look at our ownership figures suggests that the top 12 shareholders have a combined ownership of 50% implying that no single shareholder has a majority. Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily. Insider Ownership Of CACI International The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO. Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances. We can see that insiders own shares in CACI International Inc. It is a pretty big company, so it is generally a positive to see some potentially meaningful alignment. In this case, they own around US$86m worth of shares (at current prices). It is good to see this level of investment by insiders. You can check here to see if those insiders have been buying recently. General Public Ownership The general public-- including retail investors -- own 10% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. While this group can't necessarily call the shots, it can certainly have a real influence on how the company is run. Next Steps: While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with CACI International , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Do you have a question about U.S. history, popular culture, celebrities, trivia, other topics you are curious about in this wondrous world of ours? Please send your questions to newsroom@bnd.com and well try to find the answers. Heres todays topic: Bill Baker, who led the Chicago-based structural engineering team for the worlds tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, is amazed at the popularity of observation decks of mega towers, including the glass balcony the public can visit on the 103rd floor of Chicagos Willis Tower. Its billed as The Ledge. Not only do you want to go high, you want to hang out over the abyss, Baker said of the Willis Tower balcony. Explain that one to me, he said with a laugh. I dont understand it other than I experience it myself. Baker said the Burj Khalifa has added observation space since it opened in 2010. Humanitys fascination with building structures higher and higher may not be the easiest thing to explain, but Baker has made his mark in the skyscraper industry. Bill Baker of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in Chicago was the structural engineer for the Burj Khalifa, which is the worlds tallest building. The Illinois connection Baker is part of Illinois connection with the construction of the Burj Khalifa, which is in the United Arab Emirates and is 2,717 feet, or 828 meters, high. While Baker led the structural engineers for the worlds tallest building project, the chief architect was Adrian Smith. At the time, they both worked for Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Chicago is one of the world capitals for tall building architecture and engineering, said Baker, who grew up in Fulton, Missouri, went to the University of Missouri and would visit St. Louis with his family. Along with being home to the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, Chicago is the headquarters of the nonprofit Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, which has a treasure trove of information about the tallest buildings across the world on its website at www.ctbuh.org. The Willis Tower was the worlds tallest building from 1973 to 1998. It stands at 1,451 feet high. Since 1998, over 20 skyscrapers have been built, mostly in Asia and the Middle East, to knock the Willis Tower down to the 23rd highest building in the world. Story continues Baker also said the University of Illinois, where he earned his masters degree in engineering and where he lectured last fall, has one of the highest rated structural engineering programs in the country. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the worlds tallest building. It stands at 2,717 feet, or 828 meters, high. Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill provided the architect and structural engineer for the tower. Reaching new heights Baker is quick to note that designing a building over a half mile high like the Burj Khalifa takes more than a couple of people. We had 90 people working on this thing, he said of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Adrian led the architectural team, I led the structural team, he said. Smith has since started his own company, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture LLP in Chicago, and is the architect for a building that would exceed the height of the Burj Khalifa but construction has halted on that project known as the Jeddah Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The exact height of this skyscraper has not been announced. Developers have said it would be at least 3,280 feet, or 1 kilometer high. So that brings us to wonder, just how high can a building get? Baker matter-of-factly gives his answer: I think one could, in a fairly reasonable cost and reasonable time frame, do like a mile or even two kilometers. A two-kilometer high building would be 1.24 miles or 6,561 feet in height. Baker said the supertall structures are like Swiss watches and not a speck of space can be wasted in the design and then operation. It has to work for architecture, it has to work for structure, it has to work for construction, it has to work for interiors, it has to work for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, it has to work for sustainability and so its a very, very complicated thing. And for a building to get nearly a mile and a quarter high, it would require a design that has not yet been developed. Baker describes a buildings design as a species. A new one was developed for the Burj Khalifa, and its called the buttressed core because it has a narrow hexagonal core center and three wings emanating from the center to offer support. When the wind is blowing against two of the three walls, the third one works to resist the force of the wind. The wonderful thing about design, is you dont have to evolve, you can create new, you know, by working with your team, he said. But this new design and construction cost for a building over a mile high, of course, would come with a steep price. Would it be cheap? No, Baker said. But I think it could be affordable in the sense that the value would greatly exceed the construction cost. The Daily Beast Getty ImagesAmber Heard sobbed uncontrollably on the stand Thursday as she recounted a wild fight with her then-husband Johnny Depp in Australia in which he allegedly penetrated her vagina repeatedly with a liquor bottle, leaving her retching and bloodied.The March 2015 trip for the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean 5 was tumultuous from the start, Heard said during her second day of testimony in the trial over Johnny Depps $50 million defamation lawsuit. One day, after he had been drinking, JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Indonesias President Joko Widodo on Sunday denied that his administration was attempting to delay the 2024 presidential elections after senior politicians including his close ally supported the idea of extending his stay in office beyond the two-term legal mandate. His statement came a day before students planned to stage a massive protest in the capital, Jakarta, and several other cities to oppose the alleged plan they say could threaten democracy. Student protests in Indonesia often turn violent. During a Cabinet meeting to discuss the preparations for the 2024 elections, Widodo ordered his ministers to publicly explain that all stages and schedules for the polls had been determined. This needs to be explained so that there are no rumors circulating among people that the government is trying to postpone the election or speculation about the extension of the presidents tenure or a related third term, Widodo said in comments released by his office on its official YouTube channel. Because clearly we have agreed that the election will be held on February 14, 2024. Powerful figures including Cabinet ministers Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Airlangga Hartarto, who is also the chair of the Golkar party in the ruling coalition, have suggested that the elections should be deferred. Pandjaitan, who is Widodos close ally, recently claimed that data shows 110 million Indonesians support a delay of elections. It wasn't clear what data he was citing. Recent reports by Kompas, Indonesias reputable pollster, indicate Widodo is hugely popular in the archipelago nation of more than 270 million people with over 70% public trust rating. However, a poll by the Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting showed that more than 70% reject any plan to extend his stay in office. The two-term presidential limit was a centerpiece of the first amendment to the Indonesian Constitution in 1999, a year after dictator Suharto was toppled by massive pro-democracy protests. Story continues Suharto ruled Indonesia for more than three decades through an authoritarian, often violent regime. Under his rule, corruption and rights abuses became rampant as the elite plundered the economy. His downfall ushered in a democracy in Indonesia and term limits are meant to prevent a repeat of its authoritarian past. Last Wednesday, Widodo also told his ministers to address the nations rising inflation instead of stirring controversy around the 2024 election. Nobody bring up a (presidential) term extension or election delay anymore. No more! Widodo said. In June last year, he said in a news conference that he plans to adhere to the constitution when his supporters began to roll out the idea suggesting his term could be legally extended through a constitutional amendment or election delay. Supporters argued it was necessary to give Widodo more time to deal with the recovery of the economy that slumped during the two-year pandemic, and allow him to complete his agenda, including the $35 billion capital relocation project to the island of Borneo. Despite denials, doubts about his intentions have persisted. People are still skeptical about Jokowis indecision regarding the third term, said Ujang Komarudin, a political analyst from Al-Azhar Indonesia University, using Widodo's popular nickname. "The alleged plans have deviated far from the constitution and would be a major blow for Indonesias democratic reform, he said, adding that it may not stop students from taking to the streets. Widodo was sworn in for his second and final five-year term in October 2019 with pledges to champion democracy and take bolder action against poverty and entrenched corruption in the worlds most populous Muslim-majority nation. Known for his down-to-earth style, Widodo is also the first president from outside the countrys super rich and often corrupt, political, business and military elite. He grew up in a rented bamboo shack on the banks of a flood-prone river in Solo city on Java island, and often presents himself as a man of the people. His popular appeal helped him win previous elections for mayor of Solo and governor of Jakarta. Approximately 230,000 captive-bred Chinese sturgeon were released into the Yangtze River on Saturday to help restore the species' wild population. The fish were released in the city of Yichang, central China's Hubei Province, in the 65th sturgeon release event carried out by the China Three Gorges Corporation (CTGC). The number of sturgeon released hit a record high, and the CTGC has so far released nearly 5.3 million Chinese sturgeon into the Yangtze River. "When patrolling the river, I often see a large number of newborn fry. The number of aquatic creatures in the Yangtze River is recovering at a significant pace," said Yan Jin, a local police officer. Nicknamed "aquatic pandas," Chinese sturgeon have existed for more than 140 million years. However, the population of the species in the Yangtze plummeted in the late 20th century due to intrusive human activities. "At present, it is difficult for wild Chinese sturgeon to breed, and their population is extremely endangered. The release of captive-bred sturgeon is conducive to the reproduction and recovery of the species' wild population," said Lei Mingshan, chairman of the CTGC. The fish range in maturity from six months to 13 years, said Jiang Wei, chief engineer of the Chinese sturgeon research institute under the CTGC. Some male fish that are 13 years old have entered sexual maturity, which was rare in previous years, Jiang said. This is important to supplementing the number of wild Chinese sturgeon and adjusting the age structure of the species. Since the implementation of a 10-year fishing ban in pivotal waters, the Yangtze River has welcomed more aquatic creatures, but restoring the ecosystem and improving the biodiversity level are difficult things to achieve overnight, Jiang said. "We are still racing against the clock to minimize the adverse impact that the decline in wild resources is having on the reproduction of the Chinese sturgeon population," he said. In 2020, the Yangtze River rare fish conservation center was put into use in the Three Gorges Dam area. It has since become home to the highest number of captive-bred Chinese sturgeon in the country. "The conservation center and the supporting Chinese sturgeon sperm and tissue cell repository are running better and better. They are like Noah's Ark for the species, and ensure that Chinese sturgeon will not go extinct easily," said Li Zhiyuan, deputy director of the Chinese sturgeon research institute. Apr. 10Austin High graduate Cole Burton is grateful for his remarkable recovery from a severe brain injury sustained when a vehicle struck him during an Auburn University roadside geology field trip, but he struggles to understand the logic behind a state Supreme Court ruling that even if negligent, those who supervised the trip are immune from liability. "The only reason I'm calm is that the Lord gives me control over these emotions," he said of last month's ruling. "I could go on a soapbox about why it's wrong, but I truly have been given an opportunity at life. To focus on the bad things would be horrendous." Burton, now 24, on May 24, 2018, was about to start his senior year at Auburn and participated in a field trip with the Department of Geosciences. He and 17 other students were studying rock outcroppings, created by the road cut, on both sides of U.S. 431 near Glencoe. They were supervised by two faculty members and two graduate assistants. The outcrop Burton and his friend and lab partner Nick Hood were studying necessarily with their backs to the road was about 12 feet from the roadway. There were reflective safety vests in the Auburn van at the site, but nobody wore them. The parked Auburn van did not have its flashers on. No safety cones or warning flags were used to warn oncoming traffic of the students' presence. The speed limit on the four-lane highway was 65 mph. The driver of a pickup truck lost control of her vehicle, striking Burton and Hood. They were airlifted to UAB Hospital. Burton remained in a complete coma for three weeks and a partial coma for weeks after that, suffering from a traumatic brain injury, broken bones and abdominal injuries. Hood also sustained severe injuries, dying a month after the accident. Five days after the accident, UAB doctors recommended the Burton family consider discontinuing Cole's medical services. The family declined. What followed for Burton were months of grueling rehabilitation. On June 30, 2018, while Burton was still partially comatose, he was transported to Shepherd Center, a rehabilitation hospital in Atlanta. The brain injury left him with almost no control over his muscles, and he could neither walk nor talk. He did not become verbal until late July of 2018. Story continues Cole's parents, Charlie and Tina Burton, sold their Decatur home after the transfer from UAB and moved to Atlanta with him. Cole remained at the Shepherd Center for a year. "His biggest injury that he had to overcome was a traumatic brain injury," Charlie Burton said last week. "It impacted his physical mobility as well as speech. His brain had to basically rewire itself." "I had to relearn how to tie my shoes. I had to relearn how to smile and walk and talk," Cole said. But Cole supported by his parents and younger sister Libba, by his Navy ROTC shipmates from Auburn, and driven by his determination to join the Navy persevered. On July 4, 2018, he sat motionless and silent in a wheelchair as he watched the Peachtree Road Race. A grueling year later, he participated in the race. "Most parents are privileged to see their kids learn to walk and talk and take those first steps," Charlie Burton said. "We've had the privilege to do that twice with Cole. The second time was really special." Immunity ruling Decatur attorney Greg Reeves, whose wife was a close friend of Tina Burton, joined with Turnbull Law Firm in Birmingham and in July 2018 filed suit on Cole's behalf against, among others, three Auburn professors involved in the planning and supervision of the geology field trip. Last August, the Calhoun County Circuit Court granted the Auburn professors' motions for summary judgment, ruling that state-agent immunity was a complete shield to both Cole Burton's claims and those of Nick Hood's family, and that neither had a right to present evidence to a jury. Last month, the state Supreme Court agreed with the lower court, dismissing the cases on the grounds that the defendants, as agents of the state, were immune from liability. The underpinnings of state-agent immunity are found in the British common law doctrine of "crown immunity": The king could do no wrong. Alabama's earliest constitutions did not provide such immunity to state government, but the state's current constitution as adopted in 1901 does. "The State of Alabama shall never be made a defendant in any court of law or equity," according to the provision in Article 1 of the Constitution. Reeves explained that this provision presented a complete bar to suing Auburn University an entity of the state for its alleged negligence in allowing a field trip on a busy highway or failing to require safety measures. Reeves said Auburn or its insurance carrier would likely have been financially responsible for a verdict against the professors. As the Supreme Court explained in its 41-page opinion, however, employees of the state are likewise generally immune from liability for actions taken in the course of their employment. One of the few exceptions to this broad immunity is if a plaintiff can demonstrate that the state employee acted "beyond his or her authority." "A state agent acts beyond authority and is therefore not immune when he or she fails to discharge duties pursuant to detailed rules or regulations, such as those stated on a checklist," the court explained, quoting previous Alabama court decisions. In short, Reeves explained, a jury never has the opportunity to consider state employees' negligence unless a plaintiff can demonstrate to a judge that the employees violated their employer's detailed rules and regulations if the employer had any. Reeves said Auburn had draft safety rules for field trips that had never been adopted, although they were put in place after Cole's injury. "It's almost like there's an incentive not to have any rules or guidelines," Reeves said. "How do you violate a safety rule if you don't have one?" Charlie Burton agrees. "If you look at the situation Cole is in and that a lot of people are in with state agencies, there's not much recourse," he said. "It's a ruling that almost encourages state agencies not to make commonsense safety rules, because if they make rules they get held accountable for them." In seeking to overcome state-agent immunity, sometimes referred to as qualified immunity, Cole's lawyers pointed to various highway regulations requiring workers to wear high-visibility safety apparel when working near a highway and to stay "as far as practicable from the edge of the roadway." One of the professors was standing very near the curvy road when the driver lost control, leading to speculation by the lawyers that he startled her. The court, however, rejected the arguments. If the professor had any discretion in following a rule, it said, then he is immune from liability even if negligent. Because the rule required him to stand "as far as practicable" from the roadway, it was in his discretion to determine what "practicable" meant in that instance. Even if he was too close to the road, startling the driver and causing her to lose control, he could not be held liable. The professors were immune from liability, the unanimous Supreme Court ruled, because the plaintiffs failed "to show that the Auburn defendants acted beyond their authority in administering, planning, executing and supervising the (field trip), an issue that depends solely on whether there was an applicable, detailed rule that removed the Auburn defendants' ability to exercise discretion." No testimony from driver The Calhoun County court had rejected Cole's lawyers' efforts to delay a ruling until after they could obtain testimony from the driver. She was charged with felonies for reckless manslaughter and assault as a result of the accident. Almost four years later, that criminal case has yet to be scheduled for trial. The pendency of the criminal trial meant her Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate herself prevented the lawyers from taking her testimony in the civil case. The Supreme Court ruled that did not matter because there was no testimony she could give that would overcome the Auburn professors' immunity. Reeves struggles with that. While the professor said he was standing on the side of the road, what if the driver said he was in the middle of the road and she lost control when trying to avoid him? "We're just guessing what she would say. We don't know. But I think that was a really important question. If she said she rounded the corner and saw him standing in the road, a jury should be able to hear both sides and sort it out. We don't get that benefit," Reeves said. Reeves also is troubled by the idea that state employees enjoy immunity not shared by any other employees. "If this had happened to a student in a private school it might have had an entirely different outcome," he said. "If anyone else is negligent and causes injury, they are held accountable. But not a state employee. The government says these are the rules for you, not for us. It's a frustrating imbalance." Or, as Charlie Burton puts it: "It's almost like the state says, 'Do as I say, not as I do.'" Cole Burton reviewed the opinion and said he was struck by how little attention it gave to his injuries and Hood's death, but also by the idea that state employees are immune because they did not violate any specific rules. "I'm not that knowledgeable about legal things, but I do know the Bill of Rights. I know that the first one is freedom of speech; I had to relearn how to speak. The Second Amendment is to bear arms. I had that right taken as well because for a while, I couldn't even use my left arm. You can go down the list of all the Bill of Rights and find some way where I had every single one infringed upon, taken away," he said. Navy dream ends A prime motivation for Cole during his painful rehabilitation was to join the Navy, his plan before the accident. To the astonishment of many, the former Austin High athlete recovered to the point that he passed the Navy Physical Readiness Test. He was deemed medically disqualified, however, in late 2020 after an extensive neurocognitive test. Naval service, his longtime aspiration, is not an option. "That was very devastating," Cole said. "That was my goal, really one of the only goals that I had. I was reaching for the stars, but it turned out I didn't get to the stars I was aiming for." He was briefly aimless and depressed, not sure what he would do after his December 2020 graduation from Auburn. Then he was encouraged to use his hard-won rehabilitation experience to help others. In August, he expects to graduate from Auburn's School of Kinesiology with a master's degree in exercise science. "His goal is to work at a rehabilitation center somewhere and help folks who have been injured by an accident or through a stroke or something like that, to help them regain mobility," Cole's father said. "He'll have a unique perspective. Who knows, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him in Atlanta working at the Shepherd Center or working at a rehabilitation facility in Birmingham." For now, Cole is living on his own in Auburn, where his parents also moved when their then-frail son restarted undergraduate classes. "It's been a journey to say the least," Charlie Burton said. "Cole's recovery has been nothing short of miraculous." He recalls the early days after Cole's injury, days when he said the family depended heavily on their Decatur friends and church family. "It was very traumatic. There were times, after the early days when we got past living minute by minute, then we got to where we're on an hour-by-hour basis. We got past the life-death point. Then reality starts to set in. We still didn't know what our reality was going to be or what level of functionality Cole was going to have," Charlie Burton said, then pauses. "It simplified our lives in a lot of ways. A lot of things that we worried about all the sudden became unimportant. It was literally, can we make progress today? Can we take a few more steps today? Can we do a little better in speech therapy today? How close to independent can we get?" 'In God's hands' Reeves sat with the family at UAB while Cole was in a coma. Almost four years later, he still fights emotion as he describes the visits. "In the lawyer world, logic and reason reign supreme. We want evidence for everything," Reeves said. "What I witnessed just day in and day out (with the Burton family at UAB) was just faith and trust, just a serenity that things were going to work out. What I witnessed wasn't just faith that Cole was going to make it. It was faith that no matter the outcome, it was going to be OK. It was in God's hands. "It impacted me. I realized that being a whole human is more than logic and reason. Some of it is built on trust and faith and love." Cole's recovery, while astonishing, is not complete. He said he has some problems with memory, and he still lacks the muscular control he once had. But every day, he said, he notices improvement. "I still don't understand a lot of stuff in my past, but I do understand that I've been taken care of the whole time," he said. "I don't think I'll ever understand why my friend passed away but I'm standing here today. That gives me a reason to move forward and focus on what I have to do and just not dwell on the past, to really just look at the opportunities that I have." eric@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2435. Twitter @DD_Fleischauer. Gunfire erupted at a nightclub in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, early Sunday, killing at least two people and wounding nearly a dozen others, authorities said. The shooting happened at 1:27 a.m. at the Taboo Nightclub and Lounge in the citys downtown, Cedar Rapids police said in a statement. 4 INJURED IN DC SHOOTING NEAR NATIONALS PARK FOLLOWING BASEBALL GAME "Two individuals are confirmed dead and approximately ten more are injured and receiving medical attention at multiple local hospitals," the department said. Officers were on routine patrol in the downtown area at the time of the shooting and responded quickly to the scene. As of 5 a.m., police said the scene was secure and there was no threat to public safety. No details on what led to the shooting or who fired the shots were immediately released. Detectives were interviewing witnesses as the investigation into the shooting continued. Authorities asked anyone who was at the nightclub at the time of the shooting or with knowledge of the incident to contact Cedar Rapids Police at 319-286-5491 or Linn County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-272-7463. DUBAI (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden should lift some sanctions on Iran to show his goodwill towards reviving the international nuclear agreement with Tehran, Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Sunday. Iran and the United States have engaged in indirect talks in Vienna over the past year to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement which then-U.S. President Donald Trump left in 2018 and Iran subsequently violated by ramping up its nuclear programme. Negotiations have now stalled as Tehran and Washington blame each other for failing to take the necessary political decisions to settle remaining issues. "If Biden has intentions to lift sanctions and return to the nuclear deal, he should issue an executive order to show his goodwill instead of applying sanctions on natural and legal persons in Iran," the foreign minister said. "On multiple occasions, we have told Americans they should bring forward one or two practical points prior to any agreement, for example by releasing some of Iran's assets withheld in foreign banks," Amirabdollahian added. (Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Editing by Angus MacSwan) Freezing assets and denying oligarchs access to the West may push them further into Putin's fold, without helping strategic goals. Create an "off ramp" that would drive a wedge between them and Putin. Russia launched a brutal, unprovoked and senseless aggression against Ukraine in February. The resulting Western response has been resolute, swift and expansive: More than a thousand people and organizations have been sanctioned, and wide trade and financial sanctions have been put in place. Russia could be moving towards a totalitarian regime, experts say The war is now in an acute phase, but a ceasefire may be possible, as well as a resolution that results in an end to open hostilities. However, if Russian President Vladimir Putin is left in place, his modus operandi will not change, and he very likely will launch a new, possibly better prepared, military aggression against a neighboring country that will further undermine international order and bring us closer to a nuclear catastrophe. A removal of Putin, barring some "deus ex machina" scenario, will require a combination of dissent in the Russian business and political elite together with strong dissatisfaction in the wider population with the authorities. Thats why its important to drive a wedge between Putin and Russias elites. In order to achieve this goal, we need a more nuanced approach to Western sanctions. Ease sanctions with conditions Sanctions freeze assets and impose travel bans on high-profile Russians. The question is, should there be an "off-ramp" a way to ease sanctions on individuals who condemn the war, contribute to Ukrainian humanitarian effort and put themselves in opposition to Putins regime? I would say "yes," with three conditions. First, we should not lighten sanctions imposed on anyone who has perpetrated crimes against humanity, war propaganda and human rights abuse. Second, we should ease, not fully lift, sanctions on people who contribute a portion of their assets to special funds directed toward repairing the damage done by the Russian invasion. Its one thing to freeze assets; confiscating assets and using a portion of them for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine, as is often proposed, is a much more difficult legal proposition. Such confiscations can be mired in courts for years, as in the decade-long case of Pavlo Lazarenko, the corrupt former prime minister of Ukraine. Thats why this would be structured as a contribution, and not a confiscation. Story continues Third, we should not lift sanctions until the individuals subject to them clearly condemn the senseless war, and side with Ukraine and Western coalition. This will motivate monied Russians to seek ways to change Russias totalitarian political order. It isnt realistic to expect oligarchs to influence Putins regime directly, as Putin listens only to his close circle of security people. But most of the individuals subject to sanctions are influential and resourceful. Its better to have them as allies in the goal of removing Putins regime from power. Compromise now or later Creating an "off-ramp" a path for easing of the sanctions, in a clever way would weaken Putins position, while freeing up billions of dollars to alleviate suffering in Ukraine. People who have been sanctioned have undoubtedly benefited from Putins kleptocratic regime plagued by favoritism. But if the goal is deconstruction of his regime, which is a great menace for the world, it is in our interest to supply an incentive to those who oppose brutal totalitarianism. Freezing all assets and denying oligarchs access to the Western countries without a clear way out may push them further into Putins fold, without helping our strategic goals. We might consider creating an international steering committee composed of representatives from the United States, European Union and United Kingdom to jointly review the sanctions and oversee the "off-ramping" procedure. Diluting sanctions involves compromise. But attracting support from those who know how Putins regime operates and providing them a clear motive to dismantle it, may help the West avoid much more uncomfortable compromises with Putins regime in the future. Vladimir Ashurkov is the executive director of the Anti-Corruption Foundation and long-term ally of imprisoned opposition leader Alexey Navalny. This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: The key to undermining Putin is dividing his regime. ProFootball Talk on NBC Sports The Browns and Baker Mayfield may eventually need each other in 2022. Someone may be trying to blow things up before it ever gets to that point. A new article from Jake Trotter of ESPN.com throws more bituminous on the burn pile in Cleveland, highlighting how and why player and team got to the point [more] Marylands Democratic-controlled legislature overrode a veto from Republican Gov. Larry Hogan on Saturday to expand abortion access in the state. The state Senate voted 90 to 46 and the House voted 29 to 15 to bypass Hogans veto of the legislation. The law makes it so not only physicians but also other medical providers, such as nurse practitioners, can perform abortions. It also mandates that the state provide $3.5 million in funding a year to train providers in how to carry out the procedure and requires most insurance plans to cover abortions fully. Hogan said in a letter to the state legislature announcing his veto on Friday that the bill would set back standards for womens health care and safety. He said physicians are uniquely qualified to perform abortions due to their education and training and allowing other medical professionals such as nurse practitioners or midwives to do the procedure risks lowering the high standard of reproductive health care services received by women in Maryland. The legislation will take effect July 1. The move comes as a number of states around the country have moved to either expand or restrict abortion access in recent months. The Supreme Court is set to weigh on Mississippis 15-week abortion ban later this year in a case that could directly challenge Roe v. Wade, the high courts landmark 1973 decision recognizing a constitutional right to abortion. The case is set to be heard by a majority conservative court, with six conservative justices and three liberal justices. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. BEAUMONT, Texas Seven inmates have been charged with killing two fellow prisoners and wounding two others during a January attack at a federal prison in Texas that led to a nationwide lockdown of the federal prison system. The 15-count indictment filed last week includes charges of racketeering, murder and attempted murder against Juan Carolos Rivas-Moreiera; Dimas Alfaro-Granados; Raul Landaverde-Giron; Larry Navarete; Jorge Parada; Hector Ramires; and Sergio Sibrian. The seven remain in federal custody and court documents do not list attorneys who could speak on their behalf. MS-13 gang members in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, in 2005 The Jan. 31 attack was inside USP Beaumont in Beaumont, Texas. Prosecutors say the seven are members of the violent MS-13 gang and attacked rival gang members of the Mexican Mafia and its affiliate, the Surenos. "Deterring prison violence remains a priority for the Department," U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston of the Eastern District of Texas said in a statement Thursday. "Any prisoner who causes physical injury to another, inmate or corrections officer, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." Archives: How US foreign policy in Central America may have fueled the migrant crisis Each of the seven could face the death penalty if convicted on the murder charges, the indictment states. According to the indictment, the MS-13 maintained a relationship with the Mexican Mafia and Surenos for protection in prisons. "However, that symbiotic relationship recently began to fall apart as MS-13's leadership in El Salvador sought to exert more control and independence of its own members while incarcerated in prisons within the United States," the indictment stated. Organized crime: Slain Mexican Mafia leader Danny Roman ran gang from California prison, officials say The change led the seven to conspire to kill members of Mexican Mafia and the Surenos, according to the indictment. The indictment said Surenos member and Mexican Mafia associate Guillermo Riojas and Surenos member Andrew Pineda were fatally stabbed during the attack and two Surenos members were wounded. More: 2 Barrio Azteca gang members convicted in 2010 murders of 3 linked to US Consulate This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: MS-13 gang members charged with murder in Texas prison attack Nato is reportedly planning to deploy a permanent military force to defend the borders of its member nations against Russia. Jens Stoltenberg, the secretary general of the alliance, said that the move would be an example of the long-term consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, he revealed that the Nato security alliance could boost its military presence in countries such as Estonia and Latvia. Prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, Natos current presence on its eastern flank is known to have served as a more scaled-back tripwire for any Russian aggression. Mr Stoltenberg pointed out that Nato has 40,000 troops on its eastern borders, a number almost 10 times that of before the invasion. He added: What we see now is a new reality, a new normal for European security. Therefore, we have now asked our military commanders to provide options for what we call a reset, a longer-term adaptation of Nato. The reset must be accompanied by increased defence spending by partner nations, Mr Stoltenberg said (AFP via Getty Images) I expect that Nato leaders will make decisions on this when they meet in Madrid at the Nato summit in June. He described the reset as to move from tripwire deterrence to something which is more about deterrence by denial or defence. Mr Stoltenberg added: This is already in process. We have to ensure that we continue to be able, in a more dangerous world, to protect and defend all Nato allies. Last month, the UK pledged to double its troops in Eastern Europe and send a new deployment to Bulgaria. In the interview, Mr Stoltenberg urged other countries to emulate Britains support for Ukraine. It comes after PM Boris Johnson visited his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. On Saturday, Mr Johnson made a secretly-planned visit to the Ukrainian capital to discuss with Mr Zelensky the UKs plans to offer Ukraine more military aid including anti-ship missiles and 120 armoured vehicles. On Friday, the UK announced a further 100 million worth of equipment, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft weaponry. Story continues Mr Johnson said: Ukraine has defied the odds and pushed back Russian forces from the gates of Kyiv, achieving the greatest feat of arms of the 21st century. In a joint television appearance with Mr Zelensky, he said: I think that the Ukrainians have shown the courage of a lion, and you Volodymyr have given the roar of that lion. Having been here in Kyiv for just a few hours, I have no doubt at all that an independent sovereign Ukraine will rise again thanks above all to the heroism, the courage of the people of Ukraine. In a video address, Mr Zelensky said Mr Johnson has made history with pledges to provide more military and financial support to Ukraine. In his speech, he said: The leadership of the United Kingdom will be remembered forever in history for providing our country with the necessary assistance, especially defence, as well as leadership on sanctions policy. US National Security advisor Jake Sullivan speaks during the daily press briefing on the situation in Afghanistan at the White House on August 17, 2021. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images Jake Sullivan says that Biden "looks forward" to visiting Kyiv, Ukraine but does not have a trip planned. "President Biden doesn't currently have any plans to travel to Kyiv," Sullivan told "Meet the Press" on Sunday. It comes after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a surprise visit on Saturday. US national security advisor Jake Sullivan on Sunday told NBC's "Meet the Press" that a visit to Kyiv, Ukraine is not planned for President Joe Biden. During an appearance on the program, moderator Chuck Todd asked Sullivan if Biden would make the trip after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a surprise visit over the weekend. In a tweet on Saturday, Johnson confirmed that he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and said, "we're setting out a new package of financial & military aid, which is a testament of our commitment to his country's struggle against Russia's barbaric campaign." In response to Todd's question, Sullivan said, "President Biden doesn't currently have any plans to travel to Kyiv." "But what I will tell you is he sits in the Oval Office and in the Situation Room on a daily basis, organizing and coordinating the world when it comes to the delivery of weapons," Sullivan continued. "And you heard from the Ukrainian foreign minister; no one has given more than the United States. And the United States is at the center of the effort to deliver from other countries." Last month, Biden traveled to Europe to meet with world allies to discuss efforts to support Ukraine after Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded the country in late February. In addition, he also made a stop in Poland to survey the refugee crisis. During the interview, Sullivan said Biden "looks forward" to heading to Kyiv again, but the administration is not "currently planning a trip." Read the original article on Business Insider You are here: World Flash British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday vowed to provide more economic and military assistance to Kiev amid the Ukraine-Russia conflict after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Johnson arrived in Kiev earlier on Saturday for a one-day visit. According to a Downing Street statement, Johnson set out new military assistance of 120 armored vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems to Ukraine during his trip. He also promised an additional 500 million U.S. dollars in World Bank lending to Ukraine. At the press conference after their talks, Zelensky said that he has informed Johnson about the progress of Ukraine's peace talks with Russia and expects London to play a "key role" in providing "security guarantees" for Ukraine. ISLAMABAD (AP) The ouster of Prime Minister Imran Khan in a parliamentary no-confidence vote early Sunday set Pakistan on an uncertain political path, with his supporters taking to the streets in protest and the political opposition preparing to install his replacement. Tens of thousands of Khan supporters marched in cities across Pakistan, waving large party flags and vowing support. The youth, who make up the backbone of Khans supporters, dominated the crowds. In the southern Arabian Sea port city of Karachi more than 20,000 shouted slogans promising Khan's return to power. In the capital of Islamabad, the lights from thousands of supporters lit up the night sky as Khan made his way through the crowd atop a brightly colored truck. Khan was brought down after a day of drama and often vitriolic remarks. His supporters accused Washington of orchestrating his ouster and his party walked out of Parliament shortly before the vote. In the end, 174 lawmakers in the 342-seat Parliament voted to depose him, two more than the required simple majority. Khans successor is to be elected and sworn in by Parliament on Monday. The leading contender is Shahbaz Sharif, a brother of disgraced former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Shahbaz Sharif heads the largest party in a diverse alliance of opposition factions that span the spectrum from the left to radically religious. Khan's nominee for prime minister will be his foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. In an interview on a local television channel Qureshi said the party was still debating whether its lawmakers will resign from Parliament after the prime minister's vote is taken. Khan's ouster comes amid his cooling relations with the powerful military and an economy struggling with high inflation and a plummeting Pakistani rupee. The opposition has charged Khans government with economic mismanagement. Khan has claimed the U.S. worked behind the scenes to bring him down, purportedly because of Washington's displeasure over his independent foreign policy choices, which often favor China and Russia. He has occasionally defied America and stridently criticized America's post 9/11 war on terror. Khan said America was deeply disturbed by his visit to Russia and his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Feb. 24, the start of the devastating war in Ukraine. Story continues The U.S. State Department has denied his allegations. Elizabeth Threlkeld, a Pakistan expert at the U.S.-based The Stimson Center, said that even as prime minister, Khan often played the role of opposition leader. "His removal would see him to a role he knows well, armed with a narrative of victimhood from unfounded claims of international interference, she said. His base will remain loyal, though I expect both his controversial attempt to remain in power and reduced military backing will lose him less committed supporters. Khan would seem to have few options going forward. General elections are not scheduled before August 2023. Even if the new prime minister favors early elections, this would likely not happen before October. The Pakistan Election Commission, which oversees polls, told the Supreme Court last week it had still to finish re-aligning constituencies in line with the results of a 2017 census before polls could be held. In the aftermath of Sunday's vote, giant steel containers stacked on top of each other blocked main roads leading to Parliament and to the diplomatic enclave in the capital of Islamabad. Khan has called on his supporters to gather late Sunday, after the end of the daily dawn-to-dusk fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia Program at the Washington-based Wilson Center, predicted a turbulent time ahead for Pakistan. Khans defeat would also leave Pakistan a bitterly partisan and divided place. He has not only intensified political rivalries, he has also defied and alienated key entities like the Army Chief and Pakistans foreign office, said Kugelman. It will take time for the country to pick up the pieces, and the coming months will be politically turbulent. Sunday's vote capped a week-long constitutional crisis that had mesmerized the nation. It began last Sunday when Khan sought to sidestep the no confidence vote by dissolving Parliament and calling early elections, It was then left to the Supreme Court to sort, eventually ruling to reinstate Parliament and demand the vote be he. Khan has won international praise for his handling of the COVID pandemic opting for so called "smart lockdowns" where outbreaks occurred rather than countrywide closures that helped protect some industries like the construction sector. His reputation for fighting corruption has brought a record $21 billion in deposits from overseas Pakistanis. But he has not been able to overcome an increasingly strained relationship with the army, which has ruled Pakistan directly for more than half its 75-year history and indirectly from the sidelines when civilian governments ruled. Khan's opponents say the army helped him win the 2018 elections after it had fallen out with Nawaz Sharif, who was convicted of corruption after being named in the so-called Panama Papers. These papers are a collection of leaked secret financial documents showing how some of the worlds richest hide their money and involving a global law firm based in Panama. Pakistans Supreme Court disqualified Sharif from holding office. He lives in London in self-imposed exile after being convicted in a Pakistani court of corruption. He was sentenced to 10 years in jail. Fissures in Khan's relationship with the army began last November after he squabbled with the powerful Army Chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa over the appointment of the new intelligence chief. Last weekend, Bajwa appeared to distance himself from Khans anti-U.S. attacks saying Pakistan wants good relations with Washington, its largest export trading partner and with China. He condemned Russias war in Ukraine. _______ Follow Kathy Gannon on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Kathygannon Andrei Illarionov, Putin's former chief economic advisor, was interviewed by the BBC. He said Putin would likely halt the Ukraine war if the West stopped buying Russian oil and gas. Many Western nations remain heavily reliant on Russian energy exports. Vladimir Putin's former chief economic advisor has suggested that Russia would halt military operations in Ukraine "within a month or two" if Western countries stopped buying Russian oil and gas. In an interview with the BBC's "Talking Business" program published Sunday, Andrei Illarionov, who advised Putin between 2000 and 2005, said the president was likely reassured by a continuing steady flow of energy-export revenue, which was allowing him to continue the war. Illarionov said that if Western countries implemented "a real embargo on oil and gas exports from Russia," then "within a month or two, Russian military operations in Ukraine probably will be ceased." He added: "It's one of the very effective instruments still in the possession of the Western countries." Russia's economy is forecast to shrink by as much as 15% this year after Western nations imposed sweeping sanctions and companies pulled out of the country in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine. Illarionov predicted Russia would be spared complete economic devastation thanks to its strength with exports particularly energy exports. Exports account for more than a quarter of Russia's economy, with the country a heavyweight exporter of oil, gas, precious metals, and grain. The International Energy Agency estimates that Russia accounts for 45% of the European Union's gas imports, and the bloc says it receives the plurality of its oil from Russia. Illarionov told the BBC: "Every 2 1/2 days, a billion euros comes into Putin's pockets. That's extremely helpful for Putin to continue to keep his system running, to continue to finance the war." Story continues Illarionov added: "Once this currency flow is interrupted, Putin will have to rethink his policies because he won't have much resources to finance further aggression." EU countries have pledged to wean themselves off Russian energy, and the US has promised to export more liquefied natural gas to members of the bloc. But the high prices of oil and natural gas mean Russia's income from energy exports could rise by more than a third in 2022 compared with 2021, according to Bloomberg Economics. Read the original article on Business Insider Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-North Carolina) House Television via AP Rep. Madison Cawthorn in a Saturday address targeted Anthony Fauci and President Joe Biden. Speaking to supporters of former President Donald Trump at a rally in North Carolina, freshman representative Cawthorn promised that Fauci will be jailed and Biden impeached. "We will embrace the spirit of our Founding Fathers," Cawthorn said. "We will investigate Anthony Fauci and send him to jail for lying to Congress." Fauci, the nation's topmost COVID-19 expert and the White House chief medical advisor, was a polarizing figure during the Trump administration because the former president would often publicly go against his recommendations to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. After Trump left office, far-right and conservative politicians began to target him. Last year, for example, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul called for Fauci to be fired from his current post within the Biden administration. Paul claimed that Fauci lied to Congress about US-funded research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. "That's noise. I know what my job is," Fauci said, in dispute of such claims. Various fact-checks also noted that the claim was false. Cawthorn also said the government is controlled by "dark forces," adding that putting conservatives in power in the White House and Congress will allow them to "restore the 2nd Amendment by repealing the National Firearms Act." Shortly after, he called Biden a "geriatic despot." "We will secure our borders and finally my friends, we will impeach Joe Biden for his dereliction of duty," Cawthorn said. Various Republican lawmakers have been calling for Biden's impeachment since he was inaugurated into office. Just one day into his first term, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, for example, promised to introduce articles of impeachment against Biden. And Sen. Ted Cruz earlier this year said there's a chance Republicans will impeach Biden, "whether it's justified or not." Read the original article on Business Insider EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, spoke with Fox News Digital while on a bipartisan congressional delegation to the Northeast Poland-Ukraine border, and described the "heartbreaking" effects on Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war. Turner, who serves as the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, traveled to Poland's border with Ukraine over the weekend with House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., Republican Whip Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., Rep. like Garcia, R-Calif., Rep. Michele Fischbach, R-Minn., and Democratic Reps. Stephanie Murphy of Florida and Kathleen Rice of New York. The lawmakers met with Polish officials, along with representatives from the U.S. and NATO, and had conversations centered around the "local Polish response," particularly on logistics and care for those Ukrainians who have been displaced. RUSSIA INVADES UKRAINE: LIVE UPDATES They also had briefings on how to get weapons into the hands of Ukrainians to defend against Russian forces, which Turner told Fox News Digital should have happened way earlier if the Biden administration had immediately responded to pleas for assistance. "It would have been so much more timely if Biden had responded and provided weapons to Ukraine earlier. And seeing the logistics now and knowing that it's happening during a conflict, during war, we would have been able to get weapons in and there may have been able to actually repel the Russian invasion instead of now as they're fighting to try to reclaim land that Russia is bombing," said Turner. Discussions revolved around what Ukraine needs for "surface-to-air missiles and sea defenses to be able to try to address Russia's threat." The congress members also toured a Polish refugee facility, which Turner said was "heartbreaking" to witness. Story continues "This is just heartbreaking to see the effects of people who are fleeing the war, with just the belongings that they could grab. With their young kids, perhaps just trying to seek safety. It becomes even that much clearer as you see the people who are fleeing war, that this is really just about one person. This is about Putin," Turner told Fox News Digital. He said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is to blame for the war's atrocities and the horrific reality for refugees that he witnessed. MARIUPOL MAYOR SAYS 31,000 RESIDENTS DEPORTED AT 'GUNPOINT' TO RUSSIAN 'FILTRATION CAMPS,' EVACUATIONS STALLED "This isn't a geopolitical conflict. It's not war between nations. It's not a natural disaster. This is absolutely Vladimir Putin, who is mercilessly bombing a nation, indiscriminately killing innocent people and causing millions to have to flee." Turner said that the "immediacy" of the Ukrainian refugees' needs is extremely serious, stating that many have health concerns. There are "food needs, clothing, logistics to get them somewhere else into Poland," among other pressing issues. "Many of them don't know anybody here. So they're coming into a country where they are not looking to get assistance from friends or other relatives. Just that disheartening despair of being displaced and also knowing that they don't know how long they will be here, and they don't know what condition their country will be in, or their families will be in, when they return," Turner told Fox News Digital. In response to reports that Putin may be shaking up his leadership team and reorganizing military operations in Ukraine, Turner said despite any changes, Putin's objective remains the same. RUSSIA TO MOBILIZE 60,000 RESERVISTS AS IT SETS ITS SIGHTS ON EASTERN UKRAINE: SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL "It's evident on the ground in Ukraine that Russia is moving its troops around and maybe executing new plans. But what is very clear to everyone who is watching this is that Putin's end game and goal has not changed." "And also, since we know that Putin's designs include the Baltics and Eastern Europe, it even makes it that much more desperate that Ukraine have the ability to defend itself against Russia. No one believes that if Russia regroups and just takes a portion of Ukraine that that will be the end of this conflict. And so we want to make that as impossible for Putin as that can be." Turner concluded by saying that the lawmakers plan to head back to the U.S. Capitol and convey to their colleagues and the Biden administration the most pressing needs of the Ukrainian government on both the humanitarian side and the military side. "And our goal is, of course, to return back to the capital with this information to try to support efforts to get in their hands things that they need to defend themselves and to meet the needs of their countrymen." The top Intelligence Committee Republican said that he hopes the Biden administration recognizes how dangerous the situation is for the entire globe, and that it is "critical" that the U.S. respond by sending more lethal aid. "This is a major and serious conflict that shows that Putin is certainly willing to kill innocent people and to disrupt an entire nation. And I hope the administration's understanding of how dangerous this makes him and how dangerous the situation is both for Europe, the United States, NATO. And it's critical that we respond to the fullest in ways that we can support with lethal aid to Ukraine." A Revere man has been charged with drug trafficking and other offenses following a traffic stop in Boston Saturday night. Marcus Johnson, 36, was pulled over for speeding in the area of Blue Hill Avenue and Columbia Road at approximately 8:42 p.m., police said. Officers saw several loose pills in Johnsons car, as well as other items indicative of drug distribution, according to police. He was placed into custody, and officers searching his car seized a loaded gun, drugs and cash, police said. The gun was determined to be a Taurus 9mm with one round in the chamber and seven in the magazine, police said. Seventy grams of crystal methamphetamine, 46 grams of crack cocaine and 48 grams of fentanyl were seized, police said. Johnson will face the following charges: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Carrying a loaded firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony, Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device, Receiving Stolen property, negligent operations, speeding, Trafficking Fentanyl, Trafficking Crack Cocaine, Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession to Distribute Class B, possession to Distribute Class D, and Firearm violation with two prior violent/drug crimes. He is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Roseville officer Ryan Duxbury, who was struck in the face by gunfire by an active shooter Tuesday night, was released from the hospital Saturday, according to a Facebook post by the Roseville Police Department. Our hero is home, the department wrote in the post thanking Regions hospital. A great end to what has undoubtedly been a difficult weekend for our department and community Throughout this process, Ryan has shown a tremendous amount of grit, strength, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Ryan exemplifies everything we as a department aspire to be. Without question, he is a hero in all our eyes. Welcome home, Ryan. Duxbury had surgery Friday to remove a bullet lodged in his neck, according to a statement by police. According to a GoFundMe page for Duxbury, as of early Friday night, the page had raised more than $67,000 toward his recovery, which police Chief Erika Scheider said will likely be a long road to a full recovery. Duxbury has been with Roseville police since 2019. He was among 15 Roseville officers who responded to multiple rounds being fired by 53-year-old Jesse Werling in the 2900 block of West Owasso Boulevard on Tuesday, according to police. Duxbury was shot as officers were setting up a perimeter, according to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Roseville officers Bryan Anderson and Boua Chang shot and struck Werling, who died at Regions Hospital. In addition to his patrol work, Duxbury serves as a department field training officer, background investigator and recruitment liaison and wellness committee member. Last year, he was awarded three unit citations, and his file also includes numerous letters of appreciation, Scheider said. Related Articles Reports that Russia has appointed Gen. Alexander Dvornikov to take over operations in Ukraine indicate that the war could be set to enter a brutal new phase as Moscow readies a major offensive in Ukraines east, some military analysts said. Dvornikov, who most recently oversaw Russian troops in Syria and has a history of targeting civilians, was chosen as the new ground commander in Ukraine, a U.S. official and a Western official confirmed. The appointment appears to signify a streamlining of Russia's chain of command, as Dvornikov replaces the three commanders who previously headed the war with one central figure ahead of an expected renewed assault in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region. The decision could also acknowledge what U.S. intelligence officials have described as a failure to achieve the quick takeover Russian President Vladimir Putin envisioned, retired Adm. James Stavridis said Sunday on NBC Nightly News. "The appointment of this new general indicates Vladimir Putins intent to continue this conflict for months, if not years," Stavridis said. Dvornikov is known as the "Butcher of Syria," Stavridis noted. Intelligence officials have said that Putin expected the invasion in February to be a swift and easy win for the Kremlin but that it was met with unrelenting resistance. Bringing in Dvornikov, a man known for his cruelty to civilians, is an attempt to break the spirit of the Ukrainian people, Stavridis warned. "He is the goon called in by Vladimir Putin to flatten cities like Aleppo in Syria," Stavridis said. "He has used tools of terrorism throughout that period, including working with the Syrian forces, torture centers, systematic rape, nerve agents. He is the worst of the worst." Dvornikov oversaw a Russian air campaign in Syria that flew more than 9,000 bombing sorties, Russia's Vedomosti newspaper quoted Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu as saying in 2016. The Russian warplanes pounded rebel-held cities such as Aleppo and Homs, killing scores of civilians and turning the tide of the war in favor of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Story continues In October 2016, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Raad al Hussein, described Aleppo as "a slaughterhouse" and "a gruesome locus of pain and fear, where the lifeless bodies of small children are trapped under streets of rubble and pregnant women deliberately bombed." A 'more sensible' strategy? It's not just who Dvornikov is that's significant, but also what his appointment says about Russia's shifting command structure. Until now, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has had "essentially three competing field commanders," said Mark Galeotti, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, a think tank based in London. The fragmented hierarchy "reflects the fact that really this war was not started by the generals but by the spooks," he said, adding: "Putin and a handful of his closet ex-KGB allies have been micromanaging the process. There's a recognition that this didn't work, and now it's time to let the Russian army fight the way it was trained and prepared to fight." In Dvornikov, the Russians have appointed a "high-flyer" who has been commander of the southern military district since 2016 and has been tipped to succeed Valery Gerasimov as chief of the Russian general staff, Galeotti said. Col. Gen. Alexander Dvornikov attends a tactical exercise on March 17, 2017, at the Molkino base in Russia. (Nikolay Hiznyak / Sputnik via AP file) Promoting him is part of a wider overhaul in which Russia will stop trying to fight on three fronts and instead focus on "another offensive to try to take the rest of the Donbas," which Galeotti said was "a more sensible and achievable objective." It remains to be seen whether Russias broken command structure will find success in Ukraine, retired Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey told MSNBC on Saturday. Putins military failed to take control early on and now appears to have switched tactics, McCaffrey said. Theyve now gone to terrorizing civilians is our primary tool, he said. And Dvornikov was the first Russian commander in Syria, awarded the Hero of the Russian Federation award for primarily dropping barrel bombs on defenseless civilians and using poison gas against them. The potential horrors facing Ukrainians under Russian occupation were starkly brought into focus last week after Ukrainian forces retook the town of Bucha near the capital, Kyiv. Residents described arbitrary killings, intimidation and looting by Russian soldiers in the five weeks under their control. Ukrainian officials estimate hundreds of civilians were killed in Bucha, and they accuse Moscow of committing war crimes there. Russia has denied targeting nonmilitary targets and accused Ukraine of staging atrocities to discredit it. Asked about Dvornikov by both CNN and MSNBC on Sunday, national security adviser Jake Sullivan didnt confirm or deny the appointment. He said on NBCs Meet the Press that the U.S. will do whatever we can to help Ukraine succeed. He said on CNN that no appointment of any general can erase the fact that Russia has already faced a strategic failure in Ukraine," adding that this general will just be another author of crimes and brutality against Ukrainian civilians." Russia has put general Aleksandr Dvornikov in charge of its invasion in Ukraine as Moscows forces regroup after failing to capture the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, according to the BBC and The New York Times. The BBC was first to report Saturday that the general was appointed to head Russias ongoing assault on Ukraine, citing Western officials. Prior to Dvornikovs appointment, no central commander was directing Russian forces on the ground in Ukraine, the Times reported, citing U.S. officials. A State Department spokesperson told The Hill they would not comment on the general being put in charge of the Russian invasion but said its clear this war has not gone according to plan for Putin a quick victory has been stymied by Ukraine. This war is taking a very hard toll on the people of Ukraine, but it is also taking a significant toll on Russias forces, the spokesperson said. This war was a strategic blunder that has left Russia weaker and isolated on the world stage, while the people of Ukraine have inspired the world with their bravery. The appointment comes as Russian forces have completely withdrawn from positions in the north of Ukraine, around Kyiv and Chernihiv, after failing to take the Ukrainian capital and even being pushed back as they attempted to capture it. The troops have moved into Belarus and western Russia to be refitted with weapons and supplies in preparation for an offensive in eastern Ukraine. At this juncture we believe that Russia is revising its war aims, White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan said this week. Russia is repositioning its forces to concentrate its offensive operations in eastern and parts of southern Ukraine rather than target most of the territory. U.S. and Ukrainian officials have warned that a coming Russian offensive in Ukraines Donbas region will be horrific and bloody. The Times reported that Dvornikov, commander of Russias southern military district, has significant combat experience in Syria, where he commanded Russian forces for a year beginning in 2015. Story continues Western officials and human rights organizations condemned tactics employed by Russian forces in Syria under Dvornikovs command, according to the Times, including the alleged targeting of hospitals and civilian neighborhoods in attacks. Updated at 9:52 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Rutgers University students, faculty and staff are providing humanitarian help from more than 4,500 miles away as the horrors continue in Ukraine and the world gets a front row seat to images of dead bodies lying in the streets of the war-torn country. The volunteers are a small but committed group who were either born in Ukraine, are first-generation Americans or have relatives fighting to stay alive. They are raising money and working to collect thousands of pounds of everyday supplies from diapers and blankets to canned food and first aid products to send overseas. They are also trying to assist students and scholars from Ukraine to find their way to the United States or provide short-term research positions to help them financially. Rutgers officials have also reached out to current students from Ukraine and Russia to provide resources and counseling to those affected by the events in Eastern Europe. A Ukrainian serviceman stands amid destroyed Russian tanks Wednesday in Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine. Its a small thing to offer our support and remind our students, faculty and staff of the Rutgers resources available to them, but its clear from the responses I have received that these members of our community take real comfort from that support, said Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway. Their messages to me are heartfelt and sobering. One first-year Rutgers-New Brunswick undergraduate left Ukraine a month before the war began. Her mother and 11-year-old brother evacuated from Ukraine and found shelter with a friend in Austria, but some relatives stayed behind. Her father and other family members are hiding out in and around Kyiv trying to stay alive despite the daily horrors. My mom told me that before she left, those had been the worst days of her life, said the 22-year-old woman who is afraid to speak publicly. And it was not even as bad as it is now. It breaks my heart to see what is going on. More: 'A matter of life and death': NJ hospitals send medical supplies to Ukraine More: Edison man joins religious coalition in Poland helping refugees flee Ukraine Story continues She and others including Anna Zakusylo, a first-year Robert Wood Johnson Medical School student, who is living in New Brunswick, and Oleh Matviyishyn of South River, who is graduating from Rutgers Law School in Newark, are watching the news and calling and texting relatives in Ukraine daily. Anna Zakusylo, a first-year Robert Wood Johnson Medical School student, who is living in New Brunswick, and Oleh Matviyishyn of South River, who is graduating from Rutgers Law School in Newark, are among members of the Rutgers community who have family in Ukraine. Many of my relatives are in Lviv (about 40 miles from the Polish border) so they have so far been safe, said Matviyishyn, who was born in Ukraine and moved to the United States with his family when he was six. My mother and father are devastated and worried and angry. We all are. Weve always worried that with Putin something like this would happen. He is volunteering for Razom, a nonprofit organization with a global network of 2,000 members that has united Ukraine activists throughout the United States to try to make a difference. He has joined others packing boxes, gathering donations and joining protests and demonstrations to support Ukraine. Zakusylo, whose father was born in Ukraine and mother in Moldova, is doing the same between waiting for daily texts and phone calls from relatives still living in various parts of the country. Overall, volunteers at Rutgers have collected more than 600 pounds of donated goods shipped through Poland, which has taken in millions of refugees, to Lviv. Its what I can do from here, Zakusylo said. I keep asking my cousins how they are doing and I can tell that they are trying to cope as best as they can. Instead of learning math or history they are learning tactical warfare and how to shelter from a missile attack. Students at Rutgers-Camden are also raising money and collecting supplies. Taylor Johnson-Husak, a third-year law school student who has lived in Ukraine with her Ukrainian-born husband, has been collecting donations for aid items through online purchases that are being delivered to Ukraine. This has been an extremely difficult month for me and my husband as we have had to sit back and watch a country we love be decimated by Russian aggression, she said. I keep asking my cousins how they are doing and I can tell that they are trying to cope as best as they can. Instead of learning math or history they are learning tactical warfare and how to shelter from a missile attack. A group of about a half dozen of Rutgers faculty, meanwhile, has joined forces to try to help students, academics, scholars and researchers who are either still in Ukraine, are now refugees in other countries or want to come to the U.S. Jan Kubik, a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Political Science in the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers-New Brunswick, said many academics he knows in Ukraine need financial assistance but want to stay in Europe because their main goal is to go back to Ukraine. They are hoping that this nightmare will soon end and they can go back home, said Kubik, who was born in Poland, and is also a professor of Slavonic and East European studies at University College, London. So, we are thinking maybe there is a way that they could do research and assist us and our academic programs here without coming to the U.S. Many Russian academics, he said, are looking for help to get to the United States because they believe there is no future for them in a country that is shutting down free speech and has criminalized speaking about the war in Ukraine. From the few conversations that Ive had about helping Russian scholars, I can say that it is a very delicate issue, which I understand, Kubik said. While Ukrainian colleagues understand that Russians who oppose Putin can be jailed or fired, their situation is much more tragic as they are being bombed and face death every day. While we want to figure out how to help as many displaced scholars and students as possible, we need to be sensitive to such differences in circumstances. Eric Garfunkel, vice president for global affairs at Rutgers and head of Rutgers Global, said the university has so far received only a few requests to host Ukrainian refugees, but is partnering with the Rutgers University Foundation to raise and secure the philanthropic support likely needed in the near future. We will continue to do what we can for refugee students and scholars by providing information and support, he said. We know the situation is evolving but we want to be ready to help in any way we can. Rutgers Global will be hosting an event to discuss the Ukrainian, Afghan and potential future refugee crises entitled Higher Education Response to Refugee and Displaced Students and Scholars: Toward Sustainable Solutions on April 22, starting at 9:30 a.m. This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Rutgers community members with ties to Ukraine provide help back home PRAGUE (Reuters) - Slovakia could sell Ukraine some of its Zuzana self-propelled howitzers, Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad said on Sunday. "I can confirm that we are in talks (about the sale)," Nad said in a televised debate. He did not give further details. The Zuzana 2 howitzer, a modernised version of an older model, is using 155-mm rounds and has an effective range of 40 km to more than 50 km (30 miles) depending on ammunition type. (Reporting by Robert Muller; Editing by Angus MacSwan) BOURNE Stephen Boyd is man of many accomplishments. A decorated pilot who completed combat missions in Kuwait and Afghanistan, he has served as an aviation safety liaison with the military forces of Kenya and Uganda. He's been a mentor to other soldiers. On Saturday inside a Massachusetts Army National Guard hangar, Boyd became the first African American to achieve the rank of chief warrant officer 5. Boyd will retire on May 31 as the longest tenured Black aviator in the history of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. About 30 members of Boyds friends and family arrived to witness the moment in history. Nearby 20 soldiers lined up behind the attendees. A Black Hawk helicopter served as a backdrop for speakers at the ceremony. Chief Warrant Officer 5 Steve Boyd is flanked by his wife Lynne Emmons-Boyd in front of an Army Blackhawk helicopter as family and friends circle around to photograph them after his pinning ceremony promotion to CW5 in a hangar at Joint Base Cape Cod on Saturday. Steve Heaslip/Cape Cod Times Before the event, The Times spoke with Boyd about what the promotion means to him. His father, Arthur Boyd, served in the military during World War II, during the time that the military was still segregated. 'Specific questions': Review of Joint Base machine gun range will take longer than expected With my father growing up in Jim Crow South and serving a segregated Army, and a generation later, I stand here as an aviator and a senior warrant, that really is the American Dream, said Boyd in a video he filmed for the Armed Forces Network. Boyd first enlisted in the Massachusetts National Army Guard in 1984. One thing that he is most proud of is having worked the past five years as an aviation and ground safety officer for Headquarters U.S. Army Africa based in Vicenza, Italy. Part of his job has been trying to improve safety culture in the militaries of countries like including Kenya and Uganda. Ive gone into some very austere conditions, militaries that have no concept of safety. These are militaries that dont have the robust medical benefits that we have, said Boyd. Boyd spoke about a Ugandan soldier who is the breadwinner for his family. He said if that soldier were to get hurt while on duty, he wouldn't have the same access to medical treatment and disability payments like an American soldier. Story continues "I was able to have a lasting impact, where I could stem that tide of accidents and deaths, not just in our military service, but in other countries across Africa, said Boyd said. The safety program that Boyd wrote for African countries has been used and expanded on by the militaries of Uganda and Kenya, he said. More: Dig this: Historian goes deep into the archaeology of Cape Cod Boyd radiates pride when talking about his service, but as a person of color in the army, his path has at times been difficult. Its been a very narrow, very steep road at times. But there have been people along the way who have helped me, said Boyd. When Boyd started flight school at Fort Rucker in Alabama, there were very few people who looked like him, he said. Boyd credits the values his family instilled in him for helping him persevere. His father grew up in the 1920s in Alabama, and his mother was in Boston during the same time. They are of a generation that came from several generations that are very determined and very disciplined in terms of what their situation was and what needed to happen to improve it, said Boyd said. Boyd carries his parents determination and discipline, as well as their faith in the American Dream. Fort Rucker has become much more diverse in recent years, said Boyd. He also hopes that his accomplishments inspire other people of color who want to serve. However, he is aware of his limitations, too. Chief Warrant Officer 5 Steve Boyd is flanked by his family in front of an Army Blackhawk helicopter as family and friends circle around to photograph them after his pinning ceremony promotion to CW5 in a hangar at Joint Base Cape Cod on Saturday. Steve Heaslip/Cape Cod Times Its an institution and Im one man. The institution is where the work needs to be done, he said. One thing Boyd said that the military could be doing is targeted recruiting, where officers of color would go into communities of color to talk about service. For whoever comes along after me, I hope that my contribution makes their journey a little bit easier, said Boyd said. After receiving his promotion on Saturday, Boyd and family were overcome with emotion, crying as they felt the weight of the accomplishment. His acceptance speech focused on gratitude, for God as well as the support of his wife, Lynne, and his family. Today is her day as much as is mine, he said, in reference to his wife, who he has been with even before enlisting in the military. He also urged that soldiers who come after him not let the ignorance of others dictate their value, and to let success be your revenge. Boyd has accepted a Department of the Army civilian position with the Safety Division of the Southern European Task Force-Africa, in Vicenza, Italy. He and his wife be leaving for Italy later this spring. . Sgt. George Anthony Morrison, a retired crew chief, said he looked up to Boyd especially because there are many roadblocks for a man of color in the National Guard. Morrison called Boyd a modern day Tuskegee airman. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Black aviator Stephen Boyd is honored Massachusetts National Guard President Biden currently has no plans of traveling to Kyiv, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday, but he looks forward to going back to the city he has visited in the past. On Saturday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital to meet with its President Volodymyr Zelensky. The two leaders walked through the war-stricken streets in what was a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, according to British officials. NBCs Meet the Press host Chuck Todd asked Sullivan on Sunday whether Biden planned on following Johnsons lead and also travel to Kyiv. Biden recently traveled to Europe to meet with allies and also visited U.S. troops in Poland stationed close to the Ukrainian border. President Biden doesnt currently have any plans to travel to Kyiv. But what I will tell you is he sits in the Oval Office and in the Situation Room on a daily basis, organizing and coordinating the world when it comes to the delivery of weapons, Sullivan said. Sullivan noted that the U.S. has led the charge in carrying out actions in support of Ukraine, including calling for Russia to be kicked off the U.N.s Human Rights Council. Todd pressed Sullivan on whether Biden would ever make a visit to Kyiv, asking if the president would go if there was a good enough reason to. President Biden has been to Kyiv before. He looks forward to going to Kyiv again. But were not currently planning a trip, Sullivan responded. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. TAVARES Tavares Police are searching for the gunman who killed one man and wounded another at an apartment complex Friday night. Police were called to the Caroline Court Apartments at 8 p.m. Alejandro Garcia, 29, died at the scene. 'That was stolen from her': Victim's daughter, others testify in 'Wild Bill's' sentencing A 'team effort': Arrests made in connection to Eustis gang activity More: Voter fraud investigation in Lake, Sumter counties shows sex offenders cast 2020 ballots Darnell Lester, 31, was wounded in his car as he tried to drive away. Hew was taken to the hospital. Currently, he is in stable condition, according to Detective Courtney Sullivan. There is no information available about a suspect at this time, she said. Anyone with information is urged to call 352-343-2101 and ask for detectives. This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: One shot, another killed in Tavares shooting; cops looking for help Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is calling on Washington, D.C., authorities to preserve the remains of five unborn fetuses that were recently discovered by police in a home just blocks from the U.S. Capitol. Cruz sent a letter to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Contee III on Friday suggesting the fetuses "may have been murdered or aborted in violation of federal law." He wants the evidence preserved for a potential criminal investigation and congressional oversight. WASHINGTON D.C. MEN WHO ALLEGEDLY POSED AS FEDERAL AGENTS HAD STOCKPILE OF WEAPONS, NEW FILING SHOWS "It appears that the Metropolitan Police Department has assumed the cause and nature of these childrens deaths without an investigation," Cruz wrote in his letter. "It has recently been brought to my attention that the D.C. government may incinerate the bodies of these five children without conducting an investigation, without performing any autopsies, and without affording these children a proper, respectful burial." Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Cruz sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee. He also asked the police and mayor to "direct the D.C. Medical Examiner to conduct an autopsy of each of these five childrens bodies consistent with the type of method and detail that would be conducted in a murder investigation." The request comes after D.C. found five fetuses in a Capitol Hill home on March 31 where an anti-abortion activist had been staying. Authorities at the time determined the fetuses were aborted in accordance with D.C. law, according to Fox 5 DC. HHS SECRETARY BECERRA REFUSES TO ADMIT PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTIONS ARE ILLEGAL IN HOUSE TESTIMONY The discovery happened on the same day that investigators were at the house arresting an anti-abortion activist Lauren Handy as part of a federal indictment that claims Handy and eight others tried to block patients from entering an abortion clinic in D.C. on October 22, 2020, the news station reported. Story continues A anti-abortion demonstrator protests in front of the Supreme Court building, on the day of hearing arguments in the Mississippi abortion rights case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health, in Washington, U.S., December 1, 2021. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst Handy and Terrisa Bukovinac are members of the Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising and at a news conference Tuesday they claimed the five fetuses were among a total of 115 fetuses the group obtained from a Washington, D.C., clinic's medical waste, according to USA Today. They said they asked the driver of the medical waste company if they could take one of the biohazard boxes being loaded into his truck. The company has denied those claims. Anti-abortion activists participate in the 49th annual March for Life as they march past the U.S. Supreme Court on January 21, 2022 in Washington, DC. The rally draws activists from around the country who are calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide. Win McNamee/Getty Images Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising has been asking police to investigate the remains for evidence of federally illegal late-stage abortions. Already 23 House and Senate Republicans sent a similar letter urging D.C. authorities to investigate how the unborn children died. "Based on evidence collected at the time of recovery and photos that have been publicly shared, all five of these children appear to have developed well past the point of viability, and likely suffered severely painful abortion procedures, though without an autopsy, it is not known how each child died," the letter states. D.C. Police and the mayor's office did not immediately respond to Fox News' request for comment. RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas A Texas district attorney said Sunday that he will ask a judge to dismiss a murder charge against a woman who allegedly gave herself an abortion. Lizelle Herrera was arrested Thursday in Rio Grande City, a community of about 14,000 people along the Mexico border, after a Starr County grand jury indicted her on March 30 for murder for causing the death of a fetus or embryo through a self-induced abortion. District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez said Sunday that his office would move to dismiss the charge Monday. In reviewing this case, it is clear that Ms. Herrera cannot and should not be prosecuted for the allegation against her, Ramirez said in a statement. Herrera has been jailed on a $500,000 bond in the Starr County jail in Rio Grande City, on the U.S.-Mexico border, sheriffs Maj. Carlos Delgado said in a statement Saturday. Herrera was arrested and served with an indictment on the charge of Murder after Herrera did then and there intentionally and knowingly cause the death of an individual by self-induced abortion, Delgado said. A 2021 state law that bans abortions in Texas for women who are as early as six weeks pregnant has sharply curtailed the number of abortions in the state. The law leaves enforcement to private citizens who can sue doctors or anyone who helps a woman get an abortion. The woman receiving the abortion is exempted from the law. Former President Donald Trump spoke at a rally in Selma, North Carolina on Saturday evening. He told the crowd that he thinks he's the "most honest human being that, perhaps, God ever created." Trump made 30,573 false or misleading claims during his presidency, according to The Washington Post. Speaking at a rally in Selma, North Carolina on Saturday evening, former President Donald Trump claimed that he is one of the most honest human beings to walk on earth. "I've got to be the cleanest sheriff," Trump said. "I think I'm the most honest human being, perhaps, that God ever created." There were ripples of laughter from his supporters as he said it. Trump commented in reference to a story in which a friend supposedly complimented him on how "clean" his administration had been, according to Newsweek. "You know, you've been investigated years and years, millions and millions of pages of documents, they found nothing," the friend said, according to Trump, per Newsweek. "I've been investigated by the Democrats more the Billy the Kid, Jessie James, and Al Capone combined," Trump told the crowd, Newsweek reported. Trump became the first president to be impeached twice. According to The Washington Post's Fact Checker database, he made 30,573 false or misleading claims during his presidency. He told 21 lies a day on average, per The Post. During his time as president, Trump also promoted several conspiracy theories, Notably, in the aftermath of the 2020 election, Trump pushed the ironically named "Big Lie." The former president has insisted that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him, but a series of legal challenges have failed to make any headway in the courts. Top US intelligence and law enforcement agencies have concluded that there was no widespread voter fraud. Trump spoke in North Carolina in support of several GOP candidates, including Rep. Madison Cawthorn and Senate candidate Ted Budd. Read the original article on Business Insider (Getty Images) Former president Donald Trump endorsed television host and physician Mehmet Oz ahead of the Pennsylvania Senate primary on Saturday night. Mr Trump made the announcement on Saturday ahead of his rally in Selma, North Carolina. Like Mr Trump, Dr Oz earned national name recognition through television, in his case through the popular Dr Oz show, which Mr Trump cited in his endorsement. I have known Dr. Oz for many years, as have many others, even if only through his very successful television show. He has lived with us through the screen and has always been popular, respected, and smart, Mr Trump said in a statement. Mr Trump went on the Dr Oz show during the 2016 campaign, during which time, Mr Trump said he wanted to lose weight, which Mr Trump cited. He even said that I was in extraordinary health, which made me like him even more (although he also said I should lose a couple of pounds!) Dr Oz jumped into Pennsylvanias Senate race Mr Trumps preferred Senate candidate, Sean Parnell, dropped out after his estranged wife accused him of abusing her and his children during custody proceedings. Pennsylvania will hold its Senate primary on 17 May 2022. Dr Oz is locked in a contentious primary with David McCormick, a hedge fund CEO, who has his own ties to the Trump administration given that his wife Dina Powell served as deputy national security adviser. Perhaps most importantly, I believe that Mehmet Oz will be the one most able to win the General Election against a Radical Left Democrat looking to do unthinkable harm to our Country, he said in a statement. Republicans are running to replace retiring Republican Senator Pat Toomey, who voted to convict Mr Trump for his role in the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol. Former President Trump endorsed Pennsylvania Senate candidate Mehmet Oz on Saturday. The Great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a tremendous opportunity to Save America by electing the brilliant and well-known Dr. Mehmet Oz for the United States Senate, Trump wrote in a statement that was sent out while the former president was speaking at a rally in North Carolina. A poll from The Hill/Emerson College released this week showed Oz, a celebrity cardiothoracic surgeon, and his primary opponent Dave McCormick being neck-and-neck among likely GOP primary voters. McCormick, a former hedge fund manager, was found to have 18 percent voter support among likely Republican primary voters while Oz was at 17 percent, a difference that was within the margin of error for the poll. However, when the poll took into account who undecided voters said they were leaning toward, McCormicks lead over Oz increased to 27-21. I believe that Mehmet Oz will be the one most able to win the General Election against a Radical Left Democrat looking to do unthinkable harm to our Country, Trump said. They know him, believe in him, and trust him. Likewise, he will do very well in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where other candidates will just not be accepted, he added. Oz joined the Senate race late after Sean Parnell dropped out in 2021 following a lost custody battle for his children. Parnell earned Trumps endorsement last year before he left the race. Shortly after the announcement on Saturday, Parnell condemned Trumps decision to endorse Oz. Youre not America First. Youre not a conservative. Youre not even from Pennsylvania, Parnell tweeted at Oz, who said he was honored to have Trumps support. Hell no. Oz has faced attacks during the race for his shallow roots in the state. McCormick has also gone after Oz for his dual citizenship with Turkey, which Oz said he has kept to care for his sick mother. However, Oz has said he would renounce his Turkish citizenship if he were elected. Story continues The candidates are battling for the seat after Sen. Pat Toomey (R) said he would not run for reelection. In his Saturday endorsement, Trump highlighted Ozs education and professional accomplishments. He has authored more than 350 original publications, written 8 New York Times bestsellers, and received patents for developing medical devices that have improved countless lives and performed thousands of life-saving heart operations, Trump wrote. He knows his job is to serve every single Pennsylvanian. Dr. Oz is smart, tough, and will never let you down, therefore, he has my Complete and Total Endorsement. Good luck, Dr. Oz. our Country needs you! the former president concluded his endorsement. Updated at 9:46 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Tarek Amara TUNIS (Reuters) - Tunisians on Sunday protested against President Kais Saied, accusing him of imposing one-man rule in the North African country after he dissolved parliament last month. A political crisis in the country intensified last month when more than half of the members of parliament held an online session to revoke Saied's decrees. "We are facing a failed dictatorship that is leading the country to an economic disaster.. We will continue to protest in the streets until a coup is forced to reverse its decisions," Chaima Issa, an activist, said. Many members of parliament participated in the protest on Sunday, which took place with a heavy presence of anti-riot police. Protesters chanted: "The people want to overthrow the coup." "We will continue to resist the coup and we will not retreat. We will not accept this dictatorship," Samira Chaouchi, one of two deputy speakers of parliament, said. After last month's online session, which Saied dissolved, anti-terrorism police summoned the main opposition figure Rached Ghannouchi and other lawmakers for questioning, prompting criticism from abroad as well as at home. Ghannouchi, who is the parliament's speaker and head of Islamist Ennahda party, said other virtual sessions would be convened. A delegation from the European Parliament will visit Tunisia on Monday to urge the return of the democracy established after the 2011 revolution that ended the autocratic rule of the late President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Saied, took control of executive power in the middle of last year and has ruled by decree, which his opponents describe as a coup. He has rejected his opponents accusations and said he would hold talks on political reforms, but that "traitors and thieves" would not participate. Saied has previously said he would form a committee to rewrite the constitution, put it to a referendum in July and then hold parliamentary elections in December. The country's two main parties Ennahda and Free Constitutional, which are bitterly opposed, have both said they will oppose those plans. (Reporting by Tarek Amara; editing by Barbara Lewis) By Lidia Kelly MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Ukraine has banned all imports from Russia, one of its key trading partners before the war with annual imports valued at about $6 billion, and called on other countries to follow and impose harsher economic sanctions on Moscow. "Today we officially announced a complete termination of trade in goods with the aggressor state," Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote on her Facebook page on Saturday. "From now on, no Russian Federation's products will be able to be imported into the territory of our state." Since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, exchange of goods and services between the two neighbouring countries has been virtually non-existent, but Saturday's move makes the termination of imports a law. "The enemy's budget will not receive these funds, which will reduce its potential to finance the war," Svyrydenko said. "Such a step of Ukraine can serve as an example for our Western partners and stimulate them to strengthen sanctions against Russia, including the implementation of the energy embargo and isolation of all Russian banks." Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly called on the West to boycott Russian oil and other exports and halt exports to Russia over its military assault. The West has imposed numerous measures on Russia that have already isolated Moscow to a degree never before experienced by such a large economy and on Saturday British Prime Premier Boris Johnson said more sanctions are to come. (Reporting and writing by Lidia Kelly; Editing by Michael Perry) By Elizabeth Piper and Zohra Bensemra KYIV/BUZOVA, Ukraine (Reuters) - Russian forces pounded targets in eastern Ukraine with missiles and artillery on Sunday as Austria's leader planned to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Washington pledged to give Ukraine "the weapons it needs" to defend itself against a new Russian offensive. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said he would meet with Putin on Monday in Moscow for the Russian leader's first face-to-face meeting with a European Union counterpart since Russia's invasion began on Feb. 24. "We are militarily neutral, but (have) a clear position on the Russian war of aggression against #Ukraine," Nehammer wrote of Austria on Twitter https://twitter.com/karlnehammer/status/1513193093784297476. "It must stop! It needs humanitarian corridors, ceasefire & full investigation of war crimes." Nehammer met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv on Saturday - the same day as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who promised to give Ukraine 120 armoured vehicles and anti-ship missile systems. Russia has failed to take any major cities, but Ukraine says it has been gathering its forces in the east for a major assault and has urged people to flee. Russian forces fired rockets into Ukraine's Luhansk and Dnipropetrovsk regions on Sunday, officials said. Missiles completely destroyed the airport in the city of Dnipro, said Valentyn Reznichenko, governor of the central Dnipropetrovsk region. Russia's defence ministry said high-precision missiles had destroyed the headquarters of Ukraine's Dnipro battalion in the town of Zvonetsky. Reuters could not immediately confirm the reports. WEAPONS APPEALS Since Russia invaded, Zelenskiy has appealed to Western powers to provide more defence help, and to punish Moscow with tougher sanctions, including embargoes on Russian energy exports. U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan told ABC News: "We're going to get Ukraine the weapons it needs to beat back the Russians to stop them from taking more cities and towns." Story continues In an interview aired on CBS's "60 Minutes," Zelenskiy said he had confidence in his own armed forces but "unfortunately I don't have the confidence that we will be receiving everything we need" from the United States. "They have to supply weapons to Ukraine as if they were defending themselves and their own people," Zelenskiy added. "They need to understand this. If they dont speed up, it will be very hard for us to hold on against this pressure." Zelenskiy said earlier on Twitter he had spoken on the phone with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz about additional sanctions, as well as more defence and financial support for his country. Zelenskiy also discussed with Ukrainian officials Kyiv's proposals for a new package of EU sanctions, his office said. The EU on Friday banned Russian coal imports among other products, but has yet to touch oil and gas imports from Russia. NEW SANCTIONS Mounting civilian casualties have triggered widespread international condemnation and new sanctions. A grave with at least two civilian bodies has been found in Buzova village near Kyiv, said Taras Didych, head of the Dmytrivka community that includes Buzova, the latest such reported discovery since Russian forces withdrew from areas north of the capital. Sullivan said on Sunday he expected Russia's newly appointed general overseeing Ukraine, Aleksandr Dvornikov, to authorise more brutality against the Ukrainian civilian population. He did not cite any evidence. Moscow has rejected accusations of war crimes by Ukraine and Western countries. Moscow has repeatedly denied targeting civilians in what it calls a "special operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" its southern neighbour. Ukraine and Western nations have dismissed this as a baseless pretext for war. Russia's invasion has forced about a quarter of Ukraine's 44 million people from their homes, turned cities into rubble and killed or injured thousands. The World Bank on Sunday forecast the war would cause Ukraine's economic output to collapse by a staggering 45% this year, with half of its businesses shuttered, grain exports mostly cut off by Russia's naval blockade and destruction rendering economic activity impossible in many areas. The bank forecast Russia's GDP would contract by 11.2% this year due to punishing Western sanctions. HEAVY SHELLING Some cities in Ukraine's east were under heavy shelling, with tens of thousands of people unable to evacuate. Calls by Ukrainian officials for civilians to flee gained more urgency after a missile strike hit a train station on Friday in the city of Kramatorsk, in the Donetsk region, that was full of people trying to leave. Ukrainian officials said on Sunday the death toll from the strike rose to 57, while 109 were wounded. Russia has denied responsibility, saying the missiles used in the attack were only used by Ukraine's military. Reuters was unable to verify the details of the attack. Ramzan Kadyrov, the powerful head of Russia's Chechnya region, said in a video message that Russia would unleash an offensive on the besieged port of Mariupol, but also Luhansk, and Donetsk and then target Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Ukraine's deputy prime minister, Iryna Vereshchuk, said 2,824 people were evacuated on Sunday through humanitarian corridors, including 213 from Mariupol, which has been under siege for weeks. (Reporting by Reuters bureaus; Writing by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen, Michael Perry, Tomasz Janowski and David Lawder; Editing by Robert Birsel, Frances Kerry, Matthew Lewis and Lincoln Feast.) Wladimir Klitschko said Russia might still return to try to seize the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. Klitschko added that the war is not over, but rather, the Russians have "changed the strategy." He made the comments alongside his brother, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, to ABC News "This Week". Russia may return to try again to seize the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, Wladimir Klitschko said on Sunday. The comments from the brother of Kyiv's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, come after Russian troops withdrew from Kyiv last week after a six-week struggle to claim the capital city. Russian forces initially believed the siege would only last a matter of days. "We are expecting Russian military forces being back and targeting the capital of Ukraine, city of Kyiv," Wladimir Klitschko told ABC News "This Week" on Sunday. "In the beginning, their plans didn't work because our military was giving great defense and giving great fight." Wladimir Klitschko, a former Ukrainian boxer, made the comments alongside his brother on Sunday. "Pulling out of Kyiv doesn't mean that the war is over. They just changed the strategy," Wladimir Klitschko said. "They're in the east and south of the country, extremely active and while we're talking, the fight in the east and the south of the country are still going. And obviously, we are expecting them to be back and again targeting the capital." Cities surrounding Kyiv faced a brutal assault from Russian forces. In a recent visit to the town of Bucha, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described a scene of "just death" as the bodies of hundreds of civilians were found following Russia's withdrawal from the area. "Everybody was shocked," Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Sunday. "We was also shocked if we see not just images to be present in these in town, Borodyanka, Gostomel, Bucha, where killed hundreds of civilians without no reasons the women, children, old people, teenager. It's genocide of Ukrainian." Story continues Ukraine's military warned in late March that the Russian withdrawal from the northern cities of Kyiv and Chernihiv is likely just a rotation of troops that "aims to mislead" Ukrainian forces. "According to some indications, the Russian enemy is regrouping units to focus its main efforts on the East," said the general staff of the Ukrainian armed forces in a Facebook post on March 29. On Friday, at least 50 people were killed after two Russian rockets hit a train station in Kramatorsk, a town in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine. The station was crammed with people who were fleeing their homes, Ukrainian officials said. Read the original article on Business Insider STORY: International volunteers, including from the United States, were seen preparing food and offering drinks to the refugees, many of whom were mothers with children. Odesa region spokesperson Serhiy Bratchuk said on Friday (April 8) they did not see any signs that Russian forces are preparing a landing operation from the Black Sea. In an online briefing, Bratchuk said the region had been hit by missile strikes late on Thursday (April 7), which caused an as yet unknown number of casualties. The Russian news agency Tass reported on Friday (April 8) that Russia had destroyed a training center for foreign mercenaries north of Odesa. Reuters could not independently verify the report. Since the start of the war, Romanian Border Police has reported a total of 659,064 people crossing from Ukraine to Romania. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the US will not hesitate to expel additional Russian diplomats from the country for suspected espionage activity after the administration removed 12 Russian officials in February. Mr Sullivan addressing NBCs Meet the Press on 10 April said the US is always on the lookout for anyone connected to espionage or spy services and will not hesitate to take further action to declare persona non grata to expel, to kick out further Russian quote unquote diplomats if we determine theyre spies. Meet the Press host Chuck Todd noting that nearly two dozen European countries recently moved to expel hundreds of Russian diplomats following the countrys bloody invasion of Ukraine asked Mr Sullivan whether the US plans to remove any of the roughly 400 officials remaining in the US. We have, in fact, expelled 12 Russian diplomats, and many of these countries that announced actions this week were catching up to the previous American announcement of expulsions, Mr Sullivan said. In February, the US moved to expel those operatives for allegedly engaging in espionage activities that pose a national security threat, according to the US Mission to the United Nations, noting that such expulsions were in development for several months, not necessarily as a response to the Russian invasion. If you look at the way that we do this, every year we take an assessment of who we believe is operating undercover of one of the Russian spy services, Mr Sullivan said on Sunday. If we make a determination that someones here not as a diplomat but as a spy, we kick them out and well continue to do that. Mr Sullivan also told news networks on Sunday that a campaign to isolate Russia from the global economy is likely to result in removing Russia as one of the worlds major economies because of the economic pressure we have put on them, he told ABCs This Week. Addressing global indications of war crimes in Ukraine, Mr Sullivan said the US has not yet reached a determination on genocide. Story continues The label is less important than the fact that these acts are cruel and criminal and wrong and evil and need to be responded to decisively, he told CNNs State of the Union. And that is what we are doing, he added. Were doing that not just by supporting international investigations and gathering evidence to hold the perpetrators all the way to the highest levels accountable. Were doing it by providing sophisticated weapons to the Ukrainians that are making a major difference on the battlefield. Mr Sullivan also was pressed on Sunday when US diplomats will return to Kyiv after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken directed embassy personnel to relocate to Lviv, then, a week later, announced that staff would spend nights in Poland. Were working through when we will be in a position to set our diplomatic presence back up in Kyiv, he told Face the Nation on CBS. Thats a judgment that gets worked through our security professionals. They are actively doing that. In the meantime the United States is surging resources, weapons, military equipment, but also diplomatic resources, to support the Ukrainians. UT-Austin is launching a two-year pilot project that allows students in certain residence halls to live with any other student, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The University of Texas at Austin is starting a two-year pilot program next fall that will allow students to live together in certain campus residence halls regardless of their gender or sexual identity. Called the Family and Friend Expanded Roommate Option, any UT-Austin student can select any other UT-Austin as a roommate. Student advocates have been pushing the university to create a gender-inclusive housing option since at least 2006, according to Adrienne Hunter, a senior and transgender woman who has advocated for the change over the past few years. This is the result of so many students working on this issue, she said. Its something in my opinion that is tangibly going to lead to so many students, trans students, feel[ing] included. According to a housing page on the universitys website, the university said it is allowing for this option to build better community engagement. This helps enhance our residents sense of belonging and improve our competitiveness with the Austin market and other institutions, the university said on its website. It also allows us to be more responsive to student needs. Traditionally, dorms, even co-ed ones, have been designed to separate by sex students sharing a room. The new pilot policy applies to dorms where students have private bathrooms either shared among roommates or suitemates. Hunter said that UT housing would handle requests for more gender-inclusive housing situations on a case-by-case basis, but she said it sometimes posed problems for students who have yet to discuss their sexual identity to their parents and did not want to email about their situation for fear their parents might accidentally find out. To have the burden on the student to do this outreach instead of having this system was something a lot of students didnt feel comfortable with, she said. Earlier this year, the Queer Student Alliance at UT-Austin issued its first report on the state of LGBTQIA+ students since 2006. They surveyed more than 2,000 students on campus. It found while the vast majority of students who identify as cisgender felt comfortable expressing their gender identity on and off campus, transgender students in particular felt much less comfortable expressing their gender identity in on-campus housing than off-campus housing. Story continues The report recommended instituting gender-inclusive housing with a web page that uses clear language and definitions of gender-inclusive housing policies. Hunter said she and others used this data to make a case to UT-Austin President Jay Hartzell. The university eventually created a working group of students, faculty and staff, which provided feedback to the university as it developed a policy. The decision to begin this pilot project comes at a politically fraught time for transgender rights in the state. In February, Gov. Greg Abbott instructed the states Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate families who provide gender-affirming health care to their transgender children, for child abuse. A spokesperson for UT-Austin did not immediately respond to questions about why the university started this pilot program now or why the university did not identify the new policy as gender inclusive housing, as other universities across the state and country have done. In Texas, a handful of other universities across the state already have gender-inclusive housing, including the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Texas at San Antonio. The University of Houston has a living learning community that is gender-inclusive in two of its residence halls. In fall 2020, Texas Tech University in Lubbock created a housing option that went into effect in 2021 that allows students in the West Village residence hall to allow eligible students to live together in the same apartment on-campus regardless of gender. Disclosure: Texas Tech University, University of Texas - Dallas, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at San Antonio and University of Houston have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. We cant wait to welcome you in person and online to the 2022 Texas Tribune Festival, our multiday celebration of big, bold ideas about politics, public policy and the days news all taking place just steps away from the Texas Capitol from Sept. 22-24. When tickets go on sale in May, Tribune members will save big. Donate to join or renew today. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2022/04/05/ut-austin-gender-inclusive-housing/. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. More: Texas A&M to grant free tuition, room and board to its Ukrainian students This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: UT Austin to allow cohabitation regardless of gender, sexual identity Veteran actor Harry J. Lennix said that Will Smith must return his Oscar in the wake of Smiths onstage altercation with comedian Chris Rock late last month. In a Variety column published on Saturday, Lennix, a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, wrote that Smith needs to realize that actions have consequences, adding that the best option for him is to return his award. Smith needs to express-mail his golden trophy back to the Academy and publicly state something to the effect of: Out of respect for the 94 years of honor conferred upon this award, I do not in good conscience feel worthy of being its custodian, Lennix wrote in his column. Of the many unsettling things said in the aftermath of the slap, the most galling to me was his reference to the influence of a higher power during his surreal acceptance speech after he won for his work in King Richard less than an hour after his act of violence and the Academys equally shocking decision not to eject Smith from the ceremony, Lennix added. Smith slapped Rock after the comedian joked about Smiths wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith then won the best male actor Oscar later in the evening for his portrayal of Venus and Serena Williamss father, Richard Williams, in the biopic King Richard. Lennix also wrote that the incident stripped the prestige from the award ceremony, noting that other attendees gave Smith a standing ovation after he won the Oscar. The stain on the Motion Picture Academy cannot be easily remediated. The only hope for a justifiable grace must involve Smith voluntarily returning his award for best actor, Lennix concluded in his column. The academys Board of Governors announced on Friday they have placed Smith on a 10-year ban from attending any academy event as a result of his altercation with Rock. In a statement to The Hill, Smith, who resigned as a member of the academy earlier this month, accepted the punishment handed to him by the Board of Governors, saying, I accept and respect the Academys decision. Updated at 4:54 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Before we begin the new week in earnest, we're taking a look back at the week that was, and the stories that led the news with Taunton Daily Gazette readers. Our top story of the past week took us across the pond, to our sister city, Taunton, England. As it turns out, both Tauntons have quite a lot of common ground. Other top stories included: Taunton's New York Lace putting together a supportive display for Ukraine; a new gaming and collectibles store in the city, where customers can expect some royal treatment; and the latest real estate report, featuring a stately Victorian on High Street. Rounding out our Top 5 stories of the past week was Operation Cuts for Kids, where volunteers delivered both styles and smiles. These were our top stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers: Curious Taunton: What is our sister city, Taunton, England, like? Our top story of the past week took us over to England, to our sister city, also named Taunton. Our Taunton got its current name from the English settlers who came here, as many of them were from the other Taunton. The town center in Taunton, England. Thanks to the Sister Cities International network, our connections to that other Taunton have been maintained to this day. We might be an ocean apart, but we've got a lot in common, from our rivers, to a history of rebellion, and even a surprising connection thanks to "2001: A Space Odyssey." Curious Taunton: What is our sister city, Taunton, England, like? New York Lace shows support for Ukraine The owners of New York Lace were recently inspired by a friend to show some support for the people of Ukraine. New York Lace in Taunton is showing support for Ukraine with window and showroom displays in blue, yellow and white on Thursday, March 31, 2022, taking a cue from a friend and client encouraging the community to show support for the Ukranian people. Dolores and Francisco Milho were moved by their friend Pegi Conte's appearance before the City Council, where Conte got approval for ribbons to be displayed in solidarity. Conte has family in Ukraine, so the war hits especially close to home for her. Now, there is a display at New York Lace lending some support and solidarity as well. New York Lace owners Dolores and Francisco Milho are showing their support for Ukraine with window and showroom displays in blue, yellow and white at their store in Taunton, taking a cue from a friend and client encouraging the community to show support for the Ukranian people. It's at times like these that we all must pray and show solidarity and support for our friends during such difficult and unsettling times, Dolores Milho said. Story continues 'Hopefully it will inspire others': New York Lace in Taunton shows support for Ukraine Pro wrestler opens new gaming and collectibles shop in Taunton Hear ye, hear ye! There is a new royal court in Taunton. The King's Court, that is. It's a new gaming and collectibles store, on Bay Street in Whittenton, run by Steven Baker, who goes by King Leon the 6th in the wrestling ring. Steven Baker, owner of The King's Court in Taunton, at the new gaming and collectibles store on Thursday, March 31 preparing for an April Fools' Day soft opening. The King's Court also features a tabletop gaming facility, and there's something for everyone, no matter what fandom they pay homage to. Steven Baker, owner of The King's Court in Taunton, at the new gaming and collectibles store on Thursday, March 31 preparing for an April Fools' Day soft opening. Take a tour of Baker's castle, right here. Photos: The King's Court opens in Taunton Real estate: Victorian on High Street goes for more than $700K Old meets new in one of this week's top-selling Taunton area homes. A Victorian on High Street that dates back to 1880 sold for $705,000 on March 17, according to real estate and mortgage data company The Warren Group. It's got a blend of antique charm as well as some modern updates, plus more than 4,000 square feet of living space. Explore this property, plus all of the other recent top-sellers, in the latest Greater Taunton real estate report. Real estate report: Victorian on High Street in Taunton goes for more than $700,000 Operation Cuts for Kids Rounding out our Top 5 stories, the Boys & Girls Club of Metro South's Taunton Clubhouse recently hosted Operation Cuts For Kids. Barber Donnell Bates of Taunton works on a cut for Coda Taylor, 8, at Operation Cuts For Kids Sunday, April 3, 2022 at the Boys & Girls Club of Metro South - Taunton Clubhouse. A team of volunteers treated some local kids to styles and smiles, and the Gazette's Jon Haglof was there for the fun. Photos: Lots of styling haircuts and smiling faces at Taunton's Operation Cuts for Kids Taunton Daily Gazette/Herald News copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today. This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Top Taunton stories: Ukraine support, game shop opens, sister city Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a new interview said he is expecting many times more Russian weaponry to be used in the next wave of Russias invasion of Ukraine. Asked during an interview with 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley what he is now expecting in the east and south of Ukraine in the weeks ahead, Zelensky said we think this will be a new wave of this war. We dont know how much Russian weaponry there will be, but we understand there will be many times more than there is now, he added. Zelenskys full interview with 60 Minutes is set to air on Sunday. Russian forces are transitioning their focus to the southern and eastern portions of Ukraine, prompting Ukrainian officials to warn that battles will be reminiscent of World War II. Satellite images examined by Maxar Technologies and cited by CNN said a Russian military convoy is moving to southern Ukraine through the town of Velykyi Burluk, which is located in the east. Russian forces are reportedly planning to move toward the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, the network reported, citing Friday comments from Ukraines defense intelligence chief. Zelensky told Pelley that Ukraines ability to survive Russias looming offensive depends on U.S. support. It all depends on how fast we will be helped by the United States. To be honest, whether we will be able to survive depends on this: I have 100% confidence in our people and in our armed forces, but unfortunately I dont have the confidence that we will be receiving everything we need, he said. The U.S. has provided hundreds of millions of dollars worth of weaponry to Ukraine, including anti-aircraft and anti-tank weapons systems, but Ukrainian officials have pleaded with the U.S. and NATO allies to provide fighter jets and more heavy weaponry. Last week, the State Department and Pentagon announced the U.S. was sending $100 million in additional military aid to Ukraine, bringing total assistance to more than $1.7 billion since the invasion began in late February. Story continues On Thursday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he asked NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg for more weapons during a meeting earlier that day. Met with Secretary General @jensstoltenberg at NATO HQ in Brussels. I came here today to discuss three most important things: weapons, weapons, and weapons. Ukraines urgent needs, the sustainability of supplies, and long-term solutions which will help Ukraine to prevail, Kuleba wrote on Twitter. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stands in the town of Bucha, northwest of Kyiv, on April 4, 2022 Ronaldo Schemidt/Getty Images Zelenskyy said he expects "a new wave" of Russia's war to hit eastern and southern Ukraine. The Ukrainian president also said 'whether we will be able to survive' depends on how quickly military aid arrives from countries like the US. "I don't have the confidence that we will be receiving everything we need," he told CBS "60 Minutes." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he expects his country will soon face "a new wave" of Russia's war on Ukraine. Zelenskyy recently sat down with CBS News correspondent Scott Pelley in Kyiv for a conversation slated to air on "60 Minutes" on Sunday night. The show posted a clip of their conversation on Twitter early Sunday ahead of broadcasting the full interview. "We think this will be a new wave of this war," Zelenskyy said, when asked what he expects to see in eastern and southern Ukraine. "We don't know how much Russian weaponry there will be, but we understand there will be many times more than there is now." Zelenskyy also spoke about the country's urgent need for military aid. "All depends on how fast we will be helped by the United States," he said. "To be honest, whether we will be able to survive depends on this." Zelenskyy continued: "I have 100% confidence in our people and in our armed forces, but unfortunately I don't have the confidence that we will be receiving everything we need." In an interview Friday with German newspaper BILD, which is owned by Axel Springer, Insider's parent company, Zelenskyy said he's unaware of the status of some towns in the east and south of Ukraine. "We don't have real knowledge on what is going on in the south of our country now or in other small towns around the country. Or in the east of the country," he said. Zelenskyy added in the interview that fighting in Donbas, an eastern Ukrainian region, could amount to a war "like the world has not seen in hundreds of years." Story continues Iryna Vereshchuk, Ukraine's deputy prime minister, has encouraged Ukrainians living in the east to escape while they can. In the south, Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boichenko has estimated that at least 5,000 people, including 210 children, have died in the city since Russia began its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Read the original article on Business Insider Feature: Rural Cambodian students say hello to donated Chinese bikes Xinhua) 10:39, April 10, 2022 TAKEO, Cambodia, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Chhum Seavling, aged 12, is quite used to walking a few kilometers to school each day. Her family can not afford a bicycle for her, so when Hello Inc. donated some of the company's previously shared bikes to rural kids in Cambodia, it was a life changing event. Chok Primary School in Bati disrrict, roughly 50 km south of capital Phnom Penh, is one of the 67 rural schools that have been given bikes. "My parents are poor farmers. They can't buy a bicycle for me, so it takes me about half an hour to walk to school," Chhum told Xinhua. She now has no reason to drop out of school. "It takes me only five to 10 minutes to cycle to school now. I'm very happy and I don't want to quit anymore." Another sixth grader, Leang Sreynet, said the bikes had brought new hope and she promised to study hard to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. Vong Sovanminea washes his bike every day. "It is really useful. Besides riding to school, my parents ride it to market," he said. Khuon Chhorn, principal of the school, said it is normal to see students walking long distances to school. Some students walk seven km there and seven km back. "The bikes make it easier for them to come to school and relieve their family's worries," he told Xinhua. On behalf of his students, the principal thanked the donation. "I believe the bikes will change their lives," he said. Comparable bikes in Cambodia cost about 250,000 riel (60 U.S. dollars). Poor families don't earn that much in two months and Chhum made sure that all 35 bikes the school received went to the students in greatest need. The bikes were given out during the Chinese New Year and Hello has since received countless letters of gratitude, accompanied by videos and photographs of the bikes being used. Zhou Jinxiu, vice president of Hello, said with the help from China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation and COSCO Charity Foundation, the Hello Inc. had donated 1,000 bikes to students in rural Cambodia. "Although (the bikes) come from cities all over China and are still in good condition. We refurbished and cleaned them before shipping," she told Xinhua. The bikes went to Takeo, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, and Battambang provinces. "Most of the students are from low-income families, and we hope they will be useful, in both studies and daily lives," she said. "We're so happy for the beneficiaries, who we hope become ambassadors of China-Cambodia friendship when they finally leave school." (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Bianji) Family-run book, toy and teacher supply store Givens Books & Little Dickens has been operating for more than four decades and despite moves, pandemics and online competition, it has continued to grow its base of customers who have proved the love of reading never goes out of style. The bookstore had a big scare during the coronavirus pandemic and worried it would go under. Now, more than two years after the first COVID-19 case was reported in Virginia, the store is taking stock on changes and looking to the future. We were nervous. We were frightened, owner Danny Givens said. We were like What in the heck, after 40 years in business is this going to nail us? And it was frightening for about six months, but Lynchburg came out for curbside service and that kept us going. I was so moved by that. Givens had made a large investment into the business website, so customers were able to order online. But for the loyal customers who still put money into local businesses, it was a powerful thing for Givens, who has been a part of the buy local movement for 15 years, to see. Just to feel the local support and we really felt that we were winning back customers that had gone for 10 years and they were back, he said. They energized us and so that that feeling of being frightened and scared, it was kind of shoved aside into this energized movement of, We can do this. We can power through this. Givens Books has a history that goes back to its nomadic founder, George Givens, who would take his family traveling all over the county. One year, he was scoping out Lynchburg and we all just thought he was taking this historic trip because he was always in the museums and historical sites, Danny Givens said. Three years later, he said, OK kids, were going to pack up and move Lynchburg. So, he quit his job and moved to Lynchburg with six children. I was 13 at the time and I just loved having a summer off, and I was used to the Arizona desert, so to see chickens and trees and lakes, it was for me a big adventure, Givens said. It was George Givens childhood dream to open one so he opened Boonshire Books in a 600-square-foot former gas station on Boonsboro Road. It was 1976, just three years after the family arrived from Tucson, Arizona. In 1979, he relocated the bookstore to Lakeside Drive about a half mile down the road and changed the name to Givens Books, where it stayed until 1999. In 1989, Danny Givens had finished college and was teaching English and Spanish at Jefferson Forest High School. He decided to work part time with his dad at the store but wanted to offer up something new. With that, he converted an 800-square-foot shed next door into a toy and teacher supply store and called it Little Dickens. Lynchburg just needed two things. It needed a toy store; Toys R Us wasnt there. And it needed a teacher store, he said. Teacher stores were starting to explode at the time. When George Givens retired when he was in his 70s, his son bought the business and continued it into the future to its present location. In 1999, Danny Givens bought four acres of land at 2236 Lakeside Dr. and put Little Dickens and Givens Books under one roof, expanding the business from 9,000 square feet to 16,000 square feet. I thought, if this booms, Ive got to make sure that when people have a retail experience, you feel it and its memorable. Its the ambience, its the experience of coming in and not just seeing four walls and shelves of toys and books, he said. So I really tried hard in 99 when I designed this to make sure that when you came in the brick entry that the feeling was, Wow, I feel good about this. He hired an eccentric, risk-taking English artist who created the bright and eye-catching exterior and interior of the building. I mean, the blue and yellow stripes outside is pretty wild, but its memorable and we feel like it still has a degree of class to it, Givens said. Theres probably some purist architects that would go, What? but then most people really liked it and kids loved it. Inside the store is a massive clock, flying pterodactyls, space ships, robots and Jack from the fairytale, Jack and the Beanstalk climbing up said beanstalk. The store has rented out space to the Drowsy Poet to use for a cafe. Years ago, when e-books became a popular part of the industry, local stores carrying paper books held their breath. But only for a couple of years. They spiked the first two or three years and then then they started to wane, Givens said. The biggest competition has not even necessarily been Barnes & Nobles but rather Amazon, he said. We feel like we can compete with big-box stores. Its the Internet, where people can sit in their pajamas at one in the morning and order a book, he said. Local independent book stores are becoming more hip and trendy, similar to local coffee shops, he said. If you compare the bookstores in 2005 to 2020, theres probably 500 more independent bookstores, Givens said. So people feel like, Oh, no, how do bookstores survive? True, many have gone out but that was Books-A-Million and Borders, and that had a vacuum effect and a lot of independent stores went into those neighborhoods. Theyre not big stores but they are thriving neighborhood bookstores. Books should be a crucial part of most peoples lives, especially in childhood, Givens said. I think if they do learn to read and love to read when their younger, it prevents boredom later and it gives them passion and energy for other things. Nine-year-old Annika Elder has been traveling to Givens Books & Little Dickens from her home in Charlotte Court House since she was about 5. She said she stops in each week when she comes into the city for dance practice. I like going in there to pick out a book but I also really like it there because they dont just sell books, they sell a bunch of different things, she said. Elder said she reads a lot of books and enjoys mystery and historical fiction. It has a wide variety of things, its a great place to get books or a gift for somebody and they even have a little cafe in there, she said. Givens believes most humans are instilled with curiosity and deep down, most love learning and growth. Im trying not to sound corny, but I think theres a child in most of us and I think we have an instinctive desire to play, he said. I think we lose that when were about 12 years old and serious life enters the picture but some of my best moments were in my 40s and 50s when I was able to lose that sense of serious adulthood and find play. This is why he still sells old-fashioned toys such as jacks, marbles and pick-up sticks as well as puzzles and games requiring no batteries or internet. Cheryl Ritchie said she discovered Little Dickens when it first opened and has never stopped going and now gets the experience it through her grandchilds eyes as she discovers reading and play. I have watched the progression from the original space to what has now blossomed into an expansive, wonderland combination of bookstore, toy store and teacher store, she said. The expectation begins from the outside, with an inviting and magical storefront. Upon entering, it is immediately apparent the overall philosophy is to broaden the minds of all ages, she said. Danny has always been hands on with the selection of the items that come into the store, all with a view toward expanding minds from a young age, she said. I always felt that toys should be a means of learning, whether it is knowledge or skills, and I wanted to be able to purchase such items and educational materials for my daughter, locally. Looking ahead, Givens said he thinks the business will continue going strong as long as the Lynchburg community still finds it relevant. Which they do, and they still like to support their well-run local businesses, he said. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Conservatives like me are often called radical by our critics for being unapologetic about our faith, for standing strong for traditional values, and for demanding that our government uphold our Constitutional rights. I will acknowledge that I am unequivocal in my criticism of the failed Biden Administration, the woke agenda of the Democratic Party, and even some in the Republican party in Washington who refuse to truly fight for the values they claim to hold. In the D.C. swamp, my efforts can often leave me as the proverbial odd man out. At the same time, the notion that fighting against the establishment norms here is the definition of radicalism doesnt really make sense when you consider that Congress approval rating is an abysmal 18%. Conservatives, liberals, and moderates have deep divides over policy, but nearly all Americans share my utter disdain for how Congress handles its business. It is clear the establishment in Washington is radically out of touch with Americans. Nowhere is this more obvious than among self-proclaimed Moderate Democrats like Virginias Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, who provided unequivocal support for Judge Ketanji Brown Jacksons nomination to be the next Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. Judge Jackson will almost certainly be the most radical Justice in modern Supreme Court history. If the merits of her judicial record and philosophy were taken seriously, she would not receive the votes of 51 Senators. Sadly, her confirmation hearing was little more than a pre-ordained partisan exercise with the corporate media providing cover for her evasive answers and her terrible record on the bench. From the most liberal parts of Northern Virginia to the deepest red counties in my congressional district, you would be hard pressed to find someone who cannot define what a woman is or who defends the horrific practice of partial-birth abortion. In an age where cases involving gender are certain to reach the Supreme Court, Judge Jackson said, because she is not a biologist, she is unqualified to define what a woman is. As a Supreme Court Clerk, Judge Jackson helped write an opinion striking down a partial-birth abortion ban. As a lawyer, Judge Jackson worked on behalf of one of the most radical pro-abortion organizations in America in their attempt to restrict the free speech of pro-life Americans protesting practices like partial-birth abortion. Even worse, you would struggle to find anyone outside of prison who agrees with Judge Jackson on giving lighter sentences to child pornographers that profit from the rape, torture, and degradation of children. In fact, if you encountered such a person at a Board of Education meeting, in the grocery store, or in any other public space you would naturally keep your children away from them. Judge Jacksons indefensible pattern of significantly lighter sentencing for possession of child pornography averaged 57% less than the national average, and 47% less for the distribution of child pornography. In every single child pornography case she heard, she sentenced the most heinous of criminals below the sentencing guidelines she was expected to adhere to as a judge. In fact, Judge Jackson never sentenced a predator in possession of child pornography, or a trafficker selling child pornography, to the sentence being sought by prosecutors. The specifics of each case are even more alarming. In U.S. v. Cooper (2019) the defendant was found to have over 600 images and videos depicting violent sexual abuse, including sadomasochism, and adults performing sexual acts on children essentially child sex torture. In this case Judge Jackson explained her rationale for a radically lighter sentence by stating that she found, the guideline factors are in many ways outdated they no longer adequately distinguish between more serious and less serious child pornography distribution offenses. She also admitted that in sentencing, Im really reluctant to get into the nature of the porn. Worried that she may over punish this individual for possibly having less serious child pornography distribution offenses she provided a minimum sentence. In another 2019 case, U.S. v. Cane, the defendant was found to have a collection of over 6,500 files depicting school-age children engaging in sadomasochism with adults and foreign objects. Judge Jackson not only provided the minimum sentence allowable, but she also described her disagreement with accounting for the number of horrifying images the defendant had obtained and illegally shared. Jackson explained, [Youre] obviously aware of my policy disagreement. I just think its very, very hard to deal with number of images as a significant aggravator. The bottom line is that a judges most basic qualification for appointment should be her judgment when deciding cases and sentences, and Judge Jackson fails this test miserably. You would think if Senator Tim Kaine or Senator Mark Warner had any semblance of a moderate core, they would have immediately called on President Biden to withdraw this lifetime appointment to the highest court in the land. Sadly, Virginias Senators voted to confirm her because they are beholden to the radicals in their leftist base, and want to appease the Washington establishment, even if it means ignoring the failure to appropriately punish these horrible crimes against innocent children. Bob Good, a Republican, represents Virginias 5th District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He lives in Campbell County. Dee Christensen is a gem of a volunteer by any measure, and we are lucky to have her here at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital. Having graduated from the Jennie Ed School of Nursing in 1965, Dee spent her career as an RN serving at Jennie first in pediatrics, and then in surgery, before retiring in 2003. Dee has served in our West Lobby as a volunteer greeter since 2006. Dee also transports and escorts guests and patients to their desired destinations. She is a valuable assistant to West Lobby staff, helping wherever she is needed. When asked what makes a good volunteer, Dee felt being friendly and a good listener were essential. Dee has been married to her husband, Keith, for 56 years. Keith retired after 40 years of service from the Union Pacific Railroad. They have two sons, Mark and Scott, as well as seven grandchildren, six girls and one boy. In addition to her volunteer work at Jennie, Dee loves to crotchet and cross-stitch. She is also a bit of a fitness buff, taking advantage of her treadmill at home as well as working out with light weights and stretch bands. She and Keith love to travel, having visited Germany, Italy, Costa Rica and Mexico. Included in their travels have been two trips through the Panama Canal. Their next adventures include plans to visit 13 national and state parks, as well as travel to Oregon and a visit to Alcatraz. For more information as to how you, too, can become a volunteer, please contact Lisa Dempsey, Volunteer Coordinator at Jennie Edmundson Hospital, at 712-396-6341. Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital Representatives from Berry Law Firm presented a $5,000 scholarship to Rita Dooley, Army veteran, director of Pottawattamie County Veterans Affairs and director of the Southwest Iowa Veterans Coalition Thursday at the Pottawattamie County VA office. Berry Law awards scholarships to people like Rita who have served their country, said John Berry, who presented the scholarship. Were always reaching out to veterans families, he said. I believe our veterans are our best resource. The firm is empowering veterans in the community to become leaders, said Berry, who served in Iraq with the Nebraska National Guard. Dooley, who lives in Council Bluffs but was originally from Texas, served in the U.S. Army from 2012 to 2021. She was a brigade ammunition officer for 334 Brigade Support Battalion of the Iowa Army National Guard and also served as executive officer of the unit. She will use the scholarship to finish her masters degree in legal studies from American Military University. The reason Im here is my family has a history of military service, she said. My military life has a direct correlation to the person I am today, Dooley said in an essay she submitted to Berry Law to be considered for the scholarship. Without the military, I would not have the undergraduate degree I hold, the leadership experience and the opportunities it has allowed me. Military service started multiple generations ago in my family, she said. In fact, I was born at Bitburg Air Force Base in Germany, as my father was active-duty Air Force. My grandfather was drafted into World War II as an infantryman, an uncle was drafted for Vietnam, my father was active duty Air Force during the Gulf War and my older brother is still serving in the Air Force and has experienced Afghanistan multiple times which all led me to understand my adult life needed to start with me also signing up to serve my country. Dooley participated in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps while attending the University of Texas at Austin and received academic and life lessons from officers there. She also participated in the Department of Defense Project Global Officer. Within this program, I studied the Persian language and culture, she wrote. Project GO included a study abroad experience to Tajikistan in which I was paired up with a host family while also attending daily class to enhance my immersive language skills. This experience opened my knowledge to how other people in other places live their lives. The family included three children younger than 12 who each spoke three different languages, Dooley wrote. While in ROTC, Dooley participated in a competition squad that qualified for the International Sandhurst Military Competition at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Being a member of the squad required me to become disciplined in managing my academics, along with the rigorous skills and physical training needed for the competition, she wrote. Just as Tajikistan opened my experiences of global cultures, the international military competition exposed me to other countries military organizations. We got the opportunity to have cultural exchanges between many international cadet organizations to include the Peoples Republic of China, Canada and our squad favorite, Australia. Dooley also served as a Military Police officer in the Reserve, where she was one of only five women in her Basic Officer Leaders Course. I had to learn to adapt my language and approach to maintain my own peer placement among the class, she wrote. The hardest challenge of the military was experiencing the loss of mentors and peers, losing two childhood friends (who were killed in action) and a peer to self-inflicted demons I have grown an immense appreciation for my friends, Dooley wrote. The unfortunate reality of the fragility of life has increased my desire to ensure everyone is experiencing their greatest potential in life. Dooley has been encouraged by the dedication of the case workers and other personnel at the Pottawattamie County VA. What passion they put into their work with vets has been inspiring, she said. Dooley was accepted by Creighton University Law School but decided to apply for the VA job instead. I didnt want to wait two years to make a difference, she said. My focus is to help veterans use the benefits they received with their service and help them be successful. That includes accessing free primary care, prescriptions and other medical care, as well as helping veterans with service-connected disability claims and encouraging them to use their education benefits. Dooley is also working with Iowa Workforce Development to help veterans find work and in doing so, provide talent for local employers. She hopes to convince the Douglas County VA to provide post-traumatic stress disorder at the Pottawattamie County office. If America takes care of its veterans, young people will be more willing to serve in the military, Dooley said. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. DES MOINES President Joe Biden plans a visit Tuesday to Menlo, a small community just west of Des Moines, a White House official said this weekend. Biden will speak about his administrations plans to address rising costs to consumers and highlight investments in infrastructure, particularly in rural communities, the official said. Menlo is a town of 345 people, about 45 miles west of Des Moines in Guthrie County. More details about the trip will be released in the coming days, the White House official said. It will be Bidens first trip to Iowa for the first time since his election in November 2020. Biden has visited other states to tout the bipartisan infrastructure bill that was passed in November. Iowa will receive roughly $5 billion over five years in new federal funding under the bipartisan infrastructure bill, the White House said when the bill was being approved by Congress. Im thrilled to welcome President Biden back to Iowa, Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Ross Wilburn said in a news release issued Friday, when news of Bidens pending visit first broke. Thanks to President Bidens leadership, we now have the tools to repair Iowa's roads and bridges, connect our rural communities with high-speed internet access, clean up our drinking water, and provide tens of thousands of Iowans with access to affordable health care, Wilburn said. Biden was last in Iowa on Oct. 30, 2020, for a campaign event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds just four days before the general election. While Biden lost Iowa by 8 percentage points, he defeated Republican President Donald Trump for the White House. That was Bidens only visit to Iowa during the general election campaign. He was a frequent visitor to Iowa in the months leading up to the February 2020 Iowa caucuses, in which he finished fourth behind Pete Buttigieg, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. As Republicans like (Gov.) Kim Reynolds and (U.S. Sen.) Chuck Grassley repeatedly turn their backs on Iowans and take credit for programs passed by Democrats, Im eager for Iowans to hear directly from our Commander-in-Chief how Democrats are lowering costs for working families, delivering for rural communities, and building a better Iowa, Wilburn said in his statement. Republican Party of Iowa State Chairman Jeff Kaufmann also issued a statement Friday about Bidens pending visit, noting Bidens low job approval numbers here. Just 35 percent of Iowans approve of Bidens performance as president while 59 disapprove, according to the most recent Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll, from early March. Id like to welcome Joe Biden back to Iowa, a state he lost by eight points, and where his popularity has sunk even lower today, Kaufmann said in his statement. Iowans and Americans are worse off than they were a year ago because of Biden's out-of-touch policies and broken promises. Maybe a trip back to Iowa will be just what Joe Biden needs to understand what his reckless spending, big government policies are doing to our country. When addressing ways to lower consumer costs, Biden may talk about corn-based ethanol, a key issue in the countrys top corn-producing state. According to a spokesman for POET, a biofuels company based just across Iowas northwestern border in Sioux Falls, S.D., said the company hopes Biden will announce a federal waiver that would clear the way for gas stations to sell the E15 blend of ethanol a higher blend than the 10 percent ethanol fuel commonly available year-round. Currently, E15 cannot be sold in Iowa during the summer. King Mohammed VI hosted Saturday, at the Royal Residence in Sale, an iftar in honor of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed Ben Zayed Al Nahyane, who is currently visiting Morocco. During the banquet, the King of Morocco and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi exchanged congratulations on the occasion of the blessed month of Ramadan, and prayed to Allah Almighty to perpetuate goodness, and blessings for all. The two sides also discussed the depth and width of relations between the UAE and Morocco, and wished the two nations continued progress and prosperity. Strong bonds of brotherhood and mutual esteem have always united the Sovereign and his guest, the two sisterly families are bound by relations of permanent affection and constant communication and the two countries are tied by fruitful cooperation and active solidarity. The Iftar was attended by Crown Prince Moulay Al Hassan; Prince Moulay Rachid; Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Rulers Representative in Al Dhafra Region; Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and a number of sheikhs and officials. It is to be recalled that during his latest visit to Morocco end of March, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had met with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Rabat. The Secretary reaffirmed the countries close partnership and reviewed ways to broaden and deepen wide-ranging cooperation and underscored Washingtons commitment to helping the UAE defend itself against threats stemming from Yemen and elsewhere in the region, the State Department had said in a press release. The Secretary again commended the UAEs progress on normalization with Israel through the Abraham Accords and said that he looks forward to working with the UAE and other partners on the initiatives conceived during the recently held Negev Summit, the press release noted. The bold decision announced by the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in support of Moroccos autonomy plan was near to traumatic for some circles in Spain that continue to view their North African neighbor using colonial lenses. Spain and Morocco have both turned a page on an unprecedented crisis that threatened to sap their bilateral cooperation due to the connivance that some leaders in Spain used to have with the Algeria-sponsored Polisario separatists. The visit by Sanchez to Rabat and his meeting with King Mohammed VI ended with a joint statement stressing the centrality of the Sahara issue to Morocco. The statement was underpinned by straightforward support for Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara territory and its autonomy proposal to end the Algeria-instigated conflict in the region. The two parties also agreed to immediately resume sea travel and open all land and sea borders to normal traffic, in a boon for the hard-hit economies of southern Spanish cities. Yet, some members of the Spanish political class prefer to look elsewhere, driven mainly by an endemic hatred towards Moroccos reality and history. During the same day Sanchez visited Rabat, a group of small parties criticized Spains support for the autonomy plan. These includes parties such as Podemos and other miniscule parties from the left and right wing. The detractors of closer ties between Morocco and Spain have for long repeated same worn-out rhetoric about the rights of the Sahraoui people and the need for self-determination in what they always describe as a former Spanish colony. This argument ignores the fact that Sahraouis in Moroccos southern provinces have their own elected representatives and that the Sahara regions history did not start with Spanish colonialism. Anti-Moroccan circles in Spain and the West in general need to understand that Morocco is a kingdom steeped in history that did not wait for colonial powers to define it. Morocco has struggled by all means to gradually secure its territorial integrity after colonial powers partitioned its lands into bits. The retrieval of the Sahara following the Green March in 1975 is part of this process. Opposition to the autonomy plan as a win-win proposal that was described as serious and credible by the UN contradicts Spanish reality itself where many provinces with sharp history and linguistic specificities enjoy local rule as part of Spains sovereignty. The small parties that insist on the unfeasible referendum option have to look in the mirror before opposing Moroccos autonomy plan, which was backed by the US, Germany, France, Israel and the majority of Africa and the Arab World. Spain is the former colonial power in the Sahara territory, a part and parcel of Morocco. By supporting the autonomy plan, Spain has assumed its responsibility in contributing to ending a conflict that it has partly created. LINCOLN The University of Nebraska-Lincolns Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication department on Wednesday announced major steps to strengthen agricultural teacher training and support. ALEC has hired two ag educators one in northeast Nebraska, the other in the Panhandle to support ag teachers throughout their region. In addition, a new tenure-track faculty member at ALEC, with firsthand experience as a high school ag teacher and FFA advisor, will focus on enhanced teacher preparation and other supportive strategies. UNL and Nebraska FFA leaders announced the new hires during a news conference on UNLs East Campus during the first day of the Nebraska FFA State Convention. The three new hires will work to improve retain current ag educators, attract new teachers to the field, and work to better meet the needs to ag educators of all levels of experience all across the state. Monty Larsen, with wide-ranging experience as a rancher and high school ag instructor, will help ag teachers in northeast Nebraska. The satellite ALEC faculty member in the Panhandle will be Troy White, a Ph.D. who comes to Nebraska from a faculty position in ag teacher preparation and ag-related STEM education at South Dakota State University. Becky Haddad, a Ph.D. currently teaching agricultural education at the University of Minnesota, will hold the tenure-track faculty at ALEC. She was a high school ag teacher for five years in her native Minnesota. Weve seen in Nebraska unprecedented growth of new ag education programs in the state, and lots of communities wanting to add teachers, add programs, said Mark Balschweid, the ALEC department head. In 2010, the total number of Nebraska high schools with an ag instructor was 133. Now the number is 202. Some schools have two ag teachers, and a few have three. In all, Nebraskas number of high school ag teachers totals 230. Yet, supply is coming up short of the demand statewide, 64 positions have opened up so far this school year, with 21 remaining unfilled. Were already hearing from superintendents and principals from across the state saying, what can we do to attract candidates? says Matt Kreifels, an associate professor of practice in ALEC specializing in teacher preparation and leadership. The stresses from the COVID crisis have been one factor behind the ag teacher shortage. Another is the wide-ranging instructional expectations for ag teachers, who in many cases are expected to be skilled in everything from the latest ag science developments to crop management to woodworking to welding. And its especially important for beginning teachers to receive mentoring and support tailored to their specific needs. Haddad learned about such challenges during the five years she was a high school ag instructor and FFA advisor in Minnesota. As a single-person department teaching everything from welding to Minnesota wildlife to animal science, giving students a little taste of everything, she found support and input from the community to be vital in helping the program succeed. Such collaboration, she says, provides a richer environment for everybody involved when you have a whole team on board and its not just you. UPDATED, April 11, 2022, 5 p.m.: Updated to correct location of Airport Road-area fire. *** Area fire crews continued to battle multiple fires amid dry and breezy conditions into Saturday evening. After tamping down a fire northeast of North Platte Friday evening, a second fire sparked north and east of Johnson Road about 10 a.m. Then shortly before 3 p.m. Sutherland volunteer firefighters were called to a grass fire north of West Snake Road, northwest of Sutherland. Officials requested plane support from Wallace and Grant to help with containment of the West Snake Road fire just after 4 p.m., and requested more mutual aid after 5 p.m. Fire crews were battling both fires into the evening hours, with mutual aid from multiple departments. Though the National Weather Service had lifted the red flag warning for northern Lincoln County, North Platte Fire were working to extinguish the Johnson Road fire north of Nebraska Highway 97 about 10 miles due north of North Platte. Residents east of North Platte were evacuated Friday night after a fire sparked southeast of the Hall School Road-North Airport Road intersection. Fire crews appeared to have that blaze under control Saturday morning, though very little information was available at press time. Red flag warnings remained in effect in the southeast quadrant of Lincoln County and for Dawson County, Frontier and Gosper counties. The latter of which saw a devastating fire spark Thursday amid 60 mph wind gusts which helped spread it to Furnas County. Elwood volunteer Fire Chief Darren Krull died when the vehicle he was traveling in struck a tanker while fighting the Gosper and Furnas counties fire Thursday afternoon. That fire continued to burn Saturday. Tryon Fire Department was called to a fire just after noon on Friday north of Nebraska Highway 92 near Soddy Road. Brule Fire Department was sent to a tractor fire southeast of the Keith County village around 3 p.m. Friday, according to dispatch reports. Saturday, temperatures reached the 70s and 80s across the region, and no precipitation was in sight. The National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln said moderate drought expanded without precipitation in central Nebraska in its weekly update. A doctoral student at West Central Research Extension and Education Center in North Platte placed second in the Agronomic Crops Poster Presentations at the 75th annual Western Society of Weed Science meeting in Newport Beach, California, in March. Milos Zaric is specializing in weed science at WCREEC. The focus of Zarics research is the possible negative impacts on industrial hemp from herbicide drift from nearby corn and soybean fields. The 2018 Farm Bill recognized industrial hemp as a legal crop. Allowing this crop to be grown for various purposes (fiber, grain, hemp oil, cannabinoids, etc.) resulted in increased industrial hemp acreage cultivated throughout the U.S. However, implementing industrial hemp fields in areas with adjacent soybean and corn fields raised questions about hemps susceptibility to off-target movement of commonly applied herbicides in these crops, Zarics research shows. As expected, nozzle design influenced herbicide drift. Overall, the greatest sensitivity of industrial hemp was observed for glyphosate, glufosinate and mesotrione spray drift. The establishment of industrial hemp fields adjacent to herbicide-tolerant crops such as corn and soybeans in the High Plains is at high risk. The results of this study can be used to expand current knowledge and recommend the employment of additional drift-mitigation techniques and buffer zones to avoid economic losses. Two candidates gunning it out for a Senate nomination. Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photos: Getty Images In his latest intervention in a major Republican primary, Donald Trump has endorsed Mehmet Oz in the Pennsylvania race to choose a successor to retiring GOP senator Pat Toomey. A cardiothoracic surgeon turned TV star (first as a regular guest of Oprah Winfreys, then with his own show) and promoter of various dubious health remedies (including some related to COVID-19), Dr. Oz, as hes known, is a Turkish American from Ohio who has mostly lived in New Jersey (where he and his wife voted in 2020). His main tie to the Keystone State is that he received both medical and business degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. Now that hes running for the Senate, he is renting property owned by his in-laws. But Trump, who has upset Republicans in North Carolina and Tennessee by endorsing carpetbagger congressional candidates with few ties to the districts they hope to represent, doesnt care about all that; Ozs ties to Trump himself are what matters most, as the former presidents statement endorsing him suggests: I have known Dr. Oz for many years, as have many others, even if only through his very successful television show. He has lived with us through the screen and has always been popular, respected, and smart. He even said that I was in extraordinary health, which made me like him even more (although he also said I should lose a few pounds!). Trump also weirdly asserted that women, in particular, are drawn to Dr. Oz for his advice and counsel. I have seen this many times over the years. They know him, believe in him, and trust him. This could well be a veiled reference to the views of Melania Trump, which as NBC News recently reported, is a fan of the candidate her husband just endorsed: But this isnt just about what Melania wants, said [a top Republican familiar with the conversation], who is neutral in the race and was not authorized to speak publicly. There are a lot of Melanias out there. There are a lot of women, in whose living room and bedroom TVs Dr. Oz has been for a decade. They have a very personal relationship with Dr. Oz. But Trumps move is going to upset some other key advisers who are backing a different Trumpy carpetbagger in the race. David McCormick is as famous as Oz in financial circles if not elsewhere, as a longtime senior executive with the giant Wall Street hedge-fund investment firm Bridgewater Associates. He is also a graduate of West Point who served as a paratrooper in the first Gulf War (Ozs service in the Turkish Army isnt comparable in political value, obviously). Unlike Oz, he is a Pennsylvania native, though he has lived in Connecticut for years and just moved back to the Keystone State on the brink of his Senate race. McCormick, who is married to former Trump national security adviser Dina Powell, has been going hard MAGA in his well-funded campaign, and has already locked up support from several top former Trump administration officials, including Stephen Miller, Hope Hicks, Kellyanne Conway, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Robert Lighthizer (all prior to Trumps endorsement of Oz). The two wealthy carpetbaggers have been hammering each other in ads as traitors to the MAGA cause, while not so stealthily trying to secure Trumps endorsement, or at least to deny it to the other. Ozs problem, other than his dual U.S.-Turkish citizenship (he says he will surrender his Turkish passport if he is elected to the Senate), is his association with showbiz, which in todays politics automatically means woke liberal for some voters. A super-PAC supporting McCormick is going after Oz on this ground: Reinforcing that image are some random pro-choice and even pro-trans utterances in his largely apolitical past and video of an interview he once did with Michelle Obama. McCormicks problem is that Bridgewater Associates did quite a bit of business with the Peoples Republic of China, and also managed a Pennsylvania public-school teachers retirement fund that did not do well in its investments. Oz has hit the China angle in ads: Oz isnt the first candidate Trump has endorsed in this Senate race. The candidacy of his original endorsee, Sean Parnell, imploded last fall. Parnell an Afghanistan war hero, frequent Fox News guest, and prize 2020 GOP recruit to (unsuccessfully) challenge Democratic congressman Conor Lamb dropped out last November when he lost custody of his children in proceedings that publicized allegations of domestic abuse. (Parnell, who has endorsed McCormick, bemoaned Trumps decision on Saturday, calling Oz both the antithesis of everything that made Trump the best president of my lifetime and the farthest thing from America First. There are other credible Republican candidates in the primary race as well, though all have been overshadowed by the Oz-McCormick battle: former lieutenant-governor nominee Jeff Bartos, former Trump-administration ambassador to Denmark Carla Sands, and conservative political gabber and former congressional candidate Kathy Barnette. Based on public polling prior to Trumps endorsement, the state of the race hasnt been all that clear. A Fox News poll in early March showed McCormick building a solid nine-point (24-15) lead over Oz, with no one else in striking distance but with a lot of voters still undecided. A more recent (late March) Emerson poll showed the ranks of the undecided swelling to 51 percent, which could show that the attacks the two top candidates have launched on each other are hitting home. Presumably Trumps support for Oz will give him a significant if not decisive boost. But a lot depends on how McCormick (and to a lesser extent other candidates) react. If the entire field goes medieval on Oz, it could get interesting. One thing is certain: If the Republican primary does get even more divisive, the beneficiaries will be the two major Democrats running for the Senate, progressive lieutenant governor John Fetterman and centrist congressman Conor Lamb. Fetterman has led handily in every public poll so far, but there are signs Lamb may go very negative in an effort to show himself as the only electable candidate. If its not enough to lift Lamb, then the attacks will likely help Republicans make out Fetterman as too left-wing for Pennsylvania. But at least both Democrats have been living in Pennsylvania for quite some time. The race could be important nationally. The authoritative Cook Political Report lists nine competitive U.S. Senate races this November that will together determine control of the upper chamber. Five of those races involve seats currently held by Republicans, and two are considered toss-ups: Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. While the latter has become highly competitive in recent years (Donald Trump and retiring GOP senator Pat Toomey both won narrowly in 2016), Democrats currently hold the top three elected offices in the state and won the last gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races in 2018 by landslides. Joe Biden won Pennsylvania, his native state, by 1.2 percent. If, as is expected, the 2022 midterms feature a Republican wave, Pennsylvania could easily be caught up in it. But as in other states, Trumps involvement could change the landscape by making the race a referendum on him and his stolen election fables, not just on an unpopular President Biden. And to the extent that David McCormick and Mehmet Ozs other rivals dont roll over and concede to Trumps newly minted candidate, the states second referendum on the 45th president may have just begun. Clues Kylie hired her own photographer: Clues Kylie never attended the premiere: Nao cansa de matar o fandom!! Kylie Jenner nos bastidores das fotos, antes de ir para a premiere do #TheKardashians. Kylie Jenner via stories do instagram, 08.04.22 pic.twitter.com/ianFDQnJnx Portal Jenner Brasil (@portaljennerin) April 8, 2022 Verdict: Did Kylie attend 'The Kardashian' premiere View Answers Yup, she walked it like the rest of 'em 2 ( 1.7 % ) She did, just her and her photographer 25 ( 20.8 % ) Maybe they ALL had personal photographers... 12 ( 10.0 % ) I hate everything about this 81 ( 67.5 % ) Did Kylie photoshop herself into the premiere View Answers Yes, she was never there 39 ( 43.8 % ) No, she obviously attended 5 ( 5.6 % ) No, but she did photoshop herself 45 ( 50.6 % ) Follow up to this post , where Kylieattended Hulu's premiere of 'The Kardashians'. Except... did she? Speculation was brought up in the comments, per reddit and Instagram account Problematicfame , that Kylie hired her own photographer for the event so she could have control of the images before they went out.Further speculation THEN seemed to indicate that Kylie may have never even attended the premiere at all, but taken photos in a studio and photoshopped herself into the premiere.So did she do it? The theory was first sparked by Problematicfame, who wrote in an Instagram story that "In multiple Instagram stories that are no longer available, they explained how they believe Kylie waited until the other photographers had left the carpet and then walked it by herself with her own personal photographer. That way, she could be in control of (and photoshop) the images. 1) Kylie was not present in any of the GettyImages from the event.2) Kylie was also not present for any group photos, interviews, or BTS content.3) The photographer who took Kylie's photos is a different photographer than the (multiple) photographers listed for Kim, Khloe, Kourtney and Kris' pictures.4) The photographer in question frequently photographs Kylie (and Kim), some of the pictures being 'paparazzi' pictures from her driveway, some of them obviously being taken for her Instagram. She always looks high glam and styled in these pictures. So Kylie and this photographer obviously have a working relationship.5) The photographer lists themselves as a 'personal photographer, celebrity/ event photographer' in their bio. They do not mention doing paparazzi work, despite having multiple 'paparazzi' photos of Kylie (and Kim) on their page.6) The photographer blocked Problematicfame after they aired their theories. 1) She posted a BTS video of her at a photo studio with a white background, although she also posted the 'official' photos from this shoot on her Instagram 2) Idk that's it.3) This picture and this video show she was there?4) Kylie's sister Kendall never even bothered to show up so... Kylie could've done the same.5) Kylie revealed about a month ago that life "hasn't been easy" after giving birth to her second child. People believe her possibly not attending is related to her body not being what it was pre-birth. but who even knows at this point. Sources: 1 There's been loads of boy and girl group content coming out of Japan lately so I'll get to it.The Billboard #1 song this week isbyAnother new Johnnys song out this month isbyThis will serve as the theme song for the new Kindaichi mystery series starring group member Michieda Shunsuke which will (supposedly) be streamed world wide on Disney+!Last week's Billboard #1byThere've been a lot of Japanese audition shows in the past year or so, most of them partially run by KPop companiesThe first one is the exception, a fresh and fun song:by PRIKIL from the program "Who is Princess?" run by FNC isn't releasing their debut single until next month but they put out a dance video JO1 from Produce101 Japan season 1 put out a perfomance video for their song Move The Soul ahead of their first album release in May Meanwhile INI from the second season of Produce101 Japan is put out an MV for Call 119 which will be on their new single "I" out in two weeks NiziU, the JPop Kpop girls group by which all others are now judged are currently releasing teasers for their new single ASABO, out in just three days! Are boy groups or girl groups better? View Answers boys 5 ( 21.7 % ) girls 12 ( 52.2 % ) both 6 ( 26.1 % ) 's newish songnew MV foroff of their 6th EP out later this monthStardust idols aren't as popular as the others but they do boys and girls groups so they fit my theme and they're my favorites so let me livehave stepped away from their ska roots but they're continuing to release high quality songs and MVs. Their latest isproduced by Kenmochi Hidefumi from Wednesday Campanellaput out a MV for their new songwith their avatars idk I just found it funny.And lastly with all the problems there are in the world Avex is asking yet again why we have to choose between boys and girls when we could just have both in one group? They're debuting their new Co-Ed group ONE LOVE ONE HEART at the end of the month!Source 1 [ Spoiler (click to open) ] Edited at 2022-04-10 02:02 am (UTC) I was coming in here just to be disappointed by the spoiler cut. I was looking forward to Jude Law and Mads Reply Thread Link i expected nothing but bareback anal buttsecs with some fisting, and they still managed to dissapoint. Reply Parent Thread Link wrong director. david yates is too vanilla. they gotta get alfonso cuaron back Reply Parent Thread Link In fairness, they are still afraid of gay sexual expression network tv. Men kissing without shirts is about their limit, see ABC's "Scandal". Reply Parent Thread Expand Link the secrets of being too gay Reply Thread Link i'd ban it for being by jk rowling, not for being "too gay". Reply Thread Link this kinda cracks me up because mads and jude showed up together virtually for the beijing premiere just the other day... Reply Thread Link "I alohomora'd my hole and felt his thicc wand inside me" As for what solidified it for me was definitely Logo's airing of Latter Days. Terrible film but woof. That hotel scene. I'm still surprised at the fact that the film features JGL, Lucy Knight's murderer, Mac from Its Always Sunny, Jacqueline Bisset, and Cyborg from Teen Titans. As for what solidified it for me was definitely Logo's airing of Latter Days. Terrible film but woof. That hotel scene.I'm still surprised at the fact that the film features JGL, Lucy Knight's murderer, Mac from Its Always Sunny, Jacqueline Bisset, and Cyborg from Teen Titans. Reply Thread Link "I alohomora'd my hole", sis please!! Reply Thread Link It's nice that they finally made it clear that they were actually in a relationship, but I'm still not gonna watch it. Reply Thread Link My thoughts exactly. Reply Parent Thread Link "I alohomora'd my hole and felt his thicc wand inside me" how dare you make me read this with my own eyeballs Reply Thread Link I think its a very easy movie to censor cheaply. They do talk about dumbledores love, but they have surprisingly little interaction until the finale and no smoldering looks/interactions between them. Chinese censors just will just change it to friendship and WB will get its coin. Reply Thread Link Grindelwald used his engorigo'd GrindelWAND and penerated Dumbledores Dumpydoors. He stupified dat bussy and got Dumbledore quaking like he was getting his soul sucked out like Dementor. In the background dobby and the kraken were getting it on Reply Thread Link i didn't expect late saturday hp smut but here we are. thank you as always ontd Reply Parent Thread Link This is not what Wonho Jesus wants for you! Reply Parent Thread Link Wonho needs to keep his wonholes closed Reply Parent Thread Link Dobby stretches, sir Reply Parent Thread Expand Link OP said 'the Cock posts are ending but not me posting about ' Reply Parent Thread Link Ba da ba ba ba I'm lovin' it. Reply Parent Thread Link Lmao. Ill always trust ontd for my cock needs. Reply Parent Thread Link Winona won an Oscar for this, right? I never saw the movie but the gif tells me that this is award-winning line delivery Reply Parent Thread Link OP, we don't deserve you x Reply Thread Link not the confederate flag on my ONTD! Reply Parent Thread Link this is probably why she thought incest was ok when she turned into black lady Reply Parent Thread Link I miss good porn parodies of popular movies. Just for the titles. With that in mind, I humbly submit "Fantastic Bottoms: The Secrets of Dumblewhore". Reply Thread Link The first porn (and only, I think) I ever saw was called Fatman and Throbbin. I dont remember a single thing about it other than the title, which has stuck with me for 30+ years. Reply Parent Thread Link Precious memories. Reply Parent Thread Link Edward Penishands. Yes, it's real. Reply Parent Thread Link Me to the AMR2022 and Lawrence Stroll: Also me this evening/morning A lil' Recap 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place 1st Place2nd Place3rd Place *yes, I know these are from last season - give me a break, I'm sleepy and stressedT What Happened at the Qualifying Sessions? Highlights of Q1 Good evening class, let's look at the lesson plan for today- bro it's fucking midnight here- and honestly, Seb should've never turned in a negative COVID, just kick it at home with the kids- Okay, Albert Park wherever this GP is beautiful- Some track changes including resurfacing, widened corners, two corners removed entirely, more corners adjusted for overtaking- C5, C3, and C2 not a typo, theyre using non sequential tyres- Sebastian Vettel has finally used up all his PTO and returns this weekend only to be fucked with by Aston Martin and the FIA. Lowkey, I think if Aston Martin fucking tanks this year, he might retire.- Ferrari still going strong- Alpine is flip flopping on their livery- McLaren experienced a much needed improvement with both drivers hitting top ten in their outlaps- Also, I miss the black livery for Mercedes. Yeah, I know Silver Arrown blah, blah, blah BUT it was just cooler okay- Sir Lewis experienced some oversteer in some few corners, falling out of the top ten.- Some of these cars: via GIPHY Highlights of Q2 Highlights of Q3 Here the Grid for Today! - AM couldnt get Sebs car done in time so no qualifying (update: he was able to with like two minutes left)- LATIFI FUCKING BINS IT AGAIN causing a red flag, but maybe just maybe Seb can make an out lap- Red Bull finished besting Ferrari- Just as Q1 ended, Alex Albon (Williams) suffered a mechanical failure (not sure) and had to stop on track- Alonso starts the session second fastest- Perez will be investigated for not slowing down under yellow flags- AlphaTauris Pierre Gasly had a disappoting Q2, getting eliminiated- McLaren showing some consistency for the better in Q2- Alonso hits the wall causing a red flag nat Turn 11- Mercedes had a much needed improvement, still lots of porpoising- Another provisional pole for Charles Leclerc and surely Christian Horner is- Lando Norris hits fourthbut in the end...Sources*For those who are in the US and watch via ESPN - don't worry there's a replay of the race at a more suitable time at 9:00 AM ET Uzbekistan is stuck between a rock and a hard place, not wanting to antagonize Russia by canceling the projects and wanting to avoid sanctions when the projects are completed. Today, with Russia facing sanctions from the international community due to its invasion of Ukraine, Uzbekistans nuclear future is suddenly looking very uncertain. Four years ago, Uzbekistan turned to nuclear energy as a way to address its chronic energy shortages, relying on Russian investment and expertise to drive the projects forward. When Uzbekistan fired the starting pistol four years ago on plans to go nuclear as a way to address the chronic energy shortages that plague it every winter, the world was a different place. Russian President Vladimir Putin was not an international pariah. And Shavkat Mirziyoyev, his Uzbek counterpart, was courting him as a guest of honor in Tashkent. The high point of Putins visit was when he and Mirziyoyev symbolically inaugurated the start of a project to build an $11 billion nuclear power plant in an area just east of Bukhara. The work was to be done by Russias state-owned Rosatom, a commanding presence in the global nuclear power industry, and to be funded with loans from Moscow. Tashkent hailed the environmental upside of a plant that would reduce reliance on fossil fuels coal and natural gas for power generation. It is furthermore hoped that nuclear-generated electricity could advance Tashkents economic goals by freeing up gas currently used for power generation for processing into value-added products. But an agreement that looked like a winner could now become collateral damage in Russias invasion of Ukraine. Related: The Energy Transition Will Transform Geopolitics Uzbekistans choice of partner may have looked logical back in 2017 when it first signed the nuclear deal with Russia on joint construction of the plant. But with Russia now the target of international sanctions, Rosatom looks a lot less attractive as a partner even though the sanctions regime in its current form does not extend to the company itself. Rosatom is bullish on the Uzbekistan project. The details of this project are under discussion. We all understand perfectly that the construction of the atomic power station is a strategic bilateral cooperation project in the interests of our countries, said senior Rosatom representative Vadim Titov on April 4 in remarks quoted by Podrobno.uz. Titov, the president of the Rusatom International Network, which represents the companys global interests, was speaking at an online event in the run-up to an international trade fair in Tashkent later this month. But with the full implication of the sanctions now in place yet to become fully clear, that confidence may be misplaced. It is absolutely the case that projects that have not yet been completed or that still are in the design stages are extremely vulnerable to sanctions difficulties and interference, even if Rosatom is not itself presently subject to such sanctions, Richard Nephew, the director of the International Security Initiative at Columbia Universitys Center on Global Energy Policy, told Eurasianet by email. Sanctions targeting financial transactions, technology transfers and the like will all undermine efforts to engage in and complete such projects. While there are clear risks to proceeding with the project, there are risks to scrapping it, too. Aside from the certainty that cancellation would antagonize a belligerent Russia, finding a new partner to build a plant that Mirziyoyev said in 2018 would be completed within a decade would take time. So is building the Russo-Uzbek nuclear power station still viable? Possibly, though given the long lead times required to develop and implement nuclear reactor projects, by the time such a project were to begin, it could be covered by sanctions, said Nephew. In general, it would not be advisable to start development of such projects now, given this risk. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The EU will scramble to procure the fuel from exporters such as South Africa, Colombia, the U.S. and Australia Europes planned ban on imports of Russian coal is set to further tighten an already tight global coal market and create a domino effect on the prices of coal, natural gas, and electricity not only in Europe but also in other regional markets. Coal markets globally were already tight even before the Russian invasion of Ukraine as the energy crisis and natural gas shortage in Europe and Asia in the autumn of 2021 pushed up the use and price of coal. The two major coal-consuming countries in AsiaChina and Indiawere scrambling to procure enough of the dirtiest fossil fuel as skyrocketing natural gas prices incentivized more coal use for power generation. At times, coal supply was severely constrained, also because of Chinas unofficial ban on Australian coal imports. Chinas coal demand is not going anywhere, as the country will continue to maximize the use of coal in the coming years as it caters to its energy security. This week, as the Russian war in Ukraine and reports of Russian atrocities in Ukrainian cities pushed Europe to propose a ban on Russian coal imports, coal supply in Europe, Asia, and globally is once again facing constraints and rallying prices. As a result, prices of other energy commodities and of power generation are set to spike, too. Coal prices in northwest Europe jumped this week to their highest level in one month after the European Commission proposed on Tuesday a ban on imports of Russian coal over Russian war crimes in Ukraine. Related: Russian Oil Continues To Flow To India And China Finally, it was high time to take this step. It is the first time that we directly sanction the import of fossil fuels from Russia, thus cutting an important revenue source, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a speech on Wednesday. The EU approved on Thursday the new package of sanctions against Russia, including a ban on coal imports from Russia. Since Russia meets a large part of coal demand in Europe, the EU will scramble to procure the fuel from exporters much farther away, which would cost more to ship from South Africa, Colombia, the United States, and even Australia. The coal market has been tight for months, even without a European embargo on Russian coal, so prices are bound to spike again as global coal trade flows will have to be reshuffled. This will take time and raise the costs of shipping, resulting in higher coal and electricity prices. The coal ban means European consumers will have to brace for high power prices throughout this year as supply shortages in countries that rely on coal generation will spread across the continent via its well-connected power grids, Rystad Energy said in research this week. Germany, Europes biggest economy, will be particularly hit, as well as Eastern Europe, the energy research firm noted. Europe will face challenges in getting alternative supply, even at high costs, considering that the global coal market is already very tight. Major exporters such as Australia and Indonesia will have a limited amount of coal to spare for Europe, considering the freight costs and long voyages and the continued high coal demand in Asia. Moreover, coals specifications vary in terms of calorific content as not all coal is equal, and power generators suited for Russian coal could see higher costs of burning non-Russian coal. Even though it seems feasible to find partial solutions to the coal crisis that is developing in Europe, the European population will have to deal with the consequences and factor in historically high electricity prices for at least the remainder of 2022, Rystad Energy said. Power prices across the region will be set by the marginal sources of supply, which are gas and coal. Both these fuels are now trading at exceptionally high levels and will therefore have a direct impact on the power market. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Compared to previous oil shocks, this is a different world. Vehicle industry expert John DeCicco, an engineer at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, says that history may not teach us much about how consumers are going to respond to skyrocketing oil prices. In the past, oil price sticker shock has reliably caused consumers to drive less and to purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles in order to ease the sting of high prices at the pump. This time, however, increasingly dramatic wealth gaps in many countries around the world may break this pattern. According to DeCicco, the demographic of consumers who are likely to buy new cars is wealthier than in decades past, meaning that purchasing patterns may not shift as dramatically as we have seen before. This is just one small facet of a massively and rapidly changing economic landscape, however. Economic and geopolitical turmoil has turned the global economy on its head and made the future unpredictable. Big energy companies are not rushing to invest in fossil fuels in spite of the current factors favoring the sector. In addition to the wealthys buoyed ability to keep buying gas guzzlers, continued volatility in the energy sector due to continued fallout from the novel coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine has driven the world back to fossil fuels with a vengeance. In fact, even as the world has rushed to condemn Putins acts of aggression and apparent war crimes in Ukraine and put economic pressure on the Kremlin, Europes consumption of Russian oil and gas has actually increased since the onset of the war. According to Brussels-based think tank Bruegel, Europe bought US$24 billion worth of oil and gas in March alone. Related: Rising Energy Costs Could Push Metal Prices Even Higher Early last month, the European Commission released a plan to reduce Russian gas imports to Europe by two-thirds this year, with the suggestion to replace 60% of that 101.5 billion cubic meters with gas from other countries, most notably the United States and Qatar, and 33% from renewable energy and conservation efforts. The European Commission cannot enforce this plan, however, and its unclear whether European nations will decide to comply. To be sure, weaning Europe off of Russian oil and gas will be a Herculean feat. In the meantime, Ukraine is continuing to plead with the EU to embargo Russian oil and gas completely. Despite the fact that global oil demand is set to surpass pre-pandemic levels in the short term, Big Oil is well aware that long-term policy targets and public opinion favor renewables. Even in the context of a global energy supply crunch, energy companies have been hesitant to put money into increased fossil fuel production. The market is scared, Harvard University economist Ricardo Hausmann was quoted by Nature. All of this points to the reality that the end of the energy supply crunch is not in sight. Bearish leadership in the fossil fuels sector and soaring consumption have left the energy sector in quite a bind. The fallout from sustained sky-high energy prices will be sweeping and devastating in myriad ways. High energy costs and fuel shortages (which translates to fertilizer shortages), in combination with the loss of Russian and Ukrainian grain on the global market, could lead to food price shocks, which are historically one of the most dependable drivers of conflict and political and social unrest. While the world has enough grain to supplement the loss from Ukraine and Russia, price hikes, even if short-lived, will put enormous strain on countries that are already hungry. Whats more, the tight energy market is driving more and more countries to ramp up their coal consumption, putting global climate goals in extreme risk. While many experts are hopeful that the war in Ukraine will actually catalyze the clean energy transition as the world scrambles to shore up its energy security and independence without reliance on Russian oil and gas, in the short term the trends toward high-emissions fossil fuels are alarming. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: DAKAR, Senegal West Africa is facing its worst food crisis in a decade due to increasing conflicts, droughts, floods and the war in Ukraine, nearly a dozen international organizations said in a new report. The number of West Africans needing emergency food assistance has nearly quadrupled from 7 million in 2015 to 27 million this year in nations including Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Mali and Nigeria, where thousands have also been displaced because of rising Islamic extremist violence, the report said. That number could jump to 38 million by June if action isnt taken soon to help people in the Sahel, the sweeping region south of the Sahara Desert, the groups warned. Cereal production in some parts of the Sahel has dropped by about a third compared to last year. Family food supplies are running out. Drought, floods, conflict and the economic impacts of COVID-19 have forced millions of people off their land, pushing them to the brink, according to Assalama Dawalack Sidi, Oxfams regional director for West and Central Africa. Children are suffering deeply, with estimates by the United Nations saying that some 6.3 million children 5 years and under will be acutely malnourished this year. Young girls will also face the brunt of the problem, being forced into early marriage or facing gender-based violence as food becomes scarcer, the 11 international organizations said. Drought and poor rainfall distribution have reduced the food sources in many communities in the central Sahel region, the report said. Food prices have increased by up to 30% in West Africa, it said. Global prices have risen as trade has been interrupted by the war in Ukraine, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. Wheat availability will also be greatly affected in six West African countries that import at least 30% of their wheat from Russia and Ukraine, it said. The crisis in Europe is also resulting in funding cuts to aid in Africa and $4 billion is needed to provide adequate support to the continent, the report said. Ukraine is receiving the right level of solidarity and care, this level should be the standard for responses to all crises, everywhere else, said Moumouni Kinda, director-general of the Alliance for International Medical Action. The ACLU of Nebraska is thrilled to announce Mindy Rush Chipman will lead their statewide legal program as the organization's next legal director. Rush Chipman is an accomplished civil rights attorney who comes to the role with significant experience advocating for often marginalized clients in diverse areas of law including criminal defense, housing, immigration law, juvenile law and unlawful discrimination. David Thien , with Thien Farm Management, Inc. from Council Bluffs, Iowa has been recognized as a part of the 2021 APEX Producers Club by the Realtors Land Institute (RLI) as a part of the RLI APEX Production Awards Program, sponsored by The Land Report. "Being recognized by an elite organization and joining RLI's 2021 APEX Producers Club is a very satisfying professional accomplishment. The network, contacts, and education that RLI provides to its members is crucial to reaching lofty professional goals." said David upon receiving the award. David Thien is Co-Owner and President of Thien Farm Management, Inc. David is a licensed real estate broker in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Colorado and Certified General Real Property Appraiser in Iowa. David also holds the Accredited Farm Manager (AFM) and Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) designations. The World-Heralds series on Nebraskas beef industry has been recognized by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing in its 2021 Best in Business awards. Reported and written by World-Herald staff writers Henry J. Cordes and Paul Hammel, the series received honorable mention in the explanatory journalism category for medium-sized publications. The State of Beef explored challenges faced by Nebraskas most important agricultural sector, including its fast-shrinking share of the retail beef dollar relative to meatpackers. It also looked at both the threats and opportunities for the industry posed by global climate change, including how reducing methane from cattle could significantly benefit both producers and the planet. The judges for SABEW said the series represented the best of explanatory reporting in taking on a big part of the economy, one that remains opaque to most Americans, and describing how it really works. Fortune magazine had the winning entry in the category with an investigation into the high cost of lifesaving insulin for diabetics. The World-Herald was one of three publications to receive honorable mention, joining Kaiser Health News for reporting on COVID-19s impact on hospitals and the Boston Globe for a collaborative series on climate changes impact on the lobster industry. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska has cited The World-Heralds series as she has pushed in Congress to raise the level of active bidding in live cattle markets and promote price transparency. A bipartisan bill she is co-sponsoring is set for a public hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee on April 26. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Comedian Chelsea Handler is looking for a few things when she brings her stand-up tour to Omaha this week: a good steak and someone who will laugh so hard that they wet themselves. I like it when somebody pees in their pants from laughing too hard, she said in an interview with the Omaha World-Herald. Theres always one person. The actress, writer, producer and television host will perform at the Holland Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. Saturday. Handler is also a best-selling author and has appeared on Time Magazines 100 Most Influential People list. Among several other television and film projects, she hosted the late-night comedy series Chelsea Lately on E! for seven years and later the talk show Chelsea on Netflix. Her latest televised stand-up special, Chelsea Handler: Evolution, is now streaming on HBO Max. Her newest book, Life Will Be the Death of Me, is being turned into a show for Peacock that Handler will star in. In the meantime, she said she is enjoying her tour and her return to the stage. Youre up there with a microphone in front of a crowd and you get to say whatever you want and youre not reading somebody elses lines, youre writing them, she said. Thats the artistic freedom that I like. My whole career has been built around my point of view and my personality, what I want to do and what I want to say. And that has been a huge advantage for me and a huge comfort. I dont have to take a lot of direction from other people. Im known as a comic and a personality who has my own opinions and who shares them. Like most of the world, the COVID pandemic sidelined Handler for a couple of years, but she said she takes it in stride and discusses it in her live show. I dont really have anything to complain about. It was an interesting time for trying to date, she said. I had people over and would give them COVID tests in my backyard. And if they said anything annoying, I would just come out and tell them they were positive so I had fun with that. Handler is working on a new book about her romantic relationship with comedian Jo Koy. The couple have been friends for years and Koy was a frequent guest on Chelsea Lately. It really is a love story and its so sweet, she said. It happened to someone like me who had written off men for a long time. I think it will be inspiring for a lot of women. Saturdays show will also address other personal anecdotes with vibes of female empowerment and stories about her two dogs who, she says, have no respect for her. With or without accidental urination, she said her hope for the show is to remind people about togetherness, humanity, hilarity and laughs. It used to be that someone used to be really wasted and would be removed. But now, with growing older that has transitioned into someone actually urinating on themselves, she said. And I take a lot of pride in that. I like to make people laugh so hard that they lose their faculties. So wear a diaper, I guess. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. PHOENIX (AP) Jennifer Chau was astonished last month when the U.S. Census Bureau's report card on how accurately it counted the U.S. population in 2020 showed that Asian people were overcounted by the highest rate of any race or ethnic group. The director of an Asian American advocacy group thought thousands of people would be missed outreach activities had been scratched by the coronavirus pandemic, and she and her staff feared widespread language barriers and wariness of sharing information with the government could hinder participation. They also thought recent attacks against Asian Americans could stir up fears within the Asian population, the fastest-growing race or ethnic group in the U.S. Im honestly shocked, said Chau, director of the Arizona Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander For Equity Coalition. But Chau and other advocates and academics also believe the overcounting of the Asian population by 2.6% in the once-a-decade U.S. head count may not be all that it seems on the surface. They say it likely masks great variation in who was counted among different Asian communities in the U.S. They also believe it could signal that biracial and multiracial residents identified as Asian in larger numbers than in the past. The specifics are difficult to determine because all Asian communities are grouped together under the same race category in the census. This conceals the wide variety of income, education and health backgrounds between subgroups and tends to blur characteristics unique to certain communities, some advocates said. It may also perpetuate the model minority" myth of Asians being affluent and well-educated. Asian Americans have the largest income inequality than any other racial groups in the U.S. and the overall overcount likely masks the experiences of Asian ethnic groups who were more vulnerable to being undercounted, said Aggie Yellow Horse, an assistant professor of Asian Pacific American Studies at Arizona State University. Almost four dozen U.S. House members this month asked the Census Bureau to break down the accuracy of the count of Asian residents by subgroups. Asians in the U.S. trace their roots to more than 20 countries, with China and India having the largest representation. But the bureau has no plans to do so, at least not in the immediate future. To really see how the Asian American community fared, you need lower level geography to understand if there was an undercount or if certain communities fared better than others, said Terry Ao Minnis, senior director of census and voting programs at Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC. Asians were overcounted by a higher rate than any other group. White residents were overcounted by 0.6%, and white residents who arent Hispanic were overcounted by 1.6%. The Black population was undercounted by 3.3%, those who identified as some other race had a 4.3% undercount, almost 5% of the Hispanic population was missed and more than 5.6% of American Indians living on reservations were undercounted. Civil rights leaders blamed the undercounts on hurdles created by the pandemic and political interference by then-President Donald Trumps administration, which tried unsuccessfully to add a citizenship question to the census form and cut field operations short. The census not only is used for determining how many congressional seats each state gets and for redrawing political districts; it helps determine how $1.5 trillion a year in federal funding is allocated. Overcounts, which are revealed through a survey the bureau conducts apart from the census, occur when people are counted twice, such as college students being counted on campus and at their parents homes. In the 2020 census, 19.9 million residents identified as Asian alone, a 35% increase from 2010. Another 4.1 million residents identified as Asian in combination with another race group, a 55% jump from 2010. Asians now make up more than 7% of the U.S. population. Some of the growth by Asians in the 2020 census may be rooted in the fluidity of how some people, particularly those who are biracial or multiracial, report their identity on the census form, said Paul Ong, a professor emeritus of urban planning and Asian American Studies at UCLA. People change their identity from one survey to another, and this is much more prevalent among those who are multiracial or biracial, Ong said. Lan Hoang, a Vietnamese American woman who works at the same coalition as Chau, listed her three young children as Asian, as well as white and Hispanic to represent her husband's background. She used the census as an opportunity to talk to them about the importance of identity, even reading them a kids' book about the head count. It talks about how important it is that you let others know that youre here, this is who you represent, Hoang said. When I filled out (the form), they were totally surprised. ... 'Yeah, youre three different things in one. Youre special. Conversations about declaring one's Asian background are especially meaningful given the anti-Asian hate brought on by the pandemic, Hoang added. Eight people, including six women of Asian descent, were fatally shot last year at Georgia massage businesses, and thousands more attacks against Asians have happened across the U.S. since 2020. Such factors may have led some multiracial people who ordinarily would have indicated on the census form that they were white, Black or some other race to instead select Asian, Ong said. When that happens, people who are multiracial go in two directions: They reject their minority identity or they embrace it, Ong said. With the rise of anti-Asian hostility, it forced some multiracial Asians to select a single identity. Another factor that may have contributed to the Asian overcount is the fact that young adult Asians were more likely to be in college than other racial or ethnic groups: 58% compared to 42% or less for young adults of other race or ethnic backgrounds. That may have led them to be counted twice, on campuses and at their parents' homes, where they went after colleges and universities closed because of the pandemic. UCLA junior Lauren Chen spent most of her freshman year back home in Mesa, Arizona, in 2020. Her father included Chen on the household census form even though Census Bureau rules said she should have been counted at school. Chen has no idea if she was counted twice. UCLA was pretty swamped with trying to figure out how to get people their belongings. ... It was a very messy moment and I dont think I knew anyone that got mail or anything like that, Chen said. (The census) is definitely something that I paid attention to, especially with the way that my Dad focused on it. Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeSchneiderAP. Tang reported from Phoenix and is a member of The Associated Press Race and Ethnicity team. Follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ttangAP. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Most of the sandhill cranes in central Nebraska are heading north but that doesnt mean there isnt still lots to view across the state. The Nebraska Game and Parks has put together its top nine parks with trails for wildlife watching. Visitors can spot birds of all types as well as several varieties of wildlife, from deer to beavers. Nebraska has many opportunities thanks to its diverse habitats everything from prairie to ponderosa pine, wetlands and more than 23,000 miles of rivers and streams. Its a great time to view wildlife all across the state, said Olivia DaRugna, the watchable wildlife biologist for Game and Parks. With the warmer spring weather everyone is eager to get outside. With few leaves on the trees it is a perfect time to watch for birds in the canopies. Songbirds are starting to trickle up from the south and DaRugna said listen closely and you might hear a meadowlark sing. The western meadowlark is the state bird of Nebraska. Turkey vultures are flying over Ponca State Park and lots of pelicans are arriving in the Lake Ogallala area. Muddy spring soil makes it easier to spot animal tracks. Early mornings are the best for viewing the most wildlife, she said. If youre planning a visit, check out more about the parks at outdoornebraska.org. Here are some of the best parks for wildlife watching this spring: Ponca State Park: One of Nebraskas most visited state parks, Ponca State Park is popular for its forested hills, scenic vistas and great wildlife watching. Observers have tallied a bird list of nearly 300 species for the park and surrounding area, and during peak migration in late April and early May, the park is a hot spot for both amateur and experienced birders. Turkeys also are a common sight at the park, and if youre lucky, you may spot white-tailed deer along the parks 22 miles of trails. Rock Creek Station State Historical Park: History buffs will love exploring this former Pony Express station where James Butler Wild Bill Hickok began his bloody gunfighting career. But its also a great place for birdwatching: More than 6 miles of trails offer outstanding birding opportunities. Try the Natural Legacy Demonstration Hike Trail. You can see Eastern Bluebirds, towhees, Barred Owls, and a variety of sparrows. Many sparrows that wintered here like the American Tree Sparrow and Harris Sparrow will be heading north to their breeding grounds soon, while Field Sparrows and Grasshopper Sparrows will just start to arrive and begin singing as they stack out their breeding grounds. If the weather is warm you may see some turtles and snakes coming out to bask in the sun. Coyote, red fox, white-tailed deer can all be observed here especially in early mornings. Branched Oak State Recreation Area: This park features the largest lake in eastern Nebraska and has long been a popular spot for fishing, boating and camping. It also offers 7 miles of hiking trails, with a multi-use trail along the south side of the lake that provides great wildlife viewing. The lake attracts many birds during early spring, such as gulls, waterfowl and loons. Many species of ducks, as well as double-crested cormorants and American white pelicans, are common during migration. Upland game birds and deer also can be spotted at the park. Its great for viewing birds and other wildlife from your car with many parking areas with different vantage points around the lake to view waterbirds like American White pelicans. Pawnee Prairie Wildlife Management Area: Only 2 miles from the Kansas border, this wildlife management area features native prairie, woodlands, ponds and creeks, which support northern mockingbirds, Carolina wrens, upland sandpipers and loggerhead shrikes. A flock of about 20 greater-prairie chickens gather on a lake near the center of the prairie, about three-quarters of a mile from the perimeter parking lots. No permanent blinds are available, but temporary blinds are allowed; bring one to view the birds in early mornings or late evenings from mid-March to mid-April. Upland sandpipers will start showing up later this month. Fort Kearny State Recreation Area: Looking for a place to view sandhill cranes? Fort Kearny is a great spot, although many have continued their migration north to their breeding grounds. From the hike/bike trail 1 mile east of the fort, visitors can see cranes arriving and leaving the river in early morning and late evening, from late February through early April. The trail is well-maintained and handicap accessible. Throughout the year, you can see many bird species from this spot, including bald eagles, geese and ducks in the winter. Watch for Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Phoebe and Tree Swallows along the hike-bike trail as well as deer, opossum, and fox. Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area: Located on the east side of Kingsley Dam and massive Lake McConaughy, Lake Ogallala is a well-known fishing destination and very attractive to a variety of birds. A variety of waterbirds can be observed here in early April, including ducks, Horned Grebes and gulls. Shorebirds are just starting to migrate through Nebraska, but you may observe Greater Yellowlegs and American Avocet here over the weekend. Camping spots are available along the western and north shorelines of the lake, where the deciduous wooded habitats shelter a rich array of nesting passerines. Niobrara State Park: Situated at the confluence of the Niobrara and Missouri rivers on Nebraskas northeastern border, Niobrara State Park offers visitors an array of outdoor experiences, including wildlife viewing. Both white-tailed deer and wild turkeys roam freely throughout the park, and beaver, muskrat and mink prowl the riverbanks. The park also is home to a wide range of birds, including woodpeckers, shorebirds and bald eagles right now. Fort Robinson State Park: This stunning park comprises more than 22,000 acres of exquisite Pine Ridge scenery and supports a variety of species, including bighorn sheep, bison, pronghorn and elk. Laced with 130 miles of hiking trails, this park also offers birding opportunities, including chances of seeing species found in the western United States. Search rocky escarpments for golden eagles and prairie falcons. Walk along the White River Trail, where you can observe Barred Owls, Black-billed Magpies, Western Meadowlark, Says Phoebe as well as deer and other wildlife. Wildcat Hills: Situated high on a rocky escarpment in the Wildcat Hills, this park offers an escape to the regions signature rugged topography. An array of wildlife roams here, including wild turkeys, deer, bobcat and coyote. The rugged terrain and ponderosa pines also provide habitat for western bird species. Stop by the visitor centers bird feeders to see a big variety. Traverse the parks 3 miles of trails and keep your eyes out. Tracks of some of the parks stealthier animals, like bobcats, can be spotted on the Nature Trail. Along the SRA roads you may also observe Mountain Bluebirds as they choose which birdhouse to nest in this spring and a Says Phoebe perched on the top of a yucca plant. Omaha World-Herald: Inspired Living Inspired Living Omaha spotlights home, design, fashion, food, entertaining, design, travel + more. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Partnering with the Cristin Tierney Gallery in New York, the National Willa Cather Center is pleased to announce a series of performance art pieces by Los Angeles-based artist Tim Youd. During April and May, Youd is retyping three of Willa Cathers novels in their entirety on location in Nebraska: O Pioneers!, The Song of the Lark and My Antonia. These will be the 72nd, 73rd and 74th performances from the artists 100 Novels Project. Youd will be in residence in Red Cloud from April 10 to 28, where he will retype the The Song of the Lark. We are honored that the National Willa Cather Center and Red Cloud will be one of three Nebraska locations for artist Tim Youds 100 Novels project. His use of a period typewriter to retype an entire classic novel is a unique kind of performance art, marketing coordinator Catherine Pond said. The punch of each letter and word becomes its own moment, conjuring the original work in real time, while honoring the writers process. Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to watch and experience his unique art form when he types at various settings in and around Red Cloud, including at several of the Cather-related historic sites. Youd last week retyped O Pioneers! while hosted by the Willa Cather Archive at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After his Red Cloud residency, Youd will retype My Antonia in Omaha from May 1-10 in partnership with Joslyn Art Museum. Like Youds previous 100 Novels performances, all three books will be retyped on the same make/model typewriter used by Cather and in locations related to her novels. When retyping, Youd types all the words of the novel onto one page (which is backed by a second sheet) by running it repeatedly through the typewriter. The words become illegible, and the accumulated text becomes a rectangle of black ink inside the larger rectangle of the white page. Upon completion, Youd separates the two highly distressed pages and mounts them side-by-side in diptych form. This performance relic thus becomes a formal drawing, a representation of two pages of a book. The novel is present in its entirety, yet the words are completely obscured. Dinosaurs show coming to Omaha Jurassic Quest is bringing its Dinosaurs show to Omaha from April 15 to 17. The herd of photorealistic dinosaurs will invade CHI Health Center with events such as dinosaur-themed rides and attractions, live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities, a triceratots soft play area and an interactive scavenger style-hunt for the whole family. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Go to jurassicquest.com/events/omaha-ne for tickets, which are $22 for adults and $19 for children and seniors An unlimited rides pass is $36. Round it up for Autism Action Partnership Goodwill Omahas first round-it-up campaign of 2022 will be for the Autism Action Partnership, a local nonprofit that works to improve the quality of life for people with autism and their family. April is National Autism Acceptance Month, and throughout the month shoppers at all Goodwill Omahas retail stores can round their purchases up to the next dollar or higher for AAP. The campaign will specifically benefit AAPs Making Memories program, which provides opportunities for families in the autism community to experience the best local attractions in the most sensory-friendly environments possible, so families can have more positive experiences with their children with autism. Its a wonderful cause, and Goodwill is honored to be able to raise money to support it, said Tobi Mathouser, president and CEO at Goodwill Omaha. Omaha World-Herald: Inspired Living Inspired Living Omaha spotlights home, design, fashion, food, entertaining, design, travel + more. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. ISTANBUL (AP) A Turkish court ruled Thursday to suspend the trial in absentia of 26 Saudis accused in the gruesome killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi and for the case to be transferred to Saudi Arabia. Kaghoggi, a United States resident who wrote critically about Saudi Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed on Oct. 2, 2018, at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. He had gone into the consulate for an appointment to collect documents required for him to marry his Turkish fiancee, Hatice Cengiz. He never emerged from the building. Turkish officials alleged that Khashoggi was killed and then dismembered with a bone saw inside the consulate by a team of Saudi agents sent to Istanbul. The group included a forensic doctor, intelligence and security officers and individuals who worked for the crown princes office. His remains have not been found. The Istanbul court's decision comes despite warnings from human rights groups that turning the case over to the kingdom would lead to a cover up of the killing, which has cast suspicion on the crown prince. It also comes as Turkey, which is in the throes of a deep economic downturn, has been trying to repair its troubled relationship with Saudi Arabia and an array of other countries in its region. Some media reports have claimed that Riyadh has made improved relations conditional on Turkey dropping the case, which had inflamed tensions between two countries. The move would pave the way to a resolution of disputes between the two regional heavyweights since the 2011 Arab Spring, including Turkeys support for Islamist movements like the Muslim Brotherhood, which Riyadh considers a terrorist group. Turkey also sided with Qatar in a diplomatic dispute that saw Doha boycotted by Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Last week, the prosecutor in the case recommended that it be transferred to the kingdom, arguing that the trial in Turkey would remain inconclusive. Turkeys justice minister supported the recommendation, adding that the trial in Turkey would resume if the Turkish court is not satisfied with the outcome of proceedings in the kingdom. It was not clear, however, if Saudi Arabia, which has already put some of the defendants on trial behind closed doors, would open a new trial. During Thursday's hearing, lawyers representing Cengiz asked the court not to move proceedings to Saudi Arabia, the private DHA news agency reported. Lets not entrust the lamb to the wolf, the agency quoted lawyer Ali Ceylan as telling the court, using a Turkish saying. Lets protect the honor and dignity of the Turkish nation. The court however, ruled to halt the trial in line with the Justice Ministry's positive opinion, DHA reported. It also decided to lift arrest warrants issued against the defendants and gave the sides seven days in which to lodge any opposition to the courts decisions. Human rights advocates had also urged Turkey not to transfer the case to Saudi Arabia, arguing that justice for Khashoggi would not be delivered by Saudi courts. It's a scandalous decision, said Emma Sinclair-Webb, the Turkey director for the New York-based Human Rights Watch, asserting that the court had "rubber stamped" a political decision that would allow the government to repair its ties with Saudi Arabia. In the interest of realpolitik, Turkey is ready to sacrifice justice for an egregious crime on its own soil, she told The Associated Press. (The decision) opens the way for other countries to commit assassinations on Turkish territory and get away with it. Cengiz said she would continue to seek justice. We will continue this (judicial) process with all the power given to me, as a Turkish citizen, she told reporters outside the courthouse. The two countries may be making an agreement, the two countries may be opening a new chapter ... but the crime is still the same crime, she said. The people who committed the crime haven't changed. Governments and states must have a principled stance. At the time of the crime, Turkey apparently had the Saudi Consulate bugged and shared audio of the killing with the CIA, among others. The slaying sparked international outrage and condemnation. Western intelligence agencies, as well as the U.S. Congress, have said that an operation of such magnitude could not have happened without knowledge of the prince. Turkey, which had vowed to shed light on the brutal killing, began prosecuting the defendants in absentia in 2020 after Saudi Arabia rejected requests for their extradition. The defendants included two former aides of the prince. Some of the men were put on trial in Riyadh behind closed doors. A Saudi court issued a final verdict in 2020 that sentenced five mid-level officials and operatives to 20-year jail terms. The court had originally ordered the death penalty, but reduced the punishment after Khashoggis son Salah, who lives in Saudi Arabia, announced that he forgave the defendants. Three others were sentenced to lesser jail terms. Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Police cited an Omaha teen after his 2-year-old brother ate a THC gummy that had been left out in the open. According to an incident report from the Omaha Police Department, officers were dispatched to the emergency room at Childrens Hospital & Medical Center around 3 p.m. Monday for a report of a child who ate a gummy containing THC the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. When officers met with the childs mother, she explained that her oldest son, born in 2007, said he had left the gummy on a desk in the kitchen that morning. When he realized it was missing, he thought that his little brother may have taken it. The 2-year-old was taken to the hospital and tested positive for THC. He did not suffer any injuries. The older brother was ticketed and released to his mother. Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Cheryl Logan has taken her name out of the running for the superintendent position in Fairfax, Virginia. Logan sent an email to OPS staff explaining the situation Saturday, the same day the Fairfax County NAACP disclosed that Logan was one of two finalists for the job to lead Fairfax County Public Schools, a district of about 180,000 students near Washington, D.C. In a press release, the Fairfax County NAACP said it was disclosing the information after being contacted by whistleblowers concerned with the search process and the qualifications of the other finalist. The chapter vocally threw its support behind Logan, citing her accomplishments at OPS, her performance during interviews and the demographic similarities between OPS and Fairfax County. A panel met with both finalists March 28 and 29. But in an email to staff Saturday, Logan said she informed the OPS board a week ago that she was no longer participating in the search. It is an honor to serve as your Superintendent, and I very much look forward to our collective work in the school year to come, she wrote. Logan, who held a leadership position at the School District of Philadelphia before being hired by the OPS board in 2018, explained the Fairfax County job presented a unique opportunity to serve another exceptional school district near my husband, adult daughter and almost all of my extended family. She said she did not make the decision to participate in the search lightly. As you can imagine, leading the last three years isolated from my family has taken a personal toll, Logan wrote. Logans tenure leading the largest public school district in Nebraska has largely overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has posed unique challenges to school districts across the country. In her email, Logan alluded to the challenging nature of the past three school years. Omaha is a special school district, and we have more to accomplish together, she wrote. Through challenging times, weve made significant progress aligned to our Strategic Plan of Action. Those endeavors will not stop. Logan appeared to have left a strong impression among some in Fairfax County. The NAACP noted that panelists participating in the search were impressed with her poise, confidence and detailed professional response to each question without notes. The group also noted Logan would have been the first Black superintendent and the second woman superintendent in Fairfax County Public Schools history. Logan is the first Black and second woman superintendent at OPS. Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A nonprofit group has begun planning an estimated $50 million inpatient behavioral health facility for children on the campus of Immanuel Medical Center in north-central Omaha. The center will be operated by CHI Health. Omaha philanthropist Ken Stinson said the facility will have 36 to 40 beds and serve children ages 5 to 18 who are experiencing mental health challenges. Thats double the 18 beds for children and adolescents currently available at Immanuel. Stinson, former Kiewit Corporation chairman and CEO, said he took the lead on the project about nine months ago, based on his interest in mental health care. He has formed a nonprofit group to plan, design and raise money for the facility. The notion of building a new mental health center for adolescents has been in the works for four or five years, he said. But the need recently has become clearer. There is a general consensus that the increase in mental health problems among young people has been going on for a decade or more, Stinson said. Some see social media as a main contributor to the problem, and experts agree the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated it. I think its an important issue, Stinson said, and its become more important with the ramifications of the pandemic. Indeed, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory in December to highlight the urgent need to address the nations mental health crisis among youths. In early 2021, emergency room visits in the U.S. for suspected suicide attempts were 51% higher for adolescent girls and 4% higher for adolescent boys compared to the same period in 2019, according to research cited in the advisory. From 2009 to 2019, the proportion of high school students reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness increased by 40%, and the share seriously considering attempting suicide increased by 36%. Stinson and Rhonda Hawks, another Omaha philanthropist and mental health advocate, led a previous campaign that in 2008 led to the opening of the 64-bed Lasting Hope Recovery Center, an inpatient adult treatment center near downtown. Lasting Hope Recovery Center also is operated by CHI Health, which is the largest provider of inpatient mental health care in Nebraska. The group is staying on brand with the new facility, which will be called the Lasting Hope Center for Children and Families. Stinson said he put together a team of health care professionals, business leaders and educators to develop the plan for the facility. The group hired HDR Inc. to conduct a study on the demand for beds. It also has completed a study of the mental health care workforce in Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare, which covers Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, Dodge and Washington Counties. In addition, the group is working with educators at Metropolitan Community College, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Creighton University, Bellevue University and Iowa Western Community College, who are focusing on ways to expand their output of mental health care workers. Stinson said it is still early, but the collaborators are becoming comfortable that they will be able to staff the new facility when it opens, likely in a couple of years. Meanwhile, the group has hired Kiewit to serve as contractor and HDR to design the facility. A portion of the estimated $50 million cost will be covered by a share of the $40 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds designated for mental health projects in the state. The Nebraska Legislature last week approved Legislative Bill 1014, which lays out how the states share of those federal dollars are to be spent. Stinson said the group has other preliminary commitments from other potential funders. Fundraising will begin in the next several months. The group also is looking at state-of-the-art facility design and best practices, working with a group from Boston led by Dr. David Rubin, director of the Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Residency Training Program. Robin Conyers, CHI Healths vice president of behavioral health services, said the current pediatric psychiatric unit at Immanuel was set up on a medical-surgical floor. It has no access to the outdoors. Children and families currently come through the hospitals emergency room to get to the unit, which isnt necessarily an ideal experience for kids and families in crisis. The new facility will have a pediatric assessment center, where kids can be seen and stabilized and either admitted or referred for other care. The facility also will consolidate all of the campus child services, Conyers said, creating a one-stop shop for families and providing a full continuum of training opportunities for Creighton University child psychiatry residents and fellows. Conyers said the new facility will have all private rooms. The existing unit has semiprivate rooms. That can create capacity challenges, given the need to avoid mixing patients of different genders and ages. We know that weve had these services in our organization for 100 years, Conyers said, but what were currently doing is not enough, and the pandemic has exacerbated that for us. ... Were honored to have the opportunity to provide this to our community. Omaha World-Herald: Afternoon Update The latest headlines sent at 4:45 p.m. daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. CANBERRA, Australia (AP) The son of a single mother who raised him on a pension, Anthony Albanese had a humble start to life for an aspiring Australian prime minister. But despite his disadvantaged upbringing in public housing in Sydney, the man known since childhood as Albo has risen to the top of the center-left Australian Labor Party and is now only an election away from potentially realizing his ambition to lead the national government. As a young child, to spare Albanese the scandal of being illegitimate in a working-class Roman Catholic family in socially conservative 1960s Australia, he was told that his Italian father Carlo Albanese had died in a car accident shortly after marrying his ethnic-Irish Australian mother Maryanne Ellery in Europe. His mother, who became an invalid pensioner because of chronic rheumatoid arthritis, told him the truth when he was 14 years old: His father was not dead and his parents had never married. Carlo Albanese had been a steward on a cruise ship when the couple met in 1962 during the only overseas trip of her life. She returned to Sydney from her seven-month journey through Asia to Britain and continental Europe almost four months pregnant, according to Anthony Albaneses 2016 biography, Albanese: Telling it Straight. She was living with her parents in their local government-owned house in inner-suburban Camperdown when her only child was born on March 2, 1963. Out of loyalty to his mother and a fear of hurting her feelings, Albanese waited until after her death in 2002 before searching for his father. Father and son were happily united in 2009 in the fathers hometown of Barletta in southern Italy. The son was in Italy for business meetings as Australias minister for transport and infrastructure. Anthony Albanese was a minister throughout Labors most recent six years in power and reached his highest office deputy prime minister in his governments final three months that ended with the 2013 election. It says a great thing about our nation that the son of a (single) parent who grew up in a council house in Sydney could be deputy prime minister of Australia, Albanese said. He had just defeated the son of a former deputy prime in a ballot of fellow lawmakers for the post. But Albaneses critics argue that its not his humble background but his left-wing politics that make him unsuitable to be prime minister. The conservative government argues he would be the most left-wing Australian leader in almost 50 years since the crash-or-crash-through reformer Gough Whitlam, a flawed hero of the Labor Party. In 1975, Whitlam became the only Australian prime minister to be ousted from office by a British monarchs representative in what is described as a constitutional crisis. Whitlam had introduced during his brief but tumultuous three years in power free university education, which enabled Albanese to graduate from Sydney University with an economics degree despite his meager financial resources. Albaneses supporters argue that while he was from Labors so-called Socialist Left faction, he was a pragmatist with a proven ability to deal with more conservative elements of the party. Albanese had undergone what has been described as a makeover in the past year, opting for more fashionable suits and glasses. He has also shed 18 kilograms (40 pounds) in what many assume is an effort to make himself more attractive to voters. Albanese says he believed he was about to die in a two-car collision in Sydney in January last year and that that was the catalyst for his healthier life choices. He had briefly resigned himself to a fate he once believed had been his fathers. After the accident, Albanese spent a night in a hospital and suffered what he described as external and internal injuries that he has not detailed. The 17-year-old boy behind the wheel of the Range Rover SUV that collided with Albaneses much smaller Toyota Camry sedan was charged with negligent driving. Asked at the National Press Club of Australia in January to explain who he was, Albanese replied he was the son of a pensioner mother who had grown up with the security of a local government-provided house. Albanese said he was 12 years old when he became involved in his first political campaign. His fellow public housing tenants successfully defeated a local council proposal to sell their homes a move that would have increased their rent in a campaign that involved refusing to pay the council in a so-called rent strike. The unpaid rent debt was forgiven, which Albanese described as a lesson for those people who werent part of the rent strike: Solidarity works. As I grew up, I understood the impact that government had, can have, on making a difference to peoples lives, Albanese said. And in particular, to opportunity." Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. WARSAW, Poland (AP) Days before Polands Independence Day in November, vandals painted the blue-and-yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag on monuments in Krakow. The vandalism, which took place as Russia massed troops near Ukraines border, looked as if Ukrainians were defacing memorials to Polish national heroes. Yet some clues suggested otherwise. The flag's colors were reversed, with the yellow on top of the blue and one offensive message was in an unnatural mix of Russian and Ukrainian. Though prosecutors are still investigating, Polish and Ukrainian authorities believe it was most likely a Russian-inspired attempt to trigger ethnic hostility between Ukrainians and Poles. Polish and Ukrainian authorities have for years accused Russia of trying to provoke hostility between their neighboring nations as part of a broader effort to divide and destabilize the West and the concerns have gained greater urgency since Russia invaded Ukraine. Poland and Ukraine are neighbors and allies but they share a difficult history of oppression and bloodshed, and those historical traumas sometimes rise to the surface. Poland has also accepted large numbers of Ukrainian refugees, creating fears that could become another wedge issue that Russia could exploit. The Russian efforts to sow divisions between the Poles and Ukrainians, particularly by means of exploiting historical issues, are as old as time, said Stanislaw Zaryn, the spokesman for Polands security services. Russia has redoubled them since the war began, he said. And they are more dangerous now because the war is going on and it can affect more people than before." Reacting to the November incident, the Ukrainian Embassy in Warsaw immediately denounced it as shameful and a provocation aimed at harming the good neighborly relations between Ukraine and Poland. More than 2.5 million Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Poland since the war began, and while some move on to other countries more than half have remained. Poles have reacted with an outpouring of help and goodwill and the government has extended to the Ukrainians the same rights to education and health care that Poles have. Never Again, an anti-racism association in Poland, has documented several attempts to stoke aversion to the Ukrainian refugees and even to openly justify Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion. In some cases those behind the messages are far-right Polish activists or politicians with pro-Kremlin views, according to a report the organization published Thursday. These groups do not enjoy widespread public support, but they do their best to make Poles and Ukrainians quarrel, spread hateful content, conspiracy theories and false information, primarily in the internet space, it said. Larysa Lacko, an expert on countering disinformation at NATO, said Russia is known to exploit refugees as a wedge issue because it touches on the economy, race and other sensitive issues, and that she has also observed Russian disinformation talking about historical grievances. Western Ukraine was once under Polish rule, with Ukrainians largely subservient to a Polish landowning class. Resentments erupted in ethnic bloodshed during World War II, when the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, a nationalist military formation, slaughtered tens of thousands of Poles in the Nazi-occupied Polish regions of Volhynia and Eastern Galicia. Poland also has a difficult history with Moscow. Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union carved up Poland at the start of World War II in 1939, invading and occupying the country based on a secret clause in the notorious Molotov-Ribbentrop pact. Poles suffered atrocities inflicted by both occupying states. The Nazis set up death camps and concentration camps where they murdered Jews and they killed many other Polish citizens as well. Meanwhile, the Soviets sent some Poles to Siberia and murdered 22,000 Polish officers in the Katyn massacres of 1940. Even after the war, Poland was forced to live under Moscow's oppressive control for the decades of the Cold War. It still stings Poles to remember the Soviet Union denied the truth of the Katyn killings for decades, forbidding Poles from publicly commemorating the victims. When the Polish wartime government-in-exile asked the International Red Cross to investigate the Nazi disclosures of the Soviet crimes, Moscow smeared the Polish leaders as Fascist collaborators much as they have falsely accused Ukraine today of being a Nazi state. Some Poles, especially those who lived through the war, remember those times and carry a lingering hostility to both Russians and Ukrainians. One false claim Polish authorities say Russians are spreading is that Poland seeks to reclaim Lviv and other territory in western Ukraine that once was Polish. Those claims are untrue, the Polish Foreign Ministry said in a series of tweets seeking to debunk false claims. Poland will never accept the annexation of any territory belonging to an independent state. Another is that Poland, a NATO ally hosting thousands of U.S. troops, is working to set the West against Russia. That claim was made recently by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, the current deputy chairman of the Russian security council. Now the interests of the citizens of Poland have been sacrificed due to the Russophobia of mediocre politicians and their puppeteers from across the ocean with clear signs of senile insanity, Medvedev wrote recently on Telegram, a social media app popular in Russia and Ukraine. Zaryn, the Polish security services spokesman, also pointed to a Polish Facebook page called A Ukrainian is NOT my brother," whose posts call on followers not to forget the Ukrainian massacres of Poles in the 1940s. The page was created less than a month after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and has nearly 55,000 followers. In recent weeks posts have criticized Polish authorities for their strong support for Ukraine. Zaryn said evidence points to it being run by a woman with ties to a pro-Kremlin party, Zmiana, in Poland. The former leader of the party, Mateusz Piskorski, has worked for Russian news outlets RT and Sputnik and has been charged with espionage for Russia and China. Poland's government has been taking steps to protect itself, with public warnings about the disinformation attempts and expulsions of dozens of suspected Russian agents and one arrest. Days after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, Polish authorities arrested a man they accused of being an agent of the Russian military intelligence agency, GRU, in Przemysl, a key entry points for Ukrainian refugees, as he sought to cross into Ukraine. In late March, Poland ordered the expulsion of 45 suspected Russian intelligence officers they accused of using diplomatic status as a cover to operate in the country. The illegal activities of these diplomats can also pose a threat to those people who left their country to flee the war and found protection in our country, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lukasz Jasina said. At a moment of huge solidarity in Poland and elsewhere with Ukrainians, disinformation is limited in its impact, argued Lacko, the NATO expert working to counter disinformation. Given the atrocities on the ground, its harder to fall into these sorts of traps, she said. But officials in Poland say they have to remain on guard, especially if the number of refugees grows, creating the potential for more social anxieties that can be exploited. Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Its almost Easter in Ukraine, where faith, hope and charity are on display at a trio of churches on the far edges of the capital. Sunday services were held in Bucha even as bodies were being removed from a mass grave in the churchyard. In Makarov, the faithful were moved to tears at the sight of crosses scattered in broken glass. And in Borodyanka, a church was untouched near where Russian attacks ripped open a high-rise. Thats where donations are bringing help to elderly people who stayed while others fled Russian occupation. Ukrainian authorities said weeks ago that at least 59 spiritual sites were damaged. On the day when Pope Francis called for an Easter truce in Ukraine to make way for a negotiated peace, church visitors invoked God in recalling their survival. Each person who was leaving, from any place, Makarov, Bucha, Hostomel or from Andriivka, the neighboring village which was destroyed to the ground; each one, even those who did not know the Lords Prayer, he was speaking to God with his own words, said Alona Parkhomenko in Makarov, where the church exterior was speckled with bullet holes and the priest warned of falling glass. KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: US: Russia's new battlefield commander has history of brutality Ukraine digs in to fight Russias looming eastern offensive Ukraine churches display faith, hope and charity amid wreckage Analysis: War, economy could weaken Putins place as leader Biden, Modi to speak as India avoids hard line on Russia Zelenskyy, in AP interview, says he seeks peace despite atrocities Go to https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine for more coverage OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: WASHINGTON Russias newly appointed battlefield commander in Ukraine made his reputation crushing resistance to Syrian President Bashar Assad during that countrys devastating civil war. Russian forces led by Gen. Alexander Dvornikov destroyed whole cities while dropping barrel bombs that targeted civilians. With Moscow supporting Assad, the war in Syria has killed more than 350,000 people. Lt. Col. Fares al-Bayoush, a Syrian army defector, said Sunday he expects a similar scorched-earth strategy under the commander in Ukraine. Speaking by telephone from Turkey, al-Bayoush said he believes the aim of naming Dvornikov as Ukraine war commander is to cause widespread destruction in many places at once. He has very good experience in this policy, al-Bayoush said. This commander is a war criminal. KYIV, Ukraine -- The mayor of Kyiv and his brother said the visit of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to their capital shows who Ukraines real friends are at this critical time. But they understand if security concerns keep U.S. President Joe Biden from visiting for now. Mayor Vitali Klitschko and his brother Wladimir have been professional boxers and now outspoken defenders of Ukraine. Interviewed Sunday on ABC News This Week with George Stephanopoulos, they said they expect Russias military to return and target Kyiv again. And when they do, they said they cant defend Ukraine with their fists they need weapons. Wladimir Klitschko also pleaded for the world to isolate Russia economically, saying every cent that Russia is getting, theyre using for weapons to kill us. Vitali Klitschko said everyone was shocked when the Russians who pushed on Kyiv retreated after killing hundreds of civilians during their occupation. He called it genocide to kill women, children, old people and teenagers for no reason. To defend Ukraine now, the mayor said, is to defend democracy and peace in Europe. WILMINGTON, Del. The White House said President Joe Biden will press Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a hard line against Russias Ukraine invasion. Press Secretary Jen Psaki says the leaders plan a virtual meeting on Monday. Indias neutral stance in the war has raised concerns in Washington and earned praise from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who lauded India this month for judging the situation in its entirety, not just in a one-sided way. India abstained when the U.N. General Assembly voted Thursday to suspend Russia from its seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council over allegations of war crimes. India continues to purchase Russian energy despite Western pressure to avoid buying Russian oil and gas. And the U.S. has considered sanctions on India for its recent purchase of advanced Russian air defense systems. Psakis statement says Biden will discuss how Russias war against Ukraine is destabilizing the global food supply and commodity markets, and the need to strengthen the global economy while upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity. BERLIN -- Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday. The Austria Press Agency reported that Nehammer told reporters in Vienna on Sunday that he plans to make the journey. It follows a trip on Saturday to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. APA reported that Nehammer aims to encourage dialogue between Ukraine and Russia and also address war crimes in his meeting with Putin. Austria is a member of the European Union and has backed the 27-nation blocs sanctions against Russia, though it so far has opposed cutting off deliveries of Russian gas. The country is militarily neutral and is not a member of NATO. Nehammer said he was taking the trip on his own initiative, and that he had consulted with the European Unions top officials. He said that he also informed Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. BERLIN -- The U.N. nuclear watchdog said Ukraine said the staff at the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear plant has been rotated for the first time in three weeks after Russian troops left the area. The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency has expressed concern about the well-being of the workers since the Russian military took control of the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster at the beginning of the war. The agency said Ukraine informed it on Sunday that it has now rotated the staff, but the situation remains far from normal. They had to be transported to and from the site by water, with the Pripyat River being the only way for people living in the city of Slavutych to currently reach the plant. The IAEA said Ukraine has informed it that analytical laboratories for radiation monitoring at the site were destroyed, with analytical instruments stolen, broken or otherwise disabled. The automated transmission of radiation monitoring data has been disabled. KYIV, Ukraine The governor of the region that includes Ukraines fourth-largest city, Dnipro, says the airport was hit twice by missile attacks on Sunday. The Ukrainian military command said Russian forces also keep shelling Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv, and have kept up their siege of Mariupol, the key southern port city that has been under attack for nearly six weeks. The Russian Defense Ministry says its air-launched missiles hit Ukraines S-300 air defense missile systems in two locations, while sea-launched cruise missiles destroyed a Ukrainian units headquarters in the Dnipro region. Neither sides military claims could be independently verified. The Pentagon said Russia has a clear advantage in armored forces for its next phase in its war on Ukraine. Press secretary John Kirby said Friday that the Russians spread themselves too thin to take the capital, but now theyre more focused on a smaller region, and still have the vast majority of their combat power. A major effort by Ukrainian defenses and more Western assistance will be needed to push them back. WASHINGTON A senior U.S. official said Russia has appointed a new commander to oversee its war on Ukraine. The official speaking on condition of anonymity said Russia has turned to one of its most experienced military officers, Gen. Alexander Dvornikov. U.S. officials say the 60-year-old general has a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and other theaters of war. The White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told CNN on Sunday that this general will just be another author of crimes and brutality against Ukrainian civilians. And he said no appointment of any general can erase the fact that Russia has already faced a strategic failure in Ukraine. The new battlefield leadership comes as Russia gears up for what is expected to be a large and more focused push to expand Russian control in the Donbas after failing to conquer the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Sullivan reiterated support for the Ukrainian government, saying the United States is determined to do all it can to help Ukrainians resist this general and the forces he commands. Robert Burns and Hope Yen KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines border guard agency says that about 2,200 Ukrainian men of fighting age have been detained so far while trying to leave the country in violation of martial law. The agency said Sunday that some of them have used forged documents and others tried to bribe border guards to get out of the country. It said some have been found dead while trying to cross the Carpathian mountains in adverse weather, without specifying the number. Under martial law, Ukrainian men between 18 and 60 are barred from leaving the country so that they can be called up to fight. WARSAW, Poland Sirens have sounded in some Polish cities to mark the anniversary of a 2010 plane crash that killed the countrys president, despite protests that their sound would be unnecessarily traumatic for refugees from the war in Ukraine. The sirens early Sunday were intended to add to the significance and the plaintive character of observances honoring the late President Lech Kaczynski, the first lady and 94 other prominent Poles killed 12 years ago in the crash of the presidential plane in Russia. Kaczynski was the twin of Jaroslaw Kaczynski the leader of the main governing Law and Justice party. Provincial governors ignored calls not to use the sirens out of concern for refugees from neighboring Ukraine, traumatized by air raid alarms. Authorities sent text messages to refugees phones that the sirens would mean no danger. KYIV, Ukraine The Ukrainian military says Russia has been beefing up its forces and trying to probe Ukrainian defenses. The Ukrainian military command said Sunday that the Russian troops have continued attempts to break Ukrainian defenses near Izyum, southeast of Kharkiv. It reported that Russia was sending reinforcements to Izyum while continuing the shelling of Kharkiv. The military added that the Russians also continued their attempts to take control of Mariupol, the Sea of Azov port that has been besieged by Russian forces for nearly 1 months. After Russias attempt to capture Kyiv and other big cities in northeastern Ukraine quickly failed, Ukrainian and Western officials expect Moscow to launch a new offensive in eastern Ukraine, where Russia-backed separatists have fought Ukrainian forces for eight years. KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he focused on the need to track down perpetrators of war crimes in a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Zelenskyy said on Twitter that in Sundays call we emphasized that all perpetrators of war crimes must be identified and punished. Ukraine has accused Russia of atrocities against civilians in Bucha and other places near Kyiv, where hundreds of slaughtered civilians, many with their hands bound and signs of torture, were found after Russian troops retreated. Zelenskyy also said he and Scholz discussed anti-Russian sanctions, defense and financial support for Ukraine. VATICAN CITY Pope Francis has opened Holy Week with a call for an Easter truce in Ukraine to make room for a negotiated peace, highlighting the need for leaders to make some sacrifices for the good of the people. Celebrating Palm Sunday Mass before crowds in St. Peters Square for the first time since the pandemic, Pope Francis called for weapons to be laid down to begin an Easter truce, not to reload weapons and resume fighting, no! A truce to reach peace through real negotiations. Francis did not refer directly to Russias invasion of Ukraine, but the reference was clear. He has repeatedly denounced the war and the suffering brought to innocent civilians. HELSINKI Finland says that a shipment of art works from Russian museums has been returned to Russia after it was seized under European Union sanctions against Moscow. Finlands customs service said late Saturday that the Foreign Ministry granted a special permit to return the consignment with a total insured value of around 42 million euros ($46 million). It said that trucks carrying the art works from the Hermitage Museum and the Pavlovsk State Museum in St. Petersburg, among others, left Finnish territory on Saturday afternoon. The shipment was seized at the Vaalimaa border crossing at the beginning of April. The works were en route to Russia after loan to museums in Europe and Japan. Experts say that art works loaned from Russia typically travel overland via Finland. Russia has demanded the return of all works on loan to unfriendly nations that imposed sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine. MOSCOW The Russian military says it has struck Ukrainian air defense batteries in the countrys south and east. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Sunday that the military used air-launched missiles to hit Ukraines S-300 air defense missile systems in Starobohdanivka in the southern Mykolaiv region and at an air base in Chuhuiv in the eastern Kharkiv region. Konashenkov also said that sea-launched cruise missiles destroyed the headquarters of a Ukrainian military unit near Zvonetske in the Dnipro region. The Russian military claims couldnt be independently verified. KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk says more civilians are expected to leave Mariupol Sunday in their personal vehicles. Evacuations are also planned from Berdyansk, Tokmak and Enerhodar in the south and Sieverierodonetsk, Lysychansk, Popasna and Rubizhne in the east. Mariupol, a strategic port city on the Sea of Azov, has been besieged by Russian forces for nearly 1 months, cut from food, water and power supplies and pummeled by relentless bombardment that has killed at least 5,000, according to local officials. Ukrainian authorities have urged civilians in the east to evacuate in the face of an imminent Russian offensive. They accused Russia of killing 52 people on Friday at the train station in the eastern city of Kramatorsk as they were preparing to evacuate. GENEVA -- The U.N. refugee agency says the number of people who have left Ukraine since the beginning of the war has reached 4.5 million. A regular update Sunday of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees online portal on numbers of refugees fleeing Ukraine since Feb. 24 brought the total to some 4.504 million. About 2.6 million of those fled at least initially to Poland and more than 686,000 to Romania. However, UNHCR notes that there are very few border controls within the European Union and it believes a large number of people have moved on from the first country they arrived in. LONDON -- Britains Ministry of Defense says that Russias armed forces are seeking to respond to mounting losses by boosting troop numbers with personnel who had been discharged from military service since 2012. In an intelligence update on Twitter, the ministry also said Sunday that the Russian militarys efforts to generate more fighting power also include trying to recruit from Trans-Dniester, a breakaway region in Moldova that borders Ukraine. Russia maintains some 1,500 troops in the region, which is not internationally recognized. KYIV, Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told The Associated Press on Saturday that he is committed to seeking peace despite Russian attacks on civilians that have stunned the world. He said no one wants to negotiate with people who tortured their nation as a man, as a father, I understand this very well. But he said we dont want to lose opportunities, if we have them, for a diplomatic solution. Zelenskyy said hes confident Ukrainians would accept peace despite the horrors they have witnessed in the war. But meanwhile, Russian troops are regrouping for an expected surge in fighting in eastern Ukraine, including the besieged port city of Mariupol that Ukrainian defenders are battling to retain. So Zelenskyy renewed his plea for countries to send more weapons. He says they have to fight for life -- not for dust when there is nothing and no people. Thats why it is important to stop this war. KYIV, Ukraine U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, promising so much support that his nation might never be bullied again. Johnsons surprise visit included a pledge of 120 armored vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems, part of another 100 million pounds ($130 million) of high-grade military equipment. Johnson also confirmed an additional $500 million in World Bank lending, taking Britains total loan guarantee up to $1 billion. Johnson said Ukraine defied the odds pushing Russian forces from the gates of Kyiv, achieving the greatest feat of arms of the 21st century. The prime minister credits Zelenskyys resolute leadership and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people for thwarting what he calls the monstrous aims of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Johnson says Britain and its partners are going to ratchet up the economic pressure ... not just freezing assets in banks and sanctioning oligarchs but moving away from use of Russian hydrocarbons. Johnson also described a vision for a future Ukraine so fortified and protected by the equipment, technology and know-how of Britain and its partners that it can never be threatened in the same way again. In the meantime, Johnson said, there is a huge amount to do to make sure that Ukraine is successful, that Ukraine wins and that Putin must fail. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Attorneys for a Nebraska consulting firm and the gubernatorial campaign of Charles W. Herbster are working quickly to resolve a legal fight involving allegations that the campaign improperly ended the firms services and owes money, according to a lawyer involved in the case. Herbsters campaign retained political consulting firm EZ Politix under a contract for Dec. 1, 2020, to May 10 of this year at a rate of $12,500 a month, according to a copy filed in court. The contract was signed by a campaign representative and Andrew Northwall, who was then president of EZ Politix. Last August, EZ Politix sued the Herbster campaign. The campaign filed a countersuit in January. State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, a lawyer whos representing EZ Politix in the case, said Tuesday that the parties were looking to resolve the lawsuit quickly. Wayne didnt offer further details. The Herbster campaign did not respond to multiple requests for an update on the case. Its lawyers did not respond to The World-Heralds voicemail messages or an email. According to court records, neither party appeared for a court hearing in March. The parties agreed in 2020 that, if either breached the contract, they had 30 days after notice to remedy the situation. After that, the other party could end the contract in writing. The campaign could end the contract without cause if it gave 90 days notice. The lawsuit alleged that Herbsters campaign unilaterally ended the contract and stopped making payments April 9, 2021, without providing notice, even though EZ Politix fulfilled its side of the agreement. The company asked for $37,500, plus damages. We stand by our complaint, and simply ask that they pay their bill, said Northwall when The World-Herald first reported on the lawsuit. In its response, the Herbster campaign denied allegations and brought a counterclaim, alleging EZ Politix breached its contract and kept $62,500 in payments despite its complete failure to perform. The countersuit alleges that the companys principals, Northwall and Matt Butler, told the campaign that they had no intention to comply with the contract and wanted to see how far (Herbster) would go. The campaign told EZ Politix that it breached the agreement in March 2021, the countersuit alleges, because it hadnt provided agreed-upon services or any other services the campaign asked for. They scheduled a meeting to talk about the breach, according to the suit, but the company refused to attend. According to the countersuit, EZ Politix also refused the campaigns demand that it return the $62,500. The campaign is asking the court for that money, plus damages. One thing the parties have in common: connections to former President Donald Trump. Trump backed Herbster in the Nebraska governors race in October an endorsement that has become the defining feature of the Falls City farmer and Republican businessmans campaign. Meanwhile, Northwalls LinkedIn profile lists him as chief operating officer at Trump Media & Technology Group, since December. When The World-Herald called EZ Politix and asked if Northwall still worked there, the person who answered said he was still part-owner but had transitioned away from day-to-day operations to work for TMTG. The media companys press contact did not respond to a request to confirm Northwalls employment. Northwall declined to comment for this story. His apparent new employer is the parent company behind Truth Social, Trumps social media platform that has struggled to launch and gain traction. Politico and Reuters have reported that top Truth Social execs have recently quit, while national outlets have also reported Trump is frustrated with the platforms lackluster, sputtering start. <&rule> Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. LINCOLN Nebraska could put a record $1.1 billion into the pockets of property taxpayers next year, and, thanks to a bill passed last week, that amount would keep growing. In fact, a World-Herald analysis showed that the amount of state dollars devoted to direct property tax relief could approach $1.6 billion within 10 years. Thats a big number isnt it? said State Sen. John Stinner of Gering, a retired banker and chairman of the Legislatures Appropriations Committee. Thats what you have to be wary of, moving forward. The number is a potentially huge number. Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, a farmer and champion of property tax relief, said the number is significant. But he said he hopes to do more in the future, noting that Nebraskans will still pay more in property taxes than in either sales or income taxes. Theres been substantial progress, but Im not into taking victory laps because theres work yet to do, he said. The number represents the accumulation of legislative efforts over several years. Legislative Bill 873, passed Thursday, was the latest bill to address the most-hated tax in Nebraska. With the bill and others before it, the amount of direct property tax relief statewide would equal about 21% of projected property taxes for 2023. The World-Herald analysis showed that the proportion of relief would remain at the same level through the next 10 years. The amount of relief provided to homeowners and other property owners would vary, however, depending on their location and circumstances. Gov. Pete Ricketts is expected to sign LB 873 into law this week. Along with the increased property tax relief, the measure would reduce the top income tax rate for corporations and individuals and phase out income taxes on Social Security. The package is expected to reduce state tax revenues by close to $900 million when fully implemented. The property tax portion of the bill includes creating a refundable income tax credit equal to a portion of what property owners pay in community college property taxes. It would become Nebraskas fourth property tax credit or exemption program. The newest credit program would be similar to the LB 1107 program created two years ago, which offsets a portion of school property taxes. That program will provide $548 million worth of credits this year, enough to cover about 25% of K-12 property taxes, and grow to $560.7 million for 2023. The community college credit program would start at $50 million this year and ramp up to $195 million by 2026. At full implementation, it could offset about three-quarters of community college property taxes. Under LB 873, both credit programs would grow by the same percentage that property valuations grow statewide, up to a 5% maximum. The growth factor would kick in for the K-12 credits in 2024 and for community college credits in 2027. In addition, Nebraska has a longstanding property tax credit program that reduces the amount of tax that property holders have to pay. The credits are based on the propertys valuation and appear as a line on the annual property tax statement. The program provides $313 million a year in credits now, up from $105 million when it began in 2007. Proceeds from the yet-to-begin casino gambling are earmarked for the credit fund. Finally, the state provides homestead exemptions for low-income elderly and disabled homeowners. The program has grown along with the number of older Nebraskans and as lawmakers have expanded it to cover additional people. Homestead exemptions are budgeted at $131.7 million for 2023. Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the Revenue Committee chairwoman who led the push for LB 873, said she would rather give property tax relief through school aid than through the current variety of programs. But she has long argued that increased school funding needs to be coupled with tighter limits on school spending, which has proved politically unpopular. This is not the ideal way to do this, she said. This is what weve been able to do. Its not perfect but its relief. Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha also argued that there are better ways to ease property taxes than Nebraskas current approach. While the current programs can help taxpayers, they do not lower the actual tax levies. Its just a tax shift, he said. Its not actually alleviating taxes. In addition, they can be complicated. Property owners claimed only 60% of the LB 1107 school tax credits when they filed their income taxes last year, the first year that the credits were available. Many were unaware of the credits or how to claim them. Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington raised concerns that the growth factors in the two newer programs could put the state in a fiscal pickle down the road. She said capping growth at 5% will help, but she would like more safeguards. We will have to be vigilant and continue to watch whats happening, she said. But Stinner offered cautious optimism about the sustainability of the current programs, at least over the long term. He said the 5% cap should keep the property tax relief programs from growing faster than the historical average of state revenues. <&rule> Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Nebraska voters are inundated with advertisements, yard signs and text messages from political candidates. Much of the messaging, particularly among this year's crop of gubernatorial candidates, has centered on topics such as illegal border crossings or critical race theory. But other topics, and ones that hit closer to home, are top of mind for Nebraska voters. Nebraskans who responded to a Lee Enterprises survey said they cared most about attracting and retaining workers, affordable housing and school funding. The survey, which was conducted online from late February to mid-March, asked participants to rate a dozen topics on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 the most important. Nearly 900 individuals responded. Other important issues were slowing the loss of nursing homes and hospitals in smaller communities and addressing prison crowding or criminal justice reform. Overall rankings in Lee Enterprises survey A Lee Enterprises survey of 900 Nebraskans, conducted online from late February to mid-March, asked participants to rate a dozen topics on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most important. Here are the average ratings for each topic. Attracting and retaining workers 8.07 Affordable housing 7.93 School funding 7.89 Slowing the loss of nursing homes and hospitals in smaller communities 7.7 Addressing prison crowding and criminal justice reform 7.7 Broadband or high speed internet access 7.48 Climate change 7.43 Property taxes 7.07 Promoting agriculture and trade 6.91 Incentives to increase the number of medical professionals 6.81 Abortion, either protecting or limiting access 6.52 Tourism and recreation 5.83 Rankings differed by region, although only slightly. In Omaha-area replies, prison crowding and criminal justice cracked the top three. Meanwhile, school funding topped the priority list made by Lincoln and southeast Nebraska residents, with climate change also landing higher. Jeri Lundblad of Omaha said affordable housing and the loss of nursing homes in small towns are important to her. She said some of the topics she hears candidates talking about are like "dog whistles." Instead, the 68-year-old wants to hear candidates talk about issues that affect her and her community. "I find those issues that are broad topics are not anywhere specific enough to help," said Lundblad, a registered Democrat. Saving nursing homes in rural communities is important, she said, because many of the elderly in those places have nowhere else to go. Concerning prison overcrowding, she said the problem won't be solved by building more facilities if the people who are released from prison haven't had adequate training or rehabilitation. Some issues are related, Lundblad said. If you want to attract and retain workers, she said, you should be able to provide them with affordable housing options. Many political candidates are trying to appeal to their voter base by addressing hot-button issues, said John Hibbing, a professor of political science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Meanwhile, what actually appeals to voters could vary. Real-life issues, such as what the Nebraska Legislature has been addressing, are ones that impact Nebraskans daily, Hibbing said. Hearing candidates talk more about those issues, he said, would be better than what's in campaign ads. Hibbing said he was surprised to see that property taxes consistently ranked low in the survey. Overall and among Omaha respondents, property taxes came in at No. 8 out of 12. In Lincoln, property taxes were 10th on the list. It makes sense, he said, that attracting and retaining workers ranked high. That could relate to fears of "brain drain" and the state losing residents, he said. "Getting jobs was the issue," Hibbing said. "Now, it's getting people to fill the job." Lisa Lee of Lincoln said she saw most of the items in the survey as priorities for the state, whether they impact her directly or not. Lee said the No. 1 problem is a shortage of workers. Having more people to fill jobs would be a boost to the economy and state revenue, she said. Other priorities for Lee, a 60-year-old lifelong Republican, are climate change and prison reform. Addressing the climate is complicated, she said, but she thinks solutions are out there. As for prison reform, Lee said it needs to be talked about but it's going to take more than just adding beds. Lee said it's concerning to see top Republican candidates for governor "worrying more about a border problem." While she thinks that is an issue, the best course of action from a Nebraska perspective would be having members of Congress act on reform. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Crews managed to improve containment and limit the growth of a wildfire burning in south-central Nebraska on Saturday. The blaze had burned 30,000 acres and was 30% contained as of Saturday evening, according to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. That was an improvement since Friday evening when containment stood at zero and the fires footprint was around 30,000. The flames burning in Furnas and Gosper Counties have not spread beyond the limited containment zone thus far, according to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. No evacuation orders were in place Saturday. A mandatory evacuation for the town of Edison was lifted Friday evening. The fire, which started around noon Thursday after high winds blew a dead tree into a power line, had already destroyed at least eight structures and 48 outbuildings as of Friday. The weather has presented challenging conditions at times and that may not improve much in the near future. A red flag warning was in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday, as high winds and drought conditions persisted. Virtually all of Nebraska is in or near drought. The location of the fire is classified as being in severe drought, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center, housed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Jordan Thies, a meteorologist at the Hastings office of the National Weather Service, said windy conditions are expected to continue in the area into the coming week. Monday is expected to have fairly light winds, but gusts between 30 and 50 mph are expected from Tuesday to Thursday. Unfortunately, theres not a lot of good news in terms of fire weather over the next few days, Thies said. Tuesday could be a pretty bad fire day. About 40 fire departments from across Nebraska have worked to contain the fire. Smoke hampered visibility early on. On Thursday afternoon, Elwood Volunteer Fire Chief Darren Krull was killed and Phelps County Emergency Manager Justin Norris was critically injured in a collision between their vehicle and a water truck on U.S. Highway 283 about 8 miles north of Arapahoe. Norris was in stable condition as of Friday evening, according to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. Both Gosper and Furnas Counties issued emergency declarations Friday morning, requesting assistance and resources from the state. Gov. Pete Ricketts issued a declaration in response, allowing for state assets and emergency fund money to be used to fight the blaze. Incident response teams from the Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency are assisting, as is the Nebraska National Guard. Two Blackhawk helicopters equipped with 780-gallon water buckets were deployed by the National Guard to fight the fire from the air. Red Cross staff and volunteers are providing assistance to those impacted by the wildfire at the Arapahoe Senior Center. A respite area for first responders is also set up at the center. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Omaha and its business community have made great progress since David Brown arrived nearly two decades ago as president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. Brown, who is retiring this year, has been a steady leader and strong advocate for Omaha since he started in October 2003. There are so many projects David made happen that have led to economic growth in our city, good jobs and success for business owners, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said earlier this month. We have all benefited from his leadership. The chambers slogan is We Dont Coast. It would be hard to accuse Brown of coasting during his years in Omaha. Brown has led campaigns to increase engagement of young professionals, to broaden transportation options and to recruit and retain talent. Last months release of the chambers Urban Core Strategic Plan is just one example of the forward-thinking approach that Brown has championed. The plan calls for billions of dollars in development with the goal of adding 30,000 jobs and 30,000 residents in the citys central core, an area that runs from midtown through Omahas downtown and to the rivers edge in Council Bluffs. Omaha needs ambitious goals in order to continue our citys progress, and Brown has helped us set them. Stothert said she also appreciates Browns efforts to bring employment and development to some of the citys economically challenged neighborhoods. During Browns tenure, the chamber expanded the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership from three Nebraska counties to a seven-county collaboration that crosses into Iowa. The partnership represents 44% of Nebraskas population and more than 60% of the states gross domestic product. It reportedly helped land more than 920 projects that brought some 47,000 jobs and $12 billion in capital investment to the area since 2004. Brown came to Omaha from South Carolina, where he was president and chief executive of the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce. Before then, he worked in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and in Monroe County, Michigan. Brown announced his plans to retire last year but has remained on the job until the chamber hires his successor this year. Last month, the chamber threw Brown a retirement celebration party. And earlier this month, Stothert presented him with the ceremonial key to the city. In her remarks at that occasion, the mayor praised Browns approach to leadership. She summarized it this way: Engage partners to get things done, plan for success, take risks, dont fear failure, set high goals, hire good people and communicate clearly. The Omaha community has been fortunate to have had such a leader as David Brown. We hope he enjoys his well-deserved retirement. BLOOMINGTON Dozens of Illinois Wesleyan University students were busy on Sunday tidying up the Illinois Central Branch of the Constitution Trail in the Twin Cities. At least 40 students convened at the start of the event, which was organized by IWUs Student Senate Sustainability Committee to celebrate Earth Week. IWU junior Mishwa Bhavsar, also sustainability commissioner for the Student Senate, told The Pantagraph on Sunday that theyre always involved on campus but they never go out into the community. We really want to give back to the community, the computer science major said. She added while originally from India, she lived in Montana for two years and did national trails preservation work. Thats how I am really involved in nature, said Bhavsar. She also said nature brings people joy, and the group wanted to do something to relieve stress since finals are approaching. Zehra Bakirdan, IWU Student Senate president, and a junior in elementary education, said the turnout was phenomenal. She said the trails didnt seem that dirty at first, but they were able to find much to pick up. At least two Greek organizations from IWU made a showing at the cleanup: Alpha Gamma Delta and Theta Chi. Anna McBride, sorority president for Alpha Gamma Delta, said part of their sorority is about serving the community. She added that they also volunteer at the Midwest Food Bank, and have written cards for frontline workers, done canned food drives, and served at events like the campus drag show. We just love being out here, she said, adding theyre thankful the students helped make the event happen. IWU freshman Treyson Bixby said he likes the trail, and everyone involved in the cleanup just wants to give back to the community. Also, its just kind of fun to be out here with all the guys, the business major in Theta Chi said. Mustafa Bakirdan said there are a lot of things they can do in Greek life. Cleaning up the trail is one, and volunteering at Midwest Food Bank is another. (We're) not necessarily just helping the community, but helping them in ways that will impact others as well, he said. Zay Crews, majoring in computer science, was one of the last students to leave the event. He said it feels like something hes put off for a while. Crews said hell see things that need cleaning at the bottom of the trail embankments, but Im always headed somewhere. Having a dedicated time and resources to get the work done makes it easier, he said. Students Meredith Fraker and Alex Fedorets hung around until the end as well, and had filled up a trash bag. Fraker hopes their efforts will inspire others to also give back. Fedorets said: A lot of people just dont care. Then they see someone start to do something, it will encourage someone and then its like a circle. It keeps going. Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. NORMAL It was on Snapchat where University High School junior Sirihaasa Nallamothu discovered how a girl suffering from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome can faint sometimes without warning. Nallamothu followed videos documenting the girl as she passed out from vasovagal syncope while making dinner, or panicked as her symptom began while driving. Nallamothu said those reels were sad, and they inspired her to start brainstorming ways to help out people with POTS, which affects 1 to 3 million Americans. She then learned she was the first to collect research done on humans. I thought there maybe would be some sort of data set for me to use online, but its such an under-researched field, so no one has ever done it before, she said. Nallamothu joined other high school students Saturday morning at the Hancock Stadium club room in Normal to present her project. She was among 24 other teams that made it to the finals in this years Celebrating High School Innovators competition, which tasks young students with creating new products, solving major social problems and changing the world. Without exception, these high school innovators make amazing things happen, said Paul Ritter, CHSI director and ecology teacher at Pontiac Township High School. He added each team is passionate about something different. Winners earn a cash prize and scholarships. However, Ritter continued, the real prize for the students is getting to meet each other and share ideas. While several dozen teams showed up in person, at least another three dozen participated virtually, from as far away as Turkey. Project ideas included enhanced mobility canes, liquid screen protectors for mobile phones, eco-friendly sneakers, governance proposals for Mars colonization and more. These kids are setting the stage for the future, said Ritter. Their innovations are leading the way and theyre proof that our future is in great hands. Nallamothu said her idea was to use biomarkers and machine learning to try to predict fainting symptoms within 15 minutes of happening. To do that, she collected data on blood pressure, heart rate, blood volumetric pressure, accelerometer readings and electrodermal activity, or how much a person sweats. She said shes in her second phase of research, with 10 people whove given permission to collect their health data. Nallamothu hopes to have her predictive algorithm working in July. She plans to study computer science in college. Keep I-55 clean Three seniors at Pontiac Township High School are aiming to clean up Interstate 55 in Livingston County. Molly Masching, Ashlyn Bernard and Georgie Dinardi linked up with the Illinois Department of Transportation to study where and why more litter is being found near the highway. Masching said they hypothesized more trash was ending up on the north side of the interstate, because their county has a large landfill nearby and the majority of traffic comes from the north. After recording collected amounts of trash, they found their theory was correct. Were meeting with the Livingston County Board and the Livingston County Landfill to start our plan of action, Masching said. While the project has not yet concluded any corrective actions to recommend, Masching said theyre looking at enforcing existing regulations that require covering truck beds with tarps, staying under a weight limit or using new linings. Bernard pointed to a net they brought with their presentation, explaining that holes in the net could let loose small pieces of litter. Its something that we see every day, said Masching. Next-gen irrigation Khushi Shah, an Illinois Math & Science Academy student hailing from Peoria, is developing a smart irrigation system for her project. She said it optimizes water use while minimizing consumer costs through the use of sensors and a mobile or web app. It has the potential to save 4.5 to 13 billion liters of water daily out of 450 billion that are used for irrigation, said Shah. She said her system combines information from a global weather and plant database with a sensor that monitors moisture levels in soil, and then automatically engages irrigation systems when needed. While shes using another sensor brand, Shah hopes to develop her own in the future. She said shes passionate about technology, sustainability and entrepreneurship. This is a great way for me to combine all of those interests, she said. Her father, Vaibhav Shah, was there Saturday to support her. He said he never had these opportunities when he was a kid. I'm super excited to see her getting into this technology and trying to solve the problems that I have seen in my life, living in India and other places where water is not easily available, he said. The proud dad also said the future is in good hands. Later on Saturday afternoon, Shah was named as one of the top five winners in the contest. In no specific order, the other four were: IMSA student Dhruv Patel, of Elk Grove Village; Barrington High School student Sahil Mittal, of Barrington; IMSA student Umika Arora, of Morton Grove; and BHS student Ryan Tripathy, of Barrington. This article has been updated to reflect contest results that became available after press time. Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. NORMAL A Peoria student enrolled at the Illinois Math & Science Academy was named Saturday afternoon as one of the top five winners of the Celebrating High School Innovators program. Khushi Shah said in her video pitch submission that a family trip to India made her dedicated to creating technology that would help people access clean water. Her concept submitted to the program is "E-Code," a smart irrigation system that optimizes water use through moisture sensors and online databases on plant and weather information. Shah said the system, which automatically engages an irrigation system, could save between 4.5 to 13 billion liters of water daily on a global scale. Before award results were announced, her father told The Pantagraph on Saturday that he didnt have same opportunities offered by the innovator program when he was a kid. Now on its seventh year, the program challenges high school students to invent new products, solve major social problems and change the world. Around 24 finalist teams on Saturday took their ideas to the Illinois State University Hancock Stadium club for review. Paul Ritter, CHSI founder and director and teacher at the Pontiac Township High School, said the young innovators make great things happen. He added that while final winners get a cash prize and scholarship, the real reward is getting to share their ideas with other students. In no specific order, the other four final winners are IMSA student Dhruv Patel, of Elk Grove Village; Barrington High School student Sahil Mittal, of Barrington; IMSA student Mika Arora, of Morton Grove; and BHS student Ryan Tripathy, of Barrington. Patels innovation is a game-based digital therapeutic app that helps people correct hand tremors and increase hand motor precision. Mittal, a team leader of five other Barrington students, proposed a silica-based liquid screen protector for mobile phones called Liquid Blue. Team leader Umika Arora, with help from Rian Carter, developed an enhanced mobility cane with location tracking, emergency communications features and a flashlight. Tripathy designed a dog-walking leash called DogWare that reduces stress on a dogs neck and prevents the leash from tangling in their legs. Students from Normal and Pontiac were among the two dozen finalists. University High School Junior Sirihaasa Nallamothu is developing an algorithm that could predict when people with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome are about to faint. Pontiac High School seniors Molly Masching, Ashlyn Bernard and Georgie Dinardi are working with the Illinois Department of Transportation to identify and correct causes of garbage falling off trucks on Interstate 55. Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. CHICAGO - The state of Illinois will distribute $87.5 million to hundreds of school districts that were underpaid because of a coding error while seeking repayment from Chicago Public Schools, which mistakenly got the funds. The appropriation is part of the $46.5 billion spending plan lawmakers passed Saturday. The Illinois State Board of Education said a contractor made a coding error in the spring of 2018 during the initial implementation of a new state school funding formula. As a result, 14 school systems are owed between $1 million and $5 million, while 565 are due up to $100,000 according to IBSE. In total, 762 school districts were underpaid over the past four years. Meanwhile, the state is trying to recoup the $87 million it mistakenly paid CPS, its largest school district. ISBE said 52 other school systems were overpaid by a total of $3,396 during the affected period, and it will try to recover funds from districts that received at least $10 more than they should have. The error represents less than half a percentage point of the total funding that has been allocated statewide through Illinois funding formula during that time, State Superintendent of Education Carmen Ayala said in a letter Wednesday. All affected organizational units will soon receive a letter from ISBE notifying them about how much they are owed by the state. In her letter, Ayala said ISBE is in communication with CPS about an extended repayment period, so that classrooms are not impacted. CPS is in the middle of formulating its overall budget for the upcoming school year; this years was $9.3 billion. A CPS spokesperson said Friday in a statement the district is in discussions with ISBE and the General Assembly about the impacts on CPS and the state budget. ISBE spokeswoman Jackie Matthews said the coding error overstated the enrollment of students attending state-authorized charter schools in districts with more than one of these schools. The mistake only affected the CPS enrollment data since no other districts have multiple state-authorized charter schools, according to ISBE. The problem continued for years because the states formula takes into account the prior years calculations. There are about 58,000 CPS students enrolled in more than 100 charter schools. CPS counts 330,000 students districtwide. Matthews said ISBE identified the discrepancy while preparing a report requested in December by a panel tasked with reviewing the implementation of the state funding formula, which was signed into law by former Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2017. Ayala said ISBE put additional protocols in place to ensure accuracy moving forward and initiated the process to pursue an external audit of the formula, which is supposed to give priority to districts with poor property wealth. The formula miscalculation was raised Wednesday at an Illinois House Executive Committee hearing. I heard about it one day last week and was like, What the heck is this? said House Majority Leader Greg Harris, a Chicago Democrat and lead budget negotiator. Rep. Avery Bourne, R-Morrisonville, wanted to know how CPS would return the money and how the error would affect the funding formula in the future. Harris said this is a big complicated question for which there are some big complicated answers that ... were gonna have to work through to figure out. Bourne suggested addressing the issue in an education appropriations committee. I think this has major implications that warrant a longer discussion, and I know this probably isnt the appropriate venue, but I think this could be a big issue now and down the road, she said. During debate over the budget on the House floor early Saturday, Harris noted that the miscalculation occurred on Rauners watch. I just wish when the Rauner administration made this error they had corrected it so we would not find ourselves in this position today, he said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 FARMINGTON, N.M. A man suspected in the death of his former girlfriend in New Mexico last year has been arrested in Illinois, according to authorities. Farmington police said 51-year-old Thomas Howard is facing a second-degree murder charge. It was unclear Sunday if Howard has a lawyer yet who can speak on his behalf. Police said officers went to do a welfare check on 65-year-old Roberta Baier on Dec. 6 after her friends reported not hearing from her in several days. After several failed attempts to contact her, officers entered Baier's apartment and found her dead. Police said the death was deemed suspicious and detectives began a homicide investigation. They said Howard was located in the Chicago suburb of Berwyn and arrested on an unrelated warrant. Howard remains in the custody of authorities in Cook County, Illinois, as he awaits extradition to New Mexico. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 CHICAGO - Long ago, Veronica Ortega gave up hope that federal immigration reform would come and pave a path to citizenship for her and her husband. Ortega, 51, immigrated to the Chicago area from Mexico more than two decades ago with her husband, Alfonso Vazquez, and their children, Janeth and Omar. In 2012, her children gained deportation protections and work permits under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. But she and her husband have no such protections. They both work at factories in the western suburbs and collectively clock more than 100 hours a week. The couple shares a single-story corner ranch house in Maywood with their daughter and son-in-law. Despite paying taxes that help fund programs such as Medicare and Social Security, Ortega and Vazquez know that theyll never be able to access their benefits, and they doubt federal lawmakers will do anything to improve their situation. To be honest, Ive never been hopeful that there would be immigration reform to help us. Every time it is mentioned, I remind myself that its all politics that they use us to promote their agenda but never intend to really help us, she said in Spanish. Many immigrant rights groups hoped that with a Democrat-controlled Congress albeit by the smallest of margins President Joe Biden would deliver comprehensive immigration reform in his first term. But those hopes, too, have faded. In the meantime, undocumented immigrants like Ortega and her husband are aging in place without the promise of a social safety net to catch them. Immigrant rights activists say its up to state and local lawmakers to protect them from becoming destitute in their old age. Illinois is home to nearly 200,000 undocumented immigrants age 35 to 54, according to census data analyzed by the Migration Policy Institute. Nationwide, about 1 million undocumented immigrants will turn 65 by 2030, and by 2040, that number will more than double if Congress doesnt provide them with a viable pathway to citizenship, according to a recent article in the Journals of Gerontology. That means every year over the next few decades, thousands more undocumented seniors will be working to the bone without being able to retire; in desperate need of immediate and long-term health care; and frantically searching for safe affordable housing. Advocates say Illinois lawmakers should build state-funded welfare programs for undocumented seniors that mirror those already in place for citizens, like food stamps and unemployment insurance. Illinois has taken a similar approach with a new health care program for low-income immigrant adults who dont qualify for traditional Medicaid. Lawmakers should also provide more funding to community groups and legal aid organizations to service undocumented seniors and ensure that all locally-funded social programs are explicitly open to them, advocates say. Doing so wont come cheap, and would likely elicit an immediate backlash from Republicans and conservative Democrats, policy experts said. But ignoring the plight of undocumented seniors would be a moral failure, said State Rep. Delia Ramirez, a Democrat representing Chicagos West Side and the most vocal champion for undocumented seniors in Springfield. We call ourselves one of the most welcoming states for immigrants in the country, and being able to cover undocumented seniors basic needs should be necessary for us to call ourselves that, she said. Is help coming from Springfield? As the spring legislative session wraps up in Springfield this week, state lawmakers are considering new legislation that would provide tangible benefits for undocumented older adults but advocates say that the state could go even further. One of the bills that could go up for a vote this week is an expansion of the states Earned Income Tax Credit. Currently, the program benefits only residents who get a federal income tax credit low-income earners with a Social Security number and dependents. The expansion would include filers age 65 and older regardless of whether they have an income or dependents. It would also include undocumented immigrants who file taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Immigrant rights advocates are also pushing state legislators to expand the Immigrant Family Support Program. Launched in 2020, the program provides one-time cash grants of up to $2,000 to low-income undocumented immigrants and their families who didnt qualify for federal COVID-19 assistance. The program has already distributed over $36 million to more than 20,000 immigrant families. Nearly 700 households whose principal applicant was at least 60 years old received grants through the program, according to Brandon Lee, spokesperson for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. ICIRR, which distributes the state funds through its coalition partners, is asking the state for another $32.5 million to distribute in the 2023 fiscal year. Advocates also want lawmakers to expand the Illinois Access to Justice program. The program began in 2020 and provides funding for legal aid groups to represent immigrants in deportation proceedings or who are trying to legalize their status but cant afford an attorney. About $7 million has already been allocated for the program and advocates are asking the state legislature to allocate $20 million more. So far, the program has funded more than 4,800 legal screenings and about 1,900 open cases, according to Erendira Rendon, vice president for immigrant advocacy at The Resurrection Project, a nonprofit based in Pilsen that manages most of the programs funds directed toward immigration relief. Rendon said many undocumented people in Illinois struggle to fix their status because of the high costs of hiring an attorney and going through the process. But lawmakers should make as many state and local programs available even to those who cant, she said. We need the city, the state, the county to be thinking about how do we remove immigration status as a barrier to our programs that we have, she said. And then how do we make sure that undocumented immigrants have the legal representation that they need? But advocates said state and local governments could go even further to protect undocumented seniors. Trinh Phan, a senior staff attorney at Justice in Aging, a national advocacy organization based in Oakland, California, working to end senior poverty, said one major need is food security. Adults without a Social Security number dont qualify for state and federal food stamp programs. Phan said Illinois could emulate whats been done in California, where the states university system developed a grant fund for students who dont qualify for traditional food stamps. Lawmakers there are also developing a food aid program for undocumented adults throughout the state. Another idea is for Illinois to create an unemployment insurance fund for undocumented workers, who cant claim traditional jobless benefits or disability insurance. New York lawmakers are currently debating a similar proposal. Illinois lawmakers should also seek to replicate Social Security benefits for undocumented seniors, advocates say. One idea is to create a universal basic income program that would provide the seniors with a monthly stipend for rent, utilities and other necessities, said ICIRRs senior policy counsel, Fred Tsao. Folks should have some level of basic support, regardless of their status, regardless of where theyre from, regardless of who they are, Tsao said. Its a matter of basic sustenance. Both Chicago and Cook County are rolling out universal basic income pilot programs, with Chicago opening applications in April for up to 5,000 recipients regardless of their immigration status. Details on eligibility and enrollment for Cook Countys program have yet to be released. Both programs promise to be two of the largest universal basic income programs in the country, but they would cover only a small fraction of low-income residents. Community resilience Weaving a social safety net for undocumented seniors at the state level is critical, but it doesnt make up for the lack of federal action on immigration reform, advocates say. And while some members of Congress promise to provide more relief for young undocumented immigrants called Dreamers advocates say they shouldnt leave undocumented seniors behind. Glo Choi, 30, the son of an elderly Korean couple who had arrived in the Chicago area in 1996 and eventually overstayed their visas, became a community organizer after living in the shadows and being frustrated for many years. These are the very experiences that I felt of isolation of hopelessness, of just living every day to forget about my problems, because theyre too seemingly insurmountable, Choi said. These kinds of feelings were drowning me for a really long time. Choi found purpose and peace at HANA Center, an Albany Park organization that serves the Korean American and multiethnic immigrant communities through various social services after his mother learned about it through the church they attended. Now Choi serves as a community organizer working on immigration, housing and legal services for the organization. He said he is doing the work with his parents in mind. His mother is now 67 and his father is 65. Initially they tried to adjust their status, Choi said, but it was really tough. A lot of broken promises were made to my family. Eventually they gave up, but in 2012 when he became a community organizer, Choi also pledged to help people like his parents find some comfort and peace. Even though one in seven Asian community members are undocumented in the Chicago area, few are open about it, fearing prejudice and avoiding unwanted attention, he said. His parents are among them. They prefer to work quietly and often dont ask or cant find help, he said. Choi tries to encourage his parents to stay positive, like he does with the community members he works with. During his outreach, he reminds them of their value and importance in the country and in the movement to a dignified life regardless of their immigration status. The role that we play in the community is understanding the breadth of the experiences, so we could make a change. And I think thats what drives me, that change is possible, he said. That change can only come with our input, with us holding our legislators accountable, by letting them know that this is the experience of their constituents, whether its right here in our county, or our state, or our federal districts, that this is a reality. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Its national budget time in Washington, so the conversation on Capitol Hill is focused on numbers. But an important number is being overlooked, one that affects our ability to defend ourselves. At a time when threats abroad are growing, Americas ability to recruit the volunteers needed to fully staff its armed forces is on the wane. The 2023 defense budget request just released by the Biden administration reduces the size of the Army by 12,000 soldiers. It isnt that the Army doesnt need those soldiers -- senior leaders have consistently said the Army is too small. The reason for the cut is that the Army projects that they wont be able to recruit enough people to meet their quotas. Indeed, this year its possible none of the services will meet their recruiting goals. Only halfway into the fiscal year, the Army and the Navy recently raised their bonuses for recruits to an all-time high of $50,000, the head of Air Force recruiting told his recruiters we have warning lights flashing, and the Marine Corps is short recruiters because the recruiting business now is so difficult. Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised to see this at a time the government is reporting there are 4.6 million more open jobs than unemployed Americans looking for work. A shortage of restaurant workers is bad enough, but a manpower shortage in the U.S. military creates strategic risk for America at a time when threats are higher than they have been in modern memory. But the employment situation isnt the sole factor. The recruiting crisis is the result of a perfect storm of multiple factors, all coming to a head in 2022. With each passing year, fewer and fewer young people qualify for military service. Widespread obesity (36% for ages 18-39), increasing numbers of youth afflicted with mental health issues (26% of youth aged 18-25), and other issues including criminal records or lack of high-school degrees is driving down the percentage of youths qualified to enlist without a waiver. But the larger issue with recruiting is that fewer and fewer Americans now see value in joining the armed forces. Young people typically join for either economic or patriotic reasons, or a combination of the two. For those motivated by pay and benefits, companies like Amazon are offering packages that include pay of at least $15 an hour, fully funded college tuition, health care, and 20 weeks of fully paid parental leave. Conversely, a brand new Army private, assuming he or she works a 40-hour week (which is unlikely; most work 60+) earns about $11 an hour. Those who might normally be inspired to serve anyway are likely deterred by the messages they are receiving today (or not receiving) from American society. A recent Gallup poll showed that between 2017 and 2022, Americans who believe military officers possess high ethics declined by a full 10 points, down to 61%, the lowest since they began measuring. The very public disaster that took place with the Afghanistan withdrawal further contributed to the publics loss in confidence in the military and its leaders. For those who watch TV, young people can easily find fundraising commercials featuring veterans tragically wounded, but little in the way of the virtues of military service. This trend carries great danger for America. To reverse it will not be easy. Pay and benefits must be re-imagined to be competitive with the private sector. The military, schools and society must do more to work with young people to help them overcome obesity and other qualification challenges. And President Joe Biden, his administration, Congress, and other leaders must do much more to portray military service as a virtue and an unqualified good. This is not a transitory problem like a pandemic or one that will solve itself. We must take action. The alternative is a weakened and vulnerable America at a time when threats are on the rise. Retired Army Lt. Gen. Thomas Spoehr is the director of The Heritage Foundations Center for National Defense. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Eat your heart out, neighbors! Yes, $17 is about what our Ameren electric bill has been for five years now. Solar panels were installed on our house in April 2017. I have written about this before, and now its time for the five-year update. The bill is for our connection to the grid, and we use electricity from the grid when the sun goes down. We also feed more into the grid from our rooftop solar panels. The idea to go solar came to me from a talk by a member of the local Ecology Action Center. I wasnt so sure about the money, but there was a sense of adventure about it, and it also seemed like the right thing to do. I write about business, so let us start with the money. The company said it should be about an eight-year payback, and that seems to be happening. The installation was about $20,000, but it came with a 30% ($6,000) tax credit. Remember that a tax credit is not just a deduction from income, but that you pay a full $6,000 less in taxes. Next is the carbon payment of 19 cents for every kilowatt we generate, whether we use it for ourselves or send it into the grid. Then we, of course, dont pay for the kilowatts we generate and use. We generate something over 5,000 kilowatts, so there is a $1,000 payment and another $1,000, assuming we would use another 5,000 kwh at 10 cents each. That adds up to a seven-year payback and smooth sailing for the life of the system, which, since it has no moving parts, should be quite long. Also, with current technology you can follow in real time how much electricity is being generated and see totals by day, month and year. The charts are fun to look at. The next chapter began about a year and a half ago when we bought a hybrid electric/gasoline vehicle. This one works for us, but not for everyone. It only goes about 20 miles before switching over to gas. Most of our driving is around town, so in the last 1,000 miles, we have used three gallons, which translates to 333 mpg. Electricity to charge the car costs, too, but ours comes courtesy of the sun. The solar company says they try to provide a system that will meet the needs of each house, but not more. They thought 5,000 kwh would be right for us, but we use a little less than 4,000. How could that be? We have a summer place in Michigan and, while we leave the air-conditioning on while were away, it is set at about 80 degrees. And next is my frugal German wife. We have a friend in Germany whose daughter married an American, and they live here. When they visit, the house lights all seem to be turned on. We usually turn lights on when the sun sets, but Germans like to sit and enjoy the twilight and then turn on only necessary lights. The cost of electricity in Germany gives them good reason for this behavior. We pay about 10 cents per kwh for our electricity, but in Germany it is about 24 cents per kwh and may be higher now. Would we be able to change our habits if we had to pay that much? Besides the adventure, keeping up with the German side of our family has been part of it, too. Germany has made a major commitment to renewable energy, and current events in Russia and Ukraine may push them even harder. My wifes older sister has solar water heating. There are two roof panels and a huge 100-gallon, very well insulated tank. Germany can be cloudy, so there is an emergency pipe running through the house heating system. They say they never need it. Their fully automatic home heating system burns wood pellets from nearby logging operations. Another set of our German relatives heats with wood that is cut and chopped by hand. No thank you to that one, although both are renewable. In Bloomington-Normal we are at 40 degrees north latitude, but in Germany theyre at 51 degrees. At that latitude the sun can be pale, but a niece of ours still has her roof covered with solar panels, much like ours. They got a tax credit like ours, too. They pay 24 cents per kws for the electricity they use, but get a 44 cents per kwh cash payment for the electricity they generate. It will be interesting to compare notes when we go to visit them again. Now a bit of downside, though. We generate more power than we use, so we are good guys. The sun sets every night and there is also winter and, while the system works, it generates much less during that time of the year. Illinois has good sun, but even better wind. Our Illinois farm is in a windfarm area, so that might be our next renewable energy adventure. And now a closing thought from France. The father of one of our French students is an engineer with EDF, the French electric company. He says some renewable energy, but also a lot of nuclear, have been the French answer for decades. That's something to think on. Carson Varner is a professor of finance, insurance and law at Illinois State University. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested one Mohammed Iddi, 35, for possessing firearm on board a Toyota Hiace Mini bus at Pigu Police barrier near Savelugu in the Northern region. The police conducted a search in the vehicle and retrieved six 9mm Calibre Bruni pistols which were concealed in a package he covered with a smock. Police also retrieved one dagger in his possession. He was arraigned before the Tamale High Court. Salia Abdul-Quddus, Northern Regional Chief State Attorney in court prayed for the accused person to be remanded into Police custody to assist in investigations. The accused was charged with one count of possession of firearms without lawfu excuse. He was remanded into Police custody to reappear on April 25, 2022. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ashaiman was on Thursday reignated, following colossal crowd which poured out to witness the launch of the Phase One of a grassroots party empowerment and self-financing project dubbed the Ahot Project by a leading member of the party, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor. Party elders, the rank and file of the NDC including constituency and branch executives and supporters attended the launch of the project. The crowd flooded the streets of Ashaiman to showcase their love for the former Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), thereby, causing massive vehicular traffic for their party leader to easily travel through the municipality to the venue. Members of the NDC in Ashaiman proved that, indeed, the party love the former Finance Minister who is hoping to lead the party. Elated-looking people from all corners of the constituency were seen singing songs and dancing to the partys song to welcome Dr. Duffour. Speaking at the launch to formally begin the implementation of the project, the former Finance Minister told the party supporters that the project is an outcome of his stakeholder engagements with the rank and file of the NDC and his quest to bring a new approach to politics. He said The Ahot project launched today is a testament to the power of stakeholder engagement, and its credit rests on the rank and file of the party. All these years, you have held the fort for the party and borne the responsibility of catering to the needs of your many constituents. Late-night calls about a member rushed to the hospital, days when you struggle to pool funds for party mobilization and the numerous financial burdens which come with your leadership as constituency executives. He continued by paying tribute to the grassroots leadership of the NDC for their sacrifices to the party. Throughout these challenging times, you have risen to the occasion and sacrificed your own resources to support the welfare of members and activities of the party. Today, we celebrate you for these efforts and dedicate this project to you all for your diligence and commitment. Touching on the implementation plan at the launch of the Ahot Project, Dr. Duffour explained that the main aim of this flagship grassroots party support project is geared towards setting up all the 275 constituencies with micro-businesses in order to create the much needed but currently unavailable local cash flow for the day-to-day running of the NDC party at the grassroots level. He asked the grassroots leaders of the need to manage the project in line with the NDC partys basic principles. We are launching this initiative here in the Ashaiman constituency one of the strongholds of our party in the Greater Accra Region. In the next few weeks and months, we will extend this initiative to all 275 constituencies for everyone in our party to benefit from it. As I have already pointed out, a resourced party is a strong party. Revenue belongs at our grassroots, not the top, and we must build this party from the ground, upwards. This initiative is also a test of our highest ideals as a party probity, and accountability, Dr. Duffour said. He pointed out that the Ahot Project is under the management of constituency leadership, who will be accountable to their constituents for the proceeds of these businesses. The constituency business support project, according to Dr. Duffuor, will put a reliable support system in place to generate income for the smooth running of the party at the local level. He advised party members to engage in the new politics of ideas and reminded party members that it is important to think of creative ways to generate money for the NDC because, without money, it is not easy to run a political party or its campaigns to win elections. The truth is, politics is an expensive undertaking. No political party can remain competitive and relevant without being well resourced at all times. Another truth is that the core of our politics is our grassroots base. It is why matters of welfare, mobilization, and outreach must always be at the heart of our efforts in party management. He called the Ahot Project the new approach to politics, adding that This seed is being sown in the life of our party. It is a response to a call for aid in the spirit of building the NDC. May this represent our new approach to politics henceforth. In the face of challenges, let us engage to find solutions. At all times, may we be guided by the value of collaboration and its power to generate relevant solutions? That is what the Ahot Project represents and that is how we will rebuild our party together. The idea of Ahot which means relief in the Akan language, according to the Project Manager, Abass Osabutey, is the outcome of a business feasibility study commissioned by Dr. Duffuor and carried out by a technical team throughout the 275 constituencies in the country to identify the most feasible and sustainable business idea capable of financing NDC party activities at the local level. He explained that each constituency shall receive accessories, logistics, and equipment worth 30,000 Ghana cedis to enable the smooth implementation of the business project. This brings the total investment to 8,250,000 Ghana cedis. Abass Osabutey saidFor example, in our local settings, social events such as funerals, naming ceremonies, marriage ceremonies, durbars, political campaigns, and rallies are mostly outdoor activities. This places a high demand on plastic chairs, canopies, public address systems, power generators, podiums, mobile toilets, etc. Phase One of the project which starts from the Ashaiman constituency will cover 48 constituencies selected, based on constituencies with the highest voter population and those that are orphan constituencies. Abass Osabutey also said the project brings relief to overburdened party MPs and local executives who have supported local party activities for years at their personal expense. High profile members of the NDC including Ekwow Spio-Gabrah, former Education Minister, Fritz Baffour, former Information Minister, Horace Nii Ayi Ankrah, former Deputy Ambassador to China, Antwi Boasiako Sekyere, former Eastern Regional Minister and coordinator of Duffuor campaign among others were in attendance. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Member of Parliament for Assin Central constituency in the Central region, Kennedy Agyapong has descended on his fellow MP for North Tongu in the Volta region Samuel, Okudzeto Ablakwa who has recently launched attacks on President Akufo-Addo for renting a Private Jet for his foreign trips despite the hardship facing Ghanaians to shut up. The NPP firebrand has warned Okudzeto Ablakwa to stop ranting since he is not clean after doing worse during the era of Ex-President John Mills/John Mahamas administration to the extent of renting two Private jets to wed his wife in the Upper West Region when he was then Deputy Minister of Information with no track record employment before joining politcs. Kennedy Agyapongs response follows Ablakwas recent attacks on him (Kennedy Agyapong) after the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin paraded him and two others to the Privileges Committee for absenting from Parliamentary duties. Okudzekto in a recent post on the President claimed on his Facebook page that By his new deceptive meet-me-there-camouflage, President Akufo-Addo dispatched his favorite obscenely extravagant LX-DIO executive jet back to Paris, France as he returned to Accra last night aboard a Boeing 777-236(ER) British Airways commercial flight with callsign BAW81 at 8:10 pm. According to him, Interesting how a European luxury jet rental company just made a cool half a million dollars (GHS3.5miilion) from a supposedly broke West African nation that only recently announced major expenditure cuts turns out those cuts were merely cosmetic and not intended to be complied with by an obstinate oligarchic president. He lamented that We wish to serve notice that since next month precisely, May 27, will be exactly a year when I first published revelations on what has become widely known as the Sky Bath Scandal if between now and 27th May 2022, President Akufo-Addo once again abandons Ghanas Presidential Jet and charters an ultra-luxury US$18,000 an hour executive jet, we will and are ready to stage what shall be the biggest demonstration ever to hit his government. Notice is hereby served. However, reacting to the attack on the President, in an interview on Oman Fm Boiling Point, KenIedy Agyapong revealed how Okudzeto Ablakwa wasted state resources when he was a Deputy minister. He explained his point by saying that Okudzeto Ablakwa always blasts the president for flying in a luxurious private jet which cost millions of cedis to the state. Kennedy Agyapong also exposed Okudzeto Ablakwa with documents by revealing that Okudzeto Ablakwa also flew in several private jets which were luxurious and special during Mills/Mahama era. On February 15th, 2010, he departed and came back on February 17th, 2010 with a special flight. Okudzeto, what is a special/chartered flight? March 7th, Okudzeto Ablakwa left the country again with EK-782 which is Emirates, and came back on March, 11 with another jet called EK-781 he said as he quoted from some documents. Earlier before Kennedy Agyapongs reactions, Okudzekto Ablakwa in a post on Facebook expressed worries over how the Government has kept silent on his allegations against the President for renting a Private jet. He claimed that Why does the entire government communication machinery run into hiding at a Usain Boltic speed anytime we put out revelations on President Akufo-Addos oligarchic chartered jet travels?. He said, Its been 11 months of hiding and avoidance even in Parliament. The Akufo-Addo Administration has adopted K.K. Kabobos Running Away mechanism for political survival, however, must be emphasized that in a modern democracy transparency and accountability are not optional choices but an obligation. We shall continue to demand total and absolute accountability Okudzekto said. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Economist Stephen Adei has warned that development in Ghana risks grinding to a halt if taxes are not doubled in two years time. Speaking on Accra FM show about a raft of economic issues including the recently-passed e-levy, Prof Adei said: We must accept e-levy. Its a low-hanging fruit. We must accept the e-levy. He warned: If we dont, well still pay for it in another way, adding: We must tax electronic transactions. The 1.5 per cent levy is meant to affect some electronic transactions including mobile money transfers although with some pro-poor exemptions. For the poor, even if you transfer GHS100 thirty times, you will not pay e-levy, he said. In his view, anybody who is able to transfer GHS3,000 in a month is not poor in Ghana because the average graduate pay is GHS1,500. So, the e-levy will not affect a lot of people, he added. The former Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission also observed that no one likes taxes but Ghanaians must know that if we dont double all our taxes in the next two years or so, we cant develop. E-levy is less than 5% of the budget, he pointed out. He also dispelled claims that is a lazy mans way of raising revenue. E-levy will make real impact in the future, he added. Source: classfmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video UK prime minister, Boris Johnson made a surprise visit to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine on Saturday, April 9 to pledge support and show solidarity towards the country in its war against Russia. Footage shared by the Ukranian embassy to the UK, President Volodimir Zelensky and Boris Johnson's official Twitter handles showed the pair meeting and sitting across a table from each other, their respective flags on the far side. Johnson was wearing a dark suit and Zelensky a khaki overall, his signature attire in public appearances since the Russian invasion began February 24. Reports in UK say that the visit was intended to be kept secret until the Prime Minister had flown out of the war zone but bis arrival was mistakenly announced in a mid-afternoon tweet by Ukraines embassy to the UK, which posted a picture of him chatting with Zelensky, with the caption: Surprise. UK Security officials gave the green light to the visit after the exhausted and battered Russian forces which have tried to encircle Kyiv were withdrawn by Putin. During the meeting Johnson praised the Ukrainian troops' staunch resistance that has 'defied odds' in rebuffing Russia's advance towards the capital of Kyiv. 'I think that the Ukrainians have shown the courage of a lion, and you Volodymyr have given the roar of that lion,' he said. 'The Russians believed Ukraine could be engulfed in a matter of days and that Kyiv would falls in hours to their armies. How wrong they were'. Ukraine last night heaped praise on Johnson, with its Parliament declaring: We are strengthening our union of democracies. Be brave, like Boris. Be brave, like Ukraine. Discussing about civilian bodies in Ukrainian towns, Johnson said the atrocities committed by Moscow's forces had 'permanently polluted' Putin's reputation.6x 'What Putin has done in places like Bucha and Irpin is war crimes that have permanently polluted his reputation and the reputation of his government,' the Prime Minister added. After their meeting in a undisclosed building, the pair flanked by heavy security walked through the streets of Kyiv, greeted civilians and even posed for pictures as they visited a memorial center. Johnson's visit makes him the first G7 leader to visit Kyiv since Putin launched his invasion, and follows trips to Kyiv by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Friday and the visit of the Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer earlier on Saturday. Watch the videos below A Downing Street spokesperson: "The PM has travelled to Ukraine to meet President Zelenskyy in person, in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people" https://t.co/5gNM2kDprq via @haynesdeborah Liveuamap (@Liveuamap) April 9, 2022 Johnson: How are you? Zelensky: You know how I am pic.twitter.com/87NBEiVosQ Yalda Hakim (@BBCYaldaHakim) April 9, 2022 Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Monday, April 4, 2022, discussed the performance of his administration during an interview on BBC's Focus On Africa programme. Even though various issues discussed have generated some level of discussion in the country, some are however focussing on the posture and line of questioning of the host of the show, Peter Okwoche. Some pundits in the political arena and on social media have described Peter as fearless and bold; daring to ask thought-provoking questions. They've gone further to compare him to some Ghanaian journalists who have had the opportunity of interviewing the President and other leaders in the country. Dear Ghana Journalist, in every interview, be a PETER OKWOCHE. Be fearless, one wrote on Facebook. Meanwhile, the National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, says President Akufo-Addo sought to peddle falsehood but it was exposed by Peter Okwoche. Reacting to this on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', the Managing Editor of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Kweku Baako shot down claims that Ghana lacks journalists in the likes of Peter Okwoche. "There's also a certain attempt to attack the integrity of sections of the Ghanaian media...they claim the guy (Peter) asked hard questions which we couldn't ask...it's unfair to say that because the BBC host asked one or two solid questions which the President couldn't answer properly and so it means sections of the Ghanaian media are useless...and they've included me and Kwami Sefa Kayi in the list" he indicated. According to him, "it's not as if the Ghanaian media don't ask critical questions" Listen to him in the video below Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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. SALEM Kyle West stood on a checkerboard show deck on stage at the Fort Salem Theater. Behind him was the still-being-built set of Steel Magnolias, the second show of his second season. Behind the set is the faint outline of what used to be an arched altar. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, West made a split-second decision to leave Dallas, Texas, and purchase the Fort Salem Theater, which is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary season as a performing arts space in Salem. But the structure itself, originally built as a church, has a vast and deep history that started with divergent Presbyterians before the Revolutionary War. Were not a church, West said. We dont have a congregation, but we are still a community space that brings people together and inspires people through telling stories. Prickly Presbyterians Folks first settled in the area now known as Salem in 1761. The Presbyterians one a group of Scotch-Irish immigrants and the second who came from Massachusetts simply couldnt get along and started two different meeting houses known as the Scotch church and the New England church. So disparate were their beliefs that they couldnt even agree on what to call their new settlement. The settlers from Massachusetts called the area White Creek while the emigrants from across the Atlantic called it New Perth. Though their farms were intermingled through the town, they were two distinct communities, according to Early History of the Town of Salem: From its First Settlement in 1761 to the Close of the Revolutionary War, by Dr. Asa Fitch. The churches also harbored different politics, creating a rivalry between the two worshipping bodies. The New England church where the Fort Salem Theater sits today was in the process of being built in 1774. Our fathers did not consider themselves obliged to wait until the edifice was finished, much less for anything like a dedication, according to Historical Sketch of the Presbyterian Church, in Salem, Washington Co., New York, written by Edward Sprague and published in 1876. Once at least, in the summer time, our people attended preaching there when only the roof was on, the sides being entirely open; and frequent services were held when it had been clapboarded but was still destitute of a floor, and of course of anything like permanent benches. But construction was halted when the Revolutionary War broke out in the colonies. In July 1777, after group of Native Americans were attacked and slaughtered nearby, the town feared retribution from British Gen. John Burgoynes army. In preparation for a possible attack, the townspeople took over the partially built New England Presbyterian Church, turning it into a fort. Word was therefore sent through the community for every family to gather at the church and for every man to come armed with his gun. Sentries were stationed on the hill-tops and other favorable situations through the town to keep watch and give the alarm should a body of the enemy anywhere appear, that the worshippers might thereupon withdraw into the fort, according to Fitchs writing. The church was hastily extemporized into a stockade fort. The church walls were strengthened, ovens installed and a well opened, according to an article titled, The White Creek Fort, written in 1955 by Dr. Adelbert Abbott for the Salem Historical Society. A stockade was erected surrounding the whole at a distance of about sixty feet from its walls, Abbott writes. This was constructed of contiguous logs about ten inches in diameter and ten to twelve feet in length, and about three feet of their length sun into the ground. The church-turned-fort was called Salem Fort, then later renamed Fort Williams, in compliment to Dr. John Williams, who became Gen. John Williams. The forts name Salem, which means peace, later became the name of the town as well. Within a day or two, residents heard that a whole family in Argyle had been massacred by Native Americans now referred to by historians as the Allen Massacre and that a woman named Jane McCrea had endured a horrible murder near Fort Edward as well. Few, from this time ventured to sleep in their houses over night, and all hastened their arrangements to fly from the town, Fitch wrote. Though the fields were ripe for the harvest, that harvest was never gathered. Each day now witnessed families assembling together in groups at different points, and some on horseback, some on foot starting upon their pilgrimage. While both the New England and Scotch-Irish settlers were beating a path out of town, Col. Alexander Websters regiment continued in garrison at the fort. The regiment was ordered to Fort Edward following the evacuation of Fort Ticonderoga and the defeat of Gen. Arthur St. Clairs retreating army (which passed through Salem) at Hubbardton, according to Abbotts article. Command then devolved upon Capt. Joseph McCracken who, after successfully defending it against an assault by a band of Tories, organized and developed a series of raiding parties under the command of the redoubtable Capt. John Barnes to harry the supply lines of Gen. Burgoyne, Abbott explains. Following the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne, Abbott continues, the need for combat troops in this vicinity ceased and all were transferred to other areas of more immediate military necessity leaving behind the Tories to plunder the dwellings of their absent neighbors. Such malice did these wretches bear toward the New England church, the largest and most valuable building in the township, in consequence of its having been temporarily fortified and garrisoned by the military already mentioned that they now set fire to it and burned it to the ground. This fiendish acts was probably perpetrated about the 20th of September, 1777. Reassembling the church After fire destroyed the half-church, half-fort, the townspeople were too poor to rebuild, according to Spragues writing. McCracken, described as a most enthusiastic patriot and a most active laborer on behalf of the church, served as a trustee for several years. In 1779, McCracken and other men of the congregation twice petitioned the New York Legislature for funds for a new meeting house. Neither petition was granted, according to Sprague. Until a second church could be constructed, parishioners worshipped at other churches and even considered a union with the other Presbyterian Church in town run by the Scotch-Irish. So far as extant records show, Sprague writes, the years until 1787 were filled with ineffectual attempts at union between the two congregations, with temporary supplies on our part, and unsuccessful calls addressed to desired ministers. The congregation nearly hired a new minister in early 1782 when discussions about uniting the two churches seemed likely. The two churches, however, could not agree and did not unite. A second New England Presbyterian Church was finally constructed in 1783, only to be destroyed again by fire. A third church this one constructed of brick was built, but in April 1840, that too had a fire that destroyed the interior. The structure remained intact, however, and the Greek Revival building boasting thick white pillars over white marble steps remains standing at 11 East Broadway in the village today. A chapel was added in 1882. From pulpits to plays For more than 100 years, the two Presbyterian congregations in town the Brick Church (New England) and the Old White Church (Scotch-Irish) existed in harmonious separation. They finally merged in the early 1960s, leaving the Brick Church vacant for about a decade until Judge William Drohan of New York City purchased it in 1971 and turned it into a theater. Drohan replaced the altar with a stage and produced the very first show in August 1972 presenting Neil Simons Barefoot in the Park. The theater saw its heyday when Quentin Beaver purchased it in 1979. Beaver, according to an article in 1983 in The Journal-Press, built a well-known regional theater presenting full-scale musicals, comedy and drama using a professional staff of artists and directors from the New York City area. Under Beavers reign, the theater became a cultural center hosting recitals, band concerts, and childrens shows as well as the Salem Central Schools plays, the article explains. Beavers daughter, Kathy, ran the theater from 2001 to 2006. Jay Kerr, who taught voice and songwriting in Manhattan but had a second home in Hebron, took over control of the theater in 2006. Kerr and his wife, Lynne, fully renovated the theater. He removed the church pews and replaced them with seats from the famous Helen Hayes Theater on 42nd Street in New York City. Kerr also renovated the church chapel into a cabaret with state-of-the-art lighting and sound, according to the Fort Salem Theaters website. The main stage was totally renovated with a proscenium arch and new stage. The theater was a turn-key operation when West purchased it in August 2020. Jay had done such a beautiful job with renovating the space that you walk in and there is nothing you cant imagine could happen in there, West said. It is set up for something that is both really intimate but really grand and formal and you dont find that in most places, but you definitely dont find that walking down a Main Street in a small town. His first season in 2021, still stymied by the pandemic, only allowed 33% capacity with spacing between theatergoers. But his first show of the 2022 season, the musical Little Shop of Horrors, played to a full house, drawing folks from Salem as well as people from outside the town. The next show, the play Steel Magnolias, set to hit the stage April 22, is nearly sold out, and West is considering adding a fourth performance. The show will feature former WNYT-TV news anchor Benita Zahn as Southern mom MLynn. West also established a nonprofit dance studio in the Central House building, aptly named Fort Salem Studio, which opened in January and plans to perform a showcase at the theater. He often comments that the town of Salem reminds him of a Hallmark movie. He enjoys watching people walk in and out of downtown businesses and kids hang out on the theater steps. He wants the Fort Salem Theater to be a gathering place, offering something for everyone. So at the core of our existence, were really not that different from what this building was set out to be and do, West said. There may be some different songs and hopefully some flashier choreography. Gretta Hochsprung writes features and hometown news. She can be reached at 518-742-3206 or ghochsprung@poststar.com. Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. New York City college students will come to Newcomb for two weeks each summer to participate in a sort of ROTC program for careers in climate science, social equity, environmental journalism and forest policing, to be established with funding in the new state budget. The budget, which Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Saturday, includes $2.1 million for Medgar Evers College of Brooklyn and the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, which has a campus in Newcomb, to establish the Timbuctoo Summer Climate and Careers Institute. Students will learn how to protect wild places and urban communities from the worst ravages of climate change, said Aaron Mair, director of the Adirondack Councils Forever Adirondack Campaign, in a news release. We will need a broad array of fresh minds and bodies on the job from rangers and visitor-managers to climate scientists, forest ecologists, engineers, lawyers, journalists, artists, you name it. The Forever Adirondack Campaign is a coalition of advocacy, government and educational organizations. One of the goals of the summer institute is to introduce students preparing for those careers to the Adirondack Park, so that they will want to eventually live and work in the park, said John Sheehan, a spokesman for Adirondack Council, an environmental organization. Many New York students rely on mass transit and do not have personal automobiles to travel to the Adirondacks, state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, D-Brooklyn, and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, D-Elmont, who spearheaded the funding, wrote in a joint essay published in several New York City area publications in February. The name Timbuctoo is in honor of the settlement that abolitionist, suffragist and philanthropist Gerrit Smith established in Essex County in the mid-19th century, providing land to Blacks to meet the requirement of being a property owner in order to vote. John Brown, the abolitionist who attacked the armory at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was among those who came to live at Timbuctoo. Sheehan said the program could be up and running as soon summer 2023, depending on how quickly the two colleges are able to complete arrangements. Other spending The state budget also includes $500,000 for the first phase of a comprehensive study of how lakes and ponds in the Adirondacks are recovering from acid rain, and of how climate change is affecting the temperature of water and surface air above it. The complete study is expected to cost about $6 million, over three years. The budget increases this years funding to $300,000 for the Adirondack Diversity Initiative of the Adirondack North Country Association, a program to increase diversity and to make all feel welcome in the Adirondacks. Also, the Forever Adirondacks Campaign praised funding in the state budget to expand broadband networks. Broadband is essential for jobs, the group said in a news release. Adirondack communities can solve communications problems and attract new residents and visitors with universally accessible broadband internet. Maury Thompson covered local government and politics for The Post-Star for 21 years before he retired in 2017. He continues to follow regional politics as a freelance writer. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 4 The gruesome images of slain civilians in Bucha and other liberated towns near Kyiv have been met with furious rhetoric from Western politicians. Yet there is only one way to stop Vladimir Putins forces from committing more hideous war crimes. It is not by placing more sanctions on Russia (though they are welcome). It is not the suspension of Russia from the U.N. Human Rights Council (it should be suspended from the U.N. General Assembly). And it is not peace talks that Putin permits primarily to fool some European leaders. Putin can only be stopped if Washington and NATO allies provide Ukraine with all the weapons it needs to defeat Russian forces. The critical battles will happen in the coming weeks in eastern Ukraine, as soon as Russian forces recoup from being pushed back from Kyiv. Yet the most critical weapons systems and vehicles have yet to arrive. How many Buchas have to take place for the West to do what we are asking? Ukraines foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, asked plaintively at an emergency NATO meeting on Thursday. That is the question NATO members need to answer now. In fairness, more Western weapons are pouring in every day, and the United States has committed $1.7 billion in defense aid to Ukraine this year. (Ukrainians tell me they are grateful Donald Trump is no longer president, since he justified Putins annexation of Crimea and praised the Russia leaders genius at the beginning of the current invasion. Trumps open disdain for Ukraine and for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his affinity for Putin have not been forgotten in Kyiv.) Still, U.S. and NATO aid has ramped up much too slowly. In a bitter tweet, the anti-Russian chess star and opposition activist Garry Kasparov argues: The issue with Western response hasnt changed since Putin first invaded Ukraine in 2014: Horrified by what has happened, unwilling to act to stop it while it is happening, unable to plan so it doesnt happen again. Each week, as NATO countries face more outrages by Putin, they up the ante with weapons delivery, but they always appear behind the need of the moment. U.S. deliveries of Javelin anti-tank weapons and Stinger short-range antiaircraft missiles have been essential in helping Ukraine hold off the Russians and remain critical. But the systems necessary to defeat Moscow in upcoming battles still havent arrived. Ukraine has been unable to close the skies to the missiles and bombs that have ravaged Kharkiv, Mariupol, and other cities. Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Greece have Russian-made S-300 anti-missiles systems, but have not been willing to loan them to Ukraine unless the United States is willing to loan those countries comparable systems in the meantime. Nor has Kyiv received the anti-ship missiles it needs, immediately, to help save the port city of Odesa, even though the United States, Norway, and Poland have such systems. The (U.S.) bureaucracy simply hasnt been told that its wartime, I was told by the former deputy secretary general of NATO, Alexander Vershbow. The MiG 29s (airplanes) havent moved, long-range air defenses havent moved. Its so frustrating. The pipeline of weapons is moving very slowly at a time when Russians are more vulnerable than they will be in a few weeks, said Vershbow, also a former U.S. ambassador to Moscow, by which time the Russians will be capable of fixing their performance. Indeed, as I have been speaking this week with Ukrainian friends and contacts in Kyiv, I have heard the same message over and over: We are expecting Putins forces to come back here after they regroup in Belarus. That means the next few weeks are crucial, as Russian troops reorganize and as many Russian soldiers, troops, and mercenaries move toward eastern Ukraine for a big land battle in the Donbas region. The Czech Republic has offered Ukraine desperately need tanks, but Ukrainians worry whether they will get there in time. The Ukrainians believe Putins current goal is to expand Russian occupation of big swathes of eastern and southern Ukraine, finally taking Mariupol and maybe Odessa, then enter into inconclusive peace talks that drag on for years. Ukraine would be left with a rump state, cut off from the sea, its infrastructure and economy destroyed, unable to join NATO or the European Union. Flush with victory in Ukraine, Putin could then set his sights on territory in East European states and the Baltics, unconvinced that Washington would stand by their side. On the other hand, a Ukrainian win in eastern Ukraine a victory that delivers Russian troops another huge blow would force Putin to rethink his strategy as his military flounders further. But Ukraine cant win unless we and NATO allies treat their war with Russia with the urgency wed muster if U.S. troops were involved, giving Ukraine the tools for protecting their skies as well as winning land battles. Indeed, Ukraines war is our war. If a vengeful, expansionist Putin, backed by China, is permitted to smash Ukraine, the United States will face a Eurasian alliance of dictators who believe they are tougher than Western democracies. And Russian war criminal Putin will almost surely challenge NATO forces (including ours) in the coming years. Trudy Rubin is a columnist and editorial board member for the The Philadelphia Inquirer. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 LAGOS, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's anti-drug agency on Sunday announced the seizure of 13.2 kilograms of cocaine at the Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the country's economic hub. More than 100 parcels of the illicit drug were brought into the country by a 52-year-old suspect who returned from Sao Paulo, Brazil, via Doha, aboard a Qatar Airways flight, said Femi Babafemi, spokesperson for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in a statement. The suspect was arrested on Saturday at the arrival hall of the Lagos airport, while the 101 parcels of the class-A drug, with a gross weight of 13.2 kilograms, were recovered from his only check-in bag, the spokesman said. During preliminary questioning, the suspect confessed he was to be paid 5 million naira (about 1.2 million U.S. dollars) for trafficking the drug after successfully delivering the consignment in Lagos, Babafemi said. The most populous African country has been troubled by cross-border drug trafficking, with frequent reports of seizure of illicit drugs and arrests of suspects at its major airports. On March 29, President Joe Biden signed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, making lynching a federal hate crime. Though we celebrate this historic moment, many are left questioning why this legislation took more than 100 years to enact. Lynching was a Southern horror which became widespread not long after slavery ended. From the 1880s to the 1960s, white mobs terrorized and hanged thousands of Black people. In addition to the everyday occurrences of racial violence perpetrated during this era, racial terrorists tortured, mutilated, decapitated and desecrated Black people, including children. Some were burned alive, and some had their genitals cut off and given away as souvenirs. Announcements of upcoming lynchings were made during church services, photos were taken, postcards were printed for posterity and entire families attended as if lynching were a spectator sport. The public display of these tortured bodies was used as a form of psychological intimidation and control to force Black people to remain subservient to systems of white supremacy that have oppressed us ever since the first slave ship landed in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619. There were nearly 6,500 documented lynchings between 1865 and 1950, and many more remain undocumented. Yet Congress has failed to pass this bill more than 200 times. It was not until the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, which brought a racial reckoning movement to the United States, that the anti-lynching bill was brought back into consideration, more than a century later. Emmett Tills killers, half-brothers Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam, were acquitted by an all-white, all-male jury in 1955. Emmett Tills accuser, Carolyn Bryant, still walks free. Even with the passing of this act, Tills family is still seeking justice for his murder. Though we dont experience the same form of lynching as our ancestors, there are still modern-day lynchings of unarmed victims killed by purveyors of racial terror and the police, including Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice and others. While this act imposes criminal penalties on civilians, it does nothing to safeguard the Black community against police officers who kill unarmed victims with impunity and avoid accountability due to the protection provided by qualified immunity. This legal doctrine shields law enforcement officers from being sued for violating a persons constitutional rights, unless those rights are clearly established. Alongside the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, additional legislation must be passed to fully protect Black lives. In 2020, members of the Congressional Black Caucus proposed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. But because it challenged this practice of qualified immunity, it was not passed by the Senate. The passage of the Emmett Till Antilynching Act is tainted by the stains of U.S. history. Stains that mark the torture and pain suffered by countless Black Americans. Stains that mark the agony of mothers who have had to bury their children while never seeing justice served. Stains that mark the ways in which white supremacy devalues brown skin. Stains that continually say that we are less than human. Stains that must be wiped away by the arc of the moral universe as we continue to work toward justice. Linda Wiggins-Chavis is a Faith in Florida Organizer in Hillsborough County, Florida. This column was produced for Progressive Perspectives, which is run by The Progressive magazine, and distributed by Tribune News Service. 2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A third person wanted in connection with Thursdays armed robbery of the Gas and Electric Credit Union in Rock Island is in custody. Theus Malik Randolph, 21, was booked into the Scott County Jail at 12:20 p.m. Saturday on an interstate warrant for the credit union robbery and on charges he violated his probation in Scott County, as well as new Scott County charges of second-degree criminal mischief, third-degree burglary and interference with official acts causing bodily injury. He also was wanted on a warrant for failing to appear on a Scott County domestic assault charge. Randolph is on probation in Scott County until July 22, according to Iowa Department of Corrections electronic records. On May 27, 2021, Randolph pleaded guilty during a hearing in Scott County District Court to one count each of domestic abuse assault-second offense and third-degree criminal mischief, according to district court electronic records. Both charges are aggravated misdemeanors under Iowa law that carry a prison sentence of two years. Randolph was being held Saturday night in the Scott County Jail on a cash-only bond of $250,000 for the Rock Island robbery charge, $2,100 cash-only for his probation violation and failing to appear on the domestic charge, and $7,000 cash or surety on the burglary and interference charges. On July 22, 2021, Scott County District Judge Mark Fowler sentenced Randolph to one year on supervised probation. However, Randolph violated his probation, and on Nov. 18 District Judge Marlita Greve issued a bench warrant for his arrest. Randolph has been on the run since. Rock Island Police said that Randolph, who has been living in Galesburg, Ill., Dantonis TayJohn Lewis Fair, 19, of Davenport, and Alexis Merchant, 20, of Coal Valley, conspired to rob the Gas and Electric Credit Union. Two masked people, one armed with a handgun, robbed the credit union, 2300 4th Ave., at about 1:47 p.m. Thursday. Rock Island police traced the three to an address in the 600 block of East 6th Street in Davenport. Merchant and Fair were taken into custody Thursday. Merchant waived extradition to Illinois. During a first appearance Friday in Rock Island County Circuit Court, her bond was set at $75,000, 10%, by Associate Circuit Judge Richard Zimmer, and he scheduled a preliminary hearing on the charges for April 26. Armed robbery in Illinois is a Class X felony that carries a prison sentence of six to 30 years. Fair was released from an Iowa prison in January and is on work release status in Scott County until June, 5, 2024, on a first-degree theft conviction, according to Iowa Department of Corrections electronic records. Fair continues to be held in the Scott County Jail on the Rock Island robbery charge, as well as Scott County charges of felon in possession of a firearm and interference with official acts using a firearm. Each of the charges is a Class D felony under Iowa law that carry a prison sentence of five years. Fair also is being held in Scott County for violating the conditions of his work release. In that case, Fair was one of three people accused of attacking a person with pepper spray and beating the person in order to steal the persons cell phone. The attack occurred at 1:06 a.m. Aug. 25, 2019, behind Fillmore Elementary School in Davenport. According to Scott County District Court electronic records, Fair was charged with first-degree robbery in the case but accepted a deal and pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree theft and willful injury causing bodily injury during a hearing on Jan. 8, 2020. First-degree theft is a Class C felony under Iowa law that carries a 10-year prison sentence, while the willful injury charge is an aggravated misdemeanor that carries a prison sentence of two years. On Feb. 19, 2020, District Judge Stuart Werling sentenced Fair to 10 years in prison on the theft charge, and a concurrent two-year sentence in the willful injury charge. Fair was released from the Iowa Department of Corrections on Jan. 11, and placed on work release. Fair was being held Saturday night in the Scott County Jail on a $250,000 bond, cash or surety, for the Rock Island robbery charge, a $10,000 cash-only bond for violating the conditions of his work-release, and without bond on the firearm and interference charges. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A meeting to oppose the proposed Apoyo Village project in Silvis will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 10, in the Community Room at the Silvis Police Department, 600 Illini Drive. The 24- to 26-unit project would be located at 2001 5th St. and, if it moves forward in its current form, would have 13 one-bedroom apartments, 12 two-bedroom units and one three-bedroom unit. The Greater Metropolitan Area Housing Authority of Rock Island County is the agency behind the proposed project. The agency already operates Pebble Creek Apartments in Silvis, Heartland Park Senior Living Community in Moline and Hometown Harbor in East Moline. Those who oppose the Apoyo Village project say the development is targeting tenants on release from the Illinois Department of Corrections and that the project is less than a half-mile from Bowlesburg Elementary School and several day care centers, and just more than a half-mile from United Township High School. Opponents say the project is not appropriate for that area of the city given that it will be housing people coming directly from prison. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A Black U.S. Army combat medic credited with saving countless lives during World War II will receive another honor from the U.S. government when the Rock Island Arsenal names its health clinic after him this week. The clinic, located in Building 110 on the Arsenal, will be dedicated as the Woodson Health Clinic in honor of Staff Sgt. Waverly Woodson at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 14. The clinic provides primary care services to more than 1,940 active-duty soldiers, retirees and family members. Woodson was a member of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalions medical team, the only African-American unit to storm Omaha Beach during the Normandy invasion on D-Day, June 6, 1944. As Woodson's tank landing ship was coming ashore, it was struck by a floating mine that caused injuries to his upper legs and backside. Despite being wounded, Woodson managed to treat up to 200 injured soldiers for 30 hours, removing bullets, setting broken bones, administering blood plasma, CPR and dressing wounds. He also reportedly saved four men from drowning, according to a profile of Woodson. For his brave actions, Woodson was awarded with numerous military citations and medals, including the Purple Heart for wounds he received on D-Day, a Bronze Star and the Good Conduct Medal. Woodson was also nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor. According to his obituary, Woodson reenlisted in the Army following World War II and continued his medical career at Walter Reed Army Hospital, serving as the sergeant in charge of the morgue, performing all autopsies. After his departure from the Army, Woodson worked at the National Naval Medical Center in the bacteriology department and was later a medical technologist at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Pathway department in Bethesda, Md., for more than 20 years. Woodson died in 2005 in Gaithersburg, Md., at the age of 83. He was buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen introduced legislation in September 2020 asking the president to posthumously award Woodson the Congressional Medal of Honor. After two readings in the U.S. Senate, the bill has been referred to the Committee on Armed Services. Family members of Woodson did not return messages seeking comment. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. CEDAR RAPIDS Democratic U.S. Senate hopefuls say they have reservations about the use of eminent domain to help route underground carbon dioxide pipelines across Iowa, as well as doubts whether the proposed projects make economic and environmental sense for the state. The candidates former U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenauer of Cedar Rapids, retired Admiral Michael Franken of Sioux City and physician Glenn Hurst of Minden agree that removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is important, but question proposals to move the greenhouse gas through pipelines from Iowa ethanol plants to sequestration sites in other states. The science is poor, Hurst said during an April 4 virtual forum with the Iowa Democratic Party Rural Caucus. As a matter of fact, it might actually add greenhouse gases with the effort to build the pipeline and move the CO2. The issue of using pipelines to move CO2 is thoroughly flawed from top to bottom, Hurst added. The candidates are competing in the June 7 primary election for the Democratic nomination for the seat held by Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley in the November elections. Republican voters are suing in Polk County District Court over a decision to allow Finkenauer on the ballot, arguing that some signatures required for her to be on it are not valid. A judge had not ruled in the case by Saturday morning. On the GOP side, Grassley also faces a primary against state Sen. Jim Carlin of Sioux City. Eminent domain the power of the government to take private land for public use or benefit is a flashpoint in proposals by three companies to build pipelines across the state to move CO2. So far, only one of the pipeline developers, Summit Carbon Solutions of Iowa, has filed an application with the Iowa Utilities Board and is asking for permission to use eminent domain, but said it is uncertain it will be needed. Eminent domain rings loud in this discussion, said Franken, who grew up on a northwest Iowa farm. It's unique that we're executing it for private gain, granted with a public good, but ultimately to private gain. I do not believe it's a winner. Hurst agreed the issue of eminent domain is of primary importance because it's about private benefit to another private individual. So I would oppose this completely top to bottom, he said. Supporters argue the pipelines are vital to Iowas ethanol industry, which produces CO2. While there is a future for ethanol, Franken believes it includes carbon extraction, not running pipelines. Franken supported an amendment filed in the Iowa House that would delay regulatory hearings on the use of eminent domain until after Feb. 1, 2023. Capturing CO2 is important in addressing climate change, Finkenauer said, but the way that this is impacting Iowans across the state, and very specifically in rural America and rural Iowa, in particular, is very, very concerning. As opposed to Grassley, who listens to high-paid lobbyists to tell him what to think and what to say and what to support and what not to, Finkenauer said, she wants to hear from Iowans who will be impacted by pipeline construction. That's not how this legislation or any decisions should be made on it, she said. The decision whether to allow private pipeline companies to use eminent domain is an issue for state government, not Congress, according to Grassley. He has voiced support for carbon sequestration as one of the ways to hit at global warming. In an October interview with the Mason City Globe-Gazette, Grassley said he assumes moving it underground is safer than above ground by truck or train. Whether its done by a pipeline, it's collected and stored someplace or whether it's done by carbon sequestration by farmers farming according to where you can sequester the most carbon, all of those things are justified under global warming, Grassley said. Franken and Hurst are scheduled to participate in forum sponsored by the Democratic parties in Delaware, Dubuque, Jackson and Jones counties from 1 to 3 p.m. April 16 at Maquoketa Valley High School in Delhi. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Face masks are recommended. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Bill Baker, who led the Chicago-based structural engineering team for the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, is amazed at the popularity of observation decks of mega towers, including the glass balcony the public can visit on the 103rd floor of Chicago's Willis Tower. It's billed as "The Ledge." "Not only do you want to go high, you want to hang out over the abyss," Baker said of the Willis Tower balcony. "Explain that one to me," he said with a laugh. "I don't understand it other than I experience it myself." Baker said the Burj Khalifa has added observation space since it opened in 2010. Humanity's fascination with building structures higher and higher may not be the easiest thing to explain, but Baker has made his mark in the skyscraper industry. The Illinois connection Baker is part of Illinois' connection with the construction of the Burj Khalifa, which is in the United Arab Emirates and is 2,717 feet, or 828 meters, high. While Baker led the structural engineers for the world's tallest building project, the chief architect was Adrian Smith. At the time, they both worked for Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. "Chicago is one of the world capitals for tall building architecture and engineering," said Baker, who grew up in Fulton, Missouri, went to the University of Missouri and would visit St. Louis with his family. Along with being home to the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, Chicago is the headquarters of the nonprofit Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, which has a treasure trove of information about the tallest buildings across the world on its website at www.ctbuh.org. The Willis Tower was the world's tallest building from 1973 to 1998. It stands at 1,451 feet high. Since 1998, over 20 skyscrapers have been built, mostly in Asia and the Middle East, to knock the Willis Tower down to the 23rd highest building in the world. Baker also said the University of Illinois, where he earned his master's degree in engineering and where he lectured last fall, has one of the highest rated structural engineering programs in the country. Reaching new heights Baker is quick to note that designing a building over a half mile high like the Burj Khalifa takes more than a couple of people. "We had 90 people working on this thing," he said of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. "Adrian led the architectural team, I led the structural team," he said. Smith has since started his own company, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture LLP in Chicago, and is the architect for a building that would exceed the height of the Burj Khalifa but construction has halted on that project known as the Jeddah Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The exact height of this skyscraper has not been announced. Developers have said it would be at least 3,280 feet, or 1 kilometer high. So that brings us to wonder, just how high can a building get? Baker matter-of-factly gives his answer: "I think one could, in a fairly reasonable cost and reasonable time frame, do like a mile or even two kilometers." A 2-kilometer high building would be 1.24 miles or 6,561 feet in height. Baker said the supertall structures "are like Swiss watches" and not a speck of space can be wasted in the design and then operation. "It has to work for architecture, it has to work for structure, it has to work for construction, it has to work for interiors, it has to work for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, it has to work for sustainability and so it's a very, very complicated thing." And for a building to get nearly a mile and a quarter high, it would require a design that has not yet been developed. Baker describes a building's design as a "species." A new one was developed for the Burj Khalifa, and it's called the "buttressed core" because it has a narrow hexagonal core center and three wings emanating from the center to offer support. When the wind is blowing against two of the three walls, the third one works to resist the force of the wind. "The wonderful thing about design, is you don't have to evolve, you can create new, you know, by working with your team," he said. But this new design and construction cost for a building over a mile high, of course, would come with a steep price. "Would it be cheap? No," Baker said. "But I think it could be affordable in the sense that the value would greatly exceed the construction cost." Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Back in 1986, at the beginning of its checkered and meandering history, this column bore a title: "And Another Thing . . ." There was a good reason for the label: It seemed to have no fixed purpose. Subjects ranged from the personal to the public, from punditry to poetry, from dogs and dandelions to dogma and democracy. In short, neither of us knew what to expect each week. In the midst of this scattering, one could find one semi-constant: On Palm Sunday, the subject was usually books for Holy Week. It grew from a practice I began in the seminary, back in 1946; to read something of a religious nature during the week before Easter. It could be devotional or heretical, fact or fiction; but one that addressed, directly or obliquely, the Divine. Last year, I cited Karen Armstrongs "The Lost Art of Scripture," an encompassing view of sacred texts across all religions. If you are serious about human comprehensions of God and how they are fixed in writings and rituals, this is one you ought to own and study. This year, early reviews of a new book caught my attention and caused me to chase down a new release, one that has, after a spirited pursuit across the internet, just come into my hands: "Cathonomics: How Catholic Tradition Can Create A More Just Economy" by Anthony Annett. I got extra copies to put into the hands of friends with whom I want to discuss and argue about its contents. What brought it to my attention was a review in the National Catholic Reporter, perhaps the most essential Catholic newspaper in the country. One, more importantly, that is not under clerical supervision: independent, but deeply Catholic. One quote from reviewer Michael Sean Winters sums up what the book explains: "Catholic social doctrine did not drop out of the sky in 1891 when Pope Leo XIII issued Rerum Novarum. It is rooted in notions of justice drawn from the Hebrew Scriptures, Aristotle's conceptualization of the common good, the Gospel's concern for the poor, and the great theological synthesis of Aristotelian ethics and Catholic doctrine achieved by St. Thomas Aquinas. Annett brings all these threads together masterfully." Reading that, I knew this was a book I had to have. I have admitted before that I have a strong emotional attachment to the Catholic Church. I grew up next door to St. Thomas Church in Memphis, attended the parish school, and spent most of early life bound up in its music and rituals. Over time, I have become a reliable critic of the church, especially its structure and insistence on episcopal authority, especially when it is misguided or just plain wrong. What holds me to this day is the impossible commandment, "Love your enemy, do good to those who harm you" (Who obeys that?) and the social gospel, with its concentration on our responsibility to one another. Something slighted in the structures of our capitalist democracy, something that, as Annett writes in his book, "requires a shift away from the short-term logic of maximizing shareholder value." While Annett builds on Aristotle and Aquinas, he also does an excellent job of analyzing papal encyclicals from Leo XIII right down to the present, demonstrating that every pope since, imperious or pastoral, has stayed the course. The social gospel is radical in its insistence on the common good. As Annett observes: "It never ceases to amaze me that Pope Pius XI, writing in 1931, could espouse theories that would be dismissed in Democratic Party circles today as too extreme." We often forget if we ever knew that Imperial Germanys huge social welfare programs were initiated in 1883 by the conservative nationalist Otto von Bismarck as remedial measures to appease the working class. He did so in an attempt to draw support from Germanys Social Democratic Party. In the event, the SDP continued to grow until, ultimately, all factions accepted them as a basic part of the national economy, much as Social Security is in this country. Annett notes an important difference: "Although the welfare state is sizable in countries like Germany, it is often administered at the local level, by subsidiary institutions which are better able to respect the dignity and agency of the recipient. This method avoids a way in which welfare states can go wrong becoming too large, too impersonal, too bureaucratic, and too distant." I have barely gotten into the book and will take my time. Economics is not my game, but trying to find a way to eliminate financial inequality is an important element in breaking down barriers of racism, sectarianism, nationalism, and other isms which keep us at each others throats and distract us from dealing with climate change, pandemics, and other ills that beset the world. There may be something in Catholicisms oft-neglected idea of social justice that can help us get the job done. It may be worth the price of the book. Don Wooten is a former Illinois state senator and a regular columnist. Email him at: donwooten4115@gmail.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Iowa lawmakers have been trying for years to change the states 44-year-old bottle deposit law. Better known as the "bottle bill," the law has worked to keep empty cans and bottles out of ditches and landfills. But for years, grocers, distributors and others in the business have sought changes. They dont like the way the law works, or some never supported it in the first place. So, theyve been trying to convince legislators to make changes. This year, it looked like they might come to some sort of an agreement. We werent happy with it. The key flaw and its a big one is that the plan would allow ways for retailers who sell bottles and cans to offload the responsibility for accepting the empties. Which, of course, is the part of the law thats always been the most convenient for consumers. You go to the store, you plunk down a nickel for each can or bottle, then you get it back when you return the empty container to the store. Again, this is the part we like. And so do most Iowans. Polls show overwhelming support for the bottle bill, and for expanding it to include containers that werent around in the late 1970s when the law was first put into place. So, we were quite taken aback when Sen. Jason Schultz, a Republican from western Iowa, said if they cant get a compromise approved this year, they might get rid of the whole thing. "Its to the point where I think a whole lot of people agree if we cant get something done this year, next year we need to be looking at repeal," Schultz said on the Iowa Public Radio program "River to River." Rep. Brian Lohse, a Bondurant Republican, said hes thought about getting rid of it for years, according to Radio Iowa. We understand legislating can be tough. And all this talk of getting rid of the law may be nothing more than a scare tactic to get a bill passed. Or it might be a philosophical problem with the law. Whatever it is, the idea that legislators might just jettison a law that has the support of more than 80% of Iowa residents is insane. We hope legislators from the Quad-Cities will tell their colleagues the idea of getting rid of the bottle bill is an affront to everybody who cares about the environment and who believes the modicum of effort it takes to adhere to its provisions is a small price to pay for cleaner surroundings. Rather than junk the bottle bill, wed suggest lawmakers do what theyre paid to do: Come up with a compromise that can pass and that honors the wishes of most Iowans, rather than just the special interests. If thats not possible, then do no harm and leave the law alone. Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The City of Bettendorf recently approved a land-use measure that sought to position its downtown for future growth and development. A lot of work went into crafting the downtown overlay district. It's not likely Bettendorf officials consulted with legislators in Des Moines when they put the plan together. But then, why would they? Most land-use decisions are handled at the local level. Unfortunately, that power will be significantly restricted, at least when it comes to the sale of fireworks, if Gov. Kim Reynolds signs into law a bill passed in both the House and Senate. The proposal removes a local governments ability to restrict fireworks sales in commercial and industrial zones. State Sen. Mike Klimesh, R-Spillville, a leader of the effort, said some cities are trying an end-run around the states fireworks law. That may be so. Some politicians dont like the fireworks law. But we dont think that applies to the City of Bettendorf. And its not our impression it applies to other cities around here, either. Its not hard to find a place to buy fireworks in Scott County. In Bettendorf, theres a prominent location across from Duck Creek Plaza. But if this bill is signed, it may well alter the citys implementation of a plan for its downtown that won the consensus of local officials who know this area better than any legislator in Des Moines. It also would eliminate local government discretion to encourage fireworks sales in commercial zones more suited to intensive uses. After all, not all commercial zones are the same. Firefighters in some parts of the state also are raising the prospect of pop-up sales tents in risky places, like near filling stations. The reason for zoning laws is to create orderly development in a way that protects a wide range of interests. Those decisions are best handled at the local level. We hope the governor vetoes this bill. If legislators believe some cities are flouting the fireworks law, then deal with them. Dont cause problems for cities that are innocent bystanders. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Kyla Sawvell took home the top spot in three events as she led the way for Black Hills State at Bauer Open track and field meet at on Saturday at O'Harra Stadium. Sawvell, a Wall native, finished first in the hammer throw (185 feet, 11 inches), the shot put (47 feet, 4.5 inches) and the discus (137 feet, 7 inches). Breanne Fuller won a pair of events for the Yellow Jackets, including the 100-meter dash (12.12 seconds) and the 200 (27.05). Sophie Curtis and Hannah Hendrick rounded out the winners for BHSU with victories in the 400 meter hurdles (1 minute, 11.98 seconds) and the pole vault (12 feet, 3 inches). Chadron State had a trio of winners, including Alissa Wieman in the 1500 (5:03.87), Denae Rader in the 100-meter hurdles (15.72) and Caydince Groth in the 400 (1:01.74). On the mens side, the Eagles led the day with five individual winners, including Shane Collins in the hammer throw (195 feet, 2.2 inches), Osiel Cano in the 400-meter hurdles (56.75), Daniel Reynolds in the shot put (48 feet, 5.25 inches), Quest Savery in the javelin throw (191 feet, 3 inches) and Derrick Nwagwu in the triple jump (49 feet, 2.5 inches). The Hardrockers finished the day with three first-place winners, including Jeremiah Bridges in the long jump (23 feet, 8.75 inches), Ethan Pitlick in the 400 (50.38) and Tim Dunham in the discus (49 feet, 61 inches). Gevin Paas of BHSU rounded out the local winners as he took the top spot in the discus (49 feet, 61 inches). Softball Black Hills State women swept in Colorado The Black Hills State softball team suffered a pair of losses when they took on No. 23 Colorado Mesa University on Saturday in Grand Junction, Colorado. The Yellow Jackets dropped the first game 5-1 before the Mavericks cruised to a 16-0 victory in the second. Crystal Amaral had the lone showing of offense for BHSU in Game 1 after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning. Mesa dominated Game 2, allowing only three hits while taking a 10-run advantage into the fourth inning. Black Hills State (10-18 overall, 8-18 RMAC) will look to bounce back when it takes on Colorado Mesa in a doubleheader Sunday. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 ISLAMABAD, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Five terrorists were killed on Sunday in an exchange of fire between police and terrorists in Bannu city of Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, local media reported. According to the reports, the police carried out a joint operation with its Counter-Terrorism Department on a tip-off regarding the presence of the terrorists in Zindi Falak Sher town of the city. During the shootout, five terrorists were killed while some others escaped taking the advantage of darkness, police told the local media. The police started a search operation to arrest the fleeing terrorists, the reports said, adding that a huge amount of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the terrorists. The police said the killed terrorists belonged to the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. They were involved in cases of targeted killings, bomb explosions and attacks on security forces, the reports added. The folks who came together a decade ago to build an event designed to expose young people to the possibilities of the outdoors hoped they might make a difference in someones life. They had no idea just how big the annual Youth Expo at the Teller Wildlife Refuge would become. Weve had kids who are too old for the expo come back and serve as camp counselors, said Fred Upchurch, one of the events organizers. They know how to wrangle up the kids and talk their language. Were seeing them join other outdoor organizations and theyre already making a difference, he said. The seed has taken hold. Im really proud of that. After a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, the free event is set to return to the refuges Red Slack Barn just north of Corvallis on Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Most of the 40 or so organizations that have been opening up a new appreciation for the outdoors for youth aged 9 to 17 have said theyll be there. At its beginning, Tom Powers was working with the Wild Sheep Foundation when he reached out to Lauren Rennaker of Teller and John Miller of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to get the ball rolling. Ducks Unlimited already had a youth program called Greenwing that served as the Youth Expos roots. We built off that program to bring together all the wildlife groups and agencies in hopes of building something bigger, Powers said. We just figured if we could coordinate this and the groups would stay involved and supportive, the sky was the limit. The one-day program now draws crowds of more than 300 young people from as far away as Missoula and Helena. Powers said 90% come from the Bitterroot Valley. The kids have opportunities to participate in a multitude of hands-on demonstrations that run the gamut from learning to use bear spray on a charging grizzly and learning to shoot a bow to receiving a fly-fishing lesson and scaling a climbing wall. And thats just the beginning of the experience. If the young attendees participate in 10 events, they have the opportunity to put in for a drawing for one the many all-expense-paid summer camps offered through the expo. The Youth Expo also created camps at the Magruder Ranger Station and the Scripps Ranch in the upper reaches of the West Fork of the Bitterroot. Other organizations offer spots in their summer camps in locations like Glacier, Ennis and the Lincoln Scapegoat Wilderness. The camps are all funded by donations, Powers said. Many of the organizations that participate in the Youth Expo help out. We also have some private donations and sometimes get a grant. All of these summer camp opportunities are a tribute to the fact we have support from all these organizations. Teller Refuges education director, Nicole Ballard, said the event fits the refuges mission like a glove. Our mission is to inspire, educate and demonstrate conservation in action, Ballard said. Having all these conservation organizations come in from all over the state of Montana and share their conservation mission with the youth falls completely into our mission of spreading conservation messages and encouraging the next generation of our youth to get out and be a part of this really important bigger idea of conservation. This years event will be held in memory of conservation and outdoor champion, Dale Burk, of Stevensville. Burk died in 2020. For years, Burk and well-known Missoula packer Smoke Elser spent a night around the campfire at the Magruder Ranger Station and the Scripps Ranch offering their insights to the young campers on the importance of all places wild. Burk was inducted into the Montana Outdoor Hall of Fame in 2018. Dale Burk is a conservation champion, Upchurch said. Hes been with us from the start helping to make this program a success. We want to honor his memory and all hes done for conservation, especially all the work hes done in the Bitterroot Valley, Powers said. We plan on hanging a banner with Dales photo on the west hall of the Red Slack Barn. It will be there for everyone to see when we play the national anthem at 10 a.m. Upchurch is looking forward to seeing that next group of young people ready for adventure. You wouldnt believe that some of these kids who live in Montana have never caught a fish in their lives, Upchurch said. Once you get a kid to catch that first fish, theyre hooked. And its nice to be able to get them hooked on other stuff too. Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. In the early 1700s, A man waded into the water near what is now the town of Thermopolis, Wyoming. Spirits pulled him under. Two hundred miles away, this man, known as Dappiish, the Fringe, came up for air at the thermal springs of Mammoth Terrace, a complex of travertine formations fed by thermal springs, from which the oldest water within Yellowstone National Park flows. The Apsaalooke mans vision quest concluded with him coming out of the thermal waters known as Dappiish Iilapxe, Fringes Father. When Apsaalooke are fasting, they are adopted by a spirit, and the area encompassing Thermopolis and Mammoth Terrace adopted him. Crow tradition paints his life as one filled with performing miracles, healing wounds and walking on water. The story of Dappiish is one of many that bind the Apsaalooke to the region that is now Yellowstone National Park, and his story is one preserved through oral histories. Individual tribal members, they keep the connection going," said Crow Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Aaron Brien. "Despite whatever policy the government put in place, weve never been completely out. We know of people, who dont talk about it too much because its a private thing, who have gone and fasted there." People traversed the 2.2 million acres of what is now Yellowstone National Park well before President Ulysses S. Grant signed the act in 1872 designating the region at the headwaters of the Yellowstone River as a public park. The act came four years after the Treaty of Fort Laramie shrank the Crow Nations recognized territory from 38 million to 8 million acres, and less than two years after U.S. troops slaughtered 200 Blackfeet as they slept along the Marias River near present-day Shelby. Park archaeologists are still uncovering evidence of the presence of the continents first people, which dates back to the end of the last Ice Age 12,000 years ago. The Park Service has recognized the Kiowa, Blackfeet, Cayuse, Coeur dAlene, Bannock, Nez Perce, Shoshone, Northern Cheyenne, and Umatilla as among those drawn to the area for its natural and spiritual splendor. Each tribe has its own wealth of history, and in recent years the parks management has made strides in recognizing that John Colter and fur trappers were not the first to walk through the regions forests and canyons. Two Crow historians recently spoke with the Gazette about the Crow Nations relationship with the park after a century and a half. The Apsaalooke have made Yellowstone National Park their abode since there have been people calling themselves Apsaalooke. Experts on the history of the Crow Nation debate on the origins of the Plains tribe, but evidence shows them having a consistent presence within the modern parks east side since at least the 1500s, according to Brien. There are four bands of Crow. Theres the Mountain Crow, who occupied the mountainous areas along the Yellowstone River, which we actually call the Elk RiverThen there was the Beaver Dries Its Fur band, those were the bands who were in the area, said Emerson Bull Chief, a former Crow Tribal Historic Preservation Officer and current dean of academics for Little Big Horn College. Like the more than a dozen tribes who populated the region, Crow came to the ancient quarry at Obsidian Cliff north of Beaver Lake. The black glass from the 98-foot cliff was carved and carried as far as the East and West Coasts, into Canada and as far south as Mexico, said Bull Chief, who holds a doctorate in American studies. Theres also the wickiups youll find there, what we sometimes call warrior lodgesThere are some still standing in the park, and we as a Crow people have a name established to those wickiups, Bull Chief said. With Indigenous people explicitly left out of the language creating the park, a large portion of which was established on land previously guaranteed to the Crow Nation, the U.S. government implemented another strategy to erase the Indigenous presence from the land and its history: marketing. Coupled with the U.S. Army giving the park a more secure veneer in the wake of the ongoing Indian Wars, park officials proliferated apocryphal tales to explain the absence of Indians. With a campaign to purge the park of predators and Indians soon after its opening, the Gazette previously reported, the federal government ensured the park was unpopulated for arriving tourists. Most of the time when they talk about the park, its about the government saying it was going to be designated as a park and preserved and what a great thing it was, which is a great thing, to preserve that area...There was narrative created that Native Americans were afraid of the area, Bull Chief said. The federal government made it clear that they owned the land, he said, while Native Americans were ignored. One publication from the National Park Service read that tribes did not live in the region out of fear of incurring the wrath of an evil spirit living in the geysers and hot springs. The nearly 2,000 archaeological sites within the park, according to the National Park Service, along with personal accounts passed down by oral tradition allay that fiction. One story in particular as told by Bull Chief is driven by a narrative that loops in the Pryor Mountains with Yellowstone Lake. There are the Thunderbirds whose nest is in the Pryor Mountains, and every year, the male and the female Thunderbird, they would only lay two eggs. And they hatched, and when the babies would start to fledge, their feathers would float down to Yellowstone Lake, and there was this creature called Long Otter that would come out when he saw the feathers, Bull Chief said. Long Otter would send a mist up from the lake. Under the blanket of that mist, Long Otter would travel into the Pryor Mountains and eat the two fledgling Thunderbirds. One day, there was a warrior, Packs Antelope, who was asleep. One of the Thunderbirds picked him up and carried him to the nest. He woke up, there were two fledglings asking him, Save us! Save us! Packs Antelope, who earned his name by carrying the hide of an antelope, left the nest and waited for the mist. He was hiding in the branches. And as Long Otter was coming to get in the nest, he opened his mouthand Packs Antelope shot one of his arrows, sacred arrows, into his neck, which caused Long Otter to open his mouth. And then he shot an arrow into his mouth and was able to kill him that way. Once he died, the mist lifted, he said. Outreach on the part of parks management included the construction of a Crow-style teepee at the parks north entrance in Gardiner last year. Bull Chief, who also heads the 7 Bison Cultural Consulting, helped to oversee its construction. Because of Park Service regulations, they didnt allow us to use stakes, so we used stones. Just like those before us, who never used stakes but used stones to build teepees. We actually created our own teepee ring, he said. Aaron Brien, the current THPO for the Crow, makes annual visits to Yellowstone National Park with his children, watching the change in landscape from timber to arid along the highway and sharing with them the history of the region. The Crows value success over antiquity. Our connection to a particular place isnt dependent on the fact that weve been historically associated with it, he told the Gazette. One of those successes came from Briens grandfather, Max Big Man. The chief made headlines with his lecturing and storytelling throughout the 1920s and early 30s, touring the nation by rail with accounts of the Battle of Little Bighorn. During his tour, according to National Archive records, Big Man had a chance to request, directly from the Secretary of the Interior, buffalo from the small herd contained in Yellowstone National Park. Although he requested 30, five buffalo made their way to his wifes allotment in Crow Agency. We tribal members have been asked about how long Indians have been in the area thats now Yellowstone National Park, but its not important that we used to be in the area. What is important are the successes we found there, if that makes sense. If we found success in a particular place, we look at it favorably, Brien said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. DANVILLE, Va. (AP) For one couple in Danville, fairy tales do come true after all. Chris and Zenaida Herbon, who met while Zenaida was performing as a fairy during a Renaissance Fair, exchanged wedding vows during a ceremony at an 1889-built Queen Anne Victorian home on Chestnut Street in Danville on April 5. The couple, who moved to Danville from outside the area, had always dreamed of restoring a historic home. Unbeknownst to each other, Chris and I both always had the same dream, Zenaida, 39, told the Danville Register & Bee via email. When it came time to go house shopping, we knew we wanted a Queen Anne Victorian, but did not know where. After doing research, the couple fell in love with Danvilles selection of Victorian homes and the convenience of being close to family, she said. In the late 1800s, the property was gifted to Mae Talley, a niece of William T. Sutherlin and his wife. The home she (Talley) designed is considered one of the towns most architecturally significant houses and is considered of the most striking houses in the downtown area, the couple said in the email. While we had read this, we did not realize at the time the impact this house had, but since purchasing it, nearly everyone who finds out we bought it has a story of how they always wanted to live there or wished they could buy it because they grew up driving or walking past it, loved it so much. Sutherlin, who was both an alderman and mayor in Danville, had made his fortune from tobacco, banking, textiles, real estate and railroad development. During the Civil War, he served the Confederacy as quartermaster of the district, with poor health preventing him from serving actively. The Sutherlin Mansion, built in 1859, is named after him and currently houses the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History. While researching the Talley House, the couple discovered there had been a wedding at the home 100 years ago. They were supposed to tie the knot at another location, but they couldnt pass up a chance to marry everything together by involving the house on such a fantastic occasion and anniversary, Zenaida said. So we canceled our other wedding venue and moved everything local, she said. The couple married legally last year during a small, private ceremony during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESTORING THE HOME With Zenaidas background in art and design, and Chris experience as a finish carpenter, the couple will be ready to get to work restoring the home. We looked at many (homes), including some that were already move-in ready, but upon seeing the Talley, we absolutely fell in love with all the potential she has, Zenaida said. Zenaida, 39, was born in New York but moved around growing up because her father was a U.S. Marine. We eventually settled just outside of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, which I consider my hometown and love that I am still close to, she said. Chris, 40, grew up just outside of Detroit and looks forward to experiencing Southside Virginias more moderate climate. I didnt appreciate the harsh winters any longer and am excited to be further south where the climate is much more mild and we can enjoy all four seasons, Chris said. The Herbons Talley House project will include wiring and plumbing work, and repair and replacement of gutters and water-damaged areas. Upon completion of that, the entire first floor will be a full, Victorian-style restoration, Zenaida said. We are hoping to find some original photos of the house interior from back then so we can retain as much of the original beauty the home once had. The Herbons will design the second- and third-floor rooms to reflect other decades the house has withstood, she said. We will bring back such themes as art deco, 40s vintage, and the glamour of the Hollywood regency design era, she said. A treat on the third floor will be the train room, in which Chris is designing a miniature-scale model of Danville and the wreck of the Old 97, as well as incorporating other train details to accent throughout the house. The rear of the home and a carriage house behind the home will be restored. Mae Talley, who was openly divorced during a time when such situations were rare, lived in the home for several years with her son, Herbert. She taught music lessons out of the conservatory to support herself and her son. Many families have since owned the home, including a partner in the Danville Hardware Company and a gentleman who worked with Reynolds Tobacco Company, Zenaida said. The house had been empty since 1984 nearly 40 years until Chris and Zenaida bought it, she said. From what we can find, it did change hands a few times during its empty period, but everyone gave up on the project and moved on, leaving it subsequently in the hands of the city, which is how we came to acquire it, she said. THE CEREMONY As for the ceremony, it included a combination of themes blending Zenaidas and Chris respective heritages. The brides outfit included a Taino Native American headdress and the groom were a kilt to reflect his Scottish background. A handfasting with a golden coin attached was wrapped around the couples arms during the ceremony on the front porch of the home. This was Chris and Zens way of combining the Taino and Scottish cultures to bring their union together because not only where theyre going but where they have come from are important to these two people, the man who officiated the ceremony told attendees. Some guests dressed up in Renaissance-themed outfits and the event included, for a whimsy, two participants dressed as dinosaurs. Chris and Zenaida met while she was on tour as Spark the Fairy during a Renaissance Fair event just outside of Atlanta. Chris was managing a rose company, for which he is now a consultant. The couple bought a cottage in Pittsylvania County on the outskirts of Danville and has been living there since June. They will live there while they restore the pastel yellow, sky blue and purple Chestnut Street home, which they expect to take about a year or two. Everything about the home, including its towering turret, wrap-around porch, original features and the story of Mae Talley attracted the couple, Zenaida said. The original fireplaces are still intact and include tiles from the late 1800s with fleur-de-lis details that remind us of our time in New Orleans and the ribbon and bow design in the conservatory tiles, which adds the perfect feminine touch, she said. The house also has both sets of it original pocket doors intact, which we were shocked and elated to discover, she said. We also appreciated that the demo had already been done on the interior, so there was no disaster to clean up before we could get started with the restoration. The Herbons hope that another couple will exchange vows at the home a century from now. We can only hope that one day, 100 years from now, some other couple will want to do something similar, they said. When Heidi Stone first arrived at Mountain Lake Lodge almost a decade ago, she was standing in a resort that was in survival mode. The historic stone-lined lodge, perhaps best known as the backdrop of hit film "Dirty Dancing," found itself at a crossroads. The 1930s resort was showing its age, in more ways than one, and in need of a reinvention. The hotel was also battling the effects of the one-two punch that was the Great Recession and the mysterious draining of its 50-acre namesake lake an ecological phenomenon that has attracted attention from teams of researchers. There were talks of closing the mountaintop resort altogether back then. But the ownership a foundation formed to preserve the sites legacy as a hotel and nature preserve where people could connect with the outdoors didnt want to take that route. So it began forming a team that was willing to dig in and help save the property. It would be the biggest undertaking that Stone, whos spent her entire career in hospitality, would ever face. And it was exactly what drew her to the Giles County resort in the first place. The more impossible the task, the more appeal it had, said Stone, who came to Mountain Lake Lodge after helping create a new, four-star resort in Lake Placid, New York. There were people who said it couldnt be done. They drew that line in the sand, she recalled. Well, here we are 10 years later, and were thriving and about to begin a tremendous amount of growth, she said, adding later, When you can feel like youre really making a difference, thats very rewarding work. Over the past decade, Mountain Lake Lodge has invested in a refresh of its rooms and cabins as well as rolled out a slew of new recreation amenities from a ropes course to bubble ball. Stone, who first joined the resort as its director of sales and marketing, rose to become general manager of the property, which also offers over 22 miles of hiking trails, and in March she was named as its new president and CEO. Shes now working to map out the next 10-year plan for the lodge. But this time, the hotel, which just recorded its most successful year ever, is working from a place of strength, not survival. Were starting a new era at Mountain Lake Lodge, said Stone. Stone talked with The Roanoke Times about the revitalization of the lodge, how it navigated the pandemic and what visitors can expect to see this year. The edited Q&A that follows below comes from that interview. Q: When your team first set out to revitalize Mountain Lake Lodge, what steps did it take and what strategies did it employ? It took many different efforts. Its been 10 years so it wasnt fast. But anything thats worth anything isnt fast. The initial rebranding plan was about engaging with the community. We started farm-to-table dining in our restaurant, which 10 years ago was just coming onto the scene. All of our chicken, beef, fish, everything, still comes from our local community farmers, which was a big step and the right thing to do. A second step was creating more outdoor recreation, and reasons for people to come and recreate at Mountain Lake Lodge. Today, we have all kinds of options at our adventure center that didnt exist before. Back in 2012 or 2013, this place really was Kellermans. It was that traditional family fun. All those things you would have seen in the movie. But thats not enough for families today. Families can go on cruises or places where their kids can stay busy all the time, right? We didnt have those keep kids busy all the time type elements back then. We do now. People can come here and really relax, and their kids will have wonderful outdoor recreation things to do. The other thing we did was completely overhaul the branding with Dirty Dancing and Kellermans. We have a tremendous partnership now with Lionsgate, which holds the license on Dirty Dancing, that never existed before. We create registered, licensed merchandise with them, and we have film opportunities that come to us now because of them. That was another important leg on the stool for us. Q: In 2020, the pandemic abruptly upturned life. Folks everywhere were forced to stay home more and, nationally, hotel bookings plunged to historic lows. How did it affect Mountain Lake Lodge, and what is its outlook now? We never slowed down. We never stopped. Because of Covid, we became the spot within a 300-mile radius for people to come. They were able to lodge in cabins and recreate outside. We were the perfect place for people to come. They were able to get out of their homes, have a break from everything that was going on and still feel safe. So we didnt have the problems that others had. We were trying to figure out how to handle the onslaught of demand. The commitment of our team was like nothing I had ever seen. During the worst staffing crisis in the world, we were all going and it was this whole team, everyone, pulling together. In 2021, we had the biggest year ever in the history of the hotel. Our end-of-year bottom line was up over 500%. That put us on a tremendous growth track. We have so many new things that weve been able to start building because of that. Q: What new features can people look forward to when the summer season arrives? Were in the process right now of creating two outdoor dining spaces. Its kind of ridiculous that up until now Mountain Lake Lodge hasnt had outdoor dining. This is such an outdoor place. Our regular dining room is going to have an outdoor dining terrace. Then were also creating a new outdoor pub that will have brews and pizza. So, when youve gone hiking, you can come back with your muddy shoes and have a beer and some great food and be outdoors. It will have fire pits and just be a really cool outdoor space. That will be ready in early summer. The other thing were building is two new retail shops. One of those were working directly with Lionsgate on, and were creating the first-ever Kellermans gift shop. It will be the first-ever Dirty Dancing store if you will. So, when you walk in, you will be enveloped in this new retail experience. We already sell registered merchandise but this is really elevating that whole experience for our Dirty Dancing fans. Then were also creating a new Mountain Lake shop that will have Mountain Lake home, kitchen and artisan items from here locally. Ill also tell you that weve been partnering with Giles County and, through many different grants, Giles County is building the Giles County trail center at the front of our property at the base of Bald Knob. The new Giles County trail center will essentially be viewed as the gateway to all the recreation trails that Giles County has to offer. So thats a pretty big deal. Q: Youve worked in hospitality your entire career going back to your first job in high school when you landed a part-time gig as a front desk clerk at a Howard Johnsons. From there, you earned a degree in hotel and restaurant management at SUNY and went on to work for major brands such as Disney World, Hilton and Omni Resorts. What first interested you about the industry? Im from Saratoga Springs, New York. Its a sleepy college town in the winter but a very busy town in the summer. And I saw what tourism did for a town. I loved the energy around the hotels. Youd go in, and everyone was busy taking care of people. I knew I didnt want to be a nurse. I knew I didnt want to be a teacher. And, if you think back to the 80s, that was what women did, right? You didnt have big time women leaders blazing a path in so many different areas like you do today. So I decided in high school that I wanted to go into hospitality. I loved the energy. Im outgoing. It just seemed so rewarding, and more of an instant reward when youre in that business. You get to make a difference in someones day. Thats an instant reward. I wanted to be a part of that environment. Q: Dirty Dancing, which is now celebrating its 35th anniversary, is such a big part of Mountain Lake Lodges identity. Fans flip when they learn the hotel was the setting for Kellermans resort. Were you a fan of the movie before coming to Mountain Lake? I was a fan. The soundtrack is incredible. Who doesnt stop and hum along when you hear it? It just takes you back. I didnt know all the trivia. Our fans know every word. It has a cult-like following that I was completely unaware of before. But thats part of the reason we were able to breathe new life into it because we listened to those fans. In the beginning, when we rebranded, the initial advice from consultants was to abandon Dirty Dancing altogether. They wanted us to get rid of it. When I got here, being a woman and listening to what our female customers were saying, I said we havent been listening to the customer. That is not the right move. Can you imagine if we had abandoned it 10 years ago? There never would have been a miniseries [The Real Dirty Dancing, which was filmed at Mountain Lake Lodge and debuted on FOX in February]. There wouldnt have been the Dirty Dancing weekends that sell out a year in advance. Were almost sold out for 2023 already. Thank God, they put a woman in charge. Im just saying. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Roanoke College has spent years examining the countrys African American history, including on its own campus. An ongoing webinar series at the college continues those explorations this month. The schools Center for Studying Structures of Race is presenting the series, which focuses on the history and future of monuments in society and addresses the countrys history of racism, particularly against African Americans. The series began in March and will culminate this month when Harvard University Professor Henry Louis Gates delivers an online lecture. Gates, the director for Harvards Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, will discuss Reconstruction. The school, founded in 1842, has not shied away from discussing the deep and complex history of race and racism toward Blacks in the U.S., even when it comes to delving into its own past. In 2002, Roanoke College bought the Monterey House and in 2018 renovated the former slave quarters at Salems Clay and High streets. The historic, antebellum-style dwelling became the Center for Studying Structures of Races home. The center, which Associate Professor of History Jesse Bucher directs, opened in 2020. Bucher said the project is a puzzle piece for understanding the schools history with slavery, while also uncovering more about the wider region. The proposal that I put forward was to really try and think about how we could do historic interpretive work of these physical structures on campus that tell us about histories of enslavement, he said. So [we chose] a slave quarters building, grounds that were constructed with enslaved persons labor, so we could do that historical analysis, while also having a space to think more broadly about structural and systemic racism. Slaves from Richmond built the colleges Administration Building, Bucher said, adding that placards outside the building note that history. He and some students have undertaken a substantial project: mapping the genealogy of slaves involved in the colleges and the greater Roanoke areas history. According to the projects website, Roanoke College founder and first president Dr. David F. Bittle participated directly in the slavery economy. Student researchers from CSSR uncovered several documents listing him as the owner of an enslaved person named Ambrose. Documents show Dr. Bittle sent Ambrose from Salem to Richmond to help build Confederate defenses in September of 1863, the site states. Campus buildings including Bittle, Miller, Trout, Wells and Yonce halls are named for slave owners, according to the site. Roanoke College in 1987 bought the old Roanoke County Courthouse, but not the small plot of land containing the countys 1910 Confederate Monument. The school cannot remove it since it doesnt own that parcel, a focus of considerable public debate in recent years about whether the monument is appropriate particularly regarding its location next to Roanoke Countys current courthouse. Roanoke College junior Ivey Kline has helped Bucher and other researchers go through old college and Roanoke County documents used for much of the projects findings. Kline said the work has been eye opening for her and others. One of the most interesting things Ive learned is just how much of an impact it still has [on society] today when you look at things even as simple as the names of streets in Salem, you can see the legacy of slavery in that. We really want to explore the history of the enslaved in the county at large. We really want to find out their names and understand more about their stories. Bucher said the projects are about understanding and contextualizing the past, something he believes the board of trustees and President Michael Maxey have supported greatly. Maxey, who has announced that he is retiring at the academic years end, said hes been proud of the work Bucher and the students have completed through the center. The center is a great enhancement of our program here in that it lets us focus on some places that arent usually focused on, he said, Jesses been a great leader for it So the center is very important in that it will touch the lives of students and allow us to tell the colleges history the part of it that has not necessarily been brought to light before and to think about the effects and legacy of that part of our countrys history. All of those are good things. The series continues at 7 p.m. Tuesday with Nicholas Galanin, a multi-disciplinary artist and musician from Alaska. Gates, the series final speaker, is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. April 19 lecture, The Rise and Fall of Reconstruction. The free series is open to all, via bit.ly/roacollmonunentlectures. For more information on the center and its current and future projects, visit bit.ly/roacollracestructures. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Debbie Adkins, 63, was doing her job as a merchandiser inside a chain drug store last Sunday when a customers pet dog bit her in the face. The bite happened that afternoon inside CVS pharmacy at Ridgewood Farms, along Electric Road in Salem. It was bloody, Adkins said, and it left puncture wounds on her upper left cheek and lower nose. The name of the small, all-black dog was Pepper, Adkins told me. She believes it was a Cockapoo, a hybrid of a cocker spaniel and poodle. She learned the dogs name from its owner in the store. But Adkins said the sudden and unexpected bite left her so flustered that she neglected to get the owners name or contact phone number that day. Now Adkins is desperate for that information. It could save her the hassle and expense of rabies vaccinations. Two doctors have recommended she get a series of those. Adkins is uninsured. And according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the course of five shots over two weeks averages about $3,800, not including costs for hospital treatment or wound care. After I inquired about the dog bite, Salem police on Thursday posted an image of the dog and its unidentified owner to the police departments Facebook page. Salem spokesman Mike Stevens said police obtained that screen capture from CVSs security video. The Facebook post also displays a grainy image of a dark SUV or station wagon, thought to be the dog owners car. If you recognize the woman in the photo, you should call Salem police Lt. G. Haston at (540) 375-3083 immediately. That call could save Adkins a lot of money she doesnt have or perhaps her life, if the pet has exhibited any rabies symptoms since the bite. Adkins became disabled eight years ago, and works part time for an independent merchandising company to make ends meet. She said she has no health insurance coverage other than inpatient hospitalization through Medicare she has that because of her disability. She asked me not to name her employer because she fears disclosure will cost her her job. Typically, Adkins visits different retailers to arrange in-store promotional advertising for her companys clients. Thats what she was doing at CVS on April 3. She arrived at the Ridgewood Farms store around 10:30 a.m., she said. The bite happened closer to 1:30 p.m., as Adkins was finishing up her work there. Adkins told me shes a dog lover. Shes still mourning the death of her beloved Shih Tzu, Mac, who was 13 when he died in 2019. And she frequently dog-sits for friends, she added. So when Adkins encountered the owner and Pepper, who was unleashed and in a push cart in a pharmacy aisle, Adkins first instinct was to be friendly. I stopped, I smiled, I gave it some googly eyes, Adkins told me. It was wagging its tail. When Adkins got closer, the dog jumped up and put its paws on my chest. (Shes 5 feet, 2 inches tall.) She allowed Pepper to lick her face. Then with no warning, the dog took a chomp and she jumped back. I put my hand over my face, where the dog bit me, and I started feeling blood running, Adkins said. The customer told her, Oh, I think he scratched you, Adkins recalled. I said, No, he bit me. The woman was apologetic, Adkins added. She stood around for awhile while another customer handed me tissue after tissue for the bleeding. I just said, I think Im all right. After that, the customer moved on inside the store. Adkins encountered her again a few minutes later, near the stores front door, as the dog owner used a credit or debit card to pay for items at a self-checkout. There, Adkins gave the woman Adkins name and phone number. She said she watched as the owner inputted Adkins information into the owners smartphone. She put dog bite beside it, Adkins said. Then the woman left the store. Adkins, who lives in Roanokes Raleigh Court neighborhood, returned home and cleaned herself up because my hands had blood all over them and so did my face. Next, she made an online appointment at an urgent-care clinic inside the CVS at Towers Shopping Center, and drove herself there. A nurse practitioner gave her a tetanus shot, prescribed antibiotics and recommended she return in two days, Adkins said. On Monday, Adkins reported the bite to the Salem Police Department. When Adkins returned to the urgent-care clinic on Tuesday, she said she was exhibiting signs of infection. By then, the the wound was painful, red and swollen, Adkins said. A different nurse practitioner almost immediately referred Adkins to the emergency room at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Adkins said a doctor at the Carilion ER there told her, You have to start the rabies protocol right away. Adkins said she replied I dont think this is a sick dog. The physician told her, You dont know that. You dont know the owner. I dont know why you want to take that risk, Adkins said. She later visited New Horizons, her regular clinic on Melrose Avenue. A doctor there also urged her to get rabies vaccinations. So far, Adkins said shes racked up at least $363 in medical bills stemming from the dog bite. Shes filed a claim for those, and potential future expenses, with the Virginia Workers Compensation Commission. In addition to the possibility of rabies, shes also concerned about potential scarring. Youd have to be a 63-year-old woman with insecurities to understand how much a scar on my face is going to bother me, Adkins told me. She said she reported the incident to CVS in phone calls on Sunday and again on Tuesday, which is when she also contacted me, by email. I reached out to CVS on Wednesday night. Thursday morning, CVS spokeswoman Amy Thibault emailed me: We provided a copy of the security video of this incident to the police department and are in the process of contacting Ms. Adkins. Adkins said someone from CVS called her Thursday afternoon. She said that man told her that Salem police would need a warrant if they sought to identify the dog owner through the card transaction the customer made at CVS on April 3. And thats pretty much where things stand right now. Police have posted the dog owners photo. Adkins is still trying to find the woman, to determine if the animal has displayed any rabies symptoms since the bite. According to the CDC, rabies deaths are uncommon in the United States. There are typically one to three human cases annually. The disease is almost always fatal. About 60,000 post-exposure rabies vaccinations are administered in America each year, usually after a human encounter with a wild animal. The CDCs website says if the biting animal is a pet cat, dog, or ferret that appeared healthy at the time you were bitten, it can be confined by its owner for 10 days and observed. No anti-rabies prophylaxis is needed. No person in the United States has ever contracted rabies from a dog, cat or ferret held in quarantine for 10 days. But that 10-day window expires Wednesday. If Adkins cant identify the owner before then, she may have to begin a series of post-exposure vaccination shots. Do you recognize the woman in the photo? If so, dont call me. Call the Salem police, at (540) 375-3083 and let them know immediately. Contact metro columnist Dan Casey at 981-3423 or dan.casey@roanoke.com . Follow him on Twitter: @dancaseysblog Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. BEDFORD The Bedford County School Board discussed its capital improvement plan priorities in a Thursday meeting, and approved both textbook adoption and the submission of a career and technical education grant application. Projects were identified through steps such as facility and needs assessments of schools, school safety inspections, and consultation with engineers and architects. District 5 school board representative Georgia Hairston, who serves on the facilities committee for the division, said she wanted to strongly reconsider the proposed painting of Forest Middle School, representing about $180,000, in favor of prioritizing the pressing need to replace Huddleston Elementary Schools floor tiles, estimated to cost almost $165,000. Documentation indicated part of the Huddleston Elementary School tile replacement was for asbestos abatement. I have looked at Huddleston Elementary School floor tile its in need of repair. I understand that its listed here in year [20]24, but I think it needs to be moved up, Hairston said. School district staff indicated they could re-work proposed priorities within the $13 million capital improvement budget if the board directed. Mac Duis, chief operations officer of Bedford County schools, said the division hopes to establish a scheduled maintenance plan for the schools in future years with the goal of mitigating major project expenses by improving general upkeep of facilities. To fund capital improvement projects in the future as hoped, Randy Hagler, chief financial officer, said the school division would likely have to approach the Bedford County Board of Supervisors to ask for more local government money. Funding options will be explored as the need arises in future years. Additionally, staff would try to set the maintenance schedule according to which schools are deemed in greatest need of painting, asphalt improvements, and similar projects. I just think we need to set aside a professional cycle for doing that so we can maintain the buildings we have, Duis said. The board moved to send the capital improvement document back to division staff for adjustments on a few of the project priorities, before it is brought back to the board next month. Another major project proposed for future years was to launch a pilot solar energy initiative to lower the cost of utilities. Goodview and Montvale elementary schools specifically were identified as ideal starting places, as the locations have the most land to accommodate solar. Goodview, Hairston said, was highlighted for these purposes by the facilities committee given its location and size, and asked if staff would agree this location would be ideal for starting the solar initiative there. Duis concurred with the observation, reiterating that both Goodview and Montvale were ideal starting locations for the solar project, and would be examined further to find where the greatest cost savings might be. As a committee, we did feel that it would be beneficial and a good beginning for cost saving if we would consider Goodview Elementary School as being one of those schools we could potentially put the solar panels there, Hairston said. When we look at the list of needs, theyre astronomical, and any way in which we can go by saving some money, we need to do so. Duis asked the board if there was consensus to move forward with issuing a request for proposals on the solar project. This process, he said, would take about 18 months, but would set the ball rolling. District 4 representative Marcus Hill said he would want any accepted solar proposal to include agreement from the solar company that the company would be responsible for handling the decommissioning and disposal of solar panels at the projects end of life. Duis agreed with Hills suggested conditions, adding the school division likely would ask the solar company to handle ongoing system maintenance throughout the life of the project. The solar project will arise for further discussion and planning at future meetings, but the board reached a consensus on Thursday to start getting responses from solar companies to explore options and begin moving forward with the initiative. Many parents and local leaders, including members of the Bedford County Board of Supervisors, have expressed interest in bolstering career and technical educatoinal opportunities for students, especially those who would prefer to learn a trade or obtain a certification and enter the workforce rather than go for a college degree. The Career and Technical Education Perkins Funds grant, a program through the Virginia Department of Educations Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, will help boost available funding for Bedford Countys existing programs through institutions such as the Susie G. Gibson Science and Technology Center, and partnerships with local colleges. It would support teacher training, necessary equipment and resources for students and various programs, travel expenses for any competitions or events a class may go to, and other such needs, according to Shawn Trosper, director of curriculum and instruction. The school board also unanimously approved the adoption of English Language Arts books for grades K-12, plus science class books for K-6. CHRISTIANSBURG Montgomery County School Board Chairwoman Sue Kass presented the timeline for the search and hiring of a new superintendent during a meeting last week. The process, which Kass described as relatively standard for such searches, is being prompted by the school boards unanimous decision last month to formally terminate former Superintendent Mark Miear without cause. The decision has over the past few weeks led to criticism of the board, with some in the community questioning why the district hasnt publicly elaborated a little more on the reason behind the firing and whether the former MCPS chief is entitled to severance pay and, if so, exactly how much taxpayer money would be spent on it. MCPS officials, including school board members, have declined to openly discuss details of the firing, citing the issue as a protected personnel matter. Regarding the search process, it is required to be completed within 180 days of the March 17 termination vote. The district is working on sending out a request for proposal and the school board plans to hold a work session later this month to determine the consultant, Kass said. I know its aggressive, but we have to be aggressive, she said. This is one of our priorities over the next couple of months. In May, the selected consultant will work with the board and community to identify needs, according to the presented search timeline. The following month, the consultant, among other things, will conduct a search and identify potential candidates. From July to August, the candidates to be screened will be selected and finalists will be identified with final candidates slated to meet with the community. Open community meetings will be hosted to allow candidates to address the community, said county schools spokeswoman Brenda Drake. The current plan calls for the board to approve the new superintendent contract in September, Drake said. Despite the controversy over the Miear case, at least a few school board members have said recently that they dont expect the situation to hamper the upcoming search. Montgomery County is a highly desirable place to live for a lot of reasons, board member Mark Cherbaka wrote in an email. One of the primary reasons is education: We have several world-class, high-quality universities nearby, as well as a top notch public school system. The community here is invested and involved in our public schools and we fund them and support them at many levels. Cherbaka said they have been doing exciting, innovating things and that the district has attracted many staff members from across the state. He also touted the strong local economy, which he said has drawn many both small and large businesses. I talk to many other board members from across the state, and I know that being superintendent in this environment would be a very attractive job, he wrote. In short, we are a highly desirable place to live and work. I expect this job to attract a lot of interest. Still, questions over last months decision remain, with at least a few voicing concerns about the issue further eroding the trust between the community and the school division. Its hard to tell if building trust within the community has ever been an objective for this group, especially over the last couple of years as many of us have watched you all behave more like a clown car than a serious group of adults doing important work, Blacksburg resident Dave Perks wrote in a Facebook post he said he had originally planned to voice to the school board Tuesday. If so, I can tell you right now that youre doing nothing to achieve that outcome in the wake of recent events. Another point in the matter that stood out to Perks as well as others in the community is the fact the vote to fire Miear was unanimous. He said 7-0 votes on the board, at least on major decisions, have been rare over the past couple of years. For the firing of Dr. Miear to have been the only thing you all have agreed on in years, its clear something egregious took place. At least I think. Who knows? Perks wrote. Perks, like some others in the area, specifically took issue with the lack of elaboration on Miears dismissal. Until this matter is discussed openly and there is an accounting for how OUR money is being spent, not a single one of you deserves an ounce of trust from the community on how the school system is being run, Perks wrote. A parents right to choose what his or her child is being taught has been the hot topic of late. Im curious to hear about what you have to say about what you all are choosing to teach our kids and families by remaining silent on this? Although a severance clause in the event of a without cause firing was written into Miears contract, exactly how that stipulation plays out has so far been unclear as school officials citing personnel reasons have declined to discuss the point. One Virginia Freedom of Information Act expert told The Roanoke Times recently that the district might have some wiggle room if it hasnt cut a check to its former superintendent, and that the severance stipulation could be interpreted differently by the school divisions legal team. In response to an emailed question from the newspaper about whether a copy of a check made out to Miear in severance could be obtained, Drake wrote: The record does not exist. Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. CHARLOTTESVILLE On a brisk, sunny Saturday morning at the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers at the University of Virginia, descendants of people who were enslaved by the university celebrated their ancestors and themselves. It was the first Descendants Day in-person reunion for Descendants of Enslaved Communities at UVa, which last year held virtual with more than 300 participants. Being together on UVas Grounds was a powerful feeling. We have never been able to take up space on this campus until today, said DeTeasa Gathers, co-chair of Descendants of Enslaved Communities at UVa. First of all, we try to make the community feel welcomed in this space. As a community of descendants, weve never been welcomed to this space. Gathers said more than 100 people attended Saturdays event in Charlottesville, but there are members of the organization across the country and even overseas. Im just so excited about family connections. Thats what its all about to me. Weve been a grassroots organization working through the pandemic, and Im just so happy we were able to come in person and finally show who we are, she said. The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Shelley Murphy, genealogist and researcher for the UVa Descendant Project. Murphy was hired by the university to research the genealogy of people who were bought, sold and enslaved by UVa. Her goal is to connect with the families of these people. The work is important, yet so challenging at the same time. The stories from the institutions must be told. The stories from the descendants must be told, Murphy said. It is necessary to reconnect these families. I really believe the ancestors are working through each of us. Murphy said it is important to hear stories of their ancestors as human beings. We need to tell the stories about them being human; their contributions, their commitments and their resilience, she said. They were mamas and daddies, daughters and sons, as well as uncles and aunties, along with the nieces, nephews and cousins. Murphy, a descendant of enslaved laborers herself, stumbled upon her own family connections to Charlottesville through her project research. She wants to identify every person enslaved at UVa so other descendants will have the opportunity to learn their family histories. Sometimes we only have the first name of the individual, and maybe the name of the slaveholder. It can be challenging. But there is space for 4,000 names on the memorial. There are 600 on there right now. I dont want to leave anyone out, Murphy said. Members of Charlottesvilles Chihamba Dance Troupe performed traditional West African dance and drum music inside the center of the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers. Lillie Williams, director of Chihamba, said the choreography the dancers performed Saturday has a significant meaning. The first dance we performed represented breaking from the chains of slavery. All of our dances are traditional. We like the old school. Things have evolved differently, but we stick with the traditional dances, the traditional rhythms, Williams said. The dancers finished their performance by inviting audience members to dance together with them in the circle. Healing is the meaning of the word chihamba. Its all about healing people, getting their energy and spirits going and celebrating. Dance is healing, Williams said. Attendees also had the chance to share oral histories of their families. Logan Botts, a fourth year student at UVa, is collecting the stories of descendants of enslaved laborers at UVa for a three-year project she is working called Reflections: Oral Histories at UVa. During the event, attendees could record their stories in a colorful mobile recording station on a pickup truck, provided through a partnership with WTJU Radio. Im here mostly networking with members of the descendants community to learn more about their family histories, their experience, and their membership with the descendants community, and to collect some oral history, Botts said. Its really nice to be able to come out today and meet some people that Ive talked with over Zoom before, and also meet some new people and spread the word about the project. While Botts is graduating this year, she hopes people will continue to share their stories through the project. Gathers said she hopes this event is just the first of many. We want to welcome the community to learn about the memorial, especially because some of them havent even seen it for the first time, she said. We want people to stay connected with the descendants group because our goal is to grow our membership, increase knowledge of our ancestry, and increase awareness that were doing this work. Descendants of people enslaved at UVa are encouraged to connect and find out more about the organization by visiting www.descendantsuva.org or visiting @descendantsUVA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Descendants who are interested in connecting with Murphy and researching their family genealogy can contact her by email at shelleyviola@gmail.com. RICHMOND Tracey Williams helped her parents through one of the darkest periods in their lives: the loss of her 18-year-old brother, Xzavier Hill, who was shot and killed by Virginia State Police just 15 months ago. Now, shes gone. We comforted each other, Tiara Williams said of her 19-year-old daughter who was killed Thursday night in a collision with a Richmond police SUV. I dont know what I would do without her because thats my heart. Losing her ... I dont know what ... I dont know what now. Tracey Williams was in the passenger seat of her boyfriends Buick when the collision occurred Thursday at 10:42 p.m. in the intersection of Bells and Castlewood roads, a block west of Richmond Highway in South Side. Police said officers Richard Johnson and Dquan Walker were responding to a call for a burglary in progress in the 1500 block of Clarkson Road, about 3 miles west of the collision. Jeremiah Ruffin, 18, Williams boyfriend of two years, remains hospitalized in serious condition. Both Ruffin and Williams were ejected from the vehicle, police said. Neither was wearing a seat belt. The two officers suffered serious head injuries, said Police Chief Gerald Smith during a news conference Friday morning. Their SUV was knocked off the road into two poles and came to rest by a fence. Johnson was driving, and Walker was a passenger. They are in stable but serious condition, said Smith, adding that he hoped they would be released from the hospital later Friday. Right now, they are kind of addled, the chief said. Once they have clear thinking, they will be interviewed. Police have not determined who had the right of way or how fast either vehicle was going, but Smith said both vehicles the Buick and the officers marked Ford Explorer entered the intersection at about the same time and collided. They had authorization to run blue lights and sirens, Smith said Friday of the officers. Later, though, he said investigators dont know for sure that the police SUVs lights and siren were engaged. We are asking for help, said Smith, asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has cameras in the area to contact police. No one stayed on scene, but that doesnt mean that no one was there. Tiara Williams said police left a business card with her Friday morning, but shes called multiple times with little to no answer. Tiara Williams, who was surrounded by family at her South Richmond home on Friday evening, said she identified her daughters body by a tattoo she was getting on her chest of her brother. Thats how I knew it was her, she said. Her husband, Steven Hill, was beside himself with emotion. As he cried, family held his shaking body. Those are the tears of a broken father, said Michelle Nowell, Williams cousin. Were still in hell, Snow said. Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca attends the extraordinary congress of the National Liberal Party in Bucharest, capital of Romania, on April 10, 2022. Romania's main ruling National Liberal Party (PNL) elected on Sunday incumbent Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca as its new chairman during the party's congress. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) BUCHAREST, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Romania's main ruling National Liberal Party (PNL) elected on Sunday incumbent Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca as its new chairman during the party's congress. Ciuca, the sole candidate and the new party leader announced after his election that the party, together with its governing partners, would finalize a series of recently proposed economic and social measures during the coalition's session on Monday. "There is no discussion about populism, but measures for ensuring that the economy will function, to protect jobs and protect vulnerable citizens," Ciuca said. Ciuca, a retired army general, has been leading the current three-party coalition government since November 2021. Last Saturday, then PNL Chairman Florin Citu announced his resignation after just over six months in the role, amid the growing dissatisfaction with him in the party and the calls from several major party leaders for his stepping down. Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca (at the podium and on screens) addresses the extraordinary congress of the National Liberal Party in Bucharest, capital of Romania, on April 10, 2022. Romania's main ruling National Liberal Party (PNL) elected on Sunday incumbent Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca as its new chairman during the party's congress. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) Kudos to Matt Hurt, director of the Comprehensive Instructional Program consortium, for his excellent nine-part series which describes the critical elements necessary to produce high Standards of Learning test scores in all settings. His research findings demonstrate that these factors contribute to high levels of student performance on the SOL tests: Establishing clear and measurable goals. (High pass rates for ALL students taking the SOLs.) Allocating instructional time in support of those goals. Collaborating with colleagues to identify and share the most effective strategies and materials to achieve the objectives. Setting high expectations for all students. (No excuses.) Ongoing assessment and feedback regarding utility and effectiveness of shared materials and processes. These and the other strategies described by Hurt have produced the hoped-for outcome namely, that ZIP codes should not and will not predict SOL results, when the consortium model is used. However, one must ask the question as to whether SOL scores represent a measure of quality that fulfills the Virginia constitutional mandate that ensures that an educational program of high quality is established and continually maintained. Clearly, competence in reading and math are essential elements of a quality program and basic to student success in most other educational programs. They do not, however, measure the opportunities available to students across Virginia or the capacity of local school divisions to provide expanded programs in art, music, foreign language, computer applications, or the safe and updated facilities in which these programs are offered. These are not problems that can be addressed in the same way as improving SOL scores. Nor do the SOLs, for the most part, measure higher-level thinking skills such as analysis, problem solving, critical thinking and creativity. An observer once noted that the most important things are the most difficult to measure. It is a simple matter to administer a civics exam that asks the student to describe the separation of powers. We do not follow up two years later to see how many of these same students voted, or the criteria (or sources) they might use in making a choice between candidates. Another participant on a governors task force that focused on how schools evaluate student performance observed, We should not only be asking what do students know but what are they are able to do? SOL scores do not provide us with that information. Demonstrations or portfolios might. None of this is to denigrate the work of Hurt and his team; quite the contrary. His work is a valuable contribution that disabuses us of the notion that SOL scores are predictable by ZIP code. He very practically chooses to deal with the SOLs head on because thats the assessment method the commonwealth has. We can only hope that future evaluation rubrics will include a broader range of performance measures when assessing the quality of school programs across the commonwealth. To do so will require that the General Assembly provide the resources necessary to ensure high-quality programs, services and opportunities for all Virginia students are available. Worner is a retired professor and dean emeritus of the College of Education at Virginia Tech. The translated headline read, Martial law in Odessa, the day of the 41st. A photo showed a vendor selling framed sketches in a public square, with a miniature Ukrainian flag flying over the table stocked with wares. Another showed a violin player busking. Another showed tranquil outdoor fountains. The news site displaying the photos, Odessa Life, continues to publish six weeks after Russian President Vladimir Putins unconscionable invasion of Ukraine. Another translated headline read, Attention: it is strictly forbidden to visit Odessa beaches they are mined. Odessa is Ukraines third largest city, with a population of more than 1 million, built on the shore of the Black Sea. If youre a lover of cinema history, a mention of Odessa brings an immediate rush of recognition. One of the most influential sequences ever committed to film was shot on the citys gigantic Potemkin Stairs, and in an ominous echo through history, that scene in Sergei Eisensteins 1925 release Battleship Potemkin depicts a massacre of civilians by Russian soldiers in that instance and context, troops in service of the czar putting down a workers uprising. Authoritarian Putin, of course, has been compared many times to the czars. Though blockaded, Odessa remains under Ukrainian control. Russian forces have launched missiles into the port city but have not attempted a siege. Within the city, Odessa Life reports, residents insist on living lives as close to normal as possible, in a show of defiance. Journalists from Odessa Life paid a visit to the Roanoke Times in 2021. Last month, metro columnist Dan Casey contacted those same journalists via Zoom teleconferencing software, using their interviews to paint an emotional portrait of grace under dire threat of harm. Courage counters fearThey described a city fortified with sandbags and anti-tank obstacles called hedgehogs. They had to stop publication of their newspaper because of lack of access to paper and concerns for employee safety. They resolved to keep publishing online a volunteer effort as Odessa Life is also out of money and so far those efforts are still going. CASEY: With bombs and missiles falling, Ukrainian journalists get out the news The group was in Roanoke just a few months ago, visiting The Roanoke Times to learn about American journalism operations. In the past few weeks, life in Ukraine has become vastly more complicated and frightening. Despite their own personal hardships, theyre committed to producing the news. Gennadii Chabanov, Odessa Lifes owner and editor in chief, told Casey how, after he informed employees that he was shutting down operations and advised them to take care of your security first, several reached out to him that same day and insisted, Instead of sitting and doing nothing and being afraid, lets do something. Lets cover the events, lets go out on the streets and provide the coverage. The newspapers online products manager, Valentyna Chabanova-Babak, has taken refuge in Poland along with her 5-year-old son, but her husband remains behind in their homeland. Before they left Ukraine, her son wasnt awake to hear the explosions of the distant bombs, but he knows that theres a war, and he misses his father, she said. Theirs is not the only inspiring and heartbreaking story with connections that lead to Roanoke. On April 3 arrived the newest story from Heather Rousseau, the Roanoke Times 2021-22 Secular Society Fellowship recipient, bringing readers the experiences of four Ukrainian American women who are trying to help their families and friends still in their native land, and urging state and local leaders in Virginia to take action. Welcoming refugeesThe hardships they and their loved ones endure are gut-wrenching. Olga Fultz received a frantic call March 4 from her mother and older sister, who were running to a bomb shelter. Agonizing weeks of silence followed before she learned that her mother, sister and other family members are still in the densely crowded shelter, living without amenities, sleeping on the concrete floor. I forget to breathe, she told Rousseau. Ukrainian Americans reach out from Roanoke region to families facing Russian invasion A group of Ukrainian women in Roanoke have reconnected in the wake of the Russian invasion. They are worried about their families in Ukraine and are urging Virginia leaders and local citizens to take action to help people there. In addition to raising awareness and funds to help those caught in the invasion, Roanokes Ukrainian community has organized support rallies downtown. Videos and photos from such events in America have helped with Ukrainian morale. Rousseaus richly detailed, kaleidoscopic story includes a harrowing account of Lina Franciscos efforts to remotely guide her 71-year-old mother, Tatyana Maidebura, out of Ukraine as Russias attack unfolded. Francisco, a U.S. citizen who has lived eight years in Roanoke, spent a sleepless week using apps and social media to coordinate her mothers escape to Romania. The account holds nerve-jangling parallels to the stories Rousseau has documented of Afghan women who have fled their home country and have been, at least for now, resettled in Southwest Virginia. The women are among the lucky few U.S. allies that have managed to escape after last years calamitous withdrawal of U.S. Armed Forces allowed Afghanistan to fall back under the rule of the oppressive Taliban. A new life in Southwest Virginia, much uncertainty, but hope after escape from Afghanistan Two sisters restart their lives in Virginia after fleeing the Taliban following the collapse of the government they fought for. Putins brutal and unprovoked assault on Ukraine has eclipsed news of the ongoing human rights crisis in Afghanistan, a locus of need that should not be forgotten. Nor should the ordeals of the Ukrainians. Its unclear yet whether any of the up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees that the U.S. has agreed to accept will be brought to Virginia, but if so, they, like the Afghans, should be welcomed with open arms. Shirley Contreras lives in Orcutt and writes for the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society. She can be contacted at 934-3514 or at shirleycontreras2@yahoo.com. Her book, The Good Years, a selection of stories shes written for the Santa Maria Times since 1991, is on sale at the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society, 616 S. Broadway. This article was republished with permission from CalMatters. This article is part of the California Divide project, a collaboration among newsrooms examining income inequality and economic survival in California. This article was republished with permission from CalMatters. You can read more of coverage of California state government on CalMatters.org. FLORENCE, S.C. Chad Connelly, founder and president of Faith Wins, will be guest speaker at the Florence County Republican Party meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the F1S McClenaghan Annex, 500 S. Dargan St. in Florence. Connelly holds an engineering degree from Clemson, and is a former chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party. Faith Wins is dedicated to educating, activating and mobilizing faith leaders to increase their influence in government and politics. Connelly will be discussing the need for faith-based voters to get involved in the political process through voting, running for office and supporting candidates. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. The program starts at 7 p.m. FILE PHOTO: Chinese Yuan banknotes are seen behind illuminated stock graph in this illustration By Samuel Shen and Kevin Buckland SHANGHAI/TOKYO (Reuters) - China's top financial policymaker rescued stock markets from a bloodbath this week with a promise of stability, but plenty of investors reckon mere words will not restore lasting calm in an economy beset with multiple large risks. Hong Kong markets, which have borne the brunt of the brutal selloff in Chinese stocks, rallied fiercely after Vice Premier Liu He's assurances on stability, regulatory clarity and monetary easing. Investors worried by more sombre concerns, chiefly around a potential blowback on China from its dealings with sanctions-hit Russia and a spike in domestic COVID-19 cases that threatens to disrupt economic activity, weren't convinced. Alan Song, chairman of Harvest Capital, a Chinese private equity firm, likened the rally in stocks to drowning investors clutching at straws, and expects the rebound will be short-lived because fundamental reasons for the rout remain. "Hoping that a speech can change market trends, is like expecting a WeChat message can change the world," Song said, referring to a popular Chinese social messaging app. China needs to earnestly resolve Sino-U.S. antagonism and improve its anti-virus strategy, as "trillions in market value wiped off is a colossal loss that requires serious reflection," he said. Liu's speech caused the Hang Seng index to leap from 2008 lows and clock a massive 2-day rally. Stocks of sectors targeted in China's regulatory crackdown, mainly technology, have bounced. The decline in stocks this year had wiped out about $1.3 trillion or 17% of China's main CSI300 index market value from January through Tuesday. Even after the rally, Chinese stocks markets remain the world's worst performers this year, after Russia. As proof of the lack of investor conviction, Sat Duhra, portfolio manager at Janus Henderson Investors, points to the narrowness of the rally, even within Chinese markets. Story continues The bounce in China also failed to enliven stocks such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Australian miners, whose fortunes are linked to China. "I certainly wouldnt be brave enough to be adding to China today," Duhra said on Wednesday. Duhra says he senses a change in the sentiment toward China, driven not just by concerns that China's close ties with Russia will draw Western ire, but also a host of problems such as power outages, property sector woes, rising household debt and an ambitious growth target. "There's a lot of things that you could put together and say, this doesn't look very good," he said. "Those issues have not gone away." SHOW AND TELL Morgan Stanley analysts noted how various ministries had sprung into action after Liu's speech at a meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Committee, a regulatory body under the State Council, which is China's Cabinet. State-run Xinhua news agency reported the finance ministry was putting a plans on hold for a trial property tax this year. China's securities regulator said it would strive to reach an agreement with U.S. counterparts on cooperating over the audit of Chinese firms as soon as possible. As a result, U.S.-listed shares of JD.com and Alibaba notched their biggest daily percentage advances as they appeared at less risk of being delisted by New York exchanges. Yin Peixin, an investment manager at RBH Asset Management in Shanghai, said despite the immediate boost to market sentiment, Liu's remarks won't change the course of the Sino-U.S. conflict, or China's worsening coronavirus situation. "I think Sino-U.S. decoupling is inevitable. It's just a matter of time," Yin said. The Ukraine crisis was also forcing companies to take sides, deepening geopolitical rifts, and rhetoric wouldn't stop the spread of the coronavirus, he said. Yuan Yuwei, a fund manager at hedge fund house Water Wisdom Asset Management, said the rebound won't reverse the trend of global investors exiting China stocks to avoid the rising risks Beijing could also face sanctions. "China is being forced to pick sides" in the Ukraine conflict, said Yuan, who still holds short positions in Chinese tech firms such as Meituan and Li Auto. For a global investor, if you own a lot of China holdings, of course you're worried, as China and Russia are both seen as rivals by the U.S.," and the fear is deepened by what you've seen happen to Russian assets, he said. (Additional reporting by Xie Yu in Hong Kong; Writing by Vidya Ranganathan; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) Anastasia Banschikova and husband Viktor Banschikov, who was killed while fighting in Ukraine - James Kilner Vladimir Putin may insist that his invasion of Ukraine is going to plan but thousands of Russian women disagree. These are the grieving mothers of dead Russian soldiers, the bereaved sisters and the weeping widows. This is not our war, we did not start it. This is the authorities war, Anastasia Banschikova told the Telegraph in a telephone interview from Orenburg, central Russia. where she lives with her three-year-old daughter. I am so afraid right now. I understand that our boys there do not want this war, she said. They thought they were going on regular exercises but ended up in a meat grinder. I want it to just end it as soon as possible, peacefully, with as few casualties as possible. Hers is the story of a young romance in central Russia that has been shattered by Putins war, of a family torn apart. Mrs Banschikova decided to speak out after she was told in a gruff phone call by a Russian army officer that her 21-year-old husband, Viktor, had been killed while fighting in Ukraine. And Mrs Banschikova is not alone. Despite the Kremlin propaganda, which has tried to block out evidence of high casualties, across Russia there are growing signs that thousands of wives and mothers share her fear and anger. Anastasia Banschikova spoke out after hearing her husband had died - James Kilner In an intercepted telephone conversation released by Ukrainian intelligence this week, a Russian mother begged her soldier son to lay down his rifle and come home. Vova, no. Yulia also said that she was fine but yesterday they came and told her that her husband had been killed. Kristinas husband had also been killed, the woman implored. And our neighbour was also killed. There is no one left. According to the Kremlins last estimate, just under 1,400 soldiers have died since Putin ordered his forces to invade on February 24. Ukrainian estimates have put Russian dead at ten times that, while the US has said that it is somewhere in between. But for Putin, the truth is far less important than the Kremlins version of reality and he has deployed both his propaganda machine to insist that the special operation is going to plan and also his police force to crack down on any dissent. Story continues Criticism of the war can mean being arrested. Thousands of liberal-minded Russians have fled the country and the Kremlins hardcore propaganda campaign has brainwashed most of the rest of the population. Genuine outpourings of support for the war are a common sight in Russia, with the Z insignia of the main battle group plastered across cities, and heavy sanctions imposed by the West on Russia used to galvanise support for the Kremlin. And yet, the Kremlin knows it has an Achilles heel. In the 1980s, it was the rage of the mothers of dead Soviet soldiers sent back in bodybags from Afghanistan that turned public support against the USSR's war. After a decade of war, this anger led to a Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989 and also the fatal undermining of then-leader Mikhail Gorbachev. He was ousted from power only two years later. Putin is all too aware of the danger that angry women could do to his war effort and is prepared to counter them, according to a Russian analyst based in Moscow who declined to be named. Putin was around during the Chechen and the Afghan war. He has seen how powerful their voices are, he said. But, although they are important, they don't have much of a voice at the moment. The clamour of the propaganda covers them up and the Soviet womens groups have been subsumed into the ministry of defence. From Orenburg, Mrs Banschikova said that her future looked bleak. Her days are filled with caring for her three-year-old daughter and now also supporting other new Russian widows. My husbands best friend died yesterday. His daughter was a month old yesterday too but he never got to see her, she said. Mrs Banschikovas voice didn't falter during the telephone conversation - and she didnt cry. But her deep sadness was clear. On her profile on the Russian social media page VK, she has updated her status. It now reads: Has died. 2028Twitter4 45% CDC 1224 25 SEA TO SKY10 200 3D4600 II4 7.07 13.9% 245.68 482.9 4226.4 Spriver Tech Limited10 -SW526 7.8498 4226.4 57 NFT40% 7 Crew-34177 59 10 3 Meetings and events Loess Hills Chapter OES will be meeting on Thursday, April 21, at 7:30 pm. Honor Chaplains. Refreshments: Kathy Armour and Toby Varvais. Morningside Masonic Temple, 4110 Morningside Ave. Dakota County Historical Society meets at 7:30 p.m. on third Thursday of the month, Dakota City Library. Contact Dennis Reinert at 712-253-1609 for more information. Top O' Morning Toastmasters Club, Mondays, noon to 1 p.m. Contact LeAnn Blankenburg, 712-870-1120, for meeting information. The Siouxland Ostomy Support Group, find us on Facebook. For more information and meeting times contact Dick Lindblom at 712-251-2453. Southside "South Bottoms" former residents, 6 p.m. potluck, second Wednesday of the month at Goodwill Industries cafeteria, 3100 Fourth St. Gert, 258-2227. Siouxland Metal Detecting and Archeology Club, 6:30 p.m., first Tuesday of the month in the Gleeson Room at 4510 Buckwalter Drive. Visitors welcome. Ray Turner, 712-899-2114. American Legion Post 64, 7 p.m. last Thursday of the month at 4021 Floyd Blvd. 712-258-3986. Marine Corps League, 6 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at Elks Club on TriView Ave. All marines welcome. For more information, call Cathy Moreno, 712-899-8441. Sioux City Chapter of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), 7 p.m. fourth Tuesday of the month at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1421 Geneva St. 712-203-2052. Sioux City Duplicate Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m. Mondays (open); at the Senior Center. Mary 605-670-9613. Siouxland Fly-Fishing Club, 10 a.m. last Saturday of the month at the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center on Hwy 12. All interested in fly fishing; beginners welcome. Monthly programs provided. For more information, call Bob Gillespie, 712-251-9463, or Diana, 402-987-3945. Siouxland Coin Club, 7 p.m. first Tuesday of each month at First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 1915 Nebraska St. Bob, 255-4829. The Siouxland Pride Alliance, peer support group, 5:30 p.m. Fridays; potluck, 5:30 p.m. second Sunday of the month; business meeting. First Unitarian Church, 2508 Jackson. Siouxland Samplers Quilt Guild, 7 p.m. second Monday of the month at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3204 S. Lakeport St, door #2. Visitors and new members welcome. Siouxland Sewing Guild, 6:30-8 p.m. first Thursday of the month at South Sioux Public Library, 2121 Dakota Ave., South Sioux City. For anyone interested in sewing. Denise, 402-922-1822. Sooland RC Modelers, 7 p.m. second Thursday of the month at Morningside Lutheran Church. Non-profit club that flies remote control aircraft. Anyone interested in RC is welcome. Retired Educators, 10:30 a.m. third Tuesday of the month, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3204 S. Lakeport St., door #6. Mid-Step Services for Handicapped, meal at 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3204 S. Lakeport St., door #6. Confirmation Instruction and Midweek Lessons, 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3204 S. Lakeport St., door #6. Open to all kids 5 years old through 8th grade. Primetime (Potluck), 12 p.m., second Thursday of each month, at Whitfield United Methodist Church, 1319 W 5th. For more information call 252-3261 Tuesday-Thursdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Abundant Life Fellowship, 809 S. Alice St., in Sioux City will distribute food boxes after their 11 a.m. Sunday services. For additional information contact Pastor Bob at 605-205-0718 or Donna at 605-205-0719. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 I have learned that there is more power in a good strong hug than in a thousand meaningful words. Ann Hood Weve seen a massive increase in people accessing mental health assistance this year. As politicians shut down the world and the main stream media filled it with fear self harm and suicidal thoughts and attempts have increased well above their already troubling normal levels. As people got shut in their homes and social distancing became the norm I am not surprised so many have found this year difficult to deal with. We were not created to live in isolation. All year Ive been thinking about the studies I remember hearing about while studying psychology about a study about human touch involving babies that had to be stopped because the babies left alone were dying. Its easier to find people talking about them than the data from the original studies. The best I could find was psychology students recalling details from the United States in 1944. The experiment was reportedly conducted on 40 newborn infants to determine whether individuals could thrive alone on basic physiological needs without affection. Twenty newborn infants were housed in a special facility where they had caregivers who would go in to feed them, bathe them and change their nappies, nothing else. The caregivers had been instructed not to look at or touch the babies more than what was necessary, never communicating with them. All their physical needs were attended to scrupulously and the environment was kept sterile, none of the babies becoming ill. The experiment was halted after four months, by which time, at least half of the babies had died. More babies died even after being rescued and brought into a more natural familial environment. There was no physiological cause for the babies' deaths; they were all physically very healthy. Before each baby died, there was a period where they would stop verbalising and trying to engage with their caregivers, generally stop moving, nor cry or even change expression; death would follow shortly. The babies who had "given up" before being rescued, died in the same manner, even though they had been removed from the experimental conditions. Nurturing The conclusion was that nurturing is actually a very vital need in humans. Whilst this was taking place, in a separate facility, the second group of twenty newborn infants were raised with all their basic physiological needs provided and the addition of affection from the caregivers. This time however, the outcome was as expected, no deaths encountered. This is a dramatic example of the affect depriving someone of human touch can have but its as relevant as ever due to the year we have survived. Those of us that are still here. Its easy to find lists online of some of the warning signs that you might be touch deprived. These could range from increased levels of anxiety and stress to taking more time bathing or hugging your pet or teddy more than usual. With some of the solutions for this ranging from getting a massage, to getting a hair cut or dance classes its no wonder some have found this year hard as some are still banned from doing such things. A simple hand shake or a hug from a friend can literally save a life. Yet those have been off limits this year. Im thankful for those who didnt rely on the media or politicians to tell them the truth and sought out the truth themselves and have continued to hand shake or hug like minded people. Touch deprivation is not a new thing though. Before this year hug services already existed. Yes for those craving touch so much that didnt want to see a prostitute could go see a hug practitioner for a non sexual cuddle session. This year has highlighted so many existing problems with our society. Yes some people are more touch oriented than others. But we were created for community not isolation. Its been wonderful that weve had the technology to stay in touch during lock down but its a poor substitute for in person interaction. So as soon as you and the other party are comfortable with doing so get together and catch up. Ask someone if they would like a hug and if they say no be ok with that. If you or them are sick then use the brain God gave you. Im not suggestion anyone act foolishly. I am asking you to get to know the facts about what is happening around the world and your creator well enough that you wont spend a single day next year living in fear of anything. Hug someone today. HUGS SAVE LIVES! HIV does not make people dangerous to know, so you can shake their hands and give them a hug: Heaven knows they need it. Princess Diana Next Time: What would you like me to write about next time? Australias prime minister has called for a May 21 election that will be fought on issues including Chinese economic coercion, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday advised Governor-General David Hurley as representative of Australias head of state, Queen Elizabeth II, to set the election date. Morrison's conservative coalition is seeking a fourth three-year term. The date is the latest available to him. Morrison led his government to a narrow victory at the last election in 2019 despite opinion polls consistently placing the center-left opposition Australian Labor Party ahead. In the spring of 2020, COVID-19 brought rising levels of stress, anxiety and depression. But stay-at-home orders and a national emergency prompted many psychiatric and psychotherapy offices to shut down and cancel in-person appointments. The country needed a robust and fast transition to mental health telemedicine. And the pandemic turned out to be just the thing to make it happen. Changing tech, old idea I was skeptical of telemedicine in 2015 when I began working at Wayne State University as a psychiatrist and researcher in the medical school. At that time, the department of psychiatry and its affiliated clinics were using telemedicine in primary and emergency care and for substance use recovery. But the idea of seeing patients via video had been around since long before then. In 1973, a team of behavioral scientists studied the two-way interactive television system Massachusetts General Hospital started using in 1969. The hospital provided mental health evaluations at an off-site medical station at Logan International Airport in Boston and a Veterans Affairs hospital outside the city. The system has proven to be feasible and acceptable to individuals and institutions in the community, providing psychiatric skills on a much wider scale, in a more accessible way, and faster than any other system, researchers wrote in their analysis. Telepsychiatry grew in the 1990s, providing remote mental health services to patients in rural areas, many of whom were not able to travel long distances for in-person treatment. To transmit video and sound, the systems used various technologies, including closed-circuit television, high-frequency radio waves, fiber optics, coaxial cable and phone lines. The use of medical videoconferencing grew even more in the 2000s, particularly in psychiatry. By then, some patients were seeing their doctors with TV-top boxes connecting their televisions to what was then called the World Wide Web. Patients were generally satisfied with virtual appointments, and researchers found telepsychiatry was just as effective as face-to-face visits, for both adults and children. And even as medical teleconferencing raised concerns about patient privacy, doctor licensing and other legal issues, researchers took a fresh look at the idea previously dismissed as unwieldy, unreliable and unaffordable. Enter COVID-19 As the pandemic forced lockdowns around the country, health insurance companies quickly loosened restrictions and allowed doctors to provide care remotely, regardless of geographical location. A variety of software programs, such as FaceTime, Skype and Zoom, received approval for this purpose under relaxed federal restrictions. According to a December 2021 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the number of Medicare-covered visits conducted remotely over video rose from approximately 840,000 in 2019 to 52.7 million in 2020. Furthermore, almost all U.S. states relaxed medical licensing rules, allowing physicians to virtually see patients across state lines. As the pandemic made remote videoconferencing a regular part of communicating with family and friends, patients became more comfortable and skilled in using telemedicine for their mental health care. Marko Geber/DigitalVision via Getty Images Built-in benefits Psychiatry calls for physical examination much less often than most other medical specialties, making it ideal for telemedicine. The pandemic also had a role in allaying previous concerns about patients being unable or unwilling to use video technology. As remote videoconferencing became a necessary and regular part of communication with workplaces, family members and friends, patients essentially trained themselves to use it in their mental health care. Pandemic telehealth also solved one long-standing and seemingly intractable problem: that of patients forgetting or otherwise missing their appointments. A December 2021 study found that in pandemic-era telemedicine, the no-show rate at one Ohio clinic was only 7.5%, compared with a 30% no-show rate for in-person office visits before the pandemic. Where I work, our clinics own 30% missed-appointment rate dropped to almost zero. The most obvious reason for that dramatic decline was that the appointments had become more convenient. Patients dont have to take time off work, find a babysitter, fight traffic or take a bus. With a smartphone or laptop, they can see their psychiatrists or therapists from anywhere. They can have sessions while at home near their children. They can videoconference with mental health professionals during their lunch break at work, or even from their car in the parking lot. This has turned out to be especially useful for people with complicated work schedules, like medical personnel and first responders who are facing struggles of their own during the pandemic. Here to stay Telepsychiatry has also opened a window into the home environments of patients. Seeing where and how they live gives therapists and psychiatrists important insights into a patients mental health needs. Reaching clients at home can also be challenging: A patient of mine was a mom with a big family in a small house. She had to connect with me sitting in her bathroom in order to have privacy. With patients connecting from anywhere, there can be concerns about confidentiality, especially for those without access to private space. Another issue is that for some patients, the easier access of telehealth can make their visits feel like a less serious routine task rather than treatment. My colleagues and I have had to warn patients not to connect with us while driving or shopping or while in the middle of a conversation with others. Some also had to be reminded to dress appropriately for their online appointments with us; a patient showed up onscreen in a bathrobe. [Over 150,000 readers rely on The Conversations newsletters to understand the world. Sign up today.] And there are other glitches: Sound quality or other technical issues take time out of sessions to fix, or cant be fixed at all. Some patients still arent familiar or comfortable with videoconferencing. Others did not have the necessary high-speed internet at home. For these patients, sessions often take place over the phone instead. Then we cant see their nonverbal behavior, which is a part of assessing mental health conditions. But none of that changed the fact that telemedicine generally works for mental health care. As COVID-19 restrictions have eased, some clinics are offering face-to-face visits again. Others are offering the option of in-person or video visits. I still see all my patients remotely, and only a couple have even brought up having sessions in person again. The pandemic gave telemedicine an opportunity to prove itself. And in psychiatry, at least, theres more certainty about telemedicines place in the future of health care. Arash Javanbakht does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SIOUX CITY A proposed taxpayer-funded private school tuition assistance program has passed the Iowa Senate and is aimed for the Iowa House and some Sioux City legislators and the Sioux City Community School District do not support it. The bill known as the "Student First Scholarships" are one of Gov. Kim Reynolds top legislative priorities, and would authorize up to 10,000 scholarships for public school students to transfer to private schools. The scholarships would be funded using 70 percent of the per-pupil funding public schools receive, or approximately $5,362 per student, according to the governors office, and would be available to students from families at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level, or $111,000 in income for a family of four. The proposal is similar to the one introduced early this legislative session by Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds. The bill, Senate File 2369, passed on mostly a party-line vote, 31-18, with Republicans supporting and Democrats opposing. Republican Sen. Annette Sweeney of Alden was the lone crossover. Senate Republicans argued the legislation will empower more parents to make the choice to send their children to private schools if those parents have an issue with their local public school. This is not an attack on teachers or our schools. This is not a bill designed to undermine public education, Sen. Amy Sinclair, a Republican from Allerton who chairs the Senates education committee, said during floor debate. Plain and simple, folks, this bill is about parental rights. Democrats warned that the private school scholarship proposal would adversely impact public schools, and argued taxpayer funding should not go to schools that are not held to the same public accountability standards and are not required to accept all students. Sen. Jackie Smith, D-Sioux City, voted against the bill stating most of the citizens she has heard from do not support public money being used for private schools. Someone explained it as using public money to pay your neighbors driveway and not yours, she said. Its not fair, its not equitable. She added she has heard from parents with children in both public and private schools who are against the bill. She said private schools dont have to accept every student, and dont have the same government oversight. With these scholarships, she said it could potentially lead to more oversight. Local legislators believe the vouchers will have the biggest impact on smaller schools and communities. Smith said rural schools are already in jeopardy and the loss of students will have a large impact on not only the districts funding, but the communitys property tax base. Rep. Steve Hansen, D-Sioux City, agreed, stating the bill would be the beginning of the end for rural school districts. If you take 10 students, 15 students from Lawton-Bronson school district, they still have the same expenses roughly, and yet theyre going to be losing anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000, he said. Thats a hole thats hard for them to fill. He said it would mostly likely result in rising property taxes. The Sioux City Community School District administration is opposed to the bill, according to a statement. The proposed vouchers would take needed taxpayer dollars away from public schools, ultimately impacting education for thousands of students in our district and across Iowa at a time when funds are already stretched. We do not feel the vouchers, as proposed, would benefit our students, our district, or the state. The House bill does not contain the private school tuition assistance program. In 2021, a similar proposal failed to gain sufficient support in the House, even with its Republican majority. The proposal is facing a similar hurdle in the House this year. Iowa parents have raised concerns over age-inappropriate material and left-leaning curriculum in their childs classroom and school libraries, Rep. Phil Thompson, a Republican from Jefferson who oversaw the House bill, said in a news release Wednesday. I believe that parents matter, and they deserve a voice in their childs education. The best way to give them back their voice is to increase transparency. Parents deserve to know what their child is being taught. Eventually, Republican leaders in the House and Senate, along with Reynolds, will have to come to a compromise agreement on the myriad subjects broached in these bills. Were continuing to work on (the private school scholarship program). Im going to continue to be optimistic right into the end, Reynolds said at a news conference Wednesday. I think it lifts all of education up. I think its a positive thing. I dont think its anything that other schools should be afraid of, because a strong public school system is also fundamental to our state and the success of our state. So they can coexist together. The Cedar Rapids Gazette's Erin Murphy contributed to this story. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The murder charge over a "self-induced abortion" has been dropped against a 26-year-old Texas woman. District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez announced Sunday that she is dropping the charges against Lizelle Herrera, just days after she was arrested in Starr County. Ramirez was arrested Thursday and charged after "intentionally and knowingly causing the death of an individual by self-induced abortion," according to local officials. Few details were ever made public, including whether Herrera got the abortion herself or arranged it for someone else. It's also unclear how far along the pregnancy was. "Self-induced abortion" typically refers to any procedure outside of medical care, including pills, supplements or physical trauma. Herrera was released on $500,000 bond Saturday with money raised by the Frontera Fund, a Rio Grande Valley abortion rights organization that also helped her find legal counsel. "Policing pregnant people is WRONG regardless of pregnancy outcomes," the group said in a statement. Herrera's attorney did not immediately return a request for comment from the Daily News Sunday. Texas' abortion ban currently outlaws procedures after six weeks, but there are no criminal consequences, only civil; anyone can sue someone who "aids or abets" an abortion. Another law prohibits the supply of medical abortion pills after 49 days of pregnancy, punishable by a $10,000 fine and up to two years in prison, but again does not punish the pregnant woman. "It is clear to me that the events leading up to this indictment have taken a toll on Ms. Herrera and her family," Ramirez said in a statement. "To ignore this fact would be shortsighted. The issues surrounding this matter are clearly contentious, however based on Texas law and the facts presented, it is not a criminal matter." Despite dropping the charges, Ramirez stressed that the Starr County Sheriff's Department was right to investigate the abortion after being tipped off by a local hospital. "To ignore the incident would have been a dereliction of their duty," she said. Ramirez will officially file a motion to have the charge dismissed Monday. Herrera's arrest comes amid fears and expectations that the Supreme Court is preparing to overturn Roe v. Wade, reversing the federal right to an abortion established in 1973. 2022 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Ukrainian defenders dig in as Russia boosts firepower KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukrainian forces dug in while Russias military lined up more firepower and tapped an experienced general to take centralized control of the war. The next phase of battle is expected to be a showdown in eastern Ukraine. The outcome could determine the course of the conflict, which has flattened cities and killed untold thousands of people. Questions remain about the ability of Russias depleted and demoralized forces to conquer much ground after their advance on the capital, Kyiv, was repelled by determined Ukrainian defenders. Britains Defense Ministry reported Sunday that the Russian forces are trying to compensate for mounting casualties by recalling veterans discharged in the past decade. In France, it's Macron vs. Le Pen, again, for presidency PARIS (AP) Incumbent French President Emmanuel Macron will face far-right nationalist Marine Le Pen in a winner-takes-all runoff for the presidency. They both advanced Sunday in the first round of voting in the countrys election. That sets up another head-to-head clash of their sharply opposing visions for France. Le Pen thanked voters for sending her into the runoff. Several defeated presidential candidates urged supporters not to vote for Le Pen, saying it would throw France into chaos. Macron, meanwhile, sought wide support from both the right and the left to defeat Le Pen in round two on April 24. Macron won their last encounter in 2017 by a landslide to become Frances youngest-ever president, but the same outcome this time is far from guaranteed. US doubts new Russian war chief can end Moscow's floundering WASHINGTON (AP) Russia has tapped a new Ukraine war commander to take centralized control of the next phase of battle after its costly failures in the opening campaign and carnage for Ukrainian civilians. U.S. officials dont see one man making a difference in Moscows prospects. But they do see more ugly times ahead. Russia turned to Gen. Alexander Dvornikov, one of Russias most experienced military officers. That's according to a senior U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly and did so on condition of anonymity. U.S. officials say Dvornikov has a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and to expect more of the same in Ukraine. 3 churches in Ukraine contemplate faith, hope and charity BORODYANKA, Ukraine (AP) Its almost Easter in Ukraine, where a trio of churches on the far edges of the capital have faith, hope and charity to consider. In Bucha, shocked into silence by atrocities, about two dozen of the faithful gathered for Sunday services even as bodies were being exhumed from a mass grave in the churchyard. In Makarov, people were moved to tears by their badly damaged riverside church. And in Borodyanka, volunteers filled a church with donations just steps from where Russian attacks ripped open a high-rise. One woman in Makarov said all the survivors have one thing in common: They've been speaking to God. Scheffler gets Masters green jacket to go with No. 1 ranking AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) Scottie Scheffler is the No. 1 player in the world and has a Masters green jacket to show for it. Scheffler won his first major at Augusta National with another command performance. It caps an amazing two months of four victories in six starts. Scheffler left all the thrills and spills to everyone else. He was steady all day and shot 71 to win by three shots over Rory McIlroy. The only struggle was the end when he took four putts from 40 feet. That only affected the final score. McIlroy had his best finish at the Masters. America's homeless ranks graying as more retire on streets PHOENIX (AP) America's homeless population is graying. It's a rapidly expanding group of destitute and desperate people 50 and older who have suddenly found themselves without a permanent home following a job loss, divorce, family death or health crisis during a pandemic. Advocates say most in this group don't have mental illness or substance abuse problems. Academics project their numbers will nearly triple over the next decade, challenging policy makers from Los Angeles to New York to imagine new ideas for sheltering the last of the baby boomers as they get older, sicker and less able to pay spiraling rents. China makes semi-secret delivery of missiles to Serbia BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) Russian ally Serbia has taken delivery of a sophisticated Chinese anti-aircraft system in a semi-secret operation this weekend, amid Western concerns that an arms buildup in the Balkans at the time of the war in Ukraine could threaten the fragile peace in the region. Media and military experts said Sunday that six Chinese Air Force Y-20 transport planes landed in Belgrade early Saturday reportedly carrying HQ-22 surface-to-air missile systems for the Serbian military. The Chinese cargo planes with military markings were pictured at Belgrades Nikola Tesla airport. The arms delivery over the territory of at least two NATO-member states, Turkey and Bulgaria, was seen by experts as a demonstration of Chinas growing global reach. 2 killed and 10 wounded in Cedar Rapids nightclub shooting CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) Authorities said a shooting inside a crowded Cedar Rapids nightclub has left a man and a woman dead and 10 people wounded. Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman said investigators believe two men fired more than a dozen shots inside the Taboo Nightclub and Lounge just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday. He said officers who were just outside the club because of an earlier incident rushed inside just as 100-150 people streamed out of the bar and found the victims. The gunmen likely escaped as the crowd fled. The names of the victims were released. One of the people injured was in critical condition Sunday afternoon while the other injuries ranged from serious to minor. Biden to nominate new ATF director, release ghost gun rule WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden is set to announce that he is nominating an Obama-era U.S. attorney to run the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Thats according to six people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press. The announcement of the nomination of Steve Dettlebach is expected Monday as the Biden administration unveils its formal rule to rein in ghost guns. Those are privately made firearms without serial numbers that are increasingly cropping up at crime scenes. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 China's export container shipping index down in March Xinhua) 10:55, April 10, 2022 SHANGHAI, April 9 (Xinhua) -- China's index of export container transport declined in March, according to the Shanghai Shipping Exchange. The average China Containerized Freight Index (CCFI) decreased by 4.9 percent month on month to 3,332.65 in the period, said the exchange. The sub-reading for the South America service led the drop with a month-on-month decline of 10.5 percent, followed by that for the Southeast Asia service, which went down 10.1 percent from the previous month. The sub-reading for the South Africa service remained flat from that of February. The CCFI tracks spot and contractual freight rates from Chinese container ports for 12 shipping routes across the globe, based on data from 22 international carriers. The index was set at 1,000 on Jan. 1, 1998. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Bianji) Megachurches "are poor places for formation and pastoral care", says respected pastor Tim Keller. The founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City said this shortcoming was "due to their size" and went as far as to say that it is a "deadly problem" for Christians. Keller explained his issues with megachurches in a lengthy post on his Facebook page in which he said that these problems and others were the reason he had made the intentional decision to split his own megachurch into separate congregations rather than pass it on to a single successor. After his retirement as senior pastor in 2017, Redeemer was divided into three congregations. The network has since grown to five separate churches located around New York City. In the detailed Facebook post, Keller said it was never his intention "to build one megachurch" but instead create a "movement of the gospel" that would lead to the "multiplication of generative churches" and "diverse leaders". He said that there could be some benefits to megachurches, such as being able to offer additional ministries like counseling centers and seminaries, but he said there were also problems "because megachurches have some design deficits". "In general, they are poor places for formation and pastoral care due to their size. In our current cultural moment that is a deadly problem because Christians are being more formed by social media than local Christian community," he said. "We need thick communities and the size of our churches factor into that." He pointed to limitations around how invested church members could be in the immediate neighborhood of the church. Megachurches tend to draw people from great distances who then are not geographically close enough to take part in community building, discipleship, and local ministry to the neighborhood of the church," he said. "It is harder for them to be other-focused in the local area," he said. Keller said it would be more beneficial to have "10 churches of 400" people scattered around the city "rather than one church of 4,000 in the middle of it". "Now, while still having the resources of a megachurch, through their size and model, they can be more nimble to the needs of those who attend and the surrounding area," he said. Keller also explained some of the problems that can arise for both the congregation and the pastor of a megachurch. He said that because megachurches grow large under their founder, they are "not usually sustained" when they are passed on to one successor. For the successor too, it can be challenging because they are "always excessively and sometimes harshly compared in every way to the founder". "It's lose-lose for them and the movement," he said. Then there is the danger of the congregation forming an unhealthy attachment to the founding pastor. "Because megachurches tend to grow fast under a founder, they usually depend too much on the gifts and personality of that founder so the sooner that addictive dependence is broken, the better," he said. But Keller also warned that there were temptations for the megachurch pastor too: "Because often the founder comes to see the church as their personal possession - and an extension of their personality and self-image, they often never want to leave, nor do they know how to well. It is good to leave sooner rather than later as a spiritual discipline." Reposted with permission from Christian Today GRANT TOWN, W.Va. (AP) Grassroots groups blocking the entrance to a West Virginia power plant denounced Sen. Joe Manchins ties to the coal industry, and several arrests were made. Dozens of protesters rallied Saturday outside the front gate of the coal-fired Grant Town Power Plant, news outlets reported. The protest called on Manchin to abandon his support for fossil fuels and support green energy legislation. The West Virginia Democrat wields considerable influence over energy policy as chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Demonstrators also urged Manchin to support legislation to lift up families living in poverty. The protest also focused on Manchins family business, which sells waste coal to the power plant about 90 miles (about 145 kilometers) south of Pittsburgh. Sam Runyon, a spokeswoman for Manchin, said in an email Sunday that the senator has always supported the right of every West Virginian to peacefully protest as protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution. Among the speakers Saturday were the Rev. William Barber, co-chair of the grassroots Poor Peoples Campaign, which has held several rallies over the past year in West Virginia to call on Manchin to support issues such as higher wages, better voting protections and the now-expired expanded child tax credit. In February, Manchin declared that President Joe Bidens roughly $2 trillion Build Back Better social and environment bill is dead. While Manchin expressed support for the original bills provisions bolstering renewable energy, he said he also wants to use all the fossil industry in the cleanest, absolute possible versions that you can. The measure had already passed the House. Democrats need Manchins vote to prevail in the 50-50 Senate, where every Republican opposes the legislation but Vice President Kamala Harris can vote to break ties. Barber and others spoke in front of a sign attached to the plant's gate that read Manchin: Stop Burning WV's Future For Profit. Instead of passing legislation and standing with those things that would help the climate and protect our water, he has blocked those things, Barber said. At every turn, he has chosen the money and chosen greed and chosen a kind of political meanness. When you block health care, people die. When you mess up the climate, people die. West Virginia is the nations second-largest coal producer, behind Wyoming, and accounted for 5% of the nations total energy production in 2019, ranking fifth among the states, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. But West Virginia has lost thousands of coal jobs in the past decade as companies and utilities explore using other energy sources such as natural gas, solar and wind. State police and sheriffs deputies led several protesters away in handcuffs, but it wasnt immediately known how many arrests were made or what charges those activists faced. WV Rising, a Morgantown-based group that organized the protest, said 16 people were arrested. Capt. R.A. Maddy, a state police spokesman, said Sunday he had no information on the arrests. A dispatcher at the Marion County sheriffs office referred questions Sunday to the sheriff, who was unavailable. Rylee Haught, a protester from Morgantown, said she showed up to the demonstration because "I know the effects that coal has and its not positive anymore. Its a dying industry. Its hurting West Virginia. Its hurting all of America and the rest of the world at this point with global warming increasing rapidly. Haught also said Manchins family business represents a huge conflict of interest and it absolutely should not be allowed to happen. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) Colorado Republicans on Saturday voted to place on their U.S. Senate primary ballot a state representative who attended the Jan. 6 rally that preceded the attack on the U.S. Capitol and is a supporter of former President Donald Trump's lies about the 2020 presidential election. The gathering is a key step toward garnering the party's nomination to face Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet in November. State Rep. Ron Hanks was the lead choice of 3,700 delegates to the state GOP's assembly, winning 39% of the vote. His only GOP rival in the June 28 Republican Senate primary will be businessman Joe O'Dea, who chose to circulate petitions to get on the ballot rather than go through the assembly. I fully expected Donald Trump to win in 2020 and he did, Hanks, who has made the election his central issue, said to resounding cheers from the crowd at an arena in Colorado Springs. When we saw what we saw on election night in 2020, it changed everything just like the changes we felt after 9/11. The gathering showed how central Trump's election lies are to the party faithful, even as repeated audits and reviews including by Trump's own Justice Department have found no significant voter fraud in the contest. The assembly passed a resolution calling for an end to Colorados universal mail voting system, under which every voter is sent a ballot through the mail. Hanks' supporters also rallied around Tina Peters, a clerk in a western Colorado county who has been indicted for her alleged role in the copying of confidential voting data that has been posted widely by Trump supporters online. Peters, who was barred by a judge from overseeing last year's local elections, is running for the GOP nomination for Colorado's top elections office, secretary of state. She won 61% of the vote at Saturday's events. Two other Republican candidates businessman Michael O'Donnell, who came in second at Saturday's assembly, and Pam Anderson, a former suburban county clerk who avoided the assembly and filed petitions backing her candidacy, will also be on the June ballot for the GOP nomination. Greg Lopez, a former mayor of a Denver suburb, was the top vote-getter for the party's gubernatorial nomination after promising to pardon Peters if he were elected governor. He and Heidi Ganahl, a member of the University of Colorado Board of Regents, will face off in the June primary. The winner will challenge Democratic Gov. Jared Polis. Candidates for statewide office must receive support from at least 30% of the delegates to be placed on the primary ballot, or circulate petitions gathered in each of the state's eight congressional districts. Five other Republican Senate hopefuls split the remaining votes evenly, with none clearing the critical 30% threshold, ending their campaigns. An Air Force veteran and former military intelligence officer, Hanks has quickly become a polarizing figure in Colorado politics after winning election to the statehouse in 2020. He has made questioning the election his top issue, visiting the erratic, Trump-backed review of the election in Arizona's largest county and filing a lawsuit against the state's Democratic secretary of state, Jena Griswold, to compel a similar review of Colorado's election system. His rival, O'Dea, has instead focused his campaign on economics and social issues. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 So spring is in the air and it is time for rebirth, renewal, anticipation and optimism for the warm days and weeks ahead. It is also a time for hope and progress toward positive goals in our lives, our communities and the world. However, the events of the last few years and the current state of human life on the planet might cause one to pause and reflect in less than an optimistic fashion. I have always considered myself a person who values hope and, despite evidence to the contrary, looks for the best in people and current events. However, lately I find myself recalling the words of Stephen Dedalus in James Joyces masterful novel Ulysses. Dedalus states: History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake. It is hardly necessary to catalog the reasons one might opt for such a viewpoint. Start with the ravages of COVID 19, the war in Ukraine, the drastic nature of climate change, gun violence and the horrible partisan nature of politics on very level imaginable. There is more, but suffice it to say that thats more than enough to shake ones confidence to the core. So what does one do when faced with this nearly apocalyptic landscape? Im endeavoring to adopt the famous psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, Victor Frankls viewpoint that one is always free to choose ones attitude in any given set of circumstances. Starting with COVID 19, it is my hope that we have learned that coming together as a community, a nation and across the world, is what we must do now and in the future. Respecting the public health professionals and the scientists must be our number one priority and making every effort to protect ourselves and our neighbors through social distancing, masking and vaccination must guide all of our actions in the future. We must commit ourselves to those actions and, by so doing, I am hopeful we can lessen the devastation of outbreaks that are bound to happen again. As the tragedy of the war in Ukraine continues to unfold, it is of absolute importance that we individuals, our country and the international community once again affirm the universal nature of human rights, respect for national sovereignty and peaceful resolutions of disputes among nations. Furthermore, we must fully support NATO and the United Nations as the foundation for peace in Europe and throughout the world. There is little doubt remaining that with each passing day the warming of earth and the extreme weather events we are experiencing manifest a rapidly unfolding global catastrophe. We must accelerate the movement away from fossil fuels and develop every form of renewable energy to save our planet. This crisis is finally compelling us to do what we should have done decades ago. Electric vehicles, solar power and wind turbines and all renewable fuels are the necessary future for our planets survival. We must seize the opportunity to confront gun violence especially in our community, our state and our country. As I have stated before in this column, there is absolutely no need for assault weapons and other multi- round guns in our country. How many more shootings must we experience in Sioux City? Furthermore, the effort to abolish gun registration and licensing must cease. Too many of our children and adults have died due to the ease of obtaining of weapons of mass murder. Enough is enough. And finally, we need to treat one another in a civil and kind fashion no matter what our differences are on any subject. Perhaps, if we do that, our political leaders will do the same. The name calling and the disgraceful manner of the interactions of our political leaders must end. Not only is this a major problem in our country but it has become the characteristic of political discourse around the world. In essence, what I wish to convey is that each of these serious dilemmas presents all of us with the opportunity to do so much better. That is why I can honestly assert that I can be both cautiously optimistic and hopeful. At times, all we may have left is hope in the future for ourselves, our families our country and our world. Hope does indeed spring eternal and that is why I believe we will come to our senses on the issues I raise here today and move forward in a so much more positive direction. Enjoy the coming of spring and keep hope alive! Next week: Steve Warnstadt A Sioux City resident, Jim Rixner is the retired executive director of the Siouxland Mental Health Center, is the current board chairman of the Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System and is a former member of the Sioux City Council. He and his wife, Bernadette, are the parents of three adult sons and the grandparents of nine. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) A DHL cargo jet slid off the runway and broke in half while landing at San Jose's international airport Thursday, shutting down the airport, but not injuring crew. The fire department said the Boeing 757 had taken off from Juan Santamaria Airport just west of the capital, but decided to return after detecting a failure in the hydraulic system. Hector Chaves, director the Costa Rica Fire Department, said that upon landing the aircraft skidded, turned and broke in two, exposing its cargo. "Units mobilized to remove the pilot and co-pilot," Chaves said. "Then they applied foam to prevent a spill and now they are working on an earthen dike to avoid any fuel from reaching the drainage system." A spokesman for cargo carrier DHL said both pilots were unharmed but one was being undergoing a medical check as a precaution. DHL spokesman Daniel McGrath said the company was working with airport authorities to move the plane so flights could resume. He said an investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the incident. DHL is a subsidiary of Deutsche Post DHL Group. Luis Miranda, deputy director of civil aviation for Costa Rica, said the plane had gone only about 35 miles from the airport when it requested permission to turn back from its planned flight to Guatemala City. He said the pilot and co-pilot were the only crew members aboard the plane, which was carrying only about 2 hours worth of fuel. . The airport administration said the crash would keep the airport closed to incoming and outgoing flights until at least 6 p.m. Some flights would be diverted to Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, about 125 miles northwest of San Jose. *** Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 "In the battle between democracy and autocracy, democracies are rising to the moment, and the world is clearly choosing the side of peace and security," said President Joe Biden in his State of the Union address. "This is a real test. It's going to take time." Thus did Biden frame the struggle of our time as the U.S. leading the world's democracies, the camp of the saints, against the world's autocrats, the forces of darkness. But is "democracy" really America's cause? Is "autocracy" really America's great adversary in the battle for the future? Not all autocrats, after all, are our enemies, nor are all democrats our reliable friends. When Ukraine was invaded, the U.N. General Assembly voted on a resolution which "deplores in the strongest terms" Russia's "aggression" against Ukraine. Among the 35 nations that abstained was India, the world's largest democracy. Whose side is India on in the great struggle? Freedom House ranks Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, all friends, partners and sometime allies of the United States, as "not free." Are we in a global struggle against all of these nations, all of these regimes, because all of them are autocracies? As for America's own wars, democracy-versus-autocracy would seem to be a misguided way to describe any of them. In the Revolution, we were military allies from 1778 on with King Louis XVI of France, against Great Britain, the Mother of Parliaments. Our goal was not establishing a democracy, but our independence, separation, from the most democratic nation on earth. When we declared war on the kaiser's Germany in April 1917, we allied ourselves with four of the greatest colonial empires on earth: the British, French, Russian and Japanese empires. When that Great War began, Germany's Second Reich was a good deal more democratic than the czarist regime of Russia's Nicholas II. In World War II, we allied with the world's largest colonial empire, Great Britain, and the USSR of Joseph Stalin. Democracy was not the cause for which we went to war, but payback to Japan for the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. Our most important ally in that Asian war was the Nationalist China of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, no democrat. History, religion, race, culture, tribe and territory more often define the 100-plus nations of Africa, the Middle East and Asia than whether they are democracies or autocracies. During the Cold War, we collaborated openly with dictators -- Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic, Anastasio Somoza in Nicaragua, Chiang Kai-shek in China, Syngman Rhee in South Korea, Augusto Pinochet in Chile, Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines, the shah of Iran, Ngo Dinh Diem, and a succession of generals after his assassination, in South Vietnam. If they stood with us against the Communists in the Cold War, we stood by them. "He may be a SOB, but he's our SOB," FDR said of Somoza. Communism was our ideological enemy, not autocracy. If you were an enemy of communism in the Cold War, autocrat or not, you were likely to be treated as a friend by the USA. If we make global "democracy" the measure of success in the great struggle of our time, our victory or defeat in that cause depends on political decisions and internal choices of scores of nations not our own. But when did the internal politics of other lands become either the business of the United States or the yardstick of our success as a nation? To make global democracy our goal in this century's great "battle" is to allow America's success or failure as a nation to be judged and measured by what other nations, not our own, succeed or fail in doing. America's founding mission was not democracy, nor any other ideology. It was what we declared it to be in the document our fathers agreed to at the Constitutional Convention of 1787: "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." "Democracy" is not even mentioned in the Constitution or in the Bill of Rights. If whether other nations are democratic or autocratic is the measure by which we judge America's success, this must lead invariably to U.S. interference in the internal affairs of those nations not our own -- to ensure success in the great struggle. To pursue global "democracy" is thus a formula for endless interventions in the internal affairs of other nations, endless conflicts and eventual war. The antidote is John Quincy Adams' formulation: "(America) goes not abroad in search of monsters to destroy; she is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all; she is the champion and vindicator only of her own." Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Jim Pillen chose to not participate. That a person running for office does not take part mystifies me. Letting the voters know where you stand and how you handle the pressure it vital. The other person the polls show as leading the race, Charles Herbster. rarely answered a question he was asked. Instead he talked about national issues he cannot control. He even worked in a make Nebraska great again sound bite. I thought he was running for governor not senator. But than how someone living in Kansas City can run for Nebraska governor confuses me as well. Chris Rock joked that he has "got his hearing back" after being slapped by Will Smith at the Oscars. The 57-year-old comedian was struck by the 'King Richard' actor at the awards ceremony last month after he made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaven head. Will has been banned by the Academy for 10 years as a result of the shocking incident but Chris poked fun at the situation during a recent performance in California. According to the Desert Sun newspaper, the 'Everybody Hates Chris' star said: "I'm OK, I have a whole show and I'm not talking about that until I get paid. "Life is good. I got my hearing back." It was announced on Friday (08.04.22) that Will has been banned from attending the Oscars for the next decade as a result of the slap, although he was allowed to keep his Best Actor gong for his performance in 'King Richard'. In a statement released by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said: "This action we are taking today in response to Will Smiths behaviour is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy. We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted." Will had already resigned from the Academy and apologised to Chris following a backlash after the incident and confirmed that he will "accept and respect" the decision to ban him from the Oscars. The 53-year-old actor told Page Six: I accept and respect the Academys decision. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Originally published on celebretainment.com, part of the TownNews Content Exchange. Emma Bunton will miss Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz wedding. The Spice Girls star has confirmed she won't be there for the couple's big day in Palm Beach, Florida, as she sent her well-wishes to the couple and asked her bandmate Victoria Beckham "not to cry too much". Taking to Instagram, Emma shared a snap of herself with the happy couple, writing alongside it: "These two beautiful souls are getting married today! I'm so sorry I couldn't make it there to celebrate you both. We love you all very much. @victoriabeckham @davidbeckham try not to cry to much!!#happytears (sic)" It is believed Geri Horner will also be missing the ceremony, which will take place at Nicola's family's estate, with the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Eva Longoria and Serena Williams among those attending. Geri is believed to have flown to Melbourne with her husband Christina Horner for the Australian Grand Prix. A source said: "Geri has been accompanying Christian where possible on all of his work trips. This one is particularly far away but it is the Easter holidays so it was possible to make the journey. They are hoping to get some down time there too. With Christian busy with work she didnt want to fly out to the States on her own." At the time of writing, it is not yet known whether Mel C will be at the nuptials but Mel B - also known as Scary Spice - recently confirmed she will be by her friend Victoria's side as Brooklyn ties the knot. The nuptials are a grand affair, with preparations having gone on for weeks as the couple tie the knot in a $3 million celebration at the family's grand estate, which has beautiful views across the sea. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Originally published on celebretainment.com, part of the TownNews Content Exchange. Khloe Kardashian has hit back at those who criticise her for holding her daughter. The 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' star showed up to the premiere of the family's latest Hulu show with her daughter True Thompson - who she has with her ex-partner Tristan Thompson - and for all the snaps the family had on the red carpet, she held onto her little girl, who is about to turn four-years-old. Now Khloe has hit back at social media trolls, who criticised her for still holding her child. Writing on Twitter, she said: "For the people who comment that I hold True too much number 1 Im gonna hold my baby until I cant hold her anymore. Number 2 when theres tons of cameras around, flashing lights, paps yelling things "I want my baby to feel safe. Worry about your own children. We good over here." Khloe's daughter is very tall for her age - but she refuses to let people call True 'big' and always corrects them. Speaking recently, she said: "She's very tall. People will always say, 'She's so big.' And Ill say, 'Oh, she's so tall.' I try to make them be more descriptive. I know what an adult means when they say that, but I dont want her to misinterpret that. It wasnt from one person, I guess just from society or how people critiqued my body." She also revealed True is a "very tough" little girl, but she's teaching her that it's OK if she needs to cry too. Explaining how she deals with her daughter's strength, she said: "If thats who she is, Im not trying to make her not be that way. But sometimes, Ill notice she may bump into something. Ill say, 'Are you OK, Tu-Tu?' And shell say, 'Yes,' and kind of brush it off. I do try to always tell her that its OK if she cries or if something is wrong." Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Originally published on celebretainment.com, part of the TownNews Content Exchange. Liaoning transports vegetables to support Jilin in battle against COVID-19 resurgence Xinhua) 11:24, April 10, 2022 Aerial photo taken on April 6, 2022 shows staff members and volunteers sorting out vegetables at an agricultural products distribution center in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. Authorities in Liaoning have made great efforts in allocating and transporting vegetables to support Jilin, a province which is in its latest COVID-19 resurgence. (Xinhua) Volunteers carry vegetables at an agricultural products distribution center in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, April 4, 2022. Authorities in Liaoning have made great efforts in allocating and transporting vegetables to support Jilin, a province which is in its latest COVID-19 resurgence. (Xinhua) Staff members and volunteers sort out vegetables at an agricultural products distribution center in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, April 5, 2022. Authorities in Liaoning have made great efforts in allocating and transporting vegetables to support Jilin, a province which is in its latest COVID-19 resurgence. (Xinhua) Aerial photo taken on April 6, 2022 shows staff members and volunteers sorting out vegetables at an agricultural products distribution center in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. Authorities in Liaoning have made great efforts in allocating and transporting vegetables to support Jilin, a province which is in its latest COVID-19 resurgence. (Xinhua) Staff members load vegetables onto vehicles at an agricultural products distribution center in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, April 5, 2022. Authorities in Liaoning have made great efforts in allocating and transporting vegetables to support Jilin, a province which is in its latest COVID-19 resurgence. (Xinhua) A staff member loads vegetables onto a vehicle at an agricultural products distribution center in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, April 5, 2022. Authorities in Liaoning have made great efforts in allocating and transporting vegetables to support Jilin, a province which is in its latest COVID-19 resurgence. (Xinhua) (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Bianji) Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatts marriage is the topic everywhere. And news is its primarily Alia who is doing all the preparations for the wedding during her break in between shoots with the wedding planners Shaadi Squad. Ranbir is busy shooting for his upcoming project in the Mumbai suburb of Goregaon and has not been able to come back home. Hes staying at the Westin Hotel close to the shoot location. Both Ranbir and Alia are constantly shooting before marriage, trying to complete their respective shoots in due time. They understand that if they finish the shoots now, they will be able to spend unhindered quality time with each other. Ranbir had four films in hand from Brahmastra to Shamshera and Animal to the Luv Ranjan romcom for which he has been shooting at a breakneck pace for long hours at the moment at Mumbais Aarey colony. Hence, in the given situation, the workload is being divided between Neetu and Alia who have let Ranbir to concentrate on wrapping up his shoot. After a small honeymoon, Ranbir will then jet off to Himachal Pradesh to shoot for the film Animal, say sources. Not that Alia is free to do the work, but has taken the responsibility along with Neetu as she wants it in a certain way and Ranbir is not too fussy about such things. He is happy with what the women are fine with, added sources. Alia has been shooting for Karan Johars Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. She will also be seen in Darlings and later in NTR 30 in Tollywood. Heart of Stone is Alias Hollywood film. Visakhapatnam: Privatisation of Vizag Steel Plant (VSP) seems to be inevitable as the Centre is moving fast on preparing for disinvestment. In the latest development, 10 bidders submitted their bids for the RFP (request for proposal) as asset valuer for strategic disinvestment of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL). The bidders include AAA Valuation Professionals LLP, ADROIT Appraisers and Research Pvt Ltd, Amit Kumar Kankane, Bhavin R Patel, CPA Valuation Advisors Pvt Ltd, GAA Advisory LLP, GTech Valuers Pvt Ltd, RBSA Valuation Advisors LLP, Resolute Valuers and Consultants Pvt Ltd and RK Associates Valuers and Techno Engineering Consultants Pvt Ltd. As per the conditions, each bidder should have completed at least one valuation assignment of a similar nature with a minimum asset value of Rs 5,000 crore. Department of investment and public asset management (DIPAM) floated RFP on March 11 for appointing firms for valuing the RINL-VSP. This was followed by Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA) giving an in-principle approval for 100 per cent disinvestment of the government stake in the RINL on January 27. As per the conditions, the valuer will have to carry out the valuation of all assets of RINL, subsidiaries and joint ventures, including plant and machinery under Gajuwaka assembly segment here. Even furniture and civil infrastructure will also be valued. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, D. Adinarayana, chairman of the agitation committee against privatisation of RINL-VSP, said that it was painful that the Centre was going for disinvestment of the steel plant without considering their pleas and importance of the historical plant. We will not allow the entry of value in our plant. We will mobilise a mass movement, he said. He further said that the companys value would be more than Rs three lakh crore. The VSP has nearly 24000 acres of land, which is valued at around Rs 1.5 lakh crore. At present, 6,500 officers, 12000 regular workers and 20000 contract workers serve the company, which produces five million tons of steel per annum. A person casts his ballot as part of the vote for the first round of France's presidential election. (AFP) Puducherry: French nationals residing in the union territory of Puducherry (a former French colony) voted in the country's Presidential elections, here on Sunday. Official sources said 4,564 French citizens from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry were eligible to exercise their franchise in the first round of the polls in France. Sources said the polling began at 8 AM and would go on till 7 PM. Twelve candidates are in the fray. If no candidate gets an absolute majority in the first round, a run-off election would be held between the top two candidates on April 24. "France offers its citizens abroad who are over 18 years of age and have registered to be in the electoral list in the Consulate General of France here to vote in person in the country of residence, an opportunity to vote in the Presidential election, referendums, legislative elections, European elections and election of Councillors of French citizens abroad," a release said. While the Puducherry region has two polling booths housed on the premises of Consulate General of France and in the French school Lycee Francaise, Karaikal and Chennai have one polling station each. A number of young and elderly voters turned up at the booths in the forenoon Sunday. A 22-year old voter told PTI that she was doing a course in a college affiliated to Pondicherry University and this was the first time that she was exercising her franchise. Elderly women were also part of those who cast their votes at a booth in the French Consul General office. An 81-year old woman was seen being helped by an autorickshaw driver to reach the polling booth. The number of active cases of the infection has further declined to 11,132, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am New Delhi: With 1,054 fresh cases, India's COVID-19 tally has climbed to 4,30,35,271, while the death toll due to the viral disease has gone up to 5,21,685 with 29 more fatalities, the Union health ministry said on Sunday. However, the number of active cases of the infection has further declined to 11,132, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am. The active cases account for 0.03 per cent of the total caseload, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate remained at 98.76 per cent, the ministry said. A reduction of 233 cases was recorded in the active caseload in a span of 24 hours, it added. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.25 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was 0.23 per cent, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has gone up to 4,25,02,454, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.21 per cent. The total number of Covid vaccine doses administered in the country has exceeded 185.7 crore. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 2020, 40 lakh on September 5, 2020 and 50 lakh on September 16, 2020. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 2020, 70 lakh on October 11, 2020, 80 lakh on October 29, 2020, 90 lakh on November 20, 2020 and the one-crore mark on December 19, 2020. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore Covid cases on May 4, 2021 and the three-crore mark on June 23, 2021. The 29 new fatalities include 21 from Kerala. Of the 5,21,656 Covid deaths reported so far in the country, 1,47,816 are from Maharashtra, 68,360 from Kerala, 40,057 from Karnataka, 38,025 from Tamil Nadu, 26,156 from Delhi, 23,499 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,200 from West Bengal. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," it said on its website, adding that a state-wise distribution of the figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. Assembly elections in the state are scheduled by the year end New Delhi: With a road show in his home state the BJP national president J.P. Nadda kickstarted the party's campaign for the upcoming assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh. Citing the BJP's victory in four of the five states in the just concluded assembly polls, Mr. Nadda sounded confident that the Himachal Pradesh voters will again support the incumbent government. The state chief minister Jairam Thakur and Union minister Anurag Thakur also participated in the road show. Assembly elections in the state are scheduled by the year end. Seeking a reelection, the ruling party is going into the campaign with 'Mission Repeat' slogan in the hill state. While the BJP leadership is yet to officially announce whether or not the party will go to polls under CM Jairam Thakur's leadership, speculation is rife in the party's state unit that Mr Thakur will continue at the top post if BJP retains power. Opposition Congress is battling factionalism and infighting. After the demise of Congress stalwart and former CM Virbhadra Singh many senior Congress leaders are lobbying hard to be projected as the CM face of their party. In his home state for three days, Mr Nadda will also review preparations for the upcoming Shimla Municipal Corporation polls. The BJP had won the SMC for the first time after more than three decades in 2017. Addressing a public meeting after the road show in Shimla, Mr Nadda credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with changing the culture of politics by being proactive in implementing various social service initiatives. Mr Nadda claimed that the BJP governments have always tried to give to the hill state, while the previous Congress governments always kept snatching from the state. "When Mr Modi became the PRIME MINISTER in 2014, he restored the states status, paving way for only 10 per cent contribution from the state and 90 per cent from the Centre for various development works, he asserted. Ahead of his tour, three senior office bearers of AAP's state unit, including its state unit chief switched camps and joined the BJP. The pontiff makes an appeal at the end of the Palm Sunday Mass in St Peter's Square. Christ is once again crucified by soldiers sent to kill their brothers and sisters. He wonders what victory is there in planting a flag on a pile of rubble? and urges the whole Church not to tire of administering, receiving and witnessing God's forgiveness. Vatican City (AsiaNews) Pope Francis started Holy Week with an appeal at the end of Palm Sunday Mass to stop the madness of war, where Christ is once again crucified by soldiers sent to kill their brothers and sisters. Speaking to about 50,000 faithful allowed once again in St Peter's Square after the pandemic, the pontiff called for a truce to stop the war in Ukraine during Easter, not to provide more weapons but to start real negotiations in which the parties are willing to make some sacrifices "for the good of the people". The pontiff used the words addressed by the angel to the Virgin in the new appeal for peace he made before the Angelus prayer. Nothing is impossible for God. He can even bring an end to a war whose end is not in sight, a war that daily places before our eyes heinous massacres and atrocious cruelty committed against defenseless civilians. We are in the days preceding Easter. We are preparing to celebrate the victory of the Lord Jesus Christ over sin and death over sin and death not over someone and against someone else. But today, there is a war. Because there is something to be won this way, according to the way of the world? This is only the way to lose. Why not allow Him to win? Christ bore his cross to free us from the dominion of evil. He died so that life, love, peace might reign. Let the weapons be put down! Let the Easter truce begin. But not to provide more weapons and pick up the combat again no! a truce that will lead to peace, through real negotiation that is even disposed to some sacrifice for the good of the people. In fact, what victory is there in planting a flag on a pile of rubble? Earlier, because of an aching knee, Pope Francis waited in the churchyard of the basilica for the Palm Sunday procession, which commemorates Jesuss entry in Jerusalem. In his homily, commenting on the Passion story according to Luke, in todays liturgy, the pontiff said that on Calvary The mantra save yourself collides with the words of the Saviour who offers his self. Instead, Against this self-centred mindset is Gods way of thinking. Jesus highlights the difference from saving oneself when he said: Father, forgive them. On the cross, at the most painful moment, Jesus did not rebuke his executioners or threaten punishments in the name of God; rather, he prayed for the evildoers. Fastened to the gibbet of humiliation, his attitude of giving became that of forgiving. At the most difficult moment, he experienced the commandment of loving his enemies. Let us think about someone who, in our own lives, injured, offended or disappointed us; someone who made us angry, who did not understand us or who set a bad example. How often we spend time looking back on those who have wronged us! How often we think back and lick the wounds that other people, life itself and history have inflicted on us. Today, Jesus teaches us not to remain there, but to react, to break the vicious circle of evil and sorrow. To react to the nails in our lives with love, to the buffets of hatred with the embrace of forgiveness. The Gospel notes that Jesus kept saying words of forgiveness. He did not say it once for all as he was being nailed to the cross; instead, he spent all his time on the cross with these words on his lips and in his heart. God never tires of forgiving. [. . .] Let us never grow tired of proclaiming Gods forgiveness: we priests, of administering it. Lastly, Jesus explains the reason for forgiving: for they know not what they do. [. . .] Those who crucified him had premeditated his killing, organized his arrest [. . .]. Yet Christ justifies those violent men by saying: they know not. That is how Jesus acts in our regard: he makes himself our advocate. Speaking about the ignorance of the heart, which all of us have as sinners, Francis notes that When we resort to violence, we show that we no longer know anything about God, who is our Father, or even about others, who are our brothers and sisters. We lose sight of why we are in the world and even end up committing senseless acts of cruelty. We see this in the folly of war, where Christ is crucified yet another time. Christ is once more nailed to the Cross in mothers who mourn the unjust death of husbands and sons. He is crucified in refugees who flee from bombs with children in their arms. He is crucified in the elderly left alone to die; in young people deprived of a future; in soldiers sent to kill their brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is the unheard-of message that many hear in the Passion, but only one person welcomes it: an evildoer, crucified next to Jesus. The good thief accepted God as his life was ending, and in this way, his life began anew. In the hell of this world, he saw heaven opening up: Today you will be with me in Paradise. With God, we can always come back to life. Take courage! Let us journey toward Easter with his forgiveness. For Christ constantly intercedes for us before the Father (cf. Heb 7:25). Gazing upon our violent and tormented world, he never tires of repeating: Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. Officials say Israeli forces have shot and killed two Palestinians, including an unarmed woman, in confrontations across Israel and the occupied West Bank Born as a full-size car in 1960, the Dart became a midsize vehicle in 1962 before it was downsized again to a compact in 1963. While the short-lived midsize version left a mark on the performance market thanks to the 413-cubic-inch (6.8-liter) Wedge V8 good for 415 horsepower, the compact that replaced it didn't have much to brag about at first.In its four years on the market, the third-gen Dart was offered with only one V8 in the form of a 273-cubic-inch (4.5-liter) unit. Initially rated at 180 horsepower, it was upgraded to 235 horses in 1965. Quite decent for a mid-1960s compact, but far from what high-performance intermediates were capable of at the time.That changed when the fourth and final generation Dart arrived in 1967. With the muscle car wars in full swing, Dodge gave the Dart a sportier appearance and a full-blown coupe version. It also gradually added the bigger V8 engines available in the larger Charger , Coronet, and Polara.By 1970, the Dart had arrived in dealerships not only with the 340-cubic-inch (5.2-liter) LA and the 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) RB but also with the mighty 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) V8, which was good for 375 horsepower.The 440-equipped Dart was a big deal in terms of power-to-weight ratio. While it was just as powerful as its midsize counterpart, the Dodge Charger, it was almost 400 pounds (181 kg) lighter. But before the Dart became available with the 440, Dodge made a surprising move and dropped the mighty 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) Hemi V8 in the compact.It all happened in February 1968, when Dodge dealerships across the U.S. received promotional materials containing Chrysler's intention to sell factory-built Dart dragsters equipped with the company's most powerful V8.It was assigned production code LO23, and it was built to meet Class B Super Stock racing specifications. Yup, it came with a no-warranty disclaimer.But while Dodge's regular-production Hemi cars were put together at the company's plant, the Hemi Darts had to go to Hurst Performance in Madison Heights, Michigan, for the finishing touches. In reality, Hurst did a lot more than that because the Darts reached the company's conversion facility as partially assembled chassis.In theory, the Hemi Dart was based on the GTS hardtop, but it went through radical modifications to become an LO23. While the Dart was already lighter than the Charger and the Coronet, Dodge took the opportunity and shaved even more pounds off the compact.The regular steel fenders and hood were replaced with fiberglass panels, while the acid-dipped doors featured thinner glass and lacked window mechanisms (they were strap-operated).Like most factory-built dragsters from the era, the Hemi Dart was devoid of a rear bench. But the regular front seats were also replaced with simpler and lighter units sourced from the Dodge A100 van. Because no one needs lateral support while racing in a straight line.Of course, Dodge also removed all equipment deemed unnecessary at the drag strip. The list included the center console, heater, sound deadening material, side mirrors, radio, carpeting, and armrests. Period literature says the Hemi Dart tipped the scales at around 3,000 pounds (1,361 kg), around 500 pounds (227 kg) lighter than a 440-equipped GTS.On top of that, the Hemi Dart looked downright menacing thanks to the massive and impressively wide scoop on the hood. It also featured four pins for full lift-off removal. Because drag racing involves a lot of under-the-hood meddling at the strip. Finally, Hurst made modifications to the rear fenders to accommodate bigger rear wheels wrapped in slick tires.Power came from the 426 Hemi V8 that Chrysler had been using to terrorize the competition at the drag strip and on public roads since 1964.Breathing was courtesy of 2x4-barrel Holley carburetors, a cross-ram aluminum intake manifold, and a compression ratio of 10.25:1. The race-bred powerplant was advertised to deliver 425 horsepower and up to 490 pound-feet (664 Nm) of torque.Granted, it wasn't more powerful than the Hemi offered in the Charger or the Coronet , but these numbers were massive in the Dart's lightweight setup. But that was on paper, as some claim it came with more than 500 horsepower on tap.Dodge offered both four-speed manual and three-speed transmissions for the Hemi Dart. The manual gearboxes had their synchronizers removed to lower the chances of missing shifts and were paired to Dana heavy-duty rear axles with 4.88 gear ratios.The automatic, which was Chrysler's then-new 727 TorqueFlite, came with 4.86 rear gears and a high-speed torque converter.The heavy-duty rear shocks and radiator, the high capacity oil pump, solid-lifter cam, and the roller timing chain also helped the Hemi Dart score impressive runs over the quarter-mile. Dodge claimed that the compact would cover the distance in less than 11 seconds at 130 mph (209 kph), notably quicker than a Hemi-powered Charger.Minor tweaks enabled racers to score low-10-second passes, while drivers like Dick Landy managed to achieve nine-second runs.The Hemi Dart became the car to beat in no time and dominated Class B Super Stock racing for years to come. Even when Dodge rolled out a Super Stock version of the Challenger in 1970.Make no mistake, though, these cars were designed to meet street-legal requirements. However, due to their extensive modifications and aggressive setups, the Hemi Darts came with disclaimers that they were not for street use.Like most factory-built dragsters , the LO23 Hemi option disappeared from dealer sheets as suddenly as it appeared. The bundle was nowhere to be found by 1969, so the Hemi Dart remained a one-year offering.With only 80 cars built in 1968, the Hemi Dart is the rarest iteration of the compact and a hard-to-find classic nowadays.A somewhat affordable racer back in the day, the 1968 Hemi Dart is now an expensive collectible. They rarely show up at auction, and when they do, they either fetch big bucks or remain with their respective owners due to high reserves.A quick look at Hemi Dart auctions in recent years reveals that most of them failed to sell for prices between $170,000 to $200,000. However, a low-mileage example in excellent condition went under the hammer for a whopping $302,500 at a Mecum Auctions sale in January 2022.Far from cheap, but more affordable than more mundane Mopars with Hemi engines. kW With that in mind, we're going to be looking at an Australian-born RV and camper trailer manufacturer known for creating habitats suitable for this sort of unforgiving land but that doesn't leave buyers scrounging for pennies at the pump, a common phenomenon these days.That manufacturer is Austrack Campers, and if you've heard the name, it's because we've featured some of their works before, and you'll understand why shortly. But before we start talking about the work they can achieve, let's see what Austrack is all about and why they're rocking this business. They've actually been around for over 15 years and managed to survive in an industry that seems to leave very little room for the new guys, so they have to be doing something right.With values that center around the customer and total transparency, their mission is "to provide Australians with quality, affordable and dependable leisure products that will enhance their camping adventures for generations to come." Mission statement and all that aside, this crew also excels in creating an affordable and capable off-grid home For example, the Plenty-X is a "double-folding" camper that can survive being towed across demanding landscapes and terrains, and once you've reached your destination, it explodes into a home suitable for an adventurous family of six. Without further ado, Austrack sells the base Plenty-X for a starting price of 26,990 AUD, which is around 20,100 USD (at current exchange rates). Time to see what adventure we can have for that sort of cash Now, I want you to imagine the dirtiest, dust-filled, rocky road, path, or trail you can think of and drop yourself right in the middle. As you drive along, you'll hit rocks, wade through streams, and kick up more dust than a storm in the Sonoran desert. To ensure Plenty-X takes everything you throw at it, Austrack uses a welded hot dipped galvanized chassis supported on an independent coil spring suspension with twin shock absorbers per arm. Stone guard and mud flaps are there to minimize damage too.Finally, you make it through the hell you personally planned for the entire winter (don't blame anyone else) and begin to unfurl the trailer into the camper you'll call home for the next few days. To do that, Austrack recommends two people being used, and in around three minutes or so, you'll be ready to start cooking, lounging, and even sleeping After you've unraveled the tent, you and your guests will have access to an interior living area that includes a modular six-person dinette and two spaces that boast double beds. This is where you'll be sleeping and eating meals, insect and critter-free. On the other hand, the galley is located outside the camper, and if you want to keep bugs and unwelcome beasts away, you'll need to set up the annex that is apparently included as standard in the price I mentioned.Actually, one of the reasons I also chose to bring this camper to light is that Austrack does one heck of a job in meeting the needs you may have while living off-grid and even off-road. For example, they equip the Plenty with things like a 1inverter, two 120 Ah batteries, a 200 W solar panel, and a 95 l (25 gal) fridge. Oh, a privacy room with a porta potty is thrown in too. LED lighting, outlets, fine weave canvas, and mosquito nets complete your home. Don't forget about storage options either; with a tare weight of 1,880 kg (4,144 lbs) and a max weight of 2,500 kg (5,511 lbs), you really will have space to store all 620 kg (1,366 lbs) of extra gear.However, there is a downside to this marvelous habitat; you'll need to get your Plenty-X shipped over from Aussieland, which will cost you extra. Nonetheless, with a price of just a tad over 20,000 USD, there's enough to spare on shipping and still have some cash left for extras you may need, and that's worth considering Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has directed the state government to take a fresh decision on putting an end to grant-in-aid and closing down diploma courses in Kamala Nehru Polytechnic womens college in the city. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili directed the government to consider the issue sympathetically as girls from poor backgrounds are the sufferers. Stopping of grant-in-aid has put an end to diploma courses like DCCP, DGT, DPH, DHMCT and DAA from the year 2021-22. Although it was the institution which had sought closure of the courses, a rethink was required for the sake of the students. The court asked the government to consider the matter within 45 days. Vasudha Nagaraj, counsel for the students, brought the plight of the girls from poorer backgrounds following the closure of diploma courses, which were good career platforms for the students. Cant the state government, which has allocated Rs 5000 crore towards schemes like Kalyana Lakshmi and Shadi Mubarak, provide a meagre grant-in-aid to girls for their empowerment, Vasudha Nagaraj argued. Considering her arguments, the court asked the government how it could close courses, without giving a prior notification of at least one year. Bakersfield, CA (93308) Today Clear skies. Low around 60F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low around 60F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. A suspect has been charged in the fatal shooting of a teen girl who was walking home from school when she was hit by a stray bullet during a street dispute in New York City